Miscellaneous Will
Transcriptions
Transcriptions and abstracts of other wills mostly related to the Washburn families that are not posted on my Washburn Family Genealogy web site files. Most of these are from Bristol and Plymouth Counties in Massachusetts, Stafford, Connecticut, and Queens County in New York, but you will also find some from other Massachusetts and New York Counties, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, etc.
Be
patient. This file may take a while to locate the will you requested.
Will of Benjamin Adams
of Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of GOD
Amen. I Benjamin Adams of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman — Being this fifteenth Day of January
in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and eighty four, sound in
Mind & Memory – Do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in
Manner & Form following, Viz I commit my Soul to GOD who gave it hoping
thro’ the Merits of Jesus Christ to receive full & free Pardon of all my
sins, and Life everlasting in the World to come ~ I commit my body to the earth
from whence it was taken to have a decent Christian Burial at the charge and
Expence of the Executor hereafter mentioned, hoping in the Resurrection of the
Dead and Reunion of Soul & Body at the great Day.
And
respecting my worldly Interest and Estate I dispose thereof as follows, viz.
Imprimis, I give, Bequeath & devise to my Son Benjamin
Adams all my real Estate that I have not disposed of, including my Pew in the
Meeting House, to him my abovesaid Son, his Heirs and Assigns forever –
Reserving to my Daughters Persis Stevens and Lydia Adams, the Privilege of
seting in said Pew, so long as they shall remain Inhabitants of this Precinct,
provided that nothing in this Will shall extend to an Incumbrance in Case of
Necessity to my executor herein after named, of selling said Estate – I also
give and bequeath to my aforesaid Son all my live Stock that I shall die seized
and possessed of, with my Husbandry and Carpenter Tools of every Kind, together
with the Produce of the Farm on which I dwell (excepting what I shall hereafter
reserve for my Daughter Lydia in this Will provided always that he my sd.
Son shall pay all my Just Debts and Legacies as shall be hereafter mentioned in
this my last Will & Testament.
Item; I give, bequeath & devise to my son Ephraim Adams
Three Pounds in Addition to what I have heretofore given him.
Item; I give to my Son Joel Adams the Sum of twenty six
Pounds thirteen Shilling and four Pence lawful Money including what he has
already received.
Item; I give to the Children of my Son Silas Deceased, as
follows, viz to the Eldest Son Lemuel, Five Pounds, to Silas, Three Pounds; to
the Daughters, five Shilling each – having done largely for their Father in his
life time.
Item; I give to my Daughter Rebecca Bartlett five Shillings
and a warming Pan, having given her a Portion heretofore.
Item; I give to my Daughter Lucy Stuart,
Five Shillings She having already received her Portion.
Item; I give to my Daughter Mary Woolcot, the Value of a Gold
necklace, in Addition to what she has already received. –
Item; I give to my Daughter Sarah Banister, the Value of a
Midling Cow, in Addition to what She has already received.
Item; I give to my Daughter Persis Stevens, Thirty three
Pounds lawful Money including what She has already received.
Item; I give, bequeath and devise to my Daughter Lydia Adams
the Sum of Thirty three Pounds lawful Money, also one good Feather Bed, with
the Bedstead and Cord, Bolster & Pillows thereunto belonging, a new Chest
with two Draws, a Brass Kettle, a large Pair of Kitchen Hand Irons, a Crane
with the Trammel & Hooks & a Pair of Flat Irons – I also reserve to my
aforesaid Daughter, the Use of the Northwest Chamber in the House, so long as
She remains Single, with the Privilege of carrying on her Business
in that Part of the House that shall be most agreable to her and the Family
~ And upon Condition, that she remains
with, and looks after me until my decease, I give her one half of the Corn,
Grain, Meat, Butter & Cheese that I shall die possessed of; provided my
Decease takes place between the time of Harvest, and the first of April –
should it be after after the first of April, she shall be entitled to the whole
of the aforesaid Articles. ~ The
Remainder of my Household Furniture and Moveables to be divided equally among
my Daughters.—
All the
above mentioned Legacies to be paid by my Son Benjamin Adams, Desiring he may
have Seasonable Time and Opportunity to make the above mentioned Payments in.
Item; I give my wearing Apparel, Books, & any & all
my other Estate, not included in the foregoing Legacies to be divided equally
among my Sons who shall be living at my Decease.
And I
Name and Appoint my son Benjamin Adams sole Executor of this Will.
And I
hereby Revoke and disannul all other Wills, and Declare this, and this only to
be my last Will and Testament
In
Witness whereof I the said Benjamin Adams have hereunto set my Hand and Seal
the Day & Year first before written.
Signed sealed Published and Declared
by the said Benjamin Adams
to be his last Will and
Testament in Presence of Benjamin Adams (seal)
us Witnesses
Joseph
Appleton
Mary
Appleton
Wm Ayres
2d
It is
also my Will & Pleasure that ye. Person that shall look to and
take care of me until my Decease shall be entitled to the same Proportion of
Wool, as of Provisions heretofore mentioned.
N.B.
This Article was written before the witnessing and ensealing of this
Instrument.
Presented for probate on 25 Oct. 1785 by Benjamin Adams, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Appleton and William Ayres 2d,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Worcester County Probate Case #130.
Will of Deborah Adams
of
This instrument testifies that I Deborah Adams of
First
I direct the payment of my debts & funeral charges.
Second
My moveables or Furniture & wearing apparel I give to my niece Sally widow
of Nathaniel Bradford, deceased.
Third
my other property I give one third to my niece Molly widow of Seth Perkins,
deceased; One third to my niece Sally Bradford aforesaid; & One third to
Deborah A. Cushing daughter the aforesaid Sally Bradford, to be equally divided
between those three persons as they shall agree & the Executor direct.
Fourth
I hereby appoint Joseph Holmes Executor of this Will.
Signed Sealed & declared this
20th day of January 1826
Witnesses Zephh Willis Deborah Adams (seal)
Joseph
Holmes
Presented for probate on 15 May
1826 by Joseph Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Zephh
Willis, one of the witnesses.
Peleg Tupper, Seth Cushing and
Melzar Adams, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Amherst Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the name of God amen I Amherst Alden of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth, being weak in Body, but of sound disposing Mind thanks be
to God for the same, knowing the certainty of death & the Uncertainty of
the time thereof do therefore this seventh day of November in the Year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and four, make, ordain and appoint this to be
my last Will and Testament that is to say –
First I give and bequeath unto my Sister Edith Alden one Cow
and three sheep as her own, with Hay and pasturing sufficient for the same so
long as she the said Edith remain unmarried, the aforesaid Hay to be put into
the barn. Also I give and bequeath unto her the said Edith Alden four hundred
Dollars in Money with my Watch, the Money to be paid her, within twelve months
after my decease.—
Also I give and
bequeath to my Brother Nathaniel Alden three Hundred Dollars to be paid him
within twelve months after my decease.
Also I give and
bequeath to my Neice Lucia S. Smith one hundred Dollars to be paid her within
twelve months after my decease –
Also I give and
bequeath unto my Nephew Judah Belknap two hundred and fifty Dollars in money to
be paid him within twelve Months after my decease also I give unto him the said
Judah Belknap all my wearing Apparel.—
Also I give and
bequeath unto my Neice Deborah Alden Belknap One hundred Dollars to be paid her
within twelve months after my decease, and if she the said Deborah A Belknap
should not be married before the decease of her Aunt Edith Alden aforesaid,
then she the said Deborah A. Belknap shall have the pasturing of a Cow and
three sheep with good salt & fresh Hay put into the barn sufficient to
winter the same, with sufficient Houseroom & firewood so long as she
remains unmarried–
Also I give and
bequeath unto my Nephew John Alden my Violin & fifty Dollars to be paid him
in twelve months after my decease–
Also I give and
bequeath unto my Namesake Amherst Alden Frazer twenty five Dollars in money to
be paid him when he shall arrive at the Age of eighteen years, then to be laid
out in a Silver Watch.—
I also give and
bequeath unto Lucy Turner now resident at Docter Isaac Winslow’s in Marshfield
one half dozen of common Table, & one half dozen of small small silver
spoons to be procured by my Executor—
I also give and
bequeath to my Brother Judah Alden all the Residue and Remainder of my Estate
real & personal, wherever it may be found of what name or nature soever, he
paying all the above Legacies with all my just debts and funeral Charges with
the Expence of settling my Estate. And that the said Judah Alden furnish a Home
& chaise for my Mother to ride to meeting so long as she shall live, and
also that he furnish a suitable Conveyance for my Sister the abovesaid Edith
Alden to ride to meeting so long as she remains unmarried —
And I do ordain
constitute and appoint the abovesaid Judah Alden sole Executor to this my last
Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I the abovesaid Amherst Alden have set
my hand and Seal the day & Year above written —
Signed, sealed & delivered by the said Amherst Alden
to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us
who in his presence & in presence of each other &
all at his request have subscribed our Hands as Witnesses
Benjamin
Alden
Uriah
Wadsworth Amherst Alden (seal)
Jabez
Morse —
Presented for probate on 8 Jan. 1805 by Judah Alden Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Uriah Wadsworth and Jabez Morse, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Judah Alden Esqr, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 152-153, from FHL microfilm
#0550901.
Will of Briggs Alden
of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1793) *
In the name of God Amen. I Briggs Alden of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being in good health of
body & of a sound & disposing mind & memory, thanks be given to God
for the same, knowing the certainty of death & the uncertainty of the time
thereof, do therefore this twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand, seven hundred & ninety three make & ordain this, to be my
last will & testament, that is to say
First,
I Give & devise unto my Loving wife Mercy, all my wearing apparell,
Houshold Furniture, houshold goods or stuff, with my linnen & plate, also
two Cows, six sheep, the horse & carriage I shall have at ye
time of my decease, twelve cords of wood at her dwelling house for each year
she shall remain my widow if she shall want so much for her own fire, also one
sixth part of the pasturing, hay, corn, grain, roots & fruit of all kinds
that shall grow or be cut on all the Lands & meadows that I shall die
seized of within ye town of Duxbury aforesaid, the hay to be brought
into the Barn or Stacked on ye upland. I also give to her the use
& improvement of so much of my dwelling House & other Buildings as
shall be necessary & convenient for her use, so long as she shall remain my
widow
Also
– I Give & devise unto my Son Judah ye meadow on common Island
which I bought of James Southworth, also my Island of meadow called long
Island, both in Duxbury, with their rights and appurtenances to him my said Son
Judah his heirs and assigns forever
Also
– I Give & devise unto my Son Nathaniel, all my Messuages, tenements &
hereditaments, with their rights & appurtenances, lying & being in the
town of North Yarmouth and Freeport in the County of Cumberland, to him the
said Nathaniel his heirs & assigns forever
Also
– I Give and devise unto my Daughter Edith one Hundred & twenty pounds, to
be paid within one year after my decease, also sufficient fire wood &
convenient house room for her use, so long as she shall remain unmarried
Also
– I Give and devise unto my Daughter Abigail Forty pounds to be paid her in one
year, after my decease
Also
– I give & devise unto the children of my Daughter Deborah deceased, all
the goods or houshold furniture, which my sd Daughter Deborah
recieved of me at the time of her First marriage & Five shillings in money
Also
– I Give & devise unto my Son Amherst all the buildings messuages, Lands,
meadows, tenements & hereditaments, their rights & appurtenances, lying
& being within the towns of Duxbury & Pembroke, in the County of
Plymouth not herein before given away, to him my said Son Amherst, his heirs
& assigns forever. also all my books & all the residue of my money,
debts, dues & other personal estate & effects whatsoever &
wheresoever it may be found, he paying all my just debts & legacies and
doing the services as herein before devised, given, ordered and expressed, also
my Funeral charges, expences of proving my will & settling my estate. And I
do hereby ordain & constitute him the said Amherst Alden Sole Executor of
this my last will & testament In
Witness whereof I the said Briggs Alden have hereunto Set my hand & seal,
the day and year first above written
Signed, Sealed & declared by ye
said
Briggs Alden to be his last will
& Briggs Alden (seal)
testament, in presence of us, who
in
his presence & at his request,
& in the
presence of each other, have
Subscribed
our names as witnesses
Geo.
Partridge
Benja.
Alden
Hannah
Southworth
Duxbury
October 8th 1796—This certifies that I the Subscriber widow of
Briggs Alden, late of Duxbury deceased, do approve of the Last will &
testament of the said deceased
Mercy Alden
Presented for probate on 9 Dec.
1796 by Amherst Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by George
Partridge, Benjamin Alden, & Hannah Southworth, all the witnesses. No
inventory was recorded for his estate.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Caleb Alden of Middleborough, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1858) *
Be it
remembered, that I Caleb Alden of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of a sound and disposing mind and memory,
do make ordain publish, and declare this Instrument to be my last Will and
Testament in manner following,
First. I
give and bequeath to my wife Abigail Alden one cow and one swine also the
furniture and things she has brought into my house, also I give and bequeath to
my said wife the use profit and benefit of about forty acres of my homestead
farm with the buildings thereon being the same land I bought of Solomon Alden
Rufus Wood and George W. Wood for the term of her natural life also the bed
clothes she has made.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my son Cyrus Alden all the things in the house that was
brought there by his mother.
Third. I
give and bequeath to my son Ruel T. Alden one dollar and no more.
Fourth.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary K. Alden all my real estate including
that which I have given the improvement of to my wife during her natural life
the said Mary K. Alden her heirs and assigns to hold the same forever I also
give to the said Mary K. Alden all of my personal property and estate not
before disposed of in this my Will she paying my just debts and funereal
charges.
Lastly.
I nominate and appoint my said daughter Mary K. Alden sole Executrix of this my
last Will.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of
September in the year one thousand eight hundred & fifty eight.
Caleb Alden (seal)
Signed
sealed published by the said Caleb Alden as and for his last Will and Testament
in presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of
each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto.
Solomon
Alden
Harriet
L. Alden
Emily
F. Alden
Susan
E. Alden
Mary K. Alden, of Middleborough, was granted letters
testamentary on the estate of Caleb Alden, late of Middleborough, on 28 Sept.
1863, with Solomon Alden, of Bridgewater, and Lewis T. Alden, of Bridgewater,
as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 104, p. 417, from FHL microfilm #0555646, and Vol. 114, p.
452(424).
Will of Daniel Alden
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1799) *
In
the name of God Amen.—I Daniel Alden of the town of Bridgwater, calling to mind
the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say,
principally & first of all, I give & recommend my soul into the hand of
almighty God that gave it; and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent
christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I Give,
demise & dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
First,—I
Give & bequeath to Sarah, my well beloved wife the improvement of one half
my real estate & the whole of my indoor moveables & two of my Cows, so
long as she remains my widow & no longer, Except those houshold goods she
brought with her, those it is my will should be her own to dispose of as she
sees fit.
Secondly—I
Give the whole of my remainder of my estate both real & personal (after my
just debts & funeral charges are paid) to my four children, Otis, Daniel,
Sally & Alpheus, to be equally divided between them.
Thirdly,
I constitute Sarah, my well beloved wife, together with Joseph Alden, my
brother to be joint Executors of this my last will & testament, ratifying
& confirming this & no other.—In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand, Seven Hundred & ninety nine.
Signed, Sealed & Declared by
said Danl.
Alden to be his last will &
testament in Daniel Alden (seal)
presence of us, who in his presence
& in
presence of each other have
subscribed
our names –
Moses
Cary
Abiel
Harris
Samuel
Alden junr
Sarah Alden petitioned the court on
5 Oct. 1799 to have Joseph Alden be appointed as sole Executor, “it being
difficult for me to act in that capacity.”
Presented for probate on 7 Oct.
1799 by Joseph Alden, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by Moses
Cary & Abiel Harris, two of the witnesses.
Moses Cary, yeoman, Saml. Brett, Gentleman, both
of Bridgwater, & Abiel Harris of Abington, Gentleman, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Daniel Alden, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 7 Oct.
1799. The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Daniel Alden, late of
Bridgwater, dated 25 Oct. 1799, totaled $2315.97, including 26 acres of land
with the buildings valued at $1600, and $238.62 in notes of hand. Jos. Alden,
the Executor to ye will of Danl. Alden, deceased, gave his oath to
the inventory on 7 May 1801.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of David Alden of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
Know all men by these Presents shall come that I David alden
of Middleborough In the County of Plimouth in Newengland being at this time of
a Sound and Disposeing memory blessed be God for the Same but being Sensible of
my own Mortallity Do make and Ordain this to be my Last will and testament to
remain firm and inviolabell forever first I recomend my Soul to God that gave
it and my Body to the Earth from whence it was taken hopeing to receive the
Same at the general Resurrection throug the merits and mediation of Jesus
Christ my Lord and as to what it hath Pleased God to bestow upon me of this
worlds Goods I Dispose of the same as follows I have given to my Son Solomon
alden all my lands Lying in Bridgwater by deed of gift more I give to my son
Solomon my best hat and Neck Hankercheif and to my Son David alden I have given
by deed of gift about 60 acres of land in midelborough and moley Eatons right
more I give to my Son David 12 acres of land of that Lot I bought lawyer
Leanard at the west end thare of more I give [can’t read] My Bleu Coat and
Jacket I have given to my Son Job alden by Deed of Gift about a hundred acre of
land more I give to my Son Job alden my little feald by the buring place with
the land adioining to that feald between that and brother Josephs homested land
and I give to my Son Job my broadcloth Sute the iner bar and the Chain that I
had of widdo pool my broad hoe and gun and I give and bequeathe my loveing wife
judith alden the east end of my House that all the old part of the bulding to be
allways for her use and improvement and for my Daughter abigail to improve as
long as She Needs it and I give to my wife my barn and Cornhouse and the hold
improvement of my meadow by brother John and the one half of my home farm moing
paster planting orchard and I give to my wife the improvment of my wood land
for wood and fenceing and I give to my Daughter abigail my meadow between
brother Johns and mr Eatons lousey when She comes to the age of
twenty one year her mother improveing on it til then and my will is that my son
Silas alden Should pay as a Lagecy to my Daughter abigail one hundered pound
Lawfull money within one year after my Decease and my will is that my Daughter
abigail Should have ten Cows and Six Sheep and all the rest of my Stock Cows
young Catell mares Sheep Swine foults I give to my beloved wife to be at her
Dispose as allso the one half of my inadore movebels to be at her Dispose and
the other half of my inadore movebels I give to my Daughter abigail and I give
my Son Job with his mother the improvement of my lands till it is Enought to
pay all my just Debts funaral Chargs or any other neasecary Charges that may
arise in Seatelling the Estate and my will is that my Job alden with my beloved
wife Judith alden Should be Executors of this my last will and Testament and
all my other Estate that I have not hear given away lying in midelborough I
give to my Son Silas alden and my lot at ashford I give to my five Children to
be Equally Divided between them as witness I have hereunto Set my Hand Seall
this 6th Day of may 1763.—
Abiel Keith David Alden (seal)
David Hooper
John X
Rackard
Presented for probate on 14 May 1763 by Job Alden and Judith
Alden, the Executors therein named, and proved by Abiel Keith and David Hooper,
two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of David Allden, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by Abiezer Edson, Benja. White, and
Joshua White on 5 Nov. 1763, and totaled £953.19.8, including his homestead
farm valued at £600. Job Allden, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 7 Nov. 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 503-504, 535, from FHL
microfilm #0551543, the original will not in the docket folder, and the
transcribed will in Vol. 16 cut off at the bottom of the first page with
several erasures and ink blots making it hard to read, particularly the date of
the signing thereof.
Will of Edeth Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In
the Name of God amen. I Edeth Alden of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth being
in a weakly State of Body, but of sound disposing Mind and Memory, blessed be
God for the same do therefore this thirty first day of October in the Year of
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & fourteen make & ordain this to
be my last Will and Testament, that is to say. –
I
give & bequeath unto my Brother Judah Alden a Bedstead & Bed cord that
he has now in use with all the Stuff in the Kitchen Chamber & Garret &
a four pail full Iron Pot. –
I
give and bequeath to my Brother Nathaniel Alden two hundred Dollars to be paid
him by my Executor in one Year after my decease –
I
give & bequeath unto Wealthy Daughter of my Brother Nathaniel Alden two
hundred Dollars to be paid her by my Executor in one Year after my decease –
I
give & bequeath unto my Niece Deborah Alden Brooks the Wife of Seth Brooks
of said Duxbury, all my wearing Apparel, with my Necklace, Sleeve Buttons and
Watch with all the Residue & remainder of my Household Goods household
Furniture, Stuff & Plate, with all my Notes Debts & Demands, She paying
all my just debts funeral Charges & the above Legacies, the Expences of
settling my Estate.–
I
also give her the said Deborah Alden Brooks all the Residue & Remainder of
my Estate not before disposed of, of what name or nature & wherever found–
And
I do constitute & appoint the abovesaid Seth Brooks Executor to this my
last Will & Testament – In Witness whereof I the said Edeth Alden have
hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year above written —
Signed sealed published &
declared by the
said Edeth Alden to be her last
Will & Testament
in the presence of us who at her
request & in her her
presence subscribed our Names as
Witnesses -- Edeth + Alden (seal)
Benjamin
Alden Mark
Sarah
Southworth
Jedidiah
Southworth
Presented for probate on 16 Jan.
1815 by Seth Brooks, the Executor therein named, and proved by Sarah Southworth
and Jedidiah Southworth, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Seth Brooks, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 47, p.
58-59, from FHL microfilm #0550904.
Will of Eleazer Alden of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The second day of May anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred
& sixty-nine. I Eleazer Alden of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in
New-England yeoman, advancing in years but of perfect mind & memory,–
thanks be to GOD therefor, calling to mind the mortality of my body, do make
and ordain this my last will & testament in the following maner.
First I give my soul into the hands of GOD, and my body I
comit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter named and as to my worldly estate I dispose thereof as follows, my
just debts, funeral charges & other necessary expences being first
allowed.—
Imprimis, I give to
my son Jonathan Alden besides what I formerly gave him the sixth part of my
wearing aparel & the sixth part of my books. –
Item. I give to my
son Eleazer Alden, to him his heirs & assigns forever, part of my
homestead, towit. all that part of it which I purchased of Amos Snell &
Solomon Leonard lying on the south side of the road before my door, also half
my lot in the cedar-swamp. also one half part of my purchase right in undivided
lands, also the sixth part of my wearing aparel & the sixth part of my
books. –
Item. I give to my
son David Alden besides what I have already given him, the sixth part of my
wearing aparel & the sixth part of my books.
Item I give to my son
Ezra Alden besides what I have already given him the sixth part of my wearing
aparel & the sixth part of my books. –
Item. I give to my
son Joshua Alden his heirs & assigns forever the other part of my homestead
towit, all that part of it which lyeth on the northerly side of the road
leading by my door, together with the buildings including also half an acre of
land which the road cut off upon the southeast corner. Also I give to said
Joshua his heirs or assigns forever all the land which I have adjoining to the
great-river, upon the northeast corner of Bailey’s plain so called. also the
other half of my lot in the cedar-swamp. also the other half of my purchase
right in undivided Lands; the sixth part of my wearing aparel, and the sixth
part of my books. ~~ Furthermore I give
as aforesaid to Joshua Alden all my houshold goods, book of accounts, bills,
bonds, cash, live-stock, together with all & singular my personal estate
whatsoever, not otherwise disposed off in this my last will & testament,
which shall appear at my decease. hereby obliging him to discharge & pay all
my just debts, funereal expences, as also the several legacies herein
mentioned. – And I do hereby constitute & appoint said Joshua Alden to be
sole executor of this my last will and testament.
Item,
I give to my son Timothy Alden besides what I have already given him the sixth
part of my wearing aparel & the sixth part of my books. – And I do hereby
revoke & disallow all other wills by me heretofore made declaring this to
be my last will & testament. In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first
above written. ~
Signed, sealed, pronounced & declared
by the said Eleazer Alden to be his last Eleazer Alden (seal)
will & testament in the presence of us
the subscribers. Ebenezer
Wade
Christopher
Sever
Josiah
Richards
Presented for probate on 1 Feb. 1773 by Joshua Alden, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Christopher Sever and Josiah Richards,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Joshua Alden,
the before named executor, with Christopher Sever and Josiah Richards, all of
Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 228-229, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Eleazer Alden
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God Amen.—I Eleazer Alden of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of a sound,
disposing mind & memory, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament in order following –vizt I resign my soul into the hands of God who
gave it, and my body, I recommend to the earth to be buried at the discretion
of my Executor, and with regard to such worldly estate, with which God has been
pleased to bless me, I give & bequeath the same in manner following –vizt.
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah
Alden, one Cow & all my indoor moveables (except what by this will are
otherwise disposed of) to be hers forever. Also so long as she shall remain my
widow I give unto her the keeping of one Cow, both hay & grass, also a
sufficiency of meat for her support, also, annually I give unto her, nine
bushells of Corn, three bushells of Rye & four Dollars in money
Item—I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Alden
aforesaid, and my Daughter May [sic] Alden, the use of one half of my Pew in the meeting house,
also the use of ye easterly front room & chamber over the same,
together with the bed room and buttery with necessary Cellar Room & use of
the kitchin so far as may be necessary, with necessary passage ways for
improving the same, and free use of the well, also good fire wood, at all
times, suitable & sufficient & cut off at the door for maintaining one
fire—also provision for riding whenever they may have occasion; the bequests
contained in this article to my said wife Sarah & Daughter Mary to be
enjoyed by them, so long as they shall remain unmarried, and to be enjoyed by
either of them, who shall after the marriage or decease of the other remain
unmarried; and after the marriage of one & decease of the other, or
marriage or decease of both, I give the same Estate to my son Eleazer Alden.—
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary, aforesaid one
Cow, a good feather bed & furniture, belonging to the same also, a Case of
drawers, a great wheel, a foot wheel, a low chest, six chairs & a table, to
be hers forever, also I give to my said Daughter Mary, so long as she lives
unmarried a sufficiency of meat, nine bushells of Corn & three bushells of
Rye to be annually provided for her, also a good keeping for one Cow both by
hay & grass –
Item—I Give & bequeath to my two Daughters Martha
Blossom, wife of Sylvanus Blossom & Abigail Snell wife of William Snell
Sixty Dollars each, in addition to what I have already given them.
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Hannah Latham wife
of Levi Latham two Dollars, in addition, to what I have already given her –
Item.—I Give & bequeath my Notes on interest, including
such as I may hold against my sons in law, my Cash on hand my wearing apparell
& Books, to my children, to be equally divided among them, except one third
part of my Books which I hereby give my wife, with a right to select the same.–
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my sons in law, all Notes of
hand not on interest, that I hold against them.
Item.—I hereby constitute and appoint my son Eleazer,
aforesaid Sole Executor of this my last will & testament, ordering him at
his own charge to settle my estate, pay my debts and funeral charges, pay the
legacies herein mentioned, & to see that his mother & sister enjoy
fully the provision herein made for their comfort & support.
Item—I Give and bequeath to my said son Eleazer, all my
Estate, both real & personal, not already disposed of to be his forever –
Item—I hereby, further declare, that the house room herein
provided for my wife & daughter Mary, is to be in ye new house I
have lately built. And also, that, should my son Eleazer neglect to provide for
his mother according to the tenor of this will then, that his mother, shall be
entitled to the use of one third part of what I have given him, and may enjoy
the same so long, & no longer, than she continues my widow, Ratifying and
confirming, this to be my last will & testament & disallowing all other
wills by me heretofore made.— In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
& seal the twenty seventh day of March in ye year of our Lord
one thousand Eight Hundred and two.—
Signed, Sealed, Pub- Eleazer Alden (seal)
lished & declared by
ye sd Eleazer Alden
to be his last will
& testament in pre-
sence of us –
Beza Hayward
John Holman Mitchell
Caleb Mitchell
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1803 by Eleazer Alden, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Holman Mitchell & Caleb
Mitchell, two of the witnesses. Samuel Leonard and Phineas Conant were the
sureties on the bond of Eleazer Alden.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Eleazer Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
Be it remembered
that I Eleazer Alden of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth do on this twenty
sixth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty seven make and publish
this my last will and Testament in the manner following Viz.
In the first place I give and bequeath to my grand child
Isaac F. Alden a child of my late son Isaac Alden deceased, to his heirs and
assigns forever, a certain lot of land lying in Halifax, containing two acres
& an half which was conveyed to me by deed from Soranus Shaw and also two
acres of wood land lying in Halifax and is the same that was set off to me by
execution from Major Thompsons Estate with all the privileges thereto belonging
–
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Abigail and her heirs
and assigns forever all my personal estate of every description which I may
have on had at the time of my decease. And also I give and bequeath to my
beloved wife all the rest and residue of my Real Estate not given to my grand
child aforesaid, for her to sell or dispose of or improve as she may think
proper for the use of herself or heirs, or for the payment of debts in the
manner that she shall think fit at any time while she remains my widow. And
what part of said Real and personal Estate that is not disposed of by my widow
at the time of her decease, I give and bequeath to my two daughters equally,
viz: Marcia S. Humphrey & Hannah A. Adams their heirs and assigns forever— Lastly I do appoint my beloved wife
Abigail my Executrix of this my last Will and Testament –
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Eleazer Alden (seal)
Signed sealed and
published by the sd Eleazer Alden declaring this to be his Will and
Testament in presence of us. ~~
Samuel
Leonard
William
H Adams
David
Sivan
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Jan. 1851 by
Abigail Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Leonard and
William H Adams, two of thw witnesses whose names as subscribed thereto.
Letters Testamentary granted to Abigail Alden, the Executor therein named.
Abigail A. Alden, of Bridgewater, was appointed as Executor
of the last Will and Testament of Eleazer Alden, late of Bridgewater, Yeoman,
on 20 Jan. 1851, with Solomon Hayward and Hubbard D. Benson, of Bridgewater, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 93, p. 35-36, from FHL microfilm #0555641, and Vol. 2H, p. 253.
Will of Eunice Alden
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1830) *
In the name of God Amen, I Eunice Alden, of Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, Singlewoman, being of
sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of life and wishing to
dispose of my worldly effects do make ordain & publish this my last Will
& Testament in manner & form following, viz.
First,
I give and bequeath unto my sister Bethiah Arnold wife of Alfred Arnold One
hundred Dollars, and one half of my Wearing Apparel, Bed, Bedding, Linen,
Silver, Pewter, Iron, Crockery & Glass Wares, and also one half of my
Household Furniture that was formerly my Mother’s. –
Second.
I give and bequeath unto my sister Betsey Hooper, wife of Joseph Hooper Junr.
One hundred Dollars, and the other half of my Wearing apparel, Bed, Bedding,
Linen, Silver, Pewter, Iron, Crockery & Glass Wares, Also one half of my
Household Furniture that was formerly my Mother’s.
Third,
I give & bequeath unto my nephews Calvin Mitchell, Alden Mitchell, William
Mitchell & George Mitchell, and to my nieces Sally Mitchell & Jane
Mitchell children of my late sister Mehitabel Mitchell deceased, the sum of
Five Dollars each –
Fourth,
The residue of my property of whatsoever name or nature of which I may be
seized and possessed of at my decease after the payment of all my just debts
& funeral charges and of the afore mentioned legacies, I give and bequeath
unto my Brothers, Daniel Alden, Joseph Alden, Thomas Alden, Cyrus Alden, &
Seth Alden, and to my sisters Bethiah Arnold & Betsey Hooper to be equally
divided between them the said Daniel, Joseph, Thomas, Cyrus, Seth, Bethiah
& Betsey.
Fifth.
I hereby constitute and appoint my brother Seth Alden my sole Executor to this
my last Will & Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In
testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of
March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty.
Eunice Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared
by the said Eunice Alden to be her
last Will & Testament in the
presence of us who at her request,
and in her presence have subscribed
the same as witnesses.
Joseph
Hooper
Mitchell
Hooper
Artemas
Hale
Probated on 4 May 1830, and proved
by Joseph Hooper and Artemas Hale, two of the witnesses.
Artemas Hale Esq., Abram Washburn and Eleazer Carver, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ezra Alden of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1767) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The sixteenth day of october, in the year of our Lord one
thousand, seven hundred and sixty seven, I Ezra Alden of Bridgwater in the
county of Plymouth in New-England yeoman, being very sick and weak of body but
of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God, Therefore calling to mind the
mortality of my body, knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make
and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say.
Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul
into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be
buried in decent christian burial, at the discretion of my executor, nothing
doubting but that soul & body shall be united again at the general
resurrection by the mighty power of God, but as touching such worldly estate as
it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, demise & dispose
of in the followg. mañer & form.
Imprimis, I give and bequeath to Rebeccah, my true &
loving wife, the sole use & improvement of my whole estate both real &
personal (meaning, that what Ive leased out shall come into her improvement
when that term is out,) for her support, and to bring up my children, for &
so long as she shall live my widdow, or until my son Isaac shall arrive to full
age, and at either of said periods that providence shall order either marriage
or death of my said widdow, or if my son Isaac shall arrive to full age before
either, then my will is that the moveable effects & quick stock that shall
then be in being, shall be divided, and my widow shall have her thirds as the
law directs, both in real and personal. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my beloved son Isaac Alden the
one half of my whole estate both real & personal, and the other half I give
& bequeath unto my two daughters Abigail & Susannah to be equally
divided betwixt them, to them & their heirs & assigns forever, and my
will is that if either of my said daughters shall die in their minority, then
my said son Isaac shall have a double share of my estate, and the surviving
daughter one third. and I do hereby order & direct that my just debts &
funeral charges be paid out of my moveable effects. and I do hereby make &
ordain my loving brother Nathan Alden of said Bridgwater to be my sole executor
of this my last will & testament, and also to take guardianship for my
children, if occasion be. ratifying, & confirming this and no other to be
my last will and testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& seal the day & year above – written. ~
Signed, sealed, & pronounced by the Ezra Alden (seal)
said Ezra Alden, as his last will &
testament, in the presence of us, –
Ebenezer Alden, John Orcut, Content Packard.
Presented for probate on 4 Jan. 1768 by Nathan Alden of
Bridgewater, the Executor therein named, and proved by John Orcut and Content
Packard, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan
Alden, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of mr. Ezra Alden late
of Bridgwater, yeoman, was appraised on 11 Dec. 1767 by John Orcutt, Isaac
Allen and David Kingman junr., and totaled £896.19.1, including his
homestead and buildings valued at £380.13.4, and lands at Beaver brook, house
and 3/8ths of a sawmill valued at £356.13.4. Nathan Alden, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 10 Oct. 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 8-9, 125, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Ezra Alden of Abington, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1867) *
Know all
men by these presents that I Ezra Alden of Abington in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of sound disposing mind and memory do
make and publish this my last will and testament.
First. I give and
bequeath to my daughter Hannah Alden the sum of eight hundred dollars.
Second. I give and
bequeath to Bela Alden & Jared Alden my two sons to Mary Bates wife of
Cyrus Bates my daughter and to Charles E. Allen my grandson & son of my
daughter Susan deceased all of the remainder of my estate both real and
personal to be equally divided between them the aforesaid Bela & Jared
Alden Mary Bates and Charles E. Allen.
I ordain and appoint my son Bela Alden as Executor of this my
last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal and publish & declare this to be my last will & testament in the
presence of the witnesses named below this eighth day of July in the year one
thousand eight hundred and sixty seven.
Ezra Alden (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Ezra Alden
as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and
in his presence & in the presence of each other have subscribed our names
as witnesses hereto.
Isaac
Hersey
Sarah
Dyer
Mary
A. Clarke.
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of Nov. 1867 by
Bela Alden, of Abington, with William H. Capen and Cyrus Bates, of Abington, as
sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Bela Alden on 25 Nov. 1867.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 37-38, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 102.
Will of Hannah Alden
of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1739) *
In the Name of God Amen I Hannah Alden of Duxbourô in the
County of Plimouth in New England Widow, being Very Sick and Weak of Body but
of Perfect Mind and Memory, thanks be Given unto God therefor. Calling unto
minde the Morality of my Body, and knowing that it is appointed for all Men
once to Dye, do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament that, is to
Say, Principally and first of all, I give and Recomend my Soul into the Hands
of God that gave it, and my Body I Recomend to the Earth, to be Buried, in
Decent Christian Buriall, at the Discreation of my Executor, Nothing Doubting
but at the Generall Resurection, I Shall Receive the Same again thrô the
Mightly Power of God ~ and as Touching Such Worldly Estate where with it hath
Pleased God to bless me in this Life; I Give, Demise and Dispose of the Same in
the following Maner & Form
Imprimis
I give to my Son Judah all my Lands at Ashford in the Colony of Connecticut and
a set of Gould Buttons,
Item,
I give to my Son Briggs all my Lands at
Item.
I give to my Two Daughters Anna and Abigail all my Wearing Cloaths.
Item.
I Likewise Constitute and Ordain my Son Judah my Sole Executor of this my Last
Will and Testament Ratifieing and Confirming this and no other to be my last
Will and Testament Ratifieing and Confirming this and no other to be my last
Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the first Day of February Anno Domini 1739
Signd. Seald, and Declared Hannah Alden (seal)
In
Presence of
Paletiah
West
Saml
Weston
Mathew
Cushing
Proved on 5 Mar. 1739[/40] by
Pelitiah West, Saml. Weston and Matthew Cushing, the witnesses. Judah Alden is
called “of Duxbourô, Mariner” in the letter of administration. No inventory was
recorded for her estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac Alden
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1727) *
In ye Name of God amen: The twenty fourth day of
aprill anno Domini 1727. I Isaac Alden Senr of
First: I give & Bequeath to mehitable my well: beloved
wife all my moveables & Personall Estate (Except ye Legacys to
be mentioned for & during ye time of Her natural Life.
Item: I give to my Three Sons (viz) Isaac Alden;
Ebenezer Alden; & John Alden besides what I formerly gave them by Deeds or
other wise gave to them their Heirs & assignes for Ever my Right in ye
Cedar Swamp at a place Called Majors’ Purchase and I Constitute & appoint
my wife & my sd son Isaac Alden to be ye Executors of
this my Last Will & Testament.
Item: I give to my Grand Children (the Children of my
Daughter mehitable Richards deceased namely Joseph Richards, Daniel Richards,
James Richards, mehitable Richards & Sarah Richards, to them I give twelve
Pence a Peice to be Paid after my decease. And I give to my four Surviving
Daughters namely Sarah Cary, Mary Webb, mercy Packard & Jemima Alden to
them I give also five Shillings a Peice to be Paid to them after my decease
Item: And further as to what Shall Remain of my sd
Personal Estate after ye decease of my wife: I give & dispose of
ye same as followeth (viz) one fifth Part thereof to my daughter
Sarah Cary, one fifth Part to my daughter mercy Packard; one fifth Part to my
Daughter mary Webb; one fifth Part to my daughter Jemima Alden, & ye other
Part thereof to my Grand:daughters mehitable Richards & Sarah Richards
Signed Sealed Pronounced &
declared by ye Sd Isaac Alden
to be His Last Will & Testament
In ye Presence of Isaac Alden (seal)
Joseph
Edson
James
Cary
Isaac
Snow
Probated on 20 Oct. 1727, and proved by Joseph Edson, James
Cary, and Isaac Snow. Letters of Administration on the estate of Isaac Alden,
late of
The inventory of the estate of Isaac Alden, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, p. 344-345,
from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Isaac Alden of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God amen, May the Eleventh one thousand Seven
hundred & Seventy three I Isaac Alden of Bridgwater in the county of
Plymouth in New England, yeoman, being advanced in age but of sound mind &
memory, thanks be Given to God – calling to mind the mortality of my body &
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye, Do make & ordain this
my Last will and Testament that is to say – principally and first of all I Give
& Recommend my Soul into the hand of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend
to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my
Executor, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Recieve the
same again by the mighty power of God—and as touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life—I Give Demise &
Dispose of the same in the following manner and form vizt
Imprimis—I Give & bequeath unto my brother Ebenezer Alden
the sum of Thirteen pounds six shillings & eight pence to be paid him by my
Executors hereafter named, in one year after my decease
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my two Sisters vizt
Sarah Cary & Mercy Packard and to the heirs of my Sister Mehitable Richards
deced and to the heirs of Jamima Whitman my Sister deced and to their heirs and
assigns forever, the farm with the buildings thereon which I bought of Israel
Bailey Lying on the Easterly Side of Beaver Brook so called in the Township of
Bridgwater, and also a tract of Lands Lying on the Easterly side of the Lands I
sold Ezra Alden deced, and adjoining the Lands of Daniel Kingman – also a Lot
of Lands Lying on Snell’s plain adjoining to the abovesaid farm (which I bought
of Israel Bailey) and and my will is that the abovesaid farm & buildings
and Lands be equally divided into four parts as to Quantity & Quality &
that my two Sisters above named or their heirs to have two parts thereof, and
the heirs of my two Sisters above named deceased, the other two parts to be
equally divided amongst them
Item—I Give & bequeath to Isaac Alden minor Son of Ezra
Alden deceased Sixty Six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence in a Note
of hand I have against John Bisbee of that sum bearing date September the
twenty eighth 1771 and payable on the first day of April one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty Four, if he should Live to the age of twenty one if
Otherwise my will is that, that note when paid shall be equally divided between
my two Sisters above named or their heirs, and the heirs of my two Sisters
above named deced
Item—I Give & bequeath unto the two Eldest daughters of
my brother John Alden deceased vizt Hannah & Kezia a Lott of
Lands formerly Laid out to Deacon Fobes at a place called Peaked point also a
Lot of Lands & bought of John Edson containing about Eight acres–also a Lot
of Lands I bought of David Snow containing about five acres, also the sum of
thirteen pounds Six Shillings & eight pence (to be paid by my Executors
hereafter named) to be equally divided between them or their heirs, in one year
after my decease
Item—I Give & bequeath unto Abigail Alden daughter to
Isaac Alden deceased & Grand-daughter to my Brother John Alden deceased the
sum of thirteen pounds six shilling & Eight pence to be paid to her by my
Executors in one year after my decease
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Nephew Jonathan Alden Son
of my brother John Alden deceased all my wearing apparell and my Bed &
Bedding, and all my farming tools & Indoor moveables
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my true & trusty friend
John Orcutt of Bridgwater yeoman & to my friend David Kingman of sd.
Bridgwater trader a Lot of Lands Lying in sd. Bridgwater in a swamp
called black brook swamp, vizt to David Kingman aforesaid Ten acres,
and the Remainder to the aforesaid John Orcutt, to them & their heirs &
assigns forever – and I do hereby Constitute and appoint the above mentioned
John Orcutt and David Kingman my Executors to this my Last will & testament
unto whom I Give & bequeath all my Notes of hand & Securities for money
and all my Quick Stock and all other my Estate not heretofore mentioned, they
paying all my Just & honest Debts & funeral Charges & the Legacies
before mentioned vizt to my brother Ebenezer Alden & Isaac
Alden, Hannah & Kezia the daughters of my brother John Alden & Abigail
Alden –and the Overpluss or Remainder if any there be after my Debts Funeral
Charges & Legacies are paid, to be equally divided between my two Sisters
before mentioned (or their heirs) and the heirs of my two deceased Sisters
before-mentioned
And I Do hereby utterly disallow Revoke and disannull all and
every Other of the former testaments wills Legacies & bequests &
Executors by me in any wise before named willed & bequested–Ratifying &
confirming this and no other to be my Last will & Testament—In witness
whereof I hereunto Sett my hand & Seal the Day and year above written
Signed, Sealed published & declared
by the said Isaac Alden as his Last Isaac Alden (seal)
will & testament in the presence
of us the subscribers
Joshua
Barrell
Joseph
Beall
Azariah
Beall
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1781 by David Kingman, one of
the Executors therein named, and proved by Joshua Barrell, one of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Simeon Brett of
Bridgewater, administrator cum testament annexo, the before named Executor
David Kingman having refused the Executorship, and John Orcutt, the other
executor, being deceased.
Nathan Alden and Elisha Mitchell Gentm., and
Josiah Richard, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Isaac Alden, late of Bridgwater, on 5 Nov. 1781. The Inventory, dated
18 Jan. 1782, totaled £799.12.10½, including his farm in Bridgwater valued at
£540. Simeon Brett, the administrator cum testamento annexo, gave his oath to
the inventory on 4 Mar. 1782.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 214-216, 260-261, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of Isaac Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
Be
it remembered that I, Isaac Alden of Bridgewater County of Plymouth, being weak
in body, but of sound & perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God
for the same, do make & publish this my last Will & Testament, in
manner & form following, that is to say, first, – I give & bequeath
unto my beloved Wife Minerva Alden, all my household furniture free and clear –
Also I give and bequeath unto the said Minerva, my wife, after paying my just
and lawful debts, the use of all my Estate, both Real & Personal, so long
as she remains my widow; I do also give & bequeath to my daughter Minerva
Ann Alden at the marriage of her mother (if that should happen) or at the
decease of her mother, one third part of all my Estate, both Real &
personal whatsoever, except the household furniture as above, to hold to her
the said Minerva Ann Alden her heirs & assigns forever – I will & order
that if my daughter Minerva Ann should marry previous to her coming into
possession of the property as above (if she chooses) that there be paid to her
the sum of two hundred dollars to be deducted with interest out of the third of
my Estate which I bequeathed to her. And Lastly, I give and bequeath to my son
Isaac Freeman Alden the remaining two thirds of my Estate, both real and personal,
after his mother ceases to occupy as above, to hold to him the said Isaac
Freeman Alden his heirs & assigns forever.
I
do hereby appoint Samuel Leonard Jr, together with my beloved wife,
Minerva Alden my sole Executor & Executrix of this my last Will &
Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal the thirty first day of
August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty five.
Isaac Alden (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the within named Isaac Alden to be his last
Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who at his request and in his
presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Samuel
Leonard Jr
Warren
Hill
Simeon
W. Leonard.
Presented for probate on 4 Dec.
1835, and proved by Samuel Leonard Jr, Warren Hill and Simeon W. Leonard, the
subscribing witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Samuel Leonard
Jr. Esqr. and Minerva Alden, widow, both of Bridgewater, on 4 Dec.
1835.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Isaac Alden, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 12 Jan. 1836 by Spencer
Leonard, Philander Wood, and Simeon W. Mitchell, and totaled $3094.25,
including his real estate valued at $2415. Samuel Leonard Jr and
Minerva Alden, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Apr. 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p.
526-527, from FHL microfilm #0555264, and Vol. 78, p. 112-113.
Will of Isaiah Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God, Amen, I, Isaiah Alden of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do make and constitute the
following my last Will and Testament revoking all others.
Firstly – I give and bequeath unto my Son Ichabod Alden Three
Hundred and Fifty Dollars, as his full share of all my Estate.
I give and bequeath unto my Grand Children, Children of
Isaiah Alden, late of Scituate, Deceased, Namely Isaiah Alden, Mary Alden Jr.
Thomas Alden, Lydia Alden, what they have had is their full share of my Estate.
I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mercy Alden one share in
Duxbury Bank and Thirty Dollars a year to be paid her yearly.
I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Ruth, one share in
Duxbury Bank and fifteen Dollars a year to be paid her yearly.
I give and bequeath unto my two aforesaid daughters Mercy and
Ruth, one half of my Household Furniture and I give Two Thirds of the above
said half to my Daughter Mercy and the other third of the above said half to my
Daughter Ruth.
I give unto my aforesaid Daughters Mercy and Ruth jointly and
severally with the improve of the South Westerly front room of my Dwelling
House and the Bedroom adjoining the same and the Southerly Bedroom in the
Chamber and a right in the Well room, and to take what water they want from the
Well to wash and all other household business – and a right to heat their water
in the set kettle, and a right to wash in the sink—and one third of the Buttery
and what right they shall want in the Cellar and what right they shall want in
the Oven and a right to pass to and from one place to the other where it shall
be most convenient, and the least prejudicial and what wood they shall want for
their own use, cut up, split and put in the Wood House – Also the use of one good
Cow, keep Summer and Winter – and what Sauce they shall want for the Summer and
Winter—and a chance to ride to public worship and the privilege as they always
have had of riding elsewhere.
I give and bequeath unto my son James what he have already
had and it shall be his full share in my Estate
I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Martha Delano wife of
Elijah Delano, Jr, what she has already had, shall be her full share in my
Estate
I give and bequeath unto my Son Benjamin Alden the remainder
of all my Estate both Real and Personal wherever it may be found, by his paying
all the above Bequeaths and all my just Debts.
I likewise appoint my son Benjamin Alden sole Executor of
this my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the
Tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and
forty. 1840
Isaiah Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Isaiah Alden, to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at
his request, and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as
Witnesses to the same
Wadsworth
Chandler
Almira
White +
Mercy
W. Chandler +
The last Will and Testament of Isaiah Alden late of Duxbury,
Esquire, was presented for probate on the third Monday of May 1845 by Benjamin
Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by Almira White and Mary W.
Chandler, two of the witnesses, Wadsworth Chandler being now deceased.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 337-339, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of James S. Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1866) *
In the name of God
Amen, I James S. Alden of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, but, knowing the
uncertainty of this life, do this third day of November, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six, make and publish this my last
will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say.
Item. I hereby give and bequeath to my wife Sarah L. Alden
all my estate, real personal and mixed (except as hereinafter excepted,) to
have and to hold the same to my said wife, for and during the period of her
natural life.
Item. I give to my sons James Elbridge, George T. Isaac R.
and Frederick C. and to Carrie Alden Burgess wife of Ebenezer Burgess, each the
sum of fifty dollars, directing my Executrix hereinafter named to pay the same
to the persons named out of my estate as soon as may be convenient after my
decease.
Item. I hereby give and bequeath, after the decease of my
said wife all the rest and residue of my estate real personal and mixed, to be
equally divided among my sons above named, to have and to hold to them their
heirs and assigns.
I do hereby nominate
and appoint my wife Sarah L. Alden to be Executrix of this my last will and
testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament, in the presence of the witnesses named
below.
James S. Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed published and
declared by the said James S. Alden, as and for his last will and testament, in
presence of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other, and at his
request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Van
R. Swift
Lewis
Holmes
Lafayette
Keith
Presented for probate on the fourth
Monday of Jan. 1875 by Sarah L. Alden, of Bridgewater, with Lewis Holmes and
Joshua E. Crane, of Bridgewater, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Sarah L. Alden, of Bridgewater, on 25 Jan. 1875.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 288-289, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 133, p. 243.
Will of Jason F. Alden of Norton, Bristol
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1868) *
Know
all men by these presents that I Jason F. Alden of Norton in the County of
Bristol and State of Massachusetts being in good health and of sound mind and
memory do make and publish this my last will and testament
1st I
give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Keziah E. Alden all of my personal Estate
to be at her disposal and also the use and improvement and income of all my
Real Estate during her natural life
2d I
give and bequeath to my daughter Selina A. F. Messinger twenty five dollars in
money –
3d I
give and bequeath to my daughter Emily E. Witherell’s Children twenty five
dollars in money to be equally divided between them –
4th I
give and bequeath to my daughter Polly E. Lane twenty five dollars in money –
5th I
give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah W. Sweet twenty five dollars in money –
6th All
the above legacies to be paid within one year after the decease of my Wife by
my Executor hereafter named –
7th After
all my debts and legacies are paid I give the residue of my Estate to my son
William H. Alden –
8th ordain
and appoint Austin Messinger as Executor of this my Last Will and Testament
Hereby revoking annulling and declaring void all former Wills by me heretofore
at any time made –
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare
this to be my last Will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below, this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand
Eight hundred and Sixty Eight –
Jason F. Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed published and
declared by the Jason F. Alden as and for his last Will and testament in
presence of us, who at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of
each other, have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto –
John
W. Wetherell
Stillman
A. Wetherell
John
W. Wetherell Jr.
Presented for probate on 1 Sept.
1875 by Austin Messinger, the Executor, naming the heirs as his widow Keziah E.
Alden, William H. Alden, Selina A. F. Messinger and Polly E. Lane, wife of
Oliver H. Lane, all of Norton, and Hannah W. Sweet, wife of Hezekiah Sweet, of
Taunton, children of the deceased, and Ellen J. Witherell, Frank J. Witherell,
William Witherell jr., Lewis E. Witherell and Emily M. Witherell, grandchildren
of the deceased. Austin Messinger was confirmed as Executor on 3 Sept. 1875,
with Andrew H. Sweet and William H. Alden, of Norton, as sureties. His real
estate was valued at $1000, and his personal estate totaled $270.00.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Bristol County Probate File “Jason F. Alden, Norton, 1875,” online at www.AmericanAncestors.org.
Will of John Alden
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In The name of God amen The 28th Day of March in
the year of our lord 1759 I John Alden of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
in new England Calling to minde the Mortallity of my bodey Do make and ordain
this my last will & Testament that is To Say principally & first of all
I give & Recommend My Sole into the hands of God that Gave it hopeing
through the marets Death & Pasion of my Savour Jesus Crist to have full
& free Pardon of all my Sins & To Inheret Everlasting life and my bodey
I Commit To the Earth To be Decently Buried at the Discresion of my Executor
here after named nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
Receive the Same again by the mighty Power of god and as Tho week in bodey but
of Perfect minde & memory I Do dispose of Such worldly Estate as it hath Pleasd.
God To bless me with in the manner following that is To Say I will that my Just
Debts be onestly Paid by my Execurx hereafter named I Give To my well beloved wife Rebeckah Alden
whome I Constitute and appoint and ordain my only and Sole Executor of this my
last will & Testament the Improvement of all my Estate Both Real &
Personal for her Support and Bringing up the Children until my son John arrive
to the age of twenty one years and then To be Equaly Devided amongst the then
Surviving Children Preserving to My wife one Third Part both Real &
Personal out of the same so long as She Remains my widdow then To be Equally
Devided to my then Surviveing Children I also will that my Executrix Pay out of
my Estate before or at the time of the Devision unto my Grand Daughter Nabby
Alden Six pounds Thirteen shillings & four Pence if then Living And I Do
Ratify and Confirm this To be my last will & Testament In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the year & Day Above written
Signed Sealed Pronounced and Declared John Alden (seal)
by the Said John Alden as his last
will & Testament in the Presence of us
Recompence Cary
William Burrel
Ichabod Cary
Probated on 27 Apr. 1759, and proved by William Burrell and
Ichabod Cary, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Rebeckah Alden of Bridgwater, the Executrix, on 27 Apr. 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 15, p. 284-286, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of John Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
I John
Alden of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Ship-wright, being weak of body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
And my
Will is, 1st that after my decease, my body shall be decently
buried, and that my funeral charges and all my just debts shall be paid by my
executor hereinafter named.
2d I
give and devise to my grand daughter, Deborah A. Ford ten dollars, to be paid
by my executor within one year after my decease.
3d I
give and devise, to my two sons Ichabod Alden and Samuel Alden and to their
heirs, all the rest and residue of my estate, both real, personal and mixed of
every name and nature, of which I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I
shall be entitled at the time of my decease.
Lastly, I nominate
and appoint my oldest son Ichabod Alden to be the sole executor of this my last
Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I the said John Alden have, to this my last Will and
Testament, subscribed my name and affixed my seal, this sixth day of October,
in the year of our Lord 1847.
John Alden (seal)
Sign’d, seal’d, & declared by the sd. John Alden, to be
his last Will & Testament in presence of us, who at his request & in
his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Joseph
F. Wadsworth
Isaac
Torrey
Andrew
Sampson
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1854 by
Ichabod Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph F. Wadsworth
and Isaac Torrey, two of the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto.
Letters of Administration with the Will annexed were granted to Joseph F.
Wadsworth on 14 Aug. 1854, the Executor therein named having declined the
trust.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 93, p. 318-319, from FHL microfilm
#0555642.
Will of Joseph Alden
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1696) *
These are to publish and Declare to all whome it may concern
that I Joseph Alden Senr of ye Town of Bridgwater in ye
County of Plimouth in New England being of sound judgment and memory Do ordain
and make my last will and Testament in maner following my Immortall soul I do
Humbly Resign into ye mercyfull hands of Almighty God my creator
hoping through ye merrits and mediation of Jesus Christ to obtain
pardon and Salvation my Body I commit to ye Earth from whence it was
to be Decently Interred at ye Discretion of my Executors and the
Rest of my Christian friends And as Touching Such Worldly Estate as God hath
Blessed me withall I Dispose of it in maner and forme as followeth.
I Give to my son Isaac fifty Acres of Land which he Lives
upon. further I Give him Ten acres more which I gave him
Item I Give to my Son Joseph the Land whereupon he lives of
which have already Given him Assurance by written Deed. further I give to him
Twenty Acres lying upon the Great River Below Goodman Bayleys Land. Further I
Give Between my two sons Joseph and John Ten Acres of Land to be taken up to be
Equally Divided Between them Which said Lands as aforesaid I Give to him and to
his Heirs and Assigns for Ever. Item I Give to my Dear Wife my Homestead With
all the Housing thereupon and all my other lands joyning thereunto more I Give
unto her Ten acres of Land upon the plains more two wood lots lying on the Left
hand of ye way to Thomas Washbourns And my Will is that my Son John
Shall have the use and Improvement thereof for his and my Wife’s Comfort during
her life time And that after her decease my Son John Should Enjoy it all
Together with half my Sixty Acres above mentioned lying near the Sawmill And
half my Lott of meadow in Byrums hole All which parcels of Land I Say I do give
to him and to his heirs and Assigns for Ever: Further I Give All my moveables
to my Wife to Dispose of as she shall so cause I Give to my three sons Isaac
Joseph and John all my Right and Interest in ye Majors Purchase and
Also in ye undivided lands belonging to my purchase Right to be
Equally Divided amongst them And finally I do Constitute make and ordaine Mary
my wife Executrix & my son John Joynt Executor of this my last Will &
Testament utterly Renouncing Revoking & Disclayming all other wills and
Testaments whatsoever In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal
this fourteenth Day of December in ye year of our Lord one thousand
Six hundred ninety and Six.
Signed Sealed pronounced and declared in the presence Joseph
Alden senr
of us ye Subscribers viz his
õmark &
a (seal)
Pallatiah Smith
Thomas Delano
Joseph Hayward
Memorandum Pallatiah Smith Thomas Delano and Joseph Hayward
the Witnesses here named appeared and made oath before Wm Bradford
Esqr Judge of Probate on ye 10th day of March
1696/7 That they were present & saw & heard Joseph Alden the Testator
above named Sign Seal & declare ye Instrument above written to
be his last will And that to ye best of their Judgment he was of
sound disposing mind & memory when he did the same
Letters of Administration granted to Mary his wife and John
his Son, Executors, on 10 Mar. 1696/7.
The Inventory of ye estate of Joseph Alden senr
who deceased ye 8th of Februy 1696/7
This Inventory taken which is ye movable Estate of
ye abovesd Joseph Alden deceased by us this 3d
of March 1696/7. Total Sum £76.1.
John Leonard
Joseph Snow
Samuel Allin Junr
John Alden one of ye Executors of ye
Last Will & Testament of Joseph Alden Late of Bridgewater deceased made
oath before William Bradford Esqr Judge &c on ye 10th
day of March 1696/7 that the above Written is a true Inventory of ye
Goods Chattels & Credits of the said Deceased so far as he yet Knoweth and
that if more shall come to his Knowledge he will Cause it to be added.
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Alden
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the Name of God Amen.— I, Joseph Alden of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, Gentleman, being of a sound & disposing mind &
memory, do make this my last will & testament –vizt– I recommend
my soul to God, who gave it, & my body to the earth, to be buried, with
decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named
& with respect to my worldly Goods & Estate, I give & bequeath the
same, in manner following vizt.
Imprimis.—I Give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife
Bethiah Alden, my great bible, all my indoor moveables & my quick stock, to
be hers forever, also, during ye time she shall continue my widow,
the use & improvement of one third part of my homestead, with the buildings
thereon not including in sd homestead any part of the lands, I
purchased of Cornelius Thayer & Ebenezer Thayer; and I further give her,
during the minority of my son Seth, the whole use & improvement of my said
homestead, including my cedar swamp in Halifax; provided however, that my said
wife shall, out of the improvement thereof stand charged with the expence of
educating my son Cyrus at College, and shall defray all reasonable expences in
educating him, and that the same may not be too burthensome, I hereby give to
my said wife, a right, annually to call on my three sons, Joseph, Daniel &
Thomas, to pay her sixty Dollars a year, during the four years, my said son
Cyrus shall remain an undergraduate at College, & the estate of my said three
sons Joseph, Daniel & Thomas, given them in this will is hereby made
chargeable with such payment—and the Estate hereby given in this will to my son
Seth, is hereby made chargeable with such sums as shall be demanded &
recieved of my said three sons Joseph, Daniel & Thomas, and he, the said
Seth shall repay the same to the said Joseph, Daniel & Thomas within one
year after he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and in any case, it
shall be a debt on his estate, & repayment made out of the same
Item.—I Give & bequeath unto my son Joseph Alden the
lands & buildings, I purchased of Cornelius Thayer & Ebenezer Thayer,
also Ten acres of land I purchased of Timothy Hayward, also, my Ivory headed
cane, to him & his heirs & assigns forever –
Item—I Give & bequeath to my son Daniel Alden, all the
lands that I am seized of, that I purchased of the Executors of the last will
& testament of Francis Perkins, late of Bridgwater deceased, including the
reversion of the widow Philibert Perkins’s Dower or thirds; also a pair of gold
sleeve buttons, to him, his heirs & assigns forever. –
Item.—I give & bequeath unto my son Thomas Alden, my
lands at beach neck, so called, also ten acres of land adjoining ye
same that I purchased of David Johnson, also, a lot containing eighteen acres,
more or less, adjoining the same, that I purchased of Ebenezer Caldwell, also
my sword, he, the said Thomas paying to my aforesaid son Daniel five thousands
feet of boards within one year from the time of my decease, to him, his heirs
& assigns forever –
Item.—I give & bequeath unto my son Cyrus Alden, a
liberal education at College, to be provided for him out of the improvement of
my homestead, together with such other provisions therefor as has been already
expressed – also a good Horse, saddle & bridle, when his education at
College shall be compleated. –
Item—I Give & bequeath to my son Seth Alden, my Homestead
together with my cedar swamp in Halifax, to him, his heirs & assigns
forever, reserving the improvement of the whole to my wife during his minority,
and of one third to my wife during the time she shall continue my widow, and
the same estate hereby given, is further chargeable with the repayment of such
sums as may be made chargeable thereto in educating my son Cyrus in manner as
has been expressed, and it is also made chargeable with the repayment of
legacies, to be paid by my Executors, who shall in the same manner as repayment
is provided for in the case of Cyrus recover the amount of such legacies, as
they shall pay of my said son Seth, within one year after he shall arrive to
the age of twenty one years, and in any case, his estate shall answer the same
Item.—I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Mehitabel
Mitchell, the wife of Thomas Mitchell, one Dollar.
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my other three Daughters
Eunice Alden, Bethiah Alden & Betsey Alden, to each of them Two feather
beds, with furniture, one Cow & thirty Dollars in Cash, the money to be on
Interest from the time of my decease and the whole payable to them
respectively, as they shall be married or arrive to the age of eighteen years.
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my two sons Joseph &
Daniel, the Cedar swamp in Pembroke, which I hold in common & undivided,
with Oliver Alden, to them, their heirs & assigns forever.
Item—I Give & bequeath to my four sons, Joseph, Daniel,
Thomas & Seth, my farming utensills, to be equally divided among them. –
Item—I Give & bequeath my wearing apparell & my books
my great bible excepted, to my five sons aforesaid to be equally divided
between them.
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my wife & each of my
Daughters so long as they shall continue unmarried, each, a seat in my Pew on
the ground floor of the meeting house, & the remainder & reversion,
together with my Pew in the gallery, to be equally the property of Joseph,
Daniel, Thomas & Seth aforesaid.
Item—It is my will, that, my grain, Cash on hand, securities
& debts due to my estate, be appropriated to discharge my just debts,
funeral expences & settlement of my estate. –
Item—I hereby constitute & appoint my two eldest sons
Joseph Alden & Daniel Alden joint Executors of this my last will &
testament, and hereby order them to pay the legacies, the same to be refunded
to them out of the estate of Seth as has already been expressed.—And they
together with Thomas are enjoined to procure assistance to their mother in
educating Cyrus, in manner, as has been mentioned already, and their several
estates are hereby made chargeable with the same, and they to be refunded in
manner as has been expressed – Ratifying & confirming this to be my last
will & testament, and disallowing all wills heretofore by me made
In
Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal the thirtieth day of
March in ye year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred &
three. –
Signed Sealed, Published & Joseph Alden (seal)
Declared by ye sd
Joseph Alden
to be his last will & testament
in
presence of us –
Beza
Hayward
Caleb
Alden
Benjamin
Clark
Bridgwater May 7th 1804
— This certifies that I acquiesce in the provision that my husband made for me
in his will –
Attest Daniel Alden Bethiah Alden
Presented for probate on 2 May 1803 by Joseph Alden &
Daniel Alden, the Executors therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward Esqr.
& Benjamin Clark, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1808) *
In
the Name of God amen I Joshua Alden of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
being avanced in Years & suffering under some Indisposition of Body, but
through the Blessing of God being of sound Mind & Memory do this thirtieth
day of May in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & eight, make
& ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner & form Following –
that is to say —
I
give & bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Mary the use & Improvement of
one half of my Dwelling house & one half of the House Lot containing about
forty acres in the whole being all the Land on the northerly side of the Road
for & during her natural Life, and I do also give her the use &
Improvement of one half of all the other Buildings & Privileges on said Lot
& any way appertaining to the same during her natural Life, & also all
the Household Furniture as her own proper Estate forever.
— I
give & devise unto the Children of my Brother Jonathan Alden deceased, all
obligations, Notes & other Evidences of Debt, which I hold against him his
Heirs or Estate & one undivided fifth part of all my Estate not otherwise
herein disposed of, said fifth part to be equally divided between them, to hold
to them their Heirs & assigns forever —
— I
give & devise unto the Children of my Brother Eleazer Alden deceased &
the three Children of Martha Blossom deceased, one undivided fifth part of all
my Estate, not otherwise herein disposed of, equally to be divided between
them, said Blossom’s Children taking together one share only, to have & to
hold to them their Heirs & assigns forever —
— I
give & devise unto my Brother David Alden his Heirs & assigns one
undivided tenth part of all my Estate, not otherwise herein disposed of, &
one third part of my wearing apparel, & one third part of my Books, &
unto his Son Isaac Alden I give & forgive all the Notes of hand or other
demands for Money, which I hold against him. —
— I
give & devise unto my Brother Ezra Alden his Heirs & Assigns forever,
one undivided fifth part of all my Estate not otherwise herein disposed of,
& one third part of my wearing apparel & of my Books & also a
certain Note of hand, which I hold against him amounting to about two hundred
& eighty three Dollars —
— I
give & devise unto my Brother Timothy Alden his Heirs and Assigns forever,
all the Notes of hand I hold against him, & his Sons or either of them, one
third part of all my books & of my wearing Apparel, and also, one undivided
fifth part of all my Estate not otherwise herein disposed of —
— I
give & devise unto the South precinct of Bridgwater one undivided tenth
part of my Estate not otherwise herein disposed of to be appropriated used
& applied in the following Manner, to wit, one hundred Dollars thereof to
the exclusive use & benefit of the Church, over which the Revd.
Mr Sanger is now Pastor, & to be under the sole direction &
Controul of the Church, two hundred Dollars thereof to the exclusive use &
benefit of Church Singing or Psalmody to be directed & managed for that
purpose only in such Manner as the parish or Precinct may from time to time
order; & the remainder & residue thereof to be placed & deposited
in the Funds & Treasury of said Precinct for the support & Maintenance
of the Gospel Ministry to be used & appropriated in the same Manner as the
present Fund of said precinct —
And
I do now constitute ordain & appoint my said Wife Mary & Mr
Solomon Hayward to be Executors of this my last Will & Testament. In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day and year first
above written. —
signed sealed published &
declared by the
Testator as his last Will &
Testament in
the presence of us who in his
presence
& in the presence of each other
hereto set Joshua Alden (seal)
our Names as Witnesses at his
request –
Silvanus
Lazell
Jno.
Marston Goodwin
Nahum
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 4 April
1809 by Solomon Hayward, one of the Executors therein named, Mary Alden, the
other having refused said Trust, and proved by Jno Marston Goodwin
and Nahum Mitchell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Solomon Hayward, the before named Executor.
Samuel Shaw Esqr.,
Nathaniel Pratt and Benjamin Pope, Gentlemen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed
to appraise the Estate of Joshua Alden, late of Bridgwater, Gentleman, on 4
Apr. 1809. The Inventory of the Estate of Joshua Alden, late of Bridgwater, not
dated, totaled $6996.18, including his homestead in Bridgwater containing about
41 acres of land valued at $1551, a lower lot containing about 54 acres valued
at $1710, and several other parcels of land, plus notes and securities that
were given away in the will valued at $891.71. The appraisers gave their oath
to the inventory on 24 Apr. 1809, and Solomon Hayward, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 1 May 1809.
Samuel Shaw Esqr.,
Nathaniel Pratt, Gentleman, and Benjamin Pope, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater,
were appointed to set off one third part of the real estate of Joshua Alden,
late of Bridgwater, Gentleman, deceased, unto this Widow Mary Alden as her
Dower in said real estate, on 1 May 1809. The division, dated 28 June 1809, was
approved on 3 July 1809.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
458-463, from FHL microfilm #0550902, and Vol. 43, p. 5-6.
Will and Codicil of Judah Alden, Esq., of Duxbury,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
In the name of God, Amen, I, Judah Alden of Duxbury in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, do make, ordain, and declare this to be
my last Will and Testament – first in consideration of the help and attention
that I have received from my daughter Lucia S Smith, and her husband Silvanus
Smith, provided all accounts and demands between us at the time of my death
shall be cancelled, I then give to her the said Lucia S. Smith, the following
Real Estate, except what shall hereafter be excepted, namely, beginning at the
south east corner of my house lot adjoining Benjamin Smith’s Land – thence
running round by the South and West side of a road to James T. Ford and Co.
land thence an eastly, northerly, and westerly course, by said Ford’s Juddediah
Southworths land, to said Ford’s land – thence by Ford’s, David Cushman’s land
a northerly course to the south side of a road – thence an easterly course till
it comes opposite the south easterly corner of Cyrus Churchills house lot –
thence a south course to a road that runs through my farm – thence a Westerly
course by the north side of said road, till it comes five rods west of a bridge
– thence across the road, a southerly course to a corner, a little above the
head of a ditch to Benjamin’s son land thence round a West and Southerly course
by said Smith’s Land to the bounds first mentioned, with all the buildings
thereon. Except I give to my daughter Mary Ann, the use of the north chamber
with all the furniture therein, with such other privileges about the house as
may be necessary – with fireing, to be found her by S Smith and Wife. I also
give to Silvanus Smith and Lucia his wife a wood lot that I bought of Thomas
Oldham that joins land of the heirs of Ezra Wilmot & others – also a piece
of Salt-Meadow that lays above the head of Indian Creek to the westward of a
small creek, that runs into Indian creek, from the most easterly bend of said
small creek, a northerly course to east way to the south side of Mill river,
about two or three rods east of Long Island.
It is also my Will, that my son John occupy my Store as long
as he chooses.
After my
debts are paid, it is then my Will, that whatever of my, Real or Personal
Estate may remain, may be divided, as follows That my son John have one share –
that my eldest son Brigg’s children, all together have one share, and that they
take in their share, a five acre lot of Salt Meadow that lies nigh Rouse’s
hummuck namely, William, Lydia, Judah Samuel, Amherst, that my daughter Welthea
James, wife of William James, my Grand daughter Mercy A. Welsh wife of Robert
W. Welsh, have one share between them – that my daughter Mary Ann have two
shares, and my son Samuel one share to be divided among them in such way and
manner, as they can agree on, so as to accommodate them in the best way.
And I do appoint Silvanus Smith my Executor. In witness of
all and each of the things herein contained – I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal the sixth day of Decr. in the year of our Lord, one thousand
eight hundred and forty three.
Judah Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed, and declared by the above named Judah Alden,
to be his last Will and Testament, in presence of us, who in presence of the
testator, and of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names ass Witnesses.
John
Porter
Benjn.
Smith, Jr.
Sarah
L. Smith
I Judah Alden of Duxbury, in the State of Massachusetts Esqr,
do make, ordain and declare this Instrument to be a Codicil to my last Will and
Testament – First, instead of my son John, having one share of what may be left
of my Estate, after my debts are paid, I now give one half of that share to my
late son Briggs children, as described in my Will – and I now give to him my
son John, the house he now lives in with all the buildings attached to it –
also the land, beginning two rods east of the south east corner of the north
pasture, by land that I have given to my daughter Lucia S. Smith, thence a
Southerly course to the North end of a pond – thence on a ridge that runs to
the south end of the pond, a southerly course to a swamp where, not may years
ago stood a pole fence – thence by, where said fence stood, to land now
occupied, owned by Samuel A. Frazer – thence a Westerly course by said Frazer’s
land and Benjamin Smith’s ‘sland to Lucia S. Smith’s land, and round a North
and East course by her land, the first mentioned bounds.
Secondly – I now take from May Ann one half of one share that
I gave her in my Will – and give to my daughter Lucia Smith, for her to take in
household furniture, or any other moveable, as she may choose In witness of all
and each of the things herein contained – I have hereunto set my hand and Seal
this twenty first day of December, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and
forty four.
Judah Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed, and declared by the above named Judah Alden, to
be a Codicil to his last Will and Testament, in presence of us, who in the
presence of the testators, and of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
as Witnesses.
John
Porter
Benjn
Smith, Jr.
Samuel
Stetson
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Apr. 1845 by
Silvanus Smith, the Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Smith
Junior, one of the Witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Silvanus
Smith, the Executor therein named.
Silvanus Smith, of Duxbury, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the Estate of Judah Alden, late of Duxbury, Esquire, on 14 Apr. 1845, with
Benjamin Alden and Joseph F. Wadsworth, both of Duxbury, as sureties.
Benjamin Alden, Joseph F. Wadsworth, and Nathaniel Ford, all
of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of Judah Alden, late of
Duxbury, on 14 Apr. 1845.
The Inventory of the Estate of Judah Alden, late of Duxbury,
was appraised on 15 May 1845, his real estate valued at $9206.99, including his
homestead, dwelling house, store, two barns, out buildings, 30 acres of pasture
land, 10 acres of salt marsh, & 17 acres of wood land given to Sylvanus
Smith valued at $2744, and his old house, 2 barns, out building and 20 acres of
land given to John Alden 2d valued at $1633, and his personal estate
valued at $1027.21. Silvanus Smith, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on the third Monday of May 1845.
Benjamin Alden, Nathaniel Ford and Barker Hunt, all of
Duxbury, were appointed to divide the undivided real estate of Judah Alden,
late of Duxbury, Esquire, to the following heirs: One twelfth part to John
Alden 2d, one fourth part to the heirs of Briggs Alden decease, namely William
Lydia, Judah, Samuel, Amherst, one twelfth part to Silvanus Smith of Scituate,
one sixth part to Samuel Alden of Bridgewater, one fourth part to Mary Ann
Alden, and one twelfth part to Marcia A. Welch, wife of Robert Welch on 19 Jan.
1846. The division was dated 2 Feb. 1846, and approved on 8 June 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 87, pp. 111-114, 176, from FHL microfilm #0555638, Vol. 2H, p. 30,
and Vol. 89, p. 244-249.
Will of Mary Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the Name of God amen I Mary Alden of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Widow being in good Health & perfect Memory do this
sixth day of February Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred & ten make
this my last will & Testament in manner following that is to say –
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my Son Seth Alden the sum of Five Dollars to be paid in
one Year from my decease —
Item
I give to my Grandson William Snell Alden all the Residue of my Estate Real
& personal wherever the same may be found ~~
And
lastly I do constitute & ordain William Snell of Bridgwater aforesaid
yeoman sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament
In
Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year above
written ~
signed sealed published pronounced
& declared by the said Mary to be her last
will & Testament in the
presence of us who hereunto set our Names as Witnesses to the same.
Cyrus
Alden Mary Alden (seal)
Hephzibah
Alger
Abiezer
Alger
Presented for probate on 6 Jan.
1812 by William Snell, the Executor therein named, and proved by Abiezer Alger
and Hephzibah Alger, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to William Snell, the before name Executor.
Nathan Mitchell and Samuel Shaw Esqrs.,
and Elias Dunbar, Gentleman, all of Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Mary Alden, late of Bridgewater, on 6 Jan. 1812. The Inventory, dated
21 Jan. 1812, totaled $734.63, no real estate, but sundry notes from various
people totaling $173.65. An additional $257.25 was added to the inventory by
William Snell, the Executor, who gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Aug. 1812.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, pp.
74-75, 282-283, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Mary Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
I
Mary Alden of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Single woman, being well in body & of a sound &
disposing mind & memory, do make, publish & declare this as & for
my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made,
And
my Will is first, That after my
decease my body shall be decently buried, & that my funeral charges &
all my just debts shall be paid by my Executor herein-after named.
2d.
In consideration of the services I have rendered my niece Sarah A Sampson, I do
not give her any thing.
3d.
In consideration of the kind services & care which I have received from
Joseph F. Wadsworth, I do give & devise to him & his heirs, all the
property which I may leave at my decease (excepting to pay my debts &
funeral charges) both real & personal, of every name & nature.
Lastly,
I do nominate & appoint Joseph F Wadsworth to be the sole Executor of this
my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I the said Mary Alden have to this my last Will &
Testament subscribed my name & affixed Seal, this fourteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & forty-five.
her
Mary X Alden (seal)
cross
Signed,
sealed & declared by the said Mary Alden, to be her last Will &
Testament in presence of us, who at her request & in her presence, have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Isaac
Torrey
George
H. Torrey
Ann
M. Reed
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1849 by
Joseph F. Wadsworth, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Torrey and
George H. Torrey, two of the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph F. Wadsworth, the Executor therein
named.
Joseph F. Wadsworth, of Duxbury, was appointed as Executor of
the last Will and Testament of Mary Alden, late of Duxbury, singlewoman, on 3
Dec. 1849, with Jenkins Lane, of Abington, and Isaac Torrey, of Duxbury, as
sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 91, p. 611-613, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 1G, p. 510.
Will of Mercy Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In
the Name of God amen I Mercy Alden of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth, being
of good Health of Body & of sound disposing Mind & Memory, thanks be
given to God for the same, knowing the Certainty of Death & the uncertainty
of the time thereof, do therefore this first day of January in the Year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & five make & ordain this my last will
& Testament that is to say –
First I give & bequeath to the
Children of my Daughter Deborah one Dollar to be equally divided between them —
Also
I give & bequeath unto my Son Judah Alden One Dollar –
Also
I give & bequeath to my Son Nathaniel one Dollar —
Also
I give & bequeath to Beza Hayward Son of my Daughter Abigail deceased one
Dollar –
Also
I give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Deborah Alden Belknap one good Feather
Bed & Bedstead with sufficient Cloathing for the same –
Lastly
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Edith two Cows & six Sheep, I also
give her all my wearing Apparel my Gold Necklace, Gold Sleeve Buttons, Also I
give her the said Edith all my Household Furniture, Household Goods &
Household Stuff & Plate with all the Residue & Remainder of my Estate
of what name or nature soever & wherever it may be found, she paying all my
just debts all the above Legaises & funeral charges & the Expence of
settling my Estate. & I do constitute & appoint my said Son Judah
Executor to this my last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I the said Mercy
Alden have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & year above written –
Signed sealed & delivered by
the said
Mercy Alden & declared to be
her last
Will and Testament, in the presence
of
us, who in presence of her & in
pres-
ence of each other have subscribed
our Mercy Alden (seal)
Names as witnesses to the same –
James
Southworth
Benjamin
Alden
Jedidiah
Southworth
Presented for probate on 24 June
1812 by Judah Alden Esqr, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Benjamin Alden and Jedidiah Southworth, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Judah Alden, the before
named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p.
224-225, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Nathan Alden, Esq. of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
In
the name of God, Amen! I Nathan Alden of East-Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth, Esquire – being of sound and disposing mind and memory – blessed be
Almighty God for the same, but having now arrived at extreme old age do make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in the manner which follows. Viz: –
First. – To my daughter Lydia Keith
I give two hundred Dollars together with one half of my Household furniture and
one fifth part of my Library.~
Second. – To my daughter Sarah
Tolman I give one half of my furniture – and one fifth part of my Library.
Third. – To my Grand daughter Mary
A. Tolman I give the sum of twenty five Dollars.
Fourth – To my sons Isaac Alden and
Lucius Alden I give the sum of Eight hundred & fifty Dollars, each – upon
the condition that they severally relinquish all claim upon my Estate by reason
of a Note which each of them holds against me for that sum and dated in April–
1827.~
Fifth – To my Son Lucius Alden I
give the sum of seven hundred & forty seven Dollars– which he is to hold as
Trustee for the following purposes, viz: five hundred Dollars of which he is to
hold in trust for the benefit of my Son Marcus Alden and his wife –, the
remainder he is to hold in trust for the benefit of my daughter Sarah Tolman
and her children. He my said Trustee to pay the same in such sums & at such
times as he may think best.– The payment of the first mentioned sum to my son
Marcus Alden and Wife – to be made upon the condition that a certain Note he
holds against me for the sum of two hundred & fifty Dollars – and under
date of April– 1827– be given up.
Sixth– To the Treasurer of the
Baptist Missionary Society I give the sum of three hundred and thirty three
Dollars and thirty three cents. On condition that my Estate be indemnified from
the Effect of a Bond given by me to said Society or the Treasurer thereof. –
Seventh. After the payment of
Legacies above given, debts and Charges; My Will is that the residue of my
estate be divided into three equal parts– and that my son Isaac retain one
part–; that my Son Lucius receive one part,– and that such creditors of my son
Marcus, who were such when he left this State and who will comply with the
following conditions – shall receive a pro-rata proportion of the remaining
third part thereof – and that there may be no doubt & uncertainty in the
premises I hereby appoint Jared Whitman of Abington, a Commissioner– who shall
be authorized after suitable notice of the time and place of meeting – to
receive & examine all such claims upon said Marcus as stated above– and he
shall report to my Executor such list as he shall approve & allow – On
which said list of claims my Executor shall pay such per centage as said fund
may enable him to pay.~
In
case said commissioner shall decline the service hereby imposed on him – or
shall in any way become unable to perform that service – then my will is that
the Judge of Probate shall appoint a suitable person to perform that service –
who shall in all respects perform it as above directed. The above on condition
that each person who receives a dividend shall discharge his debt;– And I
hereby appoint my Son Isaac Alden to be the Sole Executor of this my last Will
and Testament – And I hereby authorize him to make sale of all such Estate as
is not specifically given away in this my Will, and to convert the same into
money in such way as he may judge best for all concerned, and my said Executor
is to pay out all legacies in one year from the Probate of this my Will, in
case the Same shall be called for in that time. – And I hereby revoke all
former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Eighteenth day of
December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Signed, Sealed, published and declared
by the above named Nathan Alden to
be
his last Will & Testament in
the presence Nathan Alden (seal)
of us, who at his request and in
his presence
have hereunto Subscribed our names
as
Witnesses. –
Jared Whitman
Parlee Keith
Nathan Whitman
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1843 by Isaac Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Jared Whitman, Parlee Keith and Nathan Whitman, the Witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Isaac Alden, the Executor.
Isaac Alden, of East Bridgewater,
was granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Nathan Alden, late of East
Bridgewater, Esquire, on 16 Jan. 1843, with Jared Whitman and Nathan Whitman as
sureties.
Nathan Whitman, Parlee Keith and
Galen Willis, all of East Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Nathan Alden Esq., late of East Bridgewater, on 17 Nov. 1842.
Bond of Lucius Alden, of Abington,
as Trustee, with Israel Alden and Henry Alden, both of East Bridgewater, as
sureties, on behalf of Marcus Alden and his wife and Sarah Tolman.
The Inventory of the Personal
Estate of Nathan Alden, late of East Bridgewater, Esquire, dated 30 Nov. 1842,
totaled $194.12. Isaac Alden, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
the first Tuesday of Apr. 1843.
Jared Whitman of Abington was
granted Administration with the Will annexed of the remainder of the estate of
Nathan Alden, late of East Bridgewater, Esquire, on 11 Jan. 1844, Isaac Alden,
the Executor in said Will named having since deceased, and left said Will in
part unexecuted, with Lucius Alden and Henry Alden, of East Bridgewater, as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, pp.
37-40, 196-198, 214, from FHL microfilm #0555268, Vol. 1G, p. 228, and Vol.
10A, p. 534.
Will of Oliver Alden
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1824) *
Be it remembered that I Oliver Alden of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being
of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following
—
First I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be
paid and discharged by my Executors herein after named —
Second, I give and bequeath to my daughter Experience Pratt
wife of Silvanus Pratt, one equal half of all my household furniture (excepting
my clock) and also three hundred dollars in current money to be paid her by my
Executor.
Third I also give and bequeath to my only son Caleb Alden
all my real and personal Estate of every name and nature whatsoever excepting
what I have given my daughter as above, and I do hereby constitute and appoint
my son Caleb Alden sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of March Anno
Dom. Eighteen hundred & twenty four.
Signed seald & declared by the within named
Oliver Alden as his last Will & Testament in presence
of us Witnesses — Abram Washburn 2d. Oliver Alden (seal)
John
Washburn
Daniel
Mitchell
Probated on 4 Oct. 1825, and proved by Abram Washburn 2d
& Daniel Mitchell, Esq., two of the witnesses.
Capt. Joseph Alden, Thomas Alden, & Caleb Keith, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ruth Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1871) *
Know all men by these Presents that I, Ruth Alden of Duxbury
in the County of Plymouth, being feeble in body, but of sound mind do make this
my last Will and Testament.
First. I direct that my funeral charges, and all other just
debts be paid as soon as may be convenient.
Second. I give and bequeath to my brother James Alden all the
residue of my property, whether real personal or mixed, and requesting him to
make such disposition of sundry articles of personal property, as I may direct,
either verbally or in writing.
Third. I appoint Dr James Wilde of Duxbury, Executor of this
my last will & testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have here-unto set my hand & seal, and publish &
declare this to be my last will & testament in the presence of the
witnesses named below, this fourth day of March, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and seventy one.
Ruth Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Ruth
Alden, as & for her last will & testament, in the presence of us, who
in her presence, & in presence of each other, and at her request, have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
James
Wilde.
James
Alden Jr.
Georgianna
Bickford.
James Wilde, of Duxbury, was granted letters testamentary of
the estate of Ruth Alden, late of Duxbury, on 22 May 1871, with Wm H. Myrick,
of Kingston, and James Laurence Wilde, of Duxbury, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p. 190, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 124, p. 282.
Will of Sally H. Alden, of Bridgewater,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
Be
it rembered that I Sally H. Alden of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth
widow considering the uncertainty of life and being of sound and perfect mind
and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament as follows
First, I give and bequeath to my
grand daughter Sarah A. Dunbar my two shares in the stock of the wareham Bank
to be held in trust for her untill she comes of lawful age by Solomon Alden Jr.
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my Grandsons Amasa A. Dunbar Darius H.
Dunbar and Eliab F. Dunbar Twenty five dollars Ea to be held in trust for them
untill they severaly come of lawful age by the aforesaid Solomon Alden Jr
Thirdly, after paying my debts I
give the remainder of my property to my two daughters Abigail T. Leach and
Sarah M Dunbar to be equally divided between them
and lastly I do appoint Solomon Alden Jr the sole Executor of this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Sally H. Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named Sally H. Alden
to be her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at her request and
in her presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same
Solomon
Alden Jr
Andrew
L. Alden
Sally
S. Alden
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Aug. 1845 by Solomon Alden Jr. the Executor therein named, and
proved by Solomon Alden Junr. and Andrew L. Alden, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Solomon
Alden Junr, the Executor therein named.
Solomon Alden Jr. of Bridgewater
was granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Sally H. Alden, late of
Bridgewater, widow, on 5 Aug. 1845, with Andrew L. Alden and Joseph Jackson,
both of Middleborough, as sureties.
Andrew L. Alden of Middleborough,
Lewis T. Alden and Azel A. Shaw, of Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Sally H. Alden, late of Bridgewater, on 5 Aug. 1845.
The Inventory of the Estate of Sally H. Alden, late of
Bridgewater, dated 3 Oct. 1845, totaled $420.48, including her two shares in
the Wareham Bank valued at $200, and notes of hand amounting to $189.46, but no
real estate. Solomon Alden Junior, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1845.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 87, pp. 374-376, 423-424, from FHL microfilm #0555637, and Vol.
2H, p. 45.
Will of Samuel Alden of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
In the name of God Amen—upon the tenth day of November in the
year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy nine I Samuel Alden of
Duxborough in the county of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England Gentleman upon Good and Serious considerations and Labouring
under the infirmities of old age but of perfect mind and memory thanks be Given
unto God for the same and therefore calling unto mind the morality of my body
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye do make and ordain
this to be my Last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of
all, I Give and Recommend my soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my
body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent and Christian manner at
the discretion of my Executor herein after named, nothing doubting but at the
Great and General Resurrection, I shall Recieve the same again by the almighty
power of God, and as touching such worldly Goods and temporal Estate, that God
has been pleased to bless me in this Life with, I do Give and dispose thereof
in the manner and form following
Imprimis—my will is that all my Just debts and funeral
Charges and Rates or taxations be defrayed and paid out of my Live Stock –
Item—I Give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Frazier the
wife of Thomas Frazier the sum of Fifty Dollars Lawful money as the money now
stands, together with what she has already Recieved, to her, her heirs, and
assigns forever
Item—I do Give and bequeath unto my two daughters that is
Sarah Bradford the wife of Gamaliel Bradford and Alathea Loring the wife of
William Loring the sum of Forty Dollars a piece as the money now stands
together with what they have already Recieved, to them their heirs and assigns
forever
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my Grand Children, the
Children of my daughter Alice Seabury deceased, the sum of Forty Dollars Lawful
money, as money now stands together with what their mother Alice Seabury in her
Life time Recieved, to them their heirs and assigns forever to be equally alike
divided between them all
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Winter
the sum of Forty Dollars as the money now stands in Lawful money, who is the
wife of the Revd. Mr. Francis Winter, together with what
she has already Recieved, to her heirs and assigns forever
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my two Grand Children John
Alden and Rebecca Partridge Alden, the Children of my Son Ichabod Alden
deceased a part of my homestead farm, whereon I now dwell and is thus bounded
vizt–beginning at a Stake and Stones on the South-Easterly Side of
my farm in the Line of Thomas Hunt, then south Eighty two degrees west on a
Straight Line to the south-easterly corner of my damb, thence by the
south-westerly side of the damb to the south-west corner of said damb thence
south about fifty three degrees west to a Stake and Stones standing in the Line
of Perez Chandler by a Little white Oak tree marked, and all the Land that I
have Lying on the south,westerly Side of this afore Line with all the fencing
and Orchard thereon together with two acres of my Cedar swamp Lying adjoining
to my said farm, and my said two acres of Cedar swamp is to be Sett off to my
two said Grand Children next adjoining to the pond and so to the upland on the
south-westerly side of sd swamp, and also the one half part of my
Great Lot or piece of Salt meadow commonly called Careswell meadow, and
Likewise one Share of Salt marsh that I have that Lyeth upon common Island,
together with one half my dwelling house, that is the old part of it with the
priviledge of what they want in the Cellar and well with one third part of the
Barn one third part of the Corn house, that is, the southerly part of each of
said Barn and and Corn house with a conveniency of a way to and about the house
as is needful, all which I do Give and bequeath unto my two said Grand Children
John Alden and Rebecca Partridge Alden their heirs and assigns forever but my
will is that if in case that my two said Grand Children should die without
Issue that then all what I have above Given to my two said Grand Children John
Alden and Rebecca Partridge Alden shall Go to and I do Give unto my Son Said
Samuel Alden his heirs and assigns forever
Item—I do Give and bequeath unto my Son Samuel Alden all the
Residue and Remainder of my Real and Personal Estate whatsoever it is and
wheresoever it may be found, that is not before Given away, and my will is that
when the said heirs come to divide the old part of the dwelling house that my
said Son Samuel Alden shall have his first Choice in said division of the house
all Excepting One old Red pot Bellyed Cow which I do Reserve to myself, all
which I do Give and bequeath unto my said Son Samuel Alden his heirs and
assigns forever
Item—I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty and dutiful
Son Samuel Alden, to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament,
and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke, and disanul all and every other and
former wills, testaments Legacies and bequests and Executors by me in any ways
before named, willed and bequested, Ratifying and confirming this and no other,
to be my Last will and testament, In witness whereof I the said Samuel Alden
have hereunto Set to my hand and Seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published, pronounced
and declared by the said Samuel Alden Samuel Alden (seal)
to be his Last will and testament in the
presence of us the Subscribers
Lot Hunt
Ebenezer
Chandler
John
Wadsworth
Note—that before the signing and sealing and delivery of
these presents will my will is that what I have above Given to my two Grand
Children John Alden and Rebecca Partridge Alden my said Grandson John Alden is
to have two thirds of it and my said Grand daughter Rebecca Partridge Alden the
Other third part of the said Legacy, and my will is that my said Son Samuel
Alden shall and is to have all my Cedar Swamp Lying to the South-westerly side
of my farm Excepting the two acres of the Cedar Swamp before Given away to my
two said Grand Children
Presented for probate on 5 March 1781 by Samuel Alden, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Chandler and John Wadsworth, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Samuel Alden, the
before named Executor, with Ebenezer Chandler and John Wadsworth, all of
Duxborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 38-42, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Seth Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1784) *
In the name of God
Amen, I Seth Alden of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts Gentleman being of a sound and disposing mind and memory,
Calling to mind the mortality of my body do make and ordain this my Last will
and testament in manner as followeth
vizt.–my Soul I Give and Recommend into the hands
of almighty God that Gave it and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be
decently Interred at the discretion of my Executor–and having made disposition
of my Real Estate by deeds to my Sons, I now Give and bequeath the Remaining
part of my Estate in the following manner to the end that my Children may Share
equally therein.~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my Son Oliver Alden his
heirs and assigns forever one third part of all my Books, one third part of my
wearing Apparell, one third part of my Pew in the South meeting in Bridgwater
aforesaid, also one feather Bed and furniture, also one half of my houshold
Goods and furniture, (Exclusive of those which my Second wife brought to me)
and as this is more than his Share of my Estate I order and will that he pay to
my Grandson Seth Alden at the age of twenty one years thirteen pounds, six
shillings and Eight pence at the Rate of Indian Corn at three Shillings pr
Bushell.~
Item–I Give to my Son Joseph Alden (whom I hereby Constitute
and appoint Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament) to him and to his
heirs & assigns forever one third part of all my Books, one third part of
my wearing Apparell, one third part of my Pew in the abovesaid meeting house,
and one half of my Houshold Goods and furniture, Excepting as above, those
which my Second wife brought to me, and all my Quick Stock Hay, Corn, provision
of all kinds, my farming tools, all the Remaining part of my Personal Estate
not above disposed of, and as this is more than his equal Share of my Estate, I
order and will that he pay all my just debts and funeral Charges, and that he
deliver to my Grandson Seth Alden at the age of twenty one years (as my Gift to
him) one yearling Heifer –
Item – I give to my Grandson Seth Alden his heirs and assigns
forever, one third part of my Books, one third part of my wearing Apparell, and
one third part part of my Pew in the abovesaid meeting house
Item–I Give to Mary Hayward the daughter of my Second wife,
and to her heirs and assigns all the houshold furniture Remaining at my decease
which my Second wife brought to me, also I Give to her the said Mary all the
wearing Apparell which her mother brought to me—In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal the seventh day of April, Anno Domini one
thousand seven hundred & Eighty four.~
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced and
declared by the said Seth Alden to be his Last Seth Alden (seal)
will & testament in presence of us the Subscribers
Benja.
Willis
Moses
Leonard
Benja.
Willis junr
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1784 by Joseph Alden, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Willis Esqr. and
Moses Leonard, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Joseph Alden, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 203-205, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Solomon Alden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the name of God
amen I Solomon Alden of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth
of Massachusetts yeoman of sound & disposing Mind & Memory but advanced
in Life & apprehensive that I cannot long survive my present bodily
Infirmities do make ordain & establish the following Disposition &
Distribution of such goods & Estate as I may die seized & possessed as
my last Will and Testament – viz —
Imprimis
I order & direct that my Body shall be interred after the Manner of a
Christian Burial at the Discretion of my executor herein after named. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my well beloved Wife all my Household Goods and indoor
moveables to be at her free & absolute Disposal forever —
Item I
give & bequeath to Sarah Shaw Wife of Azel Shaw five hundred Dollars to her
and to her Heirs forever. —
Item I
give & bequeath to Molly Alden the Wife of Elijah Alden five hundred
Dollars to her & her Heirs forever, provided & on the express
Condition, that the said Elijah Alden pays a Note which I now hold against him
for two hundred & twenty two Pounds & eight shillings & the
Interest thereof and not otherwise —
Item I
give & bequeath to Bathaniah White the Wife of Eliphalet White five hundred
Dollars to her & her Heirs forever —
Item I
give & bequeath to Hannah Miller Wife of Seth Miller Junior five hundred
Dollars to her & her Heirs forever. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Amasa Alden all my Stock on the Farm together
with all the Tools, farming & teaming utensils which I own with my sd.
Son Amasa to him & his Heirs & assigns forever —
And my
Will is & direct that the above mentioned Legacises to my Daughters above
named be paid at the End of one year after the Death of myself & my Wife
& the longest liver of us by my Executor herein named —
And as
to all the Residue of Estate of which I may die possessed, It is my Will that
the same be equally divided between my three Sons Solomon, Amasa & Noah,
having already bestowed upon my Son Alexander his just proportion of my Estate.
and it is my Intention that the Note which I this day take of my Son Amasa
sould be paid & distributed as above directed.
And I do
hereby nominate & appoint my Son Amasa Alden the Executor of this my last
will & Testament —
In
Testimony of all which, I do hereto set my hand & seal this twenty seventh
day of November in the year eighteen hundred & thirteen —
N.B.
the Words “her Heirs” & the words “to be paid”
also
the Erasures of the Words “use for ever” in several
places
& of the Words “not otherwise” were made
before
the Execution hereof—
Signed sealed published & declared to be the last
will & Testament of the above named Testator
by the said Testator in presence of us the subscrib-
ers who do hereto subscribe in the presence of the
sd. Testator & in presence of each other—
Wilkes
Wood Solomon Alden (seal)
Jeremiah
Keith
Jeremiah
Keith Junr.
Presented for probate on 7 Feb. 1814 by Amasa Alden, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jeremiah Keith and Jeremiah Keith junr.,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Amasa Alden,
the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p. 231-233, from FHL microfilm
#0550903
Will of Solomon Alden, Esq. of Bridgewater, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
Be it remembered that I Solomon Alden of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esq. being of a sound and
disposing mind and memory, do make, publish, and declare this instrument to be
my last will and testament in manner following, viz:
First. I
give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah H. Lazell, the wife of William Lazell
the sum of thirty dollars to be paid to her by my executors in six months after
my decease.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Mary Alden the daughter of my deceased
daughter Polly, the sum of five hundred dollars to be paid her by my executors
in six months after my decease; also my best bed, bedstead & bedding
sufficient to set up said bed; also one Cow; but if the said Mary should die
leaving no child or children living all that I have given her, which may be in
existence and remain unspent at the time of her death, I bequeath to my heirs a
law at the time of her decease. Third. I give and bequeath to my son Solomon
Alden Jr my clock.
Fourth.
I give and bequeath to my two sons Solomon Alden Jr. & Lewis T. Alden all
my estate and personal property not before disposed of, they paying said
legacies, ands my just debts and funeral charges.
Lastly.
I appoint my said two sons Solomon Alden Jr. and Lewis T. Alden Executors of
this my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth day of June in
the year one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
Solomon Alden (seal)
Signed, sealed
published and declared by the said Solomon Alden to be his last will &
testament in the presence of us, who in his presence, and in the presence of
each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses.
Seth
Miller Jr
Jeremiah
Tucker
Charles
E. Alden
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1852 by
Solomon Alden & Lewis T. Alden, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Seth Miller Jr, one of the witnesses whose names are subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Solomon & Lewis T. Alden, the Executors
therein named.
Solomon Alden and Lewis T. Alden, both of Bridgewater, were
appointed as Executors of the last Will and Testament of Solomon Alden, late of
Bridgewater, on 2 Nov. 1852, with Seth Miller Jr. of Wareham and Zadock
Thompson of Halifax as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 94, p. 458-460, from FHL microfilm #0555641, and Vol. 1G, p. 550.
Will of Hepzibah Alger of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Hepzibah Alger of West Bridgewater
County of Plymouth Widow, being weak of body, but possessing a sound disposing
mind for which I have cause for gratitude, do this twenty ninth day of June
A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty one make and ordain this my last will &
Testament in manner and form as followeth.
First—it is my will that all my just debts that I may owe at
my decease together with my funeral charges should be paid by my executor
hereafter named
I do give and bequeath unto my son Cyrus, all my Library with
all the old Books which formerly were the property of Sheperd Fisk also one
silver spoon that was my mothers —
I do give and bequeath unto my son Abiezer all the wearing
apparel that was his honoured Fathers and the silver watch formerly belonging
to his Father Also one pewter platter marked with his initials —
I do give and bequeath unto my two daughters, Olive Reed wife
of John Reed Esqr. & Hepzibah all the rest and residue of my
property of whatever name or nature not heretofore particularly disposed of to
be equally divided between them.
And I do appoint my eldest son Cyrus sole executor of this my
last will & Testament revoking all former wills by me made & in
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this day first above
written
Hepzibah Alger (seal)
Signed, sealed, published & pronounced by the testator to
be her last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who at her request
& in her presence, & in the presence of each other have subscribed our
names as Witnesses Spencer Lothrop
Samuel
Tisdale jr
James
Alger
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of October 1841 by
Cyrus Alger, the Executor therein named, and proved by Spencer Lothrop, one of
the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 417-418, from FHL microfilm
#0555267.
Will of Nathan Alger
of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen, I Nathan Alger of West Bridgewater County of Plymouth,
being weak and feeble in body, but possessing a sound disposing mind do this
fourth day of June A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty two make and ordain this my
last Will & Testament in form and manner as follows viz:
It
is my Will that all my just debts, funeral charges &c. should be paid out
of my estate by my Executor hereafter named.
I
do give & bequeath unto my three sons, Viz: Edmund, Simeon & Isaac all
my Real Estate to be equally divided between them by their fulfilling the
duties & obligations hereafter enjoined on them.
I
do give and bequeath unto my five daughters, viz: Rhoda, Bathsheba, Polly, Ruth
and Abigail in equal shares all my household furniture of every description and
should any or all of them marry then they shall receive two hundred & fifty
dollars a piece to be paid by my three sons in equal shares on the day of their
marriage. It is also my Will that my five daughters viz: Rhoda, Bathsheba,
Polly, Ruth and Abigail while remaining unmarried shall have a home &
comfortable and decent support from my estate given to my three sons and that
the three youngest, Viz: Polly, Ruth & Abigail shall have opportunity and
means to get a good education, and should any of my daughters who should remain
unmarried after arriving at mature age become dissatisfied with the provision
or usage received; they shall receive an equivalent in money to make them a
home where they please and I do give & bequeath unto my three sons Edmond,
Simeon & Isaac in equal shares after my estate shall be settled, all my
just debts & legacies paid & all the obligations above named fulfilled
all the rest & residue of my property not otherwise particularly disposed
of
I
appoint Samuel Dunbar Esq. my sole Executor to this my last Will &
Testament revoking all former Wills by me made.
Nathan Alger (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published &
pronounced to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who by his
request & in his presence & in the presence of each other have
subscribed our names as witnesses
Daniel
Dunbar
Barnabas
Dunbar
Presented for probate on 3 July
1832 by Samuel Dunbar Esq., the Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel
Dunbar and David Alger, two of the witnesses.
Samuel Dunbar, the Executor named
in the last Will & Testament of Nathan Alger, who last dwelt in
Jesse Perkins, of North
Bridgewater, Esquire, was granted administration with will annexed of the
estate of Nathan Alger, late of
Samuel Dunbar, Daniel Dunbar and
Spencer Lothrop, all of West Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Nathan Alger, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ezra Allen
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1795) *
In the name of God Amen – I Ezra Allen of Bridgwater in the County of
Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of sound mind &
memory, but considering the uncertainty of human life, do make and publish this
my last will & testament
First – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife one third part of my
Personal estate exclusive of my farming utensills, also the improvement of one
third part of my homestead Lands, one half the dwelling house & other
buildings & one half of the house lot hereafter to be described (she
letting my daughters Phebe & Alice live in said house so long as they shall
remain unmarried) during the term she remains my widow, also one third of the
Pew in the new meeting house
2ly– I Give unto my Son
Asahel the other half of my buildings, the other half of the house Lot said Lot
being bounded as follows, beginning at Simeon Allen’s corner by the road,
thence in said Allen’s range twelve rods to a stake thence northerly to the road
such a course as to run one rod westerly from the barn thence by the road
southeasterly to the first bounds, also all my farming utensills for which he
is to provide sufficient wood ready prepared for the fire, delivered at said
house for the use of his mother so long as she remains my widow
3ly– I Give to my
Daughter Molly, wife to William Brett four Dollars, which sum, with what she
has already recieved, I consider as her full proportion of my Estate
4ly– I Give to my two Daughters Phebe & Alice each of
them one Hundred Dollars, and one tenth part of my Personal Estate after their
mothers share is Set off and my Just debts and funeral charges are paid, one
half the money to be paid within one year, the other within two years after my
decease
5ly– I Give unto my eight Sons – Zenas, Ezra, Asahel, Samuel,
Bezaleel, Waldo, Ethan & Ambrose, all my real estate not otherwise disposed
of, and the remainder of my Personal Estate not otherwise disposed of, after my
just debts & funeral charges are paid, and it is my will that the abovesaid
Legacies should be paid in equal proportion by my eight sons, & if any of
them should be minors at the time the abovesaid legacies are to be paid, that
their proportion be paid out of their Personal Estate, but if there is a
deficiency in said estate then so much of their real estate, and in such form
as shall be least injurious to them shall be Sett off by three disinterested
and judicious freeholders, under their hands & upon their Oaths to the
Executor of this my last will, as shall be by them judged sufficient for the
payment of said legacies and the said Executor to pay said Legacies
I also give to my Sons Ethan & Ambrose, the reversion of their
mothers right in the buildings & house Lot the giving their Sisters Phebe
& Alice a right to live in the house so long as they shall remain unmarried
Lastly I hereby appoint my Son Asahel Executor to this my Last will
& testament, also Guardian for the minors, if any there be, untill such
time as they shall make choice for themselves, and I hereby revoke all former
wills by me made — In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal,
this eleventh day of April anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred & ninety
five
Signed, Sealed, Published &
declared
by the said Ezra Allen to be his
Last Ezra Allen (seal)
will & testament in presence of
us
Nathan
Alden junr
Simeon
Allen
Samuel
Reed Brown
Presented for probate on 1 June
1795 by Asahel Allen, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Alden
junr and Simeon Allen, two of the witnesses.
John Whitman & Nathan Alden junr, Gentlemen,
& Simeon Allen, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Ezra Allen, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 1 June 1795. The Inventory
of the Estate of Ezra Allen, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, dated 4 Sept. 1795,
totaled $3797.37.09, including $312.50 in livestock, and lands, buildings &
a Pew valued at $3097.34. Asahel Allen, the Executor to the Will of Ezra Allen,
gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Sept. 1795.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Mathew Allen of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the Name of God Amen — the twenty fifth of August one
thousand seven Hundred and Eighty six–I Mathew Allen of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentm. being
in perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God therefor, Calling to mind the
mortality of my body Do make and ordain this my Last will and testament–and
first of all I Give my Soul into the hands of God who Gave it, my body to the
Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors
& as touching such worldly Estate as God hath blessed me with I Give and
dispose thereof in the following manner. ~
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to Sarah my well beloved wife
the one third part of the improvement of my Real Estate — together with one
third part of my Personal Estate, if any there be after my just debts and
funeral Charges are paid ~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Ezra & Simeon
to them their Heirs and assigns all my Lands for them to divide equally between
them as to Quantity and Quality – my Dwelling House, Barn and Corn House I Give
to Simeon; I also Give to my two Sons all my wearing apparell they paying to my
Daughter Sarah the Sum of Sixty pounds that is to say thirty pounds each of
them one half of which to be paid in one year after my decease, the other half
to be paid in two years after my decease—I also Give to my Son Simeon all my
farming utensills, obliging him to allow his Sister Sarah a privilege to Live
in his House so Long as she Lives unmarried. ~
Item – I Give to my Daughter Sarah the Sixty pounds above
mentioned to be paid her by my two Sons and my will is that after my just Debts
and funeral Charges are paid out of my personal Estate, and my wife has taken
out her thirds, the Remainder not disposed of as above, to be equally divided
between my Daughter Sarah and my two Sons, and my will and meaning is that my
sons above named meddle not with my Personal Estate to pay the above Legacy
untill my Debts are paid and the abovesaid Division made — I Likewise
Constitute and appoint my Son Ezra Allen to be the Sole Executor of this my
Last will and testament hereby Revoking and disannulling all Other wills and
testaments formerly made, Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other to be my
Last will and testament –
In
witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand the day and year above written. ~
Signed, Sealed, published &
pronounced
and declared by the said Mathew
Allen as Mathew Allen (seal)
his Last will & testament in
presence of us
Betty
Allen
Molley
Stetson
Nathan
Alden junr
Presented for probate on 3 Sept.
1787 by Ezra Allen, the Executor therein named, and proved by Molley Stetson
and Nathan Alden junr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Ezra Allen, the before named
Executor.
Elisha Mitchell, Gentm,
Jno. Whitman junr Gentm. & Nathan Alden
junr. Gentm. all of Bridgwater, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Mathew Allen, late of Bridgwater, Gentm, on 3
Sept. 1787. The Inventory of the Estate of Mathew Allen, Gentm.,
late of Bridgwater, totaled £486.8.5, including his lands and buildings valued
at £328.9. Ezra Allen, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Apr.
1788.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp.
198-200, 288-289, from FHL microfilm #0550716.
Will of Seth Allen of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1834) *
I, Seth
Allen of Halifax in the County of Plymouth, Trader, being of a sound disposing
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, hereby
revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made —
After the payment of my just debts & charges I dispose of my Estate as
follows, viz –
First – I give and devise unto my two sons Robert Allen and
Seth Allen the sum of Two hundred dollars a piece.
Second. – I give and devise unto my daughter, Lucy H.
Crocker, the sum of twenty five dollars, which with what I heretofore advanced
to & for her viz before her intermarriage with Mr William H. Crocker will
make two hundred dollars.
Third. – I give and devise unto my five daughters viz Julia
A. Allen, Harriet A. Allen, Cordelia Allen, Mary C. I. Allen & Catharine
Allen the sum of two hundred dollars a piece – which said several legacies or
sums of money I will & order shall be paid by my Executors to the said
respective legatees in one year after my decease.
Fourth. – I give and devise unto my wife Lucy Allen one third
of all my personal property at her own disposal after my just debts &
charges are paid. I also give and devise unto my wife Lucy Allen the
improvement of all my lands and tenements wheresoever situated, also the income
of the residue of my personal Estate after my just debts & legacies are
paid (if any) so long as she remains my widow. And after the marriage or
decease of my wife Lucy, I give & devise all my lands, tenements and personal
property equally between my children their heirs & assigns forever. And the
improvement of the Real & Personal Estate I have given to my wife Lucy
Allen is upon the special trusts following, to wit, that she the said Lucy
shall during the continuance of said Estate make all necessary repairs, pay all
taxes, & other necessary charges and expenses in and about the same – &
shall maintain & support those of my children who have not arrived at the
age of eighteen years at my decease, until they become eighteen years of age
– And I do hereby authorise &
empower my Executors, if they shall judge expedient, to sell & convey for
such prices as they shall deem proper & reasonable, all or any part of my
out lands, & the interest & income thereof to pay to my wife Lucy Allen
during the time she shall remain my Widow, & after the decease or marriage
of my wife to pay the principal to my children in equal proportions, to their
respective use forever.
I also
give to my daughters a right to live in my house so long as they remain single
–
And I
hereby constitute & appoint my wife Lucy Allen and Welcome Young Esquire of
East Bridgewater Executrix and Executor of this my last will and Testament.
In
Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty fourth day
of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty four.
Seth Allen (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the said Seth Allen as his last Will and
Testament in our presence who at his request & in his presence have
hereunto set our hands as witnesses.
John
Atwood
William
Tillson
Ephraim
Stetson.
Presented for probate on 3 Nov. 1835, and proved by John
Atwood and William Tillson, two of the subscribing witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Lucy Allen of Halifax, Widow, and Welcome Young
of East Bridgewater, Esquire, the Executors, on 3 Nov. 1835.
The Inventory of the Estate of Seth Allen, late of Halifax,
was appraised on 28 Oct. 1835 by Obadiah Lyon, Cushing Vinal and Robert Inglee,
and totaled $4591.36, including his real estate valued at $2725. Lucy Allen and
Welcome Young, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Dec. 1835.
To the
Hon Wilkes Wood Esqer, Judge of Probate of Wills &c for the
County of Plymouth – This is to signify to your Honor, that I have thought
proper to wave, and I do hereby wave the provisions made for me in the will of
my late husband Seth Allen late of Halifax deceased, and claim my dower of his
estate. I therefore pray that our Honor would order the same to be assigned and
set off to me as the law in such cases directs – and also for personal estate –
Dated
at Halifax the fifth day of July A.D. 1836.
Lucy Allen
William Tillson, Obadiah Lyon, and Cyrus Morton, all of
Halifax, Yeomen, and all Freeholders in said County, were appointed to set off
one third part of all the Real Estate of Seth Allen, late of Halifax,
Gentleman, unto his widow, Lucy Allen as her dower in said real estate on 5
July 1836. The division was dated 24 Aug. 1836, and approved on 1 Nov. 1836.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, pp. 461-4663, 523-524, from FHL
microfilm #0555264, and Vol. 78, pp. 297, 412-413.
Will of Simeon Allen of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the Name of God amen. I Simeon Allen of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, considering the
Uncertainty of human Life & being of sound Mind & Memory do make &
ordain & publish this my last Will and Testament in Manner & form
following – viz –
First I give and bequeath unto my beloved Sister Sarah Allen
the use & Improvement of the Easterly room in my Dwelling house with the
Cellar under the same, one third part of the Kitchen, the porch & Buttery
on the easterly end of the house, a small apartment on the southerly side of
the East Chamber & Easterly bedroom, during the term she remains a single
woman; also what Fire wood is necessary for her use delivered at the door,
during said term, also a right to set in my Pew during her natural Life —
2dly. I give and bequeath to my beloved Son
Alpheus Allen all the residue & remainder of my Estate both real and
personal, And I also appoint him sole Executor to this my last Will &
Testament, provided nevertheless if he has not arrived to the Age of twenty one
years at the time of my decease, then in that case I appoint Nathan Alden junr
to be the sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament, and also to be
Guardian for said Alpheus untill he arrives to the age of twenty one years,
unless he shall choose some other person, & it is my will that he the said
Alpheus shall have learning sufficient, to keep a Grammar School provided his
health and Inclination will permit, & when he has obtained that, if he has
an Inclination to have a College Education if the Guardian with the advice of
Friends, thinks proper In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal this twenty sixth day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred
& four
Signed sealed, published & declared by the Mm.
the word above the upper
above named Simeon Allen to be his Line
was interlined before signing
Last Will and Testament in presence of
us who have hereunto subscribed our
Names as Witnesses in the presence of the Simeon Allen (seal)
Testator
Nathan
Alden junr.
Marcus
Alden
John
Whitten
Presented for probate on 2 Sept. 1805 by Nathan Alden junr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Alden junr. and
Marcus Alden, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Nathan Alden junr., the before named
Executor.
Nahum Mitchell Esqr., James Barrell, Gentleman,
and Bezaleel Allen, Yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Simeon Allen, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 2 Sept. 1805. The
Inventory, dated 11 Sept. 1805, totaled $6922.19, including his real estate,
which totaled $5668. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 27 June
1806, and Nathan Alden Jr, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 4 Aug. 1806.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp. 270-272, 485-487, from FHL
microfilm #0550901.
Will of Susanna Allen
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1739) *
Know all men by these Presents that I Susana Allen of
Imprimis,
I will that all my Just Debts and funerell Expences be paid within Convenient
Time after my Decease.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my Honoured Mother Twenty Pounds in Money to be paid by
my Executor hereafter named.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my Brother Abraham Perkins Twenty Pounds in Money and my
Right in that Part which my Honoured Mother’ hath sett off for her Dower To him
his Heirs and assigns forever
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Sister Sarah Perkins one Callominco Gown, and my
Rideing Hood
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Sister Martha Byram, my Bed and Beading, the Wife of
Joseph Byram whome I appoint Sole Execr. of this my last Will and
Testament.
And my Will is, that when the Sums
above mentioned are paid that, what Remains of my Estate be Equally Divided
among my Brothers and Sisters, Namely David Perkins Jonathan Perkins, Abraham
Perkins, Mary Washburn, Martha Byram Elisabeth Leonard Sarah Perkins, Hereby
Declaring this and no other to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness
hereunto I have Sett my Hand and Seal this eleventh Day of May 1739 in the
Twelfth year of his Majs Reign George the Second &c.
Signd, Seald, Published,
Pronounced
and Declared by the sd
Susanna her
Allen to be her last Will and Susanna ò Allen (seal)
Testament in Preasance of Mark
Samll Edson
Samll Edson 3d
Obed Edson
Proved on 6 Aug. 1739 by Samll
Edson, Samuel Edson 3d and Obed Edson, the witnesses. Administration
granted unto Joseph Byram, the Executor therein named.
Samll. Edson Junr.,
Ebenezer Alden and Samll Edson the third, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Mary Allin of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the Name of God Amen the first Day of Octr. in
the year of our Lord 1751 I Mary Allin of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
in New England widdow woman Labouring under the Infirmities of old age but of
Perfect minde & memory Thanks be Given unto God therefor Calling To mind
the Mortallity of my Bodey and Knowing that it is appointed for Man once To Dye
do make and ordain this my last will & Testament that is To Say principally
and first of all I give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave
it and my Bodey I Commit To the Earth To be Decently Buried at the Descresion
of my Executor hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection
I Shall Receive the Same again by the migty Power of God. And as Touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God To bless me with in this Life I
give & Demise and Dispose of the same in the follows,
I Give to my Two Sons Namely To Nathll. Allin
whome I Likewise Constitute make and ordain my only & Sole Executor of this
my last will & Testament and To William Allin all my Quick Stock as also
all that is Justly Due To Me uppon Bonds notes or any other ways from any
Person or Persons what soever and all my monny To be Equally Devided between
Them they Paying out of the Same the Legases hereafter Mentioned
Item I Give To my Daughter Ester Edson the wife of James
Edson the one half of all my houshold goods Excepting the particulars hereafter
mented. & bequhd.
Item I Give To my Daughter Betty Allen my loome and the
Tackling belongg. to it my warping bars great whale & foot whale
panel & Pilion my Two bigest Iron Pots and Small Iron Kettle frying Pan
warmeing Pan fire Shie & Tongs Trammel box Iron heators bread Tub parchment
Sive my two Smalest Cutter Plates Puter Tankerd & three Puter Plates and
the one half of the Remaining part of my houshold goods
Item I Give To my gran Children namely To Micah Allen Mary
Allin Joseph Allin Daniel Allen Josiah Allen and Nickolus Byram three Shillings
a pece to be Paid them by my Two Sons Nathan & William
And I Do by this My last will and Testament Confirm and
Establish All my former Deeds of Gifts and I Do hereby uterly Disallow Revoke
and disannul all and Every other former Testaments and wills by me before This
Time named Ratifying and Confirming this & no other to be my last Will and
Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day
& year above written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declard. her
by the Said Mary Allin as her Last will and Mary X
Allin
Testament in the Presenc of us the Subscribers mark
Thomas Whitman
Benjamin Whitman
Nathan Whitman
Presented for probate on 2 Apr. 1759 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by Benja. Whitman and Nathan Whitman, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan Allin of
Bridgwater, Husbandman, the Executor, on 2 Apr. 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 267-268, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Joseph Ames of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
Be it remembered
that I Joseph Ames of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth – being weak in
Body, but of sound & perfect Mind & Memory – blessed be almighty God
for the same, do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in manner
following – viz.
First I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Martha Ames my Horse & Chaise
two of my best Cows, one Swine, three ewe Sheep, half the Poultry, & half
the provisions & Stores on hand at my decease; the whole of my Household
Furniture & indoor Moveable & Books – & my best Pew in the Baptist
Meeting house in Middleborough the aforesaid Articles to be wholly at her
disposal I also give unto her the use & Improvement during her natural Life
the whole of my undivided half part of the Dwelling house where I now live
& one third part of the Residue of all my Real Estate of which I may die
seized of —
2dly.
I give & bequeath to my Son Waldo my Desk & best Hat, & the Residue
of my wearing apparel to be equally divided between my four Sons Seth, Joseph,
Waldo & Fisher –
3dly.
I give bequeath & devise to my Children Seth, Joseph, Bethiah Patty, Anne,
Jane, Waldo, Lucy & Fisher their respective Heirs & Assigns forever all
my Real & personal Estate of every description not otherwise disposed of,
to be equally divided between them subject however to the payment of all my
just debts & charges of settling the Estate – and also my Will is that in
Case my Daughter Lucy should be in a single & unmarried State at the
decease of her Mother that shall be intitled to the uninterrupted Improvement
of so much of my half of the Dwelling house during her remaining in a single
& unmarried State, as shall be necessary for her Comfort & Convenience
& sufficient Wood to support one Moderate Fire –
And my
will is that my Daughters Bethiah, Anne, Patty & Jane who are in a married
State, & have had Sums advanced out of my Estate to fix them for
House-keeping that the several Sums so advanced, shall be taken into
consideration in the Division of my Estate as aforesaid & in said Division
considered as so much advanced & paid towards their respective Shares —
And
lastly I do hereby appoint my sons Seth & Joseph to be Executors of this my
last Will & Testament – In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& Seal this seventh day of March in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight
hundred & thirteen —
signed sealed published & declared by the above named
Joseph Ames to be his last Will & Testament in presence
of us who at his request & in his presence have hereunto Joseph Ames (seal)
subscribed our Names as Witnesses to the same.
Nathan
Mitchell
James
Hooper
Noah
Fearing
Presented for probate on 6 April 1813 by Seth Ames and Joseph
Ames, the Executors therein named, and proved by Nathan Mitchell Esqr.
and James Hooper, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Seth Ames and Joseph Ames, the before named
Executors.
Nathan Mitchell Esqr., James Hooper, Gentleman,
and Avery Fobes, Yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Joseph Ames, late of Bridgewater, yeoman, on 6 Apr. 1813. The
Inventory of the Estate of Joseph Ames, late of Bridgwater, dated 26 June 1813,
totaled $4216.32, including his real estate valued at $2930. Seth Ames, the
surviving Executor of the Will of Joseph Ames, deceased, gave his oath to the
inventory on 4 Oct. 1813.
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of Probate
of Wills &c for the County of Plymouth –
We the Subscribers
Heirs at Law of the late Joseph Ames & his Son Capt. Joseph Ames
both of Bridgwater in sd. County of Plymouth decd. Seth
Ames being duly appointed as Executor on his Father Joseph Ames’s & Ezra
Hyde Administrator on Capt. Joseph Ames’s Estate. ~
This is to represent to your Honour, that the two Estates
(after settling with the Widow of the said Capt. Joseph Ames &
obtaining her Acquittance by Deed duly executed) belong to the same Heirs,
& are one & the same property & that the said Seth Ames & Ezra
Hyde as Administrators on sd. Estates have duly adjusted all
Accounts, paid all the Debts & collected all the Dues belonging to the
same, & that the sales made by them of any of the real & personal
Estate for that purpose; meets with our entire approbation – They having
accounted to us for all the Estate, which came into their hands as
Administrators as aforesaid, we do therefore at their request solicit your
Honour, that the said Seth Ames & Ezra Hyde be discharged from any further
Duty as Administrators on the Estate aforesaid, & that the Bonds given by
them in your Office be entirely cancelled & discharged.
Dated at Bridgwater the 5th. day of April ADom. 1816 Joshua Bates
Signed in presence of Bethiah Bates
Nathan Mitchell Geo. W. Perkins
Anne Perkins
Nathl. F. Ames
Ezra Hyde
Martha Hyde
Ephraim Sprage
Waldo Ames
Jane Sprague
Lucy Ames
The Executor and Administrators are hereby acquitted and
discharged 1 Jan. 1817.
Joshua
Thomas
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 516-517, from FHL microfilm
#0550903, Vol. 45, p. 122-123, and Vol. 48, p. 301-302.
Will of Mary Ames of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the Name of GOD Amen. I Mary Ames of Bridgwater in
NewEngland, being weak of body but of Sound mind & Memory, Praysed be God
therefor, & Considering the Unsertanty of my Life do make & Ordain this
my present, last will & Testament in manner & form following, that is
to say principally & first of all I Commet my Soul into the hands of
Almighty God, hoping for the parden & remission of all my sins thro’ the
merritts, death & passion of my Lord & Savour Jesus Christ & to
enhirit Eternall life, and my body I Comit to the Earth to be decently buried
at the discretion of my Execr. herein after named, and as Touching
such Temporall Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I Dispose thereof
In Manner following—
First I will That all my Just debts & funerall charges be
paid & discharged in due & Seasonable time ~
Item I Give unto my two sons Nathl. Raynolds &
Thomas Reynolds all ye money that is due to me, to be Equally
divided between them, and I Give unto them all my right in the mill stones that
are in or upon the land called Millstone plain equally to be divided between
them two ~
Item I Give unto my son David Ames One feather bed &
bolster ~
Item I Give unto my two sons David & James Ames all the
land that I have in the third Lot in the West Shears excepting Sixty acres on
the North part lying next to Jacob Rickard’s land equally to be divided between
them, & I Give unto the said David & James Ames all my land that I have
lying beetween Jonathan Burr’s land & little Crambery Meadow (so called)
equally to be divided between them two
Item I Give unto my Daughter Mary Gurney & the lawfull
begotten Heirs of her body Sixty Acres of land lying in my third lot in the
West shares next to Jacob Rickard’s land, and I Give unto her all my wareing
Apparell linnen & bead cloathing.
Item I Give to my Daughter Betty Ames One Cow & on
Heiffer.
Item I Give to my Grandaughter Mary Reynold’s One large puter
platter & Six pewter plates, & I appoint & Constitute my son
Nathaniel Reynold’s my Sole Execr. of this my Last Will &
Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and seal the 19,th
day of May in the Year of Our Lord God one Thousand seven Hundred & fifty
five
Signed Sealed and declared by the
above named Mary Ames to be her Mary Ames (seal)
Last will & Testament, in the
Presence of us Subscribers
Seth Howard
Jesse Howard
Judah + Tupper
Presented for probate on 10 Oct. 1757 by the Executor within
named, and proved by Seth Howard and Jesse Howard, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Nathl. Reynolds, the Sole
Executor, on 10 Oct. 1757.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 432-433, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Capt. Thomas
Ames of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1737) *
In the Name of God Amen. ye Twenty fifth Day of
January – 1736/7 – I Thomas Ames of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in
the Province of ye Massachusetts-Bay in New-England Gent. Being weak
in Body but of prfect Mind & Memory Thanks be given unto God: Therefore
calling to Mind ye Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to dy do Make & ordain this my last Will &
Testament yt is to say, Principally & first of all I Give &
Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it, & my Body I recommend
to ye Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executrs Nothing doubting but at ye.
General Resurrection I shall recieve the same again by ye mighty
Power of God. And as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God
to bless me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of ye same in
the following Manner & Form – Imprims. I Give & Bequeath to
Mary my dearly beloved Wife, all my Houshold Goods by her to be disposed of as
She shall See Cause And ye Improvemt. of 1/3 Part of my
Dwelling house 1/3 Part of Each of my Barns 1/3
Part of my Homestead & 1/3
Part of my Land lying on ye. Northerly Side of Mile Brook & on
both sides of ye. highway so long as She shall Continue my Widow
Itm I Give to my well beloved Son Thomas Ames the
Easterly moiety or Half Part of my Homestead with the Buildings thereon &
the Southerly Moiety or Half Part of my Land lying at ye head of
John Ames’s Homestead on ye westerly Side of the high way Both which
Pieces of Land shall also one half part of my Land lying at Mile Brook on ye
[can’t read] side of the highway
joyning to John Ames his Land – be Divided according to Quantity & One
quarter of a Certain Purchase Right in ye. Common Undivided Land in
the Eight Mile Grant within the Township of Bridgewater commonly called Ames
Purchase Right And all my Right of Cedar Swamp that lies in the first share in
ye. old Cedar Swamp and one Sixteenth Part of a SawMill standing on
ye. Town River near my Dwelling house and my Shop & Smiths Tools
to him his Heirs & assigns forever – Excepting the Liberty of Improvemt.
I Gave to my Wife as aforesd—
Itm I Give to my well beloved Son Solomon Ames All ye.
Lands I bought of Ephraim Leach With the Buildings thereon & 1/5
Part of a Certain Purchase Right in ye. Common or undivided Land in
the Eight Mile Grant (so called) in the Township of Bridgewater commonly called
Leach’s Purchase Right and ye. Piece of Meadow & Meadowish Land
which I bought of Joseph Lenard & Ephraim Lenard & 1/3
Part of my Right in the 3d. & 4th. Shares in ye
old Cedar Swamp to him his Heirs and assigns forever –
Itm. I Give to my Well beloved Son Joseph Ames all my Right
in a Swamp Lot laid out on Ames’s Purchase Right at Cutting Cove & my Lot
of Meadow lying at Cutting Cover & all my Land joyning to ye. sd.
Lot of Meadow & ye. 24 acres of Land (more or less) Which I
bought of Lieutt. Ephraim Haward & ye Six acres I
laid out adjoyning to it & 1/3. Part of my Right in ye
3d. & 4th Shares in the old Cedar Swamp to him his
Heirs & assigns forever, Only my Sons Thomas & Ebenezer are to Have the
Improvement of Half of ye Meadow for the Term of Twelve Years after
my Decease & no longer—
Itm I Give to my well beloved Son Ebenezer Ames the
Westerly moiety or Half Part of my Homestead with all the Buildings thereon and
the Northerly Moiety of Half Part of my Land lying at the Head of John Ames’s
Homestead on ye. Westerly side of the highway And one half of my
Land lying on the Easterly Side of the high way at Mile Brook joyning to John
Ames’ his Land and 1/3 Part of my Right in ye
3d. & 4th. Shares in the Old Cedar Swamp to him his
Heirs and assigns forever Except the Liberty of Improvement I Give to my Wife
as aforesd—
Itm I Give to my well beloved Son Nathan Ames all my Lands
lying in the East Precinct in the Township of Bridgewater that are already laid
out & ¼ Part of a Certain Purchase Right in the Common or Undivided Lands
in the 8-Mile Grant in the Township of Bridgewater commonly called Ames’s
Purchase Right and Sixty Pounds lawfull money of New England to be paid to him
when he shall be twenty-one Years of age Thirty Pounds thereof by my aforesd.
Son Thomas Ames, Fifteen Pounds by my Son Solomon Ames & the other fifteen
Pounds by my Son Joseph Ames to him his Heirs and assigns forever—
Itm I Give to my Well beloved Daughter Mary Haward
Thirty five Pounds lawfull Money of New England to be paid to her by my Son
Thomas Ames when She shall be one and twenty Years of Age, besides the Sixty
five Pounds She has already recieved—
Itm I Give to my well beloved Daughter Susanna Ames
one hundred Pounds lawfull Money of New-England to be paid to her by my Son
Solomon Ames Fifty Pounds thereof when She shall be Eighteen Years of age and
the other fifty Pounds when She shall be twenty one Years of Age ~~
Itm I Give to my well beloved Daughter Sarah Ames one
hundred Pounds lawfull Money of New-England to be paid to her by my Son Joseph
Ames Fifty Pounds thereof when she shall be Eighteen Years of Age & the
other Fifty Pounds when She shall be twenty one Years of Age—
Itm I Give to my Well beloved Daughter Betty Ames one
hundred Pounds lawfull Money of New England to be paid to her by my Son
Ebenezer Ames Fifty Pounds thereof when She shall be Eighteen Years of Age
& the other Fifty Pounds when She shall be twenty one Years of Age~
And My Will is that my Son Nathan shall live with his Mother
and my Son Ebenezer, till he is twenty one Years of Age – And also that Joshua
Wood shall live with my Son Ebenezer till his time is out & my sd.
Son Ebenezer shall perform ye Conditions in ye. Indenture
to him And my Will is further that all my Husbandry Tools or Implements be
equally divided between my four Eldest Sons Viz. Thomas Solomon Joseph &
Ebenezer—
Itm I Give to my Wife & Son Ebenezer half my Quick
Stock, And the other half of it (after my Debts & Funeral Charges are paid)
to be equally divided between my Sons Thomas Solomon Joseph & Nathan And my
Will is that my Son Thomas shall pay out of his own part Sixty five Pounds
towards Paying of my Debts – And I do hereby Constitute & Appoint my Wife
and my Son Thomas to be Executrix & Executor of this my last Will &
Testament And do utterly Disallow – Revoke & Disanull all & every other
former Testaments Wills & Bequests & Executors by Me before named
Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my last Will &
Testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day
& Year above-written.—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared
by the sd. Thomas Ames as his last Will &
Testamt. Thomas Ames (seal)
In Presence of us the Subscribers –
Ephraim Fobes, Isaac Willis, Nathaniel Willis junr.
Plymo May 2d 1737 –
Ephraim Fobes Isaac Willis & Nathaniel Willis junr. all made
oath that they Saw sd. Thomas Ames Sign & Seal & heard him
Declare ye. Above written to be his last Will & Testament And
that they Set to their Hands as Witnesses in Presence of sd.
Testator And that according to the best of their Judgment he was then of
Disposing Mind & Memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate –
Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary the widow and
Thomas the son of the said deceased on 2 May 1737.
The Inventory of all & Singular of the Goods &
Chattels & Credits of Capt. Thomas Ames, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Ames of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
I the Name of God Amen The Twenty Eighth Day of September in
the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Three I Thomas Ames
of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England Blacksmith being in a weak State of Health but of Sound mind
& Memory Thanks be given to God therefor calling to mind the Mortality of
my Body & knowing that is Apointed for all Men once to die do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament That is to Say Principally & First
of all I give & Recomend my Soul into the Hand of God that gave it hoping
through the Merrits Death & Passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full
& free Pardon of all my Sins & to inherit everlasting Life And my Body
I comit to the Earth to be decently Buried at the discretion of my Executors
hereafter Named nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
receive the Same again by the mighty Power of God. And as Touching such Worldly
Estate wherwith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life I give demise
& dispose of the same in the following Maner & form. –
Imprs. I give into my well beloved Son Thomas Ames
all my Homestead Lands together with the Buildings that are thereon excepting
only the Liberty of my Son John’s working in the Blacksmiths Shop as is herein
after express’d Also I give to my sd. Son Thomas Ten Acres of Land
lying on the west Side of Taunton Road (so called) towards Mile Brook also five
Acres of Land which I Purchased of Thomas Willis 2d. which lies on
the east Side of a way called Aldritche’s Lane Also 3 Acres of Cedar Swamp
which I Purchased of William Washburn lying at Eagle’s Nest (so called) Also
about one Acre of Cedar Swamp which originally belonged to Ames Purchase Right
it lies in the Same Swamp that the aforesd. Three Acres doth &
between Jonathan Ames’s Lot & the aforesd. Eagles Nest – Also
one half Part of a Peice of a Cedar Swamp lying on the West Side of West Meadow
Also one half of Eleven Acres lying in Coweseet Swamp (so called) also one half
of two Acres & an half of Land laid out to my Self in Sd.
Coweseet Swamp & Also a Piece of Land laid out to my Self (in the Swamp
last Mentioned) containing two Acres (more or less) Also all my Right in the
Comon or undivided Lands in the Eight Mile grant (so called) in the Township of
Bridgwater all the Parcels of Land before mentioned lay in Bridgwater aforesd.
& I give them all to my Said Son Thomas & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever Also I give to my Sd. Son Thomas all Husbandry Tools &
Blacksmith Tools & flock Bed with all the Furnature there to belonging
& the uper Part of my desk & a small Trunk my Law Book & one Third
Part of my other Books excepting a Book called Magna Charta Also my Silver
Hilted Sword all my Horse Tackling & Furnature all my Cyder Barrels &
dry Casks one half of my wearing Aparel & one half of largest Brass Kettle
my meal Chest & Cheese Press & my Clock all to be disposed of as he
shall See Cause –
Item I give unto my well beloved Son John Ames all my Lands
at Mile Brook that lay on the easterly Side of Taunton Road (so called) that
are not herein otherwise dispose’d of Also all the Cedar Swamp that was
origanially Ames’s & that lies between Capt Josiah Snells Lot
& Jonathan Ames’s Lot, Also one half of a Peice of Cedar Swamp lying on the
West side of Hemlock Island (so called) Also one half of Eleven Acres lying in
Coweseet Swamp (so called) And one half of a Tow Acres & an half of Land
land laid out to myself (in Sd. Coweeset Swamp) adjoyning his own
Land Also one Sixteenth Part of a Saw Mill called the Town Saw Mill. All these
Parcells of land herein mentioned to be given to my Son John Ames in Bridgwater
& to his Heirs & assigns forever Also I give to my Sd. Son
John one half of my largest Brass Kettle my Brass Hilted Sword a Book called
Magna Charta & one third part of my other Books excepting my Law Book one
half of my wearing Aparel One flock Bed & its furnature all to be at his
dispose. Also the liberty of working his own Stock in my Blacksmiths Shop so
long as he shall bear his Proportionable Part from Time to Time in the
Necessary Reparation’s thereto belonging –
Item I give to my Well beloved Son Sylvanus Ames Eighteen
Shillings to be Paid to him by my Executor hereafter Named in Six Months next
after my decease & the reason that I now give him no more is because I have
heretofore given him what of my estate I determined to give him
Item I give to my well beloved Daughter Mehitable Fobes all
my Indoor Moveables that are not herein otherwise disposed of – Also one Third
part of my Books excepting my Law Book & a Book called Magna Charta And the
Reason I give to my Sd. Daughter Mehitable no more is because I have
heretofore given her a Considerable Portion of my Estate ~
Item I give to my beloved Grand Daughter Susanna Snell a
Feather Bed & the Furnature belonging to it –
Item I give to my two beloved Grand Children namely Barnabas
Snell & Abigail Snell one Dollar Apiece to be Paid to them by my Executors
hereafter named in Six Months next After my Decease –
Item I give to my Two beloved Grandsons namely David Howard
& Amasa Howard one dollar apeice to be paid to them by my Executors
hereafter named in Six Months next after my Deceas –
And I do hereby constitute make & ordain my Two afore
named Sons Thomas & John Executors of this my Last Will & Testament
And further it is my Will that my Just debts be paid & my
Funeral Charges defrayed by my Executors aforenamed & to enable them so to
do I give them all the debts owing to me on Book & Notes of Hand & all
my Quick Stock Also all my Estate not herein Particularly disposed of I give
unto my two Sons namly Thomas & John to be equally divided between them And
I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disannul all and every other &
former Wills Legacies, Bequests & Executors by me in any ways before named
Willed & Bequeathed rattifying & Confirming this & no other to be
my last Will & Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand
& Seal the day & Year first afore written ~
Sign’d Seal’d Published Pronounced & declared by Thomas Ames (seal)
the Sd Thomas Ames as his last Will &
Testament
in Presence of us the Subscribers
Joseph Ames
[the other witnesses’
names cut off]
Presented for probate on 5 Dec. 1774 by Thomas Ames and John
Ames, the Executors therein named, and proved by Joseph Ames and Joseph Ames Jur.,
two of the Witnesses, the third witness being Jerah Swift. Letters of
Administration were granted to Thomas Ames and John Ames, the Executors, with
Joseph Eames and Joseph Eames Junr., both of Bridgwater, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 636-638, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Lydia
Atwood of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Lydia Atwood of Carver in the
County of Plymouth, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being
of sound mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and
publish this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following that is
to say.
I
give and bequeath to my five sons or their heirs Eli Atwood William Atwood,
Francis Atwood, Asaph Atwood and Jonathan Atwood, all of my moveable property
except what is hereafter mentioned by their paying Ninety dollars to the
children of my daughter Lydia Shaw late of Carver deceased, Not to be paid till
they arrive to the age of Twenty one years.
I
give and bequeath to my Grand daughters my Wearing apparell to be divided equal
among them. I also give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Lucia Shaw one pair
of Cotton Sheets. I also give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Lydia Atwood
daughter of William Atwood my Gold Necklace towards her share in the above
mentioned apparel. I hereby appoint Eli Atwood Executor of this my last Will
and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills be me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the ninth day of February
One thousand eight hundred and twenty two
Signed sealed published and
declared by the above named Lydia Atwood
to be her last Will and Testament
in the presence of us who at her request
and in her presence have hereunto
subscribed out names at Witnesses
to the same
Abner
Weston
Nath’l
Shurtleff, 2d.
William
Atwood 2d
Probated on 15 Feb. 1830, and
proved by Nathaniel Shurtleff 2d and William Atwood 2d,
two of the witnesses.
John Savery of Carver, Seth Morton
and Wm Atwood 2d, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Capt. Moses Ayres of Brookfield, Worcester County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In the
Name of God Amen
I Moses Ayres of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman Considering the uncertainty of this
Mortal Life, and being of Sound and perfect mind and Memory, Blessed be
almighty God for the same, Do Make and publish this my Last will and Testament
in Manner and form following, (that is to Say)
First My Will is that all my Just Debts and funeral Charges
be first paid Out of my Estate by my Executors herein after named —
Secondly I Give and Bequeath to my Beloved wife Sarah Ayres
the Improvement of One third of my Real Estate During her Natural Life, with
the Easterly part of the house from the Bottom of the Cellar to the Garret,
with the priveledge of Using the Kitchen for Necessary and Convenient purposes,
also the priveledge of Cutting fire Wood Sufficient for her Consumption,
Together with a priveledge in the Barn Sufficient for storing her hay Grain
&c and keeping her live Stock, also the Improvement of all my household
furniture and Movables During Said term, with Liberty of Using Stairs and Entry
ways as shall be Convenient, I also give her One Riding Horse, One Cow, four
sheep, and one swine to be at her sole Disposal —
Thirdly I Give to my son Moses Ayres One Dollar, with one
third of my pew in the meeting house
Fourthly I Give to my Daughter Sarah Washburn Sixty Six
Dollars and Sixty seven Cents to be paid in one year after my Decease —
Fifthly I Give to my Son Eli Ayres one Dollar
Sixthly I Give to my Son Jesse Ayres thirty three Dollars and
thirty three Cents to be paid with the foregoing Legacies in One year after my
Decease —
Seventhly I Give, Bequeath and Devise to my two Sons Jude,
and Increase Ayres all my Real Estate that I have not heretofore Disposed of,
including two thirds of my Pew in the Meeting house, (Reserving however to my
Wife the Right of Setting in Said pew During her Natural life,) Consisting of
all my Messuage or tennement, Situate Lying and being in Brookfield aforesaid,
with all my freehold Estate Whenever found, and Described Refference being had
to my Deed, or Deeds of the same, to Hold to the Said Jude and Increase Ayres,
their Heirs and assigns forever, I also Give them all the Residue of my Live
Stock, Farming tools and utensils of Every kind, Wearing apparel, Books and all
other Estate not mentioned in this Will the same mentioned Estate, both Real and
personal to be Divided in Equal shares between them, and after my wifes
Decease, the household furniture and movables shall be Divided in Equal shares
between my two Last Mentioned sons and my Daughter Sarah Washburn
Lastly I Name, Constitute and appoint my two Sons Jude and
Increase Ayres Joynt Executors of this Will, hereby Revoking and disannulling
all former Wills by me made —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this
first Day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and
Ninety Six —
Signed, Sealed, Published and
Declared, by the above named
Moses Ayres to be his Last Will Moses Ayres (seal)
and Testament in presence of
us who have hereunto Sub-
scribed our Names as Wit-
nesses in presence of the
Testator –
Benjn, Adams
Betsy Adams
Charles Adams
Presented for probate on 26 Dec. 1796, and approved on 3 Jan.
1797. Letters of Administration were granted to Jude Ayres and Increase Ayres,
with Moses Ayres and Daniel Gilbert, Gentlemen, all of Brookfield, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Worcester County Probate Case #2194.
Will of Simon Backus of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
In the Name of God, Amen. I Simon Backus of Middleboro, in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, Being in an
infirm State of body, but of sound and disposing mind; and realizing that it is
appointed unto all men once to die, do proceed to make my last Will and
testament, and publish the same in the following manner,
First of all, I commend my soul unto God who gave it, thro’
the merits and mediation of the glorious Redeemer, and my body to the dust
whence it was taken, to be buried in a Christian manner in the hope of a
resurrection to a glorious immortality, –
And as touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to
bestow upon me in this life, I give and dispose of it in the following Manner,
1. To my beloved wife, Ruth Backus, I give three shares in
the Taunton Bank, my chaise and harness, One good Cow, to be well kept for her
the year round, Five cords and an half of good fire wood to be cut and drawn
and corded at the door, Nine bushels good Indian Corn, three bushels of Good
Rye, and ten bushels of good Potatoes, Also one third part of my house-hold
furniture and books, the foregoing I give and bequeath to her, her heirs and
assigns forever, – I also give her the use and improvement of one third part
(with a privelege in the Out buildings) of my house, and the right of a seat in
my pew in the Baptist meeting house, in the parish during her Natural life,
2. To my Son, Andrew Backus, of Columbus Ohio, I give three
hundred dollars to be paid in one year After my decease,
3. To my daughter, Eunice B. Stevens, I give my lot of
Woodland lying near the Turnpike Gate, the same that was purchased of Deacon
John Morton, and known by the name of the Morton Lot, containing twelve Acres,
more or less. – said Lot lying in Middleborough aforesaid, Also one sixth part
of my household furniture and books, – to her heirs, and assigns forever.—
4. To my daughter Hannah Backus I give a small lot of land,
lying in said Middleboro’, near Obadiah Sampson’s, the same I bought of John
Fobes, containing about seven Acres, the same more or less, Also Six hundred
dollars to be paid one year after my decease, Also one third part of my house
hold furniture and books, to her, her heirs, and assigns forever, I also give
her the privelege of a Seat in my pew in the Baptist Meeting house in said
Parish, and the use and improvement of one sixth part of my house, with a
privelege in the outbuildings, so long as she may need them,
5. To my son Joseph A. Backus, I give my house-Farm, and all
the residue of my estate, both real and personal not otherwise disposed of, to
him, his heirs, and Assigns forever, and I do hereby appoint and constitute him
sole executor of this my last Will and Testament, revoking hereby all former
Wills and testaments heretofore made and named declaring and ratifying this and
confirming it to be my last Will and testament; it being well understood that
this legacy to my Son, and Executor last mentioned is subject to the payment of
my just debts, the foregoing legacies in this Will, and the life incumbrances
therein specified,
In Witness Whereof, I, the said Simon Backus, have hereunto
set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Simon Backus (seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered, published and declared by the
said Simon Backus, to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us,
Morrill
Robinson
Obadiah
Sampson Jr
Philip
Colby
Presented for probate on 5 Nov.
1833, and proved by Morrill Robinson and Obadiah Sampson Junr., two
of the subscribing witnesses.
Whereas the Instrument hereunto
annexed purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Simon Backus late of
said Middleborough Yeoman deceased has been proved, approved, and allowed, and
whereas you, the said John [sic] A. Backus are named in the said Will, as
Executor, thereof and whereas you have Accepted said trust by giving bond as
the law directs to pay said deceaseds debts and the legacies given
in said will, I do therefore commit unto you the said John [sic] A Backus the
Administration of the Estate of said Simon Backus in all matters the same
concerning, within this Commonwealth, well and faithfully to execute the said
Will, and to administer the Estate of the said deceased according thereto, And
you shall render an Account upon Oath of your proceedings, when thereunto
lawfully required,
In testimony Whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this fifth day of November in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Wilkes
Wood,
Joseph A. Backus posted bond, with
Isaac Stevens and Morrill Robinson, all of Middleborough, as sureties on 5 Nov.
1833.
No inventory of the estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 74, p.
373-375, from FHL microfilm #0555262, and Plymouth County Probate Docket #646.
Will of Samuel W. Bagnell of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1848) *
Be it remembered, That I Samuel W Bagnell of Plymouth, of
sound mind and memory, make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following that is to say
First. I devise my Dwelling House to my wife during her
natural life, subject to this provision viz. that each of my daughters Martha
James, Ann Minerva and Sarah F may have a home there, while such daughters may
remain single
Second. I bequeath to my wife, her Executors and
Administrators forever all my Household furniture, and movables in the house
Third I bequeath to my Daughter Sarah F. Bagnell, one share
in the Old Colony Bank to her, her Executors and administrators for ever
Fourth, I direct that all my Debts, funeral charges and the
Expences of Administration shall be paid from money coming to me, or to my
Executor, from the estate of my mother, whether as heir, or by way of claim on
said estate, and what surplus may remain, if any, after the payment of such
debts, charges and expences, I bequeath to my wife
Fifth. All the rest and residue of my estate including my
Dwelling House after the death of my wife, I devise and bequeath to my Daughter
Sarah F Bagnell, leaving my blessing to my children viz. Benjamin, Samuel W.
Bethiah Stewart Lois T. Barnes Martha James, and Ann Minerva
Sixth I appoint Henry O. Stewart to the Executer of this my
last Will and Testament
In
Testimony whereof on this sixth day of June eighteen hundred and forty Eight I
hereto set my hand.
Samuel
W. Bagnell (seal)
Signed,
Published and declared by the afore named Samuel W. Bagnell, as and for his
last Will and Testament, in presence of us who, by his request, and in his
presence, sign our names as Witnesses hereto
William
Thomas
John
Perkins
John
Churchill
Plymouth
Ss. Nov. 17, 1848 To the Hon. Judge of Probate for the County of
Plymouth
I
do hereby decline acting as Executor in trust of the within Instrument
H.
O. Steward
Presented for probate on the first Monday
of Dec. 1848 by Minerva Bagnell, interested therein and notice having been
given to all persons interested, to appear at this time and place and shew
cause if any they have against the Probate thereof, and proved by William
Thomas and John Perkins, two of the witnesses whose names are subscribed
thereto.
Minerva Bagnall, of Plymouth, was
granted Administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of Samuel W.
Bagnall, late of Plymouth, on 4 Dec. 1848, Henry O. Steward named in said Will
as Executor thereof having declined that trust, with Ellis Barnes Jun. and
Benjamin Bramhall, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Ellis Barnes Jr., Phinehas Wells
and Daniel Goddard, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Samuel W. Bagnall, late of Plymouth, on 4 Dec. 1848.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Samuel W. Bagnell, late of Plymouth, was not dated, his dwelling house valued
at $583.33, and his personal estate totaled $210.34. Minerva Bagnell, the
Administrator with the Will annexed on the estate of Samuel W. Bagnall, late of
Plymouth, gave her oath to the inventory on 17 Feb. 1849.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 496-498, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
Vol. 10A, p. 571, and Vol. 91, p. 38-39.
Will of Nahum Bailey of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1858) *
Be it known that I Naham Bailey of Kingston in the County of
Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being in my usual health & of
sound mind & memory do make, publish & declare this instrument to be my
last Will & Testament in manner following, to wit.
First. I declare that I hold my children Nahum Bailey, Sarah
A. Washburn, Christiana Washburn, Ann W. Bailey & Emily A. Miller in
affectionate remembrance, but I do not think it expedient to make any devise or
bequest to them or either of them, having entire confidence that my wife will
use the estate which I may leave for her own comfort & support & at her
decease will cause the same or whatever shall then remain to be suitably
distributed and disposed of at her discretion.
I
therefore give, devise & bequeath to my wife Christiana W. Bailey all the
estate both Real & personal which I shall leave at my decease & in
which I shall have any interest whatever to have & to hold to her the said
Christiana W. Bailey & to her heirs & assigns forever, & I do
nominate & appoint her to be the sole executrix of this will.
In
testimony whereof I the said Nahum Bailey have hereunto set my hand & seal
this seventeenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred &
fifty eight.
Nahum Bailey (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the above named Nahum Bailey as & for his last Will &
Testament in presence of us, who at his request, in his presence & in
presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Jacob
H. Loud
Jno.
J. Russell
Wm
S. Danforth
Should my daughter Ann W. Barstow
outlive myself & wife it is my wish that she Ann W. Barstow have the
Homestead.
Nahum Bailey
Kingston Sept. 8th.
1871.
Presented for probate on the fourth
Monday of Nov. 1876 by Christiana W. Bailey, of Kingston, with Nahum Bailey and
W. H. Burgess, of Kingston, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Christiana W. Bailey, of Kingston, on 27 Nov. 1876.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 127-128, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 134, p. 70.
Will of John Baker of Jefferson, Coshocton Co., Ohio
(1855) *
In the name of the Benevolent Father of
all.
I John Baker
of Jefferson township in Coshocton County and State of ohio do make and publish
this my last will and testament
Item 1st
I give and devise to my beloved wife Mary Baker all my property and effects of
every discription consisting of all the household furniture goods and chattels
lands and tenements monies and credits to have the same during her lifetime by
her paying out of the same all my just debts.
Item 2nd
At the death of my beloved wife all the property both real and personal is to
be appraised and sold if it cannot be otherwise divided and apportioned among my
children as here in after mentioned to my daughter Hannah the sum of five
dollars to the rest of my children that may be living; all the remainder of my
estate is to be divided equally between them except my son Jesse Baker who is
to have twenty dollars over and above his equal Share
In testimony
where of I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 3rd day of
November AD 1855.
John Baker (seal)
Signed and
acknowledged by John Baker as his last will and testament in our presence and
Signed by us in his presence
James
Gamble
Basley
Parish
Presented
for probate on the ___ day of ___ AD 1856, and proved by Basley Parish and
______ two of the subscribing witnesses to said will.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Coshocton County Will Records, Vol. E, p. 486-487, from
FHL microfilm #0894327.
Will of Zachariah Baker of Carroll County, Ohio (1841) *
I Zackarah
Baker of the County of Carroll and State of Ohio do mak and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say first I
bequeath to my Wife Susan Baker at my death the one third of all that is saised
the farm I now live on during her lifetime and at her death I bequeath the farm
to my son Othe Williams Baker. I also give to my Wife Susan Baker one mare
saddle and bridle, and two Cows and seven head of Hogs, now on the farm the use
of the House we now live in and Garden and all the House hold furnature and One
hundred Dollars. Second I allow my dughter Cassa Muckleroy the sum of Fifty
Dollars in money, and five head of Sheep. Third I give my son Nathaniel Bakers
son Zackarias Baker the sum of Five Dollars. Fourthly, I give to my Grand
dughter Peggy Smith one cow and Calf. Fifthly I give to my duter Elizabeth
English the sum of ten dollars. Sith I give to my daughter Christna Endley the
sum of ten Dollars, and lastly my will is that any money that is on hand or justly
comming to me at my death to be equally divded to my sons, Zephaniah Baker Evin
Baker Eli Baker Samuel Baker, Abraham Baker James Haney Baker John Baker and
Zale Baker and I do hereby appoint my two sons Samuel and James Baker my
Executors of this my last will and Testament, to which I do subscribe my name
this twenty fourth day of November A D 1841
his
Samuel
Buchannan Zachariah X Baker
Saml
Dunlap Sr.
mark
The will of
Zackariah Baker, deceased, was presented for probate on 21 Mar. 1842 by proved
by Samuel Buckannon and Samuel Dunlap Sr., the two subscribing witnesses.
Thereupon
the Court, order that Letters Testamentary issue unto the said James Baker and
Samuel Baker, the Executors named in said Will, that they give bond with Evin
Baker and Isaac Wallace as their securities in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars
who are approved as such. Thereupon Alexander Tripp Isaac M. Wallace and
Anderson Wallace were appointed apraisers of Property Thereupon Letters
Testamentary were issued unto the said James & Samuel Baker and Recorded in
Letter Record A. Page 120.
Daniel
M. Cook
Clk
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Carroll County Wills Vol. A, p. 432-434, from FHL
microfilm #0333252.
Will of Ebenezer Barlow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the Name of God Amen; this Seventh Day of May, Anno, Domi,
One Thousand Seven hundred & fifty four I Ebenezer Barlow of Rochester in
the County of Plimo, in the province of the Massachusets Bay in New
England Yeoman Doe, make and Ordain this my last Will & Testament, First I
Give my Soul to God that Gave it, & my body to the Ground to be Buried by
my Execx, hereafter named and as Touching such Worldly Estate as it
hath pleased God to Bless me I Give and Dispose of the Same in the Following
manner and form –
First I Give to Rachell my Dearly Beloved Wife the
Improvement of all my Estate both Real & personall so long as shall Remain
my Widdow, and my Two Daughters shall both Remain in an Unmarried, life upon
Conditions hereafter named, Only Reserveing some part of my personal Estate as
I shall Dispose of in this my Will, She to pay my Debts and Funerall Charges,
& Charges of Settleing My Estate Out of my Out Door Moveables, Estate in
her hand my Two Daughters to be well Supported Out of the Incom’s thereof dureing
their and Eich of their single Life –
Item Will is, that after my wife has Done with my Estate
Either by Marrying or by my Daughters Marrying, One or both of them then I say
my Will is that my whole Estate shall be Equall Divided between my Two
Daughters, Sarah and Mary and the Same to be to them and Each of them to whome
I shall Give it and To their heirs and assigns forever; And Furthermore my Will
is that in the Division of said Estate., that my Daughter Sarah Shall have that
House Lott which is in Number Fourteen which I now live On & the salt
Meadow and Island of upland at the Foot of it, and in the Division My Daughter
Mary shall have the lott Number Fifteen which was part of Ralph Powells share
Originally which my Honrd. Father bought of mr. John
Sherman of Marshfield; and Gave me in his last Will & Testament, as also I
Give her the Salt Marsh lying at the Foot of it, which is out of, from the said
Salt Marsh Given to Sarah by a strip of upland Runing down between my said salt
Marsh at the foot of sd. two lotts, also I Give to my said Daughter
Mary my lott of salt Marsh at aplace known by the name of pine Island insd.
Rochester, and with Relation to all my Other lands my Will is that they be so
Divided asto make an Equality in the Settleing my Estate between my said two
Daughters, and so also as that in Division my Daughter Sarah shall have
Accomputancy of Wood land for Fireing for her use; Furthermore my Will is that
when by Either of my Daughters Marrying the whole Estate of my Daughters shall
come into their hands, that they allow Suteable house Room to their Mother (if
my Widdow) and athird of the profits of my Estate so as to be a Comfortable
support to her Dureing her Widdow Hood Estate, and in case she comes to Marry
again then I Give her the Bed and Beding she brot. with her, and so
much of the Other Houshold Estate as she brought to me at Marrying, as she
shall see cause to take; And with Relation to some of my Indoore moveables I
Dispose ther of as Followeth, that is to say, I Give to my Daughter Sarah at my
Death to be Recd. my case of Draws and my least Chast in the
chamber; also I Give her my said Daugter Sarah two Beds, One of them in the
East Chamber and One of them in West Chamber with sutable Beding to Each of
them; also I Give to my Daughter Mary, my Bigest Chast in the Chamber, and One
Bed & Sutable Beding that in the lettle Bed Room below, & also An other
Bed not yet made with Beding to it. And to be to her at my Decease, and also in
case my Daughter Sarah shall Marry before Mary she to have an Interest in the
Westerly end of my Dwelling House Dureing her Single life, & as to the Rest
of my personall Estate my Will is that it be Equally Divided between my said
two Daughters after my Wives Marriage or Either of said Daughters Marriage –
And I Doe Appoint my Dearly beloved wife Rachel sole Execx.
of this my last Will and Testament, Finally I Do hereby Establish this and no
Other to be my last Will and Testamt. In Witness whereof I the said
Ebenezer Barlow have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Day and year first
above Written
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced,
& Declared by me the sd. Ebnr.
Barlow Ebenezer Barlow (seal)
as my last Will and Testament
In
presence of
Ivory Hovey
David Boles
Ebenezer Raymond
Timothy Ruggles
Presented for probate on 18 July
1754 by the Execx. therein named, and proved by Ivory Hovey, David
Boles, and Timothy Ruggles, three of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to his Widdow Rachell Barlow of Rochester, sole Execx.
on 18 July 1754.
The Inventory of all the Goods and
Estate of Ebenezer Barlow late of Rochester, was appraised on 26 June 1754 by
Saml. Wing, George Barlow and Roger Hammond, and totaled £623.1.0,
including his homestead farm, mansion house and corn house valued at £436.5.4.
Rachell Barlow, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 17 July 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, pp. 309-311, 307-308, from FHL
microfilm #0551540.
Will of Benjamin Barnes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1863) *
I,
Benjamin Barnes, of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, make publish and
declare the following as and for my last Will and Testament:
First:
All my just debts, if any, and the expenses of my last sickness and funeral are
to be paid.
Second.
I give to my son Benjamin all the estate, real and personal of which I may die
seized or possessed, or to which I may be entitled; upon condition however that
said Benjamin shall comfortably support and maintain, during the life of my
wife Betsey Barnes if she shall survive me, my said wife –
And
said support and maintenance are hereby made a charge upon my real estate in
case the same shall be accepted instead of dower by my said wife or her legally
appointed Guardian –
To
have and to hold to him and his heirs and assigns forever, subject as
aforesaid.
Third.
I appoint said Benjamin Executor of this Will, and desire that he be exempted,
so far as is possible from giving any bond as such executor.
Witness
my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of January in the year eighteen hundred
& sixty three.
Benjamin Barnes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared as & for his last Will by Benjamin Barnes
aforesaid in our presence who in his presence and at his request and in
presence of each other have hereto set our names as witnesses.
Rebecca
E. Burgess
Susan
W. Leach
Allen
Danforth
Letters Testamentary were granted on 6 Apr. 1865 to Benjamin
Barnes, of Plymouth, with E. C. Finney and E. C. Turner, of Plymouth, as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 170, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 114, p. 460 (488).
Will of Jonathan
Barnes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1714) *
In The Name of God Amen. I Jonathan Barns of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth In New
First & princapally I Resigne my Soul into the mercifull
hands of almighty God hopeing through the merritts of my Blessed Savior for the
pardon of my Sins & the Salvation of my Soul & my Body I Comit to the
Earth to be decently Buried in hopes of a Blessed Resurection and as for the
Worldly Estate which god hath graciously Given me (my funerall Expences &
Just Debts being first paid & Discharges) I Dispose of as followeth
Imps. I Give and Bequeath to my Loveing Wife
Elizabeth Barns to Enjoy & Improve for her Support & maintenance
dureing her natural Life all my Lands meadows Houseing Houshold Stuff &
moveables whatsoever and wheresoever Except that which I hereafter in this my
Last Will & Testamt. Bequeath to my Childrean to be bestowed
upon them at my Decease which is as follows.
Imps. I Give & Bequeath to my Son John Barns
my Silver Beaker at my Decease. Itm. I Give & Bequeath to my
Sons William Barnes & Jonathan Barnes at my Decease forty Shillings a peice
in plate or money. Itm. I Give or Bequeath to my Daugter Mary Carver
at my Decease forty Shillings in money & my Great Bible.
Itm. I Give & Bequeath at my Decease to my
Daughters Lidia Elisabeth Sarah & Esther fourty Shillings a peice in money
or Plate
Itm. I Give & Bequeath to the three Childrean
of my Daughtger Hannah Decd. viz Mercy, Samuel, and Ebenezer Rider
forty Shillings to be Divided Equally amongst them at my Decease. Itm.
I give & Bequeath after my wife’s Decease my whole remaining Estate amongst
my Eight Children, viz John, William, Jonathan, Mary, Lidia, Elisabeth, Sarah
& Esther & their heirs & Assignes; That is to Say my Will is that
my Estate be divided According to Law my Eldest Son to have a Double portion
& the Rest of my Childrean Single portions of my Estate only my Will is
that my Sons Shall have & hold all my Lands meadows & houseing In
Plimouth Plimton Duxborough Pembrooke or Elsewhere to them their Heirs &
Assignes for Ever, Provided they pay to their Sisters So much as will make Each
of them full Single portions in Case my moveable Estate doth not amount to it
upon a Just apprizement & furthermore my Will is that my Eldest Son pay a
Double part and my other Sons a Single part in Case as aforesd.
Itm. My Will is that my Dear & Loveing Wife be
the Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, and I Hereby Appoint
& Constitute her Such and do hereby disanull Revoke & make void all my
former Wills whatsoever. And In Testimony of all I have hereunto Set my hand
& Seal this Twenty seventh Day of June Anno Dom One Thousand Seven hundread
& fourteen
Signed Sealed & Delivered The marke of
In Presence of us ~ Jonathan S Barns (seal)
Francis Adams Part
of the 7th Line upon this page Rased
Haviland Torrey Before
Signing & Sealing ~ ~ ~
Josiah Cotton
Probated on 24 Dec. 1714, and proved by Frances Adams,
Haviland Torrey, and Josiah Cotton, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Jonathan Barens, late of
Plymouth, was dated 1 June 1716, and totaled £287.15.0, plus some debts due to
the estate, not including his real estate which was described but not valued,
and it was not signed by the appraisers. Elizabeth Barens, the relict widow of
Jonathan Barnes, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan
Barnes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1748) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Jonathan Barnes of Plymo.
In the County of Plymouth In New England, yeoman Being by Gods Providence Cast
on a bead of Sickness and under apprehenshon of an approaching Change By Death,
But through the Goodness of God I am of Sound Disposeing Mind & Memory,
Blessed Be His Name and Being Desireous of Settling & Disposeing of my
Temperall Goods & Estate, Which God Hath Been Pleased To Give me, I do make
& Constitute This my Last Will & Testament First & Principally, I
Give my Soul, Into the Marcifull Hands of a Gracious God, Hopeing through the
meritts of my Dear Redeamer To obtain the Pardain of my Sins The Justification
of my Person the Salvation of my Soul, and my Body, I Commit To the Earth To Be
Decently Buried In Hops of a Resurection To Eternal Life ~
Imprs I Give To my Eldest Son Jonathan
Barnes, all that my Dwelling House & Land Whereon I Now Dwell In Plymo.
With all my Buildings thereon Excepting one Quarter of the Well, Reserveing the
Use & Improvement of said House & Lands To & for the use of my Dear
& Loveing Wife, Dureing Her Widdowhood, or Till the Time of Her Second
marriage, He my Said Son Paying To His Two other Brothers, Twenty five Pounds,
Bills of the New Tenr. as soon as He Shall Come Into the Possession
of sd House & Lands, Which is to Be at His Mothers Death or
Second marriage, (Viz) Twelve Pounds, Ten Shillings, To my Son Nathaniel
Barnes, & the Like Sum of Twelve Pounds Ten Shillings To my Son Zacheus
Barnes, I also Give My said Son, Jonathan My Least Gun.
Item I Give & Bequeeth To my Son Nathaniel Barnes my
House Lott to the Northward of Stephen Churchell Junr. His House
& is Joyning to sd Churchels House Lott. Also one Quarter of my
Well, by my Dwelling House, also the One Half of my upland & meadow (Viz)
one Half for Quantity and Quallaty Lying In Plymo. at a Place Called
Jourden’s, also one Half of my Pew In the meeting House, also Seventy five
Pounds Bills of the New Tenr. out of my Personall Estate, always
Reserveing the Use, Improvement or Interest of Said Lands & Meadow &
Pew In the meeting House To & for the Use of My Loveing Wife Dureing Her
Widdowhood or till the Time of Her Second Marriage and my Will is that my Said
Son Nathaniel, Have no Power To Demand of my Executrix to Be Hereafter named,
the Money Given Him By this Will, while she Remains My Widdow, Nor Interest for
the same
Item I Give To my Son Zacheus Barnes all that my Lott of
Land, Where my Tan Fatts Stood Which I Bought of my uncel, Jonathan Barnes,
Deceased, also the Remaining Half of my upland & meadow Lying in Plymo.
att a Place Called Jourdens, also Half a Share In South Meadow Ceder Swamp,
& is the Lott Which fell to me In the Division of my fathers Estate also my
Lott of Wood Land in Plymo. at a Place Called Small Gains, also the
one Half of my Pew In the Meeting House, also Seventy five Pounds Bills of the
New Tenr. out of my Personall Estate always Reserveing the Use
Improvement or Income of Said Lands Meadows Ceder Swamps & Pew In the
meeting house to & for the use of my Loveing Wife, So Long as She Continues
my Widdow, & my Will is that My Said Son Zacheus Have No Power To Demand of
my Executrix Hereafter Named the money Given Him, By this Will, nor any
Interest for the Same, while she Continues my Widdow
Item I Give & Bequeeth To my Daughter Margret Barnes, one
Hundred & Twenty five Pounds Bills of the New Tenr. Fifty
Pounds, of sd Sum To Be Paid To my Said Daughter at the Time of Her
Marriage & further My Will is that my Said Daughter Margret, Have No Power
to Demand of my Executrix, Hereafter Named, the Remaining Seventy Five Pounds,
Nor any Interest for the same So Long as my sd Executrix Remains my
Widdo— & Further it is my Will & Pleasure, that if my Wife
Should Not Sell & Dispose of my Lands Lying In Plymo. In
Monument Ponds Precinct Which I Have Hereafter By this Will, Given her full
Power & Authority To Do Then my Will is that it be Equally Divided Between
my Two Sons, Nath. & Zacheus & My Daughter Margret Barnes.—
Item—I Give & Bequeeth To my Dear & Loveing Wife,
Phebe Barnes all the Rest of my Estate, Whatsoever & Wheresoever—Lying, or
Being, With full Power To Sell & Dispose if She thinks Best, all that My
Two Lotts of Land, Lying and Being In Plymo. in Monument Ponds
Precinct, the Money ariseing by Sale of Said Lands To Improve for Her own
Support or the Support of Her Children as she Sees Cause, & Further my Will
is that my Said Wife Herafter Made Executor To this my Last Will and,
Testament, Have full Power To Take Down—Remove, or Dispose of any of the
Barnes, or out Houses on any of my Lotts of Land, or To Sett up the Same in
other Places, as She thinks Best, & further My Will is the Several Sums of
money Given out of my Estate To my Two Sons, Nathaniel & Zacheus Barnes
& to my Daughter Margret To Be Paid them, as is Before ordered in this Will
Without any Interest, for the Same that is to Say it is my True Intent &
meaning, that my said Wife Shall Not Be Held To Pay To Either of my Said
Children any Interest in said Sums So Long as She Continues my Widdw,
And further my Will is that I have Here Given To My Wife, is & shall be in
full for my sd Wifes Right of Dower & Power of thirds in my
Estate, & further My Will is that all my Just Debts & Funeral Charges,
be Paid By my Wife out of the Personall, Estate Left In Her Hands No Divition
To be made out of any of the Legacies Given My Children ~~~
And I Do Hereby Constitute & Appoint my Dear &
Loveing Wife Phebe Barnes Sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament
Hereby Revoking & Disanulling all or any Former Will or Wills by me Made
In Witness Whereof I Have Hereunto Sett my Hand &
Seal this 13th Day of September 1748
Signd Sealled & Declared
By Him to Be His Last
Will & Testament, In Presents of Jonathan Barns (seal)
John Holmes
Elizabeth Curtis
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on Novr. 9th 1748
by the Executer therein named, and proved by John Holmes & Elizabeth
Curtis. No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Phebe Barnes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1752) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Phebe Barnes of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth in New England Widdow being now on a sick Bed and Expecting
My Great Change draws near, but Still Blessed be God for itt, of a sound
Disposing mind and Memory, After first Giveing My precious sole to God,
Expecting Acceptance with him through the Meritts of my dear Redeemer My body I
Commit to the dust to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of My Execr.
not Douting but it will be raised again at the Resurrection and hope in a Lickness
to Christs Glorious Body, And as to my Worldly Goods, I Give them as follows
after my Just Debts & Funerall Charges are paid, Imprimas I Give to My
Beloved son Jonathan Barnes my largest Silver cup, also ten sheep to him and
his heirs as his full part of My Estate in Consideration of his haveing a
Greater part Given him in his decds. Fathers Will then the Children
2ly, I Give to My Beloved Daughter Margrett Barnes
all my wearing Apparel of what nature soever, which is to be Deliverd her at my
Dece. which with what is here after Given her in this My Last Will
and Testament is in full of her part of My Estate
3ly, I Give Unto my Beloved son Nathaniel Barnes
twenty shillings to be Imediatly laid Out for a pair of Gold Sleve Buttons for
him and further My Will is that he be well supported Out of my Estate till his
Guardian can find a suitable place for him to be put out to Apprentice and then
to be Cloathed and fitted for his apprintishipe also Out of my Estate with what
is hereafter Given to him in this My last Will is in full of his part of My
Estate
4ly I Give unto My Beloved son Zacheus Barnes
twenty shillings to be Imediatly laid Out for apair of Gold sleeve Buttons for
him, and further My Will is that he be well supported Out of My Estate till he
be fourteen Years of Age or his Guardian can find a suitable place for him to
be put out to apprintice, and then to be Cloathed and fitted for his
apprentiship Also out of my Estate which with what is hereafter part of my
Estate
5ly, All
the resedue of My Estate both real and personal, after the forement.
Debts Legacies Gifts and charges are paid and taken Out of my Estate I Give to
My three Children hereafter named to be Equally Divided among then, Vizt.
to My said Daughter Margrett to her, her heirs & assigns forever One third
part of said Estate to My said Son Nathaniel to him his heirs & Assigns
forever one third part of said Estate, And to My son Zacheus, to him his heirs
and Assigns forever the remaining third part of My said Estate
Lastly I do Hereby Nominate and Appoint my trusty well Frind
Dea. Joseph Bartlett junr, sole Execr. of this
My last Will and Testamt. hereby revokeing and Disanuling all Other
and Former wills, and do make & Ordain this to be my Last Will and Testamt.
dated at Plimouth the 4th. of October 1752,
Signed sealed published & declared
to be her last Will and testamt in Phebe Barnes (seal)
Presents of us
Saml Harlow
Lemuel Barnes
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 15 Aug. 1753 by the Executor therein
named, who renounced the Executorship, and proved by Thomas Foster, Saml.
Harlow and Leml. Barnes. Zacheus Bartlett, labourer, was appointed
as Administrator Cum testamento annexo on the Estate of Phebe Barnes, late of
Plimouth, Wido, on 15 Aug. 1753, with Thomas Foster Esqr.
and Joseph Bartlett junr, yeoman, all of Plimouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 144-145, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of William Barnes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the name of The Ever Living God Amen I William Barns of
Plimouth in ye County of Plimouth and Province of The massachusets
Bay in new England being Sensible of My Frailty and mortallity and not Knowing
how soon it Shall Please God to put a period to my Temporal Life do apprehend
it My Duty to Set my house in order Before I Die and Tho I am under bodily
Weakness and Decays of nature Yet Blessed be ye Lord Jehovah My God
and Saviour I am Sound Disposeing mind and memory and Therefore do ordain This
my Last Will and Testement—
In the First place I Commend my Immortall Spiritt into the
hands of God ye Father humbly relying on the alone merits and
Passion of the Lord Jesus my Dear Saviour and Trusting Intirely in The Promises
of ye Gospal Through him for ye Pardon of all my Sins and
Eternal Salvation and My body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently Buried by
the Executors of this my Last Will in Good hope of a Good Resurrection at ye
Last Day to Immortall Life & bliss Through Jesus Christ and as to Such
worldly Goods and Estate as it hath Pleased God to bestow upon me my will
Regrating ye Disposal there of is as follows—viz—
1ly my will is that all my Just Debts funeral
Charges and Just Expenses be in ye first place paid & discharged
out of my Personal Estate~~~~
2ly—I Give and Bequeath to my Loveing wife Else
Barnes the use & Improvement of all my Estate both Real and Personal so
long as She Shall Continue my Widdow, and in Case She marry again I Give her
one Third part of my Personal Estate with full power to make Such dispositions
thereof as She Shall see Cause —
Item I Give & Devise to my Daughter marcy Hedge To her
& her heirs and assigns forever all the right and Title To any Lands that I
have at Hebron in ye Collony of Coneticut in Partnership with Capt.
Hinckley and ye heirs of Isaac Lothrop Esqr. deceased
& the heirs of my Brother John Barnes Deceased, I Like wise give her all my
Land at a place Called Centrey Hill also about twenty acres of wood Land at
Sparrows hill in Plimouth aforesaid The Improvement thereof to her mother as
before Exsepted—
I also Give To my Said Daughter one Hundred Pounds in Bills
of Credit of The old Tenour To be paid Equally By My sons Lemuel &
Benjamin when my Said Estate Shall Come into their Hands at ye rate
or Value as money now passeth. I also Give her one Third part of my Personal
Estate to be Paid at the Decease of her mother—Item I Give and Devise to my two
Sons Lemuel Barnes & Benjamin Barnes their heirs and assigns forever all my
Houseing and Lands meadows & Cedar Swamps not heretofore disposed of: the
improvement Thereof to their mother as before Excepted whether Lying in
Plimouth Duxborough or wheresoever Else ye Same may be found only it
is my mind & Will that my son Lemuel Should have ye house &
buildings he now Possesseth and is Seise thereof my Son Benjamin Barnes Shall
have and Enjoy the House I now Live in with ye Buldings therto
belonging and Then it is my will That an Equal Division of all my Said Real
Estate be made between them I also Give unto my said two Sons all my Personal
Estate That is not heretofore Disposed of to be received by them at the Decease
or mariage of their mother which Shall first happen and order Them to pay their
Sister mercy Hedge ye Legacy herein Given her and I do by these
Presents revoke and make void all former Wills by me made and Do allow &
Confirm this and no other To be my Last will and Testament and I Do ordain
& Constitute my two Sons Lemuel Barnes & Benjamin Barnes Joynt
Executors of This my Last Will and Testement Charging them faithfully to
Execute Every article of The Same according to the true Intent and meaning
thereof In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixd my
Seal this twenty Third Day of January in ye Twenty Third year of our
Reign one Thousand Seven hundred & forty nine—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and
Declared by the Said William Barnes as his Last
Will and Testement In The Presence of us
John Watson his
Ephraim Cobb William W Barnes
Edward Winslow marke
Presented for probate on 6 May 1751 by Benjamin Barnes, the
other Executor, Lemuel, being dead, and proved by Ephraim Cobb and Edward
Winsloe Esqr., letters of administration granted to Benjamin Barnes
of Plimouth, yeoman, the only Surviving Executor.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 12, p. 197-199,
from FHL microfilm #0551539.
Abstract of the Will of James Barney, of
Will of James Barney, of Halifax, Windham Co., VT, dated 8
Mar. 1805, “weak in body but of sound mind…”
To beloved wife Thank Barney $100
To son James Barney $233.34 to be taken out of what he owes
me
To son William Barney 55 cents with what he has already
received to be his full share
To daughter Rebecca Orvis, wife of Josephus Orvis, $70
To daughter Rachel Barney, wife of Royal Barney, $70
To daughter Delilah Barney $70
To son Joseph Barney $233.34, half to be paid when he arrives
at the age of 21, and the other half a year later
To son Benjamin Barney $233.34, half to be paid when he
arrives at the age of 21, and the other half a year later
To son Daniel Barney $233.34, half to be paid when he arrives
at the age of 21, and the other half a year later
To daughter Zelinda Barney $70, half to be paid when she
arrives at the age of 18, and the other half a year later
To son Zelotes Barney $233.34, half to be paid when he
arrives at the age of 21, and the other half a year later
To son Martin Barney all the rest, residue and remainder of
my estate, both real and personal, he to pay all my debts, and provide for my
wife Thankful Barney, and to take care of my daughter Rebecca’s son Sanford,
and take care of all my children before mentioned that are under age.
Son Martin Barney to be sole executor.
James Barney
Witnesses:
Osborn Marsh
John Martin
Darius Bullock
Probated on 28 May 1805, and proved by Osborn Marsh and
Darius Bullock in
Bond of Martin Barney, executor of the estate of James
Barney, with Aaron Barney, William Marsh Jr., and Osborn Marsh as sureties.
*
Abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Barney Jr., of
In the name of God Amen – I John Barney jur. of
the town of Guilford in the County of Windham and State of Vermont
yeoman—Solemnly Considering my frequent Bodily infirmitys and the Great frallty
of Human life and Being of Sound and Perfect mind and Memory / Blessed be God /
do this twentyninth Day of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand sevin
hundred and Ninty two make and Publish this my last Will and testament in
manner following to Wit principly I commend my Soul into the Hands of God who
is the father of Spirits in full faith of the Blessed and Glorious Gospel of my
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for whose sake Alone I hope for Eternal Life and
I Order that my Body be Decently Buried by my Executors herin after named fully
Beleving the Doctring of the Resurrection of the Body at the Second and
Glorious Appearing of the Son of God and the worldly Estate wherewith it has
Pleased God to bless me I dispose of as follows that is to say I Give to my
Beloved Wife Ruth one third part of all my Personall Estate of all sorts After
my Funeral Expences are paid and all my Just Debts Also I Give to my said Wife
one third part of my Reaiel Estate During her Nattrl Life and Likewise I give
to my said Wife the Improvement of the whole of my Reaiel Estate During her Widowhood
Also I give and Bequeath to my Sons John & Ryal & William together with
my Daughters Namely Ruth & Lucinda and Chlotldia and Sarah & Anna Each
of them Equillily Alike at the Desiresion of my Administrators here After named
after my Son John hath Receved the whole of the Legacy which falls to me by my
Hond. Father John Barney which I give to my said Son in Compensation
of a Legacy which fell to me by his Mother Sarah Deceased and Lastly I do
hereby name make & Ordain Capt. Edward Barney and Capt. Samuel Shepardson
to be Joint Executors to this my Last Will and Testament In Witness I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the Day and year Above Written John Barney Jur. (Seal)
Signed Sealed Published
and Delivered by the said
John Barney Junr. the
testator as and for his last
Will and Testament in presents
of us who ware Present at the
Signing and Sealing thereof
and Attested the same in his
the testator Presence as Witnesses
thereof
William Bigelow
Hezekiah Horton
Thomas Wickes
Proved on the third Tuesday of May 1793 by Hezekiah Horton
and Thomas Wickes.
The inventory of the Estate of John Barney, late of Guilford,
deceased, was appraised by Benjamin Buckling, William Hines, and Derias Bullock
on 29 May 1793, and totaled £451.5.5, including the farm and buildings at £300.
Feb. 7, 1795. Upon application of the Executors of the Last
Will and Testament of John Barney late of
April 18, 1797. Upon application of Samuel Shepardson
Executor to John Barney Jur. decd, Daniel Bullock Esqr,
Benjamin Bucklin and Wm Hinds were appointed a committee to divide
the Estate of said decd among his heirs.
*
Transcribed and abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of Robert
Barrow of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1707) *
December 1: 1707 The Last Will & Testament of Robert
Barrow
first I Do Resigne my soul to God that Gave it me: 2ly I Do
Give unto my wife Lidia Barrow my Dwelling house & Land appertaining
thereto & two Cows Eighteen sheep Together with my houshold goods also my
gun and sword and a mare: And If it Please the Lord in the way of his
Providence to order it so that my wife change her Condition by Marriage or by
Death before she has spent these things
then my Will is that they should Return to her Children Item I give to my son Robert & Thomas
four score acres of Land Lying at a place called the first swamp near the
fourth meadow & also one Lott or share of Ceder swamp in the fourth Meadow
Ceder swamp
Item I Give unto my son Robert & Thomas six acres of
Meadow Lying at the new Meadows: This being my will & Desire I Do set my
hand & seal in presents of these witnesses
Eliezer Dunham of
James Barnibee the
mark T Robert (seal)
Richard Cooper Barrow
a
Codicille
Whereas in my will above writen I have made no mention of
sundry of my Children these may surtifie the Reason (viz) because my children
by my first wife have already had their portions and as to my son Elisha and my
Daughters by my Late wife I have given a Considerable part of my Estate to my sd
wife to be by her Dispesed to them as she shall so cause any thing above to the
conterary not with-standing I Doo also appoint my sd wife Lydia
barrow Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament mark
Witness the T of
Eliezer Dunham Robert
Barrow (seal)
James Barnibee
Richard Cooper
Proved by Eliezer Dunham, James Barnibe
& Richard Cooper on 19 Dec. 1707, and letter of administration given to the
widow Lydia Barrow. No inventory was recorded for his estate.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Dr. Isaac Barrows of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Isaac Barrows of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth Physician, being of sound & disposing Mind & Memory,
Thanks be to God, but calling to Mind the uncertainty of Life do make &
ordain this my last Will and Testament –
First I recommend my Soul to God & my Body to the Earth to be buried
in a decent christian Manner & as to my Estate with which it has pleased
God to bless me, that after my just debts & funeral Chares are paid; I give
and bequeath the whole of my said Estate both Real and personal of every
description Name or nature to my dear & beloved Wife Rebecca Barrows, &
I do constitute & appoint my said Wife Rebecca Barrows & Isaac Bartlett
of said Plymouth the Executors of this my last Will & Testament
Isaac Barrows (seal)
In Witness Whereof I have subscribed the same with my hand
& sealed the same with my Seal this twenty ninth day of December in the
Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & six
signed, sealed, published & declared as his
last Will & Testament in presence of us
Hannah
Washburn
Alden
Lucas
Isaac
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 22 July
1807 by Rebecca Barrows and Isaac Bartlett, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Hannah Washburn and Isaac Bartlett, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Rebecca Barrows and Isaac
Bartlett, the before named Executors.
John D. Dunbar Esqr., Calvin Crombie, and John
Bartlett the 3d yeoman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise
the Estate of Isaac Barrows late of Plymouth Physician, on 22 July 1807. The
inventory was dated 23 July 1807, and totaled $791.82, including his lot of
land valued at $426, and his house appraised at $60. Rebecca Barrows, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 12 Oct. 1807.
Benjm. Drew junr. and Barnabas Otis,
both of Plymouth, yeomen, were appointed to examine the debts of the Estate of
Isaac Barrows junr. late of Plymouth, Physician, deceased, which has
been represented as insolvent, on 13 Aug. 1807. The debts totaled $1278.10.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, pp. 131, 204-206, from FHL
microfilm #0550902.
Will of Nathaniel
Barrows of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.—I, Nathaniel Barrows of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts,
yeoman, being weak of body, yet of a sound mind & memory, blessed be God
for the same; considering ye mortality of the body, that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament, as follows vizt.
First—I Give & bequeath to my son Abishai Barrows one
Dollar in addition to what he has had.
2d—I Give & bequeath to my sons Nathaniel
& Josiah Barrows, to each of them in addition to what they have before had
twenty five cents.
3d—I Give & bequeath to my son Asa Barrows, in
addition to what he has before had, Twenty Dollars.
4th—I Give & bequeath to my son Freeman
Barrows in addition to what he has already Recieved one Dollar, together with
what honest demands he has or may have on me ~
5th—I Give & bequeath to my daughter Lois, the
wife of David Jacobs Thirty Dollars in good houshold furniture, at a reasonable
price. And also, a reasonable allowance for what expence I put her & my
said son in law Jacobs to, in this my present sickness –
6.th—I Give & bequeath to my daughter Abigail,
the wife of Otice Alden Thirty Dollars in good houshold furniture at a
reasonable price with them.
7.th—I Give & bequeath to my son Nelson
Barrows, all my real estate of all kinds, wherever it may be situated &
including my Pew & half of a Pew in the meeting house where elder Samuel
Nelson now preaches, to have & to hold the same & every part &
parcell thereof, to him, my said son Nelson, his heirs & assigns forever. I
further give & bequeath to him my sd son Nelson, all my personal
estate of every kind, including my dues & demands, he paying all my just
debts & funeral charges, and the legacies herein before given to my other
children.–
I Give and bequeath to my son Stilman Barrows, one Dollar,
and also, an additional sum to that amount, as shall or may be judged by
reasonable & indifferent men, be ought in equity to have out of my estate,
at the time that he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, unless he
shall by sickness or otherways be reduced to circumstances to really need part
or the whole before that time then, in that case to recieve the same, at such
time, the amount of which shall be paid in Real Estate in said Middleborough or
Rochester, or in some good merchantable personal estate at a reasonable price,
all of which shall & is to be paid out of that part of my estate, which is
herein before given to my said son Nelson—And my will is, and I do hereby
constitute & appoint, my son in law David Jacobs to be Executor to this my
last will & testament—thus hoping, that, this my last will & testament
will be carefully kept & performed.—I commit my soul to God who gave it,
and my body to the dust, to a decent burial.—In Testimony whereof, I hereto set
my hand & seal this twenty eighth day of September in the year of our Lord,
one thousand, eight hundred & three.~
Signed, Sealed & Declared by
the said Nathaniel Barrows Nathaniel Barrows (seal)
to be his last will & testament
in presence of us– ~
Nehemiah
Bennet
Abishai
T. Clark
Levi
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 14 Dec. 1803 by David Jacobs, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nemiah Bennet Esqr. &
Abishai T. Clark, two of the witnesses.
Nemiah Bennet Esqr., Elisha Clarke, Gentm., both
of Middlebo., & Hopestill Bisbey of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Amasa Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
Be it
Remembered that I Amasa Bartlett of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts –
being of sound mind and memory, do make & publish this my Last Will &
Testament in manner and form following:
First—
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Sarah T. Bartlett all my Estate, both
real & personal, after the payment of my just debts – and the payment of
the Legacies hereafter named, which Legacies shall be paid within three months
after my decease.
Second—
I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah B. Spooner five dollars. – I give to
my daughter Sarah T. Sampson, five dollars, I give to my son Amasa Bartlett
five dollars, I give to my son William S. Bartlett, five dollars, I give to my
Grand-daughter Mary Ann Bartlett Sampson, five dollars –
Third
& lastly – I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Sarah T. Bartlett Executrix
of this my Last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me
made.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of
July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty one.
Amasa Bartlett (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the above named Amasa Bartlett to be his
last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who, at his request, & in
his presence, have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same.
William
M. Jackson
Isaac
Brewster
Jacob
Jackson
Presented for probate on 13 Apr.
1835, and proved by William M. Jackson and Jacob Jackson, two of the
subscribing witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Sarah T.
Bartlett of Plymouth, Widow, on 13 Apr. 1835.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p.
101-103, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Benjamin
Bartlett of Duxbury, Colony of New
I Benjamin Bartlet of Duxborough in the County of Plimouth
Being weak of Body but of Sound mind and memory praysed be God do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament in mañer and forme following first I
Commit my Soul into the hands of Almighty God And my Body to Decent Burial when
it shall please God to take me home And sure and sertain hope of a joyfull
Resurrection unto Eternall Glory through the precious merrits of our Lord Jesus
Christ. And for the Disposall of my outward Estate which God hath Graciously
Given me my mind and Will is that it shall be Bestowed in such manner as in
this my Last Will and Testament is sat down: first whereas when I married this
my present Wife Sissilla I Promised her to Give her forty pound in case she
should Survive me, and she had a Writing thereof before our Marriage which she
Did accept of and agree to as her joynture in full sattisfaction of her Dower
of and into all my Estate: Now my Will is that the said forty pounds Shall be
Duly paid her in convenient time after my Decease And that twenty pounds
thereof Shall be paid in money and the other twenty pounds out of my Stock And
moveover I Give her the Bed we usually Lye upon with all the furniture
thereunto belonging as it now is and one pair of sheets more that is to say two
pair in all. and also the vallue of forty Shillings in houshold Goods. And also
She Shall have the Chamber over my Bigges room to Dwell in for her own personal
use during her widdowhoode and priviledges of putting her cattel into the
pasture where my Son shall put his into the same whilst she shall Dwell here.
And for the Disposall of my Estate amongst my Children my mind and Will is that
my Eldest Son Shall have a double Portion of all my Estate both Real and
Personall with what he hath already had of my Estate And all my other children
Single & Equall shares thereof. And what my son Samuel hath already had to
be Reckoned as part of his portion or share thereof. x x x x x x
Item I Give and Bequeath All the Farme I now live upon with
all the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto my Eldest Son Benjamin and the
heires of his Body Lawfully Begotten for Ever. Item: I have already Given unto
my son Samuel and Do hereby confirm unto him and his heires All the Farme he
now Liveth on which was Sometime the Lands of his Father in Law Pabody And also
I Give to him and his heires one third part of the meadow I bought of John Soul
at Salt house Beach. Item. I Give and bequeath unto my son Ebenezer and his
heires for Ever all my Lands Lying at Little Compton alias Sacconett.
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my son Ichabod and his heires
for Ever All my Lands in the
Signed Sealed and Declared by the abovesaid
to be his Last Will and Testament
In presence of us Benjamin B :
Nathanael Thomas and
Seal (seal)
John Wadsworth
Hannah Sturtevant
This written in ye Margin of ye will
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Indian Servant Roben and his
wife twenty shillings a peece Item I Give and bequeath unto Sarah Covel forty
shillings out of my moveables. And that my Wife her Aunt shall receive and
Dispose of it for her: Item I Give unto Lidia Andrews the five pounds her
father John Andrews oweth me.
These Legacies in the Margin were Added at the same time by
his order after he had Sealed and Declared his Will
yt
N Thomas Mrs Sturtevant
present
Capt Nathanael Thomas and John Wadsworth two of
the witnesses here named made oath before ye County Court at
Plimouth September 15th: 1691 that they were present & saw ye
above named Benjamin Bartlet sign Seal & heard him declare the above
written to be his last will & Testament & that to ye best of
their judgment he was of Sound memory & understanding when he so did.
Attest:
Saml Sprague Cler
An Inventory of the Goods Chattels and Credits of Benjamin
Bartlet late of Duxborough Deceased taken by us whose names are here to
Subscribed ye 28th day of August Ano Domini
1691:
[Totaled £250.10.01, plus some additional untotaled credits
and debts due to the estate.]
John
Soul
John
Nelson
Benjamin Bartlet and Saml Bartlet made oath before
ye County Court at Plimouth March 16th 1691/2 that ye
above written is a true Inventory of ye Goods chattels and Credits
of their Late Father Benjamin Bartlet Deceased so far as they know & yt
when more shall be Discovered to them they will make it known
Attest
Saml Sprague Cler
An Inventory of the Lands of Benjamin Bartlet Late of
Duxborough Deceased taken by us whose names are Subscribed ye 29th
day of October 1691
[Totaled £390.0]
John
Wadsworth
William
Brewster
John
Soul
John
Nelson
We whose names are under written Being Requested to prize
contained parcels of Lands Lying at Sacconet alias Little Compton Esteemed at:
[Totaled £85.0]
Joseph
Church
William
Pabody
Endorsed and Recorded March 21th 1691/2
These presents witnesseth that I Sicillia Bartlet Widdow ye
Relict of Benjamin Bartlet late of Duxborough Deceased have this first day of
September 1691 Received of Benjamin Bartlet Executor of the Last Will and
Testament of my sd Husband twenty pounds in money two oxen four cows
four sheepe an hive of Bees and fifteen shillings in Swine for and in
Consideration of my Due or joynture agreed to be Given me out of the Estate of
my said Husband by a Writing made before our marriage which aforesaid money and
Stock I have Received for the forty pounds mentioned in the said Writing and Do
hereby acknowledge the Receipt there of & thereof and of every part thereof
Do Exonerate acquit and Discharge the said Benjamin Bartlet and the other
Executor Samuel Bartlet And the Estate of my said husband. Also I do
acknowledge to have Received of the said Benjamin the Bed with all the
furniture and the two pair of sheets Given me by my Husband in his Last Will
and Testament as also the value of forty shillings in Goods Given me by ye
said last will And of each said Legacies I do hereby acquit and Discharge the
said Executors In witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
aforementioned first day of September 1691
Witness Siciliah Bartlet (seal)
John Soul
Wm Thomas
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Bartlett of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1717) *
I Benjamin Bartlett of Duxborô in ye County of
Plymouth in ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New:
England: being Sensible of my mortality; but of sound mind & memory
(Praised be God) do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament in
manner & Forme following: First I Comitt my Soul into ye Hands
of almighty God; & my Body to decent Buriall, when it Shall Please God to
take mee Home In Sure & certain Hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection &
Reunion unto Eternal Glory thrô ye Precious meritts of our Lord
Jesus Christ. & for ye disposal of my outward Estate which God
hath graciously given me my mind & Will Is that It Shall be Bestowed &
disposed of as in this my Last Will & Testament is Sett down. Imprimis I
give & Bequeath unto my Loving Wife Ruth: all my Estate in Duxborô &
Else where, whether Houses, uplands meadows or moveables (During Her Life) only
obliging Her to Pay to my three youngest Daughters, Prescilla, Deborah &
Abigail, the value of thirty Pounds a Peice at their marriage in Consideration
of So much given to Each of my other Daughters already married Item; my Will is that after ye
decease of my Loving wife Ruth all my up lands meadows & Houses with all my
moveable Estate be Equally divided amongst my Daughters; viz Sarah Bradford,
Rebeckah Bradford, Ruth Murdoch, Mercy Turner, Priscilla Deborah & Abigail.
and also my Grand Daughter Ruth Bartlett ye Daughter of my Son
William Decd. by this my last Will & Testament: I Bequeath unto
my sd Grand: Daughter of all my abovesd Land, meadows,
Houses & moveables an Equall Part: with my other abovesd
Daughters; but with this Proviso that She doth not Sue at Law for ye
Farm in Duxborô that I now live upon. Item, my Will is that if my Sd
Grand:daughter or Her overseers Doe Sue at Law, my Sd Loving wife or
Daughters for Sd Farme (that I now live upon She may Have one
Shilling & no more, which I do by this my last Will Bequeath unto Her.
Item: I do by this my last will & Testament appoint my Loving Wife Ruth
Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament. In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal this tenth day of December in ye
year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & Seventeen.
Signed Sealed & delivered Benjamin Bartlett (seal)
In Presence of us Witnesses
Peleg Wiswall, John
Proved by Ebenezer Wormall on 10 Apr. 1724.
Proved by John Wadsworth on 11 Apr. 1724.
Proved by Peleg Wiswall on 11 June 1724.
Letters of administration granted on 6 July 1724 to Ruth
Bartlett, relict widdow of the deceased Benjamin Bartlett, late of Duxboro.
The inventory of the goods, chattels, credits & Personal
Estate of Benjamin Bartlett, late of Duxboro, Cooper, dated 15 Apr. 1724, not
totaled, was appraised by James Partridge, Thomas Southworth, and John
Wadsworth. Ruth Bartlett, the executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 25
Apr. 1724.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Bradford Bartlett of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the
name of God Amen. I, Bradford Bartlett of Rochester County of Plymouth, being
in the possession of my reason, and sensible of the uncertainty of life, I do
make this my last Will and Testament. My soul I give to God and my body to be
decently buried, and as it respects my earthly Estate I do dispose of in the
following manner:
1st to my beloved wife Lovia I bequeath all my
real and personal Estate of every description, except the following legacies,
which are to be paid as follows. 1st to Seth Briggs I give one
dollar, to Lucy Briggs I give one dol._ to Deborah Delano I give one dollar; to
Lydia Leonard I give one dollar, as they are my nigh relations. – and finally I
appoint my wife Love, Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In testimony of all
which I do hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of October One
thousand eight hundred & twenty-six.
Signed, sealed, and delivered
In
presence of us Bradford Bartlett (seal)
Joseph
Meigs
Seth
C. Bradford
Martha
Chadwick
Presented for probate on 2 Oct.
1827 by Love Bartlett, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Joseph Meigs
and Seth C. Bradford, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Love Bartlett, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p.
290-291, from FHL microfilm #0555258.
Will of Cyntha Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Be it
remembered that I Cyntha Bartlett of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth do on
this fourth day of August in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred
and forty three make and publish this my last will and testament in manner
following viz.
In
the first place I give to Hannah Bartlett her life time a Bureau now deposited
in the said Hannah Bartlett’s house and after her decease to become the
Property of my Sister Joan Perkins Also
my bed Linen to be divided equally amongst my three Sisters of which they are
the following Joan Perkins, Polly Washburn Lucy Blackington.
The remainder of my Property being in money and now deposited in the
Savings Fund Institution of Plymouth to be equally divided amongst my three
Sisters above mentioned after my debts are all justly paid from the aforesaid
Money. Cyntha Bartlett this her X mark in
presence of the witnesses to this will.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Signed, Sealed and published by the said Cyntha Bartlett declaring this
to be her last will and testament in presence of us who at her request were
called as witnesses to the same and in her presence did hereto subscribe our
names
Hamblin
Tillson
Olive
Harlow
Albert
Leach
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1844 by Hannah Bartlett, therein named, and proved by Hamblin
Tillson and Albert Leach, two of the witnesses whose names as subscribed
thereto.
Thomas Paty, of Plymouth, was
appointed as administrator with the last Will and Testament annexed of the
estate of Cynthia Bartlett, late of Plymouth, widow, on 15 Jan. 1844, with John
B. Thomas and Isaac L. Hedge, both of Plymouth, as sureties, no person being
named as Executor in the said Will.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p. 13-14, from FHL microfilm #0555637,
and Vol. 10A, p. 533.
Will of Elnathan
Bartlett of Mannomet Ponds, Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1736) *
In the Name of God Amen, the thirtyeth day of August in the
year of our Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred thirty & Six I Elnathan
Bartlett of Mannmt. pans in the County of Plymouth and province of
Massachusetts Bay in New England Cooper being Very Sick and Weak of body but of
perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God, therefore Calling to mind the
Mortality Of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to die
doe make and Ordain this my Last will and Testament that is to Say, principally,
and first of all, I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of god that gave
it and for my body I Recommend to ye Earth to be buried in a
Christian & Decent Like manner at ye Discretion of my Executor
Nothing doubting but at ye generall Resurrection I Shall Receive the
Same again by the Mighty power of God, and as Touching my worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give Devise and
Dispose of ye Same in the Following manner and form—
Imprimis. It is my Will, and I do Order that in the first
place all my Just Debts and funerall Charges be paid & Satisfied
Item, I Give and Bequeath to My Brother George Nicholas all
My right Interest & Title to him and his Heirs and assigns forever all my
house and Homestead at ye Manemet Panns Containing Sixty Acres more
or Less.—
Item, I give and bequeath To my Sister Sarah Nicholas a lott
of Land Joyning to Long pans Containing Eighty Acres More of Less And Likewise
I Give and bequeath to my aforesd. Sister Sarah Nicholas another
lott of land known by the Name of Island pann all to belong to her her Heirs
& assigns forever.—
Item, I Give and Bequeath To my Sister Sarah Nicholas my
Right Interest and Title in the
Item I do order Constitute and appoint My Father in Law Rice
Nicholas My Sole and Onely Executor of this my Last will and Testament And I do
hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanull all and every other former
Testaments Wills Legacies and Executor by me in any ways before this time Named
willed & bequeathed Ratyfieing Confirming this and no other to be my last
will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the
day and year above written.
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
and Declared by the sd Elnathan as
his Last will and Testament
In Presence of us Subscribers (vizt)
Richard Cole
his
Peter X
Cudrewsat[?] Elnathan Bartlett (seal)
mark
Langton Fallon
Proved on 12 June 1739 by Richard Cole, one of ye
subscribing witnesses in
Presented for probate in
Thomas Harlow, Samuel Cornish and Josiah Clarke, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Bartlett of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I John Bartlett of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth within
the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, innholder, being advanced
in years and infirm of body, but of sound disposing mind & memory thanks be
given to GOD therefor, do make this writing for my last will and testament, and
first & principally I comend my soul into the hands of my creator, relying
on the merits of Jesus Christ for obtaining the remission of my sins and
eternal life; my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in decent manner at
the discretion of my executor hereafter-named. Firstly. I order my executor to pay
all my just debts, funeral charges, and the charge of setling my estate. ~
2dly. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah
all the articles of houshold goods which she brought with her at our marriage.
and whereas by a certain contract made at the time of our marriage I agreed
with her the said Sarah that she should possess & enjoy one of the rooms in
my dwelling-house during her widowhood, and she having chosen the southeast
chamber in my said house comonly known by the name of the shop-chamber I give
and bequeath to her the said Sarah the use & improvement of the said
shop-chamber, with the privilege of passing to & from said chamber, either
down the front stairs, or thro’ the back chamber down the back-stairs to the
kitchen, as she may think it convenient. Also a privilege in the kitchen, yard,
& well. also the use of six chairs now in the chamber. all during the time
that she remains my widow. ~
3dly. I give & bequeath to my sons John &
Charles their heirs & assigns forever, the house in which I now dwell with
the land adjoining, together with the barn thereon standing, with all the
privileges & apurtenances unto the same belonging, towit, one moiety or
half part of said house & land with the apurtenances, I give & bequeath
unto him the said John Bartlett his heirs, & assigns forever; and the other
moiety or half part thereof I give & bequeath to him the said Charles
Bartlett his heirs & assigns forever. And whereas my last named son Charles
will not arrive to the age of twenty one years till the year of our Lord 1780,
it is my mind & will that my son John shall improve the whole of said lands
& buildings during the minority of said Charles, and in consideration
therefor he shall pay unto his other brother George the sum of three pounds
lawful money yearly & every year until the aforesaid Charles shall arrive
at full age as aforesd.
3dly. I give & bequeath to my son George
Bartlett his heirs & assigns forever the aforesaid sum of three pounds
annually to be paid him by my son John, until my said son Charles arrive at
full age. And it is my will that if my son Charles shou’d dye before he arrive
to the age of twenty one years, that then my said son George shall have the one
moiety or half part of my house & land with the apurtenances as above
bequeathed to him the said Charles, and in such case I do hereby give it to him
the said George his heirs & assigns forever. I also give & bequeath to my said son
George the one half part of a certain house-lot with the buildings thereon
standing, and about four acres of land adjoining situate at a place called
Eel-river, which house & land was purchased by my brother Joseph Bartlet
& myself, equally between us, to him the said George his heirs &
assigns forever. I also give &
bequeath to him the sd. George the sum of forty pounds lawful money
to be paid by my executor out of my estate which I have not disposed off in
this my last will (if so much shall be remaining after my just debts, &
funeral charges, & the charge of setling my estate are first paid. ~
4thly. I give and bequeath to my daughter Abigail
one bed and furniture which she shall chuse. also a high chest of draws which
was her mother’s. also one chamber table which was her mother’s. to her &
her heirs & assigns forever.—
5thly. I give and bequeath to my three sons John,
George, & Charles all my wearing aparel, my arms & amunition, to be
equally divided between them.
6thly. I give to my wife Sarah the use &
improvement of my largest watch during the time she remains my widow. also the
privilege of a seat in my pew in the meeting house.
7thly. I give & bequeath to my eight children
towit Sarah Faunce, Hannah Doten, Jerusha Peckham, John Bartlet, Abigail
Bartlett, Maria Babb, George Bartlet & Charles Bartlett, one feather bed
& one silver spoon each, to them their heirs & assigns forever.
8thly. I do hereby constitute name & ordain my
son John Bartlett sole executor of this my last will & testament, and I do
hereby order & direct my said executor to sell & dispose of my two wood
lots, and my meadow at Saquash for the payment of my debts & charges and
the legacies in this my will given. –
9thly. All the rest & residue of my estate
real, personal or mix’d after my debts, charges, & the legacies given in
this my will, are paid; I do hereby give & bequeath the same to my said
five daughters Sarah, Hannah, Jerusha, Abigail, & Maria, to be equally
divided between them, to them their heirs & assigns forever. ~
Lastly.
I do hereby revoke & disanul all & every other former will or wills by
me heretofore made, and by these presents ratify & confirm this instrument
to be my last will & testament. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fourteenth day of
November in the thirteenth year of his Majesty’s reign, and in the year of our
Lord Christ one thousand, seven hundred seventy & two.—
Sign’d, seal’d, & da’ by the sd. John Bartlett (seal)
John Bartlet & declared to be his
Last will & testament in presence
of us John
Russell, Thomas Wethrell
Ed
Winslow junr.
Presented for probate on 1 Mar. 1773 by John Bartlett, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Edward Winslow junr. and
Thomas Wethrell, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to John Bartlett, the before named executor.
The Inventory of the estate of mr. John Bartlett,
late of Plymouth, was appraised on 5 Mar. 1773 by Thomas Foster, Thomas
Matthews, and Ed Winslow junr., and totaled £823.15.4, including his
dwelling house and land valued at £450, two wood lots and a salt meadow, and
half the dwelling house at Eel-river in partnership with dea. Joseph Bartlett
valued at £15, Violet, a negro-woman, valued at £10, Allex a negro-boy aged 8
years, and Jem aged 6 years, together valued at £60.
John Bartlet, the executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
4 May 1773.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 232-235, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of John Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God
Amen. I John Bartlett of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in New England
Yeoman, being of a sound & disposing Mind, considering the Uncertainty of
Life do think proper to settle my worldly affairs, & to make my last Will
and Testament, in Manner following, – viz first of all I commend my Soul to the
everlasting Mercy of God thro’ Christ, & my Body to a decent Burial, humbly
hoping for a Glorious Resurrection thro’ the Merits of my Redeemer, and as to
my worldly Estate, I dispose thereof as follows.—
1st.
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Ruth, the Improvement of one third of
my Real & personal Estate during her Widowhood, together with all the
Household Furniture she brought with her, when I married her, also all the
Linen she shall make while she lived with me –
2d.
I give to my two surviving Sons viz Ellis & Samuel & their Heirs two
thirds of all my Real & personal Estate to be equally divided between them,
also I give to my two Sons viz Ellis & Samuel my Widow’s thirds of my
Estate both Real & personal after her Widowhood or Decease to be equally
divided between them, they paying to my daughter Mercy after my Widow’s
Marriage or Decease one hundred Dollars equally between them, ‘tis my will that
my two Sons above mentioned have my wearing Apparel equally between them ‘tis
my Will that my two Sons pay all my just Debts together with my funeral
Charges, & receive all Dues & Demands I had against any person – ‘tis
my will, that my two Sons Ellis & Samuel be the sole Executors of this my
last Will & Testament– In Testimony & Consideration of which I the said
John Bartlett do hereunto set my hand & Seal this ninth day of Feby
in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & two –
Signed, sealed & declared to be his last Will
and Testament in presence of – John Bartlett (seal)
Abner
Bartlett
James
Harlow Jr.
Anne
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 9 May 1814 by Ellis Bartlett and
Samuel Bartlett, the Executors therein named, and proved by James Harlow Junr.,
one of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Abner Bartlett Esqr. and
Anne Bartlett both now being deceased. Letters of Administration were granted
to Ellis Bartlett and Samuel Bartlett, the before named Executors.
Josiah Cornish, Gentleman, Joseph Bartlett Esqr.
and Francis Bartlett, Yeoman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the
estate of John Bartlett, late of Plymouth, Gentleman, on 9 May 1814. The
Inventory of the Estate of John Bartlett, dated 12 May 1814, totaled $1982.28,
including his real estate valued at $1671. Ellis Bartlett and Samuel Bartlett,
the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Nov. 1814.
Joseph Bartlett 3d. Esqr., Josiah
Cornish, Gentleman, and Francis Bartlett, Yeoman, all of Plymouth, Freeholders,
were appointed to set off to the Widow Ruth Bartlett as her Dower one third of
the Real Estate of John Bartlett, late of Plymouth, on 23 June 1814. The
division was dated 1 July 1814, and approved on 1 Aug. 1814.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp. 362-363, 517-519, from FHL
microfilm #0550903.
Will of Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the Name of God Amen.
I
Joseph Bartlett of Plimouth in the County of Plimo. Gentleman, being
in Tolarable Helth and of a Sound mind (Blessed be God for it) do make my Last
Will and Testamt. as follows Viz.
I
Recommend my Soul to God that Gave it Humbly Hoping for Salvation thro’ the
Meritts of Jesus Christ the Saviour of Mankind, and my body to a desent
Christain burial @ the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, And as Touching the Estate God has blessed me
with I Dispose of the same as follows Viz.
I Give to my beloved wife Elizabeth
Bartlett (in Lieu of her Dower of my Estate) all the Monies Indoore moveables
& Provisions which I may be Possessed of @ the time of My death My Negro
Girl named Violett and my Chase Horse and Beding Chair To Hold to her and her
Heirs & Assigns forever
I
Likewise Give my said wife the use and Improvemt. Of the front
Westerly Room in my now Dwelling House the Chamber and Garrett Over the said
Room, and the Entry & Stare=way in the front of the said House; and a
Previledge in the Seller under the same, and the Kitchin Buttrey and Sink Room
in the same House as shall be Convenient for her and the use of one half of my
Chaise House, and the use of One Quarter of my Home Barn During the Term of her
Naturall Life or Widohood; I also Give her a Suficiancy of fire Wood Cutt fit
for the fire & brought to said House During the Term aforesaid, and the
Produce of One Quarter Part of my Farm to be yealded to her Clear of Charge by
my Sons Silvanus & Zacheus in Equall Halves, and to be Delivered her Yearly
and Every Year during the sd. Term,
I
Give to my Son Silvanus Bartlett and to His Heirs and Assigns forever all that
Tract of Land lying @ Monument Pond in said Plimouth known by the name of
Warren’s Lott which I Purchased of My Brother Benjamin Bartlett, Elnathan
Bartlett & Phebee Barnes @ Severall Times, and Two thirds of my Pasture
called the Point pasture, Likewise all that my Sedge Ground near Beefhill in
said Plimouth and my Lott of Ceaderswamp Lying in Plimton which I Purchased of
John Carver always Provided and upon Condition That the said Silvanus and his
Heirs and Assigns do Pay and Discharge one half of my Just Debts and Funerall
Charges, and yeald to his said mother one half of the said fire wood, and the
One Halfe of the said Quarter of the Produce of the said Farm, as above Expresed,
and Pay to my Daughter Jerusha Crosswell and her Heirs &c, what I shall
Herein Divise to Her, and to my Daughter Elizabeth Ryder, and her heirs the One
half of the Sum of money which I shall herein Bequeath her. I Give to said Silvanus and to his Heirs half
the Lott I Bought of Isaac & Sarah Little near Sacrifice Brook in said
Plimouth
I
Give to my Son Zacheus Bartleet & to his Heirs and Assigns forever all my
Homstead with the Buildings thereon Standing (Except what I have herein
Disposed off) one Third part of the aforesaid Point Pasture; all my Meadow next
the Sea @ said Monument Ponds, my Wood lott @ a place called Daniells Kills,
all my Wood Land Adjoyning to the sd. Homstead and my Ceader swamp
in South meadow Ceaderswamp which I Purchased of Samuell Morton; allways
Provided & upon Condition that he or his Heirs Executors, Admrs,
or Assigns pay and Discharge One half of Just Debts and Funerall Charges, and
Yeald to his said Mother one halfe of the said fire wood and the one half of
the said Quarter of the Produce Of the said Farm as above Expressed, and Pay to
my Daughter Lydia Parker and her Heirs, the sum I shall herein Bequeath to her,
and to my Daughter Elizabeth Ryder & her Heirs &c, the one half of the
sum of money I shall herein Bequeath to her
I
Give to my son Silvanus Bartlett to & for the Seperate use and Benifitt of
my Daughter Jerusha Crosswell wife of Joseph Crosswell and to her Heirs; two
Cows, ten Sheep and a Yearling Heifer. I Likewise Give to my sd. Son
Silvanus for the same use Seventy five pounds Lawfull money, to be paid to her
with lawfull Interest within three Years after my Death, if she shall in his
Judgment need it for her and her Childrens Support, and in Like maner as that
non of it can be applied to the payment of her said Husband’s Debts, or to his
use any otherways then for the Support of my said Daughter and her Children; I
Likewise Give to my said Daughter a Living in my now Dwelling House in case she
Should be a Widow.
I
Give to my Daughter Lydia Parker wife of mr. Jonathan Parker, one
Cow, two Yearling Heifers, and one Sheep, I also Give her the Sum of Seventy
five pounds Lawfull money to paid to her or her Heirs with Lawfull Interest by
my Son Zacheus within three Years next After my Decease.
I
Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Rider wife of Benjamin Rider Junr. One
Yoke of Oxen, two Cows two, two year old Heifers two, two year old Steers, and
Ninteen Sheep, I also Give to her the Sum of Seventy five pounds lawfull Money
to be paid her or Her Heirs with lawfull Interest one Half by my Son Silvanus,
and the Other Halfe by my Zacheus in three years next after my decease; These
Legacies I Give to my said Daughters over and above what I have Heretofore
Given them,
I
Give all the Rest of my Estate Real & Personall to my said Sons Silvanus
& Zacheus, and their heirs and Assigns for ever in Equall Halves, and
Revoking all Other Wills; and in Confirmation of this, and making my said Sons
Executors hereof, I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal Septr. The
4th. Annoque Domi, 1756
Signed
Seal’d Published Joseph Bartlett (seal)
& Declared; by the said Joseph
to be his Last Will & Testamt,
In Presence of
James Curtiss
John Cobb
James Hovey
Presented for probate on 23 July
1756 by the Executors therein named, and proved by James Hovey, James Curtiss
and John Cobb, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Silvanus Bartlett and Zacheus Bartlett, both of Plimo., the
Executors, on 23 July 1756, with Elkanah Watson and John Lothrop, of Plimouth,
as sureties, on the estate of Capt. Joseph Bartlett, late of sd.
Plimo., Gentleman.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 121-125, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In
the Name of God Amen – I Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth in County of Plymouth in
New England Shoreman, Considering my own mortality, and that the time of my
departure may be at hand, and being at present (blessed be God for it) of a
sound disposing mind and memory, do make this my Last will & testament
First of all I Give my Soul to God that Gave it, hoping for a Salvation and
acceptance with him through the perfect Righteousness of Jesus Christ my dear
Redeemer my body I Commit to the dust to be decently buryed at the discretion
of my Executors herein after named, nothing doubting but the same shall be
Raised again at the Last day, and as to what Earthly Substance God hath blessed
me withal I Give and dispose of as followeth
Imprimis—I Give to my dear and
Loving wife Sarah Bartlett the use and improvement of all my Estate Real and
personal so Long as she Lives my widow Except so much of it as my Executors
hereafter named should want of my Estate to pay my Just debts and funeral
Charge, and if my wife should marry again, I Give her one half of personal
Estate Except so much as is hereafter mentioned
Item—Give and bequeath to my well
beloved Son Joseph Bartlett, the one half of my Real Estate he to have as much
of it at my death as to pay one half of my Just debts and funeral Charges and
at my wife’s Second marriage or death to have the whole half, he paying one
half of my Just debts & funeral Charge and Legacies hereafter mentioned; I
also Give to my said Son Joseph the one half of my wearing Apparell and my Cain
with my name upon it, at my wife’s death, to have my Great Bible and half Mr.
Henry’s Annotations Books; also Give my Pew in Mr. Robbins meeting
House, to him and his heirs & assigns forever, Except what is hereafter
mentioned
Item—I Give and bequeath to my well
beloved Son Thomas Bartlett the one half of my Real Estate he is to have so
much of it at my death as to pay one half my Just debts and funeral Charges,
and at my wife’s Second marriage or death to have the whole half, he paying one
half my Just debts and Legacies; I also Give him one half of my wearing
Apparell, my Other walking Cane and half Mr. Henry’s Annotations
books at my wife’s death to him and his heirs & assigns forever, on this
Condition that my Son Thomas shall Give to my Son Joseph the one half of his
Interest in all the Lands Given him by his Uncle Mr. Thomas Bartlett
deceased and half his Interest in thirty acre wood Lot I bought of Mr.
Ebenezer Bartlett deceased, I having paid the full value of said Lands in debts
& Legacies the said Lands Lying at a place Called Eell River in Plymouth ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my well
beloved daughter Sarah Bartlett one Sixteenth part of all my Estate Real and
personal Clear of my Just debts and funeral Charges are paid, Except to so much
as is hereafter mentioned, to her and her heirs & assigns forever to be
paid by my Executors hereafter named in one year after my wife’s death in
personal Estate & money, not to Reckon any thing she has already had nor to
demand my Book debts of her, which I Suppose will be her full Share of my
Estate and my daughter Sarah nor her heirs shall not demand no Rent for house
and Land I improved
Item—I Give and bequeath to my well
beloved daughter Martha Jackson one Eighth part of all my Estate Real and
personal Except what is hereafter mentioned after my Just debts and funeral
Charges are paid and what she already has had & what her husband Mr.
Nathaniel Jackson has had to be part of her Eighth, and my will is, my said
daughter Martha shall have my best Bed & furniture with my Green China
Curtains and Green Bed Quilt, my Great Looking Glass, my desk & Round table
in my Great Chamber, half dozen of my best Chairs, and half my pewter if due to
make up her Eighth part, and if there is any more, to be paid by my Executors
hereafter named in two years after my wifes death to her and her heirs and
assigns forever
Item—I Give and bequeath to my well
beloved Grandson John Bartlett one half of my pine Lot of Forty acres Lying
above Billington Sea so Called I bought of the Heirs of Mr.
Nathaniel Donham deced to him and his heirs forever ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my two
Grand Children William Hosea and Hannah Hosea Children of my daughter Hannah
Hosea deced one Sixteenth part of all my Estate Real and personal that is Left
after my Just debts and funeral Charges is paid, equally to each, to be paid by
Executors hereafter named to my Grandson when he arrives at the age of twenty
one years and to my Grand daughter she arrives at the age of twenty one years
or day of marriage, and if either of them should decease before that age his or
her part shall Go to and paid to the other that Survives to them and their
heirs forever
Furthermore my will is that if my
Son Thomas dont Give to my son Joseph the one half of his Interest that he has
in Land at a place in Plymouth by the name of Eell River afore mentioned, then
my Son Joseph shall have over and above the half of my Real Estate, the Land
& meadow I bought of John Churchill and a wood Lot at a place Called Lout
pond I bought of Jonathan Barnes I do also hereby appoint my two Sons Joseph
Bartlett & Thomas Bartlett both of Plymouth Executors to my said will &
testament–In Testimony of all which I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this
Eleventh day of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two –
1782
Signed Sealed, published,
pronounced
and declared in presence of us Joseph Bartlett (seal)
Isaac
Lothrop
Abrm.
Hammatt
Thaddeus
Churchill
Presented for probate on 11 Oct.
1783 by Joseph Bartlett and Thomas Bartlett, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Isaac Lothrop and Abraham Hammatt, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Joseph Bartlett and Thomas Bartlett, the before
named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 59-61, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusett (1834) *
In
the name of God, Amen: I, Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth, Esquire, being of sound
and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will &
Testament in manner following.
Im
primis – I give and devise my Dwelling House and Lot and the buildings thereon
to my three daughters, viz, Rebecca, Susan and Eliza-ann, in fee simple
forever.
Second,
I give and bequeath the Piano Forte to my two daughters, Rebecca and Eliza-Ann:
and all the rest and residue of my furniture I give and bequeath to my Wife and
my three daughters, Rebecca, Susan and Eliza Ann, to be equally divided among
the four.
Thirdly
– I give and devise to my Wife the improvement of one third part of my Real
Estate, during the term of her natural life, meaning hereby to include one
third life estate in my Dwelling House & lot & buildings thereon, above
mentioned.
Fourthly
– All the rest and residue of my Estate, both real and personal, I hereby give,
devise and bequeath to my three daughters aforementioned, and the children of
my son William Bartlett, viz, Susan Louisa, Betsey Thatcher, and John – the
said three children of my son William, to take one fourth part of said residue.
Fifthly
– I hereby nominate and appoint Benjamin M. Watson, as Executor of this my last
Will & Testament
In
testimony whereof, I the said Joseph Bartlett, have to this my last Will &
Testament, set my hand & seal this twenty sixth day of May in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Joseph Bartlett (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the said Joseph Bartlett, as his last Will
& Testament, in the presence of us, who, in his presence, and at his
request, have hereto set our names, as Witnesses, this twenty sixth day of May
eighteen hundred & thirty four.
Wm
Thomas
Mary
Ann F. Stevenson
Joshua
B. Thomas.
Presented for probate on 13 Apr. 1835, and proved by William
Thomas and Joshua B. Thomas, two of the subscribing witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Benjamin M. Watson, of Plymouth, Esquire, on 13
Apr. 1835.
The Inventory of the estate of Joseph Bartlett Esqer,
late of Plymouth, was appraised by Nathl. M. Davis, Elias Thomas,
and Bartlett Holmes on 16 May 1835, and totaled $5727.69½, including his real
estate valued at $5109.25, of which his house and lot on Court Street was
valued at $2750, and several other parcels of land. Benjamin M. Watson, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 18 May 1835, and he notified the court that
the estate was insolvent to pay his just debts, and he was given license to sell
the personal estate of the deceased for the payment of his debts.
Ebenezer G. Parker, of Plymouth Esquire, was granted
administration de bonis non with the Will annexed of the estate of Joseph
Bartlett, late of Plymouth, Esq., Benjamin M. Watson, the Executor therein
named, being now also deceased leaving administration of said Estate still to
be done and finished, on 7 Dec. 1835, with N. M. Davis and J. B. Thomas as his
sureties.
Ebenezer G. Parker, Administrator on the Estate of Joseph
Bartlett, late of Plymouth, de bonis non with the Will annexed was ordered to
sell at public auction the personal estate of the deceased on 18 Jan. 1836. The
estate was again inventoried on 11 Jan. 1836 by Nathaniel M. Davis, John B.
Thomas, and Roland E. Cotton, and totaled $5559.69½, his real estate valued at
$5109.25, and the piano forte valued at $15.
Nathaniel M. Davis and John B. Thomas, both of Plymouth, were
appointed to examine the claims against the estate of Joseph Bartlett, late of
Plymouth, Esquire, on 12 Jan. 1836, and the claims totaled $456.79 on 8 Aug.
1836.
Plymouth 5 December 1836 Received of E. G. Parker Admr.
de bonis non with the Will annexed of the Estate of Joseph Bartlett Esq.
deceased the Piano Forte which was bequeathed to us in the last Will and
Testament of said deceased and we promise to hold the said Instrument subject
to the order of the said Administrator for the term of four years from the
seventh instant provided it shall become necessary to dispose of the same
during the time aforesaid for the payment of any debt or debts which may
hereafter be found to be due from said Estate.
R.
Bartlett
E.
A. Bartlett
Plymouth 5 December 1836 Received of E. G. Parker Adm de
bonis non with the Will annexed of the Estate of Joseph Bartlett Esquire,
deceased all the furniture of which the deceased died possessed and which was
bequeathed to us in his last Will and Testament for a more particular
description of which reference may be made to the Inventory returned by the
appraisers of said Estate into the Probate Office in Plymouth Mass. and we
promise to hold the said furniture subject to the order of the said Administrator
for the term of four years from the seventh instant provided it shall become
necessary to dispose of the same during the time aforesaid for the payment of
any debt or debts which may hereafter be found to be due from said Estate.
Lucy
D Bartlett
R.
Bartlett
Susan
Bartlett
E.
A. Bartlett
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, pp. 127-128, 179-184, from FHL
microfilm #0555264, Vol. 71, p. 463, and Vol. 78, pp. 6-9, 317-317, 544-545.
Will of Mary Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In the name of God amen. I Mary Bartlett of Plymouth – – – –
– widow of Lemuel Bartlett late of Plymouth deceased being in health of body
& of sound & disposing Mind after committing my Soul to God who gave it
& my Body to the Grave with a decent Burial –
I give and bequeath to my two eldest Sons Lemuel Bartlett
& William each a small Pocket Bible. –
Item I give to my Son Rufus Bartlett all my Land at Duck
plain so called in Plymouth that is undisposed of, also one quarter part of all
my Estate both Real or personal. –
Item the remainder of my Estate whether Real or personal I
give to my three Daughters namely Mary Sturtevant Jane Doten & Rebecca
Holmes equally between them –
And I do appoint my Son Rufus Bartlett to be Executor of this
my last will & Testament in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& Seal this 22d. Septembr. AD 1796
in presence of
Benja. Warren
Sarah Morton Mary Bartlett (seal)
Jean Warren
Presented for probate on 23 Jan. 1811 by Rufus Bartlett, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Majr. Benjamin Warren, one of
the Witnesses thereto subscribed, Sarah Morton and Jean Warren being both since
deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Rufus Bartlett, the before
named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of the Widow Mary Bartlett, late
of Plymouth, was appraised on 20 Nov. 1810 by Nathl. Spooner, Benjn.
Drew junr. and Ezra Harlow junr, and totaled $241.78, no
real estate. Rufus Bartlett, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 23
Jan. 1811.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 365-366, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Samuel Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the name of God Amen—I, Samuel Bartlett of Plymouth being
sensible of the Certainty of death and uncertain of the time thereof &
being desirous of making a disposition of my small Estate before my departure,
being of a sound disposing mind & memory do make this my Last will &
Testament hereby Revoking all my other and former Wills
Item—First & principally I Resign my soul to God who Gave
it trusting in the merits of the Reedeemer of mankind for Eternal salvation and
my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor herein after
named
Item—I Give to my beloved wife Elisabeth Bartlett, after my
debts are all paid, the whole of the improvement of all my Estate, both Real
& Personal untill my youngest son then Living shall arrive at fourteen
years of age and after that time the whole of my Estate both Real &
Personal to be divided in the following manner – my beloved widow to have one
third of the whole of the improvement her Life time. the Other to be equally
divided amongst my children, Except my two daughters Mary Finney &
Elisabeth Churchill to be deducted from each of their shares Twenty pounds
each, to be divided equally between the other nine children, and after my
widow’s death her thirds to be equally divided amongst all my Eleven children
Item—I hereby appoint Mr Nathl. Morton
junr my sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament– Witness my
hand & seal at Plymouth April the Fifth one thousand seven hundred &
Eighty, in the 4th. year of American Independence
Signed, sealed & delivered & declared Samuel Bartlett (seal)
to be the Last will of sd Bartlett in
presence of us
James
Doten
Rebecca
Morton
Thaddeus
Churchill
Presented for probate on 24 May 1780 by Nathaniel Morton junr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by James Doten and Thaddeus Churchill,
two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Samuel Bartlett, late of
Plymouth, was appraised on 24 Nov. 1780 by James Doten, Joseph Bartlett junr.
and Lemuel Morton, and totaled £537.9.4, including his homestead valued at
£375. Nathl. Morton junr, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 13 Dec. 1780.
To Mrssrs. Amasiah Churchill junr.
& Joseph Bartlett junr., both of Plymouth, Mariners,
Whereas Samuel Bartlett Late of sd. Plymouth
yeoman deced on the fifth day of April Anno Domini 1780 made his Last will
& Testament in writing & Signed Sealed & delivered the same before
Sufficient witnesses, which will was duly proved & approved & after
Gifts & Legacies then made he appointed Nathaniel Morton junr.
Sole Executor of the same will, but he having deceased before he had compleated
his said Excorship – and whereas the power of committing Admon. & full
disposition of all & singular the Goods, Chattells Rights & Credits of
the sd deced remains still to be administered upon & to be done
& finished, & also the hearing examining & allowing the account of
such admon. doth appertain unto me – Trusting therefore in your care &
fidelity I do by these presents commit unto you full power to administer all
& singular the Remaining Goods, Chattells, Rights & Credits of the sd
deced Saml Bartlett first mentioned, & well & faithfully to
dispose of the same according to Law & the direction of the said will… In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal of the Court of Probate the 20th
day of May Anno Domini 1784.
Jos. Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 491-493, from FHL microfilm
#0550713, and Vol. 27, p. 501-502.
Will of Susan Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
In the name of God Amen—I Susan Bartlett of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth, Single-woman do make and publish this my last Will and
testament.
I devise
give and bequeath all my real Estate of which I may die seized and possessed,
or to which I may be entitled at the time of my death, to my Sister Eliza Ann
Goodwin, wife of Albert G. Goodwin of said Plymouth, to have and to hold to her
the said Eliza Ann Goodwin to her sole and seperate use, free from the
interference and control of her husband.
I give,
devise, and bequeath all my personal property of every description to my niece
Eliza Hussey Goodwin daughter of the said Eliza Ann.
I hereby
nominate and appoint William Davis to be Executor of this my last will and
testament
I
Witness Whereof I the said Susan Bartlett have hereunto put my hand and seal
this twenty sixth day of January A.D. eighteen hundred and forty six.
Susan
Bartlett
X (seal)
her mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Susan
Bartlett the Testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in our presence
who at her request, in her presence, and in the presence of each other have
subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto.
Nathl.
M. Davis
John B.
Thomas
Lemuel
D. Holmes
Presented for probate on 8 June 1747 by William Davis, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John B. Thomas and Lemuel D. Holmes, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to
William Davis, the Executor.
William Davis, of Plymouth, was granted Administration of the
estate of Susan Bartlett, late of Plymouth, Singlewoman, on 8 June 1847, with
Nathaniel M. Davis, of Plymouth, as surety.
John B. Thomas, Nathaniel M. Davis, and Lemuel D. Holmes, all
of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Susan Bartlett, late of
Plymouth, on 8 June 1847.
The Inventory of the Estate of Susan Bartlett, late of
Plymouth, was appraised on 23 Nov. 1847, her real estate was valued at $810,
and her personal estate totaled $293.66. William Davis, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on the first Monday of Dec. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 89, pp. 223-224, 517, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol. 2H, p.
125.
Will of Thankful Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the name of God Amen—I Thankful Bartlett of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth & State of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England,
widow, being Stricken in years & Lying on a Sick Bed knowing it is
appointed to all men once to dye, tho’ at present in perfect mind & memory
do appoint & ordain this to be my Last will & Testament viz^–first of
all I bequeath my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it hoping thro’ the
merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour to Recieve the free pardon of all my Sins, my
body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried by my Executors hereafter
named, believing by the mighty power of God to Recieve the same at the General
Resurrection, and as to my worldly Estate which God in his Providence hath
Endowed me withal – I give & dispose of in manner following
First–I Give & bequeath unto my Eldest Son James one
third of my whole Estate Real & personal
Item–I Give & bequeath the Remaining two thirds of my
said Estate to my three Children & Grand Child viz^ William, Lucy, Thankful
& my Grandson Jonathan to be equally divided between them
Item–I Give to my Son in Law John Cornish Five Shillings
Finally–I Do hereby appoint & ordain my two Sons James
and William to be Executors of this my Last will & Testament & that
they pay out of the Estate my funeral Charges & all my Just Debts – In
Testimony whereof I hereunto Sett my hand & Seal this ninth day of February
Anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred & Eighty two
Signed, Sealed & declared in
her
presence
of – Thankful X Bartlett (seal)
John Blackmer
mark
Andrew Bartlett
Branch Blackmer
Presented for probate on 10 Apr. 1782 by James Bartlett and
William Bartlett, the Executors therein named, and proved by Andrew Bartlett
and Branch Blackmer, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to James & William Bartlett, the before named Executors.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 278-280, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Thankful Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In the name of God Amen, I Thankful Bartlett of Plymouth, in
the County of Plymouth, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
I give and devise to George W. Bartlett, Jr. Son of my Sister
Sarah Bartlett deceased the sum of Fifteen Dollars.
I give my Niece Lucia W. Bartlett Ten Dollars.
I give my Niece Catherine Holmes Five Dollars.
I give my Niece Deborah Pierce Five Dollars.
I give my Niece Eliza Hammond Five Dollars.
I give my Nephew Peter W. Doten Five Dollars.
I give my Nephew Lemuel Doten Five Dollars.
I give my Niece Betsey Doten Five Dollars.
And it is my Will, that all my property both Real and
Personal, excepting the Legacies aforesaid, shall be divided, as follows, viz.
One half to my Sister Henrietta Blackmer, Wife of Ezra H.
Blackmer.
One half to Lucy Clark Wife of Israel Clark, to have and to
hold the same to them and their Heirs and Assigns – And I do hereby appoint
Israel Clark Husband of my Sister Lucy Clark to be Executor of this my last
Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I, the the said Thankful Bartlett have
hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twentieth day of June, in the year of our
Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Thankful
Bartlett, as her last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in her
presence, and at her request, have hereto set our names as Witnesses.
Thankful
Bartlett X her mark
Samuel Bartlett, 3d. (seal)
Amasa Bartlett, 2d.
William Clark +
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1845 by
Israel Clark, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Bartlett 3d
and William Clark, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Israel Clark, the Executor.
Israel Clark, of Wareham, was granted Letters Testamentary on
the Estate of Thankful Bartlett, late of Plymouth, widow, on 11 Aug. 1845, with
Seth Clark and Thomas Cornish, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Israel Clark, Samuel Bartlett 3d and Nathaniel
Clark, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Thankful
Bartlett, late of Plymouth, on 11 Aug. 1845.
The Inventory of the Estate of Thankful Bartlett, late of
Plymouth, was not dated, but her dwelling house and lot was appraised at $210,
and her personal estate totaled $82.49. Israel Clark, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 11 Dec. 1845.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 357-358, from FHL microfilm
#0555638, Vol. 2H, p. 49, and Vol. 88, p. 37-38.
Will of Thomas
Bartlett of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1758) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Thomas Bartlett of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth in New England yeoman, Considering my own Mortallity and
that the time of my Departure may be at hand and being at present (Blessed be
God for it) of sound disposeing mind and Memory, Do make this my last will
& Testament.
First of all I Give my Soul to God hopeing for acceptance
with him through the perfect Righteousness of my Dear Redeemer my body I commit
to the Dust to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executer hereafter
named, Nothing Doubting but the same shall be raiz’d again at the last day, and
as to what Earthly substance God has blessed me withall, I Give & dispose
as followeth.
First. I Give to my Dear and Loveing Abigail Bartlett one
half of the Income of my Farm whereon I now dwell viz, One half of the Profits
of the whole so that if my Executor Leasses out the place, the Tennant to have
One half as is Customary and the whole of the Other half to be to my said wife
to and for her support Dureing her widowhood or while she Continues my widdow.
Likewise the improvement of the best room in my House and as much of the other
part of the House & buildings as makes up the One half Dureing her
remaining my widdow, Also I Give to my said wife the use of One half my Pew in
the meeting house, Dureing her life. also liberty of Cutting Eight Cords of
wood of my wood Lotts Pr. year, for her Own fireing, the whole to be
cut and Carted for her yearly by my said Executor without any Cost to my said
wife, so long as She Continues to dwell in my said House, as my widdow,
Furthermore I Give unto my said wife my Indian Servant Girl Sarah Cunnet Bound
by Indenture to us, Also I Give to my said wife the whole use and improvement
of all my Household Stuff & Books Dureing her being my widdow, but if she
shall marry again then I hereby give her one third part of my said Household
goods & Books to her & to her Disposal as She shall see Cause Except
such Books as I have Given and Bequeathed in this my will, also my will is that
my Executor always find & provide at his Cost as Executor a good Beast for
her use & improvement to Ride on, also two Cowes such as she shall chuse
& six of the best Sheep & one swine for each & every year dureing
her remaining my widdow, and further my will is that if my said wife Should
marry again that my said Executor shall then pay her the sum of twenty Six
pounds, thirteen Shillings & four pence lawfull money at the time of her
mariage and these I Give and bequeath to my said wife as her full right of
Dowry, and power of thirds in my Estate.
2ly. I Give and bequeath to my Brother Ebenezer
Bartlett my twenty acres of land (be it more or less) formerly laid out to
James Barnaby and by Capt. James Warren Conveyed to my Honrd.
Father Robert Bartlett deceasd is part of my Homestead wheron I now dwell, and
Bounded Begining at a Stone set in the bound on the Southerly side of the Roade
above my House and from said stone about South East by a Maple tree (Standing
in the fense) Marked and thence in the same range to a small Beach tree marked
on four Sides standing also in the fense and thence on the same range to the
Brook and for the Other Boundaries Reference is had to the Deed of said twenty
acres from said Warren to my said father, Togather with all the Buildings
fences and trees standing and being on said land all hereby given to him for
and dureing his Natural life, also my wood Lot I bought of William Clark, and
at said Ebenezers Death, the whole of the above premisses to Descend and belong
to my said Brother Ebenezers son, Thomas Bartlett to him and to his heirs and
assigns forever, and also half my Pew in the meeting House.
3. I Give and Bequeath
unto my Nephew Thomas Bartlett son of my brother Joseph Bartlett to him &
to his heirs and assigns forever, all the Residue and remainder of my Homestead
On which I now dwell Containing by Estimation forty acres be it more or less
Togather with my peice of Meadow adjoyning to Eell river at Mortons Landing so
called contains about two acres, and all that my one Sixteenth part of Plimouth
Beach and my half of the wood Lott Joseph Warren & I bought of Samuel
Bartlett Esqr also one half of my Right & Interest in South Meadow Cedar
Swamp, and also my Share or Lott of Mean land that fell to my father Mr.
Robert Bartlett in the last Division of the Comon lands of the Proprietors of
Plimouth and Plimton, and half my Pew in the Meeting House after my wifes
decease.
4 I Give to the
Children of my Brother John Bartlett to be paid as hereaftermentioned Thirteen
pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence lawfull money to be Equally divided
among the Children of my said Brother.
5 I Give to the
Children of my Brother Robert Bartlett the like sum of thirteen pounds six
shillings & 8d. to be paid as hereafter mentiond & to be
equally divided to and among them.
6 I Give to my Brother
Lemuel Bartletts Children to be paid as hereaftermentiond the like sum of
Thirteen pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence to be paid as hereafter
mentiond and to be Equally divided to and among them —
7ly. I Give
to Thomas Sears and Willard Sears sons of my Sister Elizabeth Sears the sum of
Eight pounds lawfull Money to each of them and one Cow & Calf and ten Sheep
to each of them when and as they arrive to the age of twenty one years, to be
paid by my Executor out of my Estate.
8ly. I Give
to Abigail Bartlett wife of Ebenezer Bartlett my Brother the sum of Six pounds
thirteen shillings and four pence & Sarah Faunce wife of Thomas Faunce of
Plimouth the like sum of Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence, And to
Chloe Sears daughter of my Sister Elizabeth Sears the like sum of Six pounds
thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid to each of them in lawfull money
as hereafter Ordered ~~
9 I Give to each of
the Children of my Brothers & Sisters That is to say, to so many of them as
shall be alive at my Death a Handsom English Bible with Phsalms & Clasps
and each & every of them a Catechism within Six months after my decease to
be procured and Given to them by my Executor & paid for out of my Estate.
10 I Give to the First
Church of Christ in Plimouth the sum of Six pounds thirteen Shillings &
four pence to be paid out of my Estate within One year after my decease viz
four pounds to purchase a piece of plate for said Church, And the remainder to
be laid out in Catechisms & Distributed to & among the Children of the
said Church.
11 I Give and Bequeath
to my five Brothers, John, Joseph, Ebenezer, Robert & Lemuel Bartlett, all
my wearing Apparell to be Equally Divided among them.
12. I Give to my
Brother Robert Bartlett my Great Bible and to my Brother Ebenezer Bartletts son
Ebenezer my Second Volume of mr. Flavells works.
and to Thomas Bartlett son of my Brother Joseph Bartlett my
Book is mr. Robert Frails Sermons.
and Doctr Watts. Sermons, is viz first
Volumn to John Bartlett son of Brother John Bartlett and the Second Vollumn to
Lemuel Bartlett the son of Lemuel Bartlett. And all the Remainder of my Books I
Give to my abovesd. five Brothers John, Joseph Ebenezer, Robert
& Lemuel Bartlett, to be Equally divided to and among them, after my wifes
decease.
And finally all the remainder and Residue of my Estate
whatsoever and wheresoever I Give to my Beloved Brother Joseph Bartlett and he
to pay all my Just Debts and Legacies be forementioned and my funeral Charges,
togather with all the profits he may make of my farm, in Plimouth after my wife
receives the whole of One half as Before Beforementioned of the profits and if
the Residue Given to my said Brother togather with the profits he may make of
the farm be not Sufficient to pay all my Just Debts funeral Charges and
Legacies then the said Legacies and Charges, Shall be paid out of that part of
my Real Estate which I have in this my will Given to his son Thomas Bartlett,
That is to say so much of sd. Debts and Legacies as the improvement
& personal Estate Shall fall Short (if any) And further my will is that the
Legacies Given Excepting those the time of payment of which is herein before
Expressed be paid by my said Executor hereafter named as follows, That is to
say what I have in this my will to my Brother Johns Children and to Abigail
Bartlett Given to be paid in Cash Shall be paid them by my executer within One
year after my said wifes decease or Second Mariage, and what I have given as
aforesaid To my Brother Roberts Children and to Sarah Faunce Shall be paid unto
them within two years after my wifes Decease or Second mariage, and what I have
Given to my Brother Lemuel Bartletts Children, and to Chloe Sears as afforesaid
Shall be paid them within three years after my said wifes decease or Second
Mariage. And I do hereby Constitute and
appoint my said Brother Joseph Bartlett Sole Executor of this my last will and
Testament, Hereby Revokeing all other & former wills by me made, Declareing
this to be my last will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal, this first
day of April Anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred and fifty Eight —
Signed Sealed and Deliverd Thomas Bartlett (seal)
Published and Declared
In presence of us.
Samuel Bartlett
Nathaniel Shurtleff
Ephraim Spooner
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1764 by Mr. Joseph
Bartlett, the Executor, and proved by Nathaniel Shurtleff and Ephraim Spooner,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Joseph Bartlett.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 19, p. 131-135, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Zacheus Bartlett of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
According
to the law, and I trust according to justice, I, Zacheus Bartlett of Plymouth,
in County of Plymouth, Physition, dispose of my estate by this my will as
follows –
I give
to my beloved wife Hannah, if she survive me, the use and improvement of all my
estate, real and personal, during her life, with the exceptions that may
follow, with full right to dispose of the personal to, and among our children,
when and as she shall see fit – and also a right to sell such part thereof for
the family’s use, when she and my other executor think proper.
As an
equivalent to my daughters for what I have advanced and charged to my sons
Sidney and George for expenses of their education, I give in fee, in equal
parts and in common all the house and lot with its appurtenances to my
daughters Margaret and Caroline, being what I purchased of the heirs of Joseph
Avery.
Although
I have charged my sons Sidney and George with equal sums for their education,
yet, recollecting that Sidney’s was at a time when all things were dearer, and
from no other consideration, or unkind bias, I direct my Executors, within a
year from my decease, to pay to my son George, or to his heirs, two hundred
dollars, if it can be raised out of my personal estate, not otherwise.
And I
appoint my wife Hannah, and my son Sidney Executors of this will.
In
Witness of all which I have hereto set my name and seal this nineteenth day of
September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty nine.
Witness Zacheus Bartlett (seal)
John
Russell
Deborah
Russell
Caroline
Jackson
Feby
26, 1835. Memo – That four hundred dollars which I have advanced to my daughter
Margaret, is so much to be deducted from her right in the house and lot in this
named.
Zacheus Bartlett.
Presented for probate on 18 Jan. 1836, and proved by John
Russell, one of the subscribing witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Hannah Bartlett of Plymouth, Widow, and Sidney Bartlett of Boston,
in the County of Suffolk, Esquire, on 18 Jan. 1836.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p. 10-11, from FHL microfilm
#0555264.
Will of Caleb Bassett of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Be it remembered that I Caleb Bassett of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth and commonwealth Massachusetts yeoman being weak in body but
of sound and disposing mind and memory do this twentieth day of March in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven make and publish
this my last will & Testament in manner following that is to say.
I give to my daughter Abba Dunbar Thirty Dollars
I give to my son Cyrus Bassett eleven acres and a half of
swamp it being a part of the Seventh lot in the old Cedar swamp so called in
Bridgwater and to heirs and assigns forever.
I give and bequeath to my son Caleb Bassett jun and his heirs
and assigns one undivided half of all the Real Estate I shall die seized of in
the aforesaid Middleborough including one undivided half of my homestead farm
with one undivided half of all the buildings thereon together with the whole of
my out door moveables and farming utenstils and stock except one Cow and one
colt –
I give to my son Keith Bassett one dollar
I give and bequeath to my daughter Bethiah Staples thirty
dollars
I give and bequeath to my daughter Eunice Bassett one
undivided half of all my Real Estate in the aforesaid Middleborough of which I
shall die seized of including one undivided half of all the buildings thereon
standing to her and her heirs and assigns forever, with also all my indoor
moveables and household Furniture except the bed and bedding whereon I now
sleep and also one Cow and one colt
I give and bequeath to my daughter Sophronia Richmond Thirty
dollars also one bed and bedding whereon I now sleep.
I also give and bequeath to my son Caleb Bassett jun and to
my daughter Eunice Bassett all my Estate Real and personal not herein before
bequeathed and devised wherever the same may be found equally between them. I
also order them to pay all my just debts and funeral charges and also all the
Legacies herein before bequeathed and devised equally between them and lastly I
do constitute ordain and appoint my son Caleb Bassett jun and my daughter
Eunice Bassett joint Executors of this my last Will & Testament. In Witness
whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Caleb Bassett (seal)
Signed, sealed published, pronounced and declared by the said
Caleb Bassett as and for his last Will & Testament in the presence of us
who at his request and in his presence hereunto set our names as Witnesses to
the same
David
Peirce
Job
P. Parris
Wm
C. Parris
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of May 1841 by
Caleb Bassett jun the Executor therein named, and proved by Job P. Parris and
William C. Paris, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Caleb Bassett and Eunice Bassett were granted administration
of the estate of Caleb Bassett, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 25 May 1841,
with Job P. Parris and William C. Parris, all of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 226-227, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 376.
Will of Joseph
Bassett of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1736) *
In the Name of God amen. the twelfth Day of January-1735/6. I
Joseph Bassett of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in New-England
Husbandman, being now in Health of Body, and of perfect Mind & Memory,
Thanks be given to the Great God; Yet calling to Mind the Mortality of the
Body, and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to dy, do Make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament, That is to Say, Principally &
first of all, I Give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it,
& my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried with decent Christian
Burial at the Discretion of my Executor, Nothing doubting but at ye
General Resurrection I shall recieve the Same again by the Mighty Power of God.
And as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me
in this Life, I Give Demise & Dispose of the Same in the following Manner
& form —
Imprims. 1st It is my Will that all my
Debts & Funeral Charges, be well & truly paid in convenient Time after
my Decease, & that out of those moveables with are to be equally divided
among my Children —
2ly I Give & Bequeath unto my Oldest Daughter
Bethiah Bassett all my Home Lot or that Tract of Land upon which my Dwelling
House now Stands, Containing about thirty Seven Acres & an half, with the
Buildings thereupon, & the Priviledges belonging thereunto, With all my
Moveables within Doors of what Sort soever, or all my Houshold Goods of any
kind —
3ly I Give to my Second Daughter Mehetabel
Holloway now living at
4ly I Give to my Third Daughter Lydia Phillips of
Norten in the County of Bristoll, Eleven Acres of Land joyning in Part to ye
Land of my Kinsman Joseph Bassett, and in Part to the Land of my Brothr
William, both in the Township of Bridgewater; and also half a Lot of Meadow
joyning in Part to William Snow’s Land in ye Township abovesd.,
and bounded in part by the Town River —
5ly All my Moveables, except those above mentioned
Given to my Daughter Bethiah, I Give to my three Daughters to be equally
Divided among them, & all my Right in any Land or Lands in Bridgewater
aforesd Except the above mentioned —
6ly Among my Stock of Cattel, there is one Heifer
of about three Year old & another about two Year old My Daughter Bethiah’s,
by right of her own Purchase wch are not to be reckond
among my Moveables —
Finally I appoint my Daughter Bethiah Bassett Sole Executrix
of this my last Will & Testament, Hereby Ratifying & Holding this &
no other to be my last Will & Testament, and Disallowing all other Wills
before this by Me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand &
Seal the Day & Year abovewritten —
his
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared Joseph
X Bassett (seal)
by ye sd Joseph Bassett as his last
Will & Testamt. mark
In Presence of Us the Subscribers
John Shaw Eleazr
Carver Ephraim
Proved on 7 Feb. 1736[/7] by John Shaw, Eleazer Carver, and
Ephm Jennings, the witnesses. Administration of the Estate of
Joseph Bassett was granted to Bethiah Bassett, the Eldest Daughter of the
deceased, on 11 Feb. 1736[/7].
The Inventory of the Estate both real & personal of
Joseph Bassett, late of Bridgewater, who dyed the twenty eighth day of
November-1736, was appraised by Josiah Edson, Nathanl Willis and
Joshua Fobes on 17 Feb. 1736/7, and totaled £525.10.0, his Housing &
Homestead valued at £270, the land by Moses Washburn’s & ye
Island in the Pond valued at £74, and the half lot of meadow & the 11 acres
by Joseph Bassett’s valued at £73. Bethiah Bassett, the Executrix, gave her
oath to the inventory on 8 Nov. 1737.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Bassett of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In
the Name of God Amen I Joseph Bassett of Rochester in the County of Plymouth
& State of Massachusetts Gentleman, being of sound & disposing Mind
& Memory for which I return thanks to the Almighty God – Calling to Mind
the Mortality of Man do make & ordain this to be my last will and Testament
& first & principally I give & bequeath my immortal spirit to God
who gave it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a decent & Christian
like manner. And what earthly Estate, it has pleased God to bless me with, I
dispose of in the following Manner and Form —
Imprimis,
I give & bequeath to my Well beloved Daughter Asenath Doty wife of Thomas
Doty one Feather Bed & necessary Bed Furniture. —
Item
I give & bequeath to my well beloved Grandson Thomas Doty all the rest my
Estate that I shall die legally seized & possessed of both real &
personal to him his Heirs & Assigns forever, after paying my just debts
funeral Charges and the Cost of settling my Estate which I direct to be done by
my Executor hereafter named out of my personal Estate if that shall be
sufficient, if not the remainder out of my Real Estate —
And
I do hereby constitute ordain & appoint Nathan Willis Esqr. sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament, Witness my hand & Seal this
ninth day of July in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred &
seven —
NB the Words the rest & Estate
were interlined before signing —
signed sealed published &
pronounced by the said Joseph Bassett (seal)
Joseph Bassett to be his last Will
& Testament in the
presence of us who in his presence
& at his request
set our Names as witnesses to the
same ~
Wm.
Nye
Moses
Mendell
John
P. Nye
Presented for probate on 5 Jan.
1807 [sic] by Nathan Willis Esqr. the Executor therein named, and
proved by William Nye and Moses Mendell, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan Willis Esqr.,
the before named Executor. [Indexed as probated in 1808.]
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
237, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Thomas Bassett of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
Be it remembered that I Thomas Bassett, of Rochester in the
County of Plymouth, Yeoman, do make & publish this to be my last Will and
Testament as follows, Viz:
All
my personal and real estate excepting such personal estate as is hereafter
bequeathed, shall be sold at Public Auction by my Executor hereafter named, as
soon after my decease as to my said Executor shall deem meet. And out of the
proceeds my said Executor shall pay all my just debts. My said real estate
shall be sold as aforesaid subject to my wife’s dower. I give & bequeath to
my wife Lydia the use & improvement of all that shall remain in my said
Executors hands after the sale & payment of debts as aforesaid, during her
natural life, And after her decease I give & devide the same to my sons,
Abner Anselm, John & Ezra, their heirs & assigns to be equally
distributed between them. It is to be understood that I have already given to
my sons, Newcomb, Thomas and Stephen and to their several children all the
property that I ever propose to give them, they having severally had gifts by
way of advancement.
I
give and bequeath to my wife Lydia my red Cow, & two year old white heifer
to hold forever.
I
hereby appoint my son Anselm Bassett sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this fifth day of January
in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Thomas Bassett (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the above named Thomas Bas-
set to be his last Will &
Testament in the presence of us who at his
request & in his presence have
hereto set our names as witnesses to
the same.
Ephraim
Bates
Wing
Hedley
Lucy
Bates
The Will of Thomas Bassett, late of
Rochester, Esquire, was probated on 8 May 1833, and proved by Ephraim Bates
& Wing Hedley, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Anselm Bassett.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Thomas Bassett, Esquire, late of Rochester, was appraised by Seth Haskell, Obed
Boles and Ephraim Bates on 8 May 1833, his real estate totaled $2063.33,
including his homestead farm on both sides of the road valued at $1200, and his
personal estate totaled $467.43. Anselm Bassett, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 8 May 1833.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 74, pp. 154-157, from FHL microfilm
#0555262.
Will of William Bassett of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen
the Twentyeth day of Novr. Anno Domi, Seventeen
hundred & Forty Nine, I William Bassett of Rochester in the County of
Plimouth Yeoman, Being helth and of perfect Mind and Memory thanks be Given to
God therefor. Calling to Mind the mortality of my Body, and Knowing it is
Appointed for all men once to dye, do make and Ordain this my Last Will and
Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I Give recommen, my Soul
into the hands of God that Gave it, and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be
Buried in Decent Christan Buriel at the Discretion of my Execrs. nothing
Doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the
Mighty power of God, and as Touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to Bless me in this life I Give Demise and Dispose of the same in
the Following Manner and Form
Imps. My Will is that all my Just Debts and
Funerall Charges shall be first paid Out of personall Estate, by my Execr
hereafter named
Item I Give to my
Eldest son Isaac Bassett Twenty shillings Old Tenor, Being in full of his
proportion with what he hath allready Received
Item, I Give to my Second Son Mosses Bassett twenty
shillings, Old Tenor being in full of his Portion with what he hath allready
Received
Item I Give to my
third Son William Bassett Twenty shillings Old Tenor Being in full of his
portion with what he hath already Received
Item I Give to my
Eldest Daughter Fear Rogers Seven pounds Old Tenor: Being in full for her
Portion, with what she hath Allready Received
Item I Give to my
Second Daughter Experience Bassett the One half of her Mother’s Cloaths which
she Left as she and her Sister Mary Bassett hath allready Divided them Togather
with the Bed and Beding and One half the Pewter Brought by her said Mother, and
also one of her Mothers Chests, the Bed Standing in the Bedroom at the East End
of the Leanto which with the Legacy of Eight pounds Given her by her
Grandfather Jenkins which she hath allready Received is in full of her Portion
Item I Give to my
third Daughter Mary Bassett the one half of her Mother’s Cloathes which she
Left, as She and her Sister Experience Bassett hath Divided them togather with
the One half of the Pewter Brought by her said Mother And One of her Chests,
with ten pounds Old Tenor, and a Legacy of Eight pounds Old Tenor Given her by
her Grandfather Jenkins, which sums of ten pound Old Tenor And Eight pounds Old
Tenor is to be paid her by Execr. One year after my decease, with
Lawfull Interest for the said Eight pounds from the First Day of May next Till
paid
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my Youngest Son Nathaniel
Bassett, and to his heirs and Assigns, all my Estate both Real and Personall
not before Disposed of, he paying the Severall Legacies Herein Given to my
Other Children and Performing what I shall Hereafter Order & Direct to
& for my Loving Wife Susanna Bassett in this my Last Will and Testament;
and My Will is that my Two Sons Samuel Bassett and Nathll. Bassett
shall be Joynt Execrs. of this my Last Will and Testament Untill
said Nathaniel comes of Lawfull Age and then the sd. Nathl
Bassett to be Sole Execr. by himself, and in case the sd.
Nathl. Shall Dye without Issue my Will that what I have Given Shall
Descend or be & Belong in Equall Partnership to my Son Samll. Bassett,
Experience Bassett and Mary Bassett my Two youngest Daughters
Furthermore
my Will is, that if my present & Liveing Wife Susanna Bassett is Willing to
Discharge her Right of Dower and power of thirds in my Estate, That then My
said Execr. Shall pay her Thirty pounds Old Tenor at my Decease, and
that she be allow’d to Carry away or Dispose off all she Brought to me at our
Intermarriage Seeing I have never either Recd. or Improved her Right
of Dower or power of thirds in her first Husbands Estate, Otherwise I am
Senisable it is not in my power to Deprive her hereby of her Right in Law, And
I do Hereby Disallow Revoke & Disannull all & Every Other Former Testament
Will Legaies and Bequests and Execrs. by me in any ways before named
Willed & Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this & no Other to be My
Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand &
Seal the Day and Year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published his
Pronounced & Declared by the William X Bassett (seal)
sd. William Bassett as his last marke
Will & Testament, In the
Presence of us Subscribers
Saml. Sprague
Ruben Dexter
Noah Sprague
Probated on 7 Apr. 1755, and proved by Noah Sprague, one of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to the sd Decds.
two sons Samuel Bassett and William Bassett, Joynt Executors in the same Will
on 7 Apr. 1755.
The Inventory of the Estate real & personall that William
Bassett late of Rochester Dyed seized of was appraised by Noah Sprague, Ebenr.
Clap and Josephus Hammond on 19 Apr. 1755, and totaled £217.3.7, including his
real estate valued at £186.13.4. Nathaniel Bassett, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 435-437, from FHL microfilm
#0551540, and Vol. 14, p. 12-13, from FHL microfilm #0551542.
Will of William
Bassett of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I William Bassett of Rochester in
the county of Plymouth, Gentleman, being of sound & disposing mind &
memory, for which I return my most sincere thanks to the great & sovereign
dispenser of all good; calling to mind the mortality of man, do make &
ordain this my last will & testament; and first & principally, I do
give & bequeath my imortal spirit to God who made it, and my body to the
earth, to be buried in a decent christian burial, and as to that portion of
earthly estate, with which it has pleased God to bless me, I dispose of in the
following manner & form
Imprimis,
I Give & bequeath to my well beloved wife Thankful, the improvement of one
third part of all the real & personal estate, I shall die seized of, to be
to her the said Thankful instead of her right of dower & power of thirds,
to be by her improved according to the law, with regard to tenant & dower
Item.
I Give & bequeath to my son Anson Bassett all the piece of land I hold by
Deed from David Peckham & Elisha West and so much more land adjoining the same
as will make ten acres in the whole, to be divided from my other lands by a
line parallel with David Peckham’s line, and I further direct that my
son Anson be brought up untill he is fourteen years old, and the expence
thereof more than the improvement of said ten acres of land, be defrayed out of
my other estate
Item.
I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Silvey Allen, wife to Justis Allen, Ten
Dollars, in addition to what she has already recieved, to be paid to her in one
year after my decease, on condition that she sign the deed to Seth Mendal, Nathl
Haskell & Melatiah Clark of the land & buildings I sold to them
Item,
I Give & bequeath to my well beloved daughter Bethiah Bassett Five Dollars,
and to my well beloved daughter Polly Bassett Five Dollars to be paid to them
when they arrive to the age of Eighteen years, and a right for them to live in
my house untill married, and the privilege to cut fire wood on my land to
support one fire
Item,
I also Give & bequeath to my well beloved son John Bassett all the real
estate I own in Rochester, and all the personal estate I shall died seized of,
excepting what I have otherways disposed of in this my last will &
testament, he paying all my just debts & funeral charges, and the expence
of settling my estate & such legacies as I have ordained in this my last
will as aforesaid.— And I do hereby appoint David Peckham of Rochester,
Executor to this my last will & testament, with full power to do and
perform all that shall be necessary for him to do in said capacity.— In
Testimony of which I hereunto set my hand & seal, this eleventh day of
September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety
eight
Signed, Sealed & Pronounced by
said Wm
Bassett to be his last will &
testament William Bassett (seal)
in presence of us
Joseph
Bassett
Thomas
Doty
Nathan
Willis
Presented for probate on 9 Nov.
1798 by David Peckham, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Bassett
& Thomas Doty, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Joseph Bassett, Nathl.
Haskell & Nathan Willis, all of
The Inventory of the Estate of William Bassett, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Bassett of Bridgewater,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God
Amen. I William Bassett of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, enjoying usual health and of sound and
mind and memory do this twenty fifth day of February Anno Domini One thousand
eight hundred and forty make and publish this my last will and testament in
manner following that is to say.
1st. I give and
bequeath to my beloved Wife Abiah Bassett all the personal property of which I
may die seized and possessed of every name and discription after the payment of
my just debts and incidintal charges. Also the use and improvement of one half
of all my buildings. I likewise give to my said wife One half of all the
produce of every kind that shall grow or be raised on my homestead farm
(including that tract east of the school house) to be at her disposal annually
during her natural life and also the right to sell or dispose of all the wood
and timber that may be growing on the lot which I hold by deed from Capt
Benjamin Snell at such times And in such proportions as she shall see fit
during her natural life.
2d. I give and bequeath to my son William Church Bassett the
east end of the lot of swamp in the 71st lot in the little Cedar Swamp which I
hold by deed from Capt. Daniel Tolman extending from the east shore Westward
until it meets Hartwell Keith’s lot.
3d. I will and bequeath to my son William Bassett the west
end of the aforesaid lot of swamp which I hold by deed from Tolman extending
easterly from the line of the great meadows untill it meets that part of said
tract already bequeathed to my son William Church
4th. I will and
bequeath to my daughter Hannah Alden the wood lot which I hold by deed from
Capt. Benjamin Snell, to come into the possession thereof at the deceas of her
mother.
5th. I will and bequeath to my son Abial Bassett the lot of
meadow which I hold by deed from Alpheus Fobes at the town river. Also all my
right in two lots of swamp in the old Cedar Swamp which my father bought of
Daniel Snow
6th. I will and bequeath to my daughter Henrietta Howard two
lots of swamp lying in the little Cedar Swamp which I hold by deeds from
Zachariah Eddy and Galen Howard.
7th. I will and bequeath to my daughter Harriet Williams a
lot of Swamp lying in the Old Cedar Swamp which I hold by deed from Avery Fobes
and Abner Keith
8th. I will and
bequeath to my daughter Cornelia Abia Howard One lot of Cedar Swamp in the Old
Cedar Swamp which my father bought of Seth Snow at the same time when he bought
said Snow’s farm.
9th. I will &
bequeath to my son Josiah Lothrop Bassett all my real estate not herein before
disposed of Wherever the Same may be found. To have and to hold to him the said
Josiah his heirs And Assigns forever On Condition that he the said Josiah Cultivate
my said homestead farm in a proper manner and collect and store such crops as
are usually put under Cover and in their proper places, barn, Cornhouse or
cellar and at their proper season annually one half of each kind of said
produce is to belong to my said wife and that he set off to my said Wife the
southerly half of each of the buildings on said homestead and of the Cellar and
deposite her half of said produce in their appropriate places in her parts of
the buildings and Cellar so set off to her free of expence to her either for
Cultivating, harvesting or Storeing. And also it is my will that my said son
keep the pasture on said homestead well fenced so that my said wife Can occupy
one half of it at all times free of expense to her.
And lastly I do
Constitute and ordain my said Son Josiah Lothrope Bassett sole executor of this
my last will & testament directing him to sell so much of the personal
property of Which I may die seized as shall be necessary to pay my just debts
& incidental charges.
In testimony Whereof
I do hereunto set my hand sand Seal the day and year above written.
Wm. Bassett (seal)
Signed,
Sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said William Bassett as and
for his last Will and testament in presence of us at whose request and in his
presence we have hereunto set our names as Witnesses to the same
Isaac
Fobes
Aretas
Fobes
Philander
Leach
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Jan. 1844 by
Josiah L. Bassett, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Fobes and
Aretas Fobes, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Josiah Lothrop Bassett, the Executor therein named.
Josiah L. Bassett, of Bridgewater, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the Estate of William Bassett, late of Bridgewater, Yeoman, on
15 Jan. 1844, with Isaac Fobes and Aretas Fobes, both of Bridgewater, as
sureties.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 86, p. 1-3, from FHL microfilm #0555637, and Vol. 1G, p. 421.
Will of Elias Bayles of Jamaica, Queens County, Province of New York (1762) *
In the name of God Amen I Elias Bayles of Jamaica in Queens
County in the Province of New York Yeoman being Sick and weak in Body, but
thanks be to God of sound mind and memory do therefore make this my last Will
and Testament in the following manner, Principally and first of all I give and
bequeath my Immortal Spirit unto God my Creator who gave it trusting in his
meer mercy through Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer for Eternal Life and
happiness in the World of Happified Spirits above, my Body I recommend to the
Earth from whence it was taken to be Decently Interred at the Discretion of my
Executors hereinafter named, and as to such Temporal Goods and Estate wherewith
God has blessed me in this Life, I give Will Devise bequeath and Dispose
thereof in manner and form following and first I Will and Order that all my
Just debts and funeral Expences shall be fully & duly paid and Satisfied by
my Executors out of my Estate, Item I
give and bequeath unto Mercy my Dearly beloved Wife (over and above what I have
heretofore obliged myself to do by a written Agreement mutually made and
confirmed between us before our intermarriage) My Negro Woman Slave called
Sarah and my best Bed and furniture to be at her own disposal. I further give
unto my said Wife the use of one of my Mares & Riding Chair with the use
also of so much of my household Goods and Kitchen Stuff as she shall have
occasion for during her stay in my house all which shall be in Lieu and in full
of her Right and Title of Dower of into or out of my Estate, Item I give and bequeath unto my Grand Son
Elias Bayles of Jamaica aforesaid Yeoman the sum of twenty pounds New York
money to be paid to him in one year after my Decease, Item I give and bequeath unto three of the
Children of my Son Nathaniel Bayles lately Deceased namely David, Elias and
Mary the sum of forty Pounds, to wit, ten pounds to David, twenty pounds of
Elias and ten pounds to Mary to be paid to them as they shall respectively
arrive to Lawfull age or Marry which shall happen first. Item I give unto my Daughter Hannah Marston
Widow the sum of fifteen pounds to be paid unto her or her heirs within two
years after my Decease, Item I give and
bequeath unto Inccrese Carpenter and Joseph Skidmore being two of the present
Elders and Deacons of the English Presbytorian Church and Congregation of
Jamaica afore said and to their successors Elders an Deacons of the said Church
for the time being the sum of ten pounds New York money the yearly use or
interest whereof shall be and continue unto the said Elders and Deacons and
their successors for the maintaining supporting and upholding of a standing
Ministry in the said Church (continuing of the Presbyterian Denomination) for
ever, Item I give and bequeath unto my
Son Thomas Bayles the sum of fifty pounds and my two Mares, with my Waggons
Ploughs Harrows and all other my utensils of husbandry and Carpenters and
Wheelrights Tools absolutely to be at his own disposal, I likewise give unto
him my said Son Thomas the use and benefit of all and singular my within and
without door Moveables for and during the term of one whole year after my
Decease excepting such part thereof as is above reserved to my Wife during her
stay in my house as aforesaid and after that I give and bequeath the whole of
the said within and without door moveables unto my two Sons Thomas and Daniel
Bayles equally to be divided betwixt share and share alike as they can best
agree between themselves to the Division thereof, Item I also further give Grant and Devise
unto my said two Sons Thomas and Daniel Bayles aforesaid and to their heirs and
Assigns all and singular my Messuages Tenements Lands Meadows and Hereditaments
whatsoever and wheresoever with the Residuary part of my moveable Estate if any
be more than such as is above mentioned and disposed off to have and to hold
the same and every part and parcel thereof unto my said two Sons in Severalty
and to their several and respective Heirs and Assigns in an equal proportion
from and after the time of my Decease, thenceforth for ever always reserving as
is herein before reserved, and Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my said
two Sons Thomas Bales and Daniel Bales together with my Grand Son Elias Bayles
of Jamaica aforesaid Yeoman Joyntly and severally Executors of this my last Will
and Testament hereby revoking and making null and Void all former Wills and
Testaments by me in any ways heretofore made allowing this and no other to be
my last Will and Testament, In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this ninth day of January in the
year of our Lord Christ One thousand seven hundred and Sixty two.
The
mark X of Elias Bayles (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the above named Elias
Bayles the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of
us who have here unto subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in presence of
the said Testator and in the Presence of Each other
Noah Smith
Nicholas Smith Junior
Benjamin Hinchman
Probated on 14 Apr. 1762, and proved by Nicholas Smith Junior
and Benjamin Hinchman of the Township of Jamaica in Queens County. Letters of
Administration granted to Thomas Bayles and Daniel Bayles, two of the
Executors, on 4 May 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 23, p. 337-340, copied from
original Liber 23, p. 324-328.
Will of Jonathan Beal of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In
the Name of God amen. December 9th. 1809. I Jonathan Beal – of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
being in a low State of Health, but of a sound disposing Mind & Memory
calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say –
Principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul to God who
gave it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a Christian Burial at the
direction of my Executor & as touching such worldly Estate as it has
pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I do dispose of the same in the
manner following –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath unto Abigail my well beloved Wife a comfortable support
in Sickness & in Health & at her decease to be decently buried, which
support is to be had from the portion given to my Granddaughter Nabby, I also
grant her Liberty to dispose of the Furniture she brought with her that is not
disposed of –
Item
I also give my second Son Azariah a piece of Woodland seven Acres, and I give
& bequeath unto my three Sons Joseph, Azariah & Jonathan a Field lying
west of Benjamin Robertson’s Barn containing about three Acres to be equally
divided in one Year after my decease –
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah the Wife of Noah Hill my Desk,
which with what she hath already recd. is her full share of my
Estate.–
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Granddaughter Nabby the Daughter of Josiah Hill
all my Real & personal Estate, But if my Granddaughter should decease
before her Mother, I bequeath my Real & personal Estate to my Daughter
Nabby Wife of Josiah Hill with my Moveables –
Item
I do hereby constitute & appoint Josiah Hill the sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament & that he should improve the place & pay the
Taxes –
And
I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disannull all & every of the
former Wills, Testaments Legacies, Bequests & Executors by me in any wise
named willed & bequeathed, ratifying, confirming this & no other to be
my last Will & Testament
In Witness whereof I the said
Jonathan Beal, hereunto set my hand & Seal, the day & Year above
written –
Signd. Seald.
pronouncd. & declared by him
the said Jonathan Beal to be his
last
Will & Testament before us the
Subscribers Jonathan Beal (seal)
Benjamin
Robinson
Eleazer
Whitman
Daniel
Whitman
Presented for probate on 6 Sept.
1813 by Josiah Hill, the Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin
Robinson and Daniel Whitman, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Josiah Hill, the before named Executor.
Isaac Whitman, Gentleman, Benjamin
Robinson, Yeoman, and Eleazer Keith, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Jonathan Beal, late of Bridgwater, yeoman,
on 6 Sept. 1813. The Inventory of the Estate of Mr Jonathan Beal,
late of Bridgwater, dated 8 Nov. 1813, totaled $1527.34, including his
homestead farm with 24 acres of land and the buildings valued at $1310, and 3
acres of land given to his sons valued at $67.50. Josiah Hill, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Feb. 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp.
84-85, 243-244, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Samuell Beall of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
In The name of God Amen The Third of may in The Year of our
Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and fifty I Samuell Beall of Bridgwater in ye.
County of Plimouth in Newengland Black Smith Being in perfect mind but Sick in
Boody: Yet Calling to mind ye. mortality of my body and Knowing That
it is appointed for all men once to Dye Do make and ordain this my Last will
and Testamt. That is to Say principally and first of all I Give and
Recommend my Soule into the hands of God That Gave it and for my Boody I
Commend it To The Earth to be Bured in a Christian like and Deceant manour at
the Disscrection of my Executors hoping: at The Generall Reresection I Shall
Receive The Same again by ye. mighty power of God and as Touching
Such Worldly Estate Wherewith it hath pleased God To Bless me with in This Life
I Give and Dispose of the Same in manor and form as falloweth viz. Impirmes I
Give and Bequeath to mary my Dearly Beloved wife and also my Honnered mother in
Law mary Baset a Decent and Comfertable maintenance out of my Estate so Long as
thay Remain Widos: I also Give To my wife my chair and Tackling: With my wach
to be at her Dispose.
Item I Give To my Grandson Samuell Beall ye
Survieing Son of my Son Samuell Beall one Hundard pounds Lawfull money of
New-England To be paid To him by my four Sons now Survieng that is To Say to be
Equelly paid by them When he Comes of age –
Item I Give To my two Sons Nathanel Beall & Benjamin
Beall my homested farm with all the Buldings belonging thair unto To be Eualy
Divided Betwen them. Except my Smith Shop that I Give To my Son Nathan Beall
With all Colles and apuertenances Thair unto belonging and ye Iron
that is now in ye. Shop
Item I Give To my other two Sons Daniel Beall and Jonathan
Beall all my other Lands with the Buldings Belonging thair unto to be Equaly
Divided Betwen Them: I Give To my Son Daniel Beall the Debt That he ows me and
allso ye. Wheel Write Tooles I give to my Son Jonathan Beall one
Yoke of oxen and ox Cart when he Coms of age ~~
Item I Give To my Four Sons all My Movibles Within Door and
withouth That are not allrady Disposed of To be Equely Divided Betwen Them.
Item. Lastly I Do Constute ordain and apoint Nathan Beall and Daniel Beall my
only and Sole Executors of This my Last will and Testement and Do hereby Uterly
Disalow Revoke and Disanull all and Every other Testement wills Legessces
Bequests and Executors by me in any ways Before This Time named willed and
Bequeathed Ratifing and Confarming This and no Other To be my Last will and
Testement in witness whereof I have hear unto Set my hand and Seal The Date
above written
Signd Seald & Delivird in
presents
of Samuell Beall (seal)
David Kingman
Isaac Otis
Hugh Orr
Presented for probate on 21 May 1750, and proved by David
Kingman and Isaac Otis, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Nathan Beall and Daniel Beall, the Executors in ye. same
Will named.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, p. 178-179, from FHL microfilm
#0551539.
Will of Austin Bearce of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
The thirtieth day of March A.D 1764 I Austin Bearce of
Hallifax Cordwainer being sick & weak of Body but of perfect mind &
memory calling to mind the mortality of my Body & knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to die do make & ordain this my last will &
Testament that is to say I first of all give & recommend my Soul to God who
gave it & my body to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at
the discretion of my Execrs. nothing doubting but at the
resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty Power of God. & as to
the worldly estate with which God hath been pleased to bless me I dispose of
the same as follows viz. —
Imprimis. I give the widdow Mary Stockbridge a Tea Kettle—
Item. I give to my daughter Hannah a bed & to my daughter
Lucy a Chest yt. which stands in the Bedroom. Item. I give to my
four daughters the remainder of my household Goods & Furniture to be
equally divided among them. Item. I give to my only Son Austin all the rest of
my estate real & personal he discharging my debts & funeral charges
& paying the following Legacies, viz, when he arrives at the age of twenty
two Years to each of my daughters thirty pounds, what I have given them above
(except Hannah,s bed & Lucy,s Chest) to be accounted as part of said sum.
Likewise my will is that my Execrs. or his Guardian if my Son shall
chuse one, put my Son at his expence three months in a Year – Yearly till he is
twenty one Years of age, into a family where he may have the advantage of
learning to write and Cypher &c~
Item. I hereby appoint Messrs. Anthony Waterman
& Barnabas Briggs Excrs. of this my last will & Testament
& I do hereby revoke & disannull all former wills Legacies &
bequests by me made ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my
last will & Testament. In Witness where of I,ve hereunto Sett my hand &
Seal the day & Year abovementioned. ~~ his
Signed sealed & declared by the sd. Austin Austin + Bearce (seal)
Bearce to be his last will & Testament mark
in Prescence of us. Ignatius Loring, Jacob Chipman & Wm.
Stertevant
Presented for probate on 7 May 1764 by Anthony Waterman and
Barnabas Briggs, the Excrs. therein named, and proved by Ignatius
Loring and William Stertevant, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Barna. Briggs and Anthy. Waterman, the
Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 60-61, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Ebenezer Bennet of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
In the Name of God Amen I Ebenezer Bennet of the Town of
Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in New England being under maney
Infermytys of Body there for Calling into mind the mortality of my Body &
Knowing that is appointed for all men once to Die Do make and ordain this to be
my Last Will and Testement—princepley and first of all I give and bequeath my
Soul into the hands of god that gave it & my body I Recommend unto the Dust
to be buried in Decent Christion buril at the Discrition of my Executor nothing
Doughting but at the general reserection I Shall receive the Same again. &.
as Touching Such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God To bless me in the Life
I Do Dispose of in the folowing manor and forme—
Imprimus my Will is that my Just Debts & funeral Charges
Shall Be paid out of my personal Estate—
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Son Cornelas Bennet all my
homested viz.- all my Two Lots of Land Whereon I now Dwell Lying in ye
Little Lottemans purchase With the Buildings & fences Thereon Together With
all my other Lands Wharesoever thay are or may befound and also all my part of
the grist mill & priviledges in Namassaket river To him and his hairs and
assigns for Ever he paying the Legacys that I Shall in this my Last Will and
Testement Do order him to pay. Also I give unto my aforesd Son the
Two Thirds of all my personal Estate after my Just Debts and funaral Charges
are first paid out of the Same—
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Elmes one
third of the vallue of all my aforesd – real Estate to Be paid unto
her or hir heirs in money by my aforesd Son Cornelius Bennet With in
four years after my Decease—also I give unto my aforesd Daughter the
one third of my personall Estate after my Just Debts and funaral Charges are
paid as above sd. & What of my personal Estate Shee has already
received Shall be amounted in the aforesd. one third . . and Lastely Will is that my aforesd
Sone Cornelius Bennet Shall be the Executor of this my Last Will and Testement
Thus hoping this my Last Will and Testement Will be Keept and performed
according to ye True Intent and Meeaning thereof. Ø. in Testimony hereof I the aforesd
Ebenezer Bennet have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Eighth Day of December
one Thousand Seven Hundred and fifty —
— 1750 —
Signed Sealed published pronounonced and Declared by
the sd Ebenezer Bennet to be his Last Will and Ebenezer Bennet
Testement in presents of us the Subscribers
Coombs Barrows
Jabes Thomas
Seth Tinkham
Exhibited for probated on Febr. 9th 1750, and
proved by Combs Barrows and Jabes Thomas.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob Bennet of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1799) *
Know all men by these presents that I, Jacob Bennet of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, in the Comonwealth of the
Massachusetts, being weak of body yet of a sound & disposing memory &
understanding, blessed be God for the same, yet knowing the mortality of my
body and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain
this my last will & testament to be firm & inviolable forever
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Hope,
one third part of all my moveable estate, after my just debts & funeral
charges are first paid out of the same—and further I give & bequeath to her
my said wife the use & improvement of one third part of all my lands &
buildings during her natural life ~
Item.– I Give &
bequeath to my son Nehemiah Bennet his heirs & assigns forever the
following part of my farm in mad mare’s neck, so called, being the farm on
which I heretofore dwelled & lyeth adjoining to the land of my said son
Nehemiah, bounded, as followeth, beginning at a heap of stones by ye
side of the pond called Porkscar pond eighteen rods southward from the line
between the twelve mens purchase & the sixteen shilling purchase & from
said heap of stones ranging south, eighty degrees easterly ‘till it comes to
the high way between the house of my said son Nehemiah & the house now
inhabited by my son Jacob, and then southward by the high way four rods to a
heap of stones on the easterly side of the high way, and from thence ranging
south seventy seven degrees easterly ‘till it comes to the brook called red
brook, & thence down stream by said brook ‘till it comes to the place in
said brook where the line to be described for Elkanah’s part crosses said
brook, and then by said line south eighty three degrees & a quarter
easterly ‘till it comes to the line of the land now owned by my said son
Nehemiah, & then by his land northerly & westerly ‘till it comes to the
aforesaid pond, & then by said pond to the bound first mentioned.–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my Son Elkanah Bennet his heirs & assigns forever the following
part of my aforesaid farm vizt– bounded northerly from a long stone
set in the ground on the easterly side of the high way one rod northward from
the northerly end of the saw mill dam and from thence ranging south eighty
three degrees & a quarter easterly crossing the brook above the saw mill
dam & then on the same course by the line of the part above given to
Nehemiah, and then by the land now owned by said Nehemiah ‘till it comes to the
easterly end of my land & bounded easterly by the easterly end of my land
& westerly by the high way & southerly by the line of the lot laid out
for the use of the ministry from the high way to the easterly corner of said
ministry lot, and then continuing the same course to the easterly end of my
land – and further, I give & bequeath to my sd Son Elkanah
Bennet his heirs & assigns forever, a Strip of land, on the westerly side
of the high way, bounded, as follows, from the long stone set in the ground one
rod northward from the north end of the saw mill dam above mentioned, from
thence north eighty three degrees & quarter westerly across the high way to
an apple tree in the most south west corner of the Orchard and then south Six
degrees & a quarter westerly to the land now owned by my son Jacob Bennet
junr–and then by said Jacob’s land eastward to the land now owned by
Joseph Donham & then by said Donham’s land to the high way & then by
the high way to the bound first mentioned, reserving three quarters of the saw
mill dam & privileges for mill or mills & liberty for flowing from ye.
twelfth day of September to ye. twelfth of April annually &
liberty of a watering place for cattle &c. for my other sons to improve at
all times as needful; the other quarter of my saw mill dam & priviledge as
above, I hereby give and bequeath to my said Son Elkanah.~
Item.– I Give &
bequeath to my son Jacob Bennet junr. his heirs & assigns
forever, the remaining part of my aforesaid farm vizt– bounded
northerly and easterly by the land above or before given to my son Nehemiah
& southerly by the land now owned by the said Jacob & the land before
given to my son Elkanah, together with the buildings thereon; and also, one
half of my Saw mill dam & privileges for mill or mills & liberty for
flowing, as above expressed, he paying to my son Elisha Bennet of New Bedford
Four Hundred Dollars, in the space of one year after my decease.–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my aforesaid son Elisha Bennet, the four hundred Dollars above
mentioned, to be paid him by my aforesaid son Jacob in the space of one year
after my decease.– And further, I give & bequeath to him my said Son Elisha
Bennet his heirs & assigns forever, the following strips of Cedar Swamp, in
the Swamp called black brook cedar swamp in the purchase called Snipituit
purchase in said Middleborough, being part of the first lot in number in said
swamp, and it being a strip on the southerly side of my part of sd.
Lot and to extend the whole length of my part of said lot, and four rods &
two feet & a half wide at the easterly end, and three rods & two feet
& a half wide at the westerly end; I further give & bequeath to my
aforesaid son Jacob his heirs & assigns forever a Strip of the aforesaid
cedar swamp, being three rods & three feet & a half wide, the whole
length of my part of the aforesaid lot, adjoining on the north side of the
strip above given to said Elisha.–
I further give &
bequeath to my aforesaid son Elkanah Bennet his heirs & assigns forever a
strip of the aforesaid cedar swamp, being two rods & twelve feet & a
half wide, the whole length of my part of the aforesaid lot adjoining on the
north side of the Strip above given to Jacob.
I further give &
bequeath to my aforesaid Son Nehemiah Bennet his heirs & assigns forever,
all the remaining part of my part of said lot of cedar swamp.– I further give
& bequeath to my said son Nehemiah his heirs & assigns forever, the
other quarter part of my Saw mill dam & privileges as above expressed and
also, I give & bequeath to him my said son Nehemiah his heirs & assigns
forever, all my right, title & Interest (if any I have) in the undivided
lands, Ponds &c. in the purchase, called the twelve mens purchase in said
Middleborough.–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my Son John Bennet, his heirs & assigns forever, the following
part of my homestead farm where I now dwell, with half my buildings thereon,
bounded as follows – vizt– beginning at ye westerly line
between the twentieth & the twenty first lots in the first allotments in
the Six & twenty mens purchase in said Middleborough and from said bound
ranging north thirty five degrees & three quarters east fifty eight rods
& one third to the northerly corner of said land, formerly Morse’s &
from thence north sixty degrees east, six rods & one third to the spring
brook, then down stream by said brook two rods, thence north forty six degrees
& a quarter west nine rods & one sixth part of a rod, thence north,
eighty three degrees west, twenty nine rods & four fifth parts of a rod,
thence north, ten degrees west through the Center of the new house thirteen
rods to the middle of the land below said new house, and then through the
middle of said lane, north seventy two degrees & a half east twenty two
rods to the old house, thence from the north west corner of said old house
north ten degrees west, nine rods & two thirds of a rod, thence north
seventy one degrees & a half east, six rods & one third of a rod,
thence north, sixty one degrees west to the line of Ebenezer Cox’s land &
then eastward by the line of said Cox’s land ‘till it comes to ye
land of Martha the wife of Nathan Darling, and then southward & eastward
‘till it comes to the land of Nathan Darling junr & then
southward by the line of said Nathan Darling junr. his land to the
highway, & then westward by the high way to the white oak tree which is the
south easterly bound between the aforesaid twentieth & the twenty first
lots & then by the line between said lots to the bound first mentioned,
reserving land sufficient for a high way on the westerly end of ye.
land that did formerly belong to said Jonathan Morse as reserved by the
proprietors And further, I give & bequeath to my said son John Bennet, one
half of my wood lot that I bought of Nichols Wood & others which lies
adjoining to my homestead farm; and also one half of my piece of cedar swamp in
the great cedar swamp in the six & twenty mens purchase; and my will is
that my said son John pay to my daughter Hope, the wife of Nathaniel Leonard
one Hundred Dollars, in the space of one year after my decease.–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my Son Thomas Bennet, his heirs & assigns forever all the
remaining part of my homestead farm whereon I now dwell and the other half of
my buildings thereon, and also the other half of my wood lot I bought of
Nichols Wood & others; and also the other half of my piece of cedar swamp
in the great cedar swamp in the six & twenty mens purchase; and my will is
that, my said son Thomas pay to my daughter Hannah Bennett one Hundred Dollars,
in the space of one year after my decease.–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my Daughter Hope, the wife of Nathaniel Leonard, one Hundred
Dollars, to be paid to her by my son John as aforesaid, in the space of one
year after my decease–
Item.– I Give and
bequeath to my Daughter Hannah Bennet, one Hundred Dollars, to be paid to her
by my Son Thomas as aforesaid, in the space of one year after my decease; and
further I give & bequeath to her my said daughter Hannah Fifty Dollars, to
be paid to her out of my moveable estate, by my Executor hereafter mentioned;
and my Will is, that my two sons John & Thomas afore-mentioned shall find
horse room & fire wood at the door, and also to keep three sheep for her,
summer & winter so long as she shall remain unmarried –
Item.– I Give &
bequeath all the Remainder of my moveable estate, after my just debts &
funeral charges are first paid out of the same, to my Eight Children before
mentioned– vizt– Nehemiah, Elkanah, Jacob, Hope, Elisha, John,
Thomas & Hannah, to be equally divided between them; And I hereby
Constitute and appoint my said son Nehemiah Bennet to be Executor to this my
last will & testament. Thus hoping that this my last will & testament
will be performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof, I commit
my soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body to the dust, to a decent
burial.—In Witness whereof, I the said Jacob Bennet, have hereunto Set my hand
& seal, this first day of May, One thousand, Seven hundred ninety &
nine ~ — the words “with half the buildings thereon,” were interlined between
the two last lines in the second page, before signing. —
Signed Sealed, Pronounced & Declared
by the said Jacob Bennet, as his last
will & testament in the presence of us Jacob Bennet (seal)
Ebenezer
Cox
Benjamin
Freeman
Jeremiah
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 6 Jan. 1800 by Nehemiah Bennet
Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Cox and Benjamin
Freeman, two of the witnesses.
Isaac Thomson Esqr., Ebenezer Cox, and Sylvanus Tillson,
Gentlemen, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Jacob
Bennet, late of Middleborough, yeoman, on 4 Dec. 1799. The Inventory was dated
7 Apr. 1800, and totaled $3419.57, including his homestead farm and buildings
valued at $1500, and his farm and buildings in mad mare’s neck valued at $1350.
Nemiah Bennet Esqr, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 10 Apr.
1800.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silvanus Bennet of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1808) *
In the name of God
amen I Silvanus Bennet of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being something advanced in Years &
labouring under some Infirmities of Body, but of a sound & disposing Mind
& Memory blessed be God for the same, wherefore calling to mind the
Mortality of my Body knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die,
wherefore I do make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament to
remain firm & inviolable forever & first of all I give my Soul to God
that gave it, & my Body to the dust to be buried in a decent Manner at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named in hopes of a glorious Resurrection,
& as to such worldly Estate as I have been blessed with I do dispose of the
same as followeth (viz.) –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my Brother William Bennet & to his Heirs &
assigns forever all of my Lands that I own, that was formerly my Hond.
Father Cornelius Bennet deceased’s, excepting a small piece lying between the
mill ditch & River that I shall otherwise dispose of by this my last will,
I also give to my said Brother William Bennet & to his Heirs & assigns
forever, all of my part of the Dwelling house where he & I now dwell, &
my part of the Land I purchased in company with him the said William of
Jeremiah Thomas I also give to him the said William & to his Heirs &
assigns forever the one half of all my personal Estate, excepting my Money on
hand, & debts that shall be due to me at my decease on Notes or otherwise.
The above particulars as I have mentioned them in their order, I give to my
said Brother on Condition that he shall pay my Niece Christiana Morton wife of
Nathaniel Morton one hundred Dollars at my decease & on condition that my
said Brother William shall pasture one Cow each & every summer Season
during the natural Life of him the said William for Silvanus Ling or his Heirs,
he the said Silvanus & Christiana being Son & Daughter of my late
Sister Theodate Miller deceased —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Brother Batchelor Bennet and to his Heirs &
Assigns all of my wearing Apparel —
Item I give & bequeath to my Sister Sally Wood & to her Heirs
& assigns forever ten Dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my
Executor out of my Money on hand or debts due to me –
Item
I give to my Nephew Jacob Bennet Son of my late Brother Ebenezer Livy Bennet
& to his Heirs & assigns forever all of the Land that I purchased of
Jephtha Ripley the House Barn & Land I purchased of Ebenezer Morton, &
also all of the Land that I own that was formerly the Revd. Silvanus
Conant deceased also my part of the Grist mill & Carding Machine with their
appurtenances Also all my Lands lying between the Mill ditch & the River,
also my part of a small house I purchased of my Brother William Bennet in
Company with Silas Thomas– I also gives to the said Jacob Bennet, & to his
Heirs & Assigns forever my part of a Pew in the women’s Gallery of the
easterly precinct Meeting house in said Middleborough & also the one half
of all my personal Estate excepting my Monies on hand & debts that shall be
due to me at my decease on Note or otherwise the above particulars as I have
mentioned them in their order I give to him the said Jacob Bennet on Condition
that he shall pay to his three Sisters one hundred & fifty Dollars each, namely
to pay his Sister Esther Bennet & Patience Bennet each one hundred &
fifty Dollars & to Hannah Wilder wife of Nathaniel Wilder junr.
one hundred & fifty Dollars —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Nephew Gershom Wood & to his Heirs &
Assigns forever all of the Lands that I purchased of the Heirs of Joshua
Spooner late of Brookfield deceased ten Dollars in Money to be paid by my
Executor out of my Money or debts due to me & also all of my part of a Lot
of Cedar Swamp that I purchased in company with Zechariah Weston Abner Barrows
junr. & the said Gershom Wood of William Thomson Esqr.
Item
I give & bequeath to my Nephews Wilkes Wood Esqr. & Horatio
Wood & to my Nieces Sally Haskell & Theodate Wood all Children of my
Sister Sally Wood & to their Heirs & Assigns forever each of them ten
Dollars to be paid to them respectively by my Executor out of my Money or debts
due to me —
Item
after my just debts, Funeral Charges the Expence of settling my Estate &
the before mentioned Legacies which are to be paid out of my Money & debts
due to me are first paid My Will is & I do hereby give & bequeath to my
Nephew Cornelius Bennet Son of my Brother Batchelor Bennet & to his Heirs
& Assigns forever one third part of all my Monies on hand & debts due
to me on note or otherwise on Condition that he shall pay to his Sisters Ruth
Silvester, Mary Francis, Priscilla Morton, Abigail Jones & Theodate Bennet,
each of them thirty Dollars —
Item
after my just debts funeral charges the Expence of settling my Estate & the
before mentioned Legacies which are to be paid out of my Money on hand &
debts due to me, are first paid my will is & I do hereby give &
bequeath to my Nephew James Russell Son of my late Sister Christiana Russell
late of Nantucket deceased & to his Heirs & Assigns forever one third
part of all my Money on hand & debts due to me on Note or otherwise on
Condition that he shall pay to his Sisters Sally Russell & Theodate Russell
each of them, one hundred Dollars —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Nephews Philip Bennet & Zephaniah Bennet Sons
of my Brother Ebenezer Livy Bennet & to their Heirs & assigns forever
the other third part of all my Monies on hand & debts due to me on Note or
otherwise in equal halves after my just debts, funeral Charges – the Expence of
settling my Estate & the Legaises to be paid out of my Money & Debts
due to me are first paid —
Item
I give & bequeath to my three Nieces namely Esther Bennet, Hannah Wilder
wife of Nathaniel Wilder junr. & Patience Bennet Daughters of my
late Brother Ebenezer Livy Bennet & to their Heirs & Assigns forever,
each of them one hundred & fifty Dollars To be paid to them at my decease
by their Brother Jacob Bennet —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Nieces Ruth Silvester, Mary Francis, Priscilla Morton
Abigail Jones & Theodate Bennet Daughters of my Brother Batchelor Bennet
& to their Heirs & Assigns forever each of them thirty Dollars to be
paid to them respectively at my decease by their Brother Cornelius Bennet—
Item
I give & bequeath to my Nieces Sally Russell & Theodate Russell &
to their Heirs & assigns forever each of them one hundred Dollars to be
paid to them respectively by their Brother James Russell all of them being
Children of my late Sister Christiana Russell late of Nantucket deceased to be
paid at my decease —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Nephew Silvanus Ling the pasturing of a Cow in the
Summer Season of each year during the natural Life of my Brother William Bennet
to be found by said William Bennet said Silvanus being Son of my late Sister
Theodate Miller deceased —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Niece Christiana Morton Daughter of my late Sister
Theodate Miller deceased & to her Heirs & assigns forever one hundred
Dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my Brother William Bennet —
And
I do hereby revoke all former Wills made by me —
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my Friend Isaac Thomson Esqr.
Sole Executor to this my last will & Testament,— Thus hoping that this my last Will &
Testament will be kept & performed according to the true Intent &
meaning there of I the before named Silvanus Bennet have hereunto set my hand
& Seal this twenty first day of June in the Year of our Lord Eighteen
hundred & eight–
Signed sealed published pronounced
& declared
by the aforenamed Silvanus Bennet
to be
his last Will & Testament in
presence of us.
Silas
Thomas Silvanus Bennet (seal)
Mary
Thomas
William
Littlejohn.
Presented for probate on 16 March
1809 by Isaac Thomson Esqr. the Executor therein named, and proved
by Silas Thomas and William Littlejohn, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac Thomson Esqr.
the before named Executor.
Thomas Sproat, William Bourne and
Abner Barrow junr., all of Middleborough, Gentlemen, were appointed
to appraise the Estate of Silvanus Bennet, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 16
Mar. 1809. The Inventory of the Estate both Real & personal of Silvanus
Bennet, late of Middleboro’, dated 21 Mar. 1809, totaled $12,268.89, which
included his land and buildings he gave to his Brother William Bennet valued at
$1340, his land, buildings, part of a Gristmill, part of a Carding Machine and
part of a pew that he gave his Nephew Jacob Bennet valued at $3646, his lands
and swamp that he gave his nephew Gorham [sic] Wood valued $1130, and
$6388.80 in money and securities for money. Isaac Thomson Esqr., the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 13 Apr. 1809.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
487-490, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of William Bennet of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the name of God
amen I William Bennet of Middleboro. in the County of Plymouth in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being advanced in Years & under
Infirmities of Body, but of a sound Mind & Memory, Blessed be God for the
same, wherefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to die, I do make and ordain this to be my last Will
and Testament, to remain firm & inviolable forever principally and first of
all, I give my Soul to God that gave it and my Body to the Dust to be buried in
a decent manner at the Discretion of my Friends & Executor hereafter named
trusting that the same will be raised again at the General Resurrection and as
to such worldly Estate as I have been blessed with I do dispose of the same as
followeth (viz)
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my Brother Batchelor Bennet & to his Heirs & assigns
forever all of the money he is indebted to me ~~
Item I give and
bequeath to Philip Bennet Son of my late Brother Ebenezer Livy Bennet and to
his Heirs & Assigns forever, all of the Lands that I now own that my Hond.
Father Cornelius Bennet late of said Middleboro. Gentleman deceased
died seized of; also all of my Field that lieth north easterly of the Highway,
that passeth by my Dwelling house, which said Field I purchased of my said Hond
Father, also all of my Land that I purchased of James Sproat of said Middleboro.
Shop joiner; Also all of my Lot of woodland that I purchased in Company with my
late Brother Silvanus Bennet deceased, of Jeremiah Thomas including my Dwelling
house and all other Buildings standing on any of the above described Lands,
also all of my personal Estate excepting my Money, Bank Stock & Debts due
to me in Notes or otherways I also give unto the said Philip Bennet and his
Heirs the use & Improvement of my Lands Buildings and Potash that I
purchased of Andrew Leonard, during the Life time of Silvanus Ling Son of my late
Sister Theodate Miller deceased, excepting, that if in Case the said Ling (who
now lives on & improves said Land Buildings & Potash that I purchased
of said Leonard) shall choose to continue to live on and improve them himself
in that case my Will is & I do order that said Ling shall continue to live
on & have the use & improvement of said Lands Buildings & Potash
purchased of said Leonard free from any rent, so long as he shall like so to
improve them himself, but not for any other purpose; The above Lands Buildings
& personal Estate as I have given them in their order to said Philip
Bennet, I give on condition, that he or his Heirs shall well & truly
pasture one Cow well for said Ling on the Lands I have given the said Philip or
where it shall be as agreeable to said Ling each & every Season for
pasturing Creatures, during the natural Life, of him the said Ling, And also in
case the said Philip Bennet or his Heirs shall well and truly pay to Zephaniah
Bennet another Son of said Ebenezer Livy Bennet one hundred & fifty dollars
in Money at my decease. –
Item
I give and bequeath to Zephaniah Bennet Son of my said Brother Ebenr.
Livy Bennet and to his Heirs and Assigns forever all of my Lands that I
purchased of Thomas Long also all of my Lands that I purchased of George
Leonard & also one hundred & fifty Dollars in Money to be paid to him
by Philip Bennet –
Item
I give and bequeath to Patience Bennet Daughter of my said Brother Ebenezer L.
Bennet, the use & Improvement of all of my Stock that I own in Plymouth
Bank during her natural Life, on Condition that she shall always have some
discreet person as a Guardian for her, to manage & take Care of said Stock
for her best use –
Item
I give and bequeath to Esther Bennet Daughter of my said Brother Ebenezer Livy
Bennet & to Ruth Silvester Daughter of my said Brother Bachelor Bennet
& each of their Heirs and Assigns forever four hundred Dollars to be
equally divided between them & to be paid out of my Money on hand &
debts due to me –
Item
I give and bequeath to Silvanus Ling Son of my late Sister Theodate Miller
deceased the pasturing of one Cow each Summer Season of pasturing Creatures
during his natural Life, said pasturing to be found by Philip Bennet or his
Heirs as before described. I also give unto the said Silvanus Ling the use
& Improvement of the Lands Buildings & Potash that I purchased of
Andrew Leonard, for him to improve free of rent during his natural Life in case
he shall live on & improve them himself, but I do not give him said
Improvement for any other purpose –
Item
I give and bequeath to all of the Children or Heirs at Law of the said Silvanus
Ling and to their Heirs and assigns forever, at the Decease of the said Ling
all of the Lands Buildings and Potash, that I purchased of said Andrew Leonard
to be equally divided between them the said Children or their legal
Representatives. –
Item
after my just debts, funeral Charges, the Expence of settling my Estate &
the before named Legacies are first paid, I give and bequeath to the following
Children of my said Brother Batchelor Bennet viz to Cornelius Bennet, Ruth
Silvester, Mary Francis, Abigail Jones, Priscilla Morton & Theodate Bennet
& to the follow Children of my Brother Ebenezer Livy Bennet (viz) Zephaniah
Bennet, Esther Bennet & Hannah Wilder and to the following Children of my
late Sister Christiana Russell deced. namely James Russell Theodate
Russell & Sally Russell and to the following Children of my Sister Sally
Wood namely Wilkes Wood Esqr., Gershom Wood, Horatio Gates Wood,
Sally Haskell and Theodate Wood and also to Christiana Morton, Daughter of my
Sister Theodate Miller deceased, and to each of their Heirs & Assigns
forever in equal proportion all of the remaining part and Residue of my Estate
both real & personal of every sort including the Reversion of my Stock in
Plymouth Bank for them to come into possession of at the decease of the before
named Patience Bennet –
Lastly
my Will is and I do hereby appoint my Friend Isaac Thomson Esqr sole
Executor to this my last Will and Testament— and
I do revoke & disannul all former Wills made by me – Thus hoping that this
my last Will & Testament will be kept and performed according to the true
Intent & meaning of it, I the before named William Bennet have hereunto set
my hand & seal this first day of November in the Year of our Lord Eighteen
hundred and nine
Signed sealed published, pronounced
& declared
by the said William Bennet to be
his last
Will & Testament in presence of
us William Bennet (seal)
William
Litteljohn
Abner
Barrows junr.
Jacob
Barrows –
Presented for probate on 1 Jan.
1810 by Isaac Thomson Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved
by William Littlejohn, Abner Barrows junr. and Jacob Barrows, all
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Isaac Thomson Esqr. the before named Executor.
Thomas Sproat, Majr.
William Bourne, and James Sproat, all of Middleborough, Gentlemen, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of William Bennet, late of Middleborough,
Yeoman, on 1 Dec. 1809. The Inventory of all the Estate both real &
personal of William Bennet, late of Middleboro, Yeoman, was dated 9
Dec. 1809, and totaled $13,732.28. His personal estate, valued at $9157.58,
included $8240.33 in money, bank stock and notes. His real estate, which
totaled $4574.70, included his home farm valued at $2071, and several other
properties. The appraisers gave their oath on 9 Dec. 1809 before Isaac Thomson,
Justice of the Peace, and Isaac Thomson Esqr., the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 1 Jan. 1810 before J. Thomas, the Judge of
Probate.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p.
84-87, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Asa Benson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
In
the Name of God, Amen – I Asa Benson of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being in good health and perfect
memory, but calling to mind the mortality of the body, do make, ordain and
declare this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament – revoking all others
made by me – in manner following, viz:
Imprimis.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Drusilla Benson the use of all my
house-hold goods and indoor moveables during her natural life.
Item
– I give and bequeath to my sons Ansil Benson, Asa Benson Jr,
Consider Benson, and William Benson, One hundred dollars each, to be paid in
two years after my decease, by my Sons Alonzo, Ebenezer and Sumner, agreeable
to one of the considerations in my deed to them of equal date with this
instrument ~
Item
– I give and bequeath to my daughter Cynthia, the wife of Thomas Atwood one
fourth part of all my household furniture after the decease of my said wife.
Item
– I give and bequeath to my daughter Eliza, the wife of Joseph Benson one half
part of all my household furniture after the decease of my said wife.
Item
– I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Benson, it being towards her support,
one fourth part of all my household furniture after the decease of my said wife
– and also her support during her natural life, to be furnished by my sons
Alonzo, Ebenezer and Sumner, agreeable to one of the considerations in my deed
to them bearing even date with this instrument.
Item
– I give and bequeath to my said sons Alonzo T. Benson, Ebenezer Benson and
Sumner Benson, all my other personal estate of every name and nature,
wheresoever the same may be found, they paying all my just debts and funeral
charges.
Lastly
I do constitute and appoint my son Alonzo T. Benson sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament, hoping the same may be kept.
In
Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of July
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
Asa Benson (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above-named Asa Benson to be his last
Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who at his request and in his
presence, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Seth
Miller Jr
Joshua
LeBaron
Polly
Ward
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday
of Nov. 1836 by Alonzo T. Benson, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Seth Miller Jr and Joshua LeBaron, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Alonzo T. Benson, the Executor.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
446-448, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Caleb Benson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen—I. Caleb Benson of Middleborough in
the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in America being
weak of body, but of sound mind and memory, blessed be God therefor and knowing
it is appointed unto all men once to die do make & ordain this my Last will
& testament—In the first place I commit my spirit into the hands of the
Lord God of truth, believing and hoping he hath redeemed me, and that at my
death my soul shall immediately pass into Glory, and my body to the dust, to be
buried in a decent christian manner, hoping and believing that tho’ after my
skin worms destroy this body, yet in my Flesh I shall see God, and that I shall
with them that rise first have a resurrection to Life my vile body being
changed and fashioned Like to the Glorious body of christ—and as touching the
portion of worldly estate which God in his providence has been pleased to bless
me with, I dispose of in the following manner. ~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife the one
third of my whole estate, both real & personal, to be improved by her
during her natural Life, and over and above the one third, two milch Cows, ten
sheep, and all my houshold furniture forever. –
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my two daughters, Ruth Landers
and Hannah Tinkham three pounds each, to be paid out of my personal estate,
besides what I Gave them at the time of their beginning to keep house. –
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my other three daughters – vizt
Priscilla Combes, Deborah Canady & Content Barrows, all the rest of my
personal estate, consisting of money at Interest, Live Stock on my farm &c.
excepting what is disposed of above, to be equally divided between them as soon
as it can be collected by my Executor and paid to them
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my two Grand Children Priscilla
Washburn and Manassah Washburn Six Shillings a piece to be paid by my beloved
wife. –
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my only Son Caleb Benson all
the rest of my Interest, consisting of Lands and meadow Lying in Middleborough
Plymton and Wareham being all real estate –
Finally – my will is that my well beloved wife and my Son
Caleb Benson be the joint Executors of this my Last will and testament — and
furthermore I do hereby revoke and renounce all and every other and former
wills and testament by me any way made, and ratify and confirm this to be my
Last will and testament. ~
Signed Sealed, pronounced and declared
this 27th day of November 1782 in presence
of — Caleb Benson (seal)
Asa Hunt
Elisha
Benson
Stephen
Washburn
Presented for probate on 2 June 1788 by Caleb Benson, one of
the Executors therein named, and proved by Asa Hunt and Elisha Benson, two of
the witnesses. Deborah Benson the other executor in said will named having
refused ye said trust, Letters Testamentary were granted to Caleb
Benson.
To the Honble Joseph Cushing esqr. Judge for the
Probate of wills &c within & for the county of Plymouth—Whereas I the
Subscriber am appointed one of the Executors to the Last will & testament
of my husband Caleb Benson Late of Middleborough, yeoman deceased, and by
reason of my advanced age and infirmities of body am incapable of acting in
said capacity, therefore pray to be excused from serving therein, and do
accordingly refuse the trust aforesaid
Middleborough June ye. 2d. 1788 – Deborah Benson
Benja. Briggs of Wareham, School master, Ichabod
Benson of Middlebo. yeoman, and William Washburn of Plymton yeoman,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Caleb Benson, late of Middlebo.,
yeoman, on 2 June 1788. The Inventory of the Goods Chattells, Rights &
Credits of Caleb Benson, Late of Middleborough, dated 28 July 1788, totaled
£673.8.67, including his homestead land, meadows and buildings valued at £530.
Caleb Benson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Sept. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 362-363, 418-419, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of John Benson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
In the
name of God Amen I John Benson of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Yeoman, being in good health, of sound mind and perfect memory, do this
twenty-first day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred
and forty six, make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
following to wit.
First I give and bequeath to my daughter Mercy Benson all my
Household Furniture and indoor moveables with I may leave at my decease to her
own use and behoof forever, I do also give her the use and improvement of the
East room on the lower floor, of my dwelling house, and the bedroom which opens
out of the kitchen, so long as she remains single. It is also my Will and I
hereby order that my son Stillman Benson shall take my said daughter Mercy
Benson to board with him in and as one of his own family, and see that she is
well provided for in sickness and health – And that he shall further give her
Eight dollars a year to enable her to procure such things as she most wants
untill her marriage day. But in case of her marriage she from that time
relinquishes all right in the house hold and provisions as well as the Eight
dollars per year
I give to my said son
Stillman Benson all and singular the rest and residue of my Estate both Real
and Personal, or mixd which I may leave at my decease wheresoever
the same may be found, and also the reversion of that part of my dwelling house
which is above temporarily given to my daughter.
And lastly I do constitute and appoint my said son Stillman
Benson sole Executor to this my last Will and testament, hereby directing him
spedily to pay all my Just debts and funeral charges
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written
John Benson (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the said John Benson as his
last will and testament in presence of us, who at his request and in his
presence hereunto set our names as witnesses.
Samuel P
Keith
William
Nelson
Susannah
Nelson
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Aug. 1848 by
Stillman Benson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel P. Keith and
William Nelson, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 301-302, from FHL microfilm
#0555639.
Will of Samuel Benson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Samuel Benson of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts Bay being weak of body but
of sound mind & memory, blessed be God therefor, and calling to mind the
mortality of my body, knowing it is appointed unto all men once to die, to make
& ordain this my Last Will & testament, and in the first place I commit
my spirit to God who Gave it & my body to the dust to be decently buried,
and as to the worldly Estate which God has been pleased to bless me with I dispose
of in the following manner vizt –
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my well Beloved wife One
third part of my personal Estate –
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Consider Benson and
John Benson to be owned equally between them one Lot of Land containing about
Forty five Acres in the south purchase in Middleborough, said Lot Joining
westward on Joshua Raymonds Land and Eastward on the Land belonging to Widow
Bartlett & Stephen Washburn, and my Will is that my said Sons Consider and
John shall pay unto my five daughters twenty six pounds thirteen shillings
& four pence, to each an equal sum that is to say to each daughter five
pounds six shillings & eight pence. also my Will is that my said two sons
shall have all my wearing apparell and that they pay their five Sisters each an
equal part of such a sum as the Cloth shall be appraised at, I also bequeath
unto my said Sons Consider and John ten shillings a piece to come out of my
moveable Estate
Item—I Give unto my five daughters, namely Patience the widow
of George Barrows, Lydia the wife of Henry Wood, Jemima the wife of John
Norris, Faith the wife of John Thomas, & Hope the wife of Joshua Briggs all
the rest of my Estate that is not before disposed of after my Just debts and
funeral charges are paid, to be equally divided among them, whether consisting
of money, or notes of hand, Book debts, Cattle & sheep, farming utensills,
or any other and every other outdoor and indoor moveables
Finally—I do ordain and appoint my two sons, Consider Benson
& John Benson to be the Executors of this my Last Will and testament. In
confirmation hereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twentieth day
of April One thousand, seven hundred & Seventy Eight
Signed, Sealed,
pronounced and
declared in presence
of ~ Samuel Benson (seal)
Caleb
Benson
Ezra
Muxom
Asa Hunt
~
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1778 by Consider Benson and
John Benson, the Executors therein named, and proved by Caleb Benson and Asa
Hunt, two of the witnesses.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 85-86, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of James Berthrong of Cazenovia, Madison County, New York (1849) *
I James Berthrong, of Cazenovia in the County of Madison and
State of New York, being of sound and discriminating mind and memory, do make
and publish this (consisting of one Sheet) my last Will & Testament, hereby
disposing of All my Estate, both real & personal.
My
Real Estate consists of the dwelling house & lot now occupied by myself and
family as a residence, situate on the South side of Albany Street in the
village of Cazenovia bounded north by Albany Street; East by a lot owned by
William M Burr, and West by the House lot of John Williams A farm of thirty two
acres of land situated on the east side of the road running from the dwelling
house of Gaylord Phinney in said village north past the dwelling House of
Joseph Dewey, and bounded west by said road; north by lands of said Joseph
Dewey; East by lands of Hezekiah Loomis, and South in part by lands of John
Hearsey. And a Wood Lot of Seven and a half acres called the Porter Lot, and
bounded north by Sidney Roberts land: East by J. W. Chappels land, South by land
belonging to the Shelter Valley Factory Company, and west by Joseph Williams
land ~ All in said town of Cazenovia
My
Personal Estate consists mainly of household furniture Cattle, horses,
Carriages, harnesses, hay, grain, farming utensils, money, obligations due me
&c.
All
which, and whatever other real or personal Estate I may die seized of, after
the payment of my debts, I Give Devise and Bequeath to my wife and
children as follows.
First I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Jane E Shapley the sum of three Hundred and twenty
Seven dollars, to be paid to her by my Executers out of my personal property
within one Year after my decease, with interest thereon after my decease till
paid. Which, with the sum of One Hundred & Seventy three dollars heretofore
advanced to her by me, will make the aggregate sum of Five Hundred dollars
which I design as her portion of my Estate.
Second
After
the payment of said legacy to my said daughter Jane E. and the payment &
Satisfaction of all just debts due and owing by me at the time of my decease,
out of my personal Estate, All the rest and residue of my said personal estate,
and All of my real estate of which I may die seized, I Give, Devise and
Bequeath to my beloved Wife Clarissa Berthrong during her natural life, and
after her decease all the rest, residue and remainder of my said real &
personal Estate, I Give, Devise and Bequeath unto my Son Lucius W. Berthrong
and to his heirs and assigns forever. And it is my desire that my said Son
Lucius W. should occupy and Enjoy the use of the said real & personal
property jointly and Equally with my said wife Clarissa during her said natural
life, provided he so conducts himself as to make it agreeable to his said
mother for him so to occupy and Enjoy the same, and She shall freely give her
consent thereto, but not otherwise. And
he, the said Lucius W. is not to Sell or dispose of any of said personal estate
during the life time of my Said wife, without her consent freely given.
Lastly
I
hereby Constitute & Appoint my said Wife Clarissa Executrix, and my said
Son Lucius W. Executer of this my last Will & Testament; and desire that
they should Execute said trust without giving bonds or Sureties for the
performance thereof.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the thirty first day of
August in the Year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty nine.
James Berthrong (seal)
The Above instrument consisting of one sheet, was at the date
thereof signed Sealed & published by the said James Berthrong as and for
his last Will & Testament, in presence of us, who at his request & in
his presence and in presence of Each other, have subscribed our names as
Witnesses thereunto
H. G. Paddock
residing at Cazenovia, Madison County N.Y.
W. Jerome Hough
do do do do do do
Lucius W. Berthrong, one of the Executors of the last Will
& Testament of James Berthrong, late of Cazenovia, presented the will for
probate on 18 Dec. 1850, and it was proved by H. G. Paddock and W. Jerome Hough
both of the town of Cazenovia on 18 Dec. 1850.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Madison County Probate Will Book D, p. 29-32, and Madison County
Estate File #1424, which has a readable copy of the will.
Will of Lucius W. Berthrong of Cazenovia, Madison County, New York (1864) *
I Lucius
W. Berthrong of Cazenovia in the County of Madison and State of New York do
make and publish this my last will and testament as follows to wit.
I grant
and devise unto my wife Sarah the use and occupancy during her natural life of
the house and lot now occupied by me situated on the south side of Albany
Street in the village of Cazenovia, and from and after the death of my said
wife I devise the same unto my sister Jane E. Shapley and to her heirs and
assigns forever
I grant
and devise all the rest residue and remainder of my real estate unto my wife
Sarah and to my sister Jane E. Shapley and to their heirs and assigns forever
share and share alike.
I give
and bequeath unto my said wife Sarah all of my personal estate of every
description, after the payment of my just debts,
The
foregoing provisions are intended to be in lieu of any claim of dower to my
said wife, and are subject to the interest of my mother in the said property
under the last will and testament of my father.
I
constitute and appoint my said wife Sarah Berthrong sole executrix of this my
last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of April in
the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty four.
L. W. Berthrong (seal)
The above instrument was declared by Lucius W. Berthrong to
be his last will and testament and signed and sealed by him in our presence who
have hereunto set our names in the presence of each other and of said testator
and at the request of said testator, this thirteenth day of April 1864
Chas
Stebbins Jr. }
L. D.
Coburn } of Cazenovia N.Y.
Proved and approved on 11 July 1864.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Madison County Probate Estate File #2393.
Will of Daniel
Birdsall of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York (1736) *
In the Name of God, Amen, the seventeenth day of September
Annoq. Dom. seventeen hundred thirty and six, I, Daniel Birdsall of the
Township of Oyster bay in Queens County in the Province of New York Weaver
being sick and infirm in Body but of sound and perfect Mind and Memory thanks
be given unto God, therefore but calling to Mind the Frailty of Human Nature
and remembering that it is appointed for all men once to Die do therefore make
this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say principally
and first of all I resign my Soul into the Hands of a merciful God that gave it
and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent and Christian
like manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named and as to the
worldly Estate it hath pleased God in his great Goodness to bestow upon me and
bless me with in this Life, I give and dispose of the same as followeth Vizt
Imprimis my will is that my affectionate Wife Joannah shall have the sole
property and Command of whatsoever she brought me at the time of our Marriage
and in the next place my will is that all my Estate whatsoever both Real &
Personal shall be sold and converted into money and out of the product my just
Debts and funeral Expenses to be paid & discharged and the Remainder to be
put to Interest for the Benefit of my Family my wife to have the Interest of
the whole Money for the first two years after it is so put out and half the
Interest thereof for the next three years and the equal third part thereof so
long as she remains my widow and the Remaining two thirds part of the said
money my will is that the same shall remain at Interest for the use and benefit
of my surviving Children to be divided amongst them according to the following
Proportion Vizt That my sons which I shall leave behind me shall
each of them have just twice as much as one of my Daughters and that each of my
Daughters shall have just half as much as one of my Sons only that my eldest
Daughter Sarah shall have the sum of Five pounds Current money of New York over
& above her ordinary share as abovesaid which said portions or Legacies my
will is that the same be paid to them according to the above proportion out of
the common stock as it shall then be to each of them respectively when they
arrive at the age of twenty one years and if any or either of my said Children
should happen to die under age or without Issue or without disposing of their
respective part My will is that the same be divided amongst the surviving
Brothers and Sisters according to the above proportion. And further my Will is
that at time of the Marriage of my said widow the Remaining third part (of
which to that time my aforesaid wife is to receive the profits or at the time
of her Death) that the same be likewise divided amongst my surviving Children
according to the above Proportion. My will further is and I do hereby order and
appoint that my affectionate Wife Joannah and my Trusty Friends John Cock and
Joshua Cock shall be the Executors of this my last will and Testament And I do
hereby utterly disallow revoke make null and void all and every other former
Wills Testaments Legacies and Executors by me in any manner of way before this
time named willed or bequeathed hereby ratifying and confirming this and no
other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set
my Hand and seal the day and year above written
Daniel Birdsall (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Daniel
Birdsall as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers
Vizt.
Wm
Moyles
John
Carman
Exr. Jotham
Townsend
Probated on 9 May 1744, and Letters of Administration granted
to Johanna Birdsall, Joshua Cock, and John Cock, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 15, p. 203-205, copied from
original Liber 15, p. 209-212.
Will and Codicil of John Birdsal of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York
(1764) *
In the name of God Amen I John Birdsal of Hempstead in Queens
County in the Colony of New York being weak in body but of sound mind and
memory blessed be God do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in
manner following that is to say principally and first of all I recommend my
Soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body to the Earth to be buried in
a decent and Christian like Manner at the discretion of my Executors and as for
such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I
give bequeath and dispose of the same in the following manner that is to say
first I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Elizabeth Birdsal the sum of two
hundred Pounds out of my movable and Personal Estate to be paid to her
Executors Administrators or assigns within Six months after my Decease in Lieu
of her Dower and In Case she shall refuse to Accept thereof and shall insist on
her Dower then and in such case I give and bequeath the said sum of two hundred
Pounds unto my six Sons Thomas John Joshua Benjamine Joseph & Samuel to be
equally divided among them also I give
and bequeath unto my aforesaid Six Sons the sum of one hundred pounds out of my
Personal and moveable Estate together with all my Utensils of husbandry to be
equally divided among them also I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel the
young Horse and the Saddle he now makes use of
also I give and bequeath unto my three Daughters Elizabeth Deborah and
Mary all the whole residue and remaining part of all my goods Chattels Personal
and moveable Estate of what kind or nature Soever or whatsoever to be equally
divided among them after all my Just debts and funeral Expences are first paid
out of the said Residue also I order and direct that all my whole Real Estate
of what kind or nature soever or wheresoever be Sold by my Executors
hereinafter named or by the Survivors of Survivor of them and I do hereby give
them and the Survivors and Survivor of them full power and Authority to make
Sale thereof accordingly and all the monies arising by Such Sale I order to be
disposed of in the following manner that is to say first that my Son Benjamine
shall have and receive out of the said moneis the sum of one hundred Pounds to
his own proper Use Benefit and behoof, Secondly that my Son Joseph shall have
and receive out of the said monies the sum of two hundred Pounds to his own
proper Use benefit and behoof Thirdly
that my Son Samuel shall have and receive out of the said monies the sum of two
hundred Pounds to his own proper use benefit and behoof and all the Residue and
Remaining part of all the monies arising by such Sale as aforesaid I order and
direct to be equally divided among my aforesaid six Sons, to wit Thomas John
Benjamine Joshua Joseph and Samuel to their and each of their own proper use
benefit and behoof, Lastly I make and
ordain my Sons Thomas John and Benjamine and my Son in Law William Smith
Executors of this my last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I the said
John Birdsal have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal this
thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven
hundred and Sixty four.
John Birdsall (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said John Birdsal
as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
Thomas Seaman
George Weekes
Parmenas Jackson
I John Birdsal of Hempstead in Queens County in the Colony of
New York being weak in body but of sound mind and memory blessed be God to make
and publish this Codicil to my last Will and Testament in manner following that
is to say whereas in my said last Will and Testament dated the thirteenth day
of February in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and Sixty
four I have given and bequeathed unto my Son Samuel the one equal Sixth part of
the sum of two hundred Pounds in case his Mother my Wife Elizabeth Birdsal
shall refuse to accept thereof in Lieu of her Dower also one equal sixth part
of the sum of one hundred Pounds to be taken out of my moveable and Personal
Estate and also the one equal Sixth part of the Residue of all the monies that
shall or may arise from the Sale of my Real Estate after the Particular
Legacies directed to be paid out of the said monies shall be satisfied and
discharged now I Declare it to be my Will that in Case his Mother my aforesaid
Wife Elizabeth shall refuse to accept of what I have in my said last Will and
Testament bequeathed to her in Lieu of her Dower and shall insist on her Dower
that then and in such case all the before mentioned severall bequests to my Son
Samuel shall be absolutely null and void to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever
and I do now in such case hereby bequeath all the before mentioned Several
Legacies unto my other five Sons to wit Thomas John Joshua Benjamine and Joseph
to be equally divided among them to their and Each of their own proper use
benefit and behoof and whereas in my said last Will and Testament I have
bequeathed all my Utensils of Husbandry unto my Six Sons therein mentioned I do
now hereby revoke and vacate the said bequest and do hereby give and bequeath
all my said Utensils of husbandry unto my three Daughters to wit Elizabeth
Deborah and Mary to be equally divided among them to their and each of their
own proper use benefit and behoof In
Witness whereof I the said John Birdsal have to this Codicil to my last Will
and Testament set my hand and Seal this second day of March in the year of our
Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and Sixty four
John Birdsal (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said John Birdsal
as and for a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us Note
that the word equal between the 10th and 11th lines and
the words last and Testament between the 17th and 18th
line from the top were before the publication thereof
Thomas Seaman
George Weeks
Parmenas Jackson
Probated on 17 Mar. 1764, and proved by Thomas Seaman and
George Weeks of Queens County and Township of Hempstead. Letters of
Administration were granted to Thomas Birdsal, John Birdsal, Benjamine Birdsal,
and William Smith, the Executors, on 23 Apr. 1764.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 24, p. 389-393, copied from
original Liber 24, p. 360-363.
Will of Elijah
Bisbee of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen, I Elijah Bisbee Esq. of Plympton,
County of Plymouth, Mass. considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, but
of a sound and perfect mind and memory, bless be Almighty God for the same, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following
Viz: I give my soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust to be buried in
decent christian burial, doubting not but I shall receive the same again in the
general resurrection at the last day and as touching my worldly substance my
Will is that it be disposed of in the manner following, Viz:
Imprimis,
I give to my well beloved wife Susannah Bisbee the improvement of one third of
all my real estate during her natural life. I also give to my wife all my
household furniture, all that excepted which I hereafter give to Mary Nye. And
I give to my Wife Also one Cow and three sheep together with all the money I
may have on hand at my decease for her disposal, to her, her heirs and assigns
forever.
Item, I give to my son William
Bisbee a certain piece of land known by the name of the little-neck adjoining
the
Item, I give to my daughter Hannah
Bisbee my great Bible & one half of the residue of my Books and half of my
Pew in the Meeting House. I also give to my daughter Hannah one good feather
bed, underbed, Bedstead & cord with good & sufficient clothing for it,
such as she may choose. Moreover I give to her one Cow and three sheep to her,
her heirs and assigns forever.
Item, I give to my daughter Mary
Nye a certain lot of land and swamp adjoining Joseph Sherman’s land on the
East, and Ebenezer Standish’s on the West. Also one half of an undivided lot of
land adjoining the land formerly owned by Samuel Rickard, Also one half of my
remaining books in equal division between my two daughters Hannah and Mary. I
also direct my Executor hereafter named to pay Mary Nye thirty dollars in one
year after my decease with out interest.
Item. I give to my grandson Elijah
Bisbee one half of my Apparel. Also all the demands I have against him by Book
or Note, provided however he does not bring any demand or claim against my
estate. I also direct my Executor to pay my two grandsons, viz: Elijah Bisbee
& Beza Bisbee ten dollars each within one year after my decease without
interest.
Finally I give to my two grandsons
William G. Parker and Joseph A. Parker a certain lot of fresh meadow and land
lying in Dunhams Neck, so called, adjoining Timothy Ripley’s land, the said
William G. Parker and Joseph A. Parker to take possession of said land when the
said William shall be eighteen years of Age and my Will is, that until the
above named period, that my son William Bisbee improve the above named land and
meadow, as formerly without paying rents or profits and the said William Bisbee
keep the fences in good repair and pay all the taxes until the time herein
specified.
And
I do appoint my son William Bisbee my sole Executor of this my last Will and
Testament and direct him to pay all my just debts and funeral charges, and I do
hereby revoke all former Wills by me made and do establish this as my last Will
and Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of
December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred & twenty seven.
Elijah Bisbee (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named Elijah Bisbee
Esqr to be his last Will
and Testament in the presence of us, who have
hereunto set our names as witnesses
in the presence of the testator
Elijah
Dexter
Wm
H. Soule
Nathl.
M. Dexter
Probated on 16 May 1831, and proved
by Elijah Dexter and Wm H. Soule, two of the witnesses.
Jonathan Parker Esq., Oliver
Churchill Jr., Yeoman, and Charles Soule, Gentleman, all of Plympton, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Elijah Bisbee, late of Plympton, Esquire,
on 16 May 1831. The Inventory was dated 4 Aug. 1831, not totaled, his real
estate valued at $562.50, and his personal estate valued at $539.75. Elijah
Bisbee, administrator in the Estate with Will annexed of Elijah Bisbee, late of
Plympton, Esq., deceased, gave his oath to the inventory on 8 Aug. 1831.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Bisbee of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In the name of God
amen, I John Bisbee of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts yeoman calling to mind the uncertainty of human Life, do make
& ordain this my last will & Testament.—
I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Rebecca wife of Southworth Washburn nineteen
Dollars, also to Patty Bradford Wife of Dr. Benjamin Bradford forty
Dollars thirty four Cents; to Olive Warren wife of Cyrus Warren twenty seven
Dollars & thirty Cents; to the Heirs of Ira Bisbee three hundred &
forty three Dollars To Molly Phedyna, Silvia, Almira & Judith Daughters of
Mary Edson one hundred Dollars each; to Chandler Bisbee five hundred Dollars,
But my Sons John & Ebenezer & my Daughter Huldah Wife of William
Barrell, I consider as having had heretofore their respective proportions of my
Estate
I
give & bequeath to Jefferson & Albert, Sons of Mary Edson their
Maintenance & Support out of my Estate & their Schooling untill they
arrive to the Age of sixteen.
I
further give & bequeath to Molly, Phedyna, Silvia, Almira & Judith
Daughters of Mary Edson, their support & maintenance & also their
schooling untill they are sixteen Years of Age; & to each of them a right
in my house so long as they shall respectively remain single. and the Residue
and Remainder of my Estate, which is not otherwise disposed of, I give and
bequeath to Jefferson & Albert Sons of Mary Edson to be equally divided
between them after the payment of my just Debts & funeral Charges.—
I
appoint Isaac Alden 3d. to be the sole Executor to this my last Will
and Testament and refer him to a Bond given to me in March 1817 by Ziba and
Chandler Bisbee –
The
above Legacies to Rebecca, Patty & Olive to be paid in one Year after my
decease and to Molly, Phedyna, Silvia, Almira & Judith when they
respectively arrive to the Age of eighteen.—
Whereas
there will be due to me on the day of my decease from Ziba & Chandler
Bisbee, the Sum of five hundred Dollars, one hundred Dollars of which I give to
the above named Jefferson & Albert in Addition to what I have already
given, to be paid to them when they shall respectively arrive to the Age of
twenty one, of the remaining four hundred Dollars, it is my Will that it should
be disposed of as follows viz that if either of the above named Molly, Phedyna,
Silvia, Almira or Judith or Jefferson or Albert should by any Casualty or
bodily Infirmity be rendered incapable of earning their support, that my
Executor furnish such disabled Child, with such part of the above four hundred
Dollars, as he shall deem prudent, untill the said disabled Child shall arrive
to the Age of twenty one, but if no such casualty or bodily Infirmity should
happen, then the above named Ziba & Chandler are discharged from the
payment of the above four hundred Dollars –
And
I do further order & direct my above named Executor to see that the
Conditions mentioned in the Bond signed by Ziba & Chandler Bisbee be
executed on their part agreeably to the spirit & Intention of said Bond and
I revoke all former Wills by me made, in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal this sixth day of August AD one thousand eight hundred &
seventeen. –
Signed sealed published &
declared
by the said John Bisbee to be his
last Will and Testament in presence
of us who have subscribed our Names
as Witnesses in presence of the
Testator John Bisbee (seal)
Ruth
Lincoln
Asa
Pratt
Nabby
W Thayer
Presented for probate on 1 Dec.
1817 by Isaac Alden 3d., the Executor therein named, and proved by
Asa Pratt and Nabby W Thayer, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Isaac Alden 3d., the before named
Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Bisbee, late of
Bridgwaterr, was appraised by Nathan Alden, Seth Gurney, and William Keith on
28 Mar. 1818, and totaled $3050.00, consisting of the bond given by Ziba and
Chaneller Bisee for $2350.00, and a bond to support the widow of the deceased
during Life and five Children to the age of 16 of $700, no real estate. Isaac
Alden 3d., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Apr.
1818.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, pp. 145-146, 268, from FHL
microfilm #0550905.
Will of Branch Blackmer of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In the name of God amen. I, Branch Blackmer of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being of
sound & disposing Mind & Memory, do make & ordain this to be my
last will & Testament in the first place, I commend my Soul to the Mercy of
God who gave it humbly hoping for a glorious Resurrection through Jesus Christ,
& as to what worldly Estate, I possess, I give and bequeath the same as
follows viz —
I give
& bequeath to my beloved Wife Sarah the use & Improvement of my whole
Estate both real & personal for her to improve during the Term of her
natural Life except my Debts due to me.—
2d.
After my Wife’s decease, I dispose of my Estate as follows ~~
1st.
I give & bequeath to my Son John Blackmer two undivided third parts of the
whole of my real Estate lying in Plymouth aforesd. wherever the same
may be found in said Township, Also I give & bequeath to my Son John my Lot
of Land lying in Cornwallis in the British province of Nova Scotia containing
two hundred & fifty Acres more or less – being & giving all the Land I
own in said Province to my said son John, also I give my Son John all Debts due
to me, he to pay all my just debts & funeral Expences – And the above
bequests to my Son John are on Condition that he pay the Legacies to my
Daughters as hereafter named, & on condition that he supports comfortably
my Daughter Molly in Sickness & in Health & well provide for her every
necessary of Life during her natural Life, he to undertake her support at her
Mother’s decease & continue it during her Life, he & his Heirs. Also I
give & bequeath to my Son John two thirds of my Neat Stock, Horses &
Sheep – Also I give him my Casks, Cranes Steelyards and great Chair. ~~
2d.
I give & bequeath to George Ellis Blackmer, my Grandson & Son of my Son
Richard Blackmer decd. one undivided third part of the whole of my
real Estate lying in Plymouth aforesaid, & one third of my neat Stock
Horses and Sheep on Condition he pays the Legacies hereafter named. —
3d.
I give and bequeath to each of my Sons William Blackmer & Branch Blackmer
if living to each one of them one Dollar, to be paid two thirds of said
Legacies by my Son John & one third by my Grandson George E. Blackmer –
4th.
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Harlow wife of James Harlow a Legacy
of one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid two thirds by my son John
Blackmer, & one third by my Grandson George E Blackmer on demand after my
Wife’s decease. —
5th.
I give & bequeath a Legacy to my Daughter Betsy Johnson Wife of Joseph
Johnson, one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid two thirds by my Son John
Blackmer & one third by my Grandson George E Blackmer to be paid on demand
after my Wife’s decease.—
6th.
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Jerusha Holmes Wife of Seth Holmes a
Legacy of one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid one third by my Grandson
George E Blackmer & two thirds by my Son John Blackmer after my Wife’s
decease on demand —
7th.
I give & bequeath to my three Daughters Molly, Sarah & Jerusha to each
of them one Bed, & all my Bedding to be equally divided between my said
four Daughters & all the Residue of my household Furnitures, I give &
bequeath to my above named three married Daughters to be equally divided
between them —
8th.
I give & bequeath my wearing Apparel to be equally divided between my said
Son John & Grandson George Ellis.—
Lastly I
nominate & appoint my Son John Blackmer to be sole Executor of this my last
will & Testament – Signed sealed & declared to be his last will &
Testament this fourth day of April A D one thousand eight hundred &
fourteen In presence of us ~
Rosseter
Cotton
Priscilla
Cotton
Sophia
Cotton Branch Blackmer (seal)
Rosseter
M Cotton.
Presented for probate on 20 Apr.
1818 by John Blackmer, the Executor therein named, and proved by Rosseter
Cotton Esqr. and Priscilla Cotton, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed, Sophia Cotton and Rosseter M Cotton both being now deceased.
Letters of Administration were granted to John Blackmer, the before named
Executor.
Gideon Holbrook, John Cornish Junr.
and Freeman Cornish, all of Plymouth, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Branch Blackmer, late of Plymouth, yeoman, on 20 Apr. 1818. The
Inventory of the Estate of Branch Blackmer, late of Plymouth, dated 16 June
1818, totaled $3230.90, including his real estate valued at $2920. John
Blackmer, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 June 1818.
Joseph Bartlett Esquire, John
Cornish yeoman, and Ichabod Morton yeoman, all of Plymouth, and all
Freeholders, were appointed to set off to John Blackmer two third parts of the
real estate of Branch Blackmer, late of Plymouth, and to his grandson George E.
Blackmer one third part, agreeably to the last will and testament of the
deceased, on 16 Dec. 1822. The committee gave their oath to the division on 29
Jan. 1823 was it was approved on that date.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, pp.
292-294, 356-358, from FHL microfilm #0550905, and Vol. 56, p. 500-501.
Will of John
Blackmer of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1776) *
In the name of God Amen – I John Blackmer of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, being in health of body and of sound
& disposing mind, but considering the uncertainty of life, do think proper
to Settle my worldly affairs & to make my last will & testament in
manner following
First of all I commend my Soul to the everlasting mercy of
God thro’ Christ, & my body to a decent Funeral, humbly hoping For a
glorious resurrection thro’ the merits of my redeemer, And as to my worldly
Estate I dispose thereof as Follows
1st
I Give & bequeath to my Four Daughters Sarah, Susanna, Betty &
Experience all the land I purchased of Jabez Holmes & the Heirs of Elnathan
Holmes by Deed (except the wood lot hereafter mentioned) to be equally divided
between them, and to be & remain to them & to their heirs & assigns
Forever. The said Land lying at Monument ponds in said Plymouth.—And my will is
that my said Four Daughters should have all the Land that belonged to my Late wife
at her decease, that is to say, their brothers part as well as their own, to
them and their heirs & assigns Forever
2d I
Give & bequeath all my Household Goods to my three Daughters Susanna, Betty
& Experience, to be equally divided between them
3d I
Give to my Son Branch, my Dwelling House & other buildings in said Plymouth
and all the Homestead Lands, and the wood lot I purchased of James Clark on the
pine hills, and all my right in a wood lot lying on the south side of the town
road on the pine hills, which I purchased of the Heirs of Elnathan Holmes, and
the lot I bought of John Harlow at long pond, and all my right in a lot of
Cedar swamp at South meadows in Plymton; and also my wearing apparell, and all
my Stock of Cattle, Horse, Sheep & notes of hand, book debts, Farming
untensills, and all my other Estate of whatever kind & wheresoever being
that I have not before disposed of—all this provided he gives a Quit Claim to
his Four Sisters before mentioned & their heirs of all his right to the
Land that descended to him from his mother deceased, and that he pay all my
just debts & funeral expences; upon which condition or proviso all the
above Estate in buildings and Lands &c. to be to him & his heirs &
assigns Forever—
Lastly—I nominate & appoint my said Son Branch Blackmer
to be the Sole Executor of this my last will & testament.—In testimony
& confirmation of which I the said John Blackmer do hereunto Set my hand
& Seal this thirtieth day of January Anno Domini one thousand Seven hundred
& Seventy Six—1776
Signed Sealed & declared to be his Last
will & testament in presence of John Blackmer –
(seal)
John
Cotton
Rosseter
Cotton
– Mary Cotton
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1794 by Branch Blackmer, the
Executor, and proved by Rossetter Cotton, one of the witnesses, John Cotton and
Mary Cotton, the other witnesses both being since deceased, the will was
approved on 20 Oct. 1794.
Branch Blackmer, Gentleman, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Blackmer of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be it
known, that I, John Blackmer of the town of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being of sound mind and memory, and
desiring to make a disposal of such estate as I shall leave at my decease, do
make publish and declare this instrument to be my last Will and Testament, in
manner and form as follows to Wit.—
First It
is my will that all my just debts and funeral charges be, by my Executor
hereinafter named, paid out of my personal estate, if it be found Sufficient:
if not then that each one to whom I shall herein bequeath my real Estate, shall
bear equal parts in the payment of said debts and charges.
Also I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Sarah Blackmer the use of all my estate,
both personal & Real, which I may possess at the time of my decease except
what shall be necessary for the above named purpose, to have and to hold the
same to her during her natural life.
At the
decease of my said wife, I dispose of the estate in remainder, among my beloved
children as follows viz.
First I
give and bequeath to my beloved son Ezra H Blackmer all that tract of land
which is situated on the Easterly side of the road passing by my house Which
land is bounded as follows viz. on the north by the land recently owned by
Capt. Holbrook, deceased, on the east by the Mill Pond; on the South by a stone
Wall which runs nearly east and West and by a line running in the range with
said wall to the road; hence, on the West by the road to the northwest corner
of my barnyard, and hence by the Southerly and Easterly sides of the land
belonging to my son Branch Blackmer, to the northeasterly corner of my said son
Branch’s garden, against the said Capt. Holbrook estate.
This
tract of land thus bounded includes the barn. Also I do give and bequeath to my
said son Ezra H. Blackmer, all that portion of Real Estate belonging to me,
which is known by the name of Beaverdam Swamp: to have and to hold the same to
him, his heirs, executors and administrators, to their use and behoof forever.
Secondly.
I do give and bequeath to my beloved son Branch Blackmer, all the remaining
part of my real estate which is situated on the easterly side of the road
aforesaid and Which is not included in the above legacy, to have and to hold
the same to him his heirs executors and Administrators to their use and behoof
forever.
Thirdly
I do give and bequeath to my beloved son John Blackmer, all the remaining part
of my real Estate which is situated on the Westerly side of the road, and Which
is not included in the above legacies, to have and to hold the same to him his
heirs executors & Administrators, to their use and behoof forever.
Provided,
however, that my said Sons, Ezra H. Branch and John, shall each and Severally
pay to my beloved daughter Ruth C. Holmes the Sum of fifty Dollars within one
year from the time of the decease of my Wife aforesaid,– making in amount One
hundred and fifty dollars.
Fourthly,
In addition to the above named one hundred and fifty dollars, I do give and
bequeath to my said daughter Ruth C. Holmes, all my personal estate which may
be found at the death of my said Wife, to have and hold the same to her her
heirs executors and administrators to their use and behoof forever.
Lastly.
I do hereby Constitute and appoint my Son John Blackmer Executor to this my
last Will and testament; and I hereby revoke all former Will by me made.
In
testimony hereof, I the said John Blackmer Testator have set hereunto my hand
and seal at Plymouth aforesaid this fourth day of March in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
John Blackmer (seal)
Signed, Sealed published and
declared by John Blackmer the
Testator as & for his last Will and
Testament, in the presence of us who
at his request and in his presence &
in the presence of each other have
hereunto Subscribed our names as
Witnesses
John
Dwight
Aaron H.
Cornish
Spooner
Cornish
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1847 by
John Blackmer, the Executor therein named, and proved by Aaron H. Cornish, one
of the Witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were
granted to John Blackmer, the Executor.
John Blackmer, of Plymouth, was appointed as Executor of the
last Will and Testament of John Blackmer, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, on 9 Aug.
1847, with Thomas Cornish and Seth Clark, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Seth Clark, Thomas Cornish and Nathaniel Clark, all of
Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of John Blackmer, late of
Plymouth, on 9 Aug. 1847.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Blackmer, late of
Plymouth, was dated 28 Aug. 1847, his real estate totaled $923, and his
personal estate totaled $102.35. John Blackmer, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 6 Dec. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 89, pp. 316-319, 518-519, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol.
2H, p. 140.
Will of Peter
Blackmer of Seneca,
Ontario
County Wills, Vol. E, 1851-1854, pp. 532-537, FHL microfilm #0834835:
I Peter Blackmer of the town of Seneca in the County of
Ontario and State of New York do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form that is to say,
First, I give, devise and bequeath to my wife Abigail the one
third part of my real estate, situate lying and being in the town of Seneca and
county of Ontario, on which I now live, for and during her natural life, and
such household furniture beds and bedding as may be required for her
comfortable living and support during her said life; this provision being in
lieu of her dower in my property.
Second, I give, devise, and bequeath, to my son Ezra Blackmer
all my real estate consisting of the farm on which I now live in the said town
of Seneca and county of Ontario including the one third part before given to my
said wife after her death, and all my personal property of every kind excepting
that before given to my said wife during her said life and after her death that
portion also; to have and to hold the same to my said son Ezra Blackmer his
heirs and assigns forever.
Third, I give to my daughter Mary, wife of Jesse Wheeler a
legacy of one hundred dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my said son
Ezra out of the property I hereby gave to him, and which I hereby declare to be
a charge on the said real estate.
Fourth, I hereby constitute and appoint my said son Ezra
Blackmer the sole Executor of this my last will and testament Peter Blackmer (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the above named
testator to be his last Will, and Testament in presence of us, who at his
request and in his presence and in presence of each other, have hereunto signed
our names as witnesses this twenty eighth day of June 1842.
B.
Whiting of Geneva Ontario Co
John N.
Whiting of Geneva Ontario Co
On the
18th day of January 1853 Elijah W. Blackmer, a grandson and heir of
Peter Blackmer and son of Ezra Blackmer now deceased, who is named in the said
last Will and Testament of Peter Blackmer and executor thereof, appeared in
open court before the Surrogate of Ontario County and made application to have
the said last Will and testament of the said Peter Blackmer which relates to
real and personal estate proved and on such application the Surrogate did
ascertain by satisfactory evidence who were the widow, heirs and next of kin of
the said testator, and their respective residences; and some of them appearing
to be minors having no general guardian residing within the state of New York,
a special guardian was appointed in due form of law to take care of their interests
in the matter of proving the said will, by an order entered for that purpose by
said Surrogate…
John N
Whiting Esq. of the town of Seneca in said County, being duly sworn and
examined before Samuel W. Salisbury Surrogate of the county of Ontario, doth
depose and Say, that the instrument in writing now produced and shown to this
deponent bearing date the twenty eighth day of June 1842 purporting to be the
last Will and testament of Peter Blackmer now deceased is in the handwriting of
the father of this deponent—Bowen Whiting Esq. and that the signature “B
Whiting” signed as a witness to the said instrument is the true and genuine
handwriting and signature of the said Bowen Whiting who is himself now
deceased, That this deponent is well acquainted with the handwriting of the
said Bowen Whiting deceased having often seen him write in his lifetime,
And further this deponent states, that he was himself present
as a witness to the execution of the aforesaid instrument purporting to be the
last will and Testament of Peter Blackmer deceased, and at the request of the
said Peter Blackmer did sign his name as witness thereto, the said Peter at the
same time declaring the said instrument to be his last Will and testament, and
not being under restraint, That the recollection of this deponent is somewhat
indistinct and that he makes the foregoing Statements in regard to his
Witnessing the said instrument, from a firm and sincere belief that he would
not under other circumstances have signed his own name as a witness which he
did as aforesaid; and that he also has an indistinct recollection of the
execution of the said instrument as aforesaid, by him as the same is set forth
at the bottom of said will,
Subscribed and sworn this twenty John N Whiting
third day of March 1853 before me
S.W.
Mathew Rippey of the town of
Elijah W. Blackmer also testified on 23 Mar. 1853 that he was
well acquainted with Peter Blackmer, and that he died on 3 Aug. 1852 in the
town of
Recorded 11 April 1853.
Elijah W. Blackmer and David Pickett were granted
administration of the estate of Ezra Blackmer late of
January 18, 1853, on filing the petition and affidavit of
Elijah M. Blackmer, it is ordered that administration of the estate of Ezra
Blackmer be granted to Elijah M. Blackmer and Dolly Maranda Blackmer.
January 18, 1853, on filing the petition and affidavit of
Elijah M. Blackmer, it is ordered that Henry W. Willson Esq. be appointed as
special guardian of the minor heirs of Peter Blackmer, and that a citation be
issued to attend the proof of the will of Peter Blackmer on the 9th
of March 1853.
Ontario
County Minutes, Orders & Decrees, Vol. J, 1852-1872, FHL microfilm
#0834838, p. 70:
March 9, 1853, the citation in this matter being issued on
the 18th day of January last and returnable this day the said Elijah
W. Blackmer and Jesse Wheeler therein cited and mentioned did appear in open
court, Whereupon this court took cognizance of the matter and proceeded to
ascertain that the citation had been duly served on all the persons named
therein and mention of the said Elijah W. Blackmer, (no one opposing,) It is
ordered that the matter stand adjourned till the 23rd day of March,
and the said Elijah, the petitioner herein having applied for a Subpoena to
John N. Whiting and Nathan Rippey it is ordered that a subpoena issue
accordingly to them as witnesses in this matter, returnable the said 23rd
of March.
March 23, 1853, the proofs in the matter of the will of Peter
Blackmer being deemed sufficient, it is ordered that the said will be admitted
to probate.
March 23, 1853, on reading and filing the petition of Elijah
W. Blackmer, son of Ezra Blackmer, late of the town of Seneca deceased, and on
reading and filing the renunciation of Dolly M. Blackmer, widow of the said
deceased, the said petition praying that letters of administration on the
estate of Ezra Blackmer deceased be granted to the said petitioner together
with David Pickett.
Ontario
County Minutes, Orders & Decrees, Vol. J, 1852-1872, FHL microfilm
#0834838, p. 118:
September 28, 1853, the list of claims against the estate of
Ezra Blackmer deceased, included a $100 legacy to the wife of Peter Blackmer,
but did not list the $100 legacy to Mary, the wife of Jesse Wheeler.
Dolly Miranda Blackmer, upon the petition of Harriet Snyder,
a minor over the age of 14 years, residing in the town of
Thomas G. Rippey, upon the petition of Polly M. Blackmer
regarding Newton E. Blackmer, her son, a minor under the age of 14 years,
residing in the town of
Thomas G. Rippey, upon the petition of Nirim A. Blackmer, a
minor over the age of 14 years, residing in the town of
Thomas G. Rippey, upon the petition of James A. Blackmer, a
minor over the age of 14 years, residing in the town of
Thomas G. Rippey, upon the petition of John H. Blackmer, a
minor over the age of 14 years, residing in the town of
* All
transcribed or abstracted by John A. Maltby from FHL microfilm #s 0834835,
0834837, and 0834838.
Will of Caleb Blackwell of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name of God Amen the Ninth Day of November AD 1762 I
Caleb Blackwell of Rochester in the County of Plimouth yeoman being in an
advanced Age but of a Sound and Disposeing minde & memory Thanks be To God
therefor and Knowing it is appointed for all men to Dye Do make & ordain
This my Last will & Testament Recommending My Soul to God that Gave it
& my Boddy to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Burial at the
Descresion of my Executors hereafter named & as To Such Worldly Estate
wherewith hath Pleased God to bless me with in this Life I Give & Dispose
of the Same In the following manner & forme
Imprs. I Give & bequeth to my only Son Seth
Blackwell & To his heirs and Assignes For Ever the whole of my homestead
farme Including the Close on the South Side of the way Consisting of Housing
orcharding & Fencing Together with my wearing Apparel My Gun & my Part
of the Cyder mill Reserving To My Son in Law Nicholas Crapo Liberty therein To
make up his own frute he Said Seth Pay all my Just Debts & funeral Charges
Item I Give & bequeth To my Two Grandsons John Nye &
Phillip Nye Sons of My Daughter Sarah Nye Deceased in Equal Partinship one
hundred & fifty Pounds Lawfull monny to be Put on Intrest at my Deceas by
my Extrs. hereafter named & both Princapel & Intrest Paid
Them when they arrive at Lawfull age by sd. Executors. & further
my will is that if Either the sd. John or Phillip Deceases before
they arrive to the age of Twenty one years the whole of said sum & Intrist
shall be Paid to his Surving Brother at sd age & if sd.
John Nye & Phillip Nye both Dye without Issue then the whole of this Legecy
shall be Equally Divided betwen my Then Surviving Children
Item I Give & bequeth to my Two Daughters Bethiah Nye
Alles Crapo & To their Heirs & Assigns For Ever in Equal Partinship all
my Salt Meddow My Right In the Long Pond Swamp so Called and all my Cedar Swamp
& my Right In the fifteen acres of Land in Partinship with Freman &
Sprage Together with all Other my moveble Estate not other wise Disposed off
Item I Give & bequeth To the Third Parrish in Rochester
&c (So Called) all the Incom of my Right in sd. Parrish Farm so
Called so Long as the Revd. Thomas West Continues a Preacher of the
Gospel there in the Congegational way and after that To be & belong to my
said Two Daughters Bethiah Nye & Alice Crapo
Finally My will is that my Son Seth Blackwell & my Son in
Law Nicholas Crapo be Joynt Executors of this my Last will & Testament
In
witness where of I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day & year
above written
Signed Sealed Published & Declared by
The Said Caleb Blackwell To be Caleb Blackwell (seal)
his Last will & Testament in
Presence of us Subscribers
Steaphan Perry
Eunis Paddock
Noah Sprage
Presented for probate on 28 Apr. 1763 by Seth Blackwell and
Nicholas Crapo, the Executors therein named, and proved by Stephan Perry and
Noah Sprage, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Seth Blackwell and Nicholas Crapo, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Caleb Blackwell, late of
Rochester, was appraised on 7 Dec. 1762 by Noah Sprage, Cornelius Briggs, and
Thomas Whitredg, and totaled £1217.8.6, including £544.19.2 in securities, and
£494.13.4 in real estate. Seth Blackwell and Nickolas Crapo, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 28 Apr. 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 430-432, 420-421, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of John Bonney of Pembroke, County of Plymouth, Privince of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the Name of God Amen, the twenty Sixth day of July Anno
Domini 1763. I John Bonney of Pembrooke in the County of Plimouth in New
England yeoman being under infirmitys of body but of Sound mind & memory,
Thanks be given to God for the same Do make and Ordain this my last will and
Testament.
First I Recommend my Soul to God that gave it and my body to
the Earth to be buried with Christian burial at the Discresion of my Executor
hereafter named not doubting but I shall receive the same again by the Almighty
power of God and touching such worldly Estate as God hath blessed me with in
this life, I dispose thereof in the manner following: i.e. my will is that all
my Just debts and funeral Charges be first paid out of my personal Estate
2.ly I Give and Bequeath to my son John Bonney the
One half part of my Meadow lying in Pembrooke aforesaid which I bought of Abram
Booth, Joshua Turner and Ichabod Wadsworth to be to him said John Bonney his heirs and assigns forever, also I
Give to my said son his heirs & Assigns forever two third parts of all the
rest of my Real Estate, whereever it may be found, Also I Give my said son my
wearing apparel, my two Guns & Sword also my Cash & Notes of hand.
3dly. I Give and bequeath to my two
daughters, Zerviah Bonney and Rachel Chamberlain to them their heirs &
Assigns forever, the remaining third part of my Real Estate, excepting the
peice of meadow above Given to my son John to be divided equally between them
or their respective heirs.
Item. I Give to my daughter Zerviah Bonney the bed &
furniture which she comonly calls her own with Six pr. of Sheets the
weaven loom two pewter platters and Six pewter plates with the liberty of
Carrying away whatever she hath bought with her own money ~ Item my Pew in the meeting house I Give in
Equal partnership to all my three Children.
All the remainder of My personal Estate I Give to my two
daughters Zerviah Bonney and Rachel Chamberlain to be equally divided between
them.
Finally I doe hereby Constitute and appoint my son John
Bonney to be Sole Executor to this My last will & Testament here by
revokeing & disanulling all Other wills or Testaments in any wise by me
heretofore made, In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
day & year above written
Signed Sealed published & declared by the John Bonney (seal)
said John Bonney as his last will
and Testament in presents of us
Thomas Smith
Judeth Smith
Judith Smith jur.
Presented for probate on 4 Feb. 1765 by John Bonney, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Mr. Thomas Smith, Judith Smith
and Judith Smith junr., the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to John Bonney, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Bonney, late of
Pembrooke, was appraised on 31 Jan. 1765 by Ichabod Bonney, Isaac Oldham and
Fredon Chamberlin junr., but no totaled, his homestead farm and buildings
valued at £146.13.4, and his fresh meadow valued at £100. John Bonney, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Feb. 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 167-169, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Thomas
Bonney of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1735) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Thomas Bonney of
Duxborough in ye County of Plymouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New-England Husbandman being aged & in daily
Expectation of my Dissolution by reason of Sickness & many Infirmities, Yet
of perfect Mind & Memory, Thanks be given to Almighty God, do therefore
upon Mature & serious Consideration Make & ordain these Presents to be
my last Will & Testament in Manner & form following to remain firm
& inviolable forever
Imprims I Recommend my Soul into ye
hands of God ye Father of Spirits who gave it & my Body to the
Earth in hope of a better Resurrection through my Lord & Savr
who is the Resurrection & the Life; And as touching All Such temporal
Estate wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me in this Life I Give
Demise & Dispose thereof in the following Manner & form Viz: —
First My Will is that all my just Debts & funeral Charges
be paid & discharged within Convenient time after my Decease —
Itm I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth now ye
Wife of Ephraim Norcutt one half of ye whole of that Farm of Land
both Upland & Meadow in Duxborough abovesd whereon I now dwell
with one Half of all the Housing Fencing & orchards thereon & thereunto
belonging: to her & her Heirs & assigns forever
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Grand Children viz: ye
Children of my Daughter Mercy (now ye Wife of John Curtes) which She
had by her late Husband—Nathaniel Delanoe late of sd Duxborough
Deceasd- ye other half of ye Whole of my
Abovesd Farm with one half of all ye Housing Fencing
& orchards thereon & thereunto belonging to them my sd Grand
Children their Heirs & assigns forever viz: One third Part thereof to my
Grandson Nathaniel Delano & the other two Thirds thereof to be equally
divided among his four Sisters viz:{Mercy
{
{Serviah &
{Mary
Item my Will is that if my sd
Daughter Mercy shall Survive after ye Death of her present Husband
John Curtis my above Mentioned Grand Children shall pay to her ye
Sum of Twenty Pounds out of what is above Given them Each one their Proportion
according to what is given them as abovesd —
Itm I Give my Gun to my Grand son Nathaniel Delano —
Itm I Give to my Grand Daughter Mercy Delano if She shall
be Married with twelve Months after my Decease one feather Bed with ye
Furniture of it —
Itm I Give & Beqeuath to my sd Daughter
Elizabeth my biggest Bible & one feather Bed with ye furniture
thereof my Warming Pan & largest Iron Pot my Trammels & other Utensils
belonging to ye Chimney —
Itm My Will is that my Son in Law Ephraim Norcutt shall
have one half of all ye Hay, Grain, Apples, & of whatsoever else
hath been raised is now Growing or hath been growing up on my abovesd
Farm this present Year is Harvested, Gathered in, or is yet to be harvested,
mowed, or gathered in from of ye sd Farm Provided that he
ye sd Ephraim Norcutt shall Complete & Finish what
remains to be done in Harvesting mowing & Gathering in the Above mentioned
Premises & also pay into my sd Estate Twenty Shillings — Item my
Will is that my two Wood Lots of Land lying within ye Township of
Duxborough abovesd-Contiguous to ye high Way that leads
from Duxborough to Marshfield shall be Disposed of in ye Same Manner
& Proportion & to ye Same Persons that my Abovesd
Farm is given & bequeathed to ~~
Itm All ye Residue of my Estate in whatsoever
Speise it is or may be found I Give & Bequeath to my abovesd two
Daughters Viz: Elizabeth Norcutt and Mercy Curtes to be equally Divided between
them —
Itm I do hereby Nominate Constitute & appoint my Much
Esteemed Friend Thoms Prince of sd Duxborough to be the
Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament & I do hereby Revoke
& Disallow all former Wills by me heretofore Made Confirming &
Ratifying this & no other to be my last Will & Testament I Witness & Confirmation whereof I have
hereto Set my hand & Seal ye twenty ninth Day of July anno
Domini -1735.
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declard by ye
sd
Thomas Bonney to be his last Will & Thomas X Bonney (seal)
Testament In ye Presence of his Mark
Elisha Brewster
Bethiah Pesor [?]
Jno Wadsworth
her X
Mark
Proved on August ye 19: 1735 by Elisha Brewster,
Bethiah Pesor [?], and John
Wadsworth, the witnesses. Administration of the estate of Thomas Bonney, late
of Duxborough, granted to Thomas Prince, of Duxborough.
The Inventory of the Estate both real & personal of
Thomas Bonney, late of Duxborough, not dated or totaled, was taken by John
Alden, Israel Silvester and John Wadsworth, his real estate valued at £600, and
mentioned were bonds due to him from Christopher Wadsworth and Ichabod Samson.
Thomas Prince, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Jan.
1735[/36].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Bonney of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The twentieth day of February one thousand, seven hundred
& seventy one, I William Bonney of Plimton in the county of Plymouth in
New-England being, thro’ divine goodness being of a sound mind & memory;
notwithstanding calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing it is
apointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will and
testament, and principally I recomend my soul into the hand of GOD that gave
it, trusting thro’ free grace in Jesus Christ to receive the free & full
pardon of all my sins & to inherit glory, and my body I recomend to the
earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter-mentioned, trusting that by the mighty power of GOD to receive the
same again at the general resurrection, and as touching such worldly estate as
it hath pleased GOD to bless me with in his life I give and bequeath in the
following manner.—
Item. I give & bequeath unto my welbeloved wife Mehitable
the use & improvement of one third part of all my real estate not already
disposed off, during her natural life with the improvement of one third part of
the dwelling-house I dwell in, with one third part of the west end of said
house which I lately conveyed to Beriah Bonney. also my will is that my cousin
Samuel Bonney shall improve said real estate and return to my said wife yearly
& every year one sixth part of all the produce of all sorts of grain, &
corn, & flax, hay, & cyder, & apples, & sauce of all sorts,
excepting my said wife shall see cause to improve said estate herself. Also I give unto my said wife for her own
disposal, all the movable estate she brought when she became my wife, together
with one feather-bed & furniture, one slice & pair of tongs, and four
of my best chairs, & my great-chair, together with as many other goods as
she stands in need of for house-keeping, with two cows, together with as much
corn & meat as she shall have ocasion for, until the return of another
produce of the necessaries of life.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my cousin Samuel Bonney son of my brother Isaac Bonney, his heirs
& assigns forever, all my real estate not already disposed off, excepting
my cedar swamp lot, of which lot I give unto my said cousin Samuel his heirs
& assigns forever, ninety rods in length & about twelve rods in wedth,
lying in Colechester-cedar-swamp, begining at the north end thereof and to
extend south the said ninety rods. I also give unto my aforesaid cousin Samuel
Bonney all the remaining part of my movable estate excepting my great-bible,
and the best suit of my wearing apparel. ~
Item I give and
bequeath unto my brother Isaac Bonney my great-bible, and my best suit of my
wearing apparel, together with all the remaining part of my swamp-lot, his
heirs and assigns forever. –
Item I give &
bequeath unto my sister Martha Thear & Peter Thear one cow or heifer of two
or three years old. also my will is that my cousin Samuel Bonney shall be
obliged to keep a suitable horse for my said wife to ride with suitable
tackling so long as she shall remain my widow. ~
Also my will is that my said cousin Samuel Bonney shall pay
all my just debts & funeral charges. ~~
Lastly, I do by these presents constitute & apoint my cousin Samuel
Bonney sole executor of this my last will & testament, renouncing all other
wills before by me made. ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and seal
the day & year above written.
Signed, sealed, published & deliverd. &
declared by William Bonney (seal)
the sd Wm. Bonney to be his last will
& testament
in the presence of us, James
Harlow
John
Mcfarling
Josiah
Perkins
Presented for probate on 4 Jan. 1773 by Samuel Bonney, the
Executor therein named, and proved by James Harlow and John Macfarling, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Samuel Bonney, the
executor, with James Harlow and John Macfarling, both of Plympton, yeomen, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 214-215, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of George Bonum
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1747) *
In the Name of God amen, George Bonum of Plimton in the
County of Plimouth yeoman Labouring under the Infirmyties of old age but of
Sound & disposeing mind and Memory and Calling to mind the Mortallity of my
body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to dye do make and ordain
this my last will and Testament, that is to say Principally and first of all I
Will and bequeath my Soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust to be
decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named Nothing doubting
but at the General Resurrection, I Shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of God and as Touching such worldly Estate wherewith God hath been
pleased to bless me in this life I dispose of the same in the manner following viz
Imprimis, I will and Order that my Just Debts & funeral charges be
paid as soon as may be Conveniently after my Decease by my Executor hereafter
named.
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my Beloved Wife the
Improvement of my whole Estate both Real & personal dureing her natural
life
Item. I Give and Bequeath at my wifes decease to my Beloved
son and Daughter Rowland and Lydia Hammond their Heirs and assigns forever all
that my parcel of Meadow being part of my Homestead lying on the Northwest side
of the river Bounded as followeth viz Beginning at a place called the Watering
place then upstream by the river to Barnes Meadow thence in the range of
Barnes’ Meadow to the upland thence by the upland to the Watering place
abovementioned.
Item. I Give and bequeath at my Wifes decease unto my Three
daughters Namely Elizabeth Nye, Ann Barnes and Lydia Hammond their Heirs and
assigns a Feather Bed Each and after these Beds are taken out, my Will is the
rest of my moveable Estate be given to the aforesaid Elizabeth Nye, Ann Barnes
& Lydia Hammond one fourth or Quarter part Each and the other fourth or
quarter part my Will is to be divided between the abovesd three
Children Elizabeth Nye Ann Barnes & Lydia Hammond and my Beloved Grandson
Bonum Nye, and my Real Estate that I have not disposed of in this present Will
or by Deed my Will is be Equally divided among my three Children Elizabeth Nye
Ann Barnes & Lydia Hamond & my Grandson Bonum Nye their Heirs and
Assigns –
Furthermore I Nominate and Appoint my Loveing son in Law
Rowland Hamond to be Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament hereby
revokeing all other and former Wills Either written or Verbal by me hereto fore
made or done and hereby ratifieing & Confirming this my last Will and
Testament In Testimony Whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the seventeenth day of June One Thousand seven
hundred & forty seven
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared Mem:
The words Beds & to be
by the said George Bonum to be his given
to were Interlined
Last Will and Testament In presence of us. Before
Signing –
Joseph
Bridgham his
James
Lucas George
l3 Bonum
her mark
Abigail X Lucas
marke
Presented for probate on 19 May 1748 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Joseph Bridgham Esqr. James Lucas & Abigail
Lucas.
The Inventory of the Real & Personal Estate of George
Bonum, late of Plimton, yeoman, not dated, was appraised by Joseph Bridgham,
Samuel Barrows and Benja. Shurtleff, and totaled £400.7.2½. His real estate,
consisting of several different lots and meadows, was not totaled separately,
but was worth about £240. Rowland Hamond, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 14 July 1748.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jedediah Bourn of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
I Jedediah Bourn of Marshfield in the county of Plimouth in
New England yeoman, being weak of body but of sound mind & memory (blessed
be God) do make & ordain this to be my last will & testament in manner
& form following viz, First of all I recommend my soul to God hoping in his
infinite Mercy thro’ Jesus Christ for a Glorious Resurrection to eternal life
in a future state, & my body I recomend to a decent christian burial at the
discretion of my executor here after named, and as to such worldly estate as it
has pleased God to bless me with I will & dispose off in the following
manner viz.
Imprs. I Bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Bourne
one third part of the improvement of all my real estate, & out of my
personal, one Feather bed, such as she shall choose, & as much other of my
Goods as with the bed will amount to thirteen Pounds six shillings & eight
Pence to be delivered her by my executor hereafternamed together with all the
demands that I have or ought to have for the improvement of her right of dower
in the estate of her late husband Nathan Thomas decd. while she the
said Sarah was my wife.
Item. I give to my two Grandsons Thomas Spooner &
Nathaniel Spooner, sons of my late daughter Deborah Spooner, one hundred &
thirty three Pounds six shillings & eight pence to be paid to them in equal
halfs within two Years after my decease by my executor, & in case either of
my said two Grandchildren should die before this Legacy becomes due or before
they arrive at the age of twentyone years, the survivor of the two to be
entitled to the whole Legacy. ~
Item. I Give to my Grandson Jedediah Hammond son to my late
daughter Ann Hammond one hundred & thirty three pounds six shilling &
eight Pence to be paid to him by my executor within two Years after my decease.
~
Item. I give to my two Grandaughters Elizabeth & Mary
Phillips daughter of my late daughter Elizabeth Phillips decd. the
sum of one hundred & thirty three pounds six shillings & eight pence,
to be paid to them in equal halves within two Years after my decease & in
case either of my said two Grandaughters should die before this Legacy becomes
due or before they arrive to the age of twentyone years or day of marriage
which may first happen, the survivor of the two, to be entitled to the whole
Legacy.
Item. I Give & bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Thomas the
wife of Nathan Thomas or to her heirs the sum of one hundred & thirty three
pounds Six shill. & eight pence, to be pd. her or heirs by my Exr.
within two Years after my decease.
And my will further is that in case that it should please God
that my said two Grandsons Spooners, or my Grandson Hammond or both of my
Grandaughters Phillips,s should die & there be heirs wanting to either of
my sd. decd. daughters Deborah, Ann, or Elizabeth, to
say, before they arrive of age or day of marriage, that then & in such case
the legacy given to such of them for the affection I bore to my daughters their
Mothers or them, be equally divided between those of my daughters heirs that do
survive together with my daughter Sarah Thomas or heirs, tosay, one share to my
daughter Sarah Thomas or her heirs & one share to the heirs of my other
daughters that may survive respectively.
And Whereas I lately sold to Nehemiah Pierce about twelve
acres of land at a place called Sandy Pond in Pembroke that was the estate of
my late wife & mother to the said Mary Thomas & Grandmother to my
Grandchildren in this will mentioned my will is that in consideration of their
respective legacies, they are excluded from any right to their shares in said
twelve acres so sold, or if in case they should disturb the sd. Nehh.
in his quiet possession of sd. land then my executor or his heirs
shall have action against my Legatees for damage occasioned by such suit. ~
As to what other Lands that was my Late Wife,s, (Altho I am
sensible they are not at my disposal), Yet mention them, & Leave them to be
divided as the Law directs. ~
Finally I give & bequeath to my only son Rouse Bourn to
him his heirs & assigns forever all the rest of my estate be it real or
personal in possession or reversion or mixd. or of what kind name or
Nature soever, he paying the aforegoing Legacies to my Daughter Sarah or heirs
& to my Grandchildren named in this my will according to the direction
herein, and also all my just debts & Funeral charges & I do hereby
constitute & appoint my son Rouse Bourne sole Executor of this my last will
& Testament. And I do hereby revoke & make void all other or former
wills by me heretofore made & establish this only, as my last will &
Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & seal the
nineteenth of July A.D. 1765.
Signed, sealed, published pronouncd. by sd.
Jedediah Bourn, to be his last will & Testam: Jedediah Bourn (seal)
in prescence off. John
Winslow
Samuel
Thomas Junr.
Elijah
Foord
Presented for probate on 28 Oct. 1765 by Rouse Bourn, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Winslow Esq. and Samuel Thomas Junr.,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Rouse Bourn,
the Executor, with Samuel Thomas Jr., of Marshfield, yeoman, and
Edward Winslow of Plimouth Esq., as sureties, on 28 Oct. 1765.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 324-326, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Josiah Bourn of Pembroke, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
I Josiah Bourn of Pembroke in the county of Plymouth in
New-England, being of a sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last
will and testament. As for my body I recomend to a christian burial, and my
soul to God who gave it; and as for my temporal estate I give as followeth.
Imprs.
I give to Priscilla my beloved wife thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight
pence, out of my moveable estate to her own dispose, and the improvement of a
third part of my house and land, so long as she shall remain my widdow. –
Item, I
give to my son James Bourn a sixty acre lot of Land that I had of Joseph
Stutson, joining upon Sever’s Land, my dwelling-house which may be on said Lot,
with a privilege ‘to & from said house to the other land excepted.–
Item, I
give to my sons Josiah Bourn & James Bourn the remainder of my homestead,
with the buildings and privileges thereunto belonging, equally to be divided. —
Item, I
give to my son Thomas Bourn ten sheep, and what I have already helped him about
his house. —
Item, I
give to my daughter Elizabeth Stutson out of my movable estate so much as to
make up what I have already given her equal to twenty pounds.
Item, I
give to my daughter Priscilla Perkins out of my movable estate so much as to
make up what I have already given her equal to thirteen pounds six shillings
and eight pence. –
Item, I
give to my daughter Rebeccah Robinson out of my movable estate so much as to
make up what I have already given her equal to thirteen pounds, six shillings
and eight pence. –
Item, I
give to my son Ebenezer Bourn,s children six shillings to each of them and to
my daughter Mary Gardner’s children six shillings to each of them to be paid by
my executors. –
Lastly.
I give to my two sons Josiah & James Bourn the remainder of my estate both
real & personal that I have not already disposed off, whom I appoint to be
executors to this my Last will and testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twenty third day of May A.D. 1763. —
Signed, sealed & delivered in Josiah Bourn (seal)
presence
of us.
Josiah Cushing
Josiah Cushing junr.
Sarah Cushing
Presented for probate on 8 June 1770 by Josiah Bourn and
James Bourn, the Executors therein named, and proved by Josiah Cushing and
Sarah Cushing, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Josiah Bourn and James Bourn, the Executors, with Josiah Cushing, all of
Pembroke, as surety.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 402-403, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will and Codicil of David Bozworth of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1740) *
In the Name of God Amen I David Bozworth of Hallifax in the
County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman being under Infirmity of body and not
knowing the time of my death And being willing to set my house in Order before
I dye Do there fore make and Ordain this to be my last Will and Testament—
First and Principally I recomend my Soul to ye
Mercifull hands of God who Gave it hopeing for a blessed resurrection through ye
merrits of Christ my body I commit to ye Earth to be decently
buried, and as to my worldly Estate I Give & bequeath ye same in
following manner —
Imps. I Give to my Beloved wife Patience the use
of half my Moveable Estate dureing life with Liberty to Expend what She may
have occasion for of it and also ye improvement of the Houseing and
lands I have Given to my sons Jonathan & Nehemiah dureing life according to
ye Restrictions & Lemitations Mentioned in my Deeds to my said
Sons —
Item—I Give to my son David my Great Bible and all my Wearing
Apparell haveing already Given him his portion in Lands & money &c.—
Item. I Confirm to my sons Nehemiah & Jonathan all the
lands and Houseing I have Given them by Deed to them, their heirs and assigns
forever —
Item, I Give to my daughter Hannah half my moveable Estate,
And what may be left of the other half after my wifes decease
Lastly, I nominate and appoint my son Jonathan to be Sole
Executor of this my last Will and Testament who is to pay my debts and funeral
Expenses before ye above Distribution of my Moveable Estate be made
— In Witness whereof I the said David
Bozworth have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty Seventh of October,
Anno RRs Georgii 2di Decimo quarto, Anno Dom. One
thousand Seven hundred & fourty
Signed Sealed & Declared to be his
Last Will, In presence of
Jno. Cotton David Bozworth (seal)
John Drew junr
Noah Cushing
A
Codicil
It
is my mind & Will that in as
Much as my son Jonathan is deceased that my Surviveing son
Nehemiah Shall be Sole Executor to this my last will and Testament, as witness
my hand and Seal May the 8th 1743.
Signed Sealed & Declared
In presence of David Bozworth (seal)
John Cotton
John Stertefant jur.
his
Hazediah +
Stertefand
marke
Presented for probate on 14 July 1747 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Mr. John Cotton, John Drew Junr. and
Noah Cushing. No inventory was recorded for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Zadock Bozworth of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen The Thirteenth Day of November
Annoque Domini one Thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy five I Zadoc Bozworth
of Hallifax in the County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England Labourer being of a Perfect disposing Mind and Memory but
calling to mind the Mortallity of my Body as knowing that it is Appointed for
all men once to die do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament that
is to Say — First of all I recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that Gave it
and my Body I recomend to the Earth to be Buried in a decent Christian Burial
at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at ye.
Resurection I shall receive the Same again by the mighty Power of God And as to
my Worldly Estate with which God has blessed me I give demise & dispose of
in the following Manner ~
Imprimis I give & Bequeath to my Son Waterman Bozworth
the whole of my Real Estate Excepting the Improvement of that Part hereafter
Mentioned ~
Item I give to my Son Waterman my best Gun & Armour also
two Third Parts of my Moveable Estate after my Just Debts are paid out of it ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Bozworth
one Third Part of my Moveable Estate after the Debts are Paid ~
Item It is my Will that my Son Watterman Should pay to my
Daughter Elizabeth when she shall arrive at the Age of twenty one years one
third Part of the worth of my Real Estate as it shall be valued when he comes
into Possession of it at the Age of twenty one ~
Item I give to my Daughter aforesd. the Priveledge
of Living in my House & Improving as much of it & also of my Orchard as
is Necessary for her Comfort ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Honoured Mother the Living
in my House & Improving as much of it & also of my Orchard as shall be
for her Comfort and likewise her fire wood cut fit for the fire at the door
dureing her Widowhood ~
Item I give to my Daughter Elizabeth one Third Part of my Pew
in the Meeting House ~ Likewise I do hereby appoint Ebenezar Thomson and my Brother
Ichabod Bozworth to be Sole Executors of this my Last Will & Testament
& do hereby Revoke & disanul all and every other former Wills
Testaments Legacies or Executors, by me any way before Named Willed or
Bequeathed rattifying & confirming this to be my last Will & Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereto Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above
writen ~
Signed Sealed & declared to be Zadock Bozworth (seal)
his last Will & Testament by the
Sd. Zadock Bozworth In Presence
of us
Ephraim Briggs
Freeman Waterman
John Leach Junr.
Presented for probate on 4 March 1776 by Ebenezar Thompson
and Ichabod Bozworth, the Executors therein named, and proved by Ephraim Briggs
and John Leach Junr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Ebenezar Tomson and Ichabod Bozworth,
the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Zadock Bozworth, late of
Hallifax, was appraised on 20 Mar. 1776 by Ebenr. Waterman, Thomas
Drew, and Noah Tomson, and totaled £426.3.3, including his real estate valued
at £257.18.8. Ebenezar Tomson Esqr, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 1 July 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 73-75, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Gamaliel Bradford of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen—Upon the twenty Fourth day of Aprill
in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & Seventy Eight: I
Gamaliel Bradford of Duxborough in the County of Plymouth in the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay in New England Esquire: upon Good and serious
considerations and being very sick and weak, but of perfect mind and memory
thanks be Given unto God for the same, and therefore calling unto mind the
mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make and Ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament, That is to say,
Principally and first of all I do Give and recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that Gave it, and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent
and Christian manner at the discretion of my Executors herein after named
nothing doubting but at the Great & General resurrection I shall recieve
the same again by the Almighty power of God, and as Touching such worldly Goods
and temporal Estate that God has been pleased to bless me in this Life with, I
do Give demise and dispose of the same in the Following manner and Form ~ Item
my Will is that all my Just debts and Funeral charges be defrayed and paid out
of my personal Estate –
Item – I do bequeath and confirm unto my Grand Children, the
Children or Heirs of my Eldest son Samuel Bradford deceased, a certain piece of
upland and Salt meadow which I have already or formerly Given my said deceased
Son a deed of in his Life time according to the bounds described in said deed
to them their heirs and assigns forever –
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my Grand children, the
children of my Son Samuel Bradford deceased, and my sons Gamaliel Bradford,
Seth Bradford, Peabody Bradford, and Peter Bradford all the rest or residue of
my Lands and buildings, that I have in said Duxborough, and my Will and meaning
is that it is all the Children of my said Son Samuel deceased is to have but
one share Equally with my Sons Gamaliel, Seth, Peabody and Peter, to be Equally
alike divided amongst all Excepting that spot or piece of Land whereon my Son
Peabody has built him an house near the Old Bridge at Jones River, which house
is his own, which he built himself with but a small charge to me which is his
now dwelling house, which I do Give unto the said Peabody Bradford his heirs
and assigns forever ~
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my son Andrew Bradford all
my Lands and Cedar swamp Lying and being within the Township of Kingston,
together with One Sixteenth part of the Furnace in said Kingston, I do Give and
bequeath to my said Son Andrew Bradford his heirs and Assigns forever ~
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my Grand Children, the
Children of my said Son Samuel Bradford deceased, Gamaliel Bradford, Seth
Bradford, Peabody Bradford, Peter Bradford and Andrew Bradford, all my Lands
and Interests, that I have in the Township of Winslow on Kennebuck River in the
County of Cumberland, to be Equally alike divided amongst them all, their heirs
and assigns forever, that is all the Children of my said Son Samuel deceased is
to have but one share Equal to one of my own sons in the said premises –
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Peter Bradford my
Landing place and wharf with a convenient Cart way to it and from it which he
built partly himself, and my Gun, which I do Give to him his heirs and assigns
forever ~
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my three daughters,
Abigail Wadsworth, Hannah Stanford and Ruth Sampson, all the residue and
remainder of my indoor moveable or personal Estate, Whatsoever it is, and
wheresoever it may be found, to be Equally alike divided to Each of them, and
amongst them, their heirs and assigns forever together with what they have
already recieved
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my Grand Children, the
Children of my Son Saml Bradford deceased One third part of my out
door moveable Estate, and my Son Peter Bradford One third of my Out door
moveable Estate, and my Son Andrew Bradford the other third part of my out door
moveable Estate and all said out door moveable Estate is to Go the said
deceaseds Children and said Peter and Andrew their heirs and assigns forever ~
Item – I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty and
dutiful Sons Seth Bradford and Peter Bradford to be the Sole Executors of this
my Last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and
dissannull all and every other and former Will, Testament, Legacies and
bequests and Executors by me in any before named Willed and bequested,
Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament—In
Witness whereof I the said Gamaliel Bradford have hereunto Set to my hand and Seal
the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published, pronounced and Gaml. Bradford (seal)
declared by the said Gamaliel Bradford to be
his Last Will & Testament in the presence
of us the subscribers ~
Perez Loring
Isaac Winslow
Rebekah Frazer
Note—that before the Ensealing and delivery of these
presents, my Will is that my son Andrew Bradford shall Cut and convert to his
own use One hundred of Good Cedar Fence Stuff yearly and Likewise Two Cords of
Fire wood yearly, off of the old homestead Farm or dead Swamp ~
Presented for probate on 6 July 1778 by Seth Bradford and
Peter Bradford, the Executors therein named, and proved by Perez Loring and
Rebecca Frazer, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Seth Bradford and Peter Bradford, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Gamaliel Bradford Esqr.,
Late of Duxbury, was appraised on 28 July 1778 by Peter Wadsworth, Perez
Loring, and Joseph Soul, and totaled £13,347.11.8, including his homestead farm
valued at £4920, the buildings on the homestead farm valued at £1065, the farm
at the Old Bridge valued at £2700, one sixth part of the Township of Land
called Winslow on Kennebuck River in the County of Cumberland valued at £2400,
his lands lying in Kingston valued at £600, and others. Seth Bradford and Peter
Bradford, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 3 Aug. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 17-20, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will and Codicil of Gamaliel Bradford of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In
the Name of God amen. I Gamaliel Bradford of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts upon good & serious Consideration being
in the full exercise of my understanding, do make & ordain the following to
be my last Will & Testament, that is to say first of all I give &
recommend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it & my Body to the Earth
to be buried in a decent christian Manner at the discretion of my Executors,
trusting that hereafter I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of
God. & as touching the worldly Goods or Estate, with which it has pleased
God to bless me, I give and dispose of the same in manner following that is to
say—
Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my dear & loving
Wife the Improvement of one third of my Real Estate during her Life, Also I
give her one Cow, the Chaise that which I may be possessed of at the time of my
decease, one third part of my Pew in the Meeting house on the lower floor,
eighty four Dollars to be paid in such of my household Furniture, as she shall
choose at the appraised value & twenty Dollars per Annum during her
Widowhood.—
Item
I give unto my Son Perez Bradford my Cattle, Sheep & all my other out-door
moveables, my Chaise excepted.—
Item
I give unto my Son Alden Bradford my Silver Tankard & my Suit of Black
Cloathes.—
Item
I give unto my Daughter Sophia Bradford one of my Beds & Bedstead with a
pair of my Blankets & Sheets with a Counterfrane or Bedquilt—
Item
my will is that my debts & funeral charges should be paid out of my Estate
not disposed of as above & that the remainder whether Real personal or
mixed, of what name or nature soever it may be, not above disposed of,
excepting the three hundred & thirty three Dollars, herein after disposed
of should be divided into twenty four equal parts of shares of equal value,
estimating my publick, Securities at their current value in the Market at the
time of my decease, which shares I dispose of as follows viz —
I
give unto my Son Perez above named four of the said equal Shares or parts; that
is to say, four twenty four parts of my Estate after deducting the abovesd.
Legacies —
Item
I give unto my Son Gamaliel Bradford three of sd. Shares —
Item
I unto my Son Alden above named one of the sd. Shares —
Item
I give unto my Son Daniel Bradford three of the sd. Shares —
Item
I give unto my Son Gershom Bradford four of the said Shares —
Item
I give unto each of my three daughters viz Sophia Bradford – Sarah Bradford
& Jerusha Weston three of the aforesaid Shares, or in other Words nine
Shares equally betwixt them provided nevertheless and my Will is that my sd.
Daughters Sarah & Jerusha should each of them pay to their Sister Sophia
one hundred Dollars out of the Legacy assigned to them respectively. —
Item
my Will is that my said Son Gamaliel retain in his hands the aforesaid Sum of
three hundred & thirty three Dollars in the publick Securities which draw
an Interest of six pr cent pr annum & that he stand
charged with, & pay to my said Wife, the aforesaid Legacy of twenty Dollars
a Year during her Widowhood. & at the Expiration of her sd.
Widowhood, that he pay the said three hundred & thirty three Dollars to my
then surviving Children, in the same proportion as the abovesd.
twenty four shares are assigned, or given to them. And also that the Reversion of the one third
part of my Real Estate above disposed of should after the decease of my Wife be
distributed amongst my Children in the same proportions as my other real
Estate—
Item
my Will is that my two Sons Perez Bradford & Gamaliel Bradford should be
the joint Executors of this my Will and in case of the Death of either of them
before my decease, then the Survivor shall be my sole Executor. And I do hereby
revoke & disannul all former wills made before the date of this my last
Will & Testament — I Witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal this seventh day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven
hundred & Ninety six — 1796 –
Signed, sealed & declared in
presence of us –
John
Allyn Gaml. Bradford (seal)
Geo.
Partridge
Enoch
Freeman
I the abovenamed Gamaliel Bradford
in consideration of the decease of my Son Perez & some other alteration in
my circumstances do make the following Codicil to my above Will – viz. I give
to my Grandchildren Samuel Cooper Bradford & Judith Cooper Bradford the
four shares of my Estate, which I gave to their Father in my foregoing Will, to
equally divided betwixt them & also all the Stock & out door Moveables,
which I gave to their Father excepting one Cow & my Horse which I hereby
give to my wife and excepting also one hundred Dollars which I hereby order my
Executor pay to my Son Alden out of my said Stock & outdoor moveables. I
also give to my Wife the three hundred & thirty three Dollars which I
ordered in my foregoing Will to be retained in the hands of my Son Gamaliel,
& I order my Executor to pay it to her in three equal payments; the first
in three months, the second in fifteen months, the third in three Years from
the time of my decease, with the Interest from the time of my decease to the
respective payments, which is to be in lieu of the twenty Dollars, which I gave
her in my above Will annually, during her Widowhood – And I do furthermore give
to my said Wife the additional Sum of twenty Dollars in such of my household
furniture as she may choose before any Division thereof is made. ~ in all other respects I do hereby establish
& confirm my foregoing will, and in particular that, now my son Perez
having deceased, that my Son Gamaliel should be my sole Executor — In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of June in
the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & two — 1802
Signed sealed & declared to be
his last Will
& Testament in presence of us –
John
Allyn Gamaliel Bradford (seal)
Enoch
Freeman
Geo.
Partridge –
Presented for probate on 31 Jan.
1807 by Gamaliel Bradford, the Executor therein named, and proved by the Revd.
John Allyn and George Partridge Esqr, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Gamaliel Bradford, the
before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Gamaliel Bradford Esqr., late of Duxbury, was appraised on 26 Apr.
1807 by Samuel Loring, Enoch Freeman and David Saunders, and totaled $4574.35,
including his homestead farm with the buildings thereon valued at $1692, upland
& meadow at Island Creek valued at $1372.50, and other pasture and
woodlands.
Boston
May 10th. 1807 – I hereby certify that I have received the following
Sums the proceeds of sundry publick Securities belonging to the Estate of the
late Gamaliel Bradford Esqr. of Duxbury deceased which is to be
added to the annexed appraisement of sd. Estate viz~
2 Notes of old 6 prCent $3728.56 nominal or
original Sum
nett 2441.53
2 Notes of Deferred 1624.98
nett 1394.08
Sold
at dist. ¼ pr Cent = 3835.61
9.60 3826.01
2 Notes 3 pr. Cents
$858.97 @ 63 cents pr. dollar is 541.15
Total amt. $4367.16
Sold
April 14. 1807 ~~ Gamaliel Bradford Exr
Plymouth Ss July 17th. 1807 Capt Gamaliel Bradford Exr.
to the Will of Gamiel Bradford Esqr. deĉed, made oath that the
foregoing Inventory contains the whole of sd. deĉed’s Estate so
far as he now knows & when he shall know of more he will accot.
for it—
Before
me J Thomas J Prob
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
19-22, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Gideon
Bradford of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In
the name of God amen. – on the eleventh day of May Anno Domini One thousand
seven hundred & eighty four, I Gideon Bradford of Plymton in the county of
Plymouth & Comonwealth & State of Massachusetts Esqr. being
in good health & of a sound disposing mind & memory proceed to make
this my last will & testament. In the first place I Give & recommend my
soul into the hands of God who gave it, trusting in the mercy of God through
Jesus Christ for pardon, grace & glory, and as to my worldly Interest, I
dispose of in the following manner and form
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Jane Bradford, the improvement
of one third part of all my Estate both real & personal, after my just
debts & funeral charges are paid, as her right of Dower of power of thirds
Item
– I Give & bequeath unto my wife, all my wearing apparell & also my
great bible & my horse & furniture thereto belonging to do what she
pleases with them
Item
– I give & bequeath unto my Son Levi Bradford ten acres more than one half
of all my homestead farm in Plymton, excepting a piece of fresh meadow lying at
the upper end of said farm, said piece of meadow coming down stream so far as
to an old ditch which cometh from the river up towards the upland & from
the end of said ditch upon a strait line to Josiah Cushman’s Land, together
with my dwelling house & barn thereon standing, reserving one half of said
house & barn to my Son Samuel Bradford, to improve so long as he the said
Samuel shall be able to build for himself, to him the said Levi Bradford &
to his heirs & assigns forever
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my
son Joseph Bradford or to his heirs, all the demands I have on him, excepting a
mortgage deed, which I have of him for a dwelling house & barn & a
piece of Land Lying in Plymton
Item – I Give & bequeath unto
my Son Samuel Bradford, all the remaining part of my homestead farm in Plymton
aforesaid, which I have not already given away to my Son Levi, to him the said
Samuel & to his heirs & assigns forever – and my will is that my son
Samuel’s part of the sixty one acre Lot of Land, where the dwelling house now
stands, be sett off on the westerly side of said Lot adjoining to James
Bishop’s Land & not to come up stream now further than the line of the
parting of the Forge below the cole house and to extend from the river such a
line so far as to contain about twenty five acres, and the other two Lots of
Land belonging to the homestead farm I Leave to my said two sons namely Levi
& Samuel to divide them as they shall think best
Item
– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Gideon Bradford & to his heirs and
assigns forever, one half of a tract of Land Lying on the easterly side of
winnetuxet river, so called & known by the name of Rickards farm as it now
stands divided, with a dwelling house & barn standing on said half part
Item
– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Calvin Bradford & to his heirs &
assigns forever my other half part of a tract of Land as it now stands divided
Lying on the easterly side of winnetuxet river called & known by the name
of Rickards farm in Plymton, and also a piece of fresh meadow laying at the
upper end of the homestead farm already described out in this will
Item
– I Give & bequeath unto my four sons, namely, Levi, Samuel, Gideon &
Calvin & to each of their heirs & assigns forever all my cedar swamp
Lying in Plymton & Halifax to be equally divided between them or their
heirs
Item
– I give & bequeath unto my four sons, namely, Levi, Samuel, Gideon &
Calvin & to each of their heirs & assigns forever, my saw mill &
grist mill & half of what is Left of the old Forge in Plymton standing on
winnetuxet River so called & one half of the privilege of the dam &
stream & the flowing of the Land in the pond equally alike as tenants in
common, only I give the privilege of tending of the grist mill to two of my
sons, namely Levi & Samuel & their heirs so long as they shall own said
mill, they tending said mill according to the common custom
Item – I give and bequeath unto my
four sons, namely, Levi, Samuel, Gideon & Calvin & to their heirs, all
my Bills, Bonds, notes of hand & book debts & mortgage deeds due to me
from any person or persons whatsoever, excepting those which I have already
disposed of already in this will, and I order them my said four sons, namely,
Levi, Samuel, Gideon, Calvin, to pay all my just debts out of the same, if they
be not paid before my decease, and if there should not be enough to pay my
debts, I order them to pay it out of that which I have given them already in
this will, equally alike
Item
– I give & bequeath unto my four sons, namely, Levi, Samuel, Gideon &
Calvin & to each of their heirs all my utensills of husbandry equally to be
divided between them or their heirs
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my Son Levi Bradford & to his heirs and assigns
forever, one of my Pews below stairs, in the north meeting house in sd.
town, the Pew which I set in myself, and also my walking cane & my white
hilted sword, the rest of my armour I have given away before I made this will
Item
– Give and bequeath unto my three sons, namely Samuel, Gideon & Calvin and
to each of their heirs & assigns forever one pew & a quarter of a Pew
in ye above said meeting house, one below stairs & the other
above stairs, equally alike as tenants in common ~
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my five sons namely Levi, Joseph Samuel Gideon,
Calvin all my Law Books & Books of forms
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my wife all the rest of my books to do what she
pleases with them
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my two Daughters, namely Sarah the wife of Freeman
Ellis & Jane the wife of Noah Bisbee & to each of their heirs and
assigns forever, my quarter part of a saw mill, with all the privileges &
appurtenances thereto belonging standing on the stream between Nathaniel
Churchill’s & Josiah Chandler’s in Plymton, and also the remaining part of
my personal estate, both indoors & out of doors excepting that which I have
given away already, in this will & the widow’s right of Dower out of the
same, equally to be divided between them. and my will is, that if any of my
Five sons namely Levi, Joseph, Samuel, Gideon & Calvin, shall bring any
account against my Estate after my decease, that he or they acquit the whole
that I have given him or them in this will. and further my will is, that if my
son Joseph Bradford should live untill after my decease & should come to
want the necessaries of this life, I order my four sons, namely, Levi, Samuel,
Gideon & Calvin to take care of him so far as they shall be able. and I do
nominate & appoint my well beloved wife Jane Bradford my Sole Executrix of
this my Last will & testament Ratifying & confirming this and no other
to be my Last will & testament– In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand
& seal the day & year above written ~
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced
& declared by the said Gideon
Bradford Gideon Bradford (seal)
to be his Last will & testament
in pre-
sence of us – Samuel Wright
Samuel
Wright junr
Sarah
Wright
Presented for probate on 11 Nov.
1793 by Jane Bradford, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Samuel Wright
and Samuel Wright junr, two of the witnesses. Administration of the
estate was granted to Levi Bradford and Gideon Bradford, (Jane Bradford, the
Executrix before named having refused the said trust), with will annexed, on 11
Nov. 1793.
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Esqr.
Judge of Probate for the county of Plymouth
Whereas Gideon Bradford Esqr.
Late of Plymton deceased, appointed me the subscriber Executrix to his Last
will & testamant, and finding myself unable to perform the trust therein
committed to me, I desire that you would appoint an admr. or admrs.
with the same will annexed
Plymton Novr. ye.
11th A D. 1793 Jane Bradford
To Levi Bradford yeoman &
Gideon Bradford, Gentm. Both of Plymton, in ye county aforesaid
Whereas Gideon Bradford Late of sd. Plymton esqr.
deced on ye. eleventh day of May Anno Domini 1784 made his Last will
& testament in writing, and signed, sealed & delivered ye.
same before sufficient witnesses, by which will (after gifts & Legacies
then made) he appointed Jane Bradford executrix of ye. same will,
but she refusing ye sd trust, admon with ye
same will annexed is therefore committed unto you ye. sd.
Levi Bradford & Gideon Bradford of all & singular ye. goods
chattels rights & credits of ye. sd. deced well &
faithfully to dispose of ye. same according to Law & ye.
direction of ye. sd. will… In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & seal of office this eleventh day of Novr.
In ye. year of our Lord 1793
Joshua Thomas
James Churchill Gentleman, George
Samson yeoman, both of Plymton, and Samuel Lucas of Carver yeoman, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Gideon Bradford, late of Plymton esqr,
on 15 Nov. 1793. The inventory, dated 17 Dec. 1793, totaled £1417.10.8,
including his dwelling house and barn valued at £100, his homestead farm on the
west side of the river value at £494, the Rickard farm on the easterly side of
the river with a dwelling house and two barns valued at £522.4, and his grist
mill and saw mill valued at £175. Levi and Gideon Bradford, the administrators
with the will annexed, gave their oath to the inventory on 17 Jan. 1794.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Gideon Bradford of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In
the Name of God amen I Gideon Bradford of Plympton in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being weak in Body but of perfect
Mind and Memory, thanks be given to God therefor calling unto mind the
Mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament, and desire it may be
received by all as such— that is to say principally and first of all I give and
recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my Body I recommend to
the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial, at the discretion of my
Executors hereafter named nothing doubting, but at the General Resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God—And as touching such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I give
demise and dispose of the same in the following Manner and form—
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my true and loving wife Abigail Bradford the Improvement of one
third part of all my real and personal Estate during her natural Life—
Item
I give and bequeath to my three Sons Zabdiel Bradford, Abram Bradford And Isaac
Bradford, and to their Heirs and assigns forever all my Real Estate, together
with all my Buildings, Mills and Privileges in anywise thereunto belonging in
equal Shares of Division amongst them – except such parts of my real Estate as
are otherwise disposed of in this my last Will & Testament
Item
I give to my Son Zabdiel and to his Heirs and assigns forever my Pew on the
lower floor in the Meeting house in Plympton together with all my Stock and all
my farming tools and utensils.—
Item
I give and bequeath unto my Son Gideon Bradford and to his Heirs and assigns
forever, the following Lots and parcels of Land viz the Lot of Land I bought of
my Brother Calvin Bradford containing by estimation about fourteen Acres,
together with a small piece of Land to be taken from my Homestead Farm in the
following manner and form, (viz), Beginning at a White Pine Stump on the Bank
of Annasnapet Brook being a corner bound between my Lands & my Brother
Calvin’s Land—thence south ten rods thence westerly such a Course as will
strike Annasnapet Brook two rods upstream above the Spring I commonly fetch my
Water from–Also two small Lots of Land lying on the north side of Annasnapet
Brook, being the Lots of Land which I bought of Isaac Jackson—together with a
piece of woodland lying and being between Calvin Bradford’s Land & the Land
of Isaac Rickard.—
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Bradford & to her Heirs and
Assigns forever, two thirds of all my Household Furniture together with the use
and Improvement of the Easterly frontroom in my Dwelling house, so long as she
shall remain in single Life, without her being at any Expence for the repairs
of said House.—
Item
I give and bequeath to my two Sons Sampson Bradford and William Bradford and to
their Heirs and Assigns forever, the following Lots or parcels of Land in equal
Division between them, (viz) my two Lots of wood land, known by the name of the
witten Lots, containing by Estimation about twelve acres, also my easternmost
Lot of wood land known by the name of Scot’s Land containing by Estimation
about ten acres Also my Lot of Land called and known by the Name of the Lucas
Lot containing about eighteen Acres – All the above Lots of Land lying and
being in the Town of Carver—Together with my Lot of Cedarswamp lying and being
in Colchester Cedar Swamp so called in Plympton
Item
I give to my Daughter Abigail two hundred Dollars to be paid her by my three
Sons Zabdiel, Abram, and Isaac equally alike in the following Manner~ (viz.)
one hundred Dollars of said Sum to be paid her in two years & the remainder
in four years after my decease, all without Interest.
And my will is that all my just debts and funeral Charges be paid out of
my Eastern Lands, and the money arising from the sale of said eastern Lands,
But in Case any failure should happen by Loss or Disappointment in the Sale of
said Lands, so that the Money arising from the sale of said Lands should not be
sufficient to pay all my just debts and funeral Charges – my will is and I do
possitively order all my Sons to make up all such Deficiencies in the payment
of my debts in equal proportion among them according to the value of what they
receive of my Estate by virtue of this my last Will and Testament.—
And all the rest and residue of my Eastern Lands and the Money arising
from the sale of said Lands, if any remains after the payment of my debts and
funeral Charges, I give demise & dispose of the same in the following
manner (viz) Two thirds of said Lands or the Effects thereof I give to my three
Sons Zabdiel, Abram & Isaac and to their Heirs and Assigns forever—And the
Remaining third part of my Eastern Lands and Effects thereof I give to my three
Sons Gideon Sampson & William & to their Heirs & assigns forever in
equal Division or shares among them—
Lastly
I do constitute make & ordain my true & loving wife Abigail Bradford
together with my Son Zabdiel Bradford my sole Executors of this my Last Will
and Testament. and I do hereby disallow revoke & utterly disannul all and
every other former will Testament Legacies Bequests and Executors by me in any
way before named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no
other to be my last Will & Testament—
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal this twenty second day of March in the Year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred & five 1805—
Signed
sealed published pronounced &
declared by the said Gideon
Bradford as his
last Will & Testament in the
presence of us the
Subscribers Gideon Bradford (seal)
George
Sampson
Elijah
Bisbe
Huldah
Sturtevant
Presented for probate on 5 May 1805
by Abigail Bradford and Zabdiel Bradford, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Elijah Bisbe Esqr. and George Sampson, two of the
Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Abigail
Bradford and Zabdiel Bradford, the before named Executors.
Elijah Bisbe Esqr.,
George Sampson and Isaac Wright, Yeomen, all of Plimpton, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Gideon Bradford, late of Plimpton, Gentleman, on 6 May
1805. The Inventory, dated 4 Nov. 1805, totaled $7248.22, his real estate
valued at $3795.50, including his homestead farm with the buildings thereon
valued at $2261, and sundry notes on Henry Knox Esqr. amounting to
$3032.50. Abigail Bradford and Zabdiel Bradford gave their oath to the
inventory on 4 Nov. 1805.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp. 224-227, 316, from FHL
microfilm #0550901.
Will of Hezekiah Bradford of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
In
the name of God, Amen: I Hezekiah Bradford of Plympton in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being weak of body, but of
perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God therefor, – calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and desire it may be
received by all men as such, – and first of all I give and bequeath my soul
into the hands of God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be
buried in a decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named, nothing doubting but at the general resurection I shall receive the same
again by the mighty power of God.
As
toutching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in
this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and
form.
Item
– I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret Bradford all my real and
personal estate, unto her, and her heirs and assigns forever.
And
I do positively order my Executor hereafter named, to pay all my just debts and
funeral expenses – and to pay my Mother-in-law Lydia Bradford, Sixteen Dollars
a year so long as she lives – it being the same sum that I am obligated to pay
unto her.
Lastly
– I do constitute make and ordain my wife Margaret Bradford my sole Executor of
this my last Will and Testament – and do hereby utterly disallow all and every
other Will – ratifying this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty sixth day
of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Hezekiah Bradford (seal)
Signed,
sealed, pronounced and declared by the said Hezekiah Bradford to be his last
Will and Testament, in the presence of us the subscribers.
Jonathan
Parker
Lewis
Bradford
William
Perkins
To
the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth ~ Whereas in the last Will and
Testament of my late husband, Hezekiah Bradford of Plympton in the County of
Plymouth, deceased, I was appointed for the Executrix of said Will and
Testament – and whereas it will be very inconvenient for me to perform the
duties of an Executrix of said Will and Testament, I hereby decline excepting
of the appointment – and hereby request that you would appoint Jonathan Parker
Esqr of said Plympton for the Executor of said Will and Testament in
my stead.
Plympton
January 9th 1837. Margaret Bradford
Presented for probate on 16 Jan.
1837 by Margaret Bradford, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jonathan
Parker and Lewis Bradford, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Jonathan Parker, of Plympton, was
granted administration with the Will annexed of the estate of Hezekiah
Bradford, late of Plympton, mason, on 16 Jan. 1837, the Executrix therein named
having in writing declined that trust, with Joshua Eddy, of Middleborough, and
Cephas Waterman, of Kingston, as sureties.
Ebenezer Wright, William Perkins
and Zacheus Sherman, all of Plympton, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Hezekiah Bradford, late of Plympton, on 16 Jan. 1837.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Hezekiah Bradford, late of Plympton, was dated 3 Apr. 1837, his real estate
valued at $1050, including his homestead farm in Plympton with about 30 acres
of land, and his personal estate valued at $242.25. Jonathan Parker, the
Administrator with the Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 July
1837.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, pp.
22-23, 260, from FHL microfilm #0555265, and Vol. 10A, p. 484.
Will of John
Bradford Jr., of
The Last Will & Testament of John Bradford Junr.
of
Caleb Loring: Gershom Bradford
Seth
Chipman John Bradford (seal)
Probated on 28 Apr. 1724, and proved by Caleb Loring, Gershom
Bradford, and Seth Chipman, who testified that he had signed the will “the
later end of March last.”
The inventory of the Personal Estate of John Bradford Junr.,
late of Plymouth, dated 6 May 1724, was appraised by Isaac Cushman Junr.,
Jacob Mitchell, and Gershom Bradford, and totaled £323.13.0.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Major
John Bradford of
The Last Will & Testament of John Bradford of
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my dear & loving wife
Mary Bradford during ye time of her Widowhood the Use &
Improvement of One Half of my Homestead on which I now dwell with one half of ye
Housing on the Same, as also the whole Profits & Income of my Interest in
the Grist Mill & Fulling Mill in Kingston—With the Use & Improvement of
two oxen & two Cows, Together with my best Bed & Furniture & all my
Houshold Goods (Except what I shall herein otherwise Dispose of) And in Case
She Marry again My Will is She shall have fourty Pounds paid out of my Moveable
Estate in Such things as She shall chuse —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Grand Son Robert
Bradford the Son of my late Son John Bradford deceasd to him
his Heirs & assigns forever My Sixty acre Lot on ye South Side
of the great Cedar Swamp in the Majrs Purchase, as also Twenty acres
of Land at ye head of my Homestead being the twenty acres that was
Mitchells, As also one Third of my Lot of Cedar Swamp in the great Swamp lying
on the North Side of sd Swamp As also my Rapier & Belt—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Samuel Bradford
his Heirs & Assigns forever (besides what I have already Given him by Deed
of Gift) My Lot of Cedar Swamp in Colchester Swamp near his dwelling House in
Plimton; As also my Acre of Sedge on ye South Side of Jones’s River
at a place commonly called Capt. Howlands Point, as also one third Part of my
above mentiond. Lot of Cedar Swamp in ye great Swamp
& my Cane yt I commonly Use—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Alice the
Wife of Joshua Hearsey of Hingham the Sum of Fifty Pounds to be paid within one
Year after ye Decease of my Self and Wife—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Mercy ye
Widow of Isaac Cushman junr. late of Plimton Deceasd. the
Sum of Fifty Pounds to be paid wthin one Year after ye
Decease of my Self & Wife.
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Priscilla
the Wife of Seth Chipman the Sum of fifty Pounds to be paid within one Year
after ye Decease of my Self & Wife and my Samuel to be disposed of for
ye use of my sd Daughter & her Children as they shall
have occasion therefor Left in ye Hands of my Son —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Samuel Bradford
One third Part of my Whole Interest in a Tract of Land in the Eastern Parts of
New-England commonly called Leveretts Purchase To him his Heirs & Assigns
forever —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Five Grand Sons
James, Zadock Samuel Eliphalet & William the Sons of my late Son William
Bradford Deceasd in equal Shares to them their Heirs & Assigns
forever all my Homestead both Upland Meadow & or Marsh Land and all my
Undisposed Land adjoying Extending Westward near to William Cookes Line With my
two Acres of Salt Meadow & piece of upland in Duxborough near Stony Brook
& my Six acres of Meadow in Jones’s River Meadow, With the Housing &
Out Housing Standing upon sd Homestead Also my Lot of Cedar Swamp in
Monpoisett Swamp at a Place called J.awang; As also my other third Part of my
Lot in the great Cedar Swamp & also one third Part of my Interest in the
aforesd. Tract of Land called Leverets Purchase, Together with all
my Carts Plows Chains & other my Utensils for Husbandry (Always Reserving
to my sd dear Wife the Use & Improvemt. of One Half
of my Homestead as before Expressed)
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my aforesd.
Grand Son James Bradford my Gun that I commonly use—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my aforenamed three
Daughters Alice Mercy & Priscilla all ye Remainder of my
moveable Estate at my Wifes Decease or Second Marriage to be equally divided
among them—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my aforesd. Son
Samuel my Grand Son Robert and my aforesd. five Grand Sons the Sons
of my late Son Son William deceasd. all the Remainder of my real
Estate—whatsoever & wheresoever With all my Interest in the aforesd
Mills & Housing Land & Utensils thereto belonging — That is to Say two
thirds thereof to be equally Divided between my sd Son Samuel &
my Grand Son Robert & the other third Part thereof to be equally Divided
between my other five Grand Sons before named to them their Heirs and Assigns
forever — Reserving to my sd Wife the Income in the sd
Mills as before Expressed — —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Grand:daughter Hannah
Bradford the Daughter of my said Son William Bradford deceased the Sum of
Twenty Pounds in Money to be paid by my Executors hereafter named within one
Year after the Decease of my Self and Wife —
Lastly, I do Constitute & appoint my sd dear
Wife & my Son Samuel Bradford joint Executrs of this my last Will &
Testament & in Case of ye Death of one the other sole
Executor—And do hereby Make null & void all other & former Wills &
Testaments by Me made Ratifying & allowing this & no other as my last
Will & Testament In Witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Second day of October anno Domini
One thousand Seven hundred & thirty two— 1732 — John Bradford (seal)
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye sd
John Bradford
to be his last Will & Testament In Presence
of us (the Words (paid within one Year after
ye Decease of my Self & Wife and my) being
rased & the Words (Samuel to be disposed of
for ye use of my sd Daughter & her
Children
as they shall have occasion therefor) being
Interlined between ye 8th & 9th
Line of ye Second
Page before Signing and Sealing ~~
Benj. Samson
John Brewster
Thos. Croade
Proved on 21 Dec. 1736 by Benja. Samson, John
Brewster & Thomas Croade Esqr, the witnesses.
An Inventory of ye Estate of Majr John
Bradford of
* Transcribed from
Will of John Bradford of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In
the Name of God amen I John Bradford of Plympton in County of Plymouth
commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being of sound & disposing Mind
& Memory do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner
& form following that is to say. First I will that all my just debts and
funeral Charges be paid & discharged by my executor herein after named.
Also
I give and bequeath unto my Son John all & singular my Real Estate in
Plympton & elsewhere, also the whole of my Stock of Creatures, also the
whole of my farming Tools & Utensils also the whole of my Mechanical Tools,
also my firearm and Equipments with my side arm – also my wearing apparel –
I
also will and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Eunice all and singular my
Household Furniture to her only use & Improvement so long as she remains my
Widow, after to be divided equally between my four Youngest Daughters —
I
will and bequeath unto my elder Daughter Polly Wife of Ellis Standish one
Dollar to be paid by my Executor hereafter named —
I
will and bequeath unto my 2d. Daughter Eunice Wife to Asa Washburn
one Dollar to be paid by my executor hereafter named —
I
will & bequeath unto my four other Daughters viz Nancy, Sukey, Sophia and
Jane twenty Dollars each to be paid by my Executor hereafter named in six Years
after my decease —
Lastly
I do make and constitute my Son John Executor of this my last will and
Testament binding my Son John to take Care of & provide for his Mother in
Heath & in Sickness, so long as she remains my widow dated May the
thirteenth in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seven —
Caleb
Stetson
Zadock
Churchill John Bradford (seal)
Isaac
Churchill —
Presented for probate on 6 July
1807 by John Bradford, the Executor therein named, and proved by Caleb Stetson,
Zadock Churchill and Isaac Churchill, the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to John Bradford, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p. 130-131, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Nathan Bradford of Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1787) *
In the name of God Amen – I Nathan Bradford of Kingston in
the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Husbandman, being
sick & weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be Given to
God; calling to mind the mortality of my body, & knowing that it is
appointed unto all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will
& testament—that is to say principally & first of all, I Give &
recomend my soul into the hand of almighty God who Gave it; and my body I
recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial, nothing
doubting but at the General resurrection I shall recieve the same by the mighty
power of God and as touching my worldly estate which God has blessed me with in
this Life, I Give & dispose of the same in the following manner &
form.~
Imprimis—I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah, the
improvement of one third part of my Real estate, and the use of the southerly
room in my dwelling House, with priviledges in the other parts of the House,
necessary for her comfort so Long as she shall remain my widow. also I Give
& bequeath to her the whole of the estate which she brought with her when
she became my wife. ~
Item – I Give & bequeath the remainder of my real estate
to my sons, viz~ Jonathan & David to be equally divided between
them, and as to my Personal Estate, I Give & bequeath Thirty pounds of it
to my son David; and it is my will that the Remainder of my personal estate,
when my honest debts are paid out of the same should be equally divided between
my above named sons Jonathan & David—and I hereby ordain my before named
son Jonathan to be the executor of this my Last will & testament, and do
hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
testaments, wills, Legacies, Bequests & executors, by me in any wise,
before named, willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no
other to be my Last will & testament– In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven Hundred & Eighty Seven
Signed Sealed & delivered
in
presence of Nathan Bradford (seal)
Zedekiah
Sanger
Charles
Foster
To all to whom these presents shall
come, Know ye that we whose names as under written really & fully believing
that the foregoing instrument, was made signed & executed by Nathan
Bradford Late of Kingston deceased, in his Life time & when he was of sound
and disposing mind & memory as his Last will & testament meaning &
intending, that after his decease the same should be fully executed in all its
parts & devises as such, but as said will appears to be defective as to its
Legality by not having the number of witnesses that the Law in that case made
& provided directs – now we the subscribers–viz~– Sarah Bradford
the widow of the said deceased & Jonathan Bradford & David Bradford
sons and only Heirs at Law to the said deceased convinced that it was the will,
true intent and meaning of the said testator that his Estate both real &
personal should be divided according to the tenor & true meaning of the
said instrument by him subscribed—do mutually and voluntarily agree and
determine that in the division or partition of the Estate both real &
personal of the said deceased the several devises bequests or Legacies
contained in the said foregoing instrument shall be Strictly adhered to &
we do by these presents severally bind ourselves each to the other in the sum
of one Hundred pounds Lawful money that after the estate of said Nathan
Bradford deceased shall be divided assigned and Sett off by three impartial men
by us mutually Chosen (and in case we cannot agree each shall chuse one man)
who according to the best of their judgment, according to the true intent &
meaning of the foregoing instrument, purporting to be the Last will &
testament of the said deceased we will relinquish and Give up to each other the
respective assignments, dividends or Shares by such men assigned & Sett off
by mutual discharges, Deeds, or quit claims under our respective hands &
seals, to the true & faithful performance of the above covenant we bind
ourselves in the sum above mentioned & have hereto voluntarily set our
hands & seal this twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & eighty seven 1787 ~
Signed Sealed in Sarah Bradford (seal)
presence
of Jonathan Bradford (seal)
Seth Washburn David Bradford (seal)
Seth Washburn junr
Sarah Bradford
Presented for probate on 5 Dec.
1787 by Jonathan Bradford, the executor therein named, and proved by Zedekiah
Sanger and Charles Foster, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Jonathan Bradford, the before named executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p.
272-274, from FHL microfilm #0550716.
Will of Noah Bradford of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1746) *
In the Name of God Amen I Noah Bradford of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth in NewEngland Mariner being Sensible of my Own Mortallity;
and not knowing what my befall me in the Voyage I am now bound upon: Do make
this my last will and Testament As followeth. viz. after my Just debts Shall be
paid I do Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah all the Estate Real and
Personal that I now have or may have at the time of my Deceaseing Possession
Reversion or Remainder To hold to her heirs and Assigns forever and do hereby
Constitute and appoint my said wife Sole Execx. hereoff Renounceing
all other wills by me heretofore Made and in Consideration of this I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal the 16th. day of April and in the
Ninteenth year of his Majesties reign Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred
& forty Six—
Signed Sealed & Declared By the Testator To be his last
will and Testament In Presence of us —
Nathll. Dunham Jur. Memo.
The words-all other between ye. 11th.&12th
Ezekiel Dunham lines
was Enterlined before the Ensealing herof
James Rickard Noah Bradford (seal)
Presented for probate on 3 Mar. 1846[/47] by the Executrix,
and proved by Nathll. Dunham and James Rickard. Administration was
granted to Hannah Bradford of Plimouth, the widow Executrix.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, p. 363-364, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Perez
Bradford of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I Perez Bradford of ye
town of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth, Gentleman, being very sick &
weak in body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be to God calling unto
mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed once to die,
do make & ordain this my last will & testament; that is to say – first
of all, I give & recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God, that
gave it, and my body, I recommend to the earth, to be buried in decent
christian burial, at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting, but at
the general resurrection I shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of
God; and as touching worldly affairs, wherewith it has pleased God to bless me
in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner
& form. –
First.— I do appoint and ordain Gamaliel Bradford of Boston
Sole Executor of this my last will & testament; and Guardian of my children
Samuel Cooper & Judith Cooper, to whom I Give all my estate & Interest,
consisting of one Note of Hand on Seth Bradford, and one Continental & one
State Note, the rest of my estate consisting of houshold furniture &
wearing apparell & Plate, part thereof to be sold at publick vendue at the
discretion of the Executor, and the money to be put to Interest, the remainder
of my estate, such as notes, wearing apparell, Plate &c. to be disposed of
in the following manner— the trunk of wearing apparell of the female kind, to
be kept for my daughter, and given to her when she comes of age, and the other
kinds of wearing apparell to be sold, and the plate, to be kept, of all kinds,
and divided equally between the children when they come of age; and also, that
such part of my estate & Interest shall be devoted to the education of my
daughter, as my Executor shall think proper.—And furthermore, it is my will,
that Sophia Bradford should have the care of my daughters, under the direction
of the Executor, and when she wants any of my estate for her support or
education, to apply to the Executor for the same, and for him to grant such a
sum or sums, as he may think proper & necessary; And it is further more my
will, that, what estate & Interest may remain when my children come of age,
to be divided equally betwixt them, where Samuel Cooper & Judith Cooper are
mentioned it is only their christian names, the sir-name is Bradford.— And now,
I do ratify and confirm this my last will & testament, and.— In witness
hereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal this twenty fifth day of May in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & two.—
Done at Duxbury, in presence
of the undersigned witnesses – Perez Bradford (seal)
Daniel
Bradford
Louisa
Dawes
David
Sandras
Presented for probate on 2 June 1802 by Gamaliel Bradford,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel Bradford and Louisa Dawes, two
of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Perez Bradford Esqr.,
late of Duxbury, not dated, was appraised by Daniel Bradford, Enoch Freeman,
and William Freeman, and it totaled $351.83, no real estate. The appraisers
gave their oath to the inventory on 16 June 1802, and Capt. Gaml.
Bradford, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19 Jan. 1803.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Robert Bradford of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1782) *
In the name of God Amen – I Robert Bradford of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and
memory, tho’ weak in body and apprehensive of the near approach of Death Do
make this my Last will and testament
Imprimis – I commit my Soul to God as into the hands of a
faithful Creator and my body to the Dust to be decently buried at the Expence
of my Estate
Item – I Give to my wife one Bed – one Cow – my Horse &
Chair & necessary furniture to keep house –
Item – I Give my daughter Orpah, a Cow – a Bed – a Round
table – a tea Stand an Iron pot & kettle to be her own property, and also
the use or Improvement of the westerly front Chamber in my Dwelling house, the
Liberty of the Kitchin to wash & bake in, with Liberty of passing &
Repassing to & from each of said appartments During her natural Life
Item – I Give to my said wife, and said Daughter Orpah the
improvement of all my Estate (not above disposed of) that shall remain after
the payment of my Debts, funeral & other Charges during the Life of my said
wife ~
Item – I Give to my Son Stetson the westerly half of my
dwelling house Reserving to my Daughter Orpah the use & improvement of the
front Chamber & Liberty of the Kitchin as above, during her Life
Item – I Give to my Son Peleg, the Dwelling House in which he
Lives and three acres of Land adjoining thereto
– and after my wifes decease the Remainder of my Estate. I Give to my
Other Children vizr– my Daughter Zilpah one Sixth part–the Heirs of
my Daughter Rebecca one Sixth part–my Son John one Sixth part–my Daughter Orpah
one Sixth part–my Son Stetson one Sixth part, and my Son Robert one Sixth part
— and I hereby Request my friend William Drew of said Kingston Esqr.
to take upon him the Execution of this my Last will & testament, and do
hereby appoint him my Executor accordingly, hereby Revoking all former wills by
me made or supposed to be made—In Testimony whereof I have hereto Set my hand
& Seal this Eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty two–1782
Signed & sealed in
presence of Robert Bradford (seal)
Robert Cooke
James Waterman
Benjamin Waterman
Presented for probate on 2 Sept. 1782 by William Drew Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Robert Cooke and Benjamin Waterman,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to William Drew
Esqr., the before named Executor.
John Gray Esqr., Ebenezer Washburne and Robert
Cook Gentm, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Robert Bradford, late of Kingston, on 2 Sept. 1782. The Inventory of the
Estate of Capt. Robert Bradford, late of Kingston, dated 29 Nov.
1782, totaled £1076.1.7, including his real estate valued at £970.10. The
appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 20 Dec. 1782, and William Drew
Esqr., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 11 Dec. 1782.
William Drew Esqr., the Executor to the Last will
& testament of Robert Bradford, late of Kingston, Gentm,
notified the court on 6 Jan. 1783 that the estate was insolvent to pay its
debts, and asked that commissioners be appointed to examine the claims on the
estate. Capt. Ebenr Washburn and Jedh Holmes
were appointed as commissioners to examine the claims on the estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 460-461, 514-516, 535, from
FHL microfilm #0550715.
Will of Samuell
Bradford of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1729/30) *
In the Name of God, Amen. The Twenty Sixth day of January in
the Year of our Lord 1729/30 I Samuell Bradford of Plimton in the County of
Plimouth in New England Gentleman, being Sick and weak in Body, but of Perfect
minde & Memory, Thanks be given unto God therefor; Calling to Minde the
mortallity of my Body, and knowing that it is appointed for men once to Dye do
make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament, That is to say, principally
and first of All, I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave
it, Hopeing thrô ye Merritts, Death, and Passion, of my Saviour
Jesus Christ, to have full and Free Pardon, and foregiveness of all my Sins,
and to Inheritt Everlasting Life, And my Body I Recommend to ye
Earth, to be Decently Buried at the Discreation of my Executrix hereafter named
~ And as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me
in this Life, I give, demise and Dispose of the Same in the Following Manner
and Form That is to Say, ~~~
I Give
to my Beloved Wife Sarah Bradford one Hundred Pounds in Bills of Creditt to be
Raised out of my Estate to be at her Dispose, I also give to my Wife one
Feather Bed such as She Shall Choose with four pair of Sheets and other
Furniture Ansrwaveble[?] to be at her Dispose. I also give to my Wife my Great
Bible Dureing her Naturall Life & then to Return to my Eldest Son
Surviveing. I also give to my Wife one Book of Doctor Beveridges Works. I also
Give to my Wife one Silver Spoon. I Likewise give to my Beloved Wife the whole
Improvement of all my Estate, Real and Personall, untill my Children Shall Come
at Age, and from thence, the third Part of the Improvement of my Real Estate so
Long as She Remains my Widdow, or Dureing Her Naturall Life.
I Give
to my Son John, all my Buildings and Fences, together with all my Land and
Meadows Laying and being within the Township of Plimton in the County of Above,
Laying upon ye South, & South East Side of the Brook runing out
of Johns River Meadow Commonly Called Tracys Brook I also give to my Son John
one Halfe of my Cedar Swamp, All the abovesd Buildings and Lands, I
give to [smear] Son John Free and Clear without any any Incumberances
whatsoever Saveing my Wifes Improvements above mentioned. I also give to my Son
John one Feather Bed and Furniture also one Yoak of Oxen together with my Arms
And also one Book, viz, Flavells Husbandry Spiritualized and also my Law Book
I Give
to my Son Gideon my House, Lands & Meadows in Plimton aforesd
laying and being, upon ye North, and North East Side of sd
Tracys Brook, together with the other halfe of my Ceader Swamp free and Clear
without any Incumberances whatsoever, Saveing my Wifes Improvement before
Expressed; I also give to my Son Gideon, one Yoak of Oxen, one Feather Bed
& Furniture and also one Book viz Flavells Touchstone of Sincerity and
Cair, I likewise give to my two Sons, John and Gideon my Furnace, Forge and Saw
Mill, when theay Come of age Excepting the third part of the Income thereof to
my Wife dureing Her Naturall Life; And my Will is that my Two Sons John and
Giddeon shall not make Sale, or Dispose of sd Works, or Privelige of
the Streame till theay Shall arrive at Fourty years of Age, I give to my Son
William one Gould Ring and one Book, viz, the History of John Speed. I give
to–two Daughters viz Mary and Sarah Bradforde Each of them a Book which theay
Shall Chose Excepting those Already given away The Remainder of my Books I give
to be Equally Divided among my Children, The one Halfe of my Moveable Estate
which is not already Disposed off, I give to my Son William, and the other
Halfe of my Moveable Estate, to be divided among my two Daughters, viz Mary and
Sarah, and my Will is that my Wife pay theim their part when Twenty one years
of Age, but if Either of them Should dye without Marriage, then her Part to go
to her Sister. I give to my three Sons viz John, Gideon and William Bradford
all my Other Land, or Lands which may fall to me from my Honoured Father to be
Equally Divided amongst them, and my Will is yt if my Son John Dye
without Issue, then his part of Inheritance Shall go to my Son Giddeon and my
Son Gideons his part to go to my Son William, and if any Two of my Sons Should
Dye without Issue then, their Inheritance to go to my Surviveing Son And my Will
is further that if my Wife Shall See Cause to bring my Son William to Learning
She Shall do it out of his Estate but if that is not Sufficient She Shall do it
out of the Income of my Real and Personall Estate; and my Will is further that
if my Son William Shall Come into the Inheritance of Either of my other two
Sons viz John and Gideon, then his part of Inheritance first given him, Shall
Return unto my two Daughters. and I likewise Constitute, Ordain and appoint my
Dearly beloved Wife Sarah Bradford to be my Sole Executrix to this my last Will
and Testament, and I do hereby Utterly Disallow, Revoke, and Disannull all, and
Every other former Testaments, Wills and Legacy by me, and in any Ways before
this Time named, Willed and bequeathed, Rattifieing and Confirming this &
no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have here unto Sett my Hand and Seal the day and
year above Written
Samuell Bradford (seal)
Memorandum. the Words, North East, and kain, and Moveables
Interlined in this Will, was Interlined before the Sealing
thereof
Signed, Seald Published Pronouncd,
and declared by The sd Samuell
in ye Preasance of us ye Subscribers
Willm Churchell, Willm Bonney, John
Bell
Proved on May ye 20th 1740 by William Churchell
and William Bonney, two of the witnesses, John Bell being since deceased.
Josiah Perkins of Plimton, Samuell Jacob of Pembrook and
George Samson of Plimton were appointed to appraise the estate of Samuell
Bradford, late of Plimton, Gent., on 20 May 1740.
The Inventory of the Estate both Reall & Personall of
Samuell Bradford, late of Plimton, dated 5 July 1740, totaled £7734.3.0, his
home farm valued at £3535, a Forge & Saw Mill & part of a Furnace
valued at £480, and other lands, and he had Bills, Bonds & Silver money
worth £1940.2.0. Sarah Bradford, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory
on 4 Aug. 1740.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Major
William Bradford of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1703) *
The Last Will & Testament of William Bradford living in
the Township of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England
I the sd William Bradford being Exorcized with many bodily
Infirmitys which gives me cause to think the time of my dissolution to be near
being of a disposeing mind & memory do make ordaine & Constitute this
my last will & Testament as followeth
Impr: I Commit my Soul to God my Creator & my
body to the dust of the Earth to be decently buried in hopes of a glorious
resurection through the merits of my dear Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ As to
what outward Estate it hath Pleased God to bless me with I dispose of the same
as followeth my debts being all first faithfully fully & truly Satisfied
and paid.
Impr: my Will is that my Loving wife Mary Bradford
have her thirds in my Lands & meadows where I now dwell in the Township of
Plimouth as also in all my lands or meadow which I have Elcewhere not by me
heretofore disposed of during her naturall life & that she have with David
Bradford my Son the house in which I live with the barn & orchard by it
during her life & after her decease that my sd son David
Bradford shall have my sd house barn & orchard to him & his
heirs for ever saveing that my Will is that my sons Ephraim Bradford &
Hezekiah Bradford shall have so much Interest in my sd house as to
have liberty to dwell therein till they can provide for themselves otherwise.
Further my Will is that my wife before mentioned shall have a
third part of all my goods & Chattells for her own forever togather with a
bed & sutable furniture to it
Item to my Eldest son
John Bradford I have made over tracts of Lands and meadows as pr
deed under my hand & Seal appeareth whereon he now liveth further I give
& bequeath to him my fathers manuscript viz: a Narrative of the begining of
New Plimouth Parous – upon the Revelations and Barniffs Military discipline.
Item To my Grandson William Bradford the son of my son
William Bradford deceased I have given tracts of Land & meadow as Appear
under my hand & seal further I give to him when he shall come of age one of
Mr. Perkins his workes.
Item To my son Thomas Bradford I have given a portion in
Lands in Norwich (which were the Lands of my brother John Bradford) as ye.
deed under my hand & seal may Appear.
Item To my son Samuel Bradford I have given tracts of Land
under my hand & seal as may appear;
Item to my son Joseph Bradford a portion of Lands near
Norwich aforesaid (which was his Mothers & part I Purchased) as may appear
under hand & seal also I give to him the history of the Netherlands, &
a Rapier.
Item I give & bequeath unto my four sons John Bradford
Thomas Bradford Samuel Bradford & Joseph Bradford all that my Pattent Right
which I have to the head of Cape Cod.
Item I give & bequeath to my son Samuel Bradford my right
of Commonage or Common Right which I have in the Township of Duxborough.
Item It is my Will that my sons Israel Bradford Ephraim
Bradford David Bradford & Hezekiah Bradford shall have all that my farm or
tenement whereon I now dwell togather with all the fences orchads trees and
Fruittrees (Except what is above Excepted) standing or growing thereon on all
other Lands meadows swamps or right of lands that I now have within the
Township of Plimouth lying on the Northerly side of the brooke Commonly called
Stony brooke with all & singular – the previledges thereof which sd
lands meadows farme or tenement abovesd I do by these presents give
bequeath & demise to my sd four sons, (that is to say Each of
them an Equal part or proportion) to them & their heirs for ever not to be
Sold given or made away either the whole or any part thereof Except to Each
other or sons bearing the name of the Bradfords descended from me this I give
& bequeath to them hoping they will show themselves very Carfull of
dutifull & Respectfull to my Loving wife & their mother dureing her
life.
Item It is my will that whereas my son Israel Bradford hath
been at charge in building an house upon part of the aforesd farm or
tenement that he the sd Israel shall have & Enjoy the sd
house for his own togather with an acre of land thereunto Adjoining to him
& his heirs for ever.
Item I Will & bequeath to my sd son Israel
Bradford my bolt & Rapier.
Item I Give to my son Ephraim Bradford one of my musquetts
& a table with drawrs.
Item I Give to my son David Bradford my silver-Bowl after his
mothers decease not to be Alienated from the family of the Bradfords.
Item I Give to my son Hezekiah Bradford my gold ring & a
silver spoone.
Item I Give to my Grand son John Bradford, Do-Widots works on
Gonsir & Exodus.
Item I Give to my Grand son William Bradford the son of John
Bradford my silver wine Cup when he comes of age.
Item I give to my daughters Mercy Steel Hannah Riply Melatiah
Steel Mary Hunt to Each of them beside what portion I have already given ten
shillings a peice to be paid within a year next after my decease
Item I Give & bequeath to my daughter Alce Fitch a
wrought Cushion that was her Mothers.
Item I Give unto my daughter Sarah Baker two of my biggest
pewter platters & also a China bason. Also a Cow to be delivered to her
within a year after my decease.
Item I Give unto my son Samuel Bradford all my Latin books,
to Encourage him in bringing up one of his sons to Learning which said books is
in my Will that they shall [can’t read] be given to his sd son when
he shall So bring up.
Item I Give to Every one of Daughters a good book which they
my chose out of my Liberary.
Item I give to Hannah the wife of my son Samuel Bradford mr
Borroughs upon the Eleventh of Mathew.
Item It is my will that the rest of my bookes be Safely Keept
by my Executors & In Case my son Samuel shall bring up one of his sons to
Learning to be by Sd Executors delivered to him when he Comes of
age.
I do Constitute & Appoint my Loving sons John Bradford
Samuel Bradford & Israel Bradford as Executors of this my last Will &
Testament to pay such debts as I owe, to Receive my dues and to see my body
decently buried, to defray the charge thereof, And to see my will (as near as
they can) in all the particulers of it performed, thus hopeing that they will
faithfully perform such a trust Committed unto them I do Revoke & make void
any former will by me at any time heretofore made.
I the said William Bradford have hereunto set my hand &
seal this twenty ninth day of June one thousand seven hundred & three –
1703
Signed Sealed & Declared to be his
Last Will and Testament William Bradford (seal)
In presents of us
John Rogers
Thomas Loring
Ephraim Little Jur.
Memorand: That on the 10th day of March Annoq Dom:
1703[/04] the above named Ephraim Little & Thomas Loring two of the
witnesses to this Instrument made oath that they were present with Major Wm.
Bradford late deceased & saw him signe & seal & heard him declare
this Instrument to be his last Will & Testament & that he was then of a
disposing mind & memory to the best of their Judgments And on the 29th
day of the same month of march the above named John Rogers the other Witness
above named made oath to the same before me.
Nathaniel Thomas Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration were granted to John Bradford,
Samuel Bradford, and Israel Bradford, sons of the deceased and Joynt Executors,
on 29 Mar. 1704.
The Inventory of the Estate of Major William Bradford was
appraised by Thomas Loring and Elisha Wadsworth on 28 Feb. 1703[/04], and
totaled £70.0.0, not including any real estate. Major John Bradford and Samuel
Bradford, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 10 Mar. 1703/4.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 2, p. 40-43, from FHL microfilm
#0550748.
Will of Harry Bradley of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1850) *
I, Harry Bradley of
Burlington in the County of Chittenden & State of Vermont, in my own
opinion of sound mind & memory, make this my will as follows.
First of all I do hereby will & direct that all my Estate
of Every description be held Charged with the payment of such debts as may
exist against me & Such debts as may exist against the Firm of H&C. P.
Bradley if any after the Company Property of said H & C.P.Bradley shall
have been first used for that purpose.
Secondly, It is my will that my wife, Maria M. Bradley in
case she shall survive me, shall have such interest & property in my Estate
as is now by the laws of this State provided for widows of deceased persons.
Thirdly, It is my will & I do hereby give, devise &
bequeath unto my son Charles P. Bradley two fifths parts of the residue &
remainder of my Estate, to him & his heirs forever.
And Fourthly it is my will & I do hereby give, devise
& bequeath unto my daughter Harriet L. Bradley three tenth parts of such
residue & remainder of My Estate, to her & her heirs forever.
And Fifthly, It is my will & I do hereby give, devise
& bequeath unto my son George H. Bradley three tenth parts of such residue
& remainder of My Estate to him & his heirs forever.
The reason why I do not by this will give any part of My
Estate to My daughter Lucia M. Peck is that Some years ago I give her about
three thousand dollars.
And the above legacies are given to my children to be deemed
& taken as full satisfaction of any & all claims of said legatees or
any of them against me for any services they or any of them may have rendered
or shall hereafter render for me.
And I do hereby nominate & appoint Charles Russell &
Charles P. Bradley both of Burlington afsd. to be Executors of this
will.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & seal and
publish & declare this to be my last will & testament this 20th
day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty.
Signed, sealed, published
& declared by the said Harry
Bradley as his last will and Harry Bradley (seal)
testament in presence of us
who have hereunto subscribed
our names as witnesses thereof
at the request & in the presence
of the said testator & in the
presence of Each other
H
S Moan
E.
C. Loomis
Dudley
Pitkin
Burlington April 28 1857.
To the Hon W H French
Judge of Probate
Dr
Sir
I herewith
decline Serving as an Executor of the will of My Father the
late Harry Bradley
Respectfully
Yours.
Charles
P Bradley
To the Hon. the Probate Court in and for the District of
Chittenden,
The undersigned being named as one of the Executors in &
by the last will & testament of Harry Bradley late of Burlington in said
Burlington deceased, by these presents gives said Court notice that he, the
undersigned declines to take upon himself the Office & duty of Executor of
said Will
Dated at Burlington this 8th day of May A.D. 1857.
Charles
Russell
Maria M. Bradley was granted administration with the will
annexed of the estate of Harry Bradley, late of Burlington, on 8 May 1857, with
Harry Bradley, of Williston, as surety.
Charles Russell and Toney E. Wales, both of Burlington, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Harry Bradley, late of Burlington, on 8 May
1857. Inventory was dated 26 May 1857, and totaled $130.97, no real estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1857, Box 16, File
#1763.
Will of Maria Bradley of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1857) *
I
Maria Bradley of Burlington County of Chittenden and State of Vermont being of
sound mind and memory and in good bodily health do hereby make declare and
publish this my last will and testament.
First
I wish my executor hereinafter named to pay and discharge all my just and
lawful debts and funeral Expenses as soon after my death as conveniently may be
Second
I hereby give devise and bequeath all of the remainder of my estate both real
and personal to Mary Bradley daughter of my brother John Bradley of Janesville
in the State of Wisconsin And I hereby direct My Executor to pay over to my
said Brother John Bradley all of such remainder of my Estate for the benefit of
his said daughter Mary and the receipt of my said brother shall be a discharge
in full to my said Executor from all liability as Executor of this will
Third
I hereby constitute and appoint Henry Loomis of Burlington aforesaid as
Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by
me made
In
witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this
Seventh day of December A.D. 1857
Maria Bradley (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by Maria Bradley as her
last will and testament, and we the undersigned do attest and subscribe our
names hereunto by the request and in the presence of said testator and in the
presence of each other the day and Year above written
A.
W. Allen
Julia
Loomis
Elizabeth
Lowry
Presented for probate on 29 Dec. 1862, and proved on 23 Jan.
1863. Henry Loomis was granted Letters Testamentary on 23 Jan. 1863 with A. W.
Allen as surety. John N. Pomeroy and E. C. Loomis were appointed to appraise
the estate of Maria Bradley, late of Burlington, on 23 Jan. 1863. The inventory
of her personal estate, dated 1 Apr. 1863, totaled $573.12, but there was
apparently also a note from J. Bradley for $2600.00.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1863, Box 23, File
#3070.
Will of Joshua Bramhall of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Joshua Bramhall of Plimouth in the
county of Plimouth cloathier being under bodily infirmities but of a sound
& disposing mind & memory for which I bless God considering the
certainty of death & the uncertainty of the time when it shall please God
to put a period to my days on earth & being desirous to set my house in
order before my Dissolution Do make my last will & testament in manner
& form following viz. And first of all I recommend my Soul to God who gave
it trusting for Salvation in & through the merits of the Redeemer of
Mankind & my Body to be decently interred at the discression of my Executor
in hopes of glorious Resurrection to eternal life & as to my Estate I give
and dispose of the same as followeth. (viz.)
I give to my beloved wife Sarah Bramhall the improvement of
all my farm in Falmouth in the county of York lately in the occupation of my
son Cornelius Bramhall decd. the Incomes of all the money, Bonds
& notes which I may have by me at the time of my death and the use of all
my Indoor moveables in Plimouth & the use of my great Bible during the time
of her natural life I also give my said wife the use & improvemt
of the house wherein I now dwell in Plimouth & the garden thereto belonging
as now improvd. and the use of my wood lot near Sparrows hill in
said town during the time that she shall remain my widdow and also the sum of
forty shillings lawfull money to be paid her by my son Silvanus Bramhall Yearly
& Every year during her widdow hood as aforesaid. I allso give my said wife
the use of my cow & the use of all my Sheep in the county of Plimouth for
the term aforesaid. I also give my said wife the use of all the meadow
adjoining to the dwelling house of my said son Sylvanus lying below the mill
bridge.
Item. I give to my two grandsons that is to say to Joseph the
son of my son Jo Bramhall & to my grandson Cornelius the son of my son
Sylvanus Bramhall the house and land belonging to me in Falmouth lately in the
occupation of my son Corenlius Bramhall deceasd. scituate in
Kingstreet opposite the court house in said town bounded according to the known
bounds thereof together with all my Farm in said Falmouth excepting what is
fallen to me by the death of my son Cornelius Bramhall desd. to hold
to them their heirs & assigns forever from & after the death of my said
wife. ~
Item. I give to my daughter Martha Darling the wife of
Jonathan Darling & her heirs all my Personal Estate of what name or nature
soever not otherwise disposed of in this my will to my son Sylvanus Bramhall
& my grandaughter Sarah Bramhall to be paid & deliverd. her
as soon as may be after the decease of my wife to whom I have delivered the
improvement of the same. I also give my said daughter the use & improvement
of the westly. end of my dwelling house in Plimouth & the land
adjoining the fee of which I have given to my son Sylvanus Bramhall the same to
be improved by my said daughter Martha Darling at the decease of my said wife
in case my said daughter should be destitute of an house of her own to live in
–
Item. I give to my grandaughter Sarah Bramhall a Feather bed
A bolster at the decease of my wife –
Item. I give to my Grandson Edmond Bramhall son of my son
Joseph decd. All that part of the house wherein I now dwell in
Plimouth aforesaid with the land adjoining which I have not hereafter
perticularly described and given to my son Sylvanus Bramhall & also the
westerly half of my said wood lot near Sparrows hill to hold with the
appurtenances to him, the said Edmond his heirs & Assigns forever from
& after the death or second marriage of my said wife. I also give to him my
said Grandson the old Shop adjoining to the Land of Jno. Coopers
heirs with the land the same stands on lying between two roads. –
Item. I give to my son Silvanus Bramhall my wearing apparel,
my arms, and accoutrements, my Cane, & Utencils for the cloathing &
fulling business and all such debts as may be due to me on account from any
person for work service in the cloathiers & fulling business. I likewise
give & devise to my sd. Son Sylvanus Bramhall & his heirs
& assigns forever the westerly end of my dwelling house in Plimouth with
the West-part of the lot & meadow on & near which said house stands,
bounded begining at the way leading up Spring hill opposite to the middle of
the Chimney in said house & from thence on a streight line thro’ the said
house in a line parrallel with the west end of said house & so on the same
course to the brook or mill pond all the land lying to the westward of the said
line with the said westerly end of the dwelling house I give to To my said son
Sylvanus his heirs and assigns forever. always provided that in case it should
so happen at the time of the decease of my wife my daughter Martha Darling
should be destitute of a dwelling house to live in that he the said Sylvanus
Bramhall & his heirs & Assigns shall permit & allow the said Martha
Darling the use & improvement of the said dwelling house and the land
adjoining that,s fit for gardening which I have before given my said son
Sylvanus free of any demand for Rent or any other thing whatsoever and shall
keep the same house in good repair so long as she the said Martha shall be
unprovided for of a house of her own or her husbands The devise thereof to my said
son Sylvanus notwithstanding I likewise give to my said son Sylvanus and his
heirs & Assigns forever all the rest & residue of my said Estate both
real and personal of what name or nature soever except what of late has
happen,d and fell to me by the death of my son Cornelius I give the same to him
upon condition that he pay & discharge all my Just debts funeral charges
& also pay my sd. wife during the time she shall remain my
widdow the aforesaid the sum of forty shillings, lawfull money yearly &
every year during the times aforesaid hereby constituting him my said son sole
Executor of this will I also give to my said son Sylvanus Bramhall the use
& improvement of that part of my dwelling house & the land adjoining
which I have given unto my grandson Edmond Bramhall, after the decease of my
wife untill the said Edmond shall arrive to the age of twenty one Years, And
whereas I have in this will given to my grandson Edmond Bramhall all that part
of the house wherein I now dwell with the land adjoining which I have not
heretofore particularly describd. and given to my son Silvanus
Bramhall without describing & bounding of the same & that no
uncertainty here after may be had about the bounds of the land herein given
unto him my said Grandson Edmond it is to be understood that his bounds are to
begin at the way leading up Spring hill opposite to the middle of the chimney
in said house & from thence easterly as the way goes as far as it comes
opposite to the most southermost End of Thomas Kempton,s dwelling house from
thence southerly on a strait line to the town brook & then westerly with
the brook so far as that a Strait line will strike the middle of the chimney
being the bounds first mentioned all the lands & buildings included within
these bounds I give to my said grandson his heirs & Assigns forever when he
shall arrive at the age of twenty one Years
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this second
day of June Annoq. Domini 1762.
Signed, sealed, delivered, pronounced & declared by the
said Joshua Bramhall to be his last will & Testament in prescence.-
William Ryder
Samuel Sherman
Edward Winslow Joshua Bramhall (seal)
Presented for probate on 27 Apr. 1763 by Sylvanus Bramhall,
the Execr. therein named, and proved by Edward Winslow, Samuel
Sherman, and Wm. Ryder, the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Silvanus Bramhall, the before named Exr, with
William Ryder, Cordwainer, and Samuel Sherman, Hatter, all of Plimouth, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 477-479, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Elihu Brett
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1744) *
In the Name of God amen, the fourteenth day of March Anno
Domini 1744, I Elihu Brett of Bridgwater in the County of Plimo
in New England being weak in body but of perfect mind and Memory Thanks be to
God therefor calling to mind the Mortallity of my body do make and Ordain this
my last Will and Testament in the following manner first I Give my Soul into
the Hands of God and my body I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the
Discretion of my Executor hereafter Named and as touching my worldly Estate I
dispose thereof as followeth my Just debts funeral Charges and other Expences
being first allowed.
Imprimis, I Give and bequeath unto my Well beloved wife
Susanna Brett all my personal or movable Estate of all Sorts both within doors
& without to be wholy at her dispose allso I Give her the improvement of my
homestead Land & buildings for her Comfort dureing the time of her natural
life.
Item, I Give unto my Son John Brett to him his heirs &
Assigns forever all my lands both divided and Undivided Only reserveing to My sd.
wife her improvement as Abovementiond and Constitute my sd. Son John
Brett to be the Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament obligeing
him to pay the Several Legacies hereafter mentiond.
Item. I Give to my Daughter Ann Cary the wife of Joseph Cary
Two hundred pounds old tenour
Item. I give to my daughter Bethia Drake the wife of Joseph
Drake Two hundred pounds old tenour, These two Legacies to be paid within the
space of two years after my decease
Item. I Give to my Grand daughter Freelove Drake the Child of
my Daughter Elizabeth Drake deceas’d the sum of Seventy five pounds old tenour
to be paid to her at the age of Eighteen years.
Item. I Give to my Grand Daughter Ann Drake the Other Child
of my sd. Daughter Deceasd, the sum of Seventy five pounds (old
tenour) to be paid to her when She Shall come to the age of Eighteen
years.—Signed Sealed & Declared by the sd. Elihu Brett to be his
last Will &( Testament in Presence of us.
John Turner Elihu Brett (seal)
Joshua Howard
Joseph Edson
Presented for probate on 3 June 1745 by the Executor, and
proved by John Turner, Joshua Haward and Joseph Edson, the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to John Brett of Bridgwater, the Executor, on 3
June 1745.
Vol. 10, p. 34-35
Inventory of the Estate Real & Personal of Elihu Brett,
late of Bridgwater, dated 17 June 1745, by Joseph Edson, John Turner, and
Samuel Hartwell, not totaled, but his lands both divided and undivided together
with the buildings were valued at £1378. John Brett, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 7 Oct. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 474-475, Vol. 10, p. 34-35.
Will of Nathaniel
Brett of
The Last Will and Testament of Nathaniel Brett of Bridgwater
in the
Imprimis. I Give and Bequeath Unto My Beloved wife Sarah
Brett Twenty Pounds in money and One Feather Bed with what Covering properly
belongeth to it, besides what other Provision I have made for her Support.—
Item. I Give and Bequeath Unto My son William Brett Nine
acres of Swamp lying a little above West meadow, and Eleven acres of Upland
(adjoining to it) at ye Northerly end of the land That I bought of
Lieut Hayward, Furthermore I Give him one Third part of my Right in Cedar
Swamp, & undivided lands all which I Give to him and to his Heirs and
assigns forever with One third part of my Right in the first Share and in the
twenty Acre lot at Buck Hill
Item I Give and
Bequeath unto my Youngest son Nathaniel Brett about Seven Acres and a Quarter
of Land by West meadow Path lying between the land which was formerly Mr
Keiths to the Southward and that which was formerly my Own to ye
Northward lying on ye Westerly side of the Way More allso I give him
about half a Lott of meadow in a place Called Cutting Cove with part of ye
Swamp adjoyining to it that belonged to me by Virtue of my Right in the meadow
lands the sd peice lying next the River and Bounded by ye
Swamp White Oake Tree which stands upon the Brink of the River and bounded on
the Northerly side by a Straite Line from sd Tree Westerly to a
Small Ash Tree marked on two sides and so to Ames’ Swamp lot more I Give him
Twenty Acres of Land lying at ye Southerly end of Stecken[?] Plain
which I had of Benoni Hayward, Together with all ye rest of the Land
that was laid out to me near Shares —
Moreover I give him One third part of my Right in that Twenty Acre Lott
lying near Buck Hill and a third part of my Right in the Undivided lands and
Cedar Swamp, allso I give him all my necessary Implements for Husbandry, I Say
I give all the abovesd Bequest to him his Heirs and Assigns forever,
with about three Acres of Land more lying near the Head of West meadow.
Item I Give and
bequeath unto my four Grandsons Samuel Brett
Brett, Simeon Brett & Seth Brett the Children of my son Seth Brett
in the Right of theire Deceas’d Fathers, about half a lott of meadow in Cutting
Cove being the Northerly part of my Lott and is Divided by a Straite Line from
a Swamp oake near ye brink of the River Runing Westerly to a Small
Ash Tree marked on Two Sides And so to Ames’ Swamp, And so bounded On ye
head and Northerly side by Ames’ land, more I Give them one third part of my
Right in that twenty Acre Lott belonging to ye Bretts which lyeth
near to Buck Hill, Furthermore I Give them One third part of my Right in all
undivided lands & Cedar Swamp which together with what I have Otherwise
bestowed upon them and my will is that they pay out of it to my Grand daughter
Sarah Brett theire Sister Ten pounds, that is to Say two pounds and ten
Shillings apeice and I allso Will to my sd Granddaughter fourty
Shillings out of my Estate all which Bequests I Give unto my forenamed Grand
Children theire Heirs & assigns forever.
Item I Give &
Bequeath unto My Eldest Daughter Mehetable Edson Twenty pounds money and One
Cow Whereof she hath allready Receivd Eighteen pounds in Money & A Cow and
the Rest She Shall Receive out of my personall Estate after My Decease.—
Item I Give to my two
younges daughters Sarah Brett & Hannah Brett Each of them a Cow and Each of
them a Feather bed and twenty Eight pounds a peice in money whereof they have
Allready Recieved the sum of Eighteen pounds a peice in Money, and as for the
Rest of my personall Estate My will is that after my wifes decease it be
Equally Divided among all my three Daughters abovenamed
Finally I Nominate and
apoint My Son William Brett Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament
utterly Renounceing & Revokeing all other Wills and Testaments by me
heretofore made or devised and doe Establish & Confirm this to be my Last
Will and Testament In Witness whereof I hereunto set my Hand and Seal it being
January 18.th in the fourth year of the Reign of Our Souvereign Lord
George the second by the Grace of God over Great Britain &c. Anno Domini
1730/1
Signed Sealed Published
& Declared in the
Presence Nathaniel Brett (seal)
Jonathan Packard
Joseph Lothrop
Zackariah Snell
Proved on 20 May 1741 by Jonathan Packard and Joseph Lothrop,
two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Deacon Nathl.
Brett, late of Bridgwater, was appraised by Joseph Edson, Jonathan Packard and
Josiah Snell junr. on 27 May 1741, not totaled, but his meadow,
swamp and upland were valued at £530. William Brett, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 1 June 1741.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Simeon Brett
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen—I Simeon Brett of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman, do this Eighteenth day of August in
the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & ninety two proceed to
make this my Last will & testament in manner & form following, that is
to say, first, I resign my soul into the hands of almighty God who gave it,
humbly trusting in him through the merits of Jesus Christ for pardon grace
& a glorious & happy immortality, and as to the worldly estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I dispose of it as followeth
First—I
Give, devise & bequeath to my four Daughters—namely, Jane, Ziboah,
Mehitable, & Rubie, all my household furniture, to be equally divided
betwixt them, to have & to hold forever—I also Give & bequeath to my
Daughter Mehitable aforesaid the sum of thirty shillings of Lawful silver money
to be paid by my Executors herein after named
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my two youngest sons, namely, Calvin & Luther the
sum of thirty pounds to each of them to be paid by Executors here in after
named, within twelve months next after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my son Daniel, a note of hand which I hold against him
for the sum of forty five pounds on Interest, & the said Daniel is hereby
discharged & acquitted from the payment of the said forty five pounds &
Interest, to my Executors, or any other person whatsoever
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my son Luther, my Horse, to have & to hold forever
Item—I
Give & bequeath to the three children of my son Simeon deceased, one
shilling each, which with what other provision I have made for them, is their
full share of my estate
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my four Daughters, namely Jane Zibeah Mehitable &
Rubie the sum of twelve silver dollars each in addition to what I have
heretofore given them in this my last will & testament the same to be paid
by my Executors herein after named within twelve months next after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my grand children hereafter named vizt- Ezra
Brett, Simeon Noyce, Francis Cary, Katharine Southworth Mehitable Field the sum
of six shillings each to be paid by my Executors herein after named, within
twelve months next after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my son Amzi twelve shillings, which with what I have
heretofore given him, is his full share of my estate
Item—I
Give, Devise & bequeath to my four Daughters above named my Pew in the
north meeting house in Bridgwater to have and to hold as tenants in common, to
them, their heirs & assigns forever, and for the full performance of this
my Last will & testament in every part & thing, I do hereby ordain
constitute & appoint my oldest son & my three youngest sons, namely
Rufus Brett, Daniel Brett, Calvin Brett, & Luther Brett all of Bridgwater
aforesaid yeomen to be my Executors of this my Last will & testament, whom
I order & direct to pay all the Legacies & bequests by me in this will
made, also all my just debts & funeral charges, and to give a decent
christian burial, & in order that my said Executors may be enabled to pay
all the Legacies & bequests by me in this my Last will & testament
made, as also to pay & satisfy all my just debts & funeral charges
& to give me a decent christian burial, I do hereby give, devise &
bequeath to the said Rufus, Daniel, Calvin & Luther all the rest &
residue of my estate both real & personal & mixt, of what name or
nature soever, not otherwise by me in this my Last will & testament
disposed of—and after the payment of the Legacies, bequests, debts &
funeral charges as aforesaid, if there shall remain a surplusage in the hands
of my said Executors, my will is that the said surplusage whether it be in
Lands or personal estate, shall be equally divided betwixt them the said Rufus,
Daniel, Calvin & Luther their heirs & assigns, to have & to hold
forever.—In witness whereof I the said Simeon Brett the testator have to his my
Last will & testament set my hand and seal the day & year above written
Signed Sealed, Published,
Pronounced
& declared by the said Simeon
Brett Simeon Brett (seal)
to be his Last will & testament
in
presence of us
Mathew
Kingman
Jeremiah
Thayer junr
Oliver
Jackson
Daniel
Howard
Presented for probate on 3 Sept.
1792 by Rufus Brett, Daniel Brett, Calvin Brett & Luther Brett, and proved
by Mathew Kingman & Daniel Howard, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elder William
Brett of
The last Will and Testament of of Mr Willam
Brett Elder of the Church of Christ att Bridge water; exhibited to the Court
held att the the seaventh of March 1681 (82)
These are to publish and descend to all whom it may concerne
that I Willam Brett senir of Bridgwater in the collonie of New
Plymouth being through the mercye of God of sound Judgment and Memory doe
ordaine and Make my last Will and Testament in Manor and forme as followeth:
viz: into the hands of God I Comend my speritt (can’t read) Resigneing up my
soule into the (can’t read) armes of Gods mercye; father sonne and holy speritt
my body to be decently Interred, att the descretion of my executrix; heerafter
Nominated; and for my out ward estate I doe will, That after all my Just debts
and funerall expenses be payed; my lands and other Moveables I Dispose of as
followeth;
Imprs. I Give unto my son Willam twenty acrees of
land on which hee hath built; lying on Mattfeild River, and Joyning to the land
of Joseph Bassett, more twenty accrees Lying downe the Great River, on the east
Side Joyning to the land of John Washburne senir, alsoe I Give unto
him thirty acrees of land, a prte of the Next devision, which is
agreed upon by the Towne, to be fifty acrees; further I Give unto him one lott
of Meddow lying on west meddow brook; between west meddow and Heagy[?] meddow,
These and every prte I Give to him I say to him and to his heires;
Item I Give to my sonne Eliheu fifty acrees of Land lying on
the west syde of the Towne River, and Joyning to the Land of John Leonard; more
twenty acrees Land a part of the next devision before Mensioned, further I Give
unto him one Lott of land lying in the Meddow, usually Called Slashing Cove;
and Joyning to the Land of Samuell Leonard Estate and every prte I
Give unto him; I say to him and to his heires,
Item I Give unto my two Daughters Lydia and hannah sixty
acrees of [torn]
I Give unto my Deare wife Margarett, all my Moveables after
all sorts [torn] comfort, and to dispose of as in her wisdom and prudence shee
shall [torn] my Children with due Respect to these dutifull carriage towards
her, in [torn] Alsoe to my wife dureing her life I doe give the use and
Improvement [torn] house and outhouses with the land adjoyning thereunto,
thirteen acrees [torn] with ten acrees lying by the Bay Path, one lott of
Meddow in Cutting cove; and [torn] Meddow in Heagy[?] Meddow; after my wifes
decease I bequeath unto my son Nathaniel [torn] dwelling house and all out
housing, with the land Adjoyning thereunto; thirteen acrees Meadow lesse; alsoe
I Give to him ten acrees of land lying by the Bay path; and the lott of meddow
in Cutting Cove before mensioned; and my prte of the land which the
Towne Purchased of Peter the Indian
Further my will is that after my wifes decease, the lott of
Meddow lying in Heagy[?] Meddow Before mensioned be equally devided, between my
two sonnes Willam and Eliheu; and whatsoever privilige doth belonge to my Purchase Right; my Will is
that it be equally devided betwixt my three sonnes finally, I Give to my
Grandchild Joseph haward a Carbine;
finally I appoint and make Margarett my wife sole executrix;
of this My Last Will and Testament; Revoking all other wills and Testaments,
Whatsoever; In witness wherof I have heerunto sett My hand and seale, this
twenty fift of November; 1681
one thousand six hundred eighty & one; Willam Brett and
a (seal)
Witnes
Thomas haward
John haward
An Inventory of the estate of Mr Willam Brett senr.
being deceased made by Leifte: Thomas
[Totaled £69.16.00]
Thomas Hayward
John Hayward
This Inventory of Mr William Brett deceased was prsented
by Margarett Brett, Relict to the said Willam Brett, and Testifyed upon her
oath the 27th of Aprill 1682
Bridgwater 27th of Aprill 1682 ) Before
mee Willam Bradford
Assistant;
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Brett
of
In ye Name of God, amen, I William Brett of ye
Town of Bridgewater in ye County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman
Being in some good measure of Health & Retaining my memory &
understanding praised be God for it, But Calling to mind that it is appointed
for all men once to Die: do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament
in manner & Form following and first & principally I give &
Recomend my Soul into ye Hand of God who gave it me & my Body to
ye Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Burial nothing doubt [blot] Receive ye same again
by ye mighty Power of God at ye general Resurrection
& as touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
(my Just Debts & funeral Expenses being first Paid) my Will is yt
it be desposed of in manner & form following. Imprimis I give &
bequeath unto my Well:beloved wife Elizabeth Brett ye whole of my
Personal Estate yt I Shall dye possessed of to be wholly at Her own
dispose & also all my Real Estate during her natural Life & in case my
Personal Estate be not Sufficient for my wife’ Comfortable Subsistence I do
hereby give Her full Power to Sell & dispose of So much of my Lands as may
be Sufficient to Procure Her needfull Supplys & I give lawfull Conveyance
& assurance of ye same to ye Purchaser thereof,
always Remembring yt my Will is yt my Homestead with ye
addition Thereto Shall be Reserved Entire till other Supplys fail. Item I give
& bequeath unto my only daughter Bethiah Hayward all my Real Estate (after
her mothers decease which Her mother Shall not have disposed of for Her own
Supply) to be to Her & Her Children Lawfully begotten of Her Body &
their Heirs & assigns forever & if my Son in Law Thomas Hayward &
my daughter Shall continue to live with their mother after my decease during
her Life & Shall take Care to Provide for Her Comfortable Subsistence then
my Will is yt my Sd Son & daughter Shall have ye
Improvement of my Homestead containing about fourty five acres of Land together
with Seventeen acres of Land lying above Leiut Byrams Saw:mill So long
as Either of them live to Enjoy it (altho my Sd daughter Should Have
no Heir as abovesd to Enjoy it after them) & also they shall
have ye Improvement of all my other Lands which my wife Shall not have
occasion to Sell for Her Support: but in Case my sd daughter Should
dye & Leave no Children or Child of Hers to Enjoy my Estate then after my
Wife & my Son In Law are deceased my Will is yt my Real Estate
be desposed of as followeth. Item: I give & bequeath all my other Lands
whether divided or undivided within ye Town of Bridgewater to ye
Children of my Brother Elisha Brett & my three Sisters namely Lydia, Alice
& Hannah, to be Equally divided among those of them Then Surviving to be to
them & Their Several Heirs & assigns forever. Item: I give &
bequeath my Homestead above mentioned with all ye appurtenances
& Priviledges thereof together with ye Seventeen acres before
mentioned & added thereunto, To William Brett ye Second
Surviving Son of my Brother Nathaniel Brett of Bridgewater aforesd
& to His Heirs & assignes forever. Finally I do ordain & appoint my
Well:beloved wife Elisabeth Brett & my Loving daughter Bethyah Hayward
Joynt Executrixes of this my last Will & Testament, & I do hereby
disallow Revoke & disannul all other Wills, Testaments Legacys &
Bequests & Executors by me made or named, & I do Ratify & Establish
this & no other to be my last Will & Testament, & I do Request
& appoint my Loving Brother Nathaniel Brett & my Loving Cousin Ephraim
Cary to be overseers of this my last Will & Testament to See ye
same be duly Executed according to ye true Intent & meaning
thereof. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal this 31st
day of December anno domini: 1713, In ye twelfth year of ye
Reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne over Great Brittain & Queen
Signed Sealed Published
Pronounced & declared to be William Brett (seal)
ye last Will & Testament
of ye Sd William Brett
Before us
Josiah Snell
Seth Brett
Memorandum It is to be understood & my Will is yt
If my daughter Should be left a Widdow & Reduced to want & necessities
Then She Shall have Power & authority after my wifes decease to make
October ye 5th 1724 Josiah Snell
& Israel Packard made oath yt they Saw ye above named
William Brett Sign Seal & heard him declare ye above written
Instrument to be His last Will & Testament & yt at ye
same time they together with Seth Brett Set to their Hands as Witnesses &
also yt then he was of a Sound & disposing mind & memory to
ye best of their observation
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The Inventory of the Estate of William Brett, late of
Bridgewater, who deceased November 16th 1723, was appraised by John
Kingman, Isaac Johnson, & Henry Kingman on 17 Oct. 1724, and totaled
£1091.7.0, including 40 acres of land at Home with Housing valued at £500, 80
acres of land on the East side of the Great River below Richard Jennings and 40
acres on the Westerly side of the River valued at £366, and other lands.
Elisabeth Brett, the Relict and Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 21
Oct. 1724.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of America Brewster of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In
the name of God Amen, I America Brewster of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mariner, being of sound and disposing mind
and memory, do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament, in the
first place I commend my soul to the mercy of God who gave it and my body to a
decent burial
In
the next place after my just debts are paid & funeral Expences,
I
give and bequeath my whole Estate both Real and Personal in Plymouth aforesaid
or elsewhere to my beloved wife Sarah Brewster as her sole property.
Lastly
I nominate and appoint my said wife to be sole Executer to this my last Will
and Testament,
In
testemony whereof I the America Brewster have hereunto set my hand and seal
this fourteenth day of March A D one thousand Eight hundred and seventeen.
America Brewster (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared to be
his last Will and Testament in presence of us
Rosseter
Cotton
Priscillar
Cotton
Wm.
L. Gordon
Thomas
J. Cotton
Sally Brewster, of Plymouth, was
appointed as Executrix of the last Will and Testament of America Brewster, late
of Plymouth, on 21 Feb. 1848, with Nathaniel C. Lanman and Nathaniel C. Lanman
Junior, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 6, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and
Vol. 1G, p. 481.
Will of Hosea
Brewster of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen, I Hosea Brewster of Kingston in the County of Plymouth, being
weak of body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish
this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, to wit,
First, After the payment of my just
debts and funeral charges, I give, devise, and bequeath to my beloved wife
Hannah Brewster and to her heirs and assigns forever all my estate, Real and
Personal of whatsoever name or nature.
Second, I hereby appoint my said
Wife Hannah Brewster to be sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament
hereby revoking all others.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighth day of
December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty.
Hosea Brewster (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared
by the above named
Hosea Brewster, as and for his last
Will and Testament, in presence
of us, who at his request, in
presence of the testator and of each other
have hereunto set our names as
Witnesses
Eli
Cook
Elkanah
Cushman
Samuel
Adams
Presented for probate on 20 Feb.
1832, and proved by Eli Cook and Samuel Adams, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Brewster of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1766) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen,
Upon the twenty fourth day of june in the year of Our Lord,
one thousand, seven hundred and sixty six, I John Brewster of Kingston in the
county of Plymouth, in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
inn holder, upon good and serious considerations, and under some decays of
nature, but of perfect mind and memory, (thanks be given unto God for the
same,) and therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this to be my
last will and testament.
Principally, and first of all, I give and recomend my soul
into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be
buried in a decent, christian manner, at the discretion of my executrix herein
after named, Nothing doubting but at the Great and General Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the Almighty power of God. and as touching such
worldly goods, and temporal-estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life, I give, demise, & dispose of the same, in the manner and form
following. ~
Imprimis, My will is that all my just-debts and funeral
charges be defreyed and paid out of my personal estate. ~
Item, I
do give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Rebeccah Brewster, all the whole
use and improvement of all my real & personal estate, so long as she shall
remain my widdow, and no longer.—But if in case my said widdow Rebeccah
Brewster should marry again, that then she is to have but one third part of the
improvement of my said real & personal estate, during her natural life. ~
Item.
And my will is this, that whereas I gave to my daughter Rebeccah Samson, in her
life time in sundry articles of moveable goods to the amount of seventy pounds
two shillings & four pence; But my said daughter Rebeccah being deced, my
will is that the abovesaid premises I do give & bequeath unto my two grand
children Elisha Samson & Rebeccah Samson, the two children of my daughter
Rebeccah Samson deced, to be equally alike divided between them their heirs
& assigns forever.—
Item. I
do give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Brewster the wife of Lemuel
Brewster, the sum of seventy pounds two shillings & four pence, in moveable
goods, together with half of my dwelling house, with one half of my house Lot,
with half of all the other buildings that are upon said house-lot, and my will
is that after my said daughter Abigail has done with her said legacy, that then
this said legacy of my sd. daughter Abigail’s I do give &
bequeath unto my grandchildren, the children of my said daughter Abigail
Brewster to be equally alike divided amongst them all, their heirs &
assigns forever.~
Item. I
do give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Brewster, the sum of eighty three
pounds, and nine shillings in moveable goods, together with one half of my
dwelling-house, with half my house Lott, together with one half of all the
buildings thereon, together with one third of the residue or remaining part of
my said estate, of both real and personal, whatsoever it is, and wheresoever it
may be found, I do give & bequeath to my said daughter Sarah Brewster, her
heirs & assigns, forever.
Item, I
do give & bequeath unto my daughter the sd. Abigail Brewster one
third part of all the residue or remaining part of my real & personal
estate, whatsoever it is, and wheresoever it may be found, and it is to be one
third part. And my will is, that after my said daughter Abigail has done with it,
I do give & bequeath said Legacy to my grandchildren, the children of my sd.
daughter Abigail Brewster, to be equally alike divided amongst them all, their
heirs and assigns forever.~
Item, I
do give and bequeath unto my two grand children, Elisha Samson, and Rebeccah
Samson, the children of my said daughter Rebeccah Samson deced, the other
third, and it being all the residue or remaining part of my real and personal
estate whatsoever it is, and wheresoever it may be found to be equally divided
between them, to them their heirs, and assigns forever.—
Item. I
do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty & well-beloved wife Rebeccah
Brewster, to be the sole executrix of this my Last will & testament. and I
do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other and former
wills, testaments & bequests, by me in any before-named, made, willed, or
bequested, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last will and
Testament. – In Witness whereof I the said John Brewster have hereunto set to
my hand and seal, the day and year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and John Brewster (seal)
declared, by the said John Brewster, to be
his Last will and Testament in presence of
us the subscribers. Wrestling
Brewster Jr.
Lidia
Foster
John
Wadsworth
Memorandum, It is to be understood, and my will is, that if
in case my two said grandchildren should die, that is Elisha Samson &
Rebeccah Samson, should die without issue, or before they come of age, that
then their abovesd. legacy, I bequeath, and is to go to my other two
abovesd daughters, their heirs & assigns forever. and this
addition or memorandum is all, before the ensealing & delivery of this said
will. ~
Presented for probate on 1 Jan. 1770 by Rebeccah Brewster,
the Executrix therein named, and proved by John Wadsworth & Wrestling
Brewster junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Rebeccah Brewster, the executrix.
The Inventory of the estate of John Brewster, late of
Kingston, yeoman, was appraised on 18 May 1770 by Capt. John
Wadsworth of Duxborough, Capt. Robert Bradford and Mr.
Samuel Kent, of Kingston, and totaled £884.0.3, including his real estate
valued at £797.13.9. Rebeccah Brewster, the Executrix, gave her oath to the
inventory on 6 Aug. 1770.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 296-297, 393, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Spencer Brewster of Kingston, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
Know
all men That I Spencer Brewster of Kingston, Plymouth County, Yeoman do make
subscribe this Instrument, as a will to dispose of all my personal property of
which I may die possessed viz.
First, I give to Each
of my sons, Aaron, Spencer, and Isaac, Five hundred Dollars, to offset the same
amount advanced my daughter, Sylvina Jackson at the time of her marriage.
Second, After all my
debts are paid, I give the rest and residue of my personal property of every
name & nature to be equally divided between my aforesaid Four children
And I
hereby appoint my two sons Aaron & Isaac Executors to this my will.
In
witness of all which I, Spencer Brewster have hereto set my hand, this tenth
day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred & thirty two.
Witness. Spencer Brewster
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1744 by Isaac Brewster, one of the Executors therein named, and
Thomas P. Beal, who made oath that he wrote the said Instrument at the time it
bears date, at the request of said Spencer Brewster, testified that the
signature was that of Spencer Brewster. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Isaac Brewster, one of the Executors therein named, the other Executor being
deceased.
Isaac Brewster, of Plymouth, was
granted Administration of the estate of Spencer Brewster, late of Kingston,
yeoman, on 15 Jan. 1844, with William M. Jackson, of Plymouth, and Spencer
Brewster, of Kingston, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p. 43-44, from FHL microfilm #0555637,
and Vol. 1G, p. 270.
Will of Benjamin
Briant of
In the name of God amen the twentieth six day of Aprill in
the year one thousand six hundred ninty four I Benjamin Briant of Scituate in
the County of new Plimouth being going a viage to Sea & being of good &
perfect memory thanks be to God for the same & calling to rememberance the
uncertain estate of this Transitory life doo make constitute ordain &
declare this my last will & Testament & testament will & wills
howafter by me made & declared Either by word or writing & this to be
taken only for my last will & Testament & none other & now for the
settleing of my temporall Estate & such lands & goods & Chattels
which I am now possest of I doo order & give in manner and form as
followeth That is to say first I will that all those debts & duties which I
owe in right to any manner of person be well & truly contented & paid
within convenient time after my decease. Item I give & bequeath all my
lands both upland and meadow land which—lying & being in Sittuate unto my
loving Brother Joseph Briant & Thomas Briant both of Sittuate in the County
aforesd Equally to be divided between them. Item I give to my sister
Ruth Wandon & Deborah Briant & Egather Briant & Anne Briant all my
Moveables both goods Chattels and money to every one of them on Equal part
alike & all this to be paid unto my aforesd sisters in half a
year after my decease by my Executor: further I will that Joseph Briant shall
be Executor to this my last Will & Testament in witness whereof I do
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year above written
Signed Sealed & acknowledged Benjamin Briant (seal)
in presents of us
Peter Collamer
Joseph Hincksman
Elisha Turner
Probated on 1 Jan. 1702, and proved by Peter Collamer &
Joseph Hinckman
The Inventory of the goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of
Benjamin Briant, late of Scittuate, was appraised by Joseph Otis and William
Perry on 24 Feb. 1703, not totaled, but his 53 acres of upland with a “Rite the
sawmill pond” valued at £89.8, and 1 ½ acres of meadow valued at £10. Joseph
Briant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Mar. 1703.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Briant of
The will & Testament of John
Briant Senr of
This twenty fourth day of September in ye year of
or Lord one thousand six hundred & eighty foure I John Briant
Senr of ye Towne of Scittuate being weake in Body but of sound &
perfect memory (praise be given to god for ye same) and knowing ye
uncertainty of this Life one earth & being Desireous to settle things in
order doe make this my Last Will & Testament in mañer & forme
following: That is to say – – first & principally I Comend my soul to
almighty God my Creator, & my body to ye earth from Whence it was
taken to be buried in such Decent mañer as my Executor here after
named shall be thought meet & convenient & as touching such worldly
estate as ye Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will & meaning is
that ye same shall be imployed & bestowed as hearafter by this
my will is expressed: And first I doe hereby revoke renounce frustrate &
make void all Wills by me formerly made either by word or Writing, And by these
prsents Declare this my Last
Will & Testament. I give & bequeath my Lott of land Lying near Bowston
tree by grassie pond to my two sons Samuel Briant & Daniel Briant to be
equally Devided between my two said sons to them their heirs & assignes for
ever Item i give & bequeath to my son Beniamon Bryant twenty shillings to
be paid to him or his heirs at ye age of twenty five years, his
Grandfather Heiland haveing by vertue of an an Agreement between us undertaken
to provide for him, And my Will & pleasure is that all that my seat of land
on which I Dwell both upland & meadow & Swampland with all ye
housing there upon Shall be equally Devided between my two sons Joseph Briant
& Thomas Briant both for quantity & quallity to each an alike share
part & part Like as near as may bee either by mutuall agreement or by
discreet & indifferent men duly chose for that purpose togeather with all
my meadow at ye place Comonly caled gravely beech: To have and to
hold all & Singular ye said premises to ye sd
Joseph Bryant & Thomas Briant & the heirs of their bodies Lawfully
begotten for ever: Item I give & bequeath to my son Jabesh Briant one Lott
of Land Laying on white oake plain Conteyning eight acres or there abouts be it
more or less & one other Lott of Ten acres or there abouts be it more or
less laid out on ye back side of ye Cedar Swamp together
with one acre & one halfe acre of meadow Lying at ye place
Comonly caled Gravely Beech above mentioned to have & to hold ye
said two Lotts or parcells of Land & one & halfe of meadow to him ye
sd Jabesh Bryant & to his heires of his body Lawfully begotten
[can’t read], Truely for ever, Item to my Daughter Mary Briant I give &
bequeath that feather bed, bolster, pair of sheets, and Rugg which she hath
already in possession, Item to my Daughter Ruth I give one feather bed one
feather bolster one pair of sheets & one Coverlett & this in ye
stead of Ten pounds to be paid to her ye sd Ruth When she
attains to ye age of eighteen years. To my three Daughters Debora
Bryant – Agatha Bryant & Ann Bryant I give & bequeath fifteene in
Dimect[?] silver money that is to each of ye sd three
Daughters Last mentioned five pounds in Current silver money of New England to
be paid them & every of them at or on their Severall respective marriage
Days or as each of them Shall attaine to ye age of eighteene years
at ye farthest, Item I give & bequeath to my youngest child my
son Elisha Ten pounds to be paid to him when he attains to ye age of
Twenty & one years Item I give & bequeath to my son John Bryant ten
Shillings to my Daughter Hannah twenty Shilling to my Daughter Sarah the sum of
Twenty Shillings To my Daughter Martha Twenty Shillings, and my Will is that
these foure particulars last mentioned shall be paid within three years after
my Decease all ye Remainder of my estate what ever it be whether in
or out of the Jurisdiction not above Disposed by this my Last Will &
testament, I give & bequeath to my Dearly beloved wife Mary as her owne
proper and finally to be at her Disposall nevertheless for that and that she ye
sd Mary may bring up my young children & also have for heselfe a
Comfortable subsistance after my Decease to which and also my will &
pleasure is that all that land both upland & meadow, by these prsents
above bequeathed to my two sons Joseph Briant & Thomas Briant with the
Dwelling house & Barne upon it & Swamp Lands appertaining to ye
sd lands Shall after my Decease be remained in ye
posession & to ye sole use improvemt & behooffe of ye
sd Mary my wife untill ye above sd Thomas
Briant shall have attained to ye age of twenty & five years she
the sd Mary remaining my Widdow but if ye sd
Mary my wife Shall after my Decease reenter into Marriage estate then onely ye
thirds of ye sd seat or tenement to remaine in her
possession or to her use after that ye above sd Joseph
Bryant Shall attain to ye age of twenty & one years of ye
above sd Joseph to enter on his part & ye sd
Thomas to chuse his guardian to improve for him his part of ye tenement,
Furthermore I Doe by this my Last Will & Testament Constitute & ordaine
my Dearly beloved wife Mary Briant Sole Executrix of this my Last Will &
Testament & my trustie friends Anthony Collamore & my Dear son John
Briant overseers of this my Last will & Testament intreating their care
full oversight of ye Concernes above Specified –
John Briant Senr (seal)
This Instrument was Declared by
John Bryant Senir to be his Last will
and Testament ye Twentieth Day of
October in ye year of or Lord one
Thousand six hundred and eighty four
in
presence of us,
William Barrell
Israell Hobart
Thomas Mighell
Novemb. 4 . 1684
Mr Thomas Michell & William Barrell made oath
in Court that they see John Briant Signe & Seale & Declare this to be
his Last Will and Testament & that to the best of their understanding he
was of a Disposeing mind when he so did. March 4th 1684/5
Attest by me Nathaniel Morton
Secretary
A true Inventory of all & Singular ye goods Chattles of
John Briant of Scittuate Lately Deceased as it was taken & apprised by us
Whose names are under written this 11 Day of February—1684.
[Totaled £255.19.02]
John
Cushing
John
Allin
March 1684/5
Mary Briant Relict of John Briant Deceased made oath that
this is a true Inventory of ye estate of her husband to ye best of her
knowledge & when she Discovers more she will cause it to be added to ye
Inventory as attest Nathaniel
Morton
Secretary
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Lt. John Briant of
I John briant of scituate In ye county of Plymouth
in new-England being weak of body but of sound Disposing mind and memory
praises be Rendered to God for the same and being in Dayly Expectation of my
Last and Great Change & Desirous to settle things in order before my
Decease do therefore hereby make and Declare this my Last will & testament
in manor following # Imprimis I Humbly comitt my spirit to ye father
of spirits & my body to Decent burial when it shall pleas God to Call me
hence & touching such out ward Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me
withall my will is that ye same shall be Imployed and bestowed
according as in herein expressed ~ ~ ~
Item I give and bequeath unto my oldest son John Briant all
my upland and swamp land lying on ye southerly side of the old saw
mill ~ Excepting 10 pounds worth of it and one rite in ye old mill
pond
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my son Jonathan 5 acres of my
upland lying near his house and 10 pounds which I Reserved out of my above sd
son Johns Land which sd 5 acres of Land & 10 pounds the sd
Jonathan hath already Received — — —
Item I Give and bequeath unto my son David 5 acres of upland
and lying 40 Rods in Length 20 Rods in bredth at ye uper end of my
home-lot, one side of it joyning to nathaniel Churchs Land, and 11 acres of
swamp Land lying adjoyning to willm perrys Land and one acre of
swamp Land lying at ye uper end of my meadow —
Item all ye rest of my estate I Leave with my wife
mary till my son samll Coms to be one and twenty
years old or till ye time come he would have been and then I give to
my above sd son John that meadow I bought of Joseph silvester, and
to my above sd son Jonathan that meadow I bought of Robert barker,
and to my above sd son David that meadow that I bought of Richard
dwelly, It and ye on half of a saw mill and a quarter of a Corn mill
to be Equally Divided between my three sons as namely John Jonathan and David
Injoyning them to pay anually to their Mother ten shillings appeus During her
Remaining my widow and no longer
All the above sd bequests I give to them and heirs
for ever Item I give to my two sons Joshua and samll all the
Rest of my farm or homestead that I now live on upland and meadow with ye
Edificis and buildings & orchards there upon to them and to their heirs for
ever to be Equally Divided Between them both and if one of them Dy having no
Children then the other shall have it all Reserving the southerly end of my
Dweling house for my wife During her Remaining my widow and thing nesessary to
Keep hous with all also I give to mary my wife a bed and furniture — —
Item I give to my two Daughters mary and martha 30 pounds
apiece to be paid out of my movables at mony price half of it to be paid to
them when my son samll above sd will be
of age to posses or at ye age of 21 years and the other half at
their mothers Deceas: the first half to be payd to them by my Executrix and the
other half to be payd by my two sons namely Joshua and samll;
Hereby Injoyning my two sons namely Joshua and samll to
maintain their mother Comfortably During her Remaining my widow Itim my Debts being paid with my Legacies and
funerall I hereby ordain ye Residue of my movable estate with what
is above given her If any be left to be Equally Divided betwen my two sons
Joshua and samll Lastly I nominate and appoint mary my well
beloved wife to be my Executrix of this my Last will and Testament In Testimony
whereof I have here unto sealed and subscribed the Day and year above written
Signd Seald in Sight John Briant (seal)
and presents of us
Samll Stetson
Girsham Stetson
[Written in the margin:]
Item I have made Stephen Clap & Benjamin Stetson Jur my over
seers & hereby Revoak & make void any will or wills by me made & declare
this to be my last will and testament
Memorand: that on ye 12th Day febuary
1707 Samll Stetson made oath that he saw Lout. John
briant sign and seal and herd him Declare ye above writen Instrument
to be his Last will and Testament, And Nathll Church Girsham stetson
made oath that they Coming in after wards Lout Briant Desired them
to set their hands as witnesses which they did before me Nathll
Thomas Judg of Probat
The Inventory of ye Estate of Lout.
John Briant of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Mary Briant of Hanover, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In The Name of God
Amen the third Day of December A.D 1753
I Mary Briant of Hannover in the County of Plimouth in NewEngland Widdow being
Aged but of Sound Mind do make this my Last Will and Testament in Manner
Following (after Committing my Soul to God & my Body To the Earth to Decent
Burial) That is to Say –
Imprimis I Give To my Son Joshua Barstow His Heirs and And
Assigns my Pew in Hanover Meeting House ~
Item I give to my Daughter Abigail Briant My Side Saddle
& Bridle
Item I Give to my three Daughters Elizebeth Cushing Mary
Silvester And Abigail Briant all my Wearing Apparel of Every Sort & Kind
Item, All the rest of my Estate both Real and Personal after
my Just Debts are paid out of the Same, I give and bequeath unto my Said
Children Joshua, Elizebeth, Mary and Abigail, their Heirs and Assigns forever
To be Equally Divided Between them All the Bills, Bonds and Notes of Hand which
I have against sd. Joshua to be Accounted Part thereof To be Subject
to Division with the Rest of my Estate, Among my sd. Children And
Accounted for to them by Said Joshua as fully to all intents as if He had not
ben Appointed my Executor. furthermore, my mind and will Is Notwithstanding
what is before Expresd. that all the Leagacy in this My will given
to Said Abigail Saveing my Side Saddle & Wearing Apparrel Shall forthwith
after my Decease, be by Executor put into The hands of Elijah Cushing Esqr.
& Elijah Cushing Junr. both of Hannover Aforesd. In
trust to be improved to the best advantage for her and Her Heires and not
Deliverd. To her or her Heirs until after the Death Of her Husband Mr.
Lemuel Briant unless the sd. Elijah Cushing Esqr And
Elijah Cushing Junr. Should Apprehend the Said Abigail to be in Want
of the Same or any Part thereof –
Lastly. I do hereby Appoint said Joshua Sole
Executor of this my Will
In Witness Whereof I hereto set my hand & Seal the Day
and year First Before Written Signd. Sealled. Published and Declared
by Said Mary Briant to be her Last will and Testament
In Presence of
Ebenezer Thompson Mary Bryant (seal)
Joseph Tolmon
Nehemiah Ramsdell
Presented for probate on 2 Mar. 1761 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Mr Ebenezer Thomson and Joseph Tolman, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Joshua Barstow of
Hanover, Gentm., the Executor, on 2 Mar. 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 49-50, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will and Probate of Charles Bridges of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1682) *
In the name of God amen I Charles Bridges and Sarah Bridges
his Wife takeing into their Consideration their aged and Decaying time and
knowing that the Houer of Death is Certaine Butt the Houer of the same is
uncertaine not willing to Depart this world before haveing Disposed of their
worldly Goods (soe is it) that when it shall Please God to Call Either of us
out of this world
We Bequesth our Soules to God and our Bodyes to Christian
Buriall where and in what Place as shall be thought meete fit and most
Convenient as the time will Permitt. Firstly we the foresaid Charles and Sarah
Bridges Haveing Given and Alienated from us unto sd. Sonne Thomas
Willett the halfe of our Land &c Lyeing in Newtons Neck as by the Deed of
Gift appears, the Other Halfe with the Rest of our Estate or wordly Goods shall
Remayne For us Both and the Longest Liver of us shall Enjoye all without any
Molestacon trouble or Pretences of Either of our Relations wch. wee
Doe Hereby fully and wholly anullate any who should make any Challenge or Pretencyes
after Either of our Deceas. Further in case I Come first to Departe this world
then my Desire is that my Brother Thomas Bridges should Have Pounds out of the Estate as a Legacy And
the Rest to Remaine as above written
Att a
Councell held in New Yorke the twenty Eighth Day of August 1682:
Present Capt Anthony
Brockholls Mr. Fred Phillips Mr. Step:v:Courtland,
John Lawrence Junr. Sworne saith that in or about
the Months of June or July Last he being in Discourse wth Charles
Bridges Deceased Between the Town of Flushing And his House walkeing to the
Towne the said Bridges told him that he had Ordered it as his will That the
Longest Liver of him or his Wife should take all the Estate, only he Intended a
Small Matter as A Legacy to his Brother Thomas if he should Dye first and
menconed About Fouer or Five Pounds Butt Did not Resolve what, and Further
sayth nott butt that the will Produced in Writeing is the said Bridges hand.
John Lawrence Junr.
John Smith Rock
being sworne sayth that about the Beginning of July Last being in Company with
Charles Bridges Deceased att his House and Walking in the yard the said Bridges
told him that his wife and he had Concluded to keepe what they had as Long as
they Lived and when Either Dyed the Longest Live to take all.
The
marke of
John
Smith Rock
Mendert Courten
Sworne sayth that About the 13th of June Last past he Being in
Discourse with Charles Bridges of Flushing Late Deceased Did heare him say that
he had made his Will that they that Lived Longest of his Wife of himselfe
should have all the Estate and that the will Produced in Writeing is the
Handwriting of the said Charles Bridges and Further sayth not.
Mendert Courten
The Probate of the will of Charles Bridges Late of Flushing
Deceased and Admicon Granted thereupon to Sarah his Widdow & Relict.
Anthony Brockholls Esqr. Commander in Cheife and
Councell of the Province of New Yorke To all To whom this shall come or may
Concerne Greeting
Whereas Charles Bridges late of Flushing Deceased Did in his
Lifetime make and Prepare his Last Will & Testamt. in writeing
with his owne Hand Intending to Signe Seale and Publish the Same in Usual forme
Accordingly Butt by a suddaine Change and Departure from this Life Being
Prevented: the same will as found after his Decease all of his Owne Hand
Writeing Butt not Signed and Sealed NOW KNOW YEE that the Day of the Date
hereof the said Will Being Produced before the said Commander and Councell and
Severall Prsons of good faith and Creditt Produced and sworne who
Declared that they some Shorte time Before the Decease of the said Charles
Bridges heard him say and Relate that he had made his will to the Effect and
Purposte that the said Writeing menconed and that the said written will
Produced was of the Proper Hand writteing of the said Charles Bridges Deceased
the same was Approved Admitted and Allowed off to be the Last will and Testamt.
of the said Charles Bridges Deceased as pr the said Will and the
severall Depositions Hereunto Likewise Annexed Appears. And the said Charles
Bridges Haveing while he Lived and att the time of his Death Goods and Chattles
within this Province and Govermt. of New Yorke and Sarah Bridges his
Widdow and Relict to whom his whole Estate by the said Will is Given and
Bequeathed Desireing to have Power of Admicon thereupon the Admicon of all and
Singuler the said Goods and Chattles and the said Will is Hereby Committed unto
the said Sarah Bridges well and Truly to Administer Upon the Same Accordingly
and to make a true and Perfect Account of her said Admicon in the time by Law
Requires Given under my Hand and Seale in New Yorke the 28th Day of
August in the thirty fourty yeare of the Reigne of Soverigne Lord Charles the
Second by the Grace of God of Engld. Scottland, France and Ireland
King Defender of the Faith &c. Annoq. Domini 1682:
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 2, p. 439-440, copied from Original
Libor 2, p. 299-302.
Will of Ebenezer
Briggs of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1795) *
In the name of God Amen – I Ebenezer Briggs of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being
weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to God therefor,
calling unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will & testament
and desire it to be recieved by all, as such, that is to say, principally &
first of all, I give & recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it
& my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in decent Christian burial
at the discretion of my Executor, hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the
general resurrection I shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of
God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me in this life, I Give, demise & dispose of the same in the following
manner & form
Imprimis – I Give
& bequeath to Abigail my well beloved wife, the improvement of one third
part of my real estate, during her natural life together with one quarter part
of my personal estate, during her natural life & at her decease to descend
to my Daughters & their heirs
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my Son Ebenezer Briggs the whole of all my real estate lying in
Middleborough, Plymton & Carver & to his heirs & assigns forever,
together with the buildings thereon, & also my part of the saw mill and
also all debts due to me of any kind whatsoever
Item – I Give to my
Daughter Lusanna Hollis, one quarter part of my personal estate exclusive of
what I have given to my two youngest Daughters Abigail & Sarah in this my
Last will & testament & not before disposed of
Item – I Give &
bequeath to the heirs of my Daughter Tabitha Curtis one quarter part of my
personal estate, excepting what I have given to my two Daughters – vizt.
Abigail & Sarah, & my will is, that Diana Curtis Daughter to Tabitha
Curtis deceased shall have & recieve all the furniture that I recieved with
the said Diana Curtis at the death of her mother.
Item – I Give to my
Daughter Abigail a Bed Bedding & Linnen equal to what I gave to my other
Daughters at their marriage, together with eleven pounds out of what shall then
remain of my personal estate & also one quarter part of the remainder of my
personal estate not before disposed of
Item – I Give to my
Daughter Sarah a bed & Linnen & bedding equal to what I gave to my
other Daughters at their marriage, together with eight pounds out of what shall
then remain of my personal Estate, & also one quarter part of the remainder
of my personal estate not before disposed of.— and my will is & I do
positively order my Son Ebenezer Briggs to pay all my just debts & funeral
charges, & also to my two sons Asa & Joseph six shillings each at my
decease
Lastly – I do
constitute make & ordain my son Ebenezer Briggs my Sole Executor of this my
Last will & testament, and do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disannul
all & every other former will & testament, Legacies & bequeaths
& Executors by me in any ways before named, willed & bequeathed,
Ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my Last will &
testament
In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this fourteenth day of February in the
year of our Lord, one thousand Seven hundred and ninety five
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced &
his
declared by the said Ebenezer Briggs as Ebenezer
X
Briggs (seal)
his Last will & testament in the presence mark
of us the subscribers
Nehemiah
Cobb
Elijah
Bisbe junr
George
Cobb
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1795 by Ebenezer Briggs, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Cobb and Elijah Bisbe junr.,
two of the witnesses.
Nemiah Cobb of Carver Gentleman, William Shaw Gentm,
& James Soule, yeoman, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer Briggs of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In
the Name of God amen I Ebenezer Briggs of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth Husbandman, being through the Goodness of God in comfortable Health,
& of a sound disposing Mind, calling to Mind the Mortality of Man &
that it is appointed for all men once to die, to therefore under the Influence
of these Impressions make & ordain this my last Will & Testament And
first I surrender my Soul into the hands of that Being who gave it beseeching
him to receive it graciously & love it freely. My Body I commit to the
Earth to be buried in decent Christian Manner at the Discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, my Earthly good Things wherewith I have been favoured I
dispose of them as follows —
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Elizabeth the use & Improvement of
all my indoor Moveables during her nataral Life one Cow to be provided &
kept for her by my Son Ebenezer & also the use of a Horse for her to ride
as occasion may require to be furnished by my said Son Ebenezer.—
Item
I give to my Son Abiather Briggs one Dollar. —
Item
I give to my son Levi Briggs one Dollar & one half my wearing Apparel. —
Item
I give to my son Elisha Briggs one half of my wearing Apparel. —
Item
I give to my Daughter Matilda Pickens one feather Bed & one third part of
my indoor moveables after the decease of my Wife. —
Item
I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Nelson one third part of my indoor moveables
after the decease of my Wife —
Item
I give to my Daughter Abigail Chace one third part of my indoor moveables after
the decease of my wife. —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Ebenezer Briggs all the moveable & personal
Estate of which I may die seized, of what name or nature soever excepting only
such portions thereof as I have in this Instrument otherwise disposed of, he my
said Son Ebenezer paying the Legacies before given to my said Sons Levi &
Elisha, & also he paying my just debts & funeral Charges —
And
I hereby constitute & appoint my said Son Ebenezer Briggs my sole &
only Executor of this my last Will & Testament, hereby ratifying &
confirming this as my last Will & Testament utterly disannulling &
revoking any & all former wills which I may have made.—
In Testimony & confirmation of all which I the said Ebenezer Briggs
hereunto set my hand & seal this sixteenth day of May in the Year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & six —
Signed sealed & published by
the said
Ebenezer Briggs as his last Will
and
Testament in the presence of us who
in his presence & in the
presence of each Ebenezer Briggs (seal)
other have hereunto subscribed our
Names
Anna
Peirce
Polly
Morton
Nathl.
Morton junr.
Presented for probate on 1 Nov.
1808 by Ebenezer Briggs 2d, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Polly Morton & Nathl. Morton junr. two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ebenezer Briggs 2d., the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
427-428, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Ebenezer
Briggs of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1824) *
In the name of God
Amen. I Ebenezer Briggs of Middleboro’ in the County of Plymouth Yeoman being
weak in body but of a sound and perfect mind and memory blessed be almighty god
for the same, do hereby make & publish this my last Will & Testament in
manner & form following that is to say –
First I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Betsey
Briggs the full improvement of one third part of all my Real Estate that I
shall die, seized of also the improvement of one third part of my live stock
during her natural life and also all my indoor moveables of every description
except my wearing apparel to be at her own disposal –
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved son George Briggs
(in addition to what I have already given him) one dollar to be paid him by my
Executors in one year after my decease –
Item. I give & bequeath to the heir of my beloved son
Jonathan Briggs decd the sum of one dollar to be paid her by
my Executors in one year after my decease –
Item. I give & bequeath to my beloved son Silvanus Briggs
that land called the McFarling place, that I bought of Andrew Leach and also my
lot of meadow that my father gave me lying on Winatuxet River the above said in
addition to what I shall hereafter give him in this will to him the said
Silvanus his heirs and assigns forever –
Item. I will and bequeath to Ebenezer Briggs my beloved son
(in addition to what I have already done and given him) one dollar to be paid
by my Executor in one year after my decease –
Item. I will and bequeath to my beloved son Asa Briggs (in
addition to what I have already done & given him) one dollar to be paid him
in one year after my decease –
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved son Bennet Briggs
(in addition to the contents of a note of hand & interest thereon that my
executors are to pay after my decease viz) one dollar to be paid him by my
Executors hereafter named –
Item. I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Tabetha Reed
one hundred dollars to be paid her by my Executors hereafter named in one year
after my decease & also a right to live in my house, while she remains in
the situation she is now –
Item. I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Molly Briggs
one hundred dollars to be paid her in one year after my decease to be paid by
my Executors hereafter named and also a right to live in my house while she
shall remain in single life ~
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved sons Silvanus
Briggs & Sebra Briggs in equal shares between them all my real estate not
heretofore disposed of in this will containing my homestead farm my cedar swamp
& saw-mill together with all my live stock, farming utensils and all the
estate of every description that I have not heretofore disposed of in this will
by their the said Silvanus & Sebery paying all my just debts & the
settlement of my estate together with paying all the legacies that I have in
this will ordered them to pay and they the said Silvanus & Sebery are to
receive all that may be due to me from others to their heirs & assigns
forever –
Lastly, I do hereby constitute appoint & ordain my said
sons Silvanus Briggs & Sebery Briggs joint Executors to this my last Will
and Testament confirming this and revoking all other Wills hopeing all things
in this will and testament will be complied with & fulfilled –
In testamony whereof
I the said Ebenezer Briggs have hereunto set my hand and seal to this my last
Will and Testament this eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred & twenty four
Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named
Ebenezer Briggs to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the Testator
Thos Sturtevant, Neheh Cobb, Olive
Washburn { Ebenezer Briggs (seal)
Presented for probate on 15 Mar. 1824 by Silvanus Briggs and Sebra
Briggs, the executors therein named, and proved by Thomas Sturtevant and Olive
Washburn, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Silvanus
Briggs and Sebra Briggs.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Ebenezer Briggs of
Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
I Ebenezer
Briggs of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth Clerk, being of sound and
disposing mind & memory, do dispose of all my worldly estate, in the
following manner to wit:
First, I do give
and bequeath to my son Ebenezer Briggs his heirs and assigns, my homestead
farm, situated in said Middleboro, togeth with my cedar Swamp lot situate in
Freetown in the County of Bristol – subject to the terms and conditions
hereafter expressed I also give to said Ebenezer all my stock and farming
utensils, my chaise and harness and my wagons & harness – Also my Secretary
and the stove and stove pipe set in my kitchen, and all debts and sums of money
due & owing to me from all persons whatever.
The conditions
upon which said real estate is bequeathed are as follows to wit: That my said
son, his heirs and assigns, shall suffer and permit my daughter Catharine
Briggs during the term of her natural life, to reside in the dwelling house
upon said farm & compose a part of his or their family, the said Catharine
while in health and of ability thereto, contributing a portion of her services
for the benefit of said Ebenezer or his heirs; and that said Ebenezer his heirs
and assigns be required to find & provide for said Catharine proper fuel,
food, sustenance and wearing apparel, at all times during said term– and nurses
and medical aid, in sickness as aforesaid– And in case of said son or his heirs
and said Catharines being unable to live together and composing one family, as
aforesaid, my said son and his heirs or assigns shall be required to make for
said Catharine all such provisions as he or they, are above or hereafter
required, to find and provide, in case of said Catherines composing a part of the
family of said Ebenezer or his heirs; provided however that if said Catharine
while in health & of ability to contribute a portion of her services in aid
of said Ebenezer, or his heirs as aforesaid, shall unreasonably neglect or
refuse to render assistance as aforesaid, after being by him or them requested
so to do, in that case said Ebenezer, or his heirs and assigns shall not
thereafterwards be obliged to find and provide wearing apparel for said
Catharine as aforesaid; nor to defray the expenses of medical aid in any
subsequent sickness of said Catharine– And to prevent all misapprehension as to
the extent of said Ebenezer his heirs and assigns obligations for the support
& maintenance of said Catharine as aforesaid, it is hereby ordered by me,
that my said son his heirs and assigns shall if the said Catharine require it,
find sufficient fuel for one fire constantly & for two fires occasionally
properly cut and fitted for her use; & in sickness conveyed into her room,
and such wearing apparel, meats, drinks, bread stuffs vegetables and family
stores, as may be proper and suitable to her condition, and of as good quality
and as liberally furnished, for said Catharine, as she has been accustomed to
have and enjoy the same, while she was a member of my family; together with
suitable nurses and medicinal aid in sickness as aforesaid –
And I do
moreover give and bequeath to said Catharine, for her use, during the term
aforesaid, the South West room in the lower floor of my dwelling house, and the
two bed rooms and the clothes room, next adjoining thereto together with the
Northeast chamber of said house and the closet in the same; also a privilege in
the kitchen & oven to bake & wash, if it should at any time be needed
by said Catharine– and all other suitable accommodations in any other part of
said house, as also in the well & out houses & door yards that may be
necessary to the convenient enjoyment of the privileges above granted, to said
Catharine for the term aforesaid– and in case of the decay or destruction of
the said dwelling house by any means, whatever, during the life time of said
Catharine, I do order that said Ebenezer his heirs and assigns, be required to
find and provide said Catharine, during said term as good accommodations &
an equal amount of privileges, in some other suitable tenement to be placed in
or near the site of the aforesaid dwelling house– And in case of the marriage
of said Catharine all the allowances and privileges above granted to her are to
cease and determine. –
And I do
furthermore direct, that all the real estate above bequeathed to said Ebenezer
as aforesaid, shall at all times during said Catherines life be chargeable in
whose hands the same may happen to be with the privileges of a house &
habitation for said Catharine, and with her support & maintenance as
aforesaid.
Second I do give
and bequeath to my son Daniel Briggs one half of my apparel, the one half of my
Library & Six hundred Dollars in money. –
Third I do
devise and bequeath unto my son Samuel Briggs his heirs and assigns a certain
lot of land owned by me and called Fullers pasture. Also my lot of land in
Bettys Neck so called – Also one half of my wearing apparel and one half of my
Library and one hundred Dollars in money
Fourth, I do
further give and bequeath to my said daughter Catharine above named all my
household furniture, and three hundred dollars in money
Fifth, I do give
and bequeath unto my daughter Polly N Thomas, the sum of Two hundred dollars in
money –
Lastly, I do
give and bequeath unto my son Ebenezer above named all the rest and residue of
my real and personal estate, not otherwise disposed of, to him and his heirs
forever; and I do also constitute said Ebenezer the Executor of this my last
will & testament, who is hereby required to pay all my just debts, funeral
expenses & legacies out of any of the personal estate above bequeathed to
him– The pecuniary legacies payable as aforesaid to his brothers and sisters,
to be paid by him in eighteen months after my decease, and all specific
legacies, to be paid and delivered to the persons entitled thereto upon the
Probate of this Will—
In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day of October in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Ebenezer Briggs (seal)
The foregoing
instrument was signed and sealed by the testator aforesaid in our presence who
also attested the same in his presence & in the presence of each other, at
his request, and he declared the same to be his last Will and Testament
Levi
Peirce }
Allen
Thatcher } Witnesses
William
M. Tobey }
I Ebenezer
Briggs above named being of sound and disposing mind & memory, and
considering the circumstances which have taken place by the death of my two
sons Daniel & Samuel Briggs since the foregoing Will was made by me, do
make the following alterations therein and annex thereto this Codicil, viz:
Instead
of the sum of Six hundred Dollars above given to my son Daniel Briggs deceased,
I do order an abatement of Two hundred Dollars thereof to be made & that
four hundred Dollars only be paid to the heirs at law of my son Daniel Briggs.
Also my Library which in said will I give to my sons Daniel & Samuel, I do
revoke said bequest & do now give the same to my Son Ebenezer & my
daughter Catharine Briggs the same to be divided equally between them. And that
lot of land called Fuller’s pasture which I bequeathed as above in my Will to
my son Samuel Briggs I do revoke the same & do now give and bequeath the
same to my son Ebenezer Briggs his heirs and assigns
Ebenezer Briggs (seal)
The above
Codocil was signed & sealed by the testator in our presence and attested
and subscribed by us at his request in the presence of the testator and of each
other. – Job
Pierce
Charity
Pickens
Matilda
Pickens
Probated on the first Tuesday of May, 1851, presented for
probate by Ebenezer Briggs, the Executor therein named, the will proved by
Allen Thatcher and William M. Tobey, and the Codicil proved by Job Peirce and
Charity Pickens. Letters Testamentary were granted to Ebenezer Briggs, the
Executor therein named.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 93, p. 179-182, from FHL microfilm #0555641.
Will of Abijah Brown of Scituate, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1823) *
In the
name of God, amen. I, Abijah Brown of Scituate in the County of Plymouth,
yeoman, being of sound and disposing mind & memory, and believing it my
duty to make a disposition of my estate otherwise than the law would settle it,
after recommending my soul to God to who gave it, and my body to decent burial,
do make & ordain this to be my last Will and Testament, herein and hereby
disposing of my worldly estate in manner following
Imprimis, I give to my beloved wife, Bathsheba Brown, all the
money, and securities for money, I shall leave. Also, one cow, and two beds
& furniture, and such other parts of my personal estate as shall be
necessary for her use in the house, and for the improvement of the farm, to her
own dispose to and among my children and grand-children as she shall see cause.
Also I give her the use and improvement of all my real estate during the time
she shall remain my Widow
Item, All the rest of my personal Estate to be sold at
Publick Vendue by my Executrix herein after named. After paying all my just
debts & charges to be divided as follows. My wife, Bathsheba Brown, to have
one half thereof, and the other half to be equally divided between my seven
children viz Benjamin Brown, Lucy Ruggles wife of Thomas Ruggles, Joseph
Northey Brown, John Brown, Ruth Damon wife of Samuel Damon, Ebenezer Brown, and
Betsey Brown, except the bed & furniture hereinafter given to Betsey, which
is not to be sold nor divided. But in case the personal Estate hereby directed
to be sold should be insufficient to pay my just debts & charges, the
deficiency shall be made up by sale of my outlands other than my wood land, by
Elijah Damon’s.
Item, I give to my daughter Betsey Brown, one bed and the
furniture which she made, and, at the decease of my wife, the China plates
which were her mother’s
Item, I do hereby nominate & appoint my wife, Bathsheba
Brown, to be Executrix to this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all
Wills heretofore made.
Lastly, After my Wife’s improvement of my real estate shall
have ceased, it is my will and direction that my oldest son who may be living
at that time, shall, at publick vendue, sell and dispose of the whole of said
Real Estate (except my burying yard on my said farm, which is never to be sold)
in one or more parcels, as shall produce the most money, and the proceeds
disposed of as follows Betsey Brown to have Eighty dollars, and the rest to be
equally divided between my seven children aforenamed. The sale of the homestead
shall be on condition that the purchaser or purchasers shall maintain and keep
a good stone wall around the burying yard on my said farm.
In
witness of all and each of the things herein contained, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this ninth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and twenty-three
Signed, sealed, and declared
by the above named Abijah Abijah Brown (seal)
Brown to be his last Will and
Testament, in presence of us, who,
in the presence of the testator, and of each other, have hereunto subscribed
our names as witnesses
Jno.
Collamore
Michal
Collamore
Michal
Collamore Jr.
Presented for probate on 4 Sept.
1827 by Bathsheba Brown, the Executrix therein named, and proved by John
Collamore and Michal Collamore Jr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Bathsheba Brown, the before named
Executrix.
John Collarmore Esqr.,
Charles Simmons, yeoman, and Elijah Damon, yeoman, all of Scituate, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Abijah Brown, late of Scituate, on 5 June
1827. The Inventory of the Estate of Abijah Brown, late of Scituate, dated 13
June 1827, totaled $1233.99, including his real estate valued at $961, of which
his homestead farm was valued at $725. Bathsheba Brown, the Executrix, gave her
oath to the inventory on 4 Sept. 1827.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p.
238-241, from FHL microfilm #0555258.
Will of Joseph P. Brown of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
I Joseph P. Brown of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth,
make, publish and declare the following to be my last will and testament.
First, I direct that all just claims against my estate be
satisfied and paid.
Second. I give, devise and bequeath to my wife Margaret W.
Brown, all the property and estate, of every description, of which I may die
seized and possessed, or which I may have the right to dispose of by will. To
have and to hold the same to her and her heirs and assigns, in fee simple
forever.
Third. I appoint said Margaret executrix of this will, and I
desire and direct that, so far as the law will permit, she be exempt from
giving Bond or sureties for her faithful discharge of said trust.
Witness my hand and
seal this eighth day of February in the year eighteen hundred and seventy
seven.
Joseph P. Brown (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by said Joseph P.
Brown to be his last will, in presence of us, who, in his presence, and at his
request, and in presence of each other, have hereto set our names as witnesses.
Jno.
J. Russell
James
Collins
S.
P. Brown
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Sept. 1877 by
Margaret W. Brown, of Plymouth, and requested that she may be exempt from
giving a surety or sureties on her bond. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Margaret W. Brown, of Plymouth, on 10 Sept. 1877.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 317, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 134, p. 100.
Will of Hannah
Bryant of
In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth Day of October Anno
Domini-1735. I Hannah Bryant of Scittuate in the County of Plymouth in the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England Spinster, being weak in Body,
but of Sound Memory calling to Mind my Mortality, do make & ordain this my
last Will & Testament in manner following, Hereby revoking & making
null & void all former Will or Wills by Me made either by Word or Writing
Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament— First & Principally I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
Hands of God that gave it, & my Body to ye Earth to be buried
after a Decent & Christian Manner; And as touching my Worldly Estate I Give
& Bequeath & dispose of the Same in Manner & form following —
Imprimis. I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Richard Church
ten Shillings in Bills of Credit & to my Daughter Hannah Sturtevant ten
Shillings in Bills of Credit & to my Daughter Ruth Hatch ten Shillings in
Bills of Credit to be paid by my Executor hereafter named within twelve Months
after my Decease
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Bathsheba Palmer Eight
Pounds to make up her Portion yet remaining due unto her from the Estate of my
Husband David Bryant deceased if so much be her due —
Itm I Give to my Daughter Deborah Bryant fourteen
Pounds to Make up her Portion yet remaining due unto her from the Estate of my
late Husband David Bryant Deceasd—
Itm My Will is that the Remainder of my Estate be
equally Divided between my Six Children viz: David Bryant Elizabeth [Perry?],
Mary Briant, Jacob Bryant Bathsheba Palmer & Deborah Bryant— And I do
hereby Ordain Constitute & Appoint my Son David Bryant & my Son Jacob
Bryant to be the Executrs of this my last Will &
Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the Day
& Year abovewritten her
Signed Sealed & Declared by Hannah X Bryant (seal)
the Abovesd Hannah Bryant mark
to be her last Will & Testamt.
In Presence of us Witnesses
Nathanl. Eells
Benja Stockbridge
Proved on 20 Feb. 1735 by Benjamin Stockbridge, one of the
witnesses, and on 6 Apr. 1736 by Nathaniel Eells, the other witness.
Administration of the estate was granted on 10 Apr. 1736 to David Bryant and
Jacob Bryant, sons of the deceased.
The Inventory of the Estate of Hannah Bryant, late of
Scittuate, was appraised by Gershom Stetson, Elijah Stetson, and Saml.
Bryant on 17 Nov. 1735, not totaled, and no real estate, but it included a mare
with saddle & bridle, a heifer, 2 sheep, 2 swine, and 5 geese. David Bryant
and Jacob Bryant, the executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 6 Apr.
1736.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Hannah Bryant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In
the name of God amen. Know all men by these presents, that I Hannah Bryant of
Middleborough, in the county of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
being weak of body but of a sound and disposing memory, blessed be God for the
same, yet knowing the mortality of my body, that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do therefore ordain this to be my last will and Testament, to
remain firm & inviolable forever.
First. I give and bequeath to my
sister Elizabeth King the wife of John King, and unto her heirs and assigns
forever, my great coat and all of my caps.
Second. I give and bequeath to my
Granddaughter Hannah Sparrow wife of James Sparrow & to her heirs and
assigns forever the residue of my property of every description that I shall
die seized of.
My will is and I therefore constitute and appoint my grand-son in law
James Sparrow to be the sole Executor to this my last will and Testament – thus
hoping that this my last will, will be safely kept & executed according to
the true intent & meaning thereof – I therefore commend my sould to God who
gave it & my body to the dust be a decent burial.
In
Testimony whereof I the said Hannah Bryant have hereunto set my hand and seal
this eighteenth day of December Eighteen hundred and twenty two.
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and
declared by the said Hannah
Bryant to be her last will and her
Testament in presence of Hannah X Bryant
Thos Sturtevant mark
Southworth Ellis
Thomas Bennet
Presented for probate on 7 Jan.
1823 by James Sparrow, the Executor therein named, and proved by Southworth
Ellis and Thomas Bennet, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to James Sparrow, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, p.
363-364, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of James Bryant of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In the Name of God Amen I James Bryant of Plymton In the
County of Plymouth in the State of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England
Husbandman being very Sick & Weak But in & of Perfect Mind & Memory
thanks be Given unto God Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing it is
Appointed for all Men Once to Die Do make & Ordain this my Last Will &
Testament that is to Say Principally and first of all I Recommend my Soul into
the hands of Almighty God that Gave it & my Body I Recommend to the Earth
to be Buried In Decent Christian at the Discretion of my Executor nothing
Doubting But at the General Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same again by the
Power of God And as Touching Such Worldly Estate where with it hath Pleased God
to Bless me in this Life I Give & Demise and Dispose of the Same in the
Following Form and Manner, Vizt. I Give & Bequeath unto my
Well-beloved Jabez Bryant the One fourth Part of my Fresh Meadow which Lyeth in
Hallefax on Munponset Brook so Called also the One fourth Part of the Cedar Timber
that hath or Shall Grow in my Cedar Swamp Also about Twelve Acres of Land Lying
on the Easterly side of my farm which is Bounded as followeth, Vizt.
begining at the Side of Iron River Pond in the Range between the Land of Mr.
Nathll. Bonney Late of Plymton Deceasd & my Land Runing by the
Side of Said Pond Nine Rods to a Stake with Stones About it, thence South fifty
One Degrees West to a Stake with Stones about it, 28 Rods from thence South
Thirty Seven Degrees West to a Red Oak Saplin marked with Stones about it,
Twenty Eight Rods from thence from thence South five Degrees West forty five
Rods to a Stake Standing in the Range of the Land of Mr. Nathll.
Bryant from thence by the Range of said Nathll Bryants Land to the
Land belonging to the Estate of the Said Nathll. Bonney & from
thence by the Range of said Land to the Bounds first Mentioned ~ Also after my
Just Debts and funeral Charges are payed I do give and bequeath to my Well
beloved Wife Abiah Bryant the Use & Improvment of all the Residue of my estate
both Real & Personal which I have not given to my Son Jabez as is above
expressed so long as she shall remain my Widow and when she shall cease to be
my Widow I give & bequeath unto my well beloved Son Jacob Bryant the one
half of my Fresh Meadow which lyeth Hallifax & also the one half of my
Cedar Swamp And also the one half of all the Residue of all my real estate
which is not given as before expressed exclusive of the remaining forth parts
of my fresh Meadow & Cedar Swamp which I give to my well beloved Son Nathan
Bryant after the term that my Wife Abiah shall cease to be my Widow also I give
to my son Nathan the whole of the remaining part of my Real estate which I have
not given to my Sons Jabez & Jacob as is before expressed ~
I also give to my Son Jacob Bryant all my Personal estate at
the expiration of my Sd. Wifes Widowhood if any should remain at
that time Furthermore it is my Will that my Son Nathan should pay a Debt which
I am indebted to Capt. Gideon White of Plymouth or if the Sd.
Nathan should refuse or Neglect to pay Sd. Debt I hereby order my
executor to pay Sd. debt out of that part of the estate which I have
given to my Son Nathan & the remaining part of my Just Debts & funaral
Charges to be payed equally out of the estate that I have given to my Sons
Nathan & Jacob in proportion as I have given it to them ~ Furthermore it is my Will that my Son David
Bryant whom I look upon as not to be capable of providing for his own Support
shall be maintained, & well supported out of that part of the Estate which
I have given to my Wife the improvement of and for her to have the advantage of
the Sd. Davids Labour so long as she remains my Widow and support
him And when my Sons Nathan & Jacob come in possession of the estate which
I have given them as above they are to Support the Sd. David &
to have the Advantage of his Labour in like manner their mother has whilst She
improves the same Also I constitute & Appoint Jedediah Holmes Sole Executor
of this my last Will & Testament—
And I do hereby Uterly revoke & disalow all other or former Wills
Legacies Bequests or Executors by me before Willed Named or bequeathed
rattifying & confirming this & no other to be my last Will and
Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand Seal this fourth Day
of December in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Six
~ 1776
Signed Sealed in the his
Presence of Us James B Bryant (seal)
Nathaniel Bryant mark
Daniel Bonney
Lucy Bryant
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1777 by Jedediah Holmes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathll. Bryant, Daniel Bonney,
and Lucy Bryant, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jedediah Holmes, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. James Bryant,
late of Plymton, was appraised on 7 Apr. 1777 by Nathaniel Bryant, John Bryant,
and John Johnson, and totaled £114.5.7, including his homestead valued at £87.
Nathll. Bryant and John Bryant gave their oath to the inventory on 7
July 1777, John Johnson being one of the people called Quakers affirmed the
same, and Jedediah Holmes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory at the
same time.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 377-380, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Job Bryant of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God amen I Job Bryant of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Gentleman being weak in Body but of sound Mind & Memory
Thanks be given to God therefor calling to mind the Mortality of my Body do
this twenty ninth day of November Anno Domini one Thousand eight hundred &
Seven make & ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say,
principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul into the hand of
God who gave it & my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent
manner at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named & touching, such
worldly Estate wherewith God hath blessed me, do dispose of the same in the
following Manner & form, that is to say –
Imprimis
I give to my Wife Mary Bryant the use & Improvement, of the South room
& south Bedroom & half the Buttery or Milk room & the privilege of
using the Kitchen for washing & baking in my Dwelling house also one half
of the Cellar for and during the term of her natural Life, I also give her the
use & Improvement of one Cow to be kept by my Son Oliver Summer and Winter
during the Term aforesaid, I also give her the use and Improvement of all my
household Furniture for & during the Term aforesaid –
Item
I give to my several Children hereafter named, to wit, to Nathan Bryant Calvin
Bryant, Job Staples Bryant, Samuel Bryant, David Bryant, Asa Bryant, Clement
Bryant, Anna Phillips the wife of Abiel Phillips, Tirza Dickerman the wife of
Manasseh Dickerman & Harriet Dunbar the wife of David Dunbar one Dollar
each to be paid by my Executor in one Year after my decease—
Item.
I give and bequeath to my Son Oliver Bryant all my Estate both Real &
personal consisting of Buildings & Land Stock of Cattle, Implements of
Husbandry or Farming Tools Carpenter Tools & indoor Moveables & also
all those things I have given the use of to my Wife during her natural Life to
be his after her decease, to him his Heirs & assigns forever. And do hereby
order & enjoin my Son Oliver to pay all my just debts funeral expences
& charges of settling my Estate, & furthermore I order & enjoin my
Son Oliver to pay to his Brothers & sisters the Legacies given to them in
this Will & also to support his Mother in a comfortable manner by finding
her a Sufficiency of Bread, Meat, Cloathing & Physick, & every
necessary for her decent support & furthermore to find her a sufficiency of
good Firewood cut suitable & drawn to her door, for keeping one fire for
and during the Term of her natural Life or as long as she shall live –
And
lastly I do constitute & ordain my Son Oliver Bryant sole Executor of this
my last Will & Testament. In Testimony Whereof I do hereunto set my hand
& Seal the day & Year above written –
Signed sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said Job Bryant
as & for his last Will and
Testament
in the presence of us, who at his
request
& in his presence hereunto set
our Names
as
Witnesses to the same ~ Job Bryant (seal)
Silas Snow
Ezekiel Meritt
Daniel Howard junr.
Presented for probate on 7 March
1808 by Oliver Bryant, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ezekiel Meritt
and Daniel Howard junr. Esqr., two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Oliver Bryant,
the before named Executor.
To
the Hon Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of Probate of Wills &c for the
County of Plymouth. Whereas my late Husband Job Bryant of Bridgwater, Gentleman
deceased by his last Will & Testament bearing date the twenty ninth day of
November Anno Domini, one Thousand eigh hundred & Seven made certain
provisions in & by said Will for my maintenance & support This is to
certify your Honour & all whom it may concern, that I am satisfied with
said provisions & do accept of the same Feby 1st. 1808
Attest Silas Snow Mary Bryant
Ezekiel Meritt
No
inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 42, p. 263-265, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of John
Bryant of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1728) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I John Bryant the Second
of Plimton in ye County of Plymouth in New-England being under the
Decays of Oldage yet by the Blessing of God of Sound memory & understanding
Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body Knowing that its Appointed for all men
to dy I do in the first Place Recommend my Soul to God that gave it and my Body
to the Dust to be decently buried Hoping for a Glorious Resurrection: And
touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleasd God to bless
me in this Life: I Give & Dispose of ye Same in the following
manner. Imprimis I Give & Bequeath all my personal Estate that shall remain
after my Decease & ye Decease of my Wife to be equally divided
amongst my Three Daughters viz: to Ruth Churchell & Sarah Briggs &
Joanna Churchell—Excepting my Wheel Wright Tools which I Give all of them to my
Son George Bryant: And also Excepting my Books which shall be equally Divided
amongst all my Children with Sons & Daughters Reserving a particular Book
to my Son James Bryant Intituled the Book of Types which shall be towards his
Share in sd Books And further my Mind & Will is that my Son
George Bryant shall be sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament And I
do hereby utterly Disallow & Disannull all former Wills Ratifying this
& no other to be my last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this twenty Second Day of Novembr Anno Dom— One
thousand Seven hundred & twenty eight.— Signed Sealed & Declared by the
Abovesd John Bryant to be his last Will and Testament— In Presence
of us~
Memrandom
It is to be Understood that it is my Mind & Will that my three Sons John
Bryant & James Bryant & George Bryant shall have all my Wearing
Apparrell.
Ebenezer Lobdell
William Bonney The
mark of B John Bryant (seal)
Ignatius Cushing
Proved on 5 Apr. 1736 by Ebenezer Lobdell, William Bonney
& Ignatius Cushing, the witnesses, administration of the Estate of John
Bryant, late of Plimton, granted to his son George Bryant.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. John Bryant,
late of Plimton, was appraised by William Bonney, Ignatius Cushing and Ebenezer
Lobdell on 16 Apr. 1736, not totaled, and no real estate, but he had £46.15.0
in Cattel. George Bryant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 18
May 1736.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph
Bryant of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen—The third day of May one thousand
seven Hundred ninety & Six, I Joseph Bryant of
Imprimis—I Give unto my well beloved wife Eunice Bryant all
the Houshold furniture, together with every other Species of property that she
brought to me at marriage day, and also Four Hundred & twenty five Dollars
in money, to be paid to her out of the monies that shall be due to me at my
decease & in three months after my death, provided she accepts thereof
instead of her right of dower or thirds in my Estate, both real & personal
but if she shall not accept thereof instead of her said dower or thirds in my
estate, then the above legacy to be void, but if accepted, to her, her heirs
& assigns
Item—I Give unto my Daughter Sarah Bryant, her heirs &
assigns, all the wearing apparell that was her mother’s, and all the houshold
furniture, together with every other Species of property that her mother
brought to me at marriage day, in the same order that they shall be found in at
my decease, and also Six Hundred, Sixty & six Dollars in money
Item—I Give unto my Son Joseph Bryant, all my Estate, Real
& Personal not herein before bequested & devised, wherever the same may
be found, to him, his heirs & assigns. Further my will is, that all my just
debts, Funeral charges, and the cost of settling my Estate be paid out of the
Estate that I have given to my Son Joseph Bryant
Lastly—I do nominate, order & appoint my Friend William
Macomber, sole Executor of this my last will & testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day and year first written
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced and Joseph Bryant (seal)
declared by the said Joseph Bryant as & for
his last will & testament, in the presence
of us, who at his request & in his presence
hereunto Set our names, as witnesses to
the same Joseph Tilden
Jedediah
Eames
John
T. Eames
N.B. It is my request that Asa Waterman Esqr be
Guardian to my son Josh & Daughter Sarah untill they are fourteen years old
J.B.
Presented for probate on 6 June 1796 by William Macomber the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Tilden, Jedediah Eames & John
T. Eames, the witnesses.
John Tilden, Daniel Lewis & Joseph Rogers, all of
Daniel Lewis, Joseph Rogers & Luke Wadsworth, all of
Marshfield, yeomen, were appointed to set off and assign to Eunice Bryant,
widow of Joseph Bryant, late of Marshfield, Esqr, deceased, her
thirds or right of dower in the estate of her deceased husband on 4 Oct. 1796.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Bryant of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the name of God Amen—I Nathaniel Bryant of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth, yeoman, being in perfect health of body & in & of
perfect mind & memory, thanks be given unto God, calling to mind the
mortality of my body, knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make
& ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say, principally
& first of all, I recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that
gave it, & my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in a decent
christian manner at the discretion of my Executor after named, nothing doubting
but at the general resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the power of
God, and as touching such worldly estate, which it hath pleased God to bless me
with in the Life, do give, demise & dispose of the same in the following
Form & manner
Firstly—after
my funeral charges & just debts are paid, I give & bequeath to my
beloved son Benjamin Bryant the whole of my estate both real and personal, of
what kind or nature soever, & wheresoever it may be found to him the said
Benjamin, his heirs & assigns forever, upon consideration, that the said
Benjamin will honorably support my widow during her widowhood & pay the
following Legacies, vizt—to pay my beloved son Nathaniel Bryant
Fifteen pounds, which sum I give & bequeath to my said son Nathl—his
heirs & assigns forever & to pay to my beloved daughter Zeruiah Holmes
wife of Ephraim Holmes ten pounds, which sum I give & bequeath to my said
daughter her heirs & assigns forever, and to pay to the three children of
my son Ezekiel Bryant deceased ten pounds, sum I give & bequeath to my
three grand children to be equally divided betwixt them, to them their heirs
& assigns Forever, and I do constitute and appoint my said son Benjamin
sole Executor of this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby disallow
all other wills, Legacies or bequeaths or Executors by me before named, willed
or bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my Last
will & testament – In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal, the sixth day of January Anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred &
Eighty six
Signed, Sealed & pronounced to
be Nathaniel Bryant (seal)
my Last will & testament in
pre-
sence of
Jona
Holmes junr
Jacob
Bryant
Jedh
Holmes
Presented for probate on 6 Jan.
1794 by Benjamin Bryant, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Bryant
and Jedediah Holmes, two of the witnesses. No inventory was recorded for his
estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Peleg Bryant of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.—
This 27th day of September A.D. 1771. I Peleg
Bryant of Scituate in the county of Plymouth, being in a declining state as to
my health, but of a sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain
this my last will and testament, in manner and form following. First of all I
recomend my soul into the hand of God that gave it, and my body to decent
burial at the discretion of my executor hereafter-named. and as touching what
estate I am blessed with, I dispose of the same as follows.
First, It is my mind and will that my just debts, funeral
charges, legacies, and the expence of settling my estate be paid by my executor
hereafter named out of that part of my estate herein after given to my son
Edward Bryant. –
Item. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary the use
& improvement of my whole estate both real & personal excepting my desk
and so much out of my son Edward’s part herein given him as shall be sufficient
to pay my just debts, legacies, funeral charges, & cost of settling my
estate during her natural life. ~
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Peleg Bryant twelve
acres of land more or less, lying near mr. Ephraim Otis’s with the
buildings thereon,— also eighteen acres of land lying near mr.
Constant Clap’s be the same more or less, also five acres of woodland lying in
Hanover on the country road, bounded begining at the southwesterly corner of
Joshua Simmons’s field by said road, and then runing by said road so far as a
parallel line with said Simmons’s shall make up five acres, to a stake &
stone by Ezra Briggs’s pasture fence. I also give him my desk. –
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Mary Ewell
Bryant, six shillings to be paid her by my executor hereafter named in one year
after my decease.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Ann Lincoln, six
shillings, to be paid her by my executor hereafter named in one year after my
decease. together with the household goods she has already received. –
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Rhoda Bryant,
six shillings, to be paid her in one year after my decease by my executor
hereafter named. –
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Martha Bryant
after her mother’s decease my personal estate viz cattle, horses, sheep, swine,
& all my household furniture not before in this my will given away. –
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Edward Bryant all the
rest & residue of my estate both real & personal wheresoever the same
is or may be found, provided always, and upon the conditions following, viz,
that he shall well & truly support & maintain after his mother’s
decease his two sisters – Mary Ewell Bryant, Rhoda Bryant, handsomely, in
sickness & in health, during each of their natural lives. And also that he
shall choose my trusty friend David Stockbridge esqr. to be his
guardian to take care of him & his estate during the whole time of his
minority, till he arives to the age of twenty one years, my just debts, funeral
charges, legacies herein given away, and the cost of settling my estate to be
paid out of what I have herein given him by my executor hereafter-named.
Lastly. I do hereby nominate, constitute & appoint my
trusty friend David Stockbridge esqr. to be sole executor of this my
last will & testament.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced &
declared by the sd. Peleg Bryant to be his Peleg Bryant (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of
John Jacobs
Solomon Sylvester
Gideon Stetson.
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1772 by David Stockbridge, of
Hanover, esqr., the executor therein named, and proved by John
Jacobs and Solomon Sylvester, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to David Stockbridge, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Peleg Bryant, late of
Scituate, gentleman, was appraised on 11th & 12th
Feb. 1772 by Nathaniel Clap, Joseph Cushing, and Joseph Tolman, and totaled
£1085.3.4, including his homestead of about 45 acres with the dwelling-house,
barn, and other buildings valued at £403.6.8, and other parcels of land. David
Stockbridge esq., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Mar. 1772.
Whereas Peleg Bryant late of Scituate in the county of
Plymouth gentleman deced, in his last will & testament gave to his son
Edward Bryant a minor, certain lands, &cs, to be holden by the said Edward
upon certain conditions in said will mentioned, one whereof was that the said
Edward should chuse the subscriber to be his guardian to take care of him and
his estate, during his minority, and the said Edward having aplied to me to
accept said trust, but I am unwilling to accept, I therefore do hereby inform your
honor that I do refuse to accept said trust. As Witness my hand August 3d
A.D. 1772.
David Stockbridge
Plymouth Ss. July
14, 1772. Edward Bryant a minor above fourteen years of age, son of Peleg
Bryant Late of Scituate in the county of Plymouth gentleman deced, having made
choice of Nathaniel Clap of said Scituate esquire, to be his guardian, he was
accepted to that trust and apointed guardian to said minor accordingly, by the
judge of probate. And the said Nathaniel gave bond with sureties as the Law
directs, for the faithful discharge of his trust.
Wm. Cushing Esqr. Surety £500. –
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, pp. 76-77, 91, 190, from FHL
microfilm #0550712.
Will of Philander Bryant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
I Philander Bryant of Middleborough, in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being weak in body, but of sound
mind and memory; do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form as follows, Viz. –
I give and bequeath to my brother Levi Bryant four hundred
dollars the same to be kept in the care of Ira Bryant until the said Levi
Bryant shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
I give and bequeath to my brother Henry E. Bryant, one
hundred dollars the same to be kept in the hands of Ira Bryant until the said
Henry E. Bryant, shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
I give and bequeath to my brother William L. Bryant one
hundred dollars, the same to be kept in the hands of Ira Bryant until the said
William L. Bryant shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
I give and bequeath to my brother Ira Bryant my Covered
Waggon – also my cow and Hog. I give and bequeath to my father Ezekiel Bryant –
all my Waring Apparel. I give and bequeath to my well-beloved Wife Jane Bryant
all the remainder of my estate, both real and personal, for her the said Jane,
to use or spend thereof for her comfort during her natural life: and if it
should so happen that a part of said property should remain at the decease of
my said Wife: then in that Case: it is my Will, that the remainder, if any,
should be equally divided between all my brothers, their heirs and assigns
forever. And it is my Will that if there should be any loss by my poor debts –
it is my Will; that my brothers shall discount from the sums which I have given
to them, each one his proportion according to what I have given them – so that
the loss will not in any way come on my Wife. And I do appoint Ira Bryant sole
Executor to this my last Will and Testament revoking all former Wills by me
made. In Testimony whereof, I the said Philander Bryant have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twenty sixth day of September – eighteen hundred and forty
four.
Signed, sealed, published and declared
by the said Philander Bryant to Philander Bryant.
be his last Will and Testament (seal)
in the presence of us who have subscribed
our names as witnesses to the same, in
the presence of the Testator.
Samuel
Thompson
Priscilla
Cox
Jephthah
Leach
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December, 1844,
by Ira Bryant, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Thompson and
Jephthah Leach, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Ira
Bryant, the Executor therein named.
Samuel Thompson and Jonathan Cobb, both of Middleborough,
were sureties on the bond of Ira Bryant as Executor of the last Will and
Testament of Philander Bryant, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 2 Dec. 1844.
The Inventory of the Estate of Philander Bryant, late of
Middleborough, Yeoman, was appraised by Samuel Thompson, Arad Bryant, and
George Cox on 19 Dec. 1844, and totaled $1830.30, including his real estate
valued at $1200. Ira Bryant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
the first Tuesday of April, 1845.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p. 585-587, from FHL microfilm
#0555637, Vol. 2H, p. 22, and Vol. 87, p. 92.
Will of Samuel
Bryant of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1744) *
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Bryant of Plimton in the
County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England
Yeoman I Being By the Blessing of God at this Time in Parfect mind and memory
yet Not with Standing Calling To mind the Mortallity of my Body and that it is
appointed for all men once to Dye and after that the Judgement and Being
Desirous To Despose of what Estate it hath plessed God To Bless me With in the
Life Do By these Presents make and ordain this my Last Will and Testement and
Despose of the Same in the following mannor and form
Item I Give and Bequeath unto My Eldest Son Samuel Bryant his
Heirs and assigns forever the one Half of my Land Lying upon the Easterlye Side
of the Contrey Roade that Leads from John Bigses unto Josiah Watermans and also
ajoyning unto Jones River Pond Which I Judge To Be His Proportion of my Estate
with What I have already Given unto Him by Deed – – –
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Nathanel Bryant his
Heirs and assigns forever all my Homsted Whereon I now I Dwell Together with
all my Housing and Fencesing and orchard thereon Together With one half of my
Land Lying upon the Easterly Side of the Contrey Road that Leads from John
Briggses unto Josiah Watermans and also ajoyning to Jones river Pond as
abovesaid I also Give unto my Son
Nathaniel Bryant and his heirs and assigns forever all that my Lot of Fresh meadow
Lyeing and Being in Jonesriver Meadow and also all that my Lot of Seder Swamp
Called Rings Swamp Being and Lyeing in the Township of Hallefax – – – –
I Give and Bequeath unto my Said son Nathanel one fether Bed
and Bolster and Oxen and Plows and Cart and all My Tooles for Husbandrey and
also my Gun which I Commonly use and also my Hors. Item – I Give and Bequeath
unto my Two Sons Samuel Bryant and Nathaniel Bryant all my Wairing apperail To
be Equally To Be Divided Betwen them: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my four
viz – Joanah Waterman Abigail Phenney Elizaboth Watermen and Lydia Samson To
them and there Heirs and assigns forever all my Parsonal Estate To Be Equally
Divided Betwen them my Said Daughters and Lastly I Do By these presents appoint
ordain and Constetute my Loveing Son Nathaniel Bryant To Be my Executor of this
my Last Will and Testement thus Trusting that this my Last Will and Testement and
Everey article Contained herein Will Be Exactly Justified according to the true
Meaning thereof and Finelay Recomending My Soule To God that Gave it and my
Body unto the Dust To Be Decently Buread at the Descretion of my Executor In
Testimoney of this Being My Last Will and Testement I Have Signed this Twenty
fifth Day of May 1744—
Signed Sealed and Decelaird By the abovesaid
Samuel Bryant To Be his Last Will and Testement
in the Presents of us—
Josiah Perkins Samuel Bryant (seal)
Deborah Perkens
Nathan Parkens
Probated on 2 Apr. 1750, presented by the executor, and
proved by Josiah Perkins, Deborah Perkins and Nathan Perkins.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Bryant of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The twentyfifth day of February one thousand, seven hundred
and seventy one, I Samuel Bryant of Plimton in the county of Plymouth in
New-England being weak of body although through divine goodness of a sound mind
and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to dye, do make and ordain this my last will and
testament. and principally and first of all, I recomend my soul into the hands
of GOD that gave it, trusting thro’ the merits of Christ to receive the free
and full pardon of all my sins, and to inherit glory. and my body I recomend to
the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter-named, trusting that I shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of GOD at the general resurrection, and as touching such worldly estate
as it hath pleased GOD to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of in
the following manner. ~
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my well-beloved wife Tabitha the use and improvement
of all my real estate so long as she remain my widow, unless my son Joshua
Bryant shall see cause to improve said estate and return yearly to my said wife
all the necessaries of life that she shall have ocasion for. I also give unto
my said wife the use and improvement of one half of all my movable estate
during her natural life. ~
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my son Joshua Bryant, his heirs and assigns forever,
all my real estate lying in Plimton & Hallifax.
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my children all my moveable estate, to be equally
divided among them all except my wearing aparel which I give unto my son Samuel
Bryant, viz, Lusannah Cook, Lois Briggs, Abigail Briggs, and the children of my
son Silvanus Bryant, which my will is that they shall receive as much as one of
my surviving children, Tabitha Bennet, Joseph Bryant, Samuel Bryant, Joanna
Raymond, Lydia Fuller, Joshua Bryant, and Solomon Bryant. –
Lastly.
I do constitute and apoint my son Joshua Bryant sole executor on this my last
will and testament, and my will is that my said son shall before any division
is made shall pay all my just debts and funeral charges. –
And
do by these presents renounce all wills before by me made, and ratify and
confirm this to be my last will & testament. – In testimony whereof I have
signed and sealed the day and year above-written. –
Signed, sealed, & pronounced
and ~ Samuel Bryant (seal)
delivered by the said Samuel Briant
to be his last will & testament
in
the presence of us.
Josiah Perkins, John Phinney,
Nathaniel
Bryant junr.
Presented for probate on 6 June
1774 by Joshua Bryant, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Perkins
and Nathaniel Bryant junr., two of the witnesses. Letter of
Administration were granted to Joshua Bryant, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Dean.
Samuel Bryant, late of Plimton, was appraised on 17 June 1774 by Seth Cushing,
John Bryant, and Nathl. Bryant, and totaled £161.17.1, including his
real estate, valued at £123.6.8. Joshua Bryant, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 27 June 1774.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 374-375, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Seth Bryant of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen,
This twenty fifth day of November, A.D. 1771. I Seth Bryant
of Marshfield in the county of Plymouth, being of sound mind, do make this my
last will & testament in manner & form following, after my just debts
and funeral charges, being paid off by my executor hereafter-named out of my
personal estate, I give and dispose of the remainder as follows, viz,
Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth, one
cow, with the privilege of its being kept winter and summer on the farm where I
now dwell, and fire-wood at the door to be cut off the farm aforesaid, and two
large silver spoons, and the improvement of one half of my dwelling-house
during her life, and one half of my household goods, and one half of the
provisions in my house, and one half of the swine on my farm, and an horse
whenever she wants for her own use, and six bushels of indian-corn, and three
bushels of rye, and two bushels of wheat, and four pounds L,m, in money yearly,
during her life to be paid as hereafter expressed; provided that she take up
with the same instead of her right of dower in my estate. ~
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Ruth Dingley that furnichure which she hath already
received, and a silver-spoon, and sixty pounds L.m. to be paid as hereafter
expressed. –
Item, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Vashty Bryant, the
other half of my household goods, two silver spoons, and my silver-cann, my
gold sleeve-buttons, & my silver shoe-buckles, and a cow, with the
privilege of keeping her summer and winter upon the farm where I now live, so
long as she lives unmarried, and the easterly chamber in my dwelling house,
with privilege to pass & repass to said chamber, cellar & well so long
as she remains unmarried, and sixty pounds L,m. to be paid as hereafter
expressed. ~
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my two sons Nathaniel Bryant & Charles Bryant, all the land
both upland & meadow with the buildings thereon, that I bought of Samuel
Clift, except about two acres before disposed off to them their heirs &
assigns forever.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my son Seth Bryant all the lands that he has already received, as
pr deed.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my son Joseph Bryant, all the land that he hath already received
as pr deed. –
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my four sons Nathaniel Bryant, Seth Bryant, Joseph Bryant &
Charles Bryant, all the rest & residue of my estate both real &
personal, not before disposed off, my just debts & legacies beforementioned
being first paid by my executor hereafter-named in one year after my decease;
furthermore my will & meaning is, that my four sons above-named, shall in
equal proportion pay the aforesaid yearly legacy to my wife, in case that she
accepts of the same instead of her right of dower in my estate. ~
Lastly, I do hereby
nominate, constitute, and appoint my son Seth Bryant sole executor of this my
last will & testament. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year before written.
~
Signed, sealed, published & declared by the Seth Bryant (seal)
sd. Seth Bryant to be his last will &
testament
in presence of William
Clift
Joseph
Clift
Lemuel
Mayhew
Presented for probate on 7 Aug. 1772 by Seth Bryant, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Clift and William Clift, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Seth Bryant, the
executor.
The inventory of the estate of Mr. Seth Bryant,
late of Marshfield, was appraised on 12 Aug. 1772 by Abijah White, John Tilden
and John White, and totaled £1059.4.7, including his real estate valued at
£780. Seth Bryant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 10 Aug.
1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 188-189, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Seth Bryant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In the name of God
amen. Know all men by these presents that I Seth Bryant of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being weak in body, yet
of a sound & disposing Memory (blessed be God for the same) yet knowing the
mortality of my body, that it is appointed for all men to die, do make &
ordain this to be my last will and Testament, to remain firm & inviolable.
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Lucy Bryant the use & improvement of all my
Estate both real & personal so long as she shall remain my widow, after the
following exceptions are attended to.
1st She my
said wife shall support & bring up my two daughters to the age of eighteen
years.
2d She my
said wife shall find sufficient support for my Mother during her natural life,
so far as her dower in my Father’s farm is insufficient for her support &
she my said wife shall remain my widow.
3d I
except my Carpenters & joiners tools
4th My
will is that my just debts & Funeral charges and cost of the settlement of
my Estate shall be paid out of my said personal Estate.
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my son Philander Bryant and to his heirs & assigns forever, one
undivided third part of all my Estate, both real & personal, to come into
the possession when the possession of my widow shall cease, he paying one
hundred dollars to my Daughter Marcia Bryant in one year after he shall come
into the possession of said Legacy.
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my son Caleb Bryant and to his heirs & assigns forever one
undivided third part of all my Estate both real & personal, to come into
the possession of the same when the possession of my widow shall cease by his
paying one hundred Dollars to my Daughter Lucy Bryant in one year after he
shall come into possession of said Legacy. – further I give & bequeath to
my said son Caleb all my Carpenters & joiners tools,
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my Daughter Marcia Bryant to her heirs & assigns forever one
hundred Dollars, to be paid to her by my son Philander Bryant, within one year
after he shall come into the possession of his Legacy from his Father’s will.
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my Daughter Lucy Bryant one hundred Dollars to be paid her by my
son Caleb Bryant in one year after he shall come into possession of the Legacy
from his Father’s will.
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my son Hilliard Bryant one undivided third part of my Estate both
real & personal after the improvement of my sd widow shall
cease.
Imprimis My will is
that my Friend Thomas Bennet shall be the sole Executor of this my last will
& Testament – Thus hoping that this my last will & Testament will be
safely kept & executed according to the Intent & meaning thereof I
therefore commend my soul to God who gave it, & my body to the dust in a
decent burial.
In
Testimony whereof I the said Seth Bryant have hereunto set my hand & seal
this twenty ninth day of August eighteen hundred & twenty two.
Signed, Sealed, pronounced &
declared to be his last will &
Testament in presence of Seth Bryant (seal)
Southworth Ellis
Southworth Ellis Jr
Alfred Soule
Presented for probate on 21 Oct. 1822 by Thomas Bennet
Esquire, the Executor therein named, and proved by Southworth Ellis and
Southworth Ellis Jr, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Bennet, the before named
Executor.
Joseph Clarke 2d & Joshua Eddy junr,
Esqrs, and Francis Atwood, Yeoman, all of Middleborough, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Seth Bryant, late of Middleborough, yeoman,
on 21 Oct. 1822. The Inventory, dated 28 Oct. 1822, totaled $2558.87, including
his home farm and buildings valued at $1650. Thomas Bennet Esqr.,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Nov. 1822.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, pp. 162-165, 180, from FHL
microfilm #0550909.
Will of Thomas Bryant of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God Amen The 15th. day of December
A.D. 1748. I Thomas Bryant of Scituate in the County of Plimouth in New England
Esqr being Sick and weak but of Sound Mind do make this my last will and
Testament First I recomend my Soul to god that gave it and my body to the Earth
to Decent Burial at the Discretion of my Execrs. hereafter named
& Touching such worldly Estate as God hath blessed me with in this life I
Give Devise and Dispose of the Same in manner following that is to Say. ~
Imps. I Give unto my beloved wife Mary Bryant all
those Articles & things which by Covenant with her before Marriage I was
Obliged to Do and perform
Item I Give unto my son Benjamin Bryant his heirs &
assigns for Ever The Land with the buildings theron where sd.
Benjamin now dwells on both Sides of the Road being about One hundred Acres
More or less Also about four Acres of Salt Marsh which I bought of Jeremiah
Hatch and about Eight Acre of upland which I bought of sd. Hatch
lying to the Westward of Israel Nickolss. land and so to Extend down
to sd. Four Acres, also my Cedar Swamp Near Mr. Symmss,
also all my land at a place Called Simonss Wigwam hill Saveing about
twenty four acres on the Westerly Side thereof hereafter in this my Will Given
to my son Thomas Provided and upon this Condition that he said Benjamin or his
heirs Shall upon Demand Confirm my son Thomas by Comon recoverey or any other
Legal Assurance In the Land which was Given to me by my Father in Free tail
where I now Dwell —
Item, I Give unto my Son Seth Bryant Two Acres & one
quarter of Salt Marsh which was Theo Witherels lying in Marshfield
be it more or less also all my land lying betwixt Wantons land and Dea Kings
land partly in Hanover & partly in Abbington being One hundred & fifty
Acres more or less which was formerly John Woodworths, To have & to hold
said lands To him said Seth his heirs and Assigns forever also I Give to sd.
Seth the least bond in which he is indebted to me & the money or bills due
thereby —
Item I Give to my son Thomas Bryant his heirs & Assigns
forever the Farm wheron I now dwell both upland Swampland and Salt Marsh being
about One Hundred Acres more or less lying on both sides of the Roade leading
up to the Meeting house, and Joyning partly on the Personage land, also twenty
four Acres of land at sd. Simons’. Wigwam hill being the Westerly
part of my said land there to be taken as large as the Ancient Measure thereof,
also One half of my Salt marsh which was Witherels and One half of the upland
Joyning therto betwixt sd. Marsh & sd. Nicholss.
land the whole being about Nine Acres, also I Give to him sd. Thomas
his heirs and Assigns my Four peices of land lying Near Amy Dwellys being in
the whole near thirty Acres, also my Pew which Joyns to Dea Cushings in the
South Meeting house in Scituate, he paying to my Son Lemuel Eight hundred
pounds old tenour Bills at my Decease—
Item. I Give unto my son Peleg Bryant the land where he now
Dwells being about Fourty Acres On the East Side of the Roade and about an Acre
and an half Joyning to Isaac Lincolns land & ye. roade and
fourty Acres more or less at or Near Wild Cat so Called and about fifteen Acres
which I bought of Thomas Clap Esqr, also about twelve Acres of land at Hanover
Joyning to David Curtiss. land, also about four Acres and a quarter
of Meadow land Joyning to Brookss. Island so Called, also the Other
half of my Marsh wch was Witherels & half the upland betwixt it
& Nicholss. land, also my Pew Joyning to Jonah Stutsons &
John Turners in the Southerly Meeting house in Scituate to have & to hold sd.
lands & Pew to him sd. Peleg his heirs & Assigns forever—
Item. I Give to my son Lemuel Bryant Five & twenty
hundred pounds Old tenour to be paid at my decease by my Execrs. the
Aforesd. Eight hundred pounds to be reckoned as part thereof
Item I Give to my daughter Mary Turner Two Thousand pounds
old Tenour Bills within Six months after my Decease by my Execrs
Lastly All the rest of my Estate I Give to my four sons
Benjamin Seth Thomas & Peleg & their heirs & Assigns forever &
do hereby Order them to pay my Just debts & the Legacies herein given Eight
Hundred pounds which Thomas is to pay full Short of paying my sd.
Debts & Legacies I Order them to pay Equally Out of what I have herein
given them And Do hereby Appoint them said Benjamin Seth Thomas & Peleg
Execrs. of this my Will In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal the day & year aforesaid
Signed Sealed published & Declared
By said Thomas Bryant to be his last
Will & Testament, In presence of Thomas Briant (seal)
Elisha
Randall
Prince
Rose
Abigail
Barstow
Probated on 23 Dec. 1748, and proved by Elisha Randall,
Prince Rose and Abigail Barstow, the witnesses. Administration on the estate of
Thomas Bryant Esqr., late of Scituate, were granted to Benjamin Bryant, Seth
Bryant, Thomas Bryant, and Peleg Bryant, the Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 11, p. 221-222, from FHL microfilm
#0551537.
Will of Timothy Bryant of Hingham, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
I
Timothy Bryant of Hingham, in the County of Plymouth, Gentleman, do make and
declare this instrument to be my last Will and testament
I
dispose of all the Estate of which I shall die seized and possessed as follows:
First.
I order my Executer herein after named to sell and dispose of all my Real
Estate by public auction and all my personal and mixed Estate by public or
private sale within one year after my decease; and I hereby fully authorize and
empower him to make and Execute all proper deeds and bills of sale of the same
as fully as if he were lisensed to make sale thereof by order of any court. It
is my express order that the furniture of the Old Colony House should be sold
separately from the said House and Real Estate connected therewith –
Second
– From the proceeds of said sales I order my Executor to pay all my just debts
and charges.
Third.
I give and bequeath to my mother Abigail Bryant the sum of One thousand dollars
to be paid to her out of said proceeds by my Executors, said sum to be at my
mother’s free disposal.
Fourth
I give to my house-keeper Mrs Susanna W. Smith the sum of One hundred dollars
in addition to any just claim she may have for services to be paid from said
proceeds.
Fifth.
I order my said Executor to invest the residue of my Estate after the payment
of my said debts and legacies in some safe securities or stock and to hold the
same in trust and the net income thereof to pay over from time to time to my
mother for her use during the term of her natural life ~
Sixth
– After the decease of my mother I give and bequeath all my Estate remaining in
the Executer’s hands or invested in trust, or however situated (saving and
excepting said debts and legacies) to my six brothers Ziba B. Danville, Theron,
George W. Charles and Edwin their respective heirs and assigns forever, in
equal parts to each.
Seventhly
– I hereby appoint my friend Luther J. Barnes to be Sole Executor of this my
last Will and testament.
In
witness whereof I the said Timothy Bryant have hereunto set my hand and seal
this thirtieth day of September in the Year Eighteen hundred and forty seven.
Timothy Bryant (seal)
Signed,
Sealed published and declared by the above named Timothy Bryant to be his last
Will and Testament in our presence and we at his request, in his presence and
in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses
Ned
Cushing
Isaac
Barnes
Soloman
Lincoln
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Apr. 1848 by Luther J. Barnes, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Ned Cushing and Solomon Lincoln, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Luther J. Barnes, the
Executor therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Timothy Bryant, Gentleman, late of Hingham, not dated, was appraised by Ned
Cushing, Isaac Little and N. Ripley Jr., his real estate valued at $8500, and
his personal estate totaled $3597.10, including a $400 share in the B&H
Steam Boat Co., and six carriages. Luther J. Barnes, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on the second Monday of Apr. 1848, and his application
for sale of the personal estate of the deceased was approved on 10 Apr. 1848.
Luther J. Barnes, of Hingham, was
appointed Executor of the last Will and Testament of Timothy Bryant, late of
Hingham, Gentleman, on 10 Apr. 1848, with Ned Cushing and Isaac Barnes, both of
Hingham, as sureties.
Ned Cushing and Isaac Little, of
Hingham, and Nehemiah Ripley Jr. of Hull were appointed to appraise the estate
of Timothy Bryant on 18 Feb. 1848.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 82-86, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 2H, p. 149.
Will of John Buck
of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of Massachusetts Bay (1697) *
In the name of God Amen The fourth Day of September in ye
year of our Lord 1697: I John Buck of Situate in ye County of
New Plimouth in New England being weak in Body yet of perfect Memory
Considering ye uncertainty of Mans life and that all men living must
die or be changed and then no more Enjoy this Transitory life, minding to put
in order such Estate as God hath Blessed me withall I do therefore first of all
Renounce Revoak & make void all & Every former & other Will &
Wils by me made & Declared by word or Writing And that this onely to be
taken for my last Will and Testament and none other for & Concerning all my
Goods Chattels & Debts. & first I Commend my Soul to Almighty God by
whome of his meere Grace I must to be saved and Received into Eternall Rest
through ye Death of my Saviour & Redeemer Jesus Christ. Item I
will that all Such Debts as I owe to any person or persons whatsoever by Law or
Covenant be fully and truly Satisfied & paid.
Item I Will that all my Housing & lands lying in Situate
be after my decease Sold and Equally divided Betwixt my Daughters.
Item I Give and Bequeath one Cow to my Daughter Chandler ~ ~
~
Item I Give and Bequeath to her Children Each of them one
Sheep ~ ~
Item I Give and Bequeath to Isaac Randalls two Children to
Each of them Six Shillings.
Item I Give and Bequeath to John Ganets Children twelve
shillings a peece
Item I Give and bequeath to all my Grand Children living at
And I Do hereby make ordaine & Declare my Son in Law
Isaac Randall to be my full whole & onely Executor of this my Last Will and
Testament—In Witness of this my Last Will and Testament I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Signed Sealed and declared The J mark of
in presence of us John
Buck & a (seal)
The W mark of
William Curtice Senr
John Curtis
James Torrey
William Curtice James Torrey & John Curtice the Witnesses
here named all of them appeared before William Bradford Esqr Judge
of probate on ye 27th day of September 1697 & made
oath in Plimouth that they were present and saw and heard John Buck the
Testator above named Sign Seal & Declare ye above Written
Instrument to be his last Will & Testament & that to ye best
of their Judgment he was of sound disposing mind & memory when he did ye
same
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
Isaac Randall, the Executor, was granted letters of
administration on 27 Sept. 1697.
An Inventory of ye Estate of John Buck Late of
Situate Deceased taken by us this 21th day of September 1697 whose
names are Subscribed. [Not totaled]
Elisha
Turner
James
Torrey
Memorand~ ye 27th of September 1697
Before Wm Bradford Esqr judge &c
Isaac Randall Executor of ye last Will & Testament of ye
above named John Buck deceased made oath in Plimouth that ye above
Written is a true Inventory of ye Goods Chattels Rights &
Credits of ye sd Deceased so far as he yet knoweth &
that when more Shall come to his knowledge he will cause it to be Added
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Bumpas of Wareham, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the name of God Amen, I John Bump of Warham in the County
of Plimouth being of Disposeing mind and Memory (blessed be God therefor) do
make and Ordain this my last will and Testament, As to my worldly Estate I
dispose of it in the following manner.
Imps I Give to my wife Rebecca (as her thirds,
Eight bushels of Indian Corn and four of Rye yearly, One barrel of meet some
beefe & some porke as she shall choose, yearly, Seven pounds of Sheeps wool
& ten of flax yearly, the Easterly End of my dwelling house, and it to be
repaired so as to be fit and convenient for her, One bed and furniture, and all
the household stuff dureing her life, also fire wood cut & drawed to the
door fit for the fire, a privilige of the Apples, and Cherries, and her Garden,
for her own use, I also Give her the Choice of One of my Cows and to be kept
for her Winter & Summer.
Item. I Give to my son Zephaniah Bump and to his heirs and
Assigns forever all my homestead viz, my Dwelling house and barn, upland &
Fresh meadow, also my peice of Salt Meadow at the broad Marsh, also a peice of
land and meadow at Agawam, all my land and Swamp in Plimton, as also my Oxen
& Cart, and all my farming tools, and all my wearing Cloathes, also my will
is that my son Zephaniah Shall provide for my wife as abovementioned all those
Articles and repair said house, but if he should fail in his performance my
will is that my wife Shall then have the improvement of One half of my
homestead both land and meadow for her use, he is also to pay the legacys when
payable, also all my Just debts and to provide for my wife in Sickness &
health –
Item. I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Bump and to her heirs
and assigns forever my peice of land & meadow In Woukn’uo neck, also my
Mare, and my remaining Stock both of Cattle & Sheep, and also my household
Stuff after her mothers decease, also liberty of liveing in my house with her
mother, and liberty of getting apples & Cherrys out of my Orchard dureing
her living a Single life.
Item. I Give to my three Grand Children heirs of my daughter
Hannah Bump deceasd viz, Lucy, Jonathan & Deliverance five Shillings each
when they Shall arrive to full age.
Finally. I do appoint and Ordain my son Zephaniah Bump to be
the Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament and I do hereby disanull
and revoke all & every other will made by me and Con firm this to be my
last, In Confirm this to be my last, In Confirmation hereof I do hereunto set
my hand and Seal this 24th. day of June Anno Domini 1763.
Signed Sealed published & Declared
by me the said John Bump as my
Last will & Testament, In the John Bumpas (seal)
presence of these witnesses
Samuel
Bumpas
Rhoda
Perry
Rowland
Thacher
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1764 by Zephaniah Bumpas, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Bumpas and Rowland Thacher, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Zephaniah Bumpas, the
Executor.
The Inventory of the Goods Chattles & Lands of John
Bumpus, late of Wareham, was appraised on 29 Apr. 1765 by Thomas Whetten,
Salathiel Bumpus, and Benjamin Briggs, and totaled £478.1.9, including his
homestead, lands, meadow, and buildings valued at £248, and other parcels of
land. Zephaniah Bumpus, the administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on 24
Oct. 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, pp. 135-136, 333-334, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of John Burrel of Abington, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the name of God
Amen: this twenty Eighth day of January AD 1754, I John Burrel of Abington in
the County of Plimouth and provintes of the Massachusets bay in New England
Yeoman; being Apprehensive of My approaching change, but of perfict Minde &
Memory, thanks be Given to God there for, calling to mind the mortality of my
body and Knowing that it is Appointed for all men Once to dye do make and
Ordain this my Last will and testament; that is to say: principally and first
of all, I Give Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my
Body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christan Burial at the
Discretion of my Execr., nothing Doubting but the General
Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the mighty power of God; and as
Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this
Life with, I Give and Demise and Dispose of the same, after my Debts and
funeral Charges are paid, in the following Manner and form —
Imprimis; I Give to my well Beloved wife all my Housing and
buildings, and my home place, and my Lands whereon they stand to Improve
Dureing the time of her Widdowhood or her Remaining my Wido. the
lands Containing about thirty acres bounded northerly on Benjamin Thaxter,
Easterly on the Small shear line and westerly on Joseph Bicknell and Southerly
as to Compleat about the abovesaid thirty acres; also I Give to my wife to
Improve two of my Cows, and one of my Swine Dureing the time of her Widdowhood,
and what I intend by my hom place is the lands whereon my House and Barn and
other Buildings are Standing, all which I Give to my wife to Improve Dureing
the time of her Widdowhood; also I Give to my wife all my Houshold Moveables to
her Own Disposal, also my Negro Girl named Priscilla to her own Disposal and
the time in my apprintes boy Dureing the time of his apprintiseship to be to my
wives use —
Item; I Give and Bequeath to my son Thomas Burrel all my
lands and Buildings that I have Given my wife to Improve to him his heirs &
assigns forever, and my said Son to Come into possession of the Same at the
time of his Mothers Decease or her Marraing again, also I Give to my Son Thomas
my yok of Oxen and my Colt and my Log chain and one Draft Chain and Iron Bar
and my Sith, and my two Calves and one of my Swine, and he to Come into
possession of the Same at my Decease, the above Bequest that I have Given to my
Son Thos. is to him his heirs and assigns forever he paying my Just
Debts —
Item; I Give and Bequeath to my Sons John Burrel, Joseph
Burril, Abra. Burrel and Humphrey Burrel all my other Estate that I
have not as yet Disposed of to Equally Divided among them four, to them their
heirs and Assigns forever, both Real and personal and I do hereby Constitute
make and ordain my son John Burrel my Soul Execr. of this my last
Will and Testamt., and I do hereby utterly Disalow Revoke Dissanul
all and Every other wills, Legacies, Bequests Execrs. before named
willed or Bequeathed, Ratifing and Confirming this and no other to be my last
will and Testament in the year and above written
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced, Deliverd }
& Declared by the said John Burrel to be his last }
will and testamt, in the presents of us the
Subscribers } John Burrel (seal)
Joseph Shaw
Micah Stockbridge
Benja. Shaw
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1754 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by Joseph Shaw, Micah Stockbridge and Benjamin Shaw.
Letters of Administration were granted to Jo. Burrel of Abington Yeoman, the
Execr. on the first day of April 1754.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 235-237, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Josiah Byram of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the name of God amen April 17th. 1805 I Josiah
Byram of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Gentleman, being far advanced in Age, but of a sound disposing Mind &
Memory, calling to mind the Frailty of Human Nature do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament principally and first of all I give &
recommend, my Soul to God who gave it, & my Body to the earth to be buried
in a Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executor; & touching my
worldly Estate, I do dispose of the same in Manner following
Imprimis. I give and bequeath unto Sarah my true & well
beloved Wife the use & Improvement of one third part of my improved Lands
one third of my Dwelling-House, Barn & Corn Barn, which I now occupy &
one third part of my right in a Saw Mill, one third part of my right in a pew
in the Meeting house No. 66 near the East door, I also give unto my
said Wife, & hereby order my Executor hereafter named to provide or cause
to be provided suitable & sufficient Wood at the Door cut fit for one Fire,
for & so long as she shall remain my Widow, which if faithfully &
constantly performed, she my said widow shall not make or challenge any right
of Dower in or on any part of my wood or timber Land. Furthermore, I give &
bequeath unto my said Wife one third part of my household Goods & indoor
Furniture, also one third of the Corn & Grain & provisions of every
kind & Wool & Flax that may be on hand at my decease, with one third of
my Books (except John Flavel’s works in 2 large Volumes & my New Great
Bible) all which to be at her disposal forever, & one third part of the Hay
that may be on the place at my decease.—
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son George Byram &
his Heirs forever one third of my wearing Apparel; also Mr John
Flavels works in two Volumes one large Copper Kettle & Clothier’s press,
also I give to his Son Josiah what notes of hand I have against sd.
George Byram
Item. I give & bequeath unto my Son David Byram &
his Heirs & Assigns forever a certain piece or parcel of Land lying in the
Town of Bridgewater, bounded as follows beginning at the north east Corner of
Josiah Hill’s Land, thence easterly in Eleazer Whitman’s range twenty six rods,
to a stake & stones standing in sd. range thence south thirty
six degrees east to an old maple standing on the Bank of the Brook about twenty
rods below the Saw Mill then west thirty five degrees south five rods, then
south thirty five degrees east crossing the Brook untill it comes to a Stone
Wall, then by sd. Wall untill it comes on the old ways of a Saw
Mill, where it comes to the Land I bought of Ebenezer Whitman, then South
thirty five degrees east to the Highway, then southerly by the Highway to
Nathan Whitman’s land, then in sd Whitman’s range to a rock, south
east corner of Josiah Hills land then sd. Hill’s range to the first
bounds, reserving an allowance for a Highway through said Lands I also give him
about two Acres of low meadow, beginning at a Corner bounds of Josiah Johnson’s
range & not many rods southward of an old Ditch, then running in the old
ditch untill it strikes Asa Whitmarsh’s land, then in his range untill it comes
to Josiah Johnson’s Land, then in his range thirty four rods till it comes to
another Bound of said Johnson then westerly to the first Bounds.—
Item I give and bequeath unto sd. David’s Son
Preston Byram a certain piece of Land, the south west Field in my Homestead
joining to sd. David’s farm, all wall is in except Bars about four
acres & half, be the same more or less to be in the possion of my Executor
of Heirs untill said Preston arrives at the age of twenty one years, then sd.
Executor or his Heirs is to see sd. Preston has proper Security of
said Land, to him & his Heirs forever but if sd. preston doth
not live to the age of twenty one Years, then my Executor or ~~ Heirs is to
have the possion of it forever. (said Preston born Feby. 1797)
Item. I likewise give & bequeath unto my Son David one
fourth part of a pew in the meeting house No. 21 in the front &
one third of my wearing apparel.—
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Branch Byram & to
his Heirs & assigns forever my Homestead farm with the Buildings thereon
standing excepting one half of a Saw-Mill & Lumber yard (reserving the use
& Improvement of one third of the Dwelling-house one third of the Barn
& Corn Barn to my wife during her Widowhood & one room after her to
Mary if not married with such other privileges to Mary as shall hereafter be
expressed in her Legacy — The Land bounded as follows beginning at a Stake
& Stones in Eleazer Whitman’s range & corner of Beginning at a Stake
& Stones in Eleazer Whitman’s range & corner of David Byram’s lot,
thence in sd. David’s range untill it comes to preston Byram’s field
thence taking the north ward wall & running in that range & Wall on
three sides untill it strikes said David’s range and in that range untill it
comes to the Highway thence northward by sd. Highway to a Red oak a
Bound of Eleazer Whitman & where the road turns & leads to Josiah
Johnson’s, thence by several turns by Eleazer Whitman’s land to the first
mentioned bound. I also give him my said Son Branch my Pew in the Meeting house
near the East Door No. 66, he to come into possession of two thirds
at my decease, & the other third at the decease or marriage day of his
Mother. I also, give him two thirds of my out door moveables the other third
after his Mother’s decease or Marriage, the Remainder of my Neat Stock after my
Wife’s part is set off. I also give him my New Great Bible furthermore I give
unto my Son Branch Byram & to his Heirs & Assigns forever one half of a
Saw Mill with all the privileges thereto belonging is to come into possession
of two thirds of the half at my decease; the other third at the decease or
Marriage day of his Mother, I likewise give sd. Branch one third of
my wearing Apparel.—
Item. I give and bequeath unto my four Daughters Mary
Whitman Nabby Clift, Ruth Alden & Mary Byram & to their Heirs as
follows viz. to Mary Byram one sixth part of my Household Goods & indoor
Moveables after her Mother’s thirds are divided off and the remainder of my
said Goods to be equally divided between my said four Daughters.—
Item. I also will and bequeath unto my said Daughter Mary
fifty Dollars to be paid her by my Executor, when she arrives to eighteen Years
of Age (June 1806) and one hundred Dollars to be paid her by my Executor, on
her Marriage day should she marry otherwise my Will is that she shall improve
after the decease or marriage of her Mother, one fire room with a privilege of
using the Well, Oven, Cellar & Dairy room, what part of each, which is
necessary for one to use, while she remains unmarried & my Executor to
provide her sufficient fire wood at the Door cut fit for the fire & keeping
for a Cow if she require it during her unmarried state.—
Item I also give and bequeath all my printed Books that
are not disposed of unto my two Youngest Sons & my four Daughters equally.—
Item I give and bequeath unto my said Son Branch Byram (whom
I hereby appoint sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament) all &
singular the residue of my Estate, Goods & Chattels of what name or nature
soever not otherwise disposed of hereby ordering & directing him my said
Son, to pay all my just & honest debts & funeral Charges & to pay
out the several Legacies & to provide for his Mother, sufficient firewood
as set forth in her bequest —
And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disannul all
and every of former Wills Testaments Legacies bequests & Executors by me in
any Wise named willed and bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no
other to be my last Will & Testament
In witness whereof I have unto set my hand & Seal the day
& Year above written—
Signed sealed pronounced & declared
by the said Josiah Byram to be his
last Will & Testament in presence of us Josiah Byram (seal)
Eleazer
Whitman
Josiah
Hill
William
Robinson junr.
Presented for probate on the second
day of June 1806 by Branch Byram, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Josiah Hill and William Robinson junr., two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Branch Byram, the before
named Executor.
Bridgewater
April 19th. 1810 ~
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Judge of
Probate &c for the County of Plymouth.
I
do hereby will and grant that my Mother may have her Dower or thirds given her
in my Father’s last will & Testament set off as well in the woodland or
Timber land which is devised to me in said Will as in the other Real Estate
therein mentioned notwithstanding any provision in said Will beneficial to me
to the contrary; as I do not intend to furnish her any longer with fire wood as
mentioned in said Will—In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal
this day & Year first above written –
Signed Sealed & delivered in
presence of us – Branch Byram (seal)
Nahum Mitchell
Lot Whitmarsh
Plymouth Ss. April 19th 1810 personally appeared the above named Branch
Byram and acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free act & Deed
before me
Nahum
Mitchell, J. Peace
Lot Whitmarsh, Benjamin Robinson
and Benjamin Pincin, all of Bridgewater, Gentlemen, were appointed to set off
to Sarah, widow of Josiah Byram, late of Bridgewater, one third part of his
improved land as her right of Dower for her use during her Widowhood on 20 Apr.
1810. Approved on 15 Aug. 1810.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
452-454, from FHL microfilm #0550901, and Vol. 43, p. 258-259.
Will of Nicholas Byram of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1727) *
In ye. Name of God Amen. The Eighteenth day of
august anno Domini 1727. I Nicholas Byram of Bridgewater in ye.
County of Plymouth In New: England, being Ill & weak in Body, but of
Perfect mind & memory, Thanks be to God: therefore Calling to mind ye.
mortality of my Body: I do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament,
That is to Say, Principally & first of all I give & Recomend my Soul
into ye. Hands of God yt. gave it: & my Body I Comitt
to ye. Earth to be decently Buried at ye discretion of my
executors hereafter named, beleiving yt. at ye. general
Resurrection I Shall Receive ye. same again by ye.
almighty Power of God: And as touching Such worldly Estate Wherewith it hath
Pleased God to bless me in this Life: I give demise & dispose of ye.
same: in ye. following manner & forme.
Imprimis: I give & Bequeath to Mary my Well:beloved wife
(besides what Provision has already been made for Her Support) the Improvement
& Benefit of all my meadow att Snell’s meadow, and a Peice of Land
Containing about five acres lying between Elnathan Bassetts Land & John
Carys: as also an Enclosure of meadow Land about Seven acres lying
in ye. North Easterly Side of black brook Swamp, all to be Enjoyed
by Her during ye. time of Her natural Life: Also all my moveables or
Personal Estate.
Item: I give to my Son Nicholas Byram His Heirs &
assignes for Ever (besides what I formerly gave Him by deed) a Tract of Land In
Abington lying on ye. Easterly Side of ye. country Rhoad
about Sixty acres & a Tract of about ten acres of meadow land near broad
Cove also five acres which was formerly Samuel Pools meadow In Bridgewater
& Halfe a Purchase Right in ye. undivided Lands. I also give to
His Son Jesse Byram His Heirs & assignes for Ever a twenty acre Lott of
Land of ye. East Division lying near to bank: Hill.
Item. I give to my Son Ebenezer Byram (whome together with my
Wife before mentioned I do hereby Constitute & appoint to be ye.
Executors of this my last Will) I give to Him His Heirs & assignes for Ever
(besides what I formerly gave Him by deeds) a Lott of meadow at Poor meadow
which was formerly Deacon Fobes, and Eight acres on ye. Easterly
side of black brook Joyning to that which was John Hawards meadow Land: also
halfe a Purchase Right in ye. undivided Lands: and five Pounds in
moveable Estate, also Six acres of Land on ye. Easterly Side of ye.
Rhoad beyond Birch Swamp, formerly Isaac Harriss.
Item: I give to my Son Josiah Byram His Heirs & assignes
for Ever (besides what I formerly gave Him by deed) Seven acres of Land of
which His mother has ye. Improvement during Her life in ye.
North Easterly Side of black: brook Swamp, with three acres more Joyning to ye.
south westerly End & Halfe a Purchase Right in ye. undivided
Land.
Item: I give to my Son Joseph Byram His Heirs & assignes
for Ever Halfe a twen acre Lott of ye. Last division at black brook,
& Halfe a Purchase Right in ye. undivided Lands. I also give to
ye. above named Ebenezer Byram: and Josiah Byram & Joseph Byram
their Heirs & assignes for Ever, all ye. Remainder of my Lands
in black: brook Swamp not already disposed of.
Item: I give to my daughter Mehitable ye. wife of
Elisha Allen to Her Her Heirs & assignes for Ever all yt. Land
of mine by lying joyning to Sd. Elisha Allens. Home
living being near Sixty acres Joyning together, Part of Several division as
also one quarter Part of my meadow at Snells meadow after Her mother decease.
Item: I give to my daughter Mary ye. wife of
Edward Haward Her Heirs & assignes for Ever my two Lotts in ye.
Cedar Swamp Called ye. Eagles nest or ye. Town Cedar
Swamp: also five acres of meadow at Snells meadow after Her mothers’ decease.
Item: I give to my daughter Susannah ye. wife of
Jonathan Bass, to Her Her Heirs & assignes for Ever ye.
Remainder of my meadow Land at Snells meadow after Her mothers’
decease: and also two bonds for money Signed by sd. Jonathan Bass’
Containing about fourty one Pound. And further my will is yt. after
my Just debts: funeral Charges & all other necessary Expence is duly
Satisfyed & Paid yt. after ye. decease of my wife
there be a Just & Equal Division of all my Stock Household goods &
other moveables (Except what is above disposed of) among all my Children before
named.
memorandum ye. Cutterend of ye. 23 line
with ye. 24 & ye forepart of ye. 25th.
being an oversight in writing was Cancelled & blotted out before Signing
& Sealing.
Signed Sealed & Pronounced by ye. sd.
Nicholas Byram to be His last Will Nicholas Byram (seal)
& Testament In Presence of
Joseph Edson
Recompence Cary
James Cary
Octobr. ye. 20. 1727. Joseph Edson,
Recompence Cary & James Cary all of Bridgewater in ye. County of
Plymouth: made oath yt. they Saw ye. above named Nicholas
Byram Signe Seal & Heard Him declare ye. above written
Instrument to be His last will & Testament & yt. at ye.
same time they Sett to their Hands as Wittnesses: and yt. also
according to ye. best of their observation He then was of a Sound
& disposing mind & memory.
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probates
The will of Capt. Nicholas Byram, late of
Bridgewater, was presented for probate on the first day of October 1727, and
administration of the estate was granted to Mr. Ebenezer Byram, one
of the sons of the deceased, and Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Captain Nicholas Byram, late
of Bridgwater, who deceased on 12 Sept. 1727, was appraised by Joseph Edson,
Recompence Cary, and James Cary on 19 Oct. 1727, but not totaled. Lands willed
to Nicholas Byram were valued at £200, lands willed to Ebenezer Byram were
valued at £80, the land lying near black brook Swamp was valued at £176, two
purchase rights in undivided lands were valued at £60, lands willed to the
three daughters were valued at £380.10, a lot of land willed to Jesse Byram was
valued at £30, and three pieces of land not disposed of were valued at £64.
Ebenezer Byram, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Oct. 1727.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of George Cadman of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1718) *
To all people to whom these presents shall Come Greeting
&c: I George Cadman of Darthmouth in the County of Bristol within the
province of the Masachusets Bay in New England being very Sick & weak in
Body But of perfect mind & memory thanks be given unto God therefore
Calling to mind the mortality of my Body & knowing that it is Apointed once
for men to Dye: Therefore for Setling & desposing of my Worldly Estate do
make this my Last Will & Testament to be of force after my Decease hereby
making null & Void all other Wills by me formerly made & Rattifing this
to be my Last Will & Testament.
Imprimis I Give & bequeath to Hannah my dearly beloved
wife all my homestead farm that is laid out in the Eight hundred acre [torn]
Land with all [torn] to the above sd [torn] until my Granson George
White [torn] to the age of [torn] & when my sd Granson [torn]
White shall Arive to the age of twentyone years my Will is that he shall have
& Immediately posses the [torn] of of all the abovesd Land &
meadow & to his half on the north side of both upland & meadow by [___]
to the South Side of the above sd Land & meadow with all the
Housing orchards fences & apratences thereon or thereunto belonging my Will
is that my sd Loving wife Hannah shall have & quietly posses
dureing the time of her natural Life & Immadiately after my wives Deceas
all the above sd Land & meadow I Give to my sd
Granson George White to him his heirs & assignes for Ever.
Item I Give & bequeath to my loveing daughter Elizabeth
White & to her Husband William White all the upland & meadow that is
laid out where they now live with two acres & fifty Rods of Sedg flat Lying
in [___] river at the Shiprock flat & one hundred & five acres of land
in the four hundred acre devition as it is laid out & qualified & one
quarter of acre of seder swamp all the [torn] land meadow & Ceder swamp is
scituate Lying & being within the [torn]mouth afore sd [torn] my
daughter Elisabeth & her Husband William White the one half of my last
devition of land the above sd land meadow & Ceder swamp given to
my sd daughter Elisabeth White & her Husband William White to be
& remain to them dureing the time of their naturall Lives and after their
deceas the Homested farm where the sd William White now liveth I
give to my Granson William White to him his heirs & Assignes for Ever:
& the one hundred & five acres of upland above given to my Daughter
Elisabeth White & her Husband William White after their Deceas I Give to my
Granson Roger White to him his heirs & Assignes for Ever: & the
remaining part of my hour hundred acre devitio being ninty five acres as it is
laid out & qualified I Give to my Granson Christopher White to him his
heirs & Assignes for Ever: & all my meadow, or sedg flat lying on the
Ship flat & allso all my Last devition of land I Give to my two gransons
viz: Roger White & Christopher White & to be Equally devided between my
sd two Granson & to be & remain to them their heirs &
Assignes for Ever: Item I give to my four Gransons William George Roger &
Christopher one half Share of Ceder swamp to them theirs heirs & Each of
their heirs & Assignes for Ever: that is to say one quarter of a share att
my Deces & the other quar of a share after [torn] father & all others
Deceas
[torn] Anthony Daughter of John Anthony of Rhoad Island five
pound [torn] & good Bed & Beding thereto belonging to be paid by my
Executrix hereafter named
Item I give & bequeath unto my negro man James his
freedom after the expiration of three years & three quarters from the Date
of these presents: Item: I give to my daughter Elisabeth White Thirty pound to
be paid by my sd Executrix out of my personall Estate: and all the
rest & residue of my personall Estate I give & bequeath to my true
& Loving wife Hannah whome I Constitute & appoint to be my whole &
soule Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament I Witness where of I the sd
George Cadman have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty fourth of
November In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighteen.
Be
known by these presents that before the signing & sealing of these presen
I
the above sd George Cadman do order my Executrix the above named to
pay
my
grandaughter Elisabeth White twenty pound to be Leivied out of my
sd
Estate.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounsed George Cadman
& Declared by the above sd George
Cadman to be his Last Will &
Testament in the presence of
Us the Subscribers
William Cadman
Robert Tripp
Joseph Tripp
Proved on 6 Jan. 1718/19 by William Cadman, Robbert Trip and
Joseph Tripp.
Letters of Administration were granted to Hannah Cadman widow
relect of Mr George Cadman late of Dartmouth with James Tripp and
William Cadman both of Dartmouth as sureties on 6 Jan. 1719.
Elezebeth White gave a receipt to Hannah Cadman for her share
of the estate of George Cadman on 29 June 1736 witnessed by William White.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “George Cadman, Dartmouth, 1718,”
from FHL microfilm #572195, the will
badly damaged with age, but a note in the file refers to the researcher to look
at Record Book 3, p. 500 for the transcribed copy. Unfortunately Record Book 3
does not appear to have been microfilmed by the LDS Church, nor was it
abstracted by H. L. Peter Rounds, so this is the best I am able to make out.
Will of Hannah Cadman of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
The Last will and testament of Hannah Cadman of Dartmouth in
the County of Bristol in the province of the Masachusets Bay in New England
Widow Being weak of Body But of Sound Disposeing mind and memory thanks be
given to god there fore Calling to Mind the Mortalitie of my Body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men and women once to die and being willing to
give and dispose of this worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased god to bles
me with in this Life to and amongst my Daughter and Grand Children do demise
and dispose of the same in manner and form following
Imprimis I will and order that all my Just debts and dues be
paid by my Executor hear after named in Convenient time after my deceas
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth White Wife
to William of sd Dartmouth all my Wearing apparril also my Silver
tankard and Smalest Silver Spoon.
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Grandson William White my
Great Bible My Bigest Silver Cup and My Silver Spoon Marked with the Letters W
C and fifty pounds in money or Bills of Credit old teanor
Item I give and Bequeath to my son George White one Silver
Spoon and my Gun which was his Grand father Cadmans together with my Cubbord
that stands in the Chamber I also give unto him my sd Grand son
George White all my farming tools as Cart yoaks Chains axes hoes and other
tools
Item I Give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Sarah Brown
Wife of John Brown of Tivertown my Small Silver Cup and one Silver Spoon and
twenty pounds in Money or Bills of Credit old teanor
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Grand daughter Hannah Taber
Wife of William Taber of Dartmouth aforesd twenty five pounds in
money or Bills of Credit old teanor to be paid to her, as also the Money above
Given to My Grand daughter Brown by My Executor hear after named out of My Mony
by me or in Bond, due to me
Item I Give and Bequeath To my two Great Granddaughters
hannah Slocum and Mary Slocum Daughters to My Grand Daughter Elizabeth Slocum
deceased thirty pounds in Mony or Bills of Credit old teanor to be paid by my
Executor that is to Say to Each of them fiften pounds as they shall Come to the
age of Eightiten years but if Either of them shall die Before they Receive
their portion my will is that the next surviveing Sister shall have it
Item I Give and bequeath to five of my other Grand Children
Beside Beside who are above named (Viz) Roger White Christopher White oliver
White Thomas and Susanna White to Each of them one Silver Spoon to Be delivered
to Each of them by my Executor hear after named When they Severaly shall be
Capable to Receive them Either by age or Guidains
Item My Mind and Will is that all the Remainder of My Estate
not hear in Given away Before as mony by me or in bonds houshold Goods Indores
and out dores moveables Chattels Sheep hors Kind and al other my Cretures Shall
Be Equaly Divided (Except what I shall hear after Give to Grand daughter
Susanna White) Which I Equaly to Give to My Daughter Elizabeth White and my Six
Grand Children namely William White Roger White Christopher White oliver White
Abner White Thomas White and Susanna White But My Mind and will is that My
Grand daughter Susanna White Shall have My Best feather Bed and Bolster in part
of her Equal Shear of the Whole so Give to My Daughter and Grand Children
Item I Constitute and appoint my well beloved Grand son
William White to be my Whole and sole Executor to this My Last Will and
testament to be the same well and truly performed and I do hear by Revoke and
make void all other and former wills by me hear to fore made Ratifieing and
Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and testament In Witnes Where
of I have hear unto Set My hand and seal this thirtenth Day of the 12mo
Called februery anno domini 1748/9
Signed Sealed published her
pronounced and declared Hannah __
Cadman (seal)
By the sd Hannah Cadman Mark
To be her Last will and
Testament in presents of us
the Subscribers
Benjamin Tripp
Joseph Tripp
Beriah Goddard
Probated on 2 May 1749, and proved by Benjamin Trip and
Joseph Trip, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Hannah Cadman Widdow, was
appraised by Joseph Brownell, Richard Cornell and Timothy Tripp on 14 Mar.
1749, and totaled £1717.19.00, and attested to before Silvester Richmond,
Justice of the Peace. William White, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 May 1749.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Hannah Cadman, Dartmouth, 1749,”
from FHL microfilm #0572195.
Will of John Carver of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
In the
name of God Amen, I John Carver of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, do make and ordain this Instrument to be
my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all others. –
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Carver
one half of all the Personal property which I shall leave at my decease,
including Debts due to me, to her use and disposal forever, and also the use
and improvement of one half of my Real Estate, excepting the Farm whereon my
son Josiah now lives, after the payment of my Just Debts and Funeral Charges
for which payment some part of my said Real Estate is first to be disposed of,
and she my said wife is to have the improvement of one half part of the
remainder during her natural life. –
And in case that the Personal Estate and Improvement above
bequeathed shall not be sufficient for her comfortable support then my will is
that so much of the land set to her to improve shall be sold as shall be
sufficient for her comfortable support.
Item, I give and bequeath to my son Josiah Carver my Wearing
appearel, and also the use and improvement of Four Acres off the Northeast
corner of the Farm where he now lives, including the Buildings, during his
natural life, And my will is that his sons shall have said premises after his
decease, or if he leaves no Son then my will is that it shall be to his
Daughters, And my Will is, and I hereby authorize and direct my Executer
hereafter named to quit and pass Deeds to convey all my right title which I have
in and to the remainder of said Farm whereon my said son Josiah now lives to
his two Sons John Carver 2d and Orlando Carver they the said John
and Orlando paying to my Estate three Hundred dollars for the same, in case I
leave said remainder of said Farm unsold at my decease.~
Item, I give and bequeath to my Two daughters Mercy the wife
of Joseph Benson and Patia the wife of Benjamin Coombs Twenty Dollars each, to
be paid in one year after my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter in law Nancy Wood
the privelege of living in my Dwelling House, and getting as much wood off of
my land as shall be sufficient, for her fire and the privelege of raising as
much vegetables as she needs for her use as long as she remains a widow and
likes to improve them, but she is not hereby to have the right to sell or let
the same to any other person,
Item, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Dorothy Carver all
and singular the rest and residue of my property both Real and Personal
wherever the same may be found, and also the reversion which may remain in that
part of my real estate after the decease of my said Wife, To have and to hold
to her, her heirs and assigns forever
Item I do constitute and appoint William Nelson Sole Executor
to this my last will and Testament and hereby direct him to give my body
Christian burial, after my decease, and speedily to pay all my just debts and
Funeral charges. ~
In Witness Whereof I the said John Carver have hereunto set
my hand and Seal this twelfth day of March AD. one thousand Eight hundred and
thirty three,
John Carver (seal)
Signed, Sealed and declared by the above named John Carver to
be his last Will and Testament in presence of us who in his presence and in the
presence of each other have here to set our names as Witnesses
Barnabas Perkins
William O. Barrows
Abiah N. Perkins
Presented for probate on 6 May 1834, and proved by Barnabas
Perkins, William O Barrows and Abiah N Perkins, the subscribing witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to William Nelson on 6 May 1834.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Carver, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by William O Barrows, Jonathan Cobb, and Horatio
N. Cobb on 6 June 1834, his real estate totaled $2715, including his homestead
farm valued at $1800, 4 acres of land on which Josiah Carver now lives on
valued at $200, and 250 acres of land in Maine valued at $250, and his personal
estate totaled $328.21. William Nelson, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 1 Dec. 1834.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 76, pp. 209-211, 580, from FHL
microfilm #0555263.
Will of Joseph Carver of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Joseph Carver of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth being thro’ the abundant mercy & Goodness of God of a
sound mind & perfect understanding & memory, do constitute this my Last
Will & testament, & desire it may be recieved by all as such—first, I
most humbly bequeath my soul to God my maker, beseeching his most gracious
acceptance of it, through the all sufficient merits and mediation of my most
compassionate redeemer Jesus Christ, who I trust will not reject me but prepare
me for the time of my disolution & then take me to himself, into that peace
& rest & incomparable felicity which he has prepared for all that Love
& fear his holy name. amen. blessed be God – I Give my body to the Earth
from whence it was taken, in full assurance of its resurrection from thence at
the Last day, as for my burial, I desire it may be decent at the discretion of
my Executor hereafter named, as to my worldly Estate, I Will and positively
order that all my debts be paid
First—I Give to my dear and Loving wife for the term that she
remains my widow one third part of my Land improvements Lying near the house in
which I now dwell, the best room of which, I also Give her, a Bed &
furniture, one table, two chairs, a pot & kettle & half the Earthen
ware all for her improvement during said term
Item—I Give to my son Robert Carver & my daughter
Experience Lummis, to his & her heirs & Assigns forever all my personal
& Real Estate, not yet disposed otherwise of, to be equally divided between
them except my wearing apparell, which I Give to my Son Robert, or the whole to
my son Robert ordering him to pay Experience ten pounds, ordering them to pay
unto my son Joseph Carver the sum of Five shillings immediately after my
decease, also I order them to pay unto my daughter Elisabeth Packard Five
shillings, also to my second son Benjamin Carver the sum of three pounds
thirteen shillings & four pence & to my daughter Sarah Porter the Like
sum, I also order my said son Robert & daughter Experience to pay unto my
Grandson Abiezer Porter twelve shillings and Eight pence, and I do hereby order
and constitute Perez Fobes of said Bridgwater to be the Sole Executor of this
my last Will and testament, & trustee for my wife & children. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of June
& in the year of our Lord 1764
Witnesses
Benjamin Keith Joseph Carver (seal)
Libeus Fobes
Silvea Fobes ~
Presented for probate on 28 Sept. 1778 by Perez Fobes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Keith and Libeus Fobes, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Perez Fobes, the
before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Joseph Carver,
late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 29 Sept. 1778 by Josiah Fobes, Christopher
Dyer, and James Leach, and totaled £766.8.6, including his homestead lands and
barn and 2½ acres of swamp valued at £453.0. Perez Fobes, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 5 Oct. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 92-94, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Caleb Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
Be it remembered that I Caleb Cary of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, considering the Uncertainty of
this mortal Life & being of sound and perfect mind & Memory, blessed be
almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last will &
Testament in manner & form following
First I
will that all my just Debts & funeral Charges be paid & discharged by
my Executor herein after named.—
2dly.
I give & bequeath to my honoured Mother Mary Cary all my real &
personal Estate Goods & Chattels of every name & Nature whatsoever
excepting what shall be herein after given and described to be to her whole
Disposal & Improvement forever.—
3dly.
I give to my Sister Betsey Gilbert my two third parts of south-brook Meadow (so
called) which I own in common & undivided with her at this time for her use
& disposal.—
Lastly I
do hereby constitute & appoint Mr. Nathaniel Gilbert Executor of
this my last Will & Testament.— In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the twentieth day of
February eighteen hundred & sixteen
Signed Sealed & declared by the within named
Caleb Cary to be his last Will & Testament
in presence of us.— Caleb Cary (seal)
Nathan
Mitchell
Ezra
Hyde
Daniel
Mitchell –
Presented for probate on 2 April 1816 by Nathaniel Gilbert,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Mitchell and Daniel Mitchell
Esquires, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Nathaniel Gilbert, the before named Executor.
Daniel Mitchell Esqr., Holman Sprague,
Cabinet-maker, and Abram Washburn, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed
to appraise the Estate of Caleb Cary, late of Bridgwater, on 2 Apr. 1816. The
Inventory of the Estate of Caleb Cary, late of Bridgwater, dated May 1816, totaled
$3028.00, including his real estate valued at $2667. Nathl. Gilbert,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 June 1817.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p. 1-2, from FHL microfilm
#0550905, and Vol. 50, p. 238.
Will of Ephraim Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In the name of God Amen – the thirty first day of March in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine.— I Ephraim
Cary of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be
given to God therefor, and calling to mind the mortality of my body &
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this
my Last will & testament, that is to say principally & first of all, I
give & recommend my soul into ye hands of God that gave it, and
my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the
discretion of my executor nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in his Life, I
Give and dispose of the same in the following manner
Imprimis, I Give
& bequeath to Mary my beloved wife, all the Linnen Cloth she hath made
while Living with me, I further give unto her while she remains my widow the
sole improvement of one half of all my Lands not heretofore disposed of, also
one half of my dwelling house with a Right in my Barn & Corn Barn to
improve such a part of them as shall be necessary for her own use, with a Right
to set in my Pew in the meeting house, also ye improvement of two
Cows & the improvement of a horse to ride on when she shall want, also my
indoor moveables not heretofore disposed of, and such a part of Corn Grain
& provisions stored up in the house or barn at the time of my decease as
shall be necessary for her own consumption & for keeping two Cows the
ensuing season, and at the expiration hereof all the Lands, buildings, with the
Cows horse, Pew & two feather beds & bedding to return to my executor,
and all the other indoor moveables to Return to my Daughter Anna Cary
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my Son Daniel Cary, thirteen pounds six shillings & eight pence
to be paid him by my Executor in Quick Stock at the expiration of one year
after my decease, if he be then alive also the one half of my wearing apparell,
which together with what I formerly gave him I think to be his full share out
of my estate
Item – I Give and
bequeath unto my Daughter Anna Cary all my indoor moveables except two feather
beds & bedding which I have heretofore given to my Executor, to her forever
after her mother’s decease and the improvement of one Cow & one half of my
dwelling house, and such part of my Barn & Corn barn as shall be necessary
for her own use with a Right in my orchard to as many apples as she wants for
her own use, also one half of my books so Long as she shall remain unmarried at
the expiration of which the buildings & Pew which I give her a Right to set
in to Return to my Executor, which together with what I formerly gave her, I
judge to be her full share out of my estate
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my Daughter Azubah Johnson wife to Josiah Johnson five shillings to
be paid her by my Executor in one year after my decease, with what I formerly
gave her I think to be her full share out of my Estate
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my Daughter Phebe Allen wife to Ezra Allen five shillings, to be
paid to her by my Executor in one year after my decease, that together with
what I formerly gave her, I judge to be her full share of my Estate
Item I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Susannah
Keith wife to Asa Keith five shillings, to be paid unto her by my Executor in
one year after my decease which together with what I have heretofore given her
I think to be her full share out of my estate
Item – I Give &
bequeath unto my Daughter Huldah Allen wife to Simeon Allen, five shillings, to
be paid unto her by my Executor in one year after my decease, that together
with what I have heretofore given her I think to be her full share of my estate
Item
– I Give and bequeath to my son Ephraim Cary junr, whom I Likewise
constitute and appoint the sole Executor of this my Last will & testament,
all & singular my Lands, Buildings, tenements, Goods & Estate both
Real, Personal & mixed of every sort & kind not heretofore disposed of,
and if my son Daniel Cary should not be Living at the time herein prefixed for
Recieving his Legacy, said Legacy to remain & be the property of my
Executor, to him the said Ephraim Cary junr. his heirs & assigns
forever, hereby Obliging him, his heirs, Executors & administrators to pay
all my just debts, funeral Charges & the Legacies herein named, willed
& bequeathed, and I do confirm unto him the said Ephraim Cary junr,
his heirs & assigns forever my buildings Lands & Pew in the meeting
house when his mother & sister shall have done with the improvement of them
agreable to this will, and I Do Ratify and confirm this & no other, my Last
will & testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal this day &
year above written. –
Signed, Sealed Published,
Pronounced &
delivered by said Ephraim Cary as
his Last Ephraim Cary (seal)
will and testament, in presence of
us
Cushing
Mitchell
Jacob
Hill junr
Samuel
Beals
Presented for probate on 5 March
1792 by Ephraim Cary, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Hill junr.
and on ye. 30th day of ye. same month by
Cushing Mitchell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ephraim Cary, yeoman, the before named Executor,
with Jacob Hill junr. yeoman and Cushing Mitchell Gentleman, all of
Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 492-494, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Francis Cary
of
In the Name of God Amen: The Second day of January 1723/4. I
Francis Cary of Bridgewater in ye County of Plymouth in ye
Province of ye massachusetts Bay In New: England Husbandman being
aged & Infirm of Body thô (thrô Divine goodness) of Perfect mind &
memory & Calling to mind the mortality of my Body & knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to dye; Do make & ordain this my Last will &
Testament that is to Say Principally & first of all: I Recomend my Soul
into ye Hands of God that gave it & my Body to a decent Burial
at ye Discretion of my Executors nothing Doubting but at ye
general Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same again by ye mighty
Power of God; and as Touching That worldly Estate that God has blest me with I
give Demise & dispose of ye same in ye following
manner & form.
Imprimis I give & Bequeath unto my Eldest Son Samuel Cary
all ye Lands where He now dwells being by Estimation about one
Hundred & fourty acres be ye same more or less with my Lott in
west meadow Halfe my Right in undivided Lands within ye Sd
Township of Bridgewater.
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Son Ephraim Cary all my
Lands where I now dwell with my Interest in Poor meadow Cedar Swamp & halfe
my Right in ye undivided Lands in sd Township together
with all ye Rest of my Lands & Right in Lands within ye
Sd Township of Bridgewater WheresoEver or whatsoEver; always
Provided & upon Condition that ye sd Ephraim Cary His
Heirs Executors or administrators do well & truly Pay or cause to be Paid
To my three Daughters mary, Lydia & malatiah or their Heirs or assignes The
Legacy hereafter named viz/ To ye two Children of my Daughter Mary
Deceased the Sum of Ten Pounds. To my Daughter Lydia the Sum of Ten Pounds
which I give Her together with my Bed That I Lye upon & Its furniture &
also halfe my moveables within doors excepting what my Daughter malatiah is
properly Pol[?] of already. To my Daughter malatiah the Sum of Ten Pounds
together with the other halfe of my moveables within doors & Two cows; The
Childrens Legacy to be Paid when they come of age; and those to my two Daughters
as soon as may be after my decease; I Do also Nominate appoint & ordain
Deacon Joseph Edson & Joseph Hayward my Sons in Law Executors of this my
Last Will & Testament & Doe hereby utterly Renounce Disclaim &
Revoke all other wills & Testaments at any Time heretofore made &
Signed declaring this & none other to be my only True & Last Will &
Testament In Wittness where of I have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal this
Second Day of January Seventeen Hundred & Twenty three or four; & In ye
tenth year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord George King of great Brittan
& Ireland &c. Defender of ye Faith.
Signed Sealed & Delivered Francis Cary (seal)
In Presence of us
Joseph Hayward
Thomas Hayward
Solomon Johnson
Probated on Aprill ye 10th 1728, and
proved by Joseph Hayward, Thomas Hayward, and Solomon Johnson.
The inventory of Francis Cary, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of James Cary of
The last Will & Testament of James Cary of the Town of
Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England
I James Cary of the Town & County aforesd being
weak in body but of sound Judgment & disposing memory (Praised be God) do
make & ordaine this my last will & Testament in manner & form as
followeth.
And first of all I do Resign up my Spiritt through Jesus
Christ to God that gave it my body to be committed to the Earth from whence it
was, By a decent Interment according to the descretion of my Executrix
hereafter nominated & my will is that after my Just debts & funerall
Expenses be paid the rest of my Estate be disposed of as followeth
Imprimis I give unto my dear & loving wife Mary Cary the
sole Improvement of all my lands & housing togather with the Rest of my
Estate for her own Comfort dureing her widdowhood & the Comfort of my
children dureing their minority. And my will is that my son James do abide with
his mother & that he be Subject to her till he shall attain to the age of
one & twenty years to be helpful to her in managing the sd
Estate.
Item I give to my Son James Cary all my lands & housing,
only Reserving to my wife her thirds of the Improvement while she continueth in
my name.
Item I give unto my four Daughters Mercy Cary Mary Cary
Hannah Cary & Elizabeth Cary to Each of them a cow to be delivered to them
upon their disposall by marriage or otherwise going of from my further
dependance upon the sd Estate & after my wives decease the rest
of my moveable Estate to be Equally divided amongst them all, And finally I
nominate & appoint Mary my dear wife to be sole Executrix of this my last
Will & Testament; & my trusty & wellbeloved friend Joseph Shaw to
be overseer to my Son James to guide him & to advise him dureing his
minority in whatsoever If necesary, utterly renouncing & Revoking all other
Wills & Testament – whatsoever; In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & seal it being October the 18th Annoq: Dom: 1706
James Carey (seal)
Signed Sealed & Published
in the presents of
William Brett
Joseph Edson Jur
Nathaniel Brett
On the 4h day of March Anno Domini 1706 before
Nathll. Thomas Esqr: Judge of ye Probate of
Wills &c: William Brett Joseph Edson Jur: & Nathaniel Brett
witnesses to the above Said will made oath that they were present & did se
& hear the above sd James Carey Sign seal & declare the
above written to be his last will & Testament & that he then was of a
disposeing mind to the best of their Judgments
Nathll:
Thomas Register
Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary, Relict Widdow of
the sd deceased & Sole Executrix, on 4 Mar. 1706[07].
The Inventory of the moveable Estate of James Cary, lately
deceased, was appraised by Deacon William Brett, Francis Carey, and Isaac Alden
on 28 Dec. 1706, and was sworn to by Mary Carey, the executrix, on 7 Mar.
1706[/7].
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Cary of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of God, Amen. ~
The eighteenth day of November A.D. 1769. I John Cary of
Bridgwater, in the county of Plymouth in New-England yeoman, being sick &
weak in body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to God,
therefore calling unto mind that it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make & ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say,
Principally & first of all I give & recomend my soul into the hands of
God that gave it, & my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in decent
christian burial at the discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but at the
general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God,
and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me,
in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner
& form.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my daughter Molly
Hicks the wife of Amos Hicks of Rehoboth, the sum of six pounds, to be
collected out of my estate & paid to her by my executor hereafter-named in
twelve months after my decease, which together with what she formerly had, I
judge to be her share out of my estate.
Item, I give to my daughter Thankful Orcutt the wife of
Jonathan Orcutt, all my household goods or indoor movables, (excepting books
& wearing apparel.) —
Item, I give & bequeath to my sons John & Beriah
Cary, & my daughter Martha Cary Living in the province of New Jersey, and
to the above-named Thankfull Orcutt, and to my grandaughter Eunice Cary, the
daughter of my son Henry Cary deced, all my lands, buildings & corn-mill,
& books, wearing-apparel, quick-stock, & outdoor movables, and the rest
of my estate if any there be, after my just debts, & funeral charges, and
the abovesaid legacy is paid, to be equally divided between them, to be by them
& each of them, & their heirs & assigns peaceably possessed &
enjoyed forever. and my will is that deacon Jonathan Cary of Bridgwater, be
guardian for my grandaughter Eunice Cary abovenamed. I Likewise constitute make
& ordain mr. John Orcutt of Bridgwater yeoman, to be my sole
executor of this my Last will & testament and I do hereby utterly disallow,
revoke & disanull all & every other former testament, or will any ways
before-named by me, ratifying & confirming this, and no other, to be my
Last will & testament. – In witness
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above written.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared John Cary (seal)
by the said John Cary as his last will & testament
in the presence of us the subscribers. –
Nathan Allen
Seth Keith
Adam Alden
Presented for probate on 17 Oct. 1770 by John Orcutt, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Seth Keith and John Alden, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John Orcutt, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of John Cary, late of
Bridgewater, was appraised on 19 Oct. 1770 by Thos. Whitman, Matthew
Allen junr. and John Whitman 3d., and totaled £312.14.3,
including his lands, buildings, and corn-mill valued at £230. John Orcutt, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 7 Jan. 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 418-419, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jonathan Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In
the name of God amen the twentieth day of March in the Year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred & two – I Jonathan Cary of Bridgwater in the County
of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in America Yeoman being in
perfect mind & memory calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body do make
& ordain this my last will & Testament that is to say principally &
first of all I give & recommend my Soul into the Hand of God who gave it
and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent manner at the
discretion of my executor. And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has
pleased God to bless me in this Life I give demise & dispose of in the
following Manner & Form. –
Imprimis.
I give unto my well beloved Wife Mary Cary all my indoor Moveables &
Household Goods, excepting my wearing Apparel, I also give her one Cow to be
wholly at her disposal, I also give her the Improvement of one half of my
Dwelling house & also the Improvement of one third of that part of my
Homestead, which is hereafter bequeathed to my Son James Cary for and during
the term of her natural Life –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Moses Cary (whom I constitute & appoint
Executor to this my last will and Testament) thirty acres of Land at the West
End of the Lots of Land which I purchased of Thomas West & Joseph Reed with
all the Buildings thereon –
Item I
give to my Son Jonathan Cary Junr about twenty acres of Land upon
the north side of my Homestead as it is now bounded off for his Improvement be
it more or less with all the Buildings thereon & also one half of my Meadow
& upland which I own at the East End of those Lots of Land, which I
purchased of Thomas West & Joseph Reed —
Item I
give to my Son Alpheus Cary one hundred Dollars to be paid him in eighteen
months after my decease by his three Brothers, that is to say, his Brother
Moses Cary to pay him thirty three Dollars & one third, his Brother
Jonathan Cary to pay him the same Sum & his Brother James Cary the like Sum
of thirty three Dollars & a third –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Son James Cary the southerly part of my Homestead
containing thirty Acres more or less & is the remainder thereof which I
have not given to my Son Jonathan Cary with the Buildings thereon, I also give
him the one half of my Meadow & upland, which I own at the east End of the
Lots of Land I purchased of Thomas West & Joseph Reed, I also give him all
the upland on the plain which I own & the Meadow on Trout Brook, excepting
about two acres which I purchased of John King, reserving the Improvement of
the upland on the plain & the Meadow on Trout Brook for my Daughter Dorothy
Cary, I also give him all my personal Estate which I have not otherwise
disposed of in this Will. I also enjoin on him to find his Mother & Sister Dorothy
Cary a sufficiency of Fire wood cut & drawn to the Door of the House
suitable for their Fire as long as they both or either of them live –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Alden about two acres of Meadow which
I purchased of John King said Meadow lies on Trout Brook and on the south side
of Moses Cary’s Lot. –
Item I
give to my Daughter Dorothy Cary one Cow, I give her the Improvement of the
north room in my House also the Improvement of the upland on the Plain &
the Meadow on Trout Brook (which I have given to my Son James) for & during
the Term of her natural Life –
I
give to my Wife & six Children an equal right to my Pew in the Publick
meeting house in the north precinct of Bridgewater. –
I
give to my four Sons the whole of my wearing apparel to be equally divided
among them —
I order
my Sons Moses Jonathan & James to pay my funeral Expences & all the
legal & necessary Charges & Expences of settling my Estate.
I order
my Son James to keep his Mother’s Cow both Summer and winter so long as she
shall think fit to keep one & I also order him in like manner to keep his
Sister Dorothy’s Cow as long as she shall think fit to have one kept.–
And
I do utterly disallow & disannul all & every former Testament Will,
Legacy & Bequest and Executor by me in any ways before named willed or
bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last Will
& Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
day & year first above written –
signed, sealed, published
pronounced & declared
by the said Jonathan Cary to be his
last Will
& Testament in the presence of
us the Subscribers Jonathan Cary (seal)
Noah
Ames
John
Ames
Daniel
Howard Junr.
Presented for probate on 6 April 1813 by Moses Cary, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Noah Ames and Daniel Howard junr.
Esqr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Moses Cary, the before named Executor.
Howard Cary Esqr., John Ames and Samuel Alden Junr.,
yeomen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Jonathan
Cary, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 6 Apr. 1813. The Inventory of the Estate
of Deacon Jonathan Cary, late of Bridgwater, was dated 9 Apr. 1813, his Real
Estate totaled $4371.66, and his personal estate totaled $137.98. Moses Cary,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Oct. 1814.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 518-520, from FHL microfilm
#0550903, and Vol. 45, p. 504-505.
Will of Mary Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the
name of God amen the fifth day of April in the Year of our Lord one Thousand
eight hundred & two, I Mary Cary of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts in America Widow being in sound mind &
memory thanks be to God therefor, calling to mind the mortality of my Body
knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament that is to say principally & first of all, I
give & recommend my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it hoping for Pardon
& Acceptance through the Merits & Mediation of his Son, & my Body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named and touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I give & demise & dispose of
in the following manner & Form.—
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my four Daughters, to wit, Mary Keith, Mehitabel Dike,
Martha Keith & Rhoda Wild, all my Lands consisting of about sixty five
Acres situate in the north precinct of Bridgwater adjoining to Easton Line
& on the south side of the Road from Jacob Rickards in Bridgwater to George
Monks in Easton, and one Acre & one third of an Acre of Cedar Swamp situate
in Easton in a Swamp there known by the name of Cooper’s Swamp, bounded on
Swamp owned by Nehemiah Howard & others, I also give to my four Daughters
aforesaid, all my personal property of every kind & description (except my
Clock) to be divided among them equally. –
Item I
give to my Son Howard Cary (whom I constitute Executor of this my last will and
Testament) my Clock.—
I order
my just debts funeral Expences & charges of settling my Estate be paid by
my four Daughters —
And I do
utterly disallow & disannul all & every former Will, Testament, Legacy
& Bequest & Executor by me in any ways before named, willed or
bequeathed ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will
& Testament— In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
day & year above written.—
Signed sealed pronounced & declared
by the said Mary Cary to be her last Will
& Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers Mary Cary (seal)
Daniel
Ames
Benjamin
Ames
Daniel
Howard Jur.
Presented for probate on 5 June 1815 by Howard Cary Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel Ames and Benjamin Ames, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Howard Cary, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 47, p. 209-210, from FHL microfilm
#0550904.
Will of Recompence Cary of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
In the name of God Amen the 25th. Day of June Anno
Domini 1750 I Recompenc Cary of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New
England being weak in Bodey but of Perfect minde & memory Thank be to God
therefor Calling To minde the mortallity of my Bodey Do Make and ordain my Last
will & Testament Princapally & first of all I give & Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that Gave it and my Bodey I Commit To the Earth To
be Decanly Buried at the Descrescon of my Executor hereafter named And as
Touching my worldly Estate I give Demise & dispose there of as followeth –
Imprimus I Give & bequeth to Sarah My well Beloved wife
all my hous hold goods or Indore moveables to be wholly at her Dispose and
further for her Support in the Time of her Widdowhood I Give her a Cow a horse
& five Sheep obligeing my Son Zebulon Cary To Keep them Sumer & winter
I give her also ye. use of westerly half of My Dwelling house &
a Right in the Seller and I further oblige my Said Son to Provid for her Eight
Bushells Indian Corn & two bushells Rye yearly & sutable Fire wood
I Give To my three Daughters Viz Sarah Howard Mary Crossman
& Abigl Cary to them their heirs and Assignes for Ever a Sertain
Pice of Land on the west Side of the Road begining at a Stake nere the South
west Corner of Capt. Aldins new feild and Runing Northerly to the
Extent of my Land & Extending westerly till it Comes over the brook that
Runs out of the Pine Swamp and extending South so far as to make up the
Quantity of Thirty Acres with a Strait line to the Sake first mentioned To be
Equally Devided amongst Them I also give To said Abigail one Cow. Item I give
To my Son Ichabod Cary his heirs and assignes for Ever the Land on which he now
Dwels as it is Described in his Deed and also a Pece of Land Joining on the South
Side of the Rode Six Rods wide on the South End & Ten Rod wide by the Rode
also a Pece of land on the Esterly Side of Rode that goes To the Saw mill
Sixteen Rods Wide at the South end & forty Rod wide at the North End
Reserving the Crop this year and also a Twenty acre wood lot that was Drawn on
Lacuh. Purchas Right also half my Meddow and upland at Snels meddow Also a
quarter of a Purchas Right in undevided land.
Item I give my Son Simeon Cary his heirs and assigns forever
Fifteen acres of my Twenty acre Lot in the Pine Swamp
Item I give my Son Jonathan Cary his heirs & Assignes for
Ever five Acres of My Twenty acre lot in the Pine Swamp
Item I Give To my Son Zebulon Cary whome I Constitute and
ordain my Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament to him his heirs
and Assigns for Ever my home Land & buldings & other lands and Rights
in lands not herein otherwise Disposed of also my Pockett Book Cash Cattle
& other Personal Estate not other ways Disposed of obliging him To Pay My
funeral Charges and all my Just Debts
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Recompenc Cary (seal)
Declared by the Recompence Cary
to be his Last will & Testament
In Presenc of us . . .
Joseph Edson
John Rickards
Joseph Rickards
Presented for probate on 4 June 1759, and proved by John
Rickards and Josiah Rickards.
To Jonathan Cary of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth
Yeoman Greeting
Whereas Recompence Cary Late of Bridgwater aforesaid Yeoman
Deceased on the twentyfifth Day of June Anno Domini 1750 made his last will
& Testament in writeing and Signed, Sealed, and Delivered the same Before
sufficient witnesses by which will after Gifts and Legacies then made appointed
his son Zebulon Cary Executor of the same Will but he dying Before the Testator
and the same will and Testament having been Proved & approved
Administration Cum Testamento Annexo is therefor by these Presents Committed
unto you the said Jonathan Cary of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Rights
and Credits of the said Deceasd. well and Faithfully to Dispose of
the same according to Law and the Direction of said will… In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of the said Court of Probate Dated at
Plimouth the fourth Day of June Annoque Domini 1759
Jno.
Cushing
The Inventory of the Estate Real & Personal of Deacon
Recompenc Cary late of Bridgwater, was appraised by Ebenezer Aldin, Isaac
Allen, and Josiah Richards on 18 June 1759, but not totaled, his lands with the
buildings and half a purchase right valued at £578. Jonathan Cary, the
Administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 July 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 256-257, 148, 236, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Sally Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Be it
known that I Sally Cary of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and
commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory do make, publish
and declare this my last Will and testament in manner & form as follows.
First I give and
bequeath unto Betsey C. Gilbert widow of Nathaniel Gilbert deceased, and to her
heirs and assigns, one hundred and forty Dollars, Also a Brittania Tea Pot a
Silver Spoon and a stone ring that ware given to me by Caleb Cary deceased,
also one third part of my household furniture and clothing.
Second, I give and
bequeath unto my niece Betsey Snow of Raynham, and to her heirs and assigns One
hundred Dollars – One Silver Spoon and my Gold necklace. Also one third part of
my household furniture and clothing.
Third I give and
bequeath unto Mercy Snow wife of my nephew William Snow one third part of my
household furniture and clothing.
Fourth. I give and
bequeath unto my said nephew William Snow and to his heirs and assigns all the
residue and remainder of my estate whether Real, Personal or mixed after the
payment of my Just debts, funeral charges and the aforesaid legacies.
Lastly. I hereby constitute and appoint the said William
Snow my sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and
annulling all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of
December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Sally Cary (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Sally Cary
to be her last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at her request and
in her presence have hereunto set our names as witnesses thereto
Artemas
Hale
Edward
Mitchell
Richard
Seaver
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December 1838 by
William Snow, the Executor therein named, and proved by Artemas Hale and Edward
Mitchell, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to William
Snow, the Executor.
William Snow, of Raynham, County of Bristol, was granted
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Sally Carey, late of Bridgewater,
Singlewoman, on 3 Dec. 1838 with Artemas Hale and Edward Mitchell, both of
Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, p. 455-457, from FHL microfilm
#0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 337.
Will of Simeon Cary
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In The Name of God Amen.—This seventeenth day of February, in
the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & ninety five I, Simeon
Cary of Bridgwater, in the County of Plymouth, Comwealth Massachusetts, New
England, being of perfect mind & memory, & mindful of the mortality of
my body, do make and ordain, this my last will & testament.—I recommend my
soul to the mercy of God and my body, I bequeath to the earth, to be interred
in decent christian burial, at the discretion of the Executor & Executrix
of this my last will & testament
1.st– I order that all my just debts & burial
charges & charges of settling my estate, shall be paid at the expence of my
estate, by the Executor & Executrix of this my last will & testament.
2.dly– I Give and bequeath to my wife Mary Cary,
the improvement of one third part of my lands & buildings on the same; the
use of the well of water, to be in said improvement.– And I do also give her,
the use of one half my Pew, in the public meeting in the north Parish
Bridgwater aforesaid; which improvement she is to enjoy while she is my widow.—
I do likewise give her my houshold goods, furniture and utensills, one half my
books, a side saddle, two Cows, one swine, & while she is my widow she shall
have the use of an horse, provided & supported for her by my son Howard
Cary when she shall desire it, my desk & my chest in which I keep my
writings, & three quarters of my Casks, one excepted.— I also order
that my son Howard Cary provide wood sufficient to keep one fire, and cut it at
the door suitable for the fire for my wife, Mary Cary, as long as she remains
my widow.–
3.ly– I Give and bequeath to my son Howard Cary,
& to his heirs & assigns forever, my lands & buildings, on the
same, my Pew in the lower part of the public meeting house in the north Parish
of Bridgwater, and my right in a Pew in the galley of sd meeting
house, reserving the improvement of one third part sd lands &
buildings & one half the lowermost Pew in the meeting house aforesaid for
the use of my wife Mary Cary while she shall be my widow. I do likewise give
him my horses & my Cattle, my sheep and swine, excepting one, and
half my books, my desk & chest, with all my notes & writings, my watch
sword, Cutlass, bayonets, & guns, my husbandry tools, utensills &
carriages, three quarters of my Casks, my saddles, excepting my side saddle, my
bridles, excepting one, my Carpentry & joinery tools, my Cyder Mill &
Cyder Press, my horse stable near the public meeting house aforesaid, my
wearing apparell of all kinds, and Military Accoutraments, besides those
already mentioned, and my Iron Chimney Cranes.—
4.ly– I Give and bequeath to my Daughters Molly
Keith, Mehitable Dike, Martha Keith, and Rhoda Wild Five Dollars a piece, to be
paid in one year from my decease.
5ly– Every other part of my estate not already
disposed of in this my last will & testament of which I may be seized at
the time of my decease I do give and bequeath to my son Howard Cary and to his
heirs and assigns forever –
6.ly– And I hereby constitute my said wife Mary
Cary, and my said son Howard Cary, to be Executrix & Executor of this my
last will & testament; and, I do utterly revoke & disallow all former
wills, testaments, bequeathments, legacies & Executors, by me before made,
willed bequeathed, appointed & ordained, ratifying & confirming this
& no other to be my last will & testament. and.— In Witness of the
same, I have set my hand & affixed my seal to this my last will & testament,
this day of the date afore-mentioned.
Signed, Sealed and Declared by
the said Simeon Cary, to be his Simeon Cary (seal)
last will & testament, in the pre-
sence of us.—
Daniel
Ames
Job
Mehitabel
Ames
Whereas, I the subscriber, am appointed, Executrix, jointly
with my son Howard Cary, who is appointed Executor to the last will &
testament of Simeon Cary, late of Bridgwater, deceased, and as I am something
unable to attend on the business, I wish to have my son Howard Cary appointed
sole Executor—
Bridgwater February 26th 1802 – Mary Cary
Presented for probate on 6 Apr. 1802 by Howard Cary, one of
the Executors therein named, and proved by Daniel Ames & Job Ames, two of
the witnesses, who also served as sureties on his bond. No inventory was
recorded for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Zackariah Cary of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the Name of God Amen–This sixteenth day of August in the
year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & eighty eight, I Zechariah
Cary of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, tanner, being far advanced in age, but of perfect mind and
memory, calling to mind the mortality of my body, do make and ordain this my
Last will and testament, that is to say, first of all & principally, I Give
& recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God who Gave it, and my body
I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the
discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but that at the general
resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and
touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this
Life, I Give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner and
form.~
Imprimis – I Give Demise and bequeath to Susanna my well
beloved wife, the one half of all my Indoor moveables for her forever Likewise
I Give and bequeath to my said wife Susannah one Quarter part of the produce of
my farm to be delivered to her yearly by my son Daniel free from all charge so
Long as she continues my widow, also I Give and bequeath to my said wife
Susannah one Cow over & above the indoor moveables and Quarter part of the
produce, and it is my will that the said Cow should be kept Good upon the farm
and continued to her while she remains my widow –Furthermore I Give and
bequeath to my said wife Susannah the use and improvement of one half of my
Dwelling House and seven cords of wood to be yearly drawn to the door & cut
fit for the fire so Long as she remains my widow ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my son Ezra Cary Seventy three
pounds six shillings and eight pence Lawful money, which together with twenty
six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence he has already recieved makes up
the sum of one Hundred Pounds, which I think is his just part, and it is my
will that he the said Ezra Cary Settle an Account which my son Daniel Cary hath
against him for sundry things he the said Daniel has paid him the said Ezra
already towards the said sum of Seventh three pounds six shillings & eight
pence, and I do hereby require my son Daniel Cary to pay to my Son Ezra Cary
the abovesaid sum of seventy three pounds six shillings & eight pence
(after subtracting therefrom my Son Daniel’s Account against him the sd.
Ezra Cary) that is, the remainder of the said Seventy three pounds 6/8, after
Subtracting my Son Daniel’s Account against him, I order my Son Daniel Cary to
pay to my Son Ezra Cary within four years after my decease, but if my Son Ezra
should bring in any account against my Estate, it is my will that such account
(if paid by my Executor) be Reducted out of what I have herein Given my Son
Ezra, and he recieve so much Less of the abovesaid sum Given him as his Account
shall amount to
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Luther Cary one Hundred
pounds Lawful money, he the said Luther Settling an Account with my Son Daniel
for sundry things which he the said Luther has already recieved of my son
Daniel in part pay towards the said sum of One Hundred pounds, and I do hereby
Order my Executor to pay to my son Luther what shall remain due to him of the
abovesaid sum (upon settlement with my son Daniel) within four years after my
decease.~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my three Sons Ezra, Daniel and
Luther my wearing apparell, to be equally divided between them ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Susannah Brett, and
to the female Heirs of my Daughter Mehitable Sylvester deceased the Other half
of my Indoor moveables not before disposed of, to be equally divided, the one
half thereof to my Daughter Brett and the Other half to the female Heirs of my
Daughter Sylvester –and I Likewise order my Executor to pay twenty Shillings to
my Daughter Brett and twenty Shillings to the Heirs of my Daughter Sylvester
deceased, within one year after my decease
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Daniel Cary all the Rest
and Residue of my estate not already disposed of (after my just debts &
funeral charges are paid) viz~. the one half of my Dwelling House
the whole of my Barn, Corn Barn, tan yard & Buildings thereon, my Pew in
the meeting House, Likewise the other half of my Dwelling House after my wife
has done with it, together with all my Real estate, whether, woodland tillage,
pasture or mowing Land or Orcharding, to him the said Daniel Cary, his Heirs
and assigns forever, Likewise I Give and bequeath to my son Daniel all the Rest
and Residue of my personal estate not already disposed of
Lastly – I do hereby constitute, make and ordain my Son
Daniel Cary my Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament, and do hereby
disannull and revoke all other wills & testaments, Ratifying this and
confirming this and no other to be my Last will & testament — In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year above written ~
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced &
declared by the said Zackary Cary to be his Zackariah Cary (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of us
Samuel
Cheever
James
Perkins
Mathew
Packard
The Last will & testament of Zackariah Cary, late of
Bridgwater, Tanner, was presented for probate on 6 Oct. 1788 by Daniel Cary,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Cheever, James Perkins and
Mathew Packard, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Daniel Cary, Gentm.. the before named executor, with
James Perkins, yeoman, and Mathew Packard, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 436-439, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of John Caster of Redfield, Oswego County,
New York (1867) *
I, John Caster of the town of
Redfield in the County of Oswego and State of New York, considering the
uncertainty of life, and being of sound mind and memory, do make this my last
will and testament in words and manner following Viz.
To my wife Esther Caster if she
shall outlive me, I give the whole of my real or landed estate in whatever
locality it may be, and also all my personal property and effects of every kind
and nature, all to be at her disposal and use for a living and the necessary
expenses for our children after my death, and further, she my said wife, if she
shall remain my widow until our youngest child becomes of age Shall have the
full right to divide all my said property then remaining among our (hers and
my) children according to her best judgment of equity in the case, and at any
time or times she may think best and proper Subject only however to the above
provision relative to her marriage after my death, and in that case if she my
said wife shall again marry after my death and before the distribution of my
said property to our said children after the youngest of them becomes of of age
then and in that case my said property shall fall under the charge of the
Executors by me herein named, or in case of their death or disability to serve,
then the execution or fulfillment of this my said will according to the
reasonable and true intent of the same shall take the usual course of law in
such case made and provided by the appointment of administrator or
administrators as the case may be.
I appoint my said wife to be my
executrix of this my will together with my son Henry and John H. Cory.
I hereunto this 20th
day of December 1867 subscribe my hand and Set my Seal in presence of the
witnesses hereto.
John Caster (seal)
I John H. Cory in the presence
and at the request of the said John Caster the testator abovesaid do hereto set
my name as a Subscribing witness
John
H Cory of Sandy Creek NY
Dec 20. 1867
I, Huldah J. Caster in the
presence of and at the request of the above testator do hereto Subscribe my
name as a Subscribing witness
Huldah
Jane Caster of Redfield Os Co N.Y.
Presented
for probate on 13 Nov. 1886 by Esther Caster, the Executrix therein named, and
the widow of the deceased.
Huldah J.
Caster, now Huldah J. Giddings a subscribing witness to the last Will and
Testament of John Caster late of the town of Redfield proved the will in court
on 17 Dec. 1886, stating that John H. Cory is now deceased. The Last Will and
Testament of John Caster late of the town of Redfield was approved on 17 Dec.
1886.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Oswego County Probate, Wills Vol. Q, p. 97-98, from FHL
microfilm #0872715.
Will of Joseph
Chaffee of Seekonk,
Be it remembered that I Joseph Chaffe of Seekonk in the
County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of sound Mind and
memory Blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and Publish this my last
will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I Give
and bequeath unto my well be loved wife Huldah Chaffe the use and improvement
of one third part of all my Real and Personal Estate except my household goods
which is to be the whole to her use and improvement during her natural life ~~~
I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph Chaffe if living one
Dollar and also unto my son William Chaffe fifty Dollars also to my Daughter
Charlotte Arnold the wife of John Arnold Twenty Dollars also to my Daughter
Huldah Peck* wife of Benjamin Peck Twenty Dollars Also to my Daughter Lucy
Smith wife of Joseph Smith five Dollars and also to my Daughter Martha Mason
wife of Garner Mason five Dollars the aforesaid legacies to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named in one year after my decease ~~~
I give and bequeath unto my sons Walker Chaffe and Wilder
Chaffe all the Remainder of my Estate both Real and personal except my
household goods and also reserving to my said wife the use and improvement of
the one third part as heretofore given – I give and bequeath unto my foure
Daughters herein named all my household goods after the decease of my wife to
be equally Divided between them or their heirs ~~ And I do hereby appoint my
son Walker Chaffe Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament revoking all
former wills – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
Ninth Day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred &
twenty one
Joseph
Chafee
Signed Sealed and declared by the abovenamed Joseph Chaffee
his last will and Testament who at his request and in his presence have
subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same
Caleb Abell April
5th 1842
Solomon Peck approved
Solomon Peck Jr.
The Bond of Walker Chaffee, executor, was dated 5 Apr. 1842,
and the will was proved the same day.
*
Transcribed from Bristol County Probate File “Joseph Chaffee, Seekonk, 1842”
from FHL microfilm #0572206. The P of the name Peck was very oddly written, and
the name could have been read as Fish or Rich instead of Peck, but the Seekonk
Vital Records gives his name as Peck.
Will of John Chandler of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the name of God Amen – I John Chandler of Duxborough in
the county of Plymouth in the Government of the Massachusetts Bay in
New-England, yeoman in the seventh day of June Seventeen hundred & Eighty
being under bodily Infirmities but of perfect mind & memory and calling to
mind the mortality of my body, do make & ordain this to be my Last will
& testament, that is to say, first of all I commend my soul into the hand
of God who Gave it & my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a
decent manner at the discretion of my Executor herein after named and as to my
worldly Estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life I
Give & devise in the following manner & form
First – I Give to my son Abel all my real Estate obliging him
to find my daughter Candace a fire room in the house & fire wood at the
door for a fire summer & winter, also to keep a Cow summer & winter for
her so Long as she shall Live unmarried, & I Give to my daughter Candace a
Bed and Bedding for sd. Bed – I also Give to her one Cow
I Give to my Son Abel my Team & all my farming utensills
& one Bed & Bedding & one Cow – Obliging him to pay all my Debts
and funeral charges & all the Rest of my Estate not herein yet disposed of
I Give to my Son Abel & my three daughters viz Rebecca Oldham wife of David
Oldham & Candace Chandler & Elisabeth Oldham wife of John Oldham to be
divided equally between them – & I do hereby constitute & appoint my
Son Abel Chandler to be my Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament,
hoping that this may stand, & be performed according to the true intent
& meaning hereof.
Signed Sealed & declared by the abovesaid
John Chandler to be his Last will & testa- John Chandler (seal)
ment in the day & year above expressed
In presence of
Jacob
Weston
Abigail
Freeman
Judah
Delano
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1780 by Abel Chandler, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Weston and Judah Delano, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Abel
Chandler, the before named Executor, with Judah Delano and Jacob Weston, both
of Duxbury, as sureties. No inventory of his estate was recorded.
We the subscribers having agreed with one another & with
Abel Chandler Executor on the Estate of our Hond. father John
Chandler Late of Duxbury decêd & have divided & Recd. each
& every one of us our parts in full, of Abel Chandler sd.
Executor, as was Given to us in the Last will & testament of our Hond.
father John Chandler – In witness whereof we hereunto Set our hands David
Oldham
Rebecca
Oldham
Candace
Chandler
John
Oldham
Elisabeth
Oldham
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 555-556, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Jonathan Chandler of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In the Name of God Amen.
The Twentyeth Day of December Anno Domini 1760
I Jonathan Chandler of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
in New England Yeoman being of a Sound and Disposing Mind and Memory thanks be
to God for it but knowing it is appointed for all Men once to Die do ordain
& make this my last Will and Testament Principaly and first of all I give
& Recomend my Soul into the Hands of the greate God that gave it hoping
through the merrits mediation & Intercession of Jesus Christ to obtain the
Pardon of all my Sins and Inherit eternal life and my Body I comit to the earth
to be decently Buried at the discretion of my Executor hearafter Named trusting
by the Power of God Almighty to Receive the Same again at the Resurrection
& as to my Worldly Estate I give and dispose thereof in the folloing Manner
Namly my Will is that all my Just debts and funeral Charges be Paid in a
Convenient time After my decease –
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Well beloved Wife Abthiah
one Third of the Improvment of my Real Estate Including a Conveniency in my
Dwelling House for her to live in during her natural life But in case she
should Mary again my Will is that she Quit that Conveniency in my Dwelling
House, Further I give unto her all the Moveable Estate she Brought with her to
be Intirely at her dispose Also I give unto her the Improvement of one Third of
all the rest of my Personal Estate during her Widowood
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Betty wife to
Joseph Hervey Junr. one Third Part of all my estate Real &
Personal to her & to her Heirs forever after my Wifes decease –
Item I give unto my Grandson Israel Keith the other two
Thirds of my Real & Personal Estate not before disposed of to be his his
Heirs and Assigns forever Also I give unto Israel Keith my wearing Cloaths and
farming Tools –
Item I do hearby Nominate and Apoint my Grandson Israel Keith
to be my Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and I desire him to
take upon him that Trust In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand &
Seal the day and Year aforsd.
Sign’d Seal,d & Publish,d Jonathan Chandler (seal)
pronounc’d & declar,d
by the sd. Jonathan Chandler
to be his Last Will & Testament
In Presence of us –
John Washburn
Abraham Washburn
Eliphalet Washburn
Presented for probate on 10 Feb. 1775 by Israel Keith the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Washburn and Abraham Washburn, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Israel Keith, the
before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Jonathan Chandler, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised, but not dated, by John Washburn, Abraham Washburn,
and Simeon Leonard, totaled £202.18.2 plus £13.12.2, including a small amount
of real estate totaling about £164. The appraisers gave their oath to the
inventory on 28 Feb. 1775, and the Administrator gave his oath to the inventory
on 6 Mar. 1775.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 645-647, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Samuel
Chandler of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1742) *
In the Name of God Amen, The Seventeenth day of July in the
year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred forty and two, I Samuel Chandler of
Duxborough in the County of Plymouth in New England yeoman being very Sick
& Weak but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto god therefor:
Calling to mind ye Mortallity of my body & knowing that it is
appointed for men Once to dye do make and Ordain this my last Will and
Testament that is to Say – principally and first of all I give and Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that gave it hopeing through the Merits death and
passion of my Saivour Jesus Christ to have full & free pardon and
forgiveness of all my Sins & to Inherit Everlasting life And my body I
Committ to the Earth to be Decently buried at the Discretion of my Executor
hereafter named nothing doubting but at the generall Resurrection I Shall
Receive the Same Again by the Mighty power of God and as touching Such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give Demise and
Dispose of ye Same in the following manner & form that is to Say
First, I will that all the Debts and duties that I do owe in
Right or Conscience to any manner of person or Persons whatsoever shall be well
and truly Contented and paid or ordaind to be paid in Convenient time after my
Decease by my Executor hereafter named –
Item, I Give and bequeath To Margett my Dearly beloved wife
the improvement of my Indore moveables or household Stuff and a Comfortable
Maintenance the while she Continues my widdow that is to Say to be mantained by
my Executor dureing her widdowhood –
Item, I Give to my Well beloved son Samuel Chandler Whom I
Likewise Constitute make and ordain my Only and Soul Executor of this my last
Will and Testament, and and Singuler my Lands Messuage and Tenements together
with all my stock of Cattle horses or Swine and all the Utensils that belong to
the farm Carts Plows yokes and Chains Oxen and hoes whatsoever by him by him
freely to be possessed and Injoyed –
Item I give and bequeath to my wellbeloved son Thomas
Chandler Thirty pounds in Passable bills of Credit on the province of the Old
tenour to be paid by my Executor to my son Thomas when he Shall arrive to the
age of twenty One years old. –
Item, I give to my Well beloved daughter Abigail Dellano the
sum of Ten pounds in bills of Credit on the province of the Old tenour to be
paid when my Executor Comes to ye. age of One and twenty years by my
Executor – I give all my Indore moveables or household Stuff to my son Thomas
Chandler and Abigail Dellano at my Widdows Decease, Excepting One bed, and that
I give to my son Samuel Chandler, And I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and
Disanull all other and former Wills Testaments and Legacies bequeaths and
Executers by me in any ways be fore this time named Ratyfieing and Confirming
this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament. – In Witness Whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Signed Sealed Published pronounced & Declared
By him the sd. Samuel Chandler as his his
Last Will and Testament in presence of us Samuel S Chandler (seal)
Thos. Phillips mark
Keturah X
Samson
Jonathan Peterson
Presented for probate on 2 Aug. 1742 by the Executor, and
proved by Thomas Phillips and Keturah Samson, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Samuel Chandler, of Duxborough, husbandman, Sole
Executor, on 2 Aug. 1742.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 6-8, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Consider Chase
of Carver,
In the name of God Amen.— — I Consider Chase of Carver in the
County of Plymouth, yeoman, being infirm in body but of sound & disposing
mind & memory, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, in
manner & form following, that is to say.— I Give & bequeath my soul
into the hands of almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the
earth, to be decently interred, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
mentioned; and touching such worldly estate which it hath pleased God to bless
me with, I will & bequeath, in the following manner—vizt.—
Imprimis.—I will & bequeath to my beloved wife Molly, all
the moveable estate that she brought me when I married her, which is not
consumed by wear; and also the improvement of one Cow & four sheep, so long
as she shall remain my widow; and also the improvement of the whole of my Real
Estate that I shall hereafter give to my son Lewis Chase, so long as she shall
remain my widow & no longer.
Item—I will & bequeath to my beloved Son Levi Chase, a
lot of land, bounded, beginning at the easterly corner of the old part of ye
dwelling I now live in, thence north, eighty three degrees easterly, fourteen
rods to a Cherry tree, thence south, forty five degrees, east ‘till it comes to
the said Levi’s other land, thence by his other land to the bound first
mention.— And also, one half of my cedar swamp and also, one half of a ten acre
lot of improved upland, lying between Nathl. Shearman’s house &
the road that leads from Plymton to Plymouth, and also, one third of my wearing
apparell & one third of my moveable estate & Stock that is not
heretofore disposed of.—All the above premises, I give & bequeath to my son
Levi & to his heirs & assigns, provided he, the said Levi, shall pay or
cause to be paid to his sisters, the sum of Thirty Seven Dollars & Fifty
Cents.—
Item—I will and bequeath to my beloved son Lewis Chase, all
my real & personal estate not heretofore disposed of, the above estate, I
bequeath to the said Lewis, to his heirs & assigns, provided he ye
said Lewis shall pay, or cause to be paid, to his sisters, the sum of Thirty
Seven Dollars & Fifty Cents—
Item—I will & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Martha
Ransom, the sum of Twenty Five Dollars, to be paid by her brothers out of my
estate, as heretofore directed, to be paid in cash or live stock in eighteen
months after my decease, in addition to what I have heretofore given her—
Item—I will & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Sarah
Dunham, the sum of Twenty Five Dollars, to be paid by her brothers out of my
estate, as heretofore directed, to be paid in cash or live stock, in eighteen
months after my decease, in addition to what I have given her heretofore.—
Item.—I will & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Lucy
Washburn the sum of Twenty Five Dollars, to be paid to her, by her brothers,
out of my estate as heretofore directed, to be paid in cash or live stock in
eighteen months From or after my decease, in addition to what I have myself
given her—
Item—I will & order that my Son Lewis Chase shall pay my
Funeral charges & all debts that I may owe, and for him the sd
Lewis to receive all debts due to me.—
Lastly.—
I do make & constitute Molly, my wife, Executrix, jointly, with Levi Chase,
my son, Executor of this my last will & testament.— In witness whereof, I
have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty Fifth day of June, one thousand
Seven hundred & ninety eight.
Signed, Sealed, Published &
Pronoun- Consider Chase (seal)
ced by ye sd
Consider Chase as his last
will & testament in ye
presence of us,
who in his presence, & ye
presence of each
other have hereunto subscribed our
names—
Loved
Rufus
Sherman jr.
Nehemiah
Cobb
Presented for probate on 17 Nov.
1801 by Molly Chase & Levi Chase, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Rufus Sherman junr. & Nehemiah Cobb Esqr., two of
ye witnesses.
Nehemiah Cobb Esqr. Nathl.
Sherman & Rufus Sherman, yeomen, all of Carver, were appointed to appraise
the estate of Consider Chase, late of Carver, yeoman, on 24 Nov. 1801. The
Inventory of all the Estate of Consider Chase late of Carver, deceased, dated 1
Dec. 1801, totaled $1170.08, including his real estate valued at $900, and
$95.93 in live stock. Levi Chase, one of the Exõrs, gave his oath to the
inventory on 12 Dec. 1801.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Consider Chase of Abington, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
In the
name of God, amen, I, Consider Chase of Abington, in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, gentleman, being of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make this my last will and testament. I commit my soul to God, the
author of it, and my body to the earth to be decently buried, at the discretion
of my Executors hereinafter mentioned. As to my worldly estate I hereby dispose
of the same, in the following manner.
First, I
give, bequeath and devise to Joseph B. Freeman one hundred dollars, from and
after my decease.
Secondly
I give, bequeath, and devise to Susan Maria, daughter of said J. B. Freeman
fifty dollars.
Thirdly,
I give, bequeath and devise (after the payment of my just debts) to my Mother
the use of one seventh of the remainder of my estate, both real and personal,
during her natural life, and at her death the said seventh part to be
transferred to the children of my deceased Sister Hannah.
Fourthly,
I give, bequeath and devise, to my five Brothers, and one Sister, the remainder
of my property, to be equally divided among them.
Finally.
I hereby appoint my Brother Ezra Chase, to be executor of this my last will and
testament, hereby revoking all other and former wills by me made, and declaring
this, and this only to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I
hereunto set my hand, this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
Consider Chase (seal)
Signed,
published, pronounced and declared by the said Consider Chase, to be his last
will and testament, in presence of the subscribers, who in his presence and at
his request and in his presence, and in presence of each other, hereunto set
our names as witnesses.
James
Ford Jr.
John
W. Cook
Simeon
Ryerson
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December 1846 by
Ezra Chase, the Executor therein named, and proved by James Ford Jr., one of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Ezra
Chase, the Executor.
Ezra Chase, of Middleborough, was appointed Executor of the
last Will and Testament of Consider Chase, late of Abington, Gentleman, on 7
Dec. 1846, with Joseph Charles 2d, of Middleborough, Silvanus D.
Chase, of Plymouth, and Eleazer C. Sherman, of Plymouth, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of Consider Chase, late of
Abington, was appraised on 25 Dec. 1846 by J. B. Freeman, John Hunt, and
Cornelius Dunham, his real estate valued at $950, and his personal estate
totaled $1109.73. Ezra Chase, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
the first Monday of Dec. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 88, p. 542-544, with corrections from the original will in
Plymouth County Probate Docket #3846, Vol. 89, p. 526, and Vol. 2H, p. 93.
Will of Levi Chase of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1820) *
In the Name of God amen – I Levi Chase of Carver in the
County of Plymouth Yeoman being weak in Body but of sound Mind & Memory,
blessed be Almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last Will
& Testament in manner & form following (that is to say)–
First
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Hannah Chase the whole of the
Improvement of all my real Estate & the Improvement of my personal Estate
& my household Furniture untill my youngest Child shall become of lawful
Age to act for himself, provided she remains my Widow ‘till that time, if not,
so long as she doth remain my Widow, after which time as aforesaid, she shall
have the Improvement of one half of all my Estate both real & personal
& household Stuff so long as she shall remain my Widow & in case she
shall marry again she shall have free & clear, the one half of the
household Goods to be at her disposal forever.—
Secondly
I give & bequeath to my seven Sons viz Levi Chase, Ezra Chase, Benjamin
Chase, Consider Chase, Isaac Chase, Silvanus Chase & John Chase, all my
real Estate personal Estate & household Goods that have not heretofore been
disposed of, & shall not be hereafter mentioned in this Will, by their my
said sons paying what I shall hereafter order them to pay to them & to
their Heirs forever –
Again
I give & bequeath to My beloved Daughter Hannah Pratt fifteen Dollars in
Addition to what she has heretofore had, to be paid by my aforesaid seven Sons
when they shall come into possession of the one half of my Estate as aforesaid
also an equal share in my household Goods with the rest of my Children —
Again
I give & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Eunice Chase one Bed Bedstead,
Cord & two suits of Bedding, suitable for the same & forty five Dollars
to be paid her by my aforesaid Sons, when they shall come into possession of
the said half of my Estate shall come into their hands as aforesaid also an
equal Share in my household Goods with the rest of my said Children & also
a right to live in my House as long as she shall remain in single Life or
unmarried.—
Lastly
I do hereby appoint my beloved Son Ezra Chase Executor of this my Last Will
& Testament his receiving all debts due & paying all charges out of my
personal Estate.—
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the thirteenth day of
October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty –
Signed Sealed published and
declared by
the above named Levi Chase to be
his last Levi Chase (seal)
Will & Testament in presence of
us
who have hereunto subscribed our
Names
as witnesses in presence of the
Testator~
Rufus
Sherman
Isaac
Sherman
Nehh.
Cobb
Presented for probate on 19 Feb.
1821 by Ezra Chase, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Sherman,
one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Ezra Chase, the before named Executor.
Rufus Sherman junr. and
Nathaniel Sherman, yeoman, and Nehemiah Cobb Esqr., all of Carver,
were appointed to appraise the Estate of Levi Chase, late of Carver, yeoman, on
19 Feb. 1821. Nathl. Sherman and Rufus Sherman gave their oath for
the appraisement of the estate before Nehh. Cobb, Justice of the
Peace on 15 Mar. 1821. The Inventory, not dated, totaled $2153.16, including
his real estate valued at $1759. Ezra Chase, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 19 Mar. 1821.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, pp.
261-262, 295-296, from FHL microfilm #0550907.
Will of Samuel Chesman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
Be it
remembered that I, Samuel Chesman, of North Bridgewater, in the County of
Plymouth, yeoman, do on this eighth day of July eighteen hundred forty, make
ordain and establish my last will and testament in manner and form following,
to wit: —
I give
to my wife all my household furniture, and one of my cows, which she may
choose.
I order
and direct that my wife shall have the use of so much of my dwelling house as
may be needful and convenient for her during her life, and that for the same
term of time she be well supported out of my estate as hereinafter directed.
I give
to my daughter Olive Thompson, her heirs and assigns, one half of my dwelling
house, where I now live, the Southerly half, and one half of the other
buildings standing on the lot of land which I herein give her. I give to said
Olive, her heirs and assigns, the lot of land on which I live, containing
twenty acres, more or less, including the land I own on the East side of the
turnpike in front of my house. Said lot of twenty acres, more or less, being
bounded South partly by an old road, and partly by a lot herein given to my
daughter Betsey, wife of Barzillai King, and extending from said old road
Northerly by the West side of the turnpike to Eliphalet Monk’s land; thence
Westerly by a wall in said Monk’s line, to his corner; thence a strait course
to the Northeast corner of a Barley field west of the meadow; thence continuing
Westerly in the line of Widow Monk’s land to the middle of an old road; thence
Southerly by the middle of said road to the Colony line; thence Easterly by the
South line of my farm, and by the lot herein given to Mrs. King, to the corner
at the Turnpike aforesaid. I also give to said Olive, one of my Cows.
I give
to my grandson Thomas Thompson, his heirs and assigns; the Northerly half of my
dwelling-house, and one half part of all the other buildings standing on the
lot before given to his mother, with the right and privilege of passing to and
from his portion of the said buildings over and across the lot herein above
given to his mother, so long as he or his heirs and assigns may choose to have
said parts of buildings remain where they now stand. I also give to said Thomas
his heirs and assigns, a lot of land containing twenty acres, more or less,
lying in Stoughton, and bounded South by the lot herein before given to his
mother, and on all other sides by lands of Eliphalet Monk, and the Widow of
Elijah Monk.
These
aforesaid legacies to my daughter Olive, and to my Grandson Thomas Thompson, I
give to them on condition that they furnish my wife a good and comfortable
support in health and in sickness during her life, and that they keep at their
joint expense the cow given to my wife, which shall be for her use and
disposal. And furthermore that the said Thomas shall pay to my Grand daughter
Naomi, daughter of Josiah Orcutt, One hundred dollars.
I give
to my daughter Betsey, wife of Barzillai King, her heirs and assigns, my old
house to gether with the lot on which it stands, containing about one acre and
a half, being enclosed by stone wall, situate on the Northerly side of the old
road leading from my house to Reuben Drake’s. I also give said Betsey King, her
heirs and assigns, a lot of land containing ten acres, more or less, lying west
of the Old Cartway or road, leading from the Frenchs place to the old Bartlett
place; bounded Easterly by the middle of said old road, and by the lot given to
my daughter Olive; Northerly by the Widow Monk’s land; Westerly by William
Carr’s land, and Southerly by a wall in or near the Colony line.
I give
to my Grandson, Josiah O. Battles, son of my daughter Polly, the lot of one
acre, more or less, with the buildings thereon standing, situate on the
Salisbury Plain in North Bridgewater, and now occupied by Ara Battles and his
family. I also give to said Josiah O. Battles, a lot of Meadow land, containing
two acres, more or less, adjoining the ten acre lot before given to my daughter
King; and bounded Northerly by Mrs King’s lot; Southerly by a wall on the
Southerly side of the meadow; Westerly by William Carr’s land and Easterly by
Silvanus French’s land. Said lot lying between the Colony line and the wall.
To have
and to hold to him the said Josiah O. Battles, to and for the following use, to
wit: for the sole use improvement and benefit of my daughter Polly, wife of Ara
Battles, during her life; and after her decease I give the two aforesaid lots
last before described, with the buildings thereon, to the children of my
Daughter Polly, in equal shares; to them, their heirs and assigns forever.
To my
Grandsons Zachariah Chesman and Noah Chesman, sons of my son Noah, deceased; I
give my Gurney lot, in N. Bridgewater, containing fifteen acres, more or less.
To them the said Zachariah and Noah, their heirs and assigns forever; on
condition that they pay twenty five dollars to my Grand daughter Lucinda
Morton.
I also
give to my Grand daughter Olive, wife of Reuben Drake, her heirs and assigns, a
lot of three acres of land, more or less, lying South of the lot herein before
given to Josiah O. Battles, and bounded South by Reuben Drake’s land, and West
by William Carr’s land; and I require said Olive to pay her sister Lucinda
Morton ten dollars.
I give
to the children of my son Samuel, deceased, their heirs and assigns, my lot of
fifteen acres, more or less, called the Elias Monk place, situate in Stoughton.
If in
the opinion of my grandson Josiah O. Battles, aforesaid, it should become
necessary or expedient so to do, I here by authorize and empower him to sell
and pass deeds to convey the lot of meadow herein before given him for the
support of his mother, or for the purpose of repairing the buildings given him;
and the remainder of the legacy only, shall go to the children of my daughter
Polly Battles.
All the
rest, residue and remainder of my estate not herein before disposed of, both
real and personal, I give to Olive Thompson & Thos. Thomson
aforesaid, to them, their heirs and assigns forever; hereby requiring them to
pay all my just debts and charges. And I hereby appoint said Thomas Thompson,
sole Executor of this will. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal the day and year first above written
Samuel Chesman (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the aforesaid
Samuel Chesman to be his last will and testament, in presence of us, who in his
presence, and in presence of each other, subscribe our names as witnesses.
Jesse
Perkins
Isaac
P. Monk
George
W. Hunt
To the
Hon. Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth.
Whereas
the Executor named in the Will of Saml. Chesman late of North
Bridgewater, deceased, died before the testator, and there being no surviving
Executor; we therefore request you to appoint Jesse Perkins of North
Bridgewater, Administrator with the will annexed on the estate of said Saml.
Chesman
March,
1846 Olive
Thompson
Barzillai
King
Zachariah
Chesman
Noah
Chesman
Josiah
O. Battles
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of May, 1846, and proved by Jesse Perkins and George W. Hunt, two of
the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Samuel Chesman, late of North Bridgewater, yeoman, was appraised by Joel
Talbot, Jeremiah Beals, and Azel Gurney, his real estate totaled $1977.00, and
his personal estate totaled $81.25. Jesse Perkins, Administrator with the will
annexed on the Estate of Samuel Chesman, late of North Bridgewater, gave his
oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of May, 1846.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 88, p. 187-192, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Jacob Chipman of Halifax, County of
Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1740) *
To all People to whom these Presents Shall come Jacob Chipman
of Hallifax in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay
in New-England husbandman Sendeth Greeting
Whereas I the sd. Jacob Chipman being bound on an Expedition
against the Spaniards in the West Indies in Consideration of my Own Mortallity,
and my duty to make a Just disposall of my worldly Estate; I do make my last
Will and Testament as follows vizt I do Constitute and appoint my
Loveing Brother Seth Chipman of Kingston in the County aforesd.
Cooper to be my Executor with Bethiah my wife to be my Executrix hereby Giveing
unto them full power to let in the premises as fully and absolutely to all
intents & purposes as the Law directs not willing or meaning any seniple[?]
to arise or power to be wanting for want of any further Expression
Item I do Expect Something comeing to me from my first wife
Abigail my Will is that it be given to my two Eldest daughters Sary &
Abigail which as soon each of them is Eighteen years old they shall receive
with all ye profits thereof in equal proportion to be paid by my
Executors. –
Item I do Give unto my loveing wife Bethia Chipman the whole
income of all my Estate both Real & personal to be at her dispose as she
thinks best for ye Support of herselfe and family untill my son
Jacob is twenty years of age and then I do Give Unto my sd. son
Jacob the whole of my Real Estate he allowing unto my sd. wife
Bethia one third part of the Rents and profits of all my real Estate as long as
She remains my Widdow and allso my sd. son Jacob is to pay to my
Nine daughters, namely Sary Chipman Abigail Chipman Lucretia Chipman Lydia
Chipman Ann Chipman Bethiah Chipman Priscilla Chipman Hannah Chipman Mary
Chipman the sum of fifteen pounds to each of them in the Currancy that shall
the be passing in ye. manner following vizt to each of them Seven
pounds and ten shillings in ye. year of our Lord One thousand seven
hundred and fifty Six and the Other half in the year following &c. Moreover
I do Give unto my sd. Son Jacob all my husbandry tools and utensils
allso –
Item I do give unto my Eldest daughter Sary Chipman One
feather bed with ye. furniture thereof &c. and the rest of my
moveable Estate I do Give One third part of it Unto my said wife bethiah and ye
other two thirds I do give to my aforesaid Nine daughters to be Equally divided
among them when as soon as my sd. son Jacob is twenty One years of
age &c. And I the sd. Jacob Chipman in a Sound mind & upon
due Consideration do make this my last Will and Testement hereby Renounceing
all former writeings or Instruments of this Nature and I do hope and desire
that no lairls[?] or difficulty may be raised herein by any but that my Will
may be complyed with in all perticulers according as is expres’d in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of September Anno Domini One Thousand seven
hundred and forty 1740.
Signd Seald and Acknowledged
in the presence of us Jacob Chipman (seal)
Abiah Wadsworth
Samuel Palmer
Moses Basset
Presented for probate on 2 Nov. 1741 by Bethia Chipman, and
proved by Samuel Palmer. Letters of Administration were granted to Bethia
Chipman, the Executrix in ye same will named.
Ignatius Loring of Plymton, Jonathan Freeman and Samuel
Palmer, of Hallifax, were appointed to appraise the estate of Jacob Chipman,
late of Hallifax, on 2 Nov. 1741. The Inventory of the Estate both Real &
Personall of Jacob Chipman, late of Hallifax, was dated 10 Nov. 1741, and
totaled £1477.7.0, including his homestead valued at £1321. The Executrix of
the Testament of the deceasd. gave her oath to the inventory on 1
Feb. 1741.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 8, p. 468-471, from FHL microfilm #0551531.
Will of Gov. Martin Chittenden of Williston, Chittenden County, Vermont (1835) *
I Martin Chittenden
of Williston County of Chittenden & State of Vermont being of good health
of body & Sound & disposing mind & memory praised be God for the
same, do make & publish my last will & testament – And first &
principally I comit my Soul into the hands of my Creator, who gave it & my
body to the earth to be interred at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named. And as to such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to entrust me
I dispose of the same as follows having advanced to my Son Truman A. Chittenden
Four thousand dollars to my son George W. Chittenden Four thousand dollars for
which sum I hold his receipt, which is to be given up And to my Daughter Louisa
M. Butler one thousand dollars, it is my will that the said Louisa M. Butler
receive out of my estate three thousand dollars, which will make them equal,
then after paying all my Just debts & necessary expences, it is my will
that the remainder of of my Estate both real & personal Shall be divided
into three equal parts, one third part I give & bequeath to my son George
W. Chittenden absolutely & one other third I give & grant unto the said
George W. Chittenden in trust for the benefit of my son Truman A. Chittenden
& his children to be disposed of & applied to their use & benefit
at Such times and in Such Sums or proportions as he in his discretion shall
think will best promote their comfort & Assist the said Truman A.
Chittendens Children in Settling in life And the other third part I give &
bequeath to my Daughter Louisa M. Butler. And I hereby constitute & appoint
my Son Georg W. Chittenden my Sole executor of this my last will &
Testament
In witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 12 day of of March 1835
Signed, Sealed published & declared Martin Chittenden (seal)
by the above Named Martin Chittenden
to be his last will & testament
in the presence of us, who have
hereunto Subscribed our Names as
witnesses in the presence of the
Testator ~~
Geo. P.
Manser
Nathaniel
Parker
Eli
Chittendin
Presented for probate by George W. Chittenden, the Executor,
on 12 Sept. 1840. George W. Chittenden of Willison gave bond with Eli
Chittenden and Horace L. Nichols, both of Williston, as sureties, as the
Executor of the estate of Martin Chittenden on 19 Oct. 1840. George W.
Chittenden, Executor of the last will and testament of Martin Chittenden, late
of Williston, notified the court that he believed the estate was insolvent on
19 Oct. 1840. Eli Chittenden and Wright Clark, both of Williston, were appointed
to take an inventory of all the estate of Martin Chittenden, late of Williston,
on 19 Oct. 1840. The Inventory, dated 15 Jan. 1841, totaled $18,045.21,
including a house occupied by T. A. Chittenden and a house occupied by I.
Thompson, 100 acres of land in Underhill, and shares of Champlain
Transportation Co., Farmers & Mechanic’s Bank, and Bank of Burlington.
George W. Chittenden, one of the heirs and legatees of the
estate of Martin Chittenden, late of Williston, petitioned for a division of
the estate of his late father on 8 Sept. 1841, the other heirs being Truman A.
Chittenden and Louesa M. Butler, the wife of Lorin G. Butler. Luther Loomis and
John Johnson, both of Burlington, and Horace L. Nichols, of Williston, were
appointed to divide the estate of Martin Chittenden, late of Williston, among
his heirs Truman A. Chittenden, George W. Chittenden, and Louisa M. Butler, on
10 Sept. 1841.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1840, Box 10, File
#1053.
Will of Samuel Churchel of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the Name of God Amen the Seventeenth Day of Apriel One
thousand Seven Hundred and fiftyone I Samuel Churchel of Plimton in the County
of Plimouth in New England yeoman Being Sick and weak of Body though of perfect
Mind and Memorey thanks Be Given to almighty God & Calling to mind the
mortallity of of my Body and knowing that is appointed for all men once To Dye
Do Make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament and principally and first of
all I Recomend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it Hoping that Throw the
Merrits death & Suffering of Jesus Christ to receive free and full Pardon
of all my Sins and my Body I Recomend unto the Earth to Be Decently Buried at
the Descretion of my Executor Hereafter Named Beleveing that I Shall Receve the
Same again at the Generail Resurrection By the mighty Power of God and as
Touching Such Worldly Estate as it Hath Pleased God to Bless me with in this
Life I Give and Bequeath in the Folowing manner and form viz~
I Give and Bequeath unto my Well Beloved wife Marcy the
Improvement of one third part of all my Real Estate so Long as She Shall Remain
my Widdow I also Give & Bequeath unto my said Wife all the House Hold Goods
that She Brought to me when She Became my Wife and also My Will is that my
Executor Shall Provide a Hors for my said Wife Suteable for Her to Ride, with
Suteable furniture and at all Times Be Provided with a Horse and furniture as
Before Expressed so Long as She Shall Remain my Widdow and also my Will is that
the Charge of Purchasing a Horse and Furniture as Before Expresed Shall Be
advanced By my Executor out of my Estate I also Give and Bequeath unto my Said
Wife one Cow and Six Good Sheep and one hogg now on my farm I also Give and
Bequeath unto my Said Wife all my Indian Corn with four Bushells of Rye
together with all Other Provisions now in my House & Sufficiant for Her and
her Daughter untill the Next fall. I also Give and Bequeath unto my said Wife
five Chears and also one iron pot and two Kittles and one Frying pan Together
with all My flax and yarn I also Give and Bequeath unto my Said Wife one Small
puter plater with two puter Spoons and also my Will is that my said Wife Shall
Have the Use and Improvement of the Best Roome in my Dwelling House and Bedroom
and Lento, and the use of So much of the Seller as she shall have occation for
with the The Improvement of So Much Room in My Barn as She Shall Have ocation
for so Long as she shall Remain my Widdow and also my Will is that my said Wife
shall Have the use and Improvement of apair of Dogs and one Slice and one pair
of Tongs So Long as She shall Remain my Widdow I also give unto my sd.
wife two washing Tub, sifting Trough I also give unto my Said Wife a mourning
sate & apparel I also Give unto my sd. Wife all my Hogs fatt and
Tallow now in my House I also Give unto my said wife my Foot wheel.—
Item – I Give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Samuel Darlin son
to My Daughter Marcy Darlin Deceaset & his Heirs and assigns For Ever one
Third part of all my Real Estate Together with one Fether Bed and Furniture and
one Gun fit for Service Together With one Half of all my Wairing appereal –
Item – I Give and Bequeath unto my Granson Joseph Darlin Six
pounds thirteen Shilling and four pence Lawfull money to be payed By my
aforesaid Granson Samuel Darlin out of the Estate Herein Given Him when my said
Granson shall arive to the age of Twenty one years – Item – I Give and Bequeath
unto my Daughter Mehiteble Harlow her heirs and assigns for Ever one third part
of my Reail Estate: Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Granson James Morton one
Gun Together with one Half of all my wairing apprail: Item: I Give and Bequeath
unto my Son James Harlow one Gun Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Else
Letch and to her Heirs and assigns forever one third part of all My Reail
Estate and also my Will is that Whereas I am Bound with my son Jese Leach for
the payment of twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence Lawfull
money that unless my said Son Leach Shall Discharge my Heirs from said Bonds
that the said Bonds Shall Be paid out of the Estate herein Given To my
aforesaid Daughter Elce Letch and her Heirs –
Item – I Give and Bequeath unto my aforementioned Granson
James Morton one Fether Bed and Furniture and also my Will is that after My
Decease My Executor shall Deliver unto Marcy Eless Daughter to my Present wife
one Cow of Four years old Being part of her Estate that I had in my Hands
Item ~ I Give and Bequeath unto Elce Letch and Mehitebel
Harlow and there Heirs and assigns forever and unto my aforesaid two
GranChildron viz Samuel Darlin and Joseph Darlin and there Heirs and assigns
forever all the Remaining part of my Movbele Estate to Be Equally Divided
Betwen them all accordin to Law and also my Will is that that Before any
Division Be Had of my Estate that all my Just Debts and funeral Charges Be
truly and Justly paid out of my moveable Estate ~~
And Lastly I Do Constetute and appoint My Son James Harlow
Sole Executor on this my Last will and Testement and Do By these presents
Revoke and Renounce all other Will Before By me made Conferming this and No
Other to Be My Last Will and Testement in Testimoney Whereof I the aforesaid
Samuel Churchel Have Signed and Sealed the Day and Year above Written –
Signed Sealed Published and pronounced
and Decelaird By the aforesaid Samuel
Churchel to Be His Last Will and Testemt.
in the Presents of us the Subscribers
William Boney Samuel Churchel (seal)
Beriah Bonney
Josiah Perkins
Presented for probate on 6 May 1751 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by William Bonney, Beriah Boney, and Josiah Perkens, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James Harlow of Plimton,
the Executor, on 6 May 1751.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real and Personal of Dea.
Samuel Churchel late of Plimton, was appraised by Josiah Perkins, Robart
Waterman, and William Boney, but not dated, his real estate and lawful money
totaled £568, and his personal estate totaled £96.7, with a £1 right in a piece
of cedar swamp added to the inventory on 2 July 1751. The appraisers gave their
oath to the inventory on 8 June 1751, and James Harlow, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 10 July 1751.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 304-307, 258, from FHL
microfilm #0551539.
Will of William Churchel of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In The Name of God Amen the 22d day of September
1759~ William Churchel of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in the Province of
The Massachusets Bay In New-England Yeoman being sick & weak of Body but of
sound Mind and Memory & calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing
that it is appointed for all Men once to die do make and ordain this my last
will & Testament & first & Principally I recomend my soul to God
that gave it & that Through the Death & Merits of Jesus Christ I shall
receive the free & full Pardon of all my Sins & my Body I Commit unto
the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discression of my Execrs.
Hereafter Mentioned beleiving I shall receive the same again at the Generall
Resurrection By the Mighty Power of God & as Touching such Worldly Estate
as it Hath Pleased God to Bless me with in this Life I give & Dispose of in
the following Manner –
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my wellbeloved wife Marebah
one third Part of all my moveable Estate Together with the Improvement of one 3rd
Part of my Farm whereon I now dwell –
Item I Give and Bequeath unto My Son Ichabod Churchel his
Heirs & Assigns forever all my Husbandry Tools with three working Oxen
Together with one half of two Cases of Bottles with My smallest Brass Kittle
& my Largest Iron Kittle—
Item I give & Bequeath unto Joannah Churchel Daughter to
my son Ichabod one small Trunk—
Item I give & Bequeath unto my four Daughters viz Hannah
Bisbee, Ruth Cole, Abigail Bryant, & Sarah Marshal to each of them thirteen
Pounds six shillings & eight pence
Item I give & Bequeath to the Children of my Daughter
Rebeccah Foord Decd. viz noah Foord, Hezekiah Ford, Wm.
Ford & Ruth Ford to each of them Twenty shillings
Item – I give & Bequeath unto My Grandaughter Rebeccah
Ford nine pounds six shillings & eight pence
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my seven Children viz David
Churchel, Nathl. Churchel,– Ichabod Churchil, Hannah Bisbee, Ruth
Cole, Abigail Briant, & Sarah Marshal their Heirs & Assigns forever to
be Equaly divided between Them all the Remaining part of My moveable Estate not
already Given & Disposed of allso my will is that the aforesaid Legacies
Just Debts & Funeral Charges shall be pd. & dischargd.
by my Three sons & two Grandsons in Equal Proportion Viz David Churchel
Nathll. Churchel & Ichabod Churchel to Pay & Discharge three
Quarters thereof & Isaac Churchel, & Jno. Churchel to Pay
& Discharge the other Quarter part thereof allso my will is that the aforesd.
Legacies Debts & funerall Charges before mentd. shall be pd.
out of the Estate I have allready given my aforesd. sons by Deed the
one half of sd. Legacies to be pd. within six months
& the other half in 12 months after my decease the one half of sd.
sums to be pd. in Cash & the other half in moveable Estate at
Cash Price allso my will is that before any Division of my moveable Estate that
Hanah Bisbee & Abigail Briant shall receive so my out of sd.
Estate as is Equivalent to two beds Ruth Cole & Sarah Marshal lately recd.
out of my Estate
Lastly I Constitute & appoint my Two Sons David Churchel
& Ichabod Churchel of this my last will & Testament & I do by these
Presents Revoak & Disanul all wills before by me made Ratifying &
Confirming this & no other to be my last Will & Testament In Testimony
whereof I have signed & sealed the Day & Year above written.
Signed sealed Publishd. Pronounced & Declared
& DD
by the aforesd. Wm. Churchel to be his
last Will &
Testament in Prescence of
Thos
Croade William Churchel (seal)
Josiah
Perkins
John
Perkins
Presented for probate on 3 Mar. 1760 by the Excrs.
therein named, and proved by Thos. Croade Esqr., Josiah
Perkins, and John Perkins, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to David Churchel and Ichabod Churchel, the Executors, on 3 March 1760.
The Inventory of the Estate of mr. William
Churchel late of Plimton, was appraised by Josiah Perkins, William Ripley and
Gideon Samson on 12 Mar. 1760, and totaled £114.12.9, no real estate. David
Churchel and Ichabod Churchel, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory
on 13 Mar. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 464-465, 460, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Eleazer
Churchell of
In the Name of God Amen I Eleazer Churchel of the Town &
County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman Being Thrô the mercy of God of a Sound
& disposing mind & memory, But Considering my frailty & mortality
& ye uncertainty of the Time of my Continuance in this World
& being desirous to Sett my house in order before my Departure Doe
therefore make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament as followeth - -
- -
Viz I doe in the first Place Give up my Immortal Soul to God
that gave it Trusting Wholly & only upon ye free grace of God
& meritts of Jesus Christ for Eternal Salvation and my Body to ye
Earth to be Decently Buried hoping to Receive it again att the Resurrection of
ye Just. And as to what Temporal Estate it hath pleased God to lend
me (my Just Debts & funerall Charges being first Paid & Discharged) I
Dispose of the Same as followeth viz - - - -
Imprimis: I give & Bequeath To my son Eleazer Churchell
his heirs & assigns forever the westerly End of my Dwelling house in which
he now dwells as also ye one half of my half of ye new
Barne which he & I built together as also the one half of my Pasture Land wch
I lately fenced in att ye head of my Homestead - - - -
Item I give & Bequeath To my Son Stephen Churchell his
heirs & assigns forever my acre of Land near Pontus’ meadow which lyes in
Equal Partnership Between my Brother Joseph & my Self as also ten acres of
my thirty acre Lott Lying to the north ward of a Place Called ye
high Ridge - - - -
Item: I give & Bequeath To my Son Elkanah Churchell his
heirs & assigns forever the Easterly End of my Dwelling House and also my
other half of ye abovesd New Barne - - - -
Item: I give & Bequeath to my two sons to ym
& their heirs & assigns Equally my two acres of Land att Oberry on
which they have already Planted an orchard on Part viz, to my two Sons Eleazer
& Stephen
Item: I give & Bequeath to my two Sons, Eleazer &
Elkanah their heirs & assigns forever Equally between them all my Land,
Lying Between the orchard and ye Bay.
Item: It is my Will that my Son Stephen have my ten acres
above mentioned on ye northwest Side of Said 30 acre Lott - - - -
Item: I give & Bequeath to my two Sons Eleazer &
Elkanah their heirs & assigns forever the Remainder of my Sd
thirty acre Lott wth 7 acres, added to it Equally between
them - - - -
Item: I give & Bequeath all the Remainder of my Land,
& meadow wtSoever & wheresoever to my three Sons Eleazer
Stephen & Elkanah their heirs & assigns forever to be Equally Divided
between them - - - -
Item: It is my Will that my Daughters Joanna & Mary have
Liberty So long as they Live In our Neighbourhood to Cut fire-wood for ye
use of their own family, firing on my Land between Finneys meadow and Warrens
Well Granting also ye Same Liberty to any of my Daughters if
Providence Shall so Dispose that they Live in our sd neighbourhood -
- - -
Item: I give & Bequeath to my five Daughters, viz, Hannah
Joanna Abigall Jedidah & Mary beside what They have already had all my
moveable or Personall Estate whatsoever (my Just Debts and funerall Charges
being full paid out of it & in Case it Shall not amount to ten Pounds a
peice my Will is that my above mentioned three Sons pay them so much as To make
up Said Sum, Each of Sd Sons to pay in proportion to ye
Lands I have given them - - - -
Item: I Doe Constitute & appoint my Son Eleazer Churchell
to be Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament; & Doe hereby Revoke
Disanull & make void all other & former Wills by mee heretofore made
Ratifying Confirming & allowing this & no other to be my Last Will
& Testament & In Witness hereof have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal
this twenty third Day of January anno Dom one thousand Seven hundred and
fifteen 1715/6
Signed Sealed & Declared Eleazer Churchell (seal)
to be his last Will & Tes:
:tament In Presence
of us
Ephraim Little
Martha Howland
her
M marke
Sarah Little
PlimSs on the 9th
Day of march 1715:16 Mr Ephraim Little Mrs Sarah Little
& Martha Howland the witnesses named to this Will made oath that they Saw
the above named Eleazer Churchell Sign & Seal & heard him declare the
above Written to be his Last Will & Testament & that when he so did he
was of a Disposing mind & memory to the best of their Knowledge Before me
Nathaniel
Thomas Judge of Probates
The Inventory of the Estate of Eliezer Churchell, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of James Churchell of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the Name of God
Amen; The first Day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty four I
James Churchell of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman,
being in Good Helth of Body and of a Sound mind and memory, thanks be Given to
Almighty God therefor, and Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing at
it is appointed for all men Once to Die Do make and Ordain this my Last Will
& Testamt. That is to Say, principally and first of all I Give
& Recommend my Soul unto the hands of God that gave it and my Body unto the
Earth to be Buried in a Decent Christain Buriall at the Discretion of my Execrx
Nothing Doubting but at the Resurrection I shall Receive the Same again by the
Mighty power of God, and as touching Such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God
to bless me with in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose off in the Following
maner and form ~
Imprs. I Give and Bequeath unto Mary my well
beloved Wife all the Real Estate which I have bought Since She became my Wife
Excepting the Lott of Land that I bought of Capt. John Loring her & her
Heirs & assigns forever Togather with all my Houseing and out Housing Free
and clear, & my Will is that my Wife shall have the Improvment of one half
of all the Rest of my Real Estate so Long as She shall Remain my Widow—
Item, I
Give Unto my aforesaid Wife To her Own Disposall all my personall and moveable
Estate Excepting what I shall hereafter Dispose off, unto her and her Heirs
& Assigns forever And my Will is that my Wife have the Improvment of the
Land that I Bought of Capt. John Loring for cutting of Firewood as
much as She Shall have need for and all the Improvment of all the apples out of
the Orchard So Long as She Shall remain my Widow,--
Item I
Give and Bequeath unto my Brother Isaac Churchell a Lott of Land that Lyeth
over the Caus-Way, by estimation about Fifteen Acres To him & his heirs and
Assigns forever—
Item I
Give and Bequeath unto my Cousen Nathll. Churchell son to my Brother
William Churchell to him and his heirs & Assigns forever five Acres of Land
which my Hond. Father Gave me to be Laid out unto him from the Roade
to the Ceder Swamp by the Side of the Lott that I bought of my Brother William
Churchell, my Wife to have the Improvment as abovexpresed
Item I
Give and Bequeath Unto my Cousin Elijah Mcfarling the Lott of Land
that I bought of Capt. John Loring lying by the Side of the Land of
Gideon Bradford’s To him & his heirs & assigns forever (Except my
Wive’s Improvmt. for Cutting off Fire Wood as before Expresed
Item, I
Give and Bequeath unto my Cousin Susanna Churchell the Wife of Nathll.
Churchell of Plimton the Sum of Four pounds lawfull money To be paid unto her
or her heirs or assigns by my Execx Out of Moveable Estate ~
Item, I
Give and Bequeath unto my Cousin David Churchell Son to my Brother William
Churchell To him his heirs and Assigns for ever, all the rest of my Real Estate
which my Hond. Father Gave Me in his Last Will and Testament
Reserving unto my Wife the Improvment as aforesaid, he the sd. David
Churchell shall take the Care of Thomas Lambart als. Churchell and
provide for him in sickness & in helth so that he be Chargeable to nobody
else; and also to pay my Just Debts and Funerall Charges, the Severall Debts
& Funerall Charges which I have in my Last Will and Testament Orderd the
aforesd David Churchell to pay & Discharge my Will is that he
pay them Out of the Real Estate which I have Above Given him.
And
Lastly I Do Constitute make and ordain my well Beloved Wife Sole Executrix of
this my last Will and Testament & Do Hereby Revoke & Disalow &
Disanull all other Wills by me Made; Ratifying and Confirming this and no other
To be my Last Will & Testament whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand &
Seal the Day and Year abovewritten
Sign’d Sealed Published & Declared his mark
by the said James Churchell to be James O Churchell (seal)
his Last Will and Testament
In the
presence of us
William Bonney
Beriah Bonney
John Bradford
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1755 by the Executrix therein
named, and proved by Beriah Bonney and John Bradford, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Churchell of Plimton, widow,
Executrix, on 3 Feb. 1755, with John Bradford and Joel Elis, Yeomen, both of
Plimton, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 384-386, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Joseph
Churchell of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1711/12) *
In the Name of God amen. I Joseph Churchell of the Town &
County of Plymouth in New=England Yeoman Considering the Certainty of death
& uncertainty of Life, and being also Under many Infirmitys of body Tho^
thro^ the Mercy of God of a Sound and disposing mind & memory, Do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament as followeth, That is to say I do in the
first place give up my Imortal soul to God that gave it, and my body to the
earth to be decently buried in hopes of a Glorious Resurrection thro^ Christ,
and as to what of this worlds goods it hath pleased God to bless me withall, my
just debts and funerall Charges being paid I dispose of the same as followeth,
Viz.
Imprs. I give and bequeath to my Loving wife Sarah
Churchell the use and Improvement of all my personall Estate (Except what I
shall in this Instrument Otherwise dispose of) for her Support and Subsistance
during her natural Life, with power to dispose of the same at her decease among
my Children as she shall se Cause, as also the one Third part of all my Housing
& Lands for her use and Improvement during her natural Life as abovesd. — —
Item. I give and bequeath unto my son John Churchill his
heirs & Assignes forever he paying One Third of my Just debts due at my
decease all that my five acres of Land Lying at the North=westward of my former
dwelling house, Bounded toward the Bay by the Old fence as it used – formerly
to be fenced, with the addition fence Granted by the Town at the Head of sd.
five acres Excepting the Land which my dwelling house stands upon with
Convenient Room for Egress round and about the same, with free passage to and
from the pond behind the house.
Item. I give unto my sd. son Liberty to dwell in
that Room of my house in which he now dwells til he Can build an house or
provide for himself. Item I give unto my sd. Son John his heirs
& assignes forever all my Interest in the Lot of Land at the south pond
Lying in partnership between my brother Eliezer and my selfe. Item I give unto
my sd. Son John his heirs and assignes for ever all my Interest in
the meadow or Grassy Holes lying to the Southward of sd. pond also
in partnership with my brother Eliezer. Item I give and bequeath to my sd.
Son John his heirs and Assignes for ever all my Interest in Lands at or near a
place Called Pontus’s meadow in Plymouth aforesd. being also in
partnership with my sd. Brother. Item I give to my sd.
son John his heirs & assignes for ever one Third part of my nineteen acres
of Land at a place Commonly Called Green Hill in Plymouth aforesd.
Item I give unto my sd. Son John the one half of my meadow at the
South meadows so Called to him his heirs & assignes for ever. Item I give
to my sd. Son John my Musquet.
Item, I give and bequeath to my son Barnabas Churchell his heirs and
assignes for ever (he paying 2 Thirds my Just debts that shall be due out of my
estate at my decease all that my Orchard and the remainder of my homestead
Below the Country Road up as far as the Westermost part of the sheep house on
the Hill. Item, I give unto my sd. Son Barnabas his Heirs and
assigns for ever One Third part of my sd. Nine acres at Green Hill
Aforesd.—
Item. I give unto my sd. Son his heirs &
assignes for ever the One Moiety or half of my Wood Land at Warrens Wells.
Item, I give to my sd. Son Barnabas his Heirs and assignes for ever
the Other half of my sd. meadow at South meadow. Item, I give to my
sd. Son Barnabas his heirs & assignes for ever the One half of
my now dwelling house. Item I give to my son Barnabas my Little Gun.
Item I give and Bequeath to my son Joseph Churchill his heirs
& assignes forever the Other half of my dwelling house with free Egress
& Regress & Conveniency of passage to and from & about the Same;
And it is my Will that in Case my Sons Barnabas & Joseph Shall build a Barn
Together on Barnabas’s Land that Joseph have free Liberty of egress &
regress equall with his Brother Barnabas to & from sd. Barn.
Item I give and Bequeath to my sd. Son Joseph his heirs &
assignes for ever all that part of my Homestead or Home Lott that lyeth above
the Country Road and that part Below the Road til it Come square with sd.
Sheep house where Barnabas is Bounded. Item I give to my sd. son
Joseph his Heirs & Assignes for ever the Other third part of my sd.
19 acres at Green Hill, and also the Other moiety or half of my sd.
Wood Land at Warrens Wells. Item I give unto my son Joseph the Gun Lately
bought being One of the Queens Arms.
Item I give unto my daughter Margerett Bates the Sum of Six pounds to be
paid Out of my moveable Estate After my wifes decease, Or to her the sd.
Margeretts Children if She dye before.
Item. I give & Bequeath to my three sons John Barnabas
& Joseph their Heirs & Assignes & Assignes forever the New pasture
lately fenced in by the water side Equally among them Item. I give & Bequeath to my two Sons
Barnabas & Joseph their heirs & assignes for ever all my Interest in
Cedar swamp and my share or Interest in the Common or undivided Land to be
Equally divided Between them. Item It is my Will that my Three Sons if they se
Cause have an Equall privilidge in my Interest in the Well.
Item. It is also my Will that in Case either of my
abovementioned Sons Shall Se Cause to Sell his Interest in any of the Housing
or Lands or meadows that I have herein devised and Bequeathed to them that he
give One of his Bretheren the first refusall of the same giving as Much as
another will give. Item I do by these presents Constitute ordain & Appoint
my abovesd. Loving wife Sarah Churchell Sole Executrix of this my
Last Will & Testament, and do hereby revoak disanull and make utterly null
& void all other & former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made
Ratifying Confirming & allowing this & no Other as my last Will &
Testament. And In Witness hereof have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
Twenty & Second day of January Anno Domini One Thousd. Seven
hundred & Eleven 1711/12.
Signed sealed & declared to be his last Will & The mark of
Testament In presence of us. — Joseph J Churchell (seal)
Ephraim Little
Eliezer Donham
Hannah Drew
Probated on 5 Mar. 1719/20, and proved by Mr.
Ephraim Little, Eliezer Donham, and Hannah Drew, the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Sarah Churchell, the relict widdow and sole
Executrix.
The Inventory of the estate of Joseph Churchell Senr,
was appraised by Abraham Jackson Senr. and Thomas Morton Senr.,
on 13 Nov. 1719, but was not totaled, and did not include any of his real
estate. Sarah Churchell, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 5
Mar. 1719/20.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, p. 201-203, from FHL microfilm
#0550510.
Will of
Know all Men by these Presents that Whereas I Lydia Churchell
Widow & Relict of William Churchell late of Plimton in the County of
Plymouth in New-England Deceasd being under bodily Infirmity
Yet by the Blessing of God of Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory, And
whereas my Abovesd Husband in his last Will & Testament bearing
Date the 27th Day of March One thousand Seven hundred twenty two,
did Give & Bequeath unto me All his Share of Land in the last Allotment in
Plymouth laying near or towards Sandwich as also his Tackling belonging to his
Team, his Debts due to him, and the one Half of all his Moveable Estate to be
at my Dispose: Therefore Considering the Mortality of my Body and being Minded
to Dispose of my Abovesd Estate in my life time Do make &
Ordain this & no other to be my last Will & Testament to remain firm
& inviolable forever (as followeth) —
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Son Benjamin Churchell:
the one Quarter Part of my abovesd Share of Land to him & to his
Heirs and assigns forever; Item I Give to my Son Josiah Churchell the one
Quarter Part of my Abovesd Share of Land to him & to his
Heirs & assigns forever; Together with all the Tackling belonging to the
Team—And also one Warming Pan — Item I Give unto my Son James Churchell the One
quarter Part of my abovesd Share of Land to him & to his Heirs
& assigns forever; Item I Give unto my Daughter Lydia Lovell the one Half
of my Wearing apparrell And also one Pewter Platter; Item I Give unto my Grand
Son Thomas Churchell otherwise Thomas Lumbard Son of my Daughter Lydia Lovell
one Small Iron Pot — I also Give to my Abovenamed Son James Churchell the One
Half of my moveable Estate that is not already Disposed of Item I Give to my Daughter Mehetabel Shaw the
one Quarter Part of my Abovesd Share of Land to her & her Heirs
& assigns forever, Together with the other Half of my moveable Estate not
already Disposed of — And my Will is that my just Debts & funeral Charges
be paid out of my moveable Estate, and I also Constitute Ordain & appoint
my Son William Churchell to be my Sole Executor to this my last Will &
Testament: Thus hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept
& performed To the true Intent & Meaning thereof I Commit my Body to
the Grave & my Soul to God who gave it. In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal this twenty ninth Day of June in the Year of Our Lord
One thousd Seven hundred & thirty — 1730 —
Signed Sealed Declared & Pronounced by ye sd
Lydia Churchell to be her last Will and Testamt.— her
In Presence of us ye Subscribers Lydia X Churchell (seal)
Isaac Bryant - Timothy
Ripley Mark
John
Bell
Proved on 24 April 1736 by Isaac Bryant, Timothy Ripley, and
Jno.
Mr. Josiah Perkins, Hopestill Bisbee, and George
Bryant, all of Plimton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Lydia
Churchell, late of Plimton, on 24 Apr. 1736. The Inventory of the Estate of
Lydia Churchell, dated 12 May 1736, totaled £82.17.10, including one lot of
land valued at £52.10. Willm Churchell, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 18 May 1736.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Mary Churchell of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The twentieth day of December one thousand, seven hundred
& sixty eight. I Mary Churchell of Plimton in the county of Plymouth in
New-England being weak of body, notwithstanding thro’ divine goodness of a
sound and disposing memory, notwithstanding, calling to mind the mortality of
my body, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and do
make and ordain this my last will and testament, and principally, and first of
all, I recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, trusting thro’ free
grace in Christ to receive the free and full pardon of all my sins, and to
inherit glory, and my body I recomend unto the earth to be decently buried, at
the discretion of my executor hereafter mentioned, trusting that at the general
resurrection to receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this
Life, I give & bequeath in the following manner.
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my cousin David Churchell, his heirs & assigns forever, one
acre of Land lying by his son William’s home, together with my great-chair. ~
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my cousin Mary Churchell, wife to my cousin David, her heirs and
assigns forever, all my buildings with my best coverlet, & round table,
with my riding-hood, together with my riding-chair, and my right in a pew in
the meeting-house, with my dripping-pan, with my hatchel, & spice-mortar,
with my allapeen-gown, with my gold necklace, & one silver-spoon, & a
pair of silver-clasps, with one large pewter bason, with my silk-quilt, &
my gauze-scarff, with my chafing dish, & Lawn-sift.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my cousin Leah Churchell, one grogram gown, and my velvet-hood,
& velvet handkerchief.
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my cousin Elijah Mcfarling my warming pan,
& one pair of iron-doggs.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my cousin John Mackfarling, five pounds old tenor.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my cousin Patience Mcfarling, one feather-bed,
& bedstead, & coverlet, & one pair of sheets. – together with my
camblet riding-hood, & one silk crape-gown, & my broad-cloth cloak,
& one gauze hood, & one silk-hood, & one taffaty-apron, & one
blue shiff quilt, & one pr. of smoothing-irons.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto Abigail Churchell, one taffaty gown, & one silver spoon.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my cousin Lidia Churchell, one blue tammy quilt.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my cousins Susannah Churchell, my jewels.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my cousin Mary Macfarling, one chest with one draw.
Item, I give &
put into the hands of my cousin David Churchell, his heirs & assigns
forever, all the remaining part of my real estate, in order to pay my just
debts & charges, together with the remaining part of my movable estate;
Also my will is that if there is any estate remaining in the hands of my cousin
David Churchell after the just debts & charges are paid, my will is that it
shall be equally divided between Patience Mackfarlin, Mary Churchell, &
Leah Churchill.
And Lastly I do
constitute my cousin David Churchell sole executor of this my last will and
testament, ratifying this and no other to be my Last will and testament. In testimony hereof I have signed &
sealed the day & year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, declared, & delivered
her
by the said Mary Churchell to be her Last Mary
M Churchell (seal)
will & testament, in presence of us mark
Josiah
Perkins
William
Churchell
James
Churchell
Presented for probate on 6 Aug. 1770 by David Churchell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Perkins and William Churchell, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to David Churchell,
the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Mary Churchell, late of
Plimton, was appraised on 21 May 1771 by William Ripley, Zebedee Chandler, and
Ignatius Loring, and totaled £186.11.5, including her land, meadow and
buildings valued at £138.3.4. David Churchell, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 23 May 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 400-401, 507, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of William
Churchell of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1722) *
Know all men by these Presents that I William Churchell Senr.
of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth In New: England, Being at this
Present time under Bodily Infirmity, but of a Sound & disposing memory and
understanding: Blessed be God for It: & Being Sensible of my own mortality
& Being minded to Settle my outward Estate: Do make & ordain this to be
my Last Will & Testament, to Remain firm & Inviolable for Ever
Imprimis: I give & Bequeath unto my Son William Churchell
my thirty acre Lott of Land whereon he now dwelleth: & also my five acres
of Land which was Since laid out adjoyning Thereunto: and also my Six acres of
Land laid out adjoyning Thereunto, being Part of my Twenty acres Lott,
(Excepting one acre There of which I formerly gave unto Luke Perkins) &
also I give unto my sd Son William my Lott of meadow ground Lying
upon the neck Called Kings neck: Item: I give & Bequeath unto my
Son Isaac Churchell: all my Lands which lye adjoyning together: Where He now
dwelleth, Except that which is now mowable meadow: Item, I give & Bequeath
unto my Son Benjamin Churchell, all my Lands which lye adjoyning where He now
dwelleth, and In Reference to my Lands Whereon I now dwell: I have bounded out
a Certain Parcell Thereof: as followeth: Beginning at ye Edge of ye
upland: at ye westerly End of ye Causey: & from
Thence Ranging South four degrees westerly an Hundred & two Rods to ye
Spruce Stump which is ye Bounds of ye Cedar Swamp Lott
& from thence north: 75 degrees Easterly: 17: Rods & a half to a Beach
Stump with Stones about It & from thence north: 61: Degrees: Easterly 33
Rods & a half to a Stake & Stones by ye Fence: & from
thence East two Degrees Southerly: 20 Rods to a Stake & Stones at ye
Fence: at ye Corner of ye Swamp, & from thence
bounded by ye Swamp Side unto ye Spruce Tree formerly
marked In ye side of ye Swamp which was ye
Southerly Corner bound of my thirty acres: & So Including all my Lands
which Lye there adjoyning together: to ye Eastward & Northward
of ye aforementioned Boundarys: together with ye five
acres which was laid out unto my In ye Right of Eleazer Rickard
Joyning thereunto, of which aforesd Land So bounded out &
described: I give & Bequeath unto my sd Son William Churchell
five acres thereof of ye upland, & unto my aforesd
Son Isaac two acres & a half thereof, of ye upland, & all ye
Rest of ye above bounded Land (Except ye sd
five acres, & ye sd two acres & half last
mentioned) I give & Bequeath unto my two Sons James Churchell & Josiah
Churchell to be Equally divided between them for Quantity & Quality, only
my Will is that James Shall have ye Lands lying near unto his
dwelling House: & that Josiah Shall have ye Lands near unto my
now dwelling House, only Reserving unto my Loving Wife Lydiah Chuirchell, ye
use Improvement & Income of one third Part of all ye above
Bounded Lands last mentioned during Her natural Life: Item, I give &
Bequeath unto my Son Josiah Churchell my now dwelling House Barn & out
Houses, only Reserving unto my aforesd Wife ye use and
Improvement of all ye Rooms of ye Easterly End of my sd
dwelling House both ye Lower Room Chamber & Cellar, & also
of ye Barn & out Houses during Her naturall Life. Item, I give
& Bequeath unto my five Sons William, James, Isaac, Benjamin & Josiah
my Six acre Lott of meadow In Jones River meadow, & all that my meadow
which I Bought of Benjamin Eaton that is now mowable meadow to be Equally
divided among them, only Reserving unto my aforesd Wife ye
use Improvement & Income of one third Part of all ye aforesd
meadows during Her natural Life.
Item, I give & Bequeath unto my four Sons William, James,
Isaac, & Josiah all that my Land & Swamp ground which lyeth between ye
Lands which are bounded out as is before Expressed: & ye Land
which I have given to my Son William first mentioned & So lying on ye
Easterly Side of ye dam that is In my Swamp, ye Same to
be Equally divided among them: Item I give & Bequeath unto my five Sons
William, James, Isaac, Benjamin & Josiah all my Rights of Cedar Swamps In ye
Township of Plympton to be Equally divided among them (Except a Corner of Cedar
Swamp which falls within ye Lands above bounded argect to ye
Causey. Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Six Sons William, Samuel, James,
Isaac, Benjamin & Josiah all my Rights of Cedar Swamp In ye
Township of Pembroke, to be Equally divided among them: Item: I give &
Bequeath unto my four Sons William James Isaac & Josiah my 58 acres & a
half of Land lying upon ye Neck between Colchester Cedar Swamp &
Turkey Swamp to be Equally divided among Them: & as for my uplands In ye
Majors Purchase In Pembroke: I give & Bequeath unto my Son William one
Quarter Part thereof: & unto my Son Isaac one Quarter Part thereof, &
unto my two Sons James & Josiah one Quarter Part thereof: to be Equally
divided between them, & unto my aforesd Wife Lydiah Churchell
& my Son Benjamin Churchell the other Quarter Part thereof to be Equally
divided between them. Item: I give & Bequeath unto my sd Wife
Lydiah Churchell my Share of Land In the In ye last allotment In
Plymouth lying towards Sandwich to be at Her own disposeing, only In
Consideration thereof my Will Is that She Shall Pay all my Just Debts &
Funeral Charges & In case It Shall appear that ye value of said
Share of Land Is not Sufficient to pay all my Just Debts & Funeral Charges
then what Is wanting thereof Shall be Paid by all my Children both Sons &
Daughters, (Except my Son Samuel) according to ye Proportion which
Each of them Shall Receive of my Estate. Item, I give & Bequeath unto my
aforesd wife all ye Debts which are owing unto me. Item,
I give & Bequeath unto my aforesd wife all my Tackling belonging
to ye Team to be at her own disposing & also I give &
Bequeath unto my sd wife the one half of all my moveable Estate
whatsoever for Her Comfortable Subsistence & to dispose of as She Shall See
Cause. Item: I give & Bequeath unto my two Daughters Lydiah Churchell &
Mehitable Churchell the other half of all my moveable Estate whatsoever to be
Equally divided between them (Excepting ye Tackling aforesaid) Item,
I give & Bequeath unto all my beforenamed Eight Children (both Sons &
daughters) my Share of Land In ye Lands Called ye
Sheep:fold Lands ye same to be Equally divided among them all, and
further my Will Is that all ye Lands meadows & Swamps, which I
have given to my Son James Churchell by this my last Will & Testament as is
before Expressed, Shall belong unto Him & to His Heirs Lawfully begotten of
His Body, & that He Shall not dispose of It to any other always Provided
that If he shall not Have an Heir Lawfully begotten of His Body, That In Such
Case ye sd Lands meadows & Swamps Shall belong unto
Such of His Brothers: or unto Such of His Brothers Children as he Shall See
Cause to dispose of ye same unto: but not to dispose of It
otherwise, Except It be ye aforesd Rights of Cedar Swamp
given to Him as aforesd. which he Shall Have free Liberty to dispose
of as He Shall See Cause, and my Will is that my Loving Wife Lydiah Churchell
& my Son William Churchell Shall be Executors of this my Last Will &
Testament, Thus Hoping that this my Last Will & Testament will be kept
& Performed according to ye true Intent & meaning Thereof: I
Comitt my Body to ye Dust & my Soul to God That gave It, In
witness Whereof, ye aforesaid William Churchell Senr.
have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this twenty seventh day of march one
thousand Seven Hundred twenty & two.
Signed Sealed & Declared by
ye aforenamed William
Churchell Senr In ye Presence
of us to be His last Will and William Churchell (seal)
Testament.
Caleb Loring
Jacob Tomson
Josiah Leach.
Memorandum ye Interline
between ye 38th & 39th
Lines
& also ye Interline between
ye 40th & 41st Lines:
was
Interlined before Signing
& Sealing
December ye 19th 1722 The within
named Caleb Loring Jacob Tompson two of ye witnesses to ye
within written will, made oath that they saw the within named William Churchell
late of Plympton In ye County of Plymouth Deceased Sign Seal &
heard him declare ye within written Instrument to be his last will
& Testament & that they at ye same time together with Josiah
Leach Sett to Their Hands as witnesses: & also at ye same time
according to ye best of their observation He was of a Sound &
disposing mind and memory: Before me: Isaac Winslow, Judge of Probates.
Lydiah Churchell, widow, and William Churchell, son of the
deceased, the Executors, were granted administration of the estate of William
Churchell Senr, late of Plympton, on 12 Mar. 1723.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac Churchill of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1777) *
In the name of God Amen—I Isaac Churchill of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman,
being Grown Ancient and calling to mind the uncertainty of Life, and the
certainty of death, do make and ordain this my Last Will & Testament, and
whenever it shall please God to call me out of this world by death, I humbly
committ my soul into the hands of God my maker hoping for the remission of all
my Sins according to the notes of the redeeming Grace of my Lord & Saviour-Jesus
Christ and would commit my body to the Earth to be decently-buryed in a
christian manner by my Executors firmly believing its future resurrection from
the dead by the mighty power of him who is the resurrection and the Life, and
as for Such worldly Goods as I am favourd with in this Life– I Give and dispose
of the same in the following manner vizt~
First– my Will is that all my Just debts and funerall charges
shall be well & seasonably paid by my Executor of this my Last Will out of
my personal Estate~
Also—I hereby Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife
Susanna Churchill & to her heirs & assigns forever all my personal
Estate Excepting my Carpenters tools & Crow bar ~
Allso—I hereby Give to my Son Isaac Churchill and singular my
Carpenters Tools and
Also—I hereby Give my Iron Crow bar to my Grandson Jabez
Weston~
Also—I Give & bequeath unto my Four Grand children vizt.
Ebenezer Standish, Shadrack Standish, Samuel Everson and Levi Everson, and to
their respective heirs & assigns forever all the Land which I bought of
William Cushman Lying in Cushman’s Neck (so called) in Plymton aforesaid
Also—I Give & bequeath unto my three Grandsons children
of my daughter Susanna Weston decd. one Dollar to Each of them to be
paid out of my moveable Estate.~
Also—I Give & bequeath unto my two Grand daughters viz.
Rebecca & Molly Ring and to my Grand daughter, Everick Thomas & to each
of them & their heirs &c. One Dollar to be paid out of my moveable
Estate
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my Son Isaac Churchill
to be the Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament, and being of
sound & disposing mind, memory & Judgment, do hereby revoke disannul
and make void & of none effect all former & other Wills, testament,
Legacies, bequests &ca. by me heretofore made, and bequeathed;
and do hereby ratify & confirm and Establish this and no other to be my
Last Will & testament– In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this seventeenth day of June in the year of Our Lord One thousand, seven
hundred & Seventy Seven
Sign’d, Sealed, published, pronounced & Isaac Churchill (seal)
declared by the said Isaac Churchill to be
his Last Will & testament in presence of
us the subscribers
David
Churchill
Samuell
Bonney
Josiah
Marshall
Presented for probate on 6 July 1778 by Isaac Churchill, the
Executor therein named, and proved by David Churchill, Samuel Bonney, and
Josiah Marshall, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac
Churchill, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac Churchill, late of
Plymton, was appraised on 7 Sept. 1778 by David Churchill, David Magoun, and
Samuel Bonney, and totaled £907.0, including twenty acres of land valued at
£200, but no dwelling house listed. The appraisers and Isaac Churchill, the
Executor, gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Dec. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 31-32, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Nathaniel
Churchill of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In The Name Of God Amen.—I, Nathaniel Churchill of Plymton in
the County of Plymouth, being thro’ the abundant mercy & goodness of God,
tho’ weak in body yet of a sound mind & memory, do constitute this my last
will & testament & desire it be Recd. by all, as such
Imprimis—I bequeath my soul to God that gave it, and my body
to the earth, to be buried in a decent christian manner at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named. As to my worldly estate, I will & positively
order, that all my just debts be paid– and funeral out of
my personal estate.
Item—I Give to my loving wife Lydia Churchill, one third part
of the improvement of all my estate, both real & personal, during her
natural life.
Item—I Give to my Daughter Abigail Bisbee, all my right in
the Pond Iron ore in
Item—I Give to my three daughters, vizt. Abigail
Bisbee, Lydia Hammon & Susanna Thomas, all my estate, both real &
personal, wherever it may be found, not already disposed of or hereafter to be
named, to be equally divided between them their heirs or assigns
Item—I Give unto my Grandsons, Lewis Churchill, Hosea
Churchill, Levi Churchill, Joseph Churchill & Nathaniel Churchill, each of
them, one likely store sheep, out of my flock of sheep or the value thereof in
money, to be paid by my Executor, out of my Personal Estate.–
Item.—I Give to my Grandson, Stephen Churchill, my best fire
arm with all the accoutraments belonging to the same –
Finally—I do constitute & appoint Hopestill Bisbee of
Signed, Sealed & delivd in his
presence of us – Nathaniel N Churchill (seal)
Ezra Samson – Molley Tinkham – James Churchill mark
Presented for probate on 3 Oct. 1803 by Hopestill Bisbee, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ezra Sampson of Hudson in ye
State of
Benja. Crooker, Isaac Churchill & Noah Bisbee, all of
Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathl. Churchill, late of
Plymton, yeoman, on 6 Sept. 1803. The Inventory, dated 3 Oct. 1803, totaled
$810.51, his real estate totaled $325.87, which included one fourth part of the
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Perez
Churchill of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Perez Churchill of Middleborough
in the county of Plymouth, Gentleman, labouring under many infirmities of body,
which are symptoms of approaching mortality but of perfect & disposing
memory, thanks be given to almighty God for the same, but calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make and ordain this my last will & testament. Viz~
Imprimis, I will & bequeath my soul to God who gave it
me, and my body to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executors hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection, I
shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of God
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved son Perez
Churchill, his heirs & assigns, in addition to what I have given him by
deed of gift—vizt, a parcel of land, bounded, beginning at a stake
standing by the road from the Furnace to middleborough, which is the corner of
Jabez Churchill’s land, thence southerly by said road to a stake which stands
near said Perez’s house, which is a corner of the land I have given him a deed
of, thence north forty degrees westerly by said land ‘till it comes to Jabez
Churchill’s land, thence easterly by said Jabez’s land to the bound first
mentioned. Also one half of the Barn standing on said land, always reserving a
way across said land, to the other part of sd Barn, with a privilege
around sd Barn, which I shall hereafter dispose of. Also one third
part of my cedar swamp lots, excepting one acre which I shall hereafter,
dispose of, also one half of my double brooks meadow, so called, with the
privileges thereunto belonging. Also one third of my horse grass meadow, so
called, which I bought of Mr. Bennet, beside what I shall hereafter
bequeath to him
Item. I Give & bequeath to my beloved son Isaac Churchill
& to his heirs & assigns forever, the following part of my homestead
viz~, beginning at a heap of stones on the easterly side of the
above said road, in the division line of the great lots, thence easterly by
said road ‘till it comes to the road that leads from double brooks to my house,
thence northerly by said road to a stake with stones about it, being about
seven rods from a rock the easterly side of said road, and thence ranging north
eighty seven degrees & a half easterly ‘till it comes to a maple tree
marked, which is the south westerly corner of a piece of swamp or meadow, which
I shall hereafter give to my Grandson Asaph, thence north sixty seven degrees
and half easterly ‘till it comes to the meadow line, thence southerly by said
meadow line till it comes to the southerly corner bound of my said homestead,
thence by the southerly line of said homestead westerly to the aforesaid
division line, thence by said division line to the bound first mentioned, the
lands within these abovesd bound with the building thereon, also the
following parcells of wood lands viz~ a part of that lot which I
bought of Doctr LeBaron, that part of said lot northward of the road
& westward of what I have given to my son Perez, also that part of my wood
lot called the Smiths lot that layeth to the northward & westward of said
road, ‘till it comes to the next division line, being all of said lot on that
side of the way, also one third part of my cedar swamp, excepting one acre as
above excepted, also one half of my double brooks meadow, so called, also one
third part of my horse grass meadow, so called, also one half of my barn with
the privileges thereunto belonging all the above premises to my son Isaac
besides what I shall hereafter bequeath to him
Item—I will & bequeath to my beloved son Joseph Churchill
& to his heirs & assigns forever, the following part of my homestead
lands viz~ beginning at a stake with stones about it standing by the
road which is the northerly bound of Isaac’s share, thence northerly by said
road, ‘till it comes to the land of Jabez Churchill, thence easterly by said
Jabez’s land ‘till it comes to the brook, thence down stream by the brook till
it comes to Ambrose Shaw’s meadow thence westerly by sd Ambrose’s
meadow ‘till it comes to the meadow line, thence southerly by the meadow line
till it comes to a stake & stones standing on the meadow, it being a corner
bound I shall mention in Asaph’s share, thence westerly by Asaph’s share
fourteen rods to a small maple marked thence southerly nine rods & half to
the maple mentioned in Isaac’s share, thence by Isaac’s line westerly to the
bound first mentioned, with the buildings thereon, Also one third part of my
cedar swamp, excepting what I have above excepted, also one third part of my
horse grass meadow, so called, also all my Smith lot that layeth to the
southward & eastward of the road, also a piece of the LeBaron lot on the
south side of the road, ‘till it comes to what I gave Perez at rocky gutter
bridge
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved Grandson Asaph
Churchill to his heirs & assigns forever, a certain lot of land, it being
the hundred & fourth lot in the south purchase, so called, by estimation
Forty & five acres, also a piece of swamp or meadow ground adjoining to
what I gave to my son Isaac, his part in the homestead bounded beginning at a
maple tree marked, mentioned in Isaac’s share of the homestead, thence from
said maple north fifty seven degrees westerly nine rods, & a half to a
small maple marked, thence north forty & a half degrees easterly, fourteen
rods to a stake with stones about it in the meadow line, thence southerly by
the meadow line ‘till it comes to Isaac’s share, thence south sixty seven &
half degs westerly by Isaac’s share to the aforementioned maple tree
by estimation one acre also one acre of cedar swamp to be taken off from my
westerly lot in the south purchase, & to be taken off by a line across said
lot parallel with the easterly end line so far westward so to make one acre, and
also I discharge him from paying me back any thing that I paid towards the
estate that fell to him by his Father Zebedee Churchill deceased; provided
nevertheless that whereas the abovesaid Asaph Churchill doth justly owe me
twenty five dollars, which he borrowed of me & neglects to pay the same; my
will is therefore, that if the said Asaph shall discharge the said twenty five
dollars to my Executors then the abovesaid premises are to be wholly his,
otherwise the above described hundred & fourth lot in the south purchase
shall be taken from sd Asaph’s share & divided among my other
heirs, any thing in said Asaph’s share to the contrary notwithstanding
Item. I appoint & enjoin it upon my three sons, Perez,
Isaac & Joseph Churchill’s, that they three shall maintain their Hond.
mother Persis Churchill with a comfortable maintenance, during her natural life
with food, raiment & lodging, suitable for an aged person, also, I Give to
& order, that my wife Persis shall have all the houshold furniture that she
brought with her when I married her, which is not consumed by wear, all the
wearing apparell that I have provided for her and that the abovesaid furniture shall
descend to her children, or to their heirs at her decease
Item. I will & bequeath to my beloved daughter
Deliverance Wright one feather Bed, to make her equal to my other daughters in
what I gave them heretofore
Item. I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Deliverance
Wright, to the heirs of Deborah Cobb, & to Lydia Crocker, all my moveable
Estate, not heretofore nor hereafter disposed of, in equal partnership among
them
Item. I Give & bequeath to my three sons Perez, Isaac
& Joseph, my Pew in the meeting house, also my wearing apparell, to be
equally divided among them
Item. I Give & bequeath to my six children & my
grandson Asalph in equal partnerships between them all my Cash of if any there
be found all debts due to me at my decease, they paying all my just debts &
funeral charges, provided nevertheless, in case I shall not leave Cash
sufficient to pay my debts & other charges as above, then sd
debts & charges shall be paid out of the personal estate and what shall
then remain to be divided as above
Item. My will is, and I hereby constitute & appoint
Nehemiah Cobb Esqr. of Carver & my son Perez Churchill joint
Executors to this my last will & testament, hoping, all things herein
contained will be kept and performed according to the true intent & meaning
thereof. In witness whereof, I the said Perez Churchill have hereunto sett my
hand and seal, this eighteenth day of March one thousand seven hundred &
ninety seven
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared
by the said Perez Churchill as his last Perez Churchill (seal)
will & testament in presence of us
Jabez
Churchill
Thomas
Weston
Nehemiah
Cobb
Presented for probate on 2 Nov. 1797 by Nehemiah Cobb Esqr.
& Perez Churchill, the Executors therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Cobb
Esqr. & Thomas Weston, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Peres Churchill, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elijah Clap of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen The first Day of April in the Year of
our Lord 1775 I Elijah Clap of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth Gentm:
being very Sick & weak in Body but of Perfect mind & Memory thanks be
given unto God for the Same and calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and
knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to Die Do make and ordain this my
last Will and Testament that is to say Principally & first of all I give
and Recomend my Soul into the Hand of God that gave it my Body I recommend to
the earth to be Buried in a Christian like Manner at the discretion of my
Executor hoping at the General Resurection I shall receive the Same again by
the mighty Power of God and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
Pleased God to Bless me with in this Life I give demise and dispose of the Same
in manner & form following Viz
Imprimis I give & Bequeath to Hope my dearly Beloved Wife after
Debts and funeral Charges are paid all my Moveable Estate out Door & Indoor
together with all the Improvment of all my Real Estate & also the
Improvement of all my Right in the Pew in the Meeting House untill my Son
Manasseh Clap comes of age and then one Third during her Natural Life ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Son Manassah Clap all my
Real Estate with all the Buildings Orchard & fences thereunto belonging
together with all my Right in the Pew in the Meeting House when he shall come
of age ~
Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Tupper five
Shillings to be paid when my Son Manasseh comes of Age
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Hope Clap Junr
the Sum of Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence to be paid when my
Son Manasseh comes of age ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Eddy five
Shillings to be Paid when my Son Manasseh comes of Age
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Hannah Clap Six
Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence to be paid her when my Son Manasseh
comes of Age ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter watestill Clap Six
Pounds Thirteen Shillings & four Pence to be paid when my Son Manasseh
comes of Age ~
Furthermore I do Constitute make & ordain my dearly
beloved Wife Hope together with my Son Manassah Clap to be my Executors of this
my last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke &
disanul all & every former Testaments Wills Legacies and Bequests and
Executors by me in any Ways before Named Willed & bequeasted Ratifyed &
Confirmed this & no other to be my last Will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the Day and Year Abovesd.
~
Signed Sealed Published
Prounounced and deliver’d Elijah Clap (seal)
by me in Presence of us
Benja Tucker
Jedediah Lyon
Benja. Tucker Junr.
Presented for probate on 4 March 1776 by Hope Clap, his
widow, and Son Manasseh Clap, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Benjamin Tucker and Benj Tucker Junr, two of the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to Hope and Manasseh, the before named
Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 63-65, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Amasa Clark of Plymouth, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Be
it known that I Amasa Clark of Plymouth, in said County of Plymouth Yeoman,
being in feeble health, but of sound mind and memory do make publish and
declare this instrument to be my last Will and testament in the words following
to wit.
1 I give and bequeath to my beloved
wife Mary Clark all my personal estate to be at her own disposal. I also give
and bequeath to her the use and improvement of all my Real Estate during her
natural life.
And as it is my desire that my wife Mary Clark should be comfortably
supported through life out of my estate, in case the bequest to her of my
personal estate as above and the improvement of my real Estate should in the
opinion of the Judge of Probate for this County be insufficient for that
purpose, I do hereby authorise and empower my Executor hereafter named to sell
and convey at private sale so much of my Real estate as shall in the opinion of
said Judge be necessary for that purpose, the lot of woodland hereafter devised
to Abiathar Hoxie Junior to be the last to be sold for that purpose.
2d I give and devise to
Abiathar Hoxie Jun. and to his heirs and assigns subject to the above
contingency my Woodlot situated in the Plain so called, adjoining the Woodland
of Barnes, Marcia Allen and others containing about eighteen acres after the
expiration of my Wifes life estate therein.
3d Out of the residue of
my Estate, remaining at the decease of my said wife, if any estate remains
unexpended except the above wood lot devised to Abiathar Hoxie Jun. I make the
following bequests to wit. to Sally Curtis the wife of David Curtis ten dollars,
to Mary Howland, the daughter of William Howland ten dollars and to Abigail
Clark the daughter of William Clark five dollars to be paid in the order above
named.
4th. I give and bequeath all the
rest residue and remainder of my Estate whether Real of Personal after the
expiration of my wife’s life Estate therein, not devised and bequeathed in the
foregoing Clauses to the following Nephews and Nieces, to wit. Daniel Clark and
Edward D. Clark Lydia Hoxie wife of Abiathar Hoxie Esther Burgess wife of Vinal
Burgess, Experience Sampson wife of Hiram Sampson, Nathaniel Clark and Naomi
Manter wife of Thomas Manter his heirs shall have her equal part, and Mary
Finney widow of George Finney Jun. deceased the same to be divided equally
among my Nephews and Nieces above named, to hold to them their heirs and
assigns. To any Nephew or Niece not named above in this Will I do not make any
devise or bequest.
I do hereby nominate and appoint
Abiathar Hoxie to be Executor of this will
I testimony of each and all the
things herein expressed I have hereto set my hand and seal this third day of
March in the year Eighteen hundred and forty three.
Amasa Clark (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named Amasa Clark as and for his last will and Testament
in presence of us and we at his request and in his presence and presence of
each other have subscribed the same as witnesses.
Barzillai
Holmes
Sally
Holmes
Caleb
Morton
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Aug. 1843 by Abiathar Hoxie, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Barzillai Holmes and Caleb Morton, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Abiatha Hoxie, the Executor therein named.
Abiathar Hoxie of Plymouth was granted Letters Testamentary
on the Estate of Amasa Clark, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, on 14 Aug. 1843, with
David Manter and Caleb Morton, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Barzillai Holmes, Caleb Morton and Bartlett Holmes, all of
Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Amasa Clark, late of
Plymouth, on 14 Aug. 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of Captn Amasa Clark, late of
Plymouth, Yeoman, was not dated, his real estate valued at $1088.20, and his
personal estate valued at $207.00. Abiathar Hoxie, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on the first Monday of Dec. 1843.
Abiathar Hoxie of Bridgewater was granted Administration de
bonis non with the Will annexed of the Estate of Amasa Clark, late of Plymouth,
on 21 Feb. 1848, Abiathar Hoxie who was appointed Executor thereof having
deceased without completing the administration, with Ichabod Morton and Vinal
Burgess, of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 85, pp. 387-389, 571-572, from FHL microfilm #0555268, Vol. 1G, p.
256, and Vol. 10A, p. 562.
Will of Cornelius Clark of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
I Cornelius Clark of
Rochester in the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being advanced in years but
through Gods Goodness of sound and disposing mind and memory & Calling to
mind the uncertainty of this Life do make & ordain this my Last will &
testament, Recommending my Soul to the merciful hands of God that Gave it &
my body to burial in decent Christian manner after my decease at the discretion
of my Executor hereafter named & as to such worldly Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this world, I Give & dispose of the
same in the following manner ~
Imprimis –I Give to my beloved wife Susannah the use &
improvement of the one third part of my Estate both Real & personal in the
same way & manner that the Law Gives widows of husbands that die Intestate,
also I Give to my said wife Susannah all my Live Stock of Creatures that I
shall be the owner of at my decease also it is my will & I do hereby order
my Son John Clark to keep for my said wife one Cow winter & Summer during
her widowhood, She finding the Cow to be kept as aforesaid–I also Give to my
said wife all my money that shall be due to me at my decease as above
mentioned, upon Condition only that my said wife Surrender her thirds or Right
of Dower in my personal Estate – I also Give my said wife the use &
improvement of all my Indoor moveables during her being my widow ~
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Son John Clark his Heirs
& assigns forever all my Homestead farm be the same more or Less, with all
the buildings, orchards & fences upon the same, Excepting my said wife’s
thirds in the same during her Life & then to be & Remain to my said Son
John – also I Give to him the said John Clark the Same to be to him his heirs
& assigns forever all my wood Lot Lying near the Long pond so Called, also
I Give my said Son John all my farming tools & Carpenters tools also it is
my will & I hereby order my said Son John to pay all my Just debts &
funeral Charges
Item—I Give to my Son Jonathan Clarke one Dollar besides what
I have Given him in Lands which he holds by deed from John Arnold, which is to
be his part of my Estate Said Dollar to be paid by my Executor in a year after
my decease ~
Item–I Give to my Son Perez Clark one dollar to be paid by my
Executor in one year after my decease, that with what I have already Given him
to be his part of my Estate
Item – I Give to my Grandson Simeon Clark, the Son of my Son
Simeon Clark deceased five pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence Lawful money
to be paid by my Executor in two years after my decease
Item—I Give to my daughter Elisabeth the wife of John Morse
five pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence Lawful money to be paid by my
Executor in two years after my decease, also I Give to my said daughter
Elisabeth Morse all my Indoor moveables to be Recieved by her at my wifes death
or marriage
Item–I Give to my Son John Clark his Heirs & assigns
forever all the Estate both Real & personal, whatsoever or wheresoever the
same is or may be found that I have not in this my will Given & disposed
of, & I do hereby Constitute & appoint my said Son John Clark Sole
Executor to this my Last will & testament in witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twenty third day of June A.D. 1772. ~
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced &
declared to be the Last will & testament of Cornelius Clark (seal)
the said Cornelius Clark in presence of us
William
Palmer
William
Bassett
Nathan
Nye junr
Joseph
Bassett
Nathl.
Ruggles
Presented for probate on 3 Sept. 1783 by John Clark, the
Executor therein named, and proved by William Bassett and Joseph Bassett, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
John Clark, the before named Executor.
David Wing Esqr, Melatiah White, and Joseph
Bassett, yeomen, all of Rochester, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Cornelius Clark, late of Rochester, yeoman, on 3 Sept. 1783. The Inventory,
dated 3 Sept. 1783, totaled £340.11.~, including his real estate valued at
£320. John Clark, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Sept. 1783.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 43-45, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Dr. Joseph Clark of Middleborough, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Joseph Clark of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of sound and disposing mind do make
and publish this my last will and testament.
First. I give and bequeath all my
Estate of which I shall die seized, both personal and real to my three
daughters, Susan S. Clark, Hannah G. Clark and Augusta Clark to their heirs and
assigns forever –
Second I give and bequeath to my Two sons Thomas
Clark and Joseph Clark 3. one dollar each, in addition to what I have Already
given them.
Third I give and bequeath to my
Daughter Lucy Sproat the widow of James Sproat deceased one Dollar in addition
to what I have already given her – And I give and bequeath to the Children of
my deceased daughter Rebecca Haskins that shall be living at my decease one
dollar each.
Lastly I appoint Augusta Clark to
be my Executrix of this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking all others
Signed, sealed published and
declared by me the said Joseph Clark, to be my last will and testament, and in
witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this six day of October in the year
Eighteen hundred and forty three.
Joseph Clark (seal)
Signed Sealed, Witnessed, and
declared
by the said Joseph Clark to be his
last Will and testament in presence
of us who at his request and in his
presence
and in the presence of each other
Witnessed
the same by the signing our names
Jos.
Clark 3d.
Zilpah
M. Clark
S.
B. Pickens
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1843 by
Augusta Clark, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Clark 3d,
Zilpah M. Clark and S. B. Pickens, the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Augusta Clark, the executor.
Augusta Clarke, of Middleborough, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the Estate of Joseph Clark, late of Middleborough, Physician,
on 7 Nov. 1843, with Eliab Ward and Allen Shaw, both of Middleborough, as
sureties.
Ebenezer Pickens, Thomas Doggett and Eliab Ward, all of
Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Joseph Clark, late of
Middleborough, on 7 Nov. 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of Joseph Clark, late of
Middleborough, Physician, was dated 11 May 1844, totaled $614.50, including his
real estate valued at $375. Augusta Clark, the Executor, gave her oath to the
inventory on the last Tuesday of May 1844, and she was granted license to sell
the personal estate of the deceased on 28 May 1844.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 85, p. 447-449, from FHL microfilm #0555268, Vol. 1G, p. 260, and
Vol. 86, p. 234-235.
Will of Eunice Clift of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
In the name of God, Amen, this twenty ninth day of December
One thousand eight hundred and thirty two, I Eunice Clift of Marshfield, in the
County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and
perfect mind, and blessed be God for the same do make this my last Will &
Testament and first of all I give & recommend my soul to God that gave it
me and my body to the dust decently to be buried and as touching such worldly
goods and estate as God hath blessed me with in this life, I give & dispose
of same in the following manner.
First,
I give unto my brother Abijah Otis my Mahogany dining table and my large Maple
Desk.
2d I give unto the Wife of my brother Abijah
Otis my brass fire set.
3d I give unto my niece Eunice Otis the daughter
of David Otis six silver tea spoons, marked E. O.
4th.
I give unto my niece Betsey Otis the daughter of David Otis One string of my
gold beads.
5th I give unto my three nieces, Deborah, Betsey
and Eunice Otis the daughters of David Otis to be divided equally between them
three large table spoons marked P. H. and three small tea spoons marked P. H.
and my set of China Ware and one Bed and my large looking glass.
6th.
I give unto Deborah T. Clift one bed and the clothing thereto belonging and the
suit of Curtains. Also the High case of Drawes that stand in the Bedroom with
the said Bed and the Candle stand. Also all the sheep I may have at my decease.
7th I give unto Sally Witherly my other string of
Gold Beads (for her to have her choice of them) and my best black silk gown.
8th I give unto Joseph Bryant all the money,
after all my just debts are paid out of it, and demands for money that I may
have at my decease and my best bed and the clothing belonging thereto with the
Curtains. Also my Chaise and my clock.
9th I give unto Rachel Rogers the Widow of Samuel
Rogers deceased all the live stock that I may have at my decease except what I
have given to Deborah T. Clift.
10th And lastly I give unto Deborah T. Clift all
the remainder of my property that I have not heretofore given away of every
kind and for the said Deborah to pay all my funeral charges.
If
the persons who I have given away my estate to should not be living at my
decease it is to go to their heirs or assigns.
I
nominate & appoint my friend Edward P. Little Executor of this my last Will
& Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above
written 29th day of December 1832.
Eunice Clift (seal)
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced and declared by me the Testator as and for my last Will &
Testament in presence of the Witnesses and at my request set their name
Lewis
Clapp
Edy
Little
Sarah
F. Rogers
The Instrument purporting to be the
last Will & Testament of Eunice Clift, late of Marshfield, Widow, was
presented for probate on 25 Nov. 1834, and proved by Lewis Clapp and Sarah F.
Rogers, two of the subscribing witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Edward P. Little of Marshfield, the Executor, on 25 Nov. 1834.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Eunice Clift, Widow, late of Marshfield, was appraised by John Ford Jr.,
Howland Rogers, and Alfred Rogers on 24 Nov. 1834, and totaled $404.87,
including $300 in cash, but no real estate. Edward P. Little, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 25 Nov. 1834.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 76, p.
501-504, from FHL microfilm #0555263.
Will of Andrew Cobb
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen. I Andrew Cobb of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being weak
of body, yet of a sound mind & memory, blessed be God for the same,
considering the mortality of the body, that it is appointed for all men once to
die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, to be firm &
inviolable forever, in manner following—vizt.—
I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Experience, as
her thirds or right of dower; the improvement of one third part of all my Real
Estate, during her natural life; also do give and bequeath to her, all my
indoor moveables or houshold furniture & articles for houshold use, as her
own property & at her own disposal; also one good Cow & four Sheep as
her own property.—
I Give and bequeath to my Son Gershom Cobb, one hundred
dollars in Silver money, to be paid to him by my Son Lewis Cobb in two years
after my decease; also, I give & bequeath to him my said son Gershom all my
wearing apparell
I Give & bequeath to my Son Andrew Cobb Eighty Dollars to
be paid to him by my Son Lewis Cobb in two years after my decease
I Give and bequeath to my son Lewis Cobb, all my Real Estate
of all kinds, excepting the improvement of one third thereof, which is herein
before given to my aforesaid wife to improve; during her natural life. I also,
give to him my said son Lewis, all my Personal Estate of all kinds, all to him,
his heirs & assigns forever (yet excepting what I have herein before
disposed of) including to him, all my dues & demands. And, I hereby order
that my said son Lewis shall pay out of what I have herein given to him, all my
just debts & funeral charges and also the legacies herein before mentioned
Notwithstanding
what is herein before mentioned, I Give & bequeath to my aforesaid Sons,
Andrew & Lewis, my Pew & part of another Pew in the meeting house of
the first Precinct in said Middleborough equally between their heirs &
assigns forever. And my will is, and I hereby constitute my said Son Lewis
Cobb, to be Executor to this my last will & testament. Thus hoping that
this my last will & testament will be carefully kept & performed
according to the true intent & meaning thereof. I commit my Soul to God who
gave it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial. In witness whereof, I, the
first named Andrew Cobb, have hereunto Set my hand & Seal, this third day
of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand & eight hundred.—
Signed Sealed & Declared, by
the said
Andrew Cobb, to be his last will
& Andrew Cobb. — (seal)
testament in presence of us
James
Thomas
Churchill
Thomas
Nehemiah
Bennet
Presented for probate on 13 Aug.
1800 by Lewis Cobb ye Executor therein named, and proved by James
Thomas & Nemiah Bennet Esqr., two of the witnesses. No inventory
was recorded for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Cobb of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the Name of God
amen I Benjamin Cobb of Carver in the County of Plymouth Yeoman, being weak in
body but of sound & perfect Mind & Memory – blessed be almighty God for
the same, do make this my last will and Testament in manner & form
following (that is to say). –
First
I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God, who gave it, &
my Body to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executor,
and the worldly Estate that hath pleased God to bless me with, I will and
bequeath in the following Manner. – viz –
Item. I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah
Cobb the Improvement of one half of my Real Estate and one half of the live
Stock during her natural Life, and the Improvement of all the indoor moveables
during her natural Life & after her decease said Moveables together with
her wearing apparel to be equally divided between my three Daughters hereafter
named –
I
also will and bequeath to my beloved Son Ebenezer Cobb one quarter of my
wearing apparel & Fifteen Dollars to be paid him by my Sons Charles &
Ransom hereafter named to him his Heirs or assigns in one Year after my decease
–
I
also will and bequeath to my beloved Sons Charles Cobb & Ransom Cobb in
equal Shares all my Real Estate of every name whatsoever being & lying in
Carver, together with one half of my wearing Apparel & the whole of my
Blacksmith Tools & the whole of my Farming utensils, & the whole of my
live Stock, except what I have reserved for my Wife Sarah, and what money I
have on hand if any there be, and the debts due to me by their paying all my
just debts, charges of Settlement &c & paying to my other Children what
I order them by this Instrument to pay. And Whereas my Mother Rebecca Ransom
did not have her thirds set off from my Father Ebenezer Ransom’s Estate,
therefore it is incumbent on me to provide her a Support. I therefore order the
sd. Charles & Ransom to provide her with Food & Raiment,
Lodging, doctoring & Nursing suitable for an aged person during her natural
Life, provided she does not have her thirds set off from said Estate, all the
above I give & order my said Sons Charles & Ransom to their Heirs and
Assigns forever –
I
also give and bequeath to my beloved Son Otis Cobb twenty Dollars when he shall
be twenty one Years of Age if he shall live to that age, I also order that he
shall be put to some Mechanick Trade to learn the same, all which the sd
Charles & Ransom are to pay & see done &c. –
I
also give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter Olive Bennet the one third of my
indoor Moveables & one third of her Mother’s wearing Apparel after the
decease of her sd Mother, & ten Dollars to be paid her by the
said Charles & Ransom in one year after my decease. –
I
also give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Sarah Cobb, to live in my House
& have a right to keep her things in the same & a place to cook in said
House &c. & one third of my indoor Moveables & one third of her
Mother’s wearing Apparel after the decease of her sd. Mother. The
said Sarah to occupy said House so long as she shall remain single or
unmarried, & also ten Dollars to be paid her by the said Charles &
Ransom Cobb in one Year after my decease –
And
I also give & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Martha Cobb to live in my
House & have a right to keep her things in the same, & a place to cook
in sd. House so long as she remains single or unmarried, & one
third of my indoor moveables & one third of her Mother’s wearing Apparel
after the decease of her said Mother and also ten Dollars to be paid her by the
said Charles & Ransom in one Year after my decease –
Lastly
– I do hereby appoint and constitute my beloved Son Charles Cobb sole Executor
of this my last will and Testament, hoping all things herein contained will be
kept & performed, according to the true Intent & meaning thereof &
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
In Witness whereof I the said
Benjamin Cobb have hereunto set my hand & Seal the sixteenth day of
February in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & eleven –
Signed, sealed published &
declared by the above
named Benjamin Cobb to be his last
Will & Testament
in the presence of us, who have
hereunto subscribed
our Names as Witnesses in the
presence of the Testator Benjamin Cobb (seal)
John
Shaw
Neheh.
Cobb
Levi
Vaughan –
Presented for probate on 15 April
1811 by Charles Cobb, the Executor therein named, and proved by the Revd.
John Shaw and Nehemiah Cobb Esqr., two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Charles Cobb, the before
named Executor.
Nehemiah Cobb Esqr.,
Isaiah Tilson, Gentleman, and Levi Vaughan were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Benjamin Cobb, late of Carver, Blacksmith, on 15 Apr. 1811. The
Inventory, dated 22 Apr. 1811, totaled $2207.38, his real estate valued at
$1889, which included his homestead farm valued at $1800. Charles Cobb, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 30 Apr. 1811.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, pp.
397-399, 440, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Cornelius Cobb
of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen, I Cornelius Cobb of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, of sound and disposing mind and memory,
do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament: First, I recommend my Soul to the mercy of
God who gave it, and my Body to a decent burial humbly praying for a glorious
resurrection through Jesus Christ.
Secondly,
after my just debts are all paid I give and bequeath my worldly Estate as
follows. First I give and bequeath to my daughter Betsey Cobb Eighty three
cents per week from the month of June A.D. One thousand eight hundred &
eleven to the present time for keeping my house for me, and attention to me,
and the same sum weekly ‘till my decease if she keeps my house so long,
deducting from said sum what I have already paid her towards the same, or what
I may hereafter pay her on that account. Also I give and bequeath to my said
daughter Betsey all her late deceased Mother’s wearing apparel & furniture
that she brought me at her marriage.
Secondly,
I give and bequeath to my son Cornelius Cobb and my daughter Betsey Cobb and my
Granddaughter Elizabeth Cobb, daughter of my son Isaac E Cobb deceased, the
whole of my Estate both Real & Personal, lying in Plymouth aforesaid or
elsewhere to be equally divided between them, excepting the sum of Nine hundred
dollars which I supplied my said son Isaac E Cobb, deceased, with, for his
education, this nine hundred dollars to be deducted in the division of my
estate from that portion of my estate which I have given my said Grand daughter
Elizabeth, and to be added to the shares in my Estate, of my son Cornelius and
Daughter Betsey to be equally divided between them, said nine hundred dollars
in value of my Estate to be over and above one third of my Estate to my said
son and daughter each one of them a third part of my Estate, and the nine
hundred dollars over and above to be divided between them two.
Lastly,
I nominate and appoint my son Cornelius Cobb sole Executor of this my last Will
& Testament., In testimony whereof I
the said Cornelius Cobb have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth day of
March A.D. One thousand eight hundred & twenty two.
Signed
sealed & declared to be his last Will & Testament, in
presence of us.
Roland
E. Cotton Cornelius Cobb
Geo.
F. Cobb
Rosseter
Cotton
Probated on 15 Feb. 1830, and
proved by Rosseter Cotton and Roland E Cotton, two of the witnesses. Letters of
administration granted to Cornelius Cobb, of Hanson, Trader.
Rosseter Cotton, Joseph Bartlett
and Benjamin M. Watson, Esquires, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer Cobb
of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1793) *
In the Name of God Amen.– I Ebenezer Cobb of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth, being at present of sound mind & memory, tho’ far
advanced in age & sensible that I cannot long continue in this world, in
order to settle my worldly concerns, do make & ordain this my last will
& testament, as follows—vizt.~
Imprimis – I commit my soul to God, as into the hands of a
faithful Creator, and my body to the dust, in certain hope of a future
resurrection, thereof unto eternal life, to be decently interred by my
Executor, hereafter named—
Item.– I Give and bequeath unto my Son Seth Cobb, all the Lot
of upland that I own on the northerly side of the country road, lying between
the land of Thomas Cooper on the easterly side, & the land of George
Partridge Esqr. & others on the westerly side, excepting two acres of said
upland next adjoining my meadow at the foot of said lot, reserving the
privilege of passing and repassing through said lot to & from the meadow,
where it may be most convenient; and, I also give unto my said Son Seth, a lot
of upland & meadow, that I own in the town of Plymton, and also one lot of
wood land which I bought of Elkanah Cushman, being that lot that lays adjoining
to the lands of Sylvester Holmes & Ebenezer Cushman in said Kingston, I
also give unto my said Son Seth, all the demands that I have against him on
book accounts or obligations for money, all & singular the above bequest, I
make unto my said son Seth on condition that he make no demand on my Executor
for any thing due or supposed to be due from me to him on book accounts or
obligations for money, otherwise if he does make demand of any sum, so supposed
to be due, so much shall be deducted from what I have above devised to him,
otherwise all the above bequest shall be & remain to him & his heirs
& assigns forever, as a good estate in fee simple.
Item – I Give & bequeath unto the children of my late son
Ebenezer deceased, the sum of two hundred pounds, lawful money, to be paid to
them by my Executor in twelve months after my decease at furthest, in the
following proportions-vizt-to Sylvanus the oldest son twenty pounds,
& to each of the others (twelve in number) fifteen pounds, and if either of
them should die without heirs, lawfully begotten of his or her body, the
surviving brothers & sisters are to have his or her share equally divided
amongst them, and, I also give up all demands on book accounts or any
obligations for money, that I may have against my said son Ebenezer, on
condition that his heirs or administrator make no demand of any debt due or
supposed to be due from me to my said son Ebenezer, if they do, then the
demands on both sides are to be adjusted, & the ballance paid where it may
fall due.—
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Lydia Pratt the sum
of Fifty Pounds Lawful Money, to be paid by my Executor, in twelve months after
my decease at furthest
Item.—I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Lucas, the
sum of Twenty Pounds Lawful Money, over & above what I have heretofore
given her, to be paid by my Executor in twelve months after my decease, at
furthest.—
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my Son John Cobb, all my
Estate both Real & Personal (not before herein disposed of) of whatever
name or nature it may be, or wherever it may be found, to him, & his heirs
& assigns forever, in case he survives me, but if he should not survive me,
my will is, that it shall go & belong to his my said son John’s heirs,
reserving to the widow of my said son, if he should leave one, the use &
improvement of my homestead farm, during her life, or as long as she shall
continue my said son John’s widow,– The above bequest I make to my said Son
John & his heirs on this special condition – vizt. that he or
they shall pay all my just debts & funeral charges, & pay all the
legacies herein before devised & bequeathed, and do & perform all
things contained & ordered in this my last will & testament according
to the true intent & meaning thereof, and also that he or they maintain my
daughter Mercy Cobb in a comfortable and decent manner, during her natural
life, with such food, cloathing & accommodations & attendance as her
circumstances may require.– And I do hereby ordain and appoint my said son John
Cobb, Sole Executor to this my last will & testament, in case he survives
me, but if he should not survive me, then, I appoint William Cobb the oldest
son of my said son John Cobb sole Executor to this will.–and this instrument I
hereby declare to be my last will & testament, revoking & annulling all
former wills by me made, or said to be made.—In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand - & Seal this fourth day of September in the year of our Lord
one thousand Seven Hundred & Ninety three –
In Presence of
his
William Drew Ebenezer X Cobb (seal)
Isaac Brewster
mark
Job Drew
Presented for probate on 17 Dec. 1801 by John Cobb, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Brewster and Job Drew, two of the
witnesses, William Drew Esqr. being since deceased. Letters Testamentary on the
estate of Ebenezer Cobb were granted to John Cobb, of Kingston, on 15 Jan.
1802, with Samuel Cole and Barnabas Hedge, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Cobb
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1712) *
In The Name of God Amen. I John Cob of the Town & County
of Plymouth in New England Yeoman being weak and Infirm of body but thro’ gods
Mercy of a Sound and disposeing mind & memory, Do make & Ordain this my
Last Will and Testament as followeth, Viz, I do in the first place Give up my
Immortal soul to God that gave it, and my frail body to the Earth to be
decently buryed According to the discretion of my Executor below named and
Appointed hopeing for a glorious Resurection too Life and Immortality thro Christ
the first Born from the Dead And as to what Temporal Estate it hath pleased God
to Bless me withall, my Just Debts and funeral Charges being first paid I
dispose of the same as followeth.
Imprs. I give and Bequeath to my Loveing wife
Martha Cob for her Comfortable Support and Susbistance Dureing her Natural Life
my Dwelling house with the peace of Land Thereto Adjoyning being about five or
Six Acres more or Less which I reserved out of my homestead when I Sold to my
two Sons Elisha & James hereby Granting unto my Said wife (if She Stand in
Need of it power to Sell the Same only my Son James to have the refusal of Sd.
house & Land if my Sd. wife Se Cause to Sell it) at what it
shall be vallued to be worth by men Indiferantly Chosen to prize the Same Item
it is my Will that in Case my Said wife shall not in her Life time make any
disposal of Sd. house & Land shall be Judged worth at my Said
wife’s Decease.
Item I give and Bequeath to my Son John Cob his heirs and
Assignes for ever all my Lands and meadows even my whole Estate and Interest in
the Township of Middleborough, as also my four Acres of meadow at Winatuxet in
the Township of Plimpton
Item I give and bequeath to my Son James Cob his heirs and
Assignes for ever my Thirty Acre Lott Lying in the Woods with all the remainder
of my Lands or Interest in lands in the Town ships of Plymouth & Plympton.
Item It is my Will that whereas my two Sons Elisha &
James to Whome I Sold my homestead Stand Obliged to me by Sundry Bills under
their hands & Seals for the payment of Sundry Sums of money Expressed in
Said Bills to be Currant money of New England. my will I say is that Said money
be paid in Such mony and at Such rate or weight as ordinarily passes between
man & man in Common Tradeing, at the Respective times When Said money Shall
be paid. And further I Do by this my Last Will & Testament Give to my Sd.
two sons five pounds a peice to be deducted out of the Last Bills of Payment.
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughtr. Patiance
Bennet The Sum of five pounds to be paid out of my personal Estate after my Sd.
wifes Decease before any Division to be made, giveing also power to my Said
wife to give her more in her Life time if She think Conveniant
Item it is my Will that after my Said wife’s Decease all my
personal Estate that shall Remain unspent, Viz, all my Goods Chattells moneys
Just Debts due to my Estate and all whatsoever of my moveable Estate be Divided
Equally between my Childrean, viz, John Cob, Patiance Bennet Ebenezer Cob,
Elisha Cob, & James Cob, only my Son John to have a Double Portion. Item I
do by these Presents Constitute ordain & Appoint my Sd. Son John
Cob Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament, hereby Revokeing and
makeing utterly null and void all former Wills & Testaments by me
heretofore made, Ratiefying, Confirming & Allowing this and no Other as my
Last Will & Testament. And In Wittness hereof I the Said John Cob have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this fourth Day of February Anno Domini One
Thousand Seven hundread & Eleven 1711/12
Signed Sealed & Declared to be his John
Cob
Last Will & Testamt. In prsence of
us his X marke (seal)
Nathaniel Clarke
Samuel Nelson
Ephraim Little Junr.
Probated on 2 Apr. 1715, and proved by Mr. Ephraim
Little, Mr. Nathaniel Clarke and Samuel Nelson.
An Inventory of The Goods & Chattels of John Cobb of
Plymouth Decd. taken May 25th 1715 by John Dyer, James
Barnaby, and Francis Addams, but not totaled. Martha Cob, Relict Widdow of John
Cob, late of Plymouth, gave her oath to the inventory on 22 June 1715.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 3, p. 345-347, from FHL microfilm
#0550509.
Will of John Cobb Sr.
of
In the Name of God Amen I John Cob senr. of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in New England being weak in
body but of a sound & perfect minde & memory praise be to Almighty God
for it do make & ordain this my present Last Will & Testament in maner
& form following that is to say first & Principally I commit &
comend my soul into the hands of Almighty God & my body to the Earth to be
decently buried at the descretion of my Executor hereafter named and as for my
worldly Estate I give & dispose thereof as followeth first I will that all
my debts & funerall Charges shall be paid & discharged.
Item I Give to my beloved wife Rachel Cob my dwelling house
where I now dwell dureing the whole term of her naturall life, together with
all my moveable Estate within doors & without with all my moneys to be
absolutely at her dispose forever Excepting my old oxen & my mare. my will
is that my Executor maintain my sd wife three Cows both with &
allways[?] & fodder good & convenient both winter & summer &
twelve bushells of Corn yearly & that she have half the profetts of my
orchard all which to be performed by him dureing the whole term of her naturall
life Item I Give all my homestead to my son John Cob Except my dwelling house
which I have Reserved to my wife to him his heirs & assignes forever:
Excepting my three twenty acres both which I now Improve which after his
decease I Give to his two sons namely Gershom Cob & John Cob to them &
their heirs & assignes forever with the appurtenances thereunto belonging.
Item I Give to my son James Cob the dwelling house where he now dwells with all
my land thereto adjoyning to him & his heirs & assignes forever Item I
Give to my three daughters namly Martha Simons Patience Tinkham & Rachel
Standish my whole Share of land in the twelve mens purchase in Middleborough
abovesd with my lot of land in the madmaros neck so called & my
lot of land in affawamset neck to them & their heirs & assignes forever
to be equally amonghst them divided & my two oxen & mare above exprest
I Give to my two daughters namly Martha Simons & Patience Tinkham or the
value of them in money to be equally divided between them all the rest of my
lands & meadows & swamps in Middleborough & Plimton I Give to my
two sons that is to say to my son John Cob two thirds & to James Cob one
third to them & their heirs & assignes forever Item my Will is that my
three yoak of oxen now in the possession of John Cob & James Cob &
Moses Standish be & remain to as their own proper Estate And I do by this
my last will & Testament ordain & appoint & Constitute my son John
Cob sole Executor of this my sd last will & Testament In Witness
whereof I the sd John Cob senr have hereunto set my hand
& seal this twenty ninth Day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred twenty & seven
Signed Sealed published & declared in
the presence of us John Cob (seal)
John Bennett
Jonathan Fuller
Shubael Tomson
Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his Mercy the
other day my dear Wife mentioned within in my last will & Testament I have
thought fit to add this short schedule to that my declared last Will &
Testament which I do confirm in every Article & ratifie saveing what is
therein mentioned to my sd Wife now deceased & of those
moveables my desire & will is that my Executor do out of them pay to each
of my daughters Martha Patience & Rachel fiveteen pounds to each of them
& when they have so paid to each of them sd sum & sums that
the Remainder of my moveables be Equally divided between my sons & my
daughters saving that I Give to my sons my own Wearing Cloathes & to my
daughters all the wearing Cloathes yt were hers to be equally
divided between them & also I Give to my son James Cobb the Cow which he
now hath that was my dear wives. And hereby Ratify & confirm my sd
Will & this as an Appendix thereto allowing of this & no other. In
Witness hereto I the sd John Cob senr have hereunto set
my hand & seal this twenty eighth day of September one thousand seven
hundred & twenty seven.
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
declared before us Witnesses
Joseph Bennett John Cob (seal)
Shubael Tomson
Ebenezer Cobb Jur.
Proved by Jonathan Fuller and Shubael Tomson on 16 Nov. 1727,
proved by John Bennett on 2 Feb. 1727[/8], proved by Ebenezer Cobb on 2 Feb.
1727/8, and proved by Joseph Bennett on 6 Mar. 1727[/8]. Administration of the
estate of John Cobb, late of
The Inventory of the Reall & Personall Estate of John Cob
of Middleborough was appraised by John Bennet, James Soul, and John Soul on 10
Jan. 1727[/8], not totaled, but his homestead and lands were valued at £600,
his meadows in Plimton & Middleborough were valued at £120, and the land
whereon James Cob dwells was valued at £110. John Cobb, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 2 Feb. 1727/28.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Cobb Jr.
of
In The Name of God Amen I John Cobb Junr. of
Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in Newengland Being Very Sick and Weak
of Body but of a Sound & Disposing memory & understanding Blessed by
god for the Same Wherefore Calling to mind the Mortality of my Body &
Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye do make & ordaine this
to be my Last Will and Testament to Stand and Remaine firm & Inviolable for
Ever prinsipaly & first of all I give & Recommend my Soul into the
hands of god that gave it & my body I Recommend unto the Dust to be Buried
in a Decent Christen Burial at the Descrition of my Executor nothing Douting
but at the general Resurection I Shall Receive the Same a gain & as
Touching Such Worldly Estate Where With god hath Blesed me in this Life I do
Dispose of the Same in the following manor & forme
Imprimis—I give and bequeath unto my True & Well Beloved
Wife Prescilla the Whole use & Improvement of all my Whole Estate Both Real
and personal So Long as Shee Shall Remain my My Widdow My Just Debts and
funaral Charges being first paid out of the Same—Item—I give and Bequeath unto
my only Son John Cobb the Whole of my Real Estate to Come into possessoin of
the Same Immediately after the death or marriage of my aforesaid Wife to him
& his hairs & assigns for Ever & he Shall pay the Sum of Six pounds
fourteen Shillings Lawful money unto my only Daughter Martha Cobb When She
arrives unto the age of Eighteen years
Item I give & bequeath unto my aforesaid Daughter Martha
Cobb all my movable Estate Both within & Without Doors that Shall Remain
after the Decease or Marriage of my aforesd Wife & at ye
age of Eighteen years Shee Shall Receive the Sum of Six pounds fourteen
Shillings Lawfull money as aforesaid from my aforesd Son John Cobb
and further my Will is that my Beloved Wife Priscilla Cobb be the Executer of
this my Last Will & Testament thus hoping that this my Last Will &
Testement will be Kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof & in Testimony hereof I the aforesaid John Cobb Junr.
have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 14th Day of June one
thousand Seven hundred and fifty (1750) John Cobb (Seal)
Signed Sealed Delivered published pronounced
and Declared by the sd John Cobb Junr.
To be his Last Will &
Testament in ye presence of us
Ephraim Thomas
John Tomson
Seth Tinkham
Presented for probate on 11 July 1750 the ye Exx
therein named, and proved by Ephraim Thomas and John Tomson.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will & Codicil of Nathan
Cobb of
In the Name of God Amen.—I Nathan Cobb of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth, in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England,
weaver, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, advancing in
years, tho’ of a sound mind & understanding to dispose of my estate which
God hath blessed me with, do make & ordain & constitute this my last
will & testament, hereby revoking & disannulling all other former wills
or testaments of what name or kind soever—
Imprimis.—I commit my soul to God, hoping for mercy through
the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins & acceptance with
God, and Salvation by Jesus Christ; and my body, to be buried in the earth in a
decent christian manner, at the sole expence of my Executor, hereafter named,
expecting a glorious resurrection, to eternal life, and the second appearing of
our Lord Jesus Christ—
Item.—I Give to my beloved wife Joanna Cobb the sole
improvement of all my estate, both real & personal during her natural life,
excepting what I shall order to be taken possession by my Son William Cobb at
my decease—
Item.—I Give to my Son Nehemiah Cobb, all my Real Estate,
live Stock & out door moveables, to him; his heirs & assigns forever,
he paying my just debts & funeral charges, but not to come into possession
of the real estate ‘till after the decease of my wife Joanna Cobb saving, as
above, the sole improvement of my real estate & indoor moveables to my
beloved wife Joanna Cobb, during her natural life, and that my Executor
hereafter named shall bear the sole expence of supporting my wife in a decent
comfortable manner, in sickness and in health, during her natural life; and at
her decease to bury her in a decent christian manner, at his charge &
expence wholly; I also give to my Son Nehemiah Cobb the half of my Pew in the
meeting house in the Second Parish in Plymton, and my Interest in Plymton
Library No. 2.
Item.—I Give to my Grand-Daughter Deborah Cole the Daughter
of Edward Cole of Plymton, all the houshold furniture that was her mother’s as
the Bed & Bedding, Chest & all that is in it, as linnen, & all the
other articles in it, chairs, table, Pewter & all the Iron ware that was
her mother’s, she to come into possession of the same at the age of one and
twenty years or sooner, if married, and also a right to live in my house as
long as her grandmother shall live, if not married.
Item.—I Give to my Son William Cobb, my weaving tackling as
Loom, Sleys & warping bars, to take possession of the same at my decease.
Item—I Give to my children, William Cobb, Timothy Cobb,
Nathan Cobb, Ebenezer Cobb, Joseph Cobb, Benjamin Cobb, Nehemiah Cobb, &
Elisabeth Samson, the wife of John Samson, all my indoor moveables, to be
equally divided between them, after the decease of my wife, reserving to my
wife Joanna Cobb, the sole improvement of my indoor moveables, excepting what I
have given to my son William Cobb, provided, I decease before her.
Lastly—I Constitute, appoint & order Nehemiah Cobb Sole
Executor to this my last will & testament, confirming this, and revoking
all others, he the said Nehemiah supporting my wife, as above expressed &
fulfilling all other conditions in this will enjoined him.—In Testimony whereof
I have Set my hand & Seal to this my last will & testament, This
twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord, One thousand, Seven hundred &
seventy three—1773 —
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced & Nathan Cobb (seal)
Declared to be my last will &
testament in presence of—
Testes – Daniel Howland
John Howland junr.
John Howland
This Instrument Testifieth that I Nathan Cobb of Plymton in
the county of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of a disposing mind
and in health do annex & Seal on to my last will & testament, this
Codicil, to the intent, as much as in me lies to prevent future trouble or
difficulty among my children after my decease, confirming my last will &
testament to which this instrument is sealed. I do hereby say that, if any of
my children whose names are mentioned in my last will & testament shall,
after my decease, bring any account against my estate & demand payment of
my Executor: that child or children shall be intirely cut off and absolutely
excluded from any share or part of my estate, which I have bequeathed to them
or any one of them, by my last will & testament, which I now confirm by
this Codicill. Furthermore, all the residue of my estate not disposed of by my
last will & testament, I Give to my Son Nehemiah Cobb, appointing &
confirming him my sole Executor, as above, as witness my hand, this twenty
second day of Novr. in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven
hundred & eighty six—1786.
Signed, Sealed in
And
confirmed by me —
presence of Nathan Cobb (seal)
Thomas Savory
John Howland
Presented for probate on 30 June 1800 by Nehemiah Cobb, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Howland & Thomas Savory, two of
the witnesses.
Joshua Eddy Esqr., Ebenezr Briggs
yeoman, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Nehemiah Cobb of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825) *
In the name of God Amen
I Nehemiah Cobb of Carver in the County of Plymouth Esq. being advanced
in life and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die but being of
sound mind and understanding to dispose of the estate it has pleased Almighty
God to bless me with, Therefore I do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in form and manner following That is to say. In the first place I
commend my soul to God who gave it me and my body to be buried in a decent
manner at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named and my worldly property
shall be disposed of as follows viz.
Item – I Will and bequeath to my beloved wife Mehitable Cobb
the full use of one third of the improvement of my Real Estate and live Stock
(and all my money on hand and Notes for money if any there shall be and my
watch and clock at her own disposal) the improvement of said Real Estate and
Stock during her natural life and the improvement of all my indoor moveables
during her natural life and if that shall be found insufficient for her
maintenance my Executor hereafter named shall supply her with sufficient
maintenance both in sickness and in health suitable for an aged person.
Item – I Will and bequeath to my beloved Son Lemuel Cobb in
addition to what he has already received one dollar to be paid him by my
Executor in one year after my decease
Item – I will and bequeath to my beloved son Nehemiah Cobb in
addition to what he has already received out of my estate one dollar to be paid
him by my Executor hereafter named in one year after my decease
Item – I Will and bequeath to my beloved son Bennet Cobb one
hundred Dollars to be paid him by my Executor in three years after my decease
and also the whole of my wearing apparel exclusive of what I have heretofore
disposed of to my said wife
Item – I will and bequeath to my daughter Perses Hammond in
addition to what she has already had out of my Estate one fourth part of my
indoor moveables after her mothers decease.
Item – I Will and bequeath to the Heirs of my beloved
daughter Mehitable Cobb three dollars, to be paid by my Executor hereafter
named in one year after my decease.
Item – I Will and bequeath to my beloved daughter Melissa
Partridge fifty Dollars to be paid her in two years after my decease to be paid
by my Executor hereafter named and also one half of my indoor moveables and
also all the wearing apparel that my said wife may have at her decease
Item. I Will and bequeath to the heirs of my beloved son
Frederick Cobb deceased in addition (to Lands set off to them by a Deed and
other matters by a Bond) the crain that is used by them the said heirs in the
easterly part of said house
Item I Will and bequeath to my beloved Grandaughter Betsey W.
Cobb the one fourth part of my indoor moveables after the decease of my said
wife and also all the things that was her mothers Betsey Cobb deceased.
Item – I Will and bequeath to my beloved son Nathan Cobb my
homestead farm and all the land that I own lying in Middleborough and Carver
consisting of improved land, Wood Land Cedar Swamp and meadow and the buildings
thereon excepting what I have given to the heirs of Frederick Cobb deceased by
deed and Bond – contents and Bounds will appear on Record of this County — And
also all my live Stock and sheep excepting excepting what is given to the said
heirs of said Frederick Cobb by bond and all my farming implements together
with all my Carpenter tools and in short all my Estate of every kind not
heretofore disposed of, by his paying all the Legacies and do or see done all
heretofore mentioned in this Will and ordered to be done and his supporting his
mother through life, and he the said Nathan is to be at the Charges of Settling
said Estate. And whereas I have settled with all my heirs therefore if any of
my heirs shall bring any account against my estate they shall be cut off from
any benefit from my estate whether they have received it heretofore or by this
Will & Testament.
Lastly. I do constitute appoint and ordain my said Son Nathan
Cobb Executor of this my last Will & Testament confirming this and revoking
all other Wills heretofore made by me, hoping all things in this Will &
Testament will be complied with and fulfiled.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal to
this my last Will & Testament this thirty first day of January in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five
Nehem. Cobb (seal)
Signed, Sealed published & declared by the above named
Nehem. Cobb to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us
who have hereunto set our names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testator
Levi
Vaughan
Rufus
Sherman Jun
Thomas
Cobb
I Nehemiah Cobb of
Carver being of sound and disposing mind, do hereby on the nineteenth day of
January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, make
publish and declare this Codicil to my Will dated 31st day of January A.D. 1825
hereby republishing my said Will to which the Codicil is annexed. Viz.
Whereas Cornelius Burgess of New Bedford my Son in Law, has
by his Deed dated January 15 1836 – conveyed to me certain Real Estate in said
Carver being the same estate sold by him as Guardian & conveyed to Thomas
Cobb jun. by Deed Recorded in the 173 folio of Land records for the County of
Plymouth Pages 143 & 144 to which deeds reference may be had for a
description of said premises now I give and bequeath said Real Estate to
Melissa Burgess wife of said Cornelius to have and to hold the same for and
during the term of her natural life: and after her decease I give and bequeath
said Real Estate to the Children of said Cornelius Burgess who may be alive at
the time of the decease of said Melissa to them their heirs and assigns
forever: the Children of said Cornelius who may be alive at the time of my
decease to take said Estate to them their heirs and assigns forever if said
Melissa shall decease before me.
Nehem. Cobb (seal)
Signed, Sealed and declared by said Nehemiah Cobb to be a
Codicil to his Will aforesaid in presence of us who in his presence & at
his request have hereunto set our names as Witnesses.
Thomas
Cobb
Nathan
Cobb
Lucinda
Cobb
Mary
Barrows
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1841 by
the Executor therein named, and proved by Levi Vaughan and Rufus Sherman jur,
two of the Witnesses to the Will, and by Lucinda Cobb and Mary Barrows, two of
the Witnesses to the Codicil.
Joshua Eddy of Middleborough was granted Administration of
the Estate of Nehemiah Cobb, late of Carver, Esquire, with the Will annexed on
12 Apr. 1841, Nathan Cobb the appointed Executor having in writing declined the
trust, with Levi Vaughan and Timothy Cobb, both of Carver, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 116-120, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 10A, p. 515.
Will of Rev. Oliver Cobb of Rochester, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1848) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I,
Oliver Cobb of Rochester in County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Clerk, being in usual health and of sound mind, but sensible of
my frailty and mortality, and that according to the course of nature, the time
of my departure is at hand, I am desirous of setting my worldly concerns and do
therefore make and establish this my last Will and Testament—
First.
I give my soul to God from whence I received it and my body to the Earth in
decent Christian burial – believing in the resurrection of the dead, and hoping
through the grace of God in Christ Jesus, to obtain salvation.—
The
little worldly property, which God has put into my hands, I dispose of in the
following manner, viz.
To
my beloved Wife Hannah, I give one hundred dollars, to dispose of as She shall
have occasion—Also, during her natural life I give one half of my dwelling
house—eighty dollars annually—wood sufficient for one fire, cut up and
houside—one half of my pew in the meeting-house—also, the use of a horse and
carriage whenever she shall have occasion.
Also, I give to my two sons George W. & Edward W. all of my real and
personal estate, of whatever name or nature not disposed of by this instrument;
and whereas they have mutually agreed on a division of the real estate,
excepting salt meadows, I do establish and confirm said division as being
agreeable to this my Will:– Provided, that the legacies and annuities are
punctually paid; and the said George W. and Edward W. are holden severally
to pay one half of said legacies and annuities, as are contained in this
instrument.—
Also, I give to my Daughter Hannah B. so long as she shall remain
single, a home in my house, viz, such part of the half devised to my Wife as
aforesaid, as will accommodate her, and not incommode the possessor.—
I give all my household furniture
in reversion, to be equally divided between my four Daughters, or those of them
who may survive the Legatee.– Also I give in reversion, all my other property
of whatever name or nature to my sons George W. & Edward W. aforesaid.
Those
of my dear children, who are not mentioned in this Instrument are remembered
with paternal affection and I presume will be satisfied, that the arrangement
here made is according to my best judgment; And I, do hereby cancel all
demandes, which I have against them, or any of them, by note or otherwise.
And I do hereby appoint Leander Cobb Clerk, Executor of this my last
Will and Testament.—
Signed
and sealed this second day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and forty eight—In presence of us.
Oliver Cobb (seal)
Henry Cobb }
Abigail Luce } Witnesses.
Lucy Cobb }
Presented for probate on 7 Nov.
1849 by Leander Cobb, the Executor therein named, and proved by Henry Cobb and
Abigail Luce, two of the Witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Leander Cobb, the Executor therein named.
Leander Cobb, of Rochester, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Oliver Cobb, late of
Rochester, Clerk, on 7 Nov. 1849, with Theophilus King and James Ruggles, both
of Rochester, as sureties.
George Look, Nathan D. Parlow and
Ward P. Delano, all of Rochester, were appointed to appraise the estate of Rev.
Oliver Cobb D.D., late of Rochester, on 29 Apr. 1850.
The Inventory of the Estate of the
Revd Oliver Cobb D.D. late of Rochester, Clerk, was appraised on 29
Apr. 1850, his real estate valued at $3125, and his personal estate totaled
$297.65. Leander Cobb, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 8 May
1850.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p. 539-541, from FHL microfilm #0555640,
Vol. 2H, p. 216, and Vol. 92, p. 173.
Will of Sarah Cobb of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the name of God amen I Sarah Cobb of Plymouth Seamster
being weak in Body but of sound & disposing Mind & memory do make and
ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. –
First of all I recommend my Soul to the everlasting Mercy of
God that gave it, and my Body to a decent funeral humbly praying for a glorious
Resurrection through Jesus Christ ~
In the next place after my just debts and funeral Expences
are paid I give and dispose of my worldly Estate as follows first I give and
bequeath to Sarah Spooner the Daughter of Ephraim Spooner Esqr. of
Plymouth aforesaid one quarter part of my Estate both real & personal in
doors and out of doors wherever the same may be found in Plymouth aforesaid, or
elsewhere Secondly I give and bequeath to Mary Winslow Hayward the Daughter of
Doctr. Nathan Hayward of Plymouth aforesaid one quarter part of my
Estate both real & personal in doors and out of doors, in Plymouth
aforesaid or elsewhere. – Thirdly I give and bequeath to Deborah Drew the Wife
of Ebenezer Drew of Plymouth aforesaid one eighth part of my Estate both real
and personal in doors & out of doors and wherever the same may be found in
Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere. fourthly I give and bequeath to Deborah Samson
Widow of Simeon Samson late of Plimpton in the County aforesaid one twentieth
part of my Estate both real & personal in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere.
And to Rebecca Jackson the Daughter of Daniel Jackson of Plymouth aforesaid, I
give one twentieth part of my Estate both real & personal I give and
bequeath the said twentieth part of my Estate to said Rebecca Jackson – I give
and bequeath to Caroline Jackson Daughter of Thomas Jackson of Plymouth
aforesaid one twentieth part of my Estate both real and personal in Plymouth
aforesaid or elsewhere. I give and bequeath to Sarah Brimmer Widow of Martin
Brimmer Esqr. of Roxbury in the County of Norfolk, one twentieth
part of my Estate both real & personal in Plymouth aforesaid elsewhere. And
I give and bequeath to Betsy Sherman Widow of William Sherman one twentieth
part of my Estate both real & personal in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere.
And I give to my two Acquaintance Penelope Russell & Catharine Russell both
of Boston in the County of Suffolk one twentieth part of my Estate both real
and personal which twentieth is to be equally divided between them – And I give
and bequeath to Hannah White Seamster of Plymouth aforesaid one fortieth part
of my Estate both real & personal in Plymouth aforesaid and elsewhere. and
I give and bequeath to Rebecca Bartlett Wife of Capt. Joseph
Bartlett 3d. of Plymouth aforesaid one fortieth part of my Estate
both real and personal in Plymouth aforesaid or else where and I give and
bequeath to Mercy Robbins Wife of Ebenezer Robbins of Plymouth aforesaid – one
fortieth part of my Estate both real & personal, in Plymouth aforesaid or
elsewhere – Lastly I nominate and appoint Nathan Hayward of Plymouth aforesaid
Physician to be sole Executor to this my last will and Testament. I Testimony
of which I the said Sarah Cobb have hereunto set my hand & Seal the 10th.
day of December AD one thousand eight hundred & four
Signed sealed & declared to be her last Will &
Testament in presence of us –
Rosseter
Cotton her
Joanna
Winslow Sarah xxx Cobb (seal)
James
Thacher Mark
Presented for probate on 6 Feb.
1805 by Nathan Hayward Physician, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Rossiter Cotton Esqr and James Thacher Physian, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Doctor Nathan Hay
[sic] the before named Executor.
Ephraim Spooner & Rosseter
Cotton Esqrs. and James Thacher, Physician, all of Plymouth, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Sarah Cobb, late of Plymouth, spinster, on
6 Feb. 1805. The Inventory of the Estate of Mrs. Sarah Cobb, late of
Plymouth, was dated 13 Feb. 1805, and totaled $1154.30, including her dwelling
house and lot valued at $1000. Nathan Hayward, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 14 Feb. 1805.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
175-178, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Stevens Cobb of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the name of God
amen I Stevens Cobb of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth Shipwright being very sick and weak in body but of perfect
mind and Memory, Thanks be given to almighty God for the same, calling unto
mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once
to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. that is to say
principally & first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of
almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in
decent christian Burial nothing doubting but that at the General Resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God And as touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this Life I give,
devise and dispose of the same in the following Manner ~
I give
and bequeath to Elizabeth my beloved Wife, whom I like wise constitute, make
and ordain the sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, all and
singular my Estate both real and personal after my just debts and funeral
Charges are paid by her freely to be possessed and enjoyed, improved or sold as
she may think proper for the Support and Maintenance of herself and her
Children ~
In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirty first day of May in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five
Signed sealed published & declared by
the said Stevens Cobb as his last Stevens Cobb (seal)
Will and Testament in the
presence of us who in his presence
and in the presence of each other
have hereunto subscribed our Names
Seth
Drew
John
Cook
Cynthy
Nelson –
Presented for probate on 25 June 1805 by Elizabeth Cobb, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Seth Drew Esqr. and Cynthia
Nelson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to Elizabeth Cobb, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 231-232, from FHL microfilm
#0550901.
Will of Timothy Cobb of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the Name of God
amen. I Timothy Cobb of Carver in the County of Plymouth Housewright,
considering the uncertainty of this Mortal Life; and being of sound Mind &
memory, Blessed be almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last
Will & Testament in Manner & form following (that is to say) ~
first I will and bequeath to my beloved Son Thomas Cobb all
my Real Estate being and lying in the County of Plymouth with the Buildings
thereon by his paying what I shall hereafter in this Will order him the said
Thomas to pay to my other Children, & also I will and bequeath to my said
Son Thomas all my Carpenter’s Tools together with all my farming Tools and live
Stock by his the said Thomas paying as above & paying all my just debts
& funeral Charges and the Expence of settling my Estate –
Item my Will is & I hereby enjoin it upon my said Son
Thomas to pay to my other Children viz Timothy Cobb, Nathaniel Cobb &
Alvean Cobb and Deliverance Soul, Deborah Doten, Molly Barden & Elizabeth
Cobb one hundred Dollars each, including what I have already paid them as may
appear by charges against them on my Book ~
Item I will and bequeath to the said Timothy Cobb & Nathl.
Cobb & Alvean Cobb & Deliverance Soul, Deborah Doten, Molly Barden,
& Elizabeth Cobb all my Household Furniture & Money on hand if any
there should be and all debts due to me, to be equally divided among them ~
All the above Legacies I will to my abovesaid Children to
them & to their Heirs & Assigns for ever.—
Lastly my Will is & I hereby constitute & appoint my
Son Thomas Cobb to be Executor to this my last Will & Testament, hoping all
things herein contained will be performed according to the true Intent &
Meaning hereof hereby revoking all former Wills by me made — In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the fifth day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand
eight hundred & three –
Signed Sealed published and declared
by the above named Timothy Cobb to be
his last Will & Testament in the presence
of us, who have hereunto subscribed our Timothy Cobb (seal)
Names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testator
Betsey Cobb
Mehitabel Cobb
Neph. Cobb
Presented for probate on 15 Apr. 1806 by Thomas Cobb, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Cobb Esquire, one of the
witnesses thereto subscribed, Betsey Cobb being deceased, and Mehitabel Cobb
having removed out of the Commonwealth. Letters of Administration were granted
to Thomas Cobb, the before named Executor.
Nehemiah Cobb Esqr., Job Cole, Yeoman, both of
Carver, and James Soule, of Middleborough, Yeoman, were appointed to appraise
the Estate of Timothy Cobb, late of Carver, Housewright, on 15 Apr. 1806. The
Inventory, dated 30 Apr. 1806, totaled $2531.84, including his homestead farm
with the buildings valued at $1150. Thos. Cobb, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 3 May 1806.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp. 424-425, 439, from FHL
microfilm #0550901.
Will of Ephraim Cole
of
In the Name of God Amen, I Ephraim Cole of the Town of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in New-England Considering the Uncertainty
of Life and the Certainty of Death & being through Gods Goodness of a sound
& disposing Mind & Memory Do Make & Ordain this my last Will &
Testament as following; In the first Place I Bequeath my Immortal Soul to God
that gave it Relying upon his Mercy & ye Merits of Jesus Christ
for Eternal Salvation and my frail Body to the Dust to be decently buried
according to the Discretion of my Executrix herein below mentioned &
appointed hoping to Recieve it again at ye General Resurrection, and
as to what temporal Estate it hath please ye Almighty in his
Goodness to bless Me withal I Dispose of ye Same by this my last
Will & Testament My just Debts & funeral charges being first paid as
followeth
Imprims. I Give & Bequeath to my loving Wife
Rebecca Cole all my Personal Estate and one half of my Housing lying &
being in Plymo or elsewhere during her Natural Life and my Will
further is that my Grand Children hereafter Named be brought up out of my
Moveable Estate.
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Son Samuel Cole & to his
Heirs & assigns forever two third Parts of ye remaining part of
my real Estate And my Will also is that my Son Samuel Cole shall have Liberty
& Priviledge to Enjoy the Whole of my real Estate if he see Cause to accept
of it. he paying unto the Grand Children hereafter named One third Part of the
true value of sd Estate—
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my five Grand Children viz:
Rebekah Cole & Sarah Cole Mary Durfey Durfey a Grandson, and Josiah Carver
Son to Josiah Carver & Dorothy his Wife who is deceased, one third Part of
the Remaining Part of my Real Estate to be equally Divided among them when the
sd Grand Children shall come to lawfull Age. that is to Say the
Grandsons to the age of twenty one Years and the Grand Daughters to the age of
Eighteen Years or time of Marriage. And my Will further is that if any of my Grand
Children should dy before they come to Age abovesd., or if any of
them Should dy Without Issue of their Body lawfully begotten then his or her
Part of Share should be equally Divided among the Surviving Grand Children—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Son Samuel
Cole & to his Heirs & assigns forever Two third Parts of my personal
Estate & the remaining two third Parts of Half my Housing after my Wifes
decease & my Grand Children have been brought up out of my personal Estate.
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my five Grand
Children above named the Remaining Part of my Personal Estate which is one
third Part and the Remaining one third Part of half the Housing to their Heirs
& assigns forever after my Wifes Decease and the sd Grand
Children have been brought up out of my personal Estate and if any of my Grand
Children should dy before they come of age or dy without Issue as aforesd
then his or her Part of Share shall be equally Divided among ye
Surviving Grand Children.
Itm I do Constitute & Appoint my sd
dear Wife Rebekah Cole Sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament: And
I do by these Presents Revoke & make void all other & former Wills by
Me heretofore made Ratifying allowing & Confirming this & no other to
be my last Will & Testament, and in Testimony hereof I the sd
Ephraim Cole have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Second day of March Anno
Domini one thousand Seven hundred & thirty or thirty one — 1730/1. —
Signed Sealed Published & Ephraim Cole (Seal)
Declared to be his last Will
& Testament In Presence of us
John Dyer
John Barnes
Willm Dunham
May ye 21: 1731. The above named John Dyer John
Barnes & William Donham made Oath that they Saw the above named Ephraim
Cole late of Plymo in the County of Plymouth Deceasd
Sign Seal & heard him Declare this Instrument to be his last Will &
Testament and that they at ye Same time In the Presence of ye
sd Testator Set to their Hands as Witnesses; and that according to
the best of their Observation he then was of a Sound & Disposing Mind &
Memory Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The Inventory of the Estate of Ephraim Cole, late of
Plymouth, was appraised by John Dyer, Thomas Holmes and Stephen Churchell on 29
Nov. 1731, and totaled £3333.4.11, including two dwelling houses, a barn and
land adjoining valued at £1200, 12 acres of land near Goose Point valued at
£500, and other lands, as well as a negro woman and a negro boy valued at £120.
Mrs. Rebekah Cole, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 28 Jan.
1731[/32].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ephraim Cole of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Ephraim Cole of Bridgwater In the
County of Plymouth In New-England Husbandman being Very Sick But of Sound Mind
& Memory Praised be God for it, & Considering the Uncertainty of my
Life Do make & Ordain this my Last Will & Testament in Manner &
Form Following that is to Say first & Principally I commit my Soul into the
Hands of Almighty God hoping for the Pardon of all my Sins through the Alone
Merits Death & Passion of my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ & to
Inherit Eternal Life & my Body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently Buried
at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the
General Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same again by the Mighty Power of God
& As Touching Such Temporal Estate as it hath Pleased God to Lend me I
Dispose thereof in Manner & form Following Viz.
Imprimis I will that all my Just Debts & funeral Charges
be paid & Discharged in Due & reasonable time by my Executors ~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Wife Hannah Cole
all my Indoor Moveables & household furnature with One Cow to be her Own
forever & I likewise Give her One half of my Flax and Rye with One half of
the Crop of Corn I now Have on the Ground & also Order that my Wife has the
Whole Improvement of my Dwelling House & Barn with the Corn House & all
my Lands that Lies South of the Road that my Dwelling House Stands by &
West of the Road that Leads from the School House to John Packard’s Land
Excluding the Land I bought of Sarah Turner & to Improve them with the Land
I have Set out to her as Long as She Shall Remain my Widow ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Ephraim Cole & to
his Heirs forever four Acres of Land that I had of Sarah Turner That Lies North
of my Dwelling House & the Land that I own in Bridgwater West of Jacob
Packards & Zechariah Gurneys Land with all my Meadow & Meadowish Land
that I Have in Easton in the County of Bristol & Also my Dwelling House
& Barn & Corn House with all the Land I have Ordered my Wife Shall
Improve when She has done with them: I also Give him my Colt & One half of
my Rye & Flax with half of my Crop of Corn on the Ground with my Husbandry
Tools & my half of the Pew in the Meeting House ~
Item I Give unto my Daughter Zilpah Bartlett & to her
Heirs forever One Third Part of Fourteen Acres & half of Land That I Bought
of sarah Turner Said Land Joyns to the North End of John Packards Land ~
Item I Give unto my Daughter Hannah Cole & to her Heirs
forever for ever Two Thirds of Fourteen Acres & half of Land I Bought of
Sarah Turner Said Land Joyns on the North End of John Packards Land ~
Item I Give unto my daughter Molle Cole Twenty Six Pounds
Thirteen Shillings & four Pence Lawfull Money to be paid to her when She
Shall Arrive to the Age of Twenty One Years ~
Item I Give unto my Daughter Rachel Cole Twenty Six Pounds Thirteen
Shillings & four Pence Lawfull Money to be paid to her when She Shall
Arrive to the Age of Twenty One Years ~
Item I Order that my Son Ephraim Cole pay to my Two Daughters
Molle Cole & Rachel Cole their Legacies as they Arrive to the Age of Twenty
One Years ~
Lastly I Appoint & Ordain my Wife Hannah Cole &
Edward Bartlet of Stoughton in the County of Suffolk my sole Executors of this
My Last Will & Testament & I Order them to Sell all the Planck that I
have & as much of my Quick Stock as is Needfull to Defray Charges & to
pay my Debts & the Remainder my Wife & my Son Ephraim to have & I
Do hereby Utterly Disallow Revoke & Disanull all and Every other Former
Testament Wills Legacies & Bequests Ratifying and Confirming this & no
Other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal this fifth Day of September Anno Domini One Thousand Seven
hundred & Seventy five Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by
the Said Ephraim Cole as his Last Will & Testament In the Presence of us
the Subscribers ~
Nathll. Reynolds
his
John Gurney Ephraim X Cole (seal)
Nathll. Reynolds Junr: mark
Presented for probate on 1 April 1776 by Hannah Cole and
Edward Bartlet, the Executors therein named, and proved by Nathll.
Reynolds, John Gurney and Nathll. Reynolds Junr, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Hannah Cole and Edward
Bartlet, the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Ephraim Cole,
late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 2 Apr. 1776 by Nathll.
Reynolds, John Packard, and Samuel Cole, and totaled £549.15.7, including his
29 acres & a half of land with the dwelling house, barn and corn house
valued at £213.13.4, and other lands. Edward Bartlet and Hannah Cole, the
Executor and Executrix, gave their oath to the inventory on 3 June 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, pp. 75-77, 144-145, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Hezekiah Cole
of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1797) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Hezekiah Cole of Carver in the
County of Plymouth yeoman, being very weak in body, but of perfect mind &
memory thanks be given unto God, calling unto mind the mortality of my body
& knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say, principally and first
of all I give & recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave
it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in decent christian
burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
life, I Give, devise & dispose of the same in the following manner and form
First—I Give & bequeath to Elisabeth Cole, my dearly
beloved wife the improvement of one third of my real estate, also one third of
my houshold goods, also two Cows and all my sheep as her right of dower or
power of thirds, so long as she shall remain my widow
Also—I Give to my well beloved Son Hezekiah Cole, all my real
estate lying in Carver in the County of Plymouth, also I Give to my Son
Hezekiah Cole all my farming utensills, also I give to my Son Hezekiah Cole,
all my Chattells that I have not heretofore disposed of to him the said
Hezekiah Cole & to his heirs & assigns forever and ‘tis my will that my
Son Hezekiah Cole shall pay to my daughter Zilpha Cole the sum of Fifty Dollars
in two years after my decease, also I give to my daughter Zilpha Cole the other
two thirds of my indoor moveables, to her ye said Zilpha Cole, to
her heirs and assigns forever, also I give to my daughter Zilpha Cole the
privilege of living in the house in which I now live, & my Son Hezekiah
Cole shall give my daughter Zilpha Cole the privilege of a fire so long as she
shall remain single life, and do appoint my well beloved wife Elisabeth Cole,
the Sole Executrix of this my last will & testament and I do hereby utterly
disallow, revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments, will,
legacies, bequests & Executors, by me in any ways before named, willed
& bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other, to be my last
will & testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal, this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand,
Seven hundred & ninety seven
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced
& declared by ye sd Hezekiah Cole
as his Hezekiah Cole (seal)
last will & testament, in ye presence of
us, who in his presence & in ye presence
of each other have hereunto subscribed our
names Rowland
Cobb
Lemuel
Cole
Gideon
Bradford
Presented for probate on 5 Aug. 1797 by Elisabeth Cole, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Lemuel Cole and Gideon Bradford, two of
the witnesses. No inventory was recorded for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Cole
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1723/4) *
In ye. Name of God amen: The thirteenth Day of
March in ye year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & twenty
¾, I John Cole of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth In the majestys
Province of ye. Massachusetts Bay: In New: England yeoman: Being
very Sick & weak in Body: but of perfect mind & memory Thanks be given
unto God: Therefore Calling to mind ye. mortality of my Body &
knowing it is appointed for all men once to dye; Do make & ordain this my
last Will & Testament: That is to Say, Principally & first of all; I
give & Recomend my Soul into ye. Hands of God yt.
Gave it: & my Body I Recomend to ye. Earth: to be Buried in
Decent & Christian manner at ye. discretion of my Executrix;
nothing doubting but at ye. general Resurrection: I Shall Receive ye.
Same again by ye. almighty Power of God: & as touching Such
Worldly Estate, wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give
demise & dispose of ye. Same in ye. following manner
& form. I give & Bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife Susannah Cole all
my Estate Immoveable & moveable during Her Life; & to be disposed of by
Her as She Shall See Cause: I likewise Constitute make & ordain my beloved
Wife Susannah Cole Sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament & I
hereby utterly disallow Revoke & disanull all & Every other former
Testaments Wills, Legacys & Bequests & Executors by me In any ways
before named Willed & Bequeathed: Ratifying & Confirming this & no
other to be my last Will and Testament: In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my Hand & Seal ye. Day & year above written.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced His
& declared by ye. sd. John Cole as
His John J Cole & Seal (seal)
last Will & Testament: In ye. Presence marke
of us ye Subscribers
Micajah Donham His mark M
Mary Shaw Her mark M
John Bell
Probated on 25 Apr. 1724, and proved by Micajah Donham, Mary
Shaw, and John Bell, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Susannah Cole, the Sole Executrix, on 25 Apr. 1724.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Received of our Honoured Mother Mrs. Susannah Cole
of Plympton in ye. County of Plymouth Widdow & Relict of our
Honoured Father Mr. John Cole of sd. Plympton decd.
a Bond of Even Date with this discharge for the Payment of fourty Pounds at
four Several Payments: & In Consideration of sd. fourty Pounds
wee do by These Presents fully freely Clearly & absolutely Demise Release
& forever Quitt our Claim to or Into ye. Estate of our sd.
Hond. Father Decd. & also what may In any wise accrue
or become due to us by or upon accompt of our Hond. Mothers Interest
in sd. Estate or any Estate peculiarly appertaining unto our sd.
Hond. Mother: & wee do Release & absolutely Quitt our Claim
to sd. estate & for our Heirs & Assignes do Pass our whole
Interest in sd. Estate unto our Hond. Mother Her Heirs
Executors & administrators to warrant & defend our sd. Hond.
Mother Her Heirs & assignes in their Quiett & Peaceable Enjoyment of ye.
Same: as Witness our Hands & Seals this Sixteenth day of September annoque
Domini 1724
Signed Sealed & delivered
In Presence of us Robert Harlow (seal)
Samuel Bradford The
marke of
Josiah Cushman Susannah
X Harlow (seal)
September ye. 16th. 1724. The above
named Robert Harlow & Susannah Harlow His wife acknowledged ye.
above written Instrument to be their act & Deed. Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate.
Received of our Hond. Mother Mrs.
Susannah Cole of Plympton in ye. County of Plymouth Widdow &
Relict of our Hond Father Mr. Jno. Cole of sd.
Plympton deceased: four Bonds of Even Date with this discharge for ye.
Payment of fourty Pounds and In Consideration of sd. fourty Pounds,
wee doe by these Presents fully, freely, etearly & absolutely Demise
Release & forEver Quitt our Claim to or Into ye. Estate of our
Hond. Father decd. and also what may In any wise accrue
or become due to us by or upon accompt of our Hond. Mothers.
Interest in Sd. Estate or any Estate more Peculiarly appertaining
unto our sd. Hond. Mother; and wee due Release &
absolutely Quitt our Claim to Sd. Estate & for our Heirs &
assignes doe Quitt our whole Interest in sd. Estate unto our Hond.
Mother Her Heirs Executors & administrators & assignes forEver:
Obliging our Selves our Heirs Executors & administrators to warrant &
defend our sd. Mother Her Heirs & assignes in Their Quiet &
Peaceable Enjoyment of ye. Same; as Witness our Hands & Seals
this thirtieth day of Aprill anno Domini 1725.
Signed Sealed & DD
In Presence of us Isaac Wright (seal)
Joseph Thomas Her
John Smith Mary M Cole
Mark
Plym. Ss: on ye.
26th of February 1725. The abovesd. Isaac Wright &
Mary his wife acknowledged ye. above written to be their act &
Deed.
Before
me Nathaniel Thomas Justice of Peace
To all People to whome these presents shall Come Know yee
that we Isaac Wright of Plimpton in the County of Plimouth yeoman & Mary
Wright his Wife which sd Mary was daughter to Mr John
Cole & his wife Mrs Susanah Cole both late of Plimpton aforesd
deceased for & in Consideration of twenty pounds money to us in hand have
Remised Released & forever quite Claimed & by these Presents for our
selves & our heirs doe fully freely clearly & absolutely Remise Release
& forever quite claim unto John Cole Edward Cole Thomas Cole Joseph Cole
Benjamin Cole & Elizabeth Cole Children of the aforesd Mr
John Cole & Mrs Susanah Cole deceased & Samuel Cole who was
the [smear] son of Samuel Cole late
of Plimpton deceased & grand son of the sd John Cole &
Susanah his wife deceased in their full & Peaceable possession & seizen
& to their heirs & to their assignes forever all such Right Estate
title or Interest both Real or Personal of what nature soever as we the sd
Isaac Wright & Mary his wife had or of Right ought to have of in or unto
the Estate of our sd father & mother John Cole & Susanah
Cole late deceased of what kind or nature soever by any way or means whatsoever
that is to Say to the sd John Cole two Shares or Eighth parts &
to the sd Edward Cole Thomas Cole Joseph Cole Benjamin Cole
Elizabeth Cole & Samuel Cole one share or eighth part each, To have &
to hold all the above granted premises unto the sd John Cole Edward
Cole Thomas Cole Joseph Cole Benjamin Cole Elizabeth Cole Samuel Cole their
heirs & assignes forever to their only proper use benefett & behoof
forever So that nither the sd Isaac Wright or Mary his wife nor
their heirs nor any other person or persons for them or in their names or in
the name stead or place of them or Either of them shall or will by any way or
means forever hereafter claim Challenge or demand any Estate Right title or
Interest of in or unto the premises or any part or parcel thereof they &
every of them shall be uterly excluded & bard by these presents forever
& the sd Isaac Wright & Mary his wife the Premises &
appurtenances to the sd John Cole Edward Cole Thomas Cole Joseph
Cole Benjamin Cole Elizabeth Cole & Samuel Cole their heirs & assignes
to their own proper use & uses in Manner & form afor Specified against
their heirs & assignes & every of them shall Warrant & forever
defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the sd Isaac Wright
& Mary his Wife have hereunto set their hands & Seals this fifteenth
day of March Anno Domini 1727.
Signed Sealed & delivered Isaac Wright (seal)
In Presence of her
James Whiton Mary M Wright (seal)
John Perkens marke
Plim. Ss. March the
21st 1728 The within named Isaac Wright & Mary Wright
acknowledged the within written to be their act & Deed: Before me Nathll. Thomas
Justice of Peace
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol, 4, pp. 442-443, 450, and Vol. 5,
pp. 176, 555.
Will of John Cole of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen John Cole of the Town of Plymton in
the County of Plymouth in New England yeoman Labouring under many infirmities
of body which are symtoms of approaching mortality, but of perfect &
disposing memory, thanks be Given to almighty God for the same, but calling to
mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to dye do make & ordain this my Last Will & testament
First—I Will & bequeath my soul to God that Gave it me,
& my body to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executrix hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the Generall resurrection, I
shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving wife Elizabeth Cole
the improvement of all my Estate both Real & personal, untill my Loving son
Ebenezer Cole comes to the age of twenty One years, if she remains my widow
untill said term, she paying my Just debts & funeral charges out of my
moveable Estate, and when my son Ebenezer shall arrive to the age of twenty one
years, my Will is that my Loving wife Elizabeth Cole aforesaid shall have all
the Estate she brought with her & no more, but if in case my said wife should
marry again before my aforesaid Son Ebenezer comes to the age of twenty one
years, my Will is that she shall improve my aforesaid Estate no Longer, but
shall have only the Estate she brought with her & that to be her own for
Ever Excepting the Liberty to Live in the west end of my house during her
widow-hood ~
Item—I Will and bequeath unto my Loving Son John Cole one
Sixth part of my Real Estate to him his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving son Lemuell Cole
one Sixth part of my Real Estate to him his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving Son Joshua Cole one
Sixth part of my Real Estate to him his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving son Caleb Cole one
Sixth part of my Real Estate to him & his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving son Asahel Cole one
Sixth part of my Real Estate to him & his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving Son Ebenezer Cole
one Sixth part of my Real Estate to him & his heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving daughter Mary Pratt
the wife of Noah Pratt the sum of Five pounds, to be paid her out of my Estate
in money or moveables to the value thereof the abovesd Five pounds,
I do Give unto my said daughter Mary Pratt and to her heirs & assigns
forever to be paid her within three years after my decease ~
Item—I Will & bequeath unto my Loving daughter Hannah
Gammons the wife of John Gammons the sum of Five pounds, to be paid her out of
my Estate, to be paid in money or moveable Estate to the value thereof within
three years after my decease, the abovesaid Five pounds I do Give unto my said
daughter Hannah Gammons & to her heirs & assigns forever ~
Item—I Will and bequeath unto my Loving Grand children, the
children of my Loving son Ephraim Cole deceased the sum of thirty pounds to be
paid them out of my Estate in money or moveable Estate to the value thereof
within three years after my decease to be Equally divided amongst them all, the
abovesaid thirty pounds I do Give unto my Loving Grand children the children of
my Loving son Ephraim Cole deceased, & to their heirs and assigns forever ~
Lastly – I nominate and appoint my Loving wife Elisabeth Cole
to be the Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & testament, hereby revoking
all other & former Wills Either written or verbal by me heretofore made or
done, hereby ratifying & confirming this my Last Will to remain firm &
inviolable, and, In Testimony whereof I the abovesaid John Cole have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the twenty third day of May and in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred, Seventy & Eight
Signed Sealed and pronounced and declared
by the said John Cole to be his Last Will & John Cole (seal)
testament in presence of us –
Samuel
Lucas
Samuel
Lucas 3d
Abijah
Lucas ~
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1778 by Elisabeth Cole, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Samuel Lucas and Abijah Lucas, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elizabeth Cole, the before named Executrix.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Cole, late of Plymton,
yeoman, was appraised on 3 Dec. 1778 by Samuel Lucas, Eleazer Crocker, and
Daniel Faunce, and totaled £1232.10~, including his real estate valued at £800,
of which his homestead and buildings were valued at £690. Elisabeth Cole, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 7 Dec. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 34-36, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Lt. Joseph Cole of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God-Amen – I, Joseph Cole of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth, in the State of Massachusetts, knowing that it is appointed
for all men to die, being now of a Disposing mind and memory do make this my
Last will and testament, hereby Revoking and disanuling, all other wills or
testament of what name or kind Soever – my Soul I Commit & Commend to God,
in hope and trust of his mercy through Jesus Christ to a Glorious Resurrection
to Eternal Life at the day of Judgment my body I Commit to the Earth to be
buried in a decent and Christian manner by my executor hereafter named – as
touching the worldly Interest which God hath Give me, I do dispose of it in the
following manner [Excepting what I have already disposed of by Deeds to my
Children ~
Item – I Give unto my beloved wife Sarah Cole the improvement
of one third of all my Real Estate Lying in Plymton as Long as she Remains my
widow, and if she marries again She Quits her title to it & improvement of
it–I also Give unto her all the Houshold furniture which she brought with her,
when I married her –
Item – I Give unto my Son Gershom Cole one Silver Spanish
Dollar
Item – I Give to my Son Job Cole my right of Iron Ore in a
place Called Robbins’s Swamp, which I bought of Jonathan Wood & his wife of
Middleborough
Item – I Give to my Son Lemuel Cole, the improvement of that
part of my Real Estate, which I have by Deed Given to my Son Consider Cole
untill he Comes of age, as also all my Live Stock & Husbandry utensills of
every kind–intending and ordering that my Son Lemuel Cole pays all my Lawful
just debts –
Item – I Give to my Daughters Ruth Cole– Hannah Cole– Bethiah
Cole and Phebe Cole all my Houshold furniture and indoor moveables to be
equally divided between them, Excepting my wearing apparell which I Give to Job
Cole–Lemuel Cole and Consider Cole to be equally divided between them
I Do by these
presents Constitute and appoint my two Sons Job Cole & Lemuel Cole
Executors to this my Last will and testament and that my Son Lemuel Cole pay my
funeral Charges
Furthermore– my will is–that my Son Lemuel Cole and daughters
Ruth Cole– Hannah Cole– Bethiah Cole–Phebe Cole and Consider Cole Shall Refuse
all or Either of them as they Severally Come of age to Give an acquittanced to
my Son Gershom Cole of their Shares to the Land which their uncle Consider Cole
Late of Pembroke Gave them, then they forfeit their Share to my Estate both
Real & Personal
I also Give my four
Daughters Ruth Cole– Hannah Cole– Bethiah Cole and Phebe Cole the privilege of
a fire place & Living in the House as Long as they Live Single – I also
Order and my will is that my three Sons Job Cole– Lemuel Cole & Consider
Cole Give to my two Daughters Bethiah Cole and Phebe Cole a Chest and Draws to
each of them, when my Daughter Phebe Cole arrives to the age of twenty one
years – In Testimony hereof I have Set my hand and Seal this fourteenth Day of
July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Eighty five–1785
–
Signed, Sealed and pronounced to be
the Last will and testament in pre- Joseph Cole (seal)
sence of
George
Ellis
Hezekiah
Cole
John
Howland
Plymton June 22d 1786–whereas my Honored father
Joseph Cole of Plymton deceased appointed the Subscriber one of the Executors
to his Last will & testament – this Certifies that I decline accepting of
said Executorship–as witness my hand –
Job Cole
Presented for probate on 5 June 1786 by Job Cole and Lemuel
Cole, the Executors therein named, and proved by ye. Revd.
John Howland and Hezekiah Cole, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Lemuel Cole, one of the before named
Executors, Job Cole the other Executor named having refused the said trust.
Saml Lucas yeoman, Nehemiah Cobb Gentm,
and Isaiah Tilson yeoman, all of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Joseph Cole, late of Plymton Gentm, deceased, on 5 June 1786. The
Inventory of the Estate of Lieut. Joseph Cole, dated 9 Jan. 1787,
totaled £295.1.6, including his lands and buildings valued at £247. Lemuel
Cole, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Feb. 1791.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 542-544, from FHL microfilm
#0550715, and Vol. 31, p. 319.
Will of Rebecca Cole
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1737) *
In the Name of God Amen I Rebecca Cole of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth in New England widdo. And Relict of Mr.
Ephraim Cole Senr. late Deceasd being through the Goodness of God of
sound and disposeing Mind and Memory and knowing the Uncertainty of my Life do
make and Ordain this to be my last will and Testament principally and first of
all I Give & recommend my Soul to God yt. gave it Desireing the
Pardon and Remission of my sins in and through Christ the Saviour and Redemer
of the world and My body I Committ to the Dust to be Decently Buried (at the
Discretion of my Executors) In hopes of a Joy full Resurrection at the last
day) As to the worldly Estate it has
pleased god to Bless me with I Dispose of the same as follows ~
Imprs. Itis my will That my Debts and funerall
Charges be first paid and that my Executors shall put all my Grand Children in
Decent mourning according to the Discretion of my sd. Executors—
Item. I give and Bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary Durfey
& her Heirs One Silver Tankard, One Cow Eleven Sheep a Great Brass Kittle
and my Case of Bottles and the Bed whereon She usually Lodges with all the
Beding and furniture to it—
Item I Give to my Grand Daughter Rebecca Cole and her Heirs
One Silver Tankard One Cow Twelve Sheep my Great Round Table a Chest of Drawes
One bed with ye Callico Curtains Rug and all the beding Bedstead and
furniture to ye Same belonging And One pair of the best of my
Andiorns, and my Great Bible~
Item I Give to my Grand Daughter Sarah Cole My Great Looking
Glass Six Silver Spoones One Round table a Chest of Draws my great brass
Skillet a Chamber Table a Brass Kettle and One pair of the best of my Andirons,
One Callico Bed Quilt One Cow and Twelve Sheep –
I Give and bequeath To my Grandson Josiah Carver five pounds
– and I also Give to my Grandson Samuel Cole five pounds the sum of five pounds
to be paid to them by Executors in bills of Creditt such as Commonly Now Pass:
when my sd. Grandsons Shall Respectively arrive to the age of twenty
one years and if Such bills of Creditt Cant then be had they are Each to be
paid in Other money equall to five pounds bills of Creditt as they Now Pass at
ye. making this my Will And all the Rest of the Remainder of my Moveable
& Personall Estate Wareing Cloaths money or Debts due to me Nothing of my
Estate Excepted or Reserved that is not before particularly disposed off I give
Equally to be Divided among my Grand Daughters Mary Durfey Rebecca Cole and
Sarah Cole or theire Legall Representatives my sd. Grand Daughters
to Receive what I have by this will give them: when they Shall arrive to ye.
Age of Eighteen years or day of Marriage and if Either of my sd.
Grand Daughters should dye before She Receives her portions then her part or
share by this will Given her to be Equally Divided between my Other grand
Daughters: And when my sd. Grand Daughters Shall Respectively
Respectively Receive theire Portion of my Estate before Given them it is to be
Respectively held and Enjoyed by them & their Heirs~ And further it is my
will That my Grand Daughters Rebecca and Sarah Cole be kept at School till they
Come to thirteen year of age and if ye. Income of my sd.
Grand Daughters Estate which they hold by their Grand Father Coles will and what
Estate they have otherwise be not Sufficient to maintain them then they Are to
be Mantaind Out of the Income of what I have here by Given them But the
Principal to be kept Good till they Come to Eighteen years of Age or Day of
Mariage, And I doe hereby appoint Mr. Thomas Spooner of Plymouth to
be Overseer and Gardian to my Grand Daughter Mary Durfey and See yt
her Estate be Secured and kept for her and that she be Comfortably Supported
Out of the Incomes of her Own & my Estate before Given her and I allso
appoint Mr. Joseph Bartlett of Plymouth Son of Robert Bartlett
Deceasd to be Overseer and Guardian to my Grand daughter Rebecca Cole &
Sarah Cole in the Same manner as I have appointed Mr Spooner
Overseer and Guardian to Mary Durfey ~
Finally I Constitute my Two Good Friends Mr.
Thomas Spooner and Joseph Bartlett aforesd Executors of this my last
Will & Testament hereby Ratyfieing & Confirming this and no Other to be
my last Will and Testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand
and Seal the fourth day of May Anno Domini 1737—
Signed Sealed & Datd Rebecca
Cole
in Presence of us R (seal)
and allso by Mrs Cole her make
declared to be her last
Will & Testament
in our Presence & hearing
at ye Same time
Elkanah Leonard
Thomas Myrdoch
Gersham Holmes
Probated on 25 Sept. 1742, and proved by Thomas Murdock and
Gersham Holmes, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Mr. Thomas Spooner and Mr. Joseph Bartlett, both of Plymo.,
the Executors, on 25 Sept. 1742.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mrs. Rebecca Cole
late of Plymouth, was appraised by Isaac Lothrop junr., Stephen
Churchell, and Haviland Torrey on 12 Oct. 1742, and totaled about £1017.5.6.
Thomas Spooner and Joseph Bartlett, the Executors, gave their oath to the
inventory on 14 Jan. 1742[/43].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 8, p. 537-539, and Vol. 9, p.
23-25.
Will of Samuell Cole of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the
Name of God Amen~
the eighteenth day of October in the Year of our Lord one
thousand Seven Hundred & fifty six, I Samuell Cole of Duxborough in the
County of Plimouth in New England, Yeoman, being Sick & weak of body, but
of perfect mind & Memory thanks be given unto God for the same and
therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body & Knowg
that it is appointed for all men once to dye Doe make & ordain this to be
my last Will and Testament, that is to say, Principally and first of all I Give
and Recommend my soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my body I
recomend to the earth to be buried in a Decent and Christain manner at the
Discretion of my Execr. hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the
Great & Generall Resurrection I Shall Receive the same again by the
Almighty Power of God, and as Touching such Worldly goods & Temporal estate
wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this life with, I Give, Demise &
Dispose of the same in the following manner and Form
Imprs. My Will is that all my Just Debts &
Funerall charges be Defraied & paied out of my Estate, Item I Doe Give
& Bequeath unto my Loving Sister the widow Sarah Delano the whole or
residue or Remainder of all my estate in whatsoever kind or Species it is &
Wheresoever it may be found of all Sorts or kinds that I have To Her the said
Sarah Delano, her Heirs & Assigns forever, but if in case my said Sister
Sarah Delano Should die before I should die that then the aforesd.
estate of mine that is all that I have I doe Give and Bequeath to my Loving an
Dutifull Kindsman John Delano, the sd. Sarah’s son to Him his Heirs
& assigns forever And I do hereby Constitute & appoint my Trusty Frind
Ichabod Wadsworth to be the sole Execr. of this my Last Will &
Testamt. & doe hereby utterly disallow and Dissanull all and
every other & former wills & Testament & Bequests by me in any
before named made, Willed or Bequeathed, ratifying and Confirming this & no
Other to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I the said Samuell
Cole have hereunto sett my hand & Seal the Day and Year above Written ~
Signed Sealed published pronounced his
& Declared by the said Saml. Cole Samuell + Cole (seal)
to be his last Will and Testamt. mark
In the presence of us
Subscribers
John Alden
Luna Wadsworth
John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 3 Jan. 1757, and proved by John
Alden and Luna Wadsworth, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Ichab Wadsworth of Duxborough Yeoman, Execr. in the same
Will named, on 3 Jan. 1757.
The Inventory of the estate of Samuell Cole, late of
Duxborough, appraised by Saml. Seabury, John Wadsworth, and John
Hunt on 6 Jan. 1757, totaled £100.13.0¾, no real estate. Ichabod Wadsworth, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Mar. 1757.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 300-302, 382, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Thomas Cole of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In the name of God Amen
I Thomas Cole of Midleborough in the County of Plymouth In New England
being at this Time weak and low In health but of Sound disposeing minde and
memory Thanks be Given To the lord for the Same Do make and ordain this my last
will and Testament in manner and form following First of all I Recommend My
Sole into ye hands of God who gave it and my bodey To the Earth In
Decent Burial at the Charge of my Executr hereafter nameed and as
Touching my worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased ye Lord to
Bless me I Give Demise & Dispose of the Same in manner & form following
Imprimis I Give & Bequeth To my well beloved wife Mary
Cole the Improvement of one half of my house and all my Indore Movebels
Excepting My Gun and ye Bed where My Son Thomas Cole lodgeth on
During her life
Item I Give and Bequeth to my Son Archipus Cole a Certain lot
of land In the Township of Plymouth near Crane Brook Containing about a Hundred
Acres of land
Item I Give and bequeth to my Son Thomas Cole the one half of
the Remang Part of my home stead land that I have not Given him a Deed of
Item I Give & Bequeth To my Son Archipus Cole ye.
other part of My home stead land undisposed of
Item I Give and bequeth to my well beloved wife Mary Cole the
third Part of the Improvement of my Real Estate and my Two heffers yerly
Item I Give my Son Thomas Cole my Part of my oxen and horse
my Cart & Plow and all my Tooles & Instruments necessary for husbandry
my Gun & Bed whereon he usually lodgeth and all the furniture thereunto
Belonging. Item I Give my Daughter Mary Drake the wife of John Drake one half
of my indoor movables already undisposed of after my wifes Deceas
Item I give & Bequeth To my Daughter Joanna Cole the
other half of my Indore Movables already undisposed of after my wifes Decease
Item I give & bequeth To my Son Thomas Cole all the
Remaining part of my Estate undisposed of both Real and Personal and order him
To Receve and Recour all my Just Debts and Pay all I am Indebted to
Finally My Will is that My Son Thomas Cole be Sole Executor
to this my last will & Testament Desiring that the Same may be Kept and
Performed in All the Branches there of according to the True intent and meaning
In Confiurmatin where of I the aforesd. Thomas Cole have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal May ye. 7th Day A D 1759
Signed Sealed Published prounenced & Declared
by the aforesaid Thomas Cole to be his last will Thomas Cole (seal)
and Testament in Presence of
Ebenezer Briggs
Saml. Eaton
Cornelius Bennett
Proved on 4 June 1759 by Ebenr Briggs, Saml.
Eaton and Cornelus Bennett. Administration of the Estate of Thomas Cole, late
of Midleborough, yeoman, granted to his Son Thomas Cole of Middleborough,
yeoman, on 4 June 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 261-262, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Ithamar Combs of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The sixteenth day of april A.D. 1768. I Ithamar Combs of
Rochester in the county of Plymouth yeoman, calling to mind the mortality of my
body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain
this my Last will and testament, recomending my soul to God that gave it, and
my body to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the discression
of my executor hereafter named, and touching such worldly estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I give and dispose of the same
in the following manner & form. ~
Imprimis. My will is and I hereby give & bequeath to my
beloved wife Hannah Combs that part of my estate both real & personal that
the law would endow her with in case I left the same intestate. ~
Item, My will is and
I hereby order, that my just debts & funeral charge shall be paid by my
executor out of the debts due to me, & what that wants to be made up out of
my live stock, but not to effect my wife,s dower. ~
Item, I give &
bequeath to my eldest son Elnathan Combs his heirs & assigns forever twenty
five acres of land being part of my 12: & 13: lots in no.
bounded begiñing at a bound standing in the line of the eleventh lot on the
easterly side of the morssey bog so called, thence westerly in said line to the
fresh meadow thence by the fresh meadow to the cedar swamp, and by said cedar
swamp to Isaac Snow,s swamp, and by it to said Elnathan,s own Land, the sawing
timber on these lots is hereby given in equal partnership to sd.
Elnathan Combs & my daughter Hannah Bishop, & my son Caleb Combs, said
twenty five acres is to be the easterly part thereof, together with the one
half of my cedarswamp at the head of Sniptuet pond, and also the one half of my
right & reserve in the iron oar in Wareham. This with what I have already
given him is to be his portion in my estate. ~
Item, I give and
bequeath to my second son Ithamar Combs, who went to sea & hath been absent
nine years without intelligence, twenty dollars in case he return, to be paid
him by my executor out of my personal estate. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my third son Benjamin Combs
his heirs & assigns forever all my lands lying southerly & easterly
from & adjoining to the lands before give to his brother Elnathan together
with the tenth lot I bought of Peter Tomson, also all my right in the mills
being one eighth of each, also the one half of my outdoor movables not before
dispos’d off & the other half of the reserved iron oar. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my fourth son Caleb Combs his
heirs & assigns forever, all my homestead farm adjoining together with the
appurtenances, and my fresh meadow lot at the head of the neck, & six acres
of the land adjoining to it, and one half of my outdoors movables not before
disposed off, also my right in Sippecan mill pond bought of William Blackmer as
p. his deed to me.
Item, I give to my daughter Hannah Bishop her heirs &
assigns forever all the remainder of that tract of land whereof I gave my son
Elnathan twenty five acres at the east end, & six acres to my son Caleb at
the west end. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my three daughters namely
Chloe Combs, Priscilla Combs, & Abia Combs, the residue of my indoors
movables not otherwise disposed off, in equal partnership, also my will is that
my said three daughters Chloe, Priscilla & Abia be paid thirteen pounds,
six shillings & eight pence each, by my three sons viz, Elnathan, Benjamin,
& Caleb when Caleb comes of age, in the following proportion viz, Elnathan
six pounds, Benjamin seventeen pounds, & Caleb seventeen pounds, with the
liberty of living in my dwelling house till their marriage day.
Item, I give &
bequeath to my two youngest sons Benjamin Combs & Caleb Combs my wearing
apparel and all the other estate not herein disposed off in equal partnership.
~
Finally, I hereby
constitute, ordain & make my eldest son Elnathan Combs sole executor of
this my last will & testament, disallowing all others, and ratifying &
confirming this to be so. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day & year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced,
by the sd. Ithamar Combs as his last will Ithamar Combs (seal)
& testament in presence of us subscribers,
Joseph Peirce, Martha Peirce,
Noah
Sprague.
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1768 by Elnathan Combs, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Peirce and Martha Peirce, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elnathan Combs, the before named executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Ithamar Combs,
late of Rochester, was appraised on 20 July 1768 by Noah Sprague, Jacob Bennet,
and David Peirce, and totaled £573.17.1, including his real estate valued at
£427.5.8. Elnathan Combs, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1
Aug. 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 94-96, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of David
Conant of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1792) *
In
the name of God amen – I David Conant of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth,
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman – being infirm in body but of sound
& disposing mind & memory, do make and ordain this my Last will &
testament in manner & form following–viz~– I Give &
recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave it, and my body I
recommend to the earth, to be decently Interred at the discretion of my
Executor, and touching such worldly Estate which it hath pleased God to bless
me with, I will and bequeath the same in the follow manner and form–viz~
Imprimis
– I Give & bequeath to my well beloved wife Sylva and to her heirs &
assigns forever, all my houshold furniture & personal Estate after my debts
are paid, and I give her the improvement of all my Lands & buildings for
the support of my Children, ‘till my son David Conant comes of age, and after
that the improvement of one half so long as she remains my widow
2dly – I Give
& bequeath to my Daughters Martha & Susanna Conant, the one half of my
real Estate, and to come into possession of one half assigned to them when my
son David Conant is of age also the other half assigned to them after their
mother’s decease –
3dly– I Give &
bequeath to my son David Conant the one half of my real Estate, and to come
into possession of one half assigned to him when he is twenty one years of age,
also to come into possession of the other half after his mothers decease
Lastly – I do hereby constitute
& appoint my brother Peter Conant & Sylva my wife, my Executors of this
my Last will & testament hereby Ratifying this and no other to be my Last
will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
the twenty second day of November A Dom one thousand seven hundred and ninety
two
David Conant (seal)
Signed
sealed published pronounced & declared by ye. sd.
David Conant to be his Last will & testament in the presence of us the
subscribers
Jona.
Leonard
Jona.
Benson
Jacob
Peirce
Presented for probate on 7 Jan.
1793 by Sylvia Conant, one of the Executors, and proved by Jonathan Leonard and
Jonathan Benson, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to the
Executrix Sylva Conant, Peter Conant the other Executor having refused on 7
Jan. 1793.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ezra
Conant of
In
the Name of God, Amen!
I
Ezra Conant of Windsor, in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, being in
bodily Health, and of sound & disposing Mind DO make, ordain, constitute
and appoint the following to be my Last Will & Testament; viz, commending
my Spirit to God who gave it, thro. the merits of the Redeemer, and consigning
my body to the Dust, to be decently buried, at the Discretion of my Executor
herein after mentioned; I dispose of my worldly substance in manner following.
— — —
Imprimis,
I give and bequeathe to my present Wife, Anna Conant, on my Decease, all and
every part of my house hold Furniture, except as is herein after devised; and
also, I give and bequeath to my said wife, all the improvements, issues, rents
& profits of all and singular of the real estate of which I shall die
seized, lying and being in the Town of Warwick in the County of Hampshire, and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts together with the use of one horse and two Cows
during her life. — — —
Item.
I give and bequeathe to my three Grand Children, Sally, Samuel & Learned
Conant, Children of my late son Doctor Ezra Conant, of Oxford, in the County of
Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the sum of six shillings, each,
to be paid to them respectively, by my Executor, within six months after the
Decease of my said Wife Anna Conant.—
Item,
I give and bequeathe to my Daughter, Millicent, Wife of Thomas Rich, of
Shoreham, in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, one of my poorest
Feather beds, with one set of Placing bed Furniture, to be delivered to her
within six months after my Decease, and also, Six pounds eighteen shillings
lawful money to be paid to her within six months after the Death of my said
wife. — — —
Item.
I give and bequeathe to my Son Amos Conant of Claremont, in the County of
Cheshier, & State of New Hampshier, twenty six pounds lawful money, to be
paid to him within six months after the death of my said Wife. — — —
Item.
I give & bequeathe to the two Daughters of my late son Ebenezer Conant,
late of Claremont aforesaid, viz, Molly & Millecent Conant, six shillings
each, to be paid to them respectively, by my Executor as aforesaid.—
Item.
I give and bequeathe to my Daughter Jemima, Wife of Jeremiah Deane, of Unity in
the County of Chishire & State of New Hampshire, one of my poorest Feather
beds, with one plain Set of bed Furniture to be paid to her within six months
after my Decease; and Also, two pounds, twelve shillings lawful money, to be
paid in six months after the Death of my said Wife. — —
Item,
I give to my Son, Jhon Conant, of
Item.
I give and bequeathe to my Son Stephen Conant, of
Item.
I give and bequeathe to my Son Benjamin Conant, of
Item,
I give and bequeathe to my Daughter, Anne, wife of Charles Conant, of said
Item,
I give to my Son Clark Conant, of
And
I DO make and ordain my said Son Clark Conant, my Sole Executor of this my last
Will & Testament—
In
testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & seal, this twenty seventh day of
January, Anno Domini, 1795.
Ezra Conant (seal)
Signed,
sealed & published by the said Ezra
Conant as & for his Last Will
& Testament in the
presence of us, who subscribed our
names as Wit-
nesses in the Testator’s presence,
& at his request
Stephen
Jacob
Pamela
Jacob
Laura
Jacob
Harriet
Jacob
Presented for probate on 15 Dec.
1804 by Clark Conant, of
14 Dec. 1812, Mr. Benjamin Tollis
of Weathersfield in said district is appointed administrator de bonis non with
will annexed on the estate of Ezra Conant late of Windsor deceased, Clark
Conant the Executor of said Ezra Conant’s will having lately died without fully
administering on said estate.
Receipt of Benja. Conant of Warwick
to Benjamin Tolles of Weathersfield for his share of the estate of his father,
Ezra Conant, on 3 June 1814.
Receipt of Stephen Conant of
Receipt of Amos Conant of Irasburgh
in
Receipt of John Conant of
Receipt of Thomas Rich &
Millicent Rich of Shoreham,
Receipt of Charles Conant of
Receipt of Jeremiah Conant of
Unity,
Receipt of John Rich to Clark
Conant, Executor, for a bed & bedding willed to daughter Millicent Rich
from the estate of Ezra Conant on 17 June 1806.
Receipt of Jeremiah Deane to Clark
Conant, Executor, for a bed & bedding willed to Jemima Deane from the
estate of Ezra Conant on 1 July 1806.
Elisabeth Conant, widow of Clark
Conant, late of
Receipt of Dudley Morrell &
Molly Morrell, of Unity,
Receipt of Leonard Conant to Clark
Conant, Executor, for his share of the estate of Ezra Conant, on 23 Feb. 1809.
Receipt of Ambrose Parmele of
Windsor & Millycent Parmele his wife to Benjamin Tolles of Weathersfield
for the share to Millicent Conant from the estate of Ezra Conant on 20 Feb.
1814.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Windsor District,
Will of John Conant of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1812) *
In the name of God amen – I John Conant of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being somewhat
advanced in Life, but of a sound Mind & memory, blessed be God for the same
wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my Body knowing it is appointed to
all men once to die, do make this to be my last will & Testament to remain
firm & inviolable forever principally & first of all, I give my Soul to
God that gave it & my Body I recommend to the Dust to be buried in a decent
& Christian manner at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named,
trusting that the same shall be raised again in the general Resurrection by
God’s Almighty Power, & as to such worldly Estate, as it hath pleased God
to bless me with, I dispose of in the following Manner:— viz –
Imprimis I give & bequeath unto
my true & beloved Wife Abial the Lease of the Lands & Buildings, which
we now jointly possess after my just Debts & funeral charges & the
Expence of settling my Estate is first taken out & also that Zenas Conant
my Son provide all things necessary for the Comfort & Convenience of Abial
my Wife.—
Item. – I give & bequeath to my
Son John Conant the Sum of five Dollars to be paid in Stock or Farm produce in
one year after my decease by my Executor. –
Item – I give & bequeath to my
Son Jeremiah Conant the Sum of five Dollars to be paid in one year after my
decease by my Executor.—
Item I give & bequeath to my
Son Thomas Conant the Sum of five Dollars to be paid in one Year after my
decease by my Executor.—
Item I give & bequeath to my
Daughter Abial the Wife of John Willis the Sum of five Dollars to be paid in
one Year after my decease also one third part of my indoor moveables (my
wearing Apparel excepted,) after the decease of both me & my Wife, these to
be paid delivered by my Executor: –
Item, I give & bequeath to my
Daughter Lucy the Wife of Ziba Hayward the Sum of five Dollars to be paid in
Stock or Farm produce in one Year after my decease also one third part of my
indoor moveables (my wearing Apparel excepted) after the decease of both me
& my Wife, these to be paid & delivered by my Executor. —
Item I give & bequeath to my
Daughter Silva the Wife of Silvanus Conant the Sum of five Dollars in Stock or
farm Produce, to be paid in one Year after my decease, also one third part of
my indoor Moveables (my wearing Apparel excepted) after the decease of both me
& my Wife – These to be paid & delivered by my Executor.—
Item. I give & bequeath to my
four Sons, John, Zenas, Jeremiah & Thomas all my wearing Apparel to be
equally distributed among them.—
Item I give & bequeath to my
Son Zenas all my Cattle farming Utensils & all outdoor Moveables of what
name or nature soever.—
Lastly my Will is & I do hereby
appoint my Son Zenas Conant Executor to this my last Will & Testament, thus
hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & meaning thereof – I the before named John
Conant have hereunto set my hand & Seal this tenth day of April in the Year
of our Lord eighteen hundred & twelve –
signed Sealed published, pronounced
& declared by the before named John Conant
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us John Conant (seal)
Cornelius
Holmes Junr.
Ezra
Conant
Hitty
Holmes
Presented for probate on 6 May 1816 by Zenas Conant, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Cornelius Holmes Junr. and
Ezra Conant, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Zenas Conant, the before named Executor.
Ezra Conant, yeoman, Rufus Wood, Gentleman, and Cornelius
Holmes Junr., Cordwainer, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of John Conant, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 6 May 1816.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Conant, late of Bridgwater, dated 27 May
1816, totaled $82.00, no real estate. Zenas Conant, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 1 July 1816.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp. 51-52, 118, from FHL
microfilm #0550905.
Will of Nathan Conant of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the Name of God Amen September 29th 1778 I
Nathan Conant of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth husbandman, being now of
a sound & disposing mind & memory, yet calling to mind the mortality of
my body & knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do now make
& ordain this to be my Last Will and testament in the first place, I Give
and recommend my soul into the hands of that God who Gave it, and my body I
commit to the dust to be buried with christian decent burial at the discretion
of my Executors hereafter named, and as to my worldly Interest, I dispose of it
in the following manner
First–‘tis my Will that all my debts and funeral charges be
well & truly paid in convenient time after my decease
2d. I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved
wife Hannah, the improvement of all my Estate, Goods Buildings &c, ‘till my
son Caleb Conant arrives to the age of twenty one years, and after that time
the improvement of one third of all my Lands and buildings, during Life, and
one third of all my moveable Estate I Give to her, her heirs and assigns
forever
3d – I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved Son
Caleb Conant, three Quarters of my whole Estate of every sort & kind to
him, his heirs and assigns forever
4 – I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved daughters,
Hannah, Lois, Martha, Rebecca, Mary, One Quarter of all my Estate, of every
sort & kind, my Buildings Excepted my daughter Hannah to have but half so
much as one of her sisters, and my daughters, while they remain unmarried to
have the priviledge of my house to dwell in
5 – ‘tis my will and pleasure that my Mother in Law the widow
Mary Lazel should have her support out of my Estate during her Life
6 – Finally, I constitute & appoint my well beloved son
Caleb together with my Brother Ezra Conant to be Executors of this my Last Will
& testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day
and year above written ~ his
signed, sealed, published & declared by the said Nathan Nathan X Conant (seal)
Conant as his Last Will & testament in presence of us mark
Jeremiah Washburn, Seth Rickard, Simeon Wood
Presented for probate on 7 Dec. 1778 by Caleb Conant and Ezra
Conant, the Executors therein named, and proved by Jeremiah Washburn, Seth
Rickard and Simeon Wood, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Caleb Conant and Ezra Conant, the before named
Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Nathan Conant, late of
Bridgwater, yeoman, was appraised on 8 Dec. 1778 by Jeremiah Washburn, Eliab
Washburn and Simeon Wood, and totaled £1895.8, including his real estate valued
at £1249. Ezra Conant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Mar.
1779.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, pp. 90-91, 185-186, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Nathaniel
Conant of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1712) *
In the Name of God Amen. July the third 1712, I Nathanael
Conant Senr of the Town of Bridgewater in ye County of
Plymouth in New-England Yeoman Being of Sound Judgment & Disposing Mind
& Memory Praised by God therefore Yet Calling to Mind my Mortality &
Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to dy do Make & Ordain this
my last Will & Testament That is to Say —
Principally & first of all I do Recommend my Soul into
the hands of God yt gave it, My Body I recommend unto ye
Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at ye Discretion of my
Executors Nothing doubting but that at ye General Resurrection I
shall Recieve ye Same by ye Mighty Power of God—And as
for Such Worldly Goods and Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the Same in Manner & Form as
followeth~~
Imprims. I Give & Bequeath unto Hannah my
dearly beloved Wife one third Part of my Homeliving both Housing & Land
Together with two Cows & One Bed and Bedding & necessary Houshold Goods
for her use & Comfort during her Widowhood—
Item I have already Given to my Eldest Son Nathanael Conant
that Tract of Land whereon he now dwelleth by a Conveyance under my hand &
Seal which I do hereby Confirm to him & to his Heirs forever, And my Will
is that he therewithall rest himself Contented—
Itm to my Son Josiah Conant I Give about twenty
Pounds which he hath already recieved partly toward the Purchasing of his Land
where he first Settled and partly in help toward Building & Fencing &
my will is yt he therewthall rest Contented.
Itm To my Youngest Son Lot Conant I have given by
Deed my
Itm as for my three Eldest Daughters Bithiah
Hannah & Martha who have been disposed of in Marriage I have done for Each
of them respectively according to my Ability to ye Value of about
Twelve Pounds Each and My Will is that both they & their Heirs do rest
themselves Contented therewith
Itm To my two Youngest Daughters Lydia &
Rebekah I Give & Bequeath all my Moveable Estate wch shall
remain after my Wifes Decease to be equally Divided betwixt them.
Finally I nominate & Appoint Hannah my Wel beloved Wife
Executrix & my Eldest Son Nathanael Executor of this my Last Will &
Testament utterly Renouncing Revoking & Disallowing all other Wills
Testaments Legacies Bequests or Executrs by Me heretofore made
devised or named Ratifying & Establishing this & none other to be my
last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal the day & Year Abovewritten
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared by ye sd
Nathanl. Conant as his Last Will & Testamt. Nathanael Conant (Seal)
In ye Presence of us Joseph Hayward
Nathanael Brett Seth
Brett
Augst ye 24.1732 The above named
Nathaniel Brett made oath that he Saw the Above named Nathaniel Conant Sign
Seal & heard him Declare the Abovewritten Instrument to be his last Will
& Testament And that he at ye Same time together with Joseph
Hayward & Seth Brett in ye Presence of ye sd
Testator Set to their hands as Witnesses and that according to ye
best of his Observation he then was of a Sound & Disposing Mind &
Memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Letters of administration were given to Nathaniel Conant, the
executor, on 24 Aug. 1732.
The inventory of the Estate of Nathaniel Conant, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel Conant of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1743) *
In the Name of God Amen the Seventeenth day of March Anno
Dom. 1742/3 I Nathaniel Conant of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in
NewEngland being weak in body but of perfect mind & Memory Thanks be to god
therefore Calling to mind the Mortallity of my body Do make and ordain this my
Last will and Testament ~ First I Give
my Soul into the hands of God and my body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently
buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and as touching my
worldly Estate I dispose thereof in the following manner my Just debts funeral
Charges and other Expences being first allowed.
Imprimis I Give to my Wellbeloved wife Eliazabeth Conant one
half of my Personal or moveable Estate both within Doors and without to be
Improved by her for her Comfort dureing her Natural life and what Remains
thereof after her Decease to be Equally Divided amongst my three daughters
herein after named –
Item. I Give to my son Thomas Conant Five Shillings (old
tenour) haveing formerly Otherwise made provision for his Comfortable
Settlement in the world.
Item I Give to my son Jeremiah Conant Five shillings (old
tenour) haveing formerly made provision for his Comfortable Settement.
Item I Give to my son John Conant whom also I Constitute and
appoint to be the Executor of this my Last will and Testament to him I Give
Twenty shillings (old tenour) haveing otherwise made provision for his
Settlement desireing him to take care of his mother and provide her Comfortable
House room and fire wood &c.
Item I Give to my daughter Elizabeth Conant Fifty pounds old
tenour out of that half of my moveable Estate not given to my said wife for
improvement.
Item I Give to my Daughter Bethia Rickard the wife of Elkanah
Rickard Ten pounds (old tenour) Out of that half of my moveable Estate not
given to my said wife for improvement besides the fourty pounds which I
formerly Gave her—
Item I Give to my daughter Margret Edson the wife of Abel
Edson besides the fifty pounds I formerly gave her one third part of what
remains of sd. half of my moveable Estate not herein Given to my sd.
wife, after the perticuler sums above mentioned are taken out, and I give to my
other two daughters abovenamed the other Two thirds of sd. remnant,
and furthermore I Give to all my three daughters viz Bethia Rickard Margret
Edson & Elizabeth Conant what shall remain after my sd. wifes
decease of that part of my moveable Estate herein Given her for improvement to
be Equally divided amongst them as above Expressed
Signed Sealed & pronounced & declared by the sd.
Nathll. Conant to be his Last will & Testament in the presence
of us
Moses Orcutt, Gersham Conant Caleb Orcutt.~ Nathaniel Conant (seal)
Presented for probate on 18 Sept. 1745 by the Executor within
named, and proved by Moses Orcutt, Gersham Conant and Caleb Orcutt, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John Conant of
Bridgewater, yeoman, the sole Executor, on 18 Sept. 1745.
The Inventory of the estate of Nathaniel Conant was appraised
on 23 Sept. 1845 by Capt. Nehemiah Washburne, Capt.
Nathaniel Woodward, and Moses Orcutt, and totaled £484.13.1, but included no
real estate. John Conant, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7
Oct. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, p. 19-22, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Phineas
Conant of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1798) *
In the Name of God Amen on the eighteenth day of April Anno
Domini 1798, I Phineas Conant of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, being of
a sound and disposing mind & memory, thanks be given to the great God, yet
calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed unto
all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will & testament, that
is to say, principally & first of all, I give & recommend my soul into
the hands of that God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the dust, to be
buried with christian decent burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named, with regard to my worldly Interest, I dispose of in the following manner
– (vizt)
Firstly Tis my will
that all my debts & funeral charges be well & truly paid by my Executor
hereafter named in convenient time after my decease
2dly I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved
wife Joanna, the improvement of my dwelling house so long as she remains my
widow; also the improvement of my houshold Goods & Clock, during her
natural life, also two Cows to be at her disposal, to be kept by my Executor
hereafter named, he also to deliver a sufficient quantity of wood at the door
to maintain one fire yearly, also thirteen bushells of Corn, three bushells of
Rye & thirty weight of Flax, Forty weight of beef, Ten pounds of tallow
& Sauce sufficient for her own consumption; the above articles to be
delivered annually, & find her a horse to ride when she needs
3dly
I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved Daughter Sarah Thirty pounds in money,
to be paid by my Executor in six months after my decease, also the improvement
of about one quarter of an acre of land the back side of my house now within
fence, at my decease, so long as she remains unmarried; also the improvement of
the easterly half of my dwelling house so long as she remains unmarried; also
one half of houshold Goods to be her property after mother’s decease; also the
keeping of a Cow if she provides one, so long remains unmarried
4ly
I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Joanna Conant, wife of Elias
Conant the other half of my houshold Goods at her mother’s decease; also Five
Pounds in money, to be paid by my Executor in six months after my decease
5hly I Give
and bequeath unto my well beloved Son Peter, to him, his heirs & assigns
forever, all my lands & buildings on the easterly side of the road, except
the improvement above disposed of
6ly
I Give and bequeath unto my Sons, namely, Peter, Phineas, & my Grandson
David, all my wearing apparell, to be equally divided among them
7ly
It is my will, that my Sons & Daughters & Grandson David Conant Vinall
have an equal right in my Pew in the meeting house
Finally, I do hereby
nominate and appoint my well beloved son Peter Conant, Sole Executor of this my
last will & testament. In witness & confirmation hereof, I have
hereunto Set my hand & seal the day and year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced
and declared by the said Phineas Co- Phinehas Conant (seal)
nant, as his last will & testament
in presence of us
Nathaniel
Pratt
Sylvanus
Pratt
Solomon
Hayward
Presented for probate on 4 June 1798 by Peter Conant, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathl. Pratt and Sylva.
Pratt, two of the witnesses.
No inventory was recorded for his estate.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Rev. Sylvanus Conant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1777) *
In the name of God Amen – I Sylvanus Conant of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Bay, do make this my Last
Will & Testament ~
First—I resign my Soul to God my only Saviour and my body to
the dust at his call in hope of a Glorious resurrection –
Secondly—my Estate I dispose of as followeth 1st.
to my Brother Gershom Conant, I Give Sixty pounds and the note I have upon him
for three pounds, eighteen shillings, allso to my Brother Lot Conant I Give
Sixty Four pounds, for the benefit of them and their heirs forever to be paid
in one year after my decease ~
Item—To Hannah Conant widow of my Brother Timothy Conant
deceased, I Give Ten pounds, and to her children which she hath by said
Timothy, Sixty pounds, I Give to be equally divided among them, only Excluding
from this division my Nephew Sylvanus the son of my Brother Timothy who is Else
where taken notice of, the Sons to be paid their dividend at the age of One
& twenty years and the daughters at the age of Eighteen years, from this
division Deborah Conant daughter of said Timothy is allso Excluded being taken
notice of Else where ~
Item—To my Sister Deborah Washburn wife of Isaac Washburn, I
Give Forty pounds to be paid to her in three months after my decease, allso One
Quarter part of my household Furniture not disposed of Else where in this
Instrument ~
Item—To Miss Rebecca Scollay (who has Lived in my house &
taken a Good & prudent care of my Family for many years) Sixty pounds &
allso my best Feather bed & bolster, two pillows & pillow Cases &
the Curtains & Quilt or Coverlid thereto belonging & two pair of sheets
& one pair of Blanketts, as allso my Sconu[?] Looking Glass, to her &
her heirs forever, allso the priviledge of dwelling in my house & of using
or improving unmolested, any part or parts of the furniture belonging to the
house (besides what I have Given her for her own property) with the priviledge
allso of keeping one Cow on the place, for the Space of one year after my
decease, the above named priviledges are Granted to her only on condition she
inclines to dwell in the house ~
Item—I Give the other three Quarters of my house Furniture
not already disposed of, to my niece Deborah Conant, daughter of my Brother
Timothy Conant deceased, & Sixty pounds in money – note, both the money
& furniture to be paid & delivered to her, when she is Eighteen years
of Age ~
Item—my wearing apparell to my three Brethern. Gershom, Lot
& Phinehas to be Equally divided between them
Item—To the Revd. Mr. William Conant of
Lime in New Hampshire Government, the One half of my Library, & the other
half to my above named three brethren & Sister, to be Equally divided among
them ~
Item—To my Negro man Cuffy, who has behaved in a Good &
faithfull manner, I Give his Freedom & Forty pounds, together with his
wearing apparell & the bed & bedding he now useth – the money to be
paid him in three months & the other things delivered to him directly after
my decease
Item—After the above named Legacies & my Lawful debts are
paid by my Executor hereafter named, I Give to my Brother Phinehas Conant &
his heirs forever, one third part of the Residue of my Estate, & the other
two thirds of the Residue of my Estate to Sylvanus Conant, the Son of my
Brother Timothy Conant deceased, to him & his heirs forever, to be put in
possession of the same at twenty one years of Age ~
And I do hereby appoint my Brother Phinehas Conant to be the
Executor of this my Last Will & Testament, who is to pay the above named
Legacies & debts
In Witness whereof I the said Sylvanus Conant have hereunto
set my hand & Seal this Fifth day of December in the year of our Lord One
thousand, seven hundred & Seventy seven
Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the
said Sylvanus Conant the testator as & for Sylvanus Conant (seal)
his Last Will & testament in presence of us
who were present at the signing & sealing hereof
Chandler
Robbins
Testes ~ Caleb
Turner
Daniel
Howland
NB—the interlining & blothing out in the above Will &
testament were done before the signing, sealing & declaring the same by the
testator—as the witnesses also attest ~
NB—The testator Likewise declared before witnesses, that it
is his meaning & Will, that Miss Rebecca Scollay, should have her Liberty
to make use of the provisions for the Subsistance of the Family, during her
stay in the house, & the rest of the family for the time being
Item—that he does also Give to Miss Mary Jacock the
Sunu-Looking Glass & dressing table in his study chamber, in token of his
Love & her faithfull attendance on him both in health & in his Last
sickness
Presented for probate on 6 July 1778 by Phinehas Conant, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Chandler Robbins and Daniel Howland, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Phinehas Conant, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of the Revd. Mr.
Silvanus Conant, late of Middleborough, was appraised in Sept. 1778 by Seth
Pratt, James Allen junr. and Hezekiah Hooper, and totaled £4126.5.5,
including his real estate valued at £1500. The appraisers gave their oath to
the inventory on 19 Nov. 1778, and Phinehas Conant, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 19 Nov. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 25-29, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Thomas Conant of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1774) *
In the name of God Amen – On the Eighteenth day of May Anno
Domini one thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy four I Thomas Conant of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being now in a State of health
and of a Sound and disposing mind & memory, proceed to make this my Last
will and testament – in the first place I Give and Recommend my Soul into the
hands of the Great God who Gave it, trusting in his mercy through Jesus Christ,
for pardon Grace and Glory; and my body I Commit to the Earth to be decently
buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and as to my worldly
Interest, I dispose of it in the following manner vizt–my will is
that my funeral Charges and just debts be discharged in Convenient time by my
Executor. ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Mary the
improvement of one third part of my Real Estate during the time she shall
Continue my widow, further I Give unto her to be intirely at her dispose one
Cow and all my Indoor moveables excepting my wearing apparell, two feather Beds
and Iron ware, and in Case my said wife shall Live in my Dwelling House and
agree with my Son Ezra not have her thirds Sett off out of the Real Estate, but
for him to improve it, then I Give unto her the keeping of her Cow and one more
to be provided for her by my Son Ezra, also firewood brought for her to the
door of the House and also the keeping of two Swine all this while she shall
Continue my widow. ~
Item–I Give and bequeath to my Son Nathan his Heirs and
assigns the one half of my Home Stable by the South meeting House in Bridgwater
which together with what I have Given him heretofore is his part of my Estate
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Son Abner Six pounds
thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid to him in one year after my
decease, in Cash or in Cattle at Cash price, which together with what I have
Given before is his part of my Estate. –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah, wife to John
Hefford Forty Shillings which is her portion of my Estate with what I have
already Given her –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Daughters, namely Mary the
wife of Zebulon Bryant & Zilpha the wife of Samuel Keith junr
five Shillings a piece which is their portions, with what I have already Given
them
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my three Daughters namely
Jedidah, Abigail and Keturah Thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence a
piece in one year after my decease, to be paid in Goods Suitable to keep House
with
Item–I Give unto Seth Lathrop of Easton, who married my
Daughter Martha (now deceased and no Issue Living) the Sum of five Shillings ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Son Ezra the Other half of
my Home Stable by the South meeting House to him his Heirs and assigns Further
I Give unto him my apparell two feather Beds and Iron ware before mentioned
also all my personal Estate not before disposed of, of what name or nature
soever—and having Given him my Homestead and other Lands by Deed of Gift, I do
hereby injoin him to pay my just debts, funeral Charges and all the Legacies
herein mentioned—also I injoin him (in Case my said wife shall agree with him
as aforesaid) to keep her Cow for her; also to find and keep her another Cow,
also two Swine, also to procure fire wood for her at her door, all this while
she shall Continue my widow—and I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Son
Ezra Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament—In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year aforesaid — memorand. the word a
piece was interlined between the first & Second Line of this page before
Signing &c ~
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced and declared
by the said Thomas Conant as his Last will and tes- Thomas Conant (seal)
tament in presence of
John
Conant
Jeremiah
Washburn
Zenas
Conant ~
Presented for probate on 2 July 1787 by Ezra Conant, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jeremiah Washburn and Zenas Conant, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ezra Conant, yeoman, the before named Executor, with Jeremiah Washburn,
Gentleman, and Zenas Conant, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 157-159, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of William Conant of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God, Amen, the third Day of February,
Seventeen Hundred Forty Seven, Eight. I William Conant of Bridgwater in the
County of Plimouth within His Majesty’s province of Massachusets Bay in New
England Husbandman Being in the Exercise of Reason and under Standing, thanks
be Given to God, and Calling to mind the mortality of my Body Do make and
Ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say, principally and first
of all I Give & Recommend my Soul Into the hands of God that Gave it, and
my Body, I Recommend to the Earth to be Bury’d in Decent Christain Burial at
the Discretion of My Executor, Hopeing at the Generall Resurrection I shall
Receive the Same by the Mighty power of God; And as Touching Such worldly
Estate as God has blessed me with I Give Divise and Dispose of the same in the
following maner and form—
Imps.
I Give to my beloved Daughter Mary Whitman, the sum of Five pounds to be paid
in Bills of the Old Tenn’r Out of my Estate ~
Item, I
Give to my Beloved Daughter Elizabeth Hayward Five pounds to be paid in Bills
of the Old Tenn’r, out of my Estate –
Item, I
Give to my beloved Daughter Hannah One Cow
Item, I
Give to my beloved Daughter Sarah One Cow
Item, I
Give to my beloved Daughter Ruth One Cow,
and
to my three Daughters last mentioned, Hannah, Sarah, and Ruth, I Give use and
Improvement of the Old Ende of my Dwelling House, so long as they; or Either of
them shall Live Unmaried or have Occation for it; I Give to those my three
Daughters Hannah, Sarah and Ruth, that part of my Orchard, which Contains three
Rows of Apple trees, from the Dwelling House through the Orchard Lying next to
the Roade that Goes from my House to Collo. Holmans House, for their
use and Comfort so long as they Or Either of them shall Live Unmaried Or have
Ocation for it; I Give these my three Daughters, Hannah, Sarah and Ruth, Four
Acres of land at the upper End of the Farm Begining with roade Above mentioned
and Runing to the River Joyning upon the Land Belonging to Isaac Lazell for
their Own forever and to these my three Daughters Hannah, Sarah, & Ruth, I
Give my Old maire, my Saddle, Bridle and pillion, with all my moveables within
Doors, And my Will further is that my son David Conant shall keep the mare and
three Cows, Given to my three Daughters Hannah, Sarah, & Ruth, and that he
shall keep a Cow for Each of these my Daughters they procureing the Cows, both
Summer & winter so long as they shall Live Unmaried in the House he haveing
the Improvement of their Land Only the Three Rows of apple Trees Abovementioned
Shall belong to them and be Inioyed by them, and that my Son David Shall find
these my Daughters Sufficiant Fire Wood So Long as they or Either of them Shall
Live Unmaried in the House —
Item, I Give to my Grandson David Conant Junr, My
Little Orchard On the South Side of Plimouth Roade with all the Appurtenances
thereto belonging—
And All the Rest and Residue of my Estate both Real and
personall I Give to my son David Conant whome I do appoint and Constitute Sole
Executor of this my Last will and Testament; In Witness where of I have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Day and year Above written
Sign’d, Seal’d, pronounced
and Declared by the said William
Conant to be his Last Will & William Conant (seal)
Testament In presents of us
the Subscribers —
Josiah Hayward
Seth Mitchell
Nathl. Hayward
Presented for probate on 6 Mar. 1754 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Josiah Hayward and Nathan Hayward. Letters of
Administration were granted to David Conant of Bridgwater, Yeoman, the
Executor, on 6 March 1754, with Edward Mitchell of Bridgwater, yeoman, as
surety.
Mary Whitman, widdow of Nicholas Whitman decd,
Elizabeth Hayward, widdow of Benjamin Hayward decd, Hannah Conant,
Sarah Conant and Ruth Conant, single-women, all of Bridgwater, and heirs to the
Estate of William Conant, late of Bridgwater, gave a receipt to David Conant,
Executor of the last will and Testament of the said William Conant, for their full
shares in the estate on 9 July 1753[?], witnessed by Nathan Hayward and
Jonathan Conant, and sworn to on 6 May 1754.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, pp. 279-281, 291, from FHL
microfilm #0551540.
Will and Codicil of Solva Converse of Stafford,
Tolland County, Connecticut (1872) *
In
the Name of God, Amen. I, Solva Converse of Stafford County of Tolland and
State of Connecticut, being of Sound & disposing mind and memory do make
and ordain this my Last Will & Testament in manner and form following, viz:
First. I hereby
revoke all prior wills by me at any time heretofore made; and I will that all
my just debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged by my Executors
hereinafter named.
Item. I give,
devise and bequeath to my wife Esther Converse the use & improvement of my
home farm situated in said Stafford, and is all the land that I own in said
Stafford on the East and North side of Middle River, with the buildings
thereon, viz: four dwelling houses and all the barns and other buildings.– and
all of my farming tools; excepting and reserving from the above described lands
“the Adams Farm” which is hereinafter devised to Josiah Converse, and also
excepting out of the same the East Wood Lot containing about 60 or 70 acres;
and also Excepting out of the same “The Meadow Lot” that I lately bought of
Dwight Clark and his wife containing about 8 acres, which last two pieces of
land are hereinafter willed to Julius Converse; To have and to hold unto her
the said Esther Converse, the use, income, and possession of all the above
described real and personal Estate (Except that which was excepted out of the
same) to & for her own use and benefit for and during her natural life.
Item. I also
give, devise and bequeath to my wife Esther Converse all of my household goods
and furniture, Also the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, Annually, during her
natural life. My Executors are to retain enough of my Estate in their hands for
that purpose and they are to be the sole judges as to the amount to retain,
Said sum is to be for the sole use and benefit of my wife and her heirs and
assigns forever. And the same is to be in lieu of dower. Item, I give, devise and bequeath to
my son Josiah Converse “The Adams Place,” so called, lying & being in said
Stafford, and is the Place or Farm I bought of Harvey Orcutt. Also all my right
title and interest in and to the Pasture lands lying in Wales, Massachusetts,
that my brother Parley and I bought of Mr. Tupper. Also all my real Estate
& farming tools which I have heretofore in this Will given the use, income
and possession of to my wife during her life, I give and devise said last
mentioned premises to my son Josiah with the buildings therein and farming
tools subject to the life Estate and rights of my wife therein under this will.
To have and to hold all said lands, premises and personal property to him the
said Josiah Converse & his heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give,
devise and bequeath to my son Orrin Converse all the real estate I own South
side of the Rail Road in Stafford, and which lies West and North of the highway
leading from Foxville to the Gilbert Ellis Place, so called, bounded North on
the Rail Road and River to Chauncey Smiths land; westerly on said Smith’s land;
South on land of Mr. Dimmock and land of Mr. Flarity, and land of Orrin
Converse to highway, thence East & North to place of beginning, with one
two-tenement house thereon. Also a pasture lot lying in said Stafford
containing about eight acres East of Ambrose Colemans, bounded West on said
Coleman’s land and land of Andrew Whiton; South on highway; East on Factory
Pond, & North on Rail Road and land of Nicholas Ash to highway. Also a two
Story new house lately built near the “Methodist Parsonage in Stafford Springs
with one third of the lot of land this and two other houses that I own, stand
on. The Lot I will my son Orrin is one third of the triangular lot to be taken
on the North Easterly side of the triangle and embraces the land on which the
house willed to him stands; the house is the one lately occupied by Mr. Phelps.
To have and to hold the same unto him the said Orrin Converse and his heirs and
assigns forever.
Item. I give,
devise and bequeath to my son Julius Converse two dwelling houses standing on a
triangular piece of land in Stafford Springs Village and two thirds of the land
contained in said lot, the two houses stand on the Southerly and Westerly side
of said lot and Julius is to have the land on which said two houses stand and
enough land from the Southerly and Westerly side of said lot to make two thirds
of said lot, leaving one house on the Northeast corner of the lot and one third
of the lot on the North East side or corner for Orrin as herein before willed
him. I also give, and devise to said Julius a lot of land lying in said
Stafford, on the hill West of Glenville that I bought of Jasper Hyde, Jasper H.
Bolton and Ephraim H. Hyde, being about 60 or 70 acres Bounded South and West
on the Bloss Farm & by land formerly owned by Parley Converse; North on
land of Mr. Hunt & Abijah Blodgitt Farm; East on land of M. B. Harvey or
Glenville Co.
Also
a lot of land lying in Stafford, containing about Eight acres that I lately
bought of Dwight Clark and wife, bounded North and West by Middle River; East
and South by my own land. To have and to hold the same unto him, the said
Julius Converse, and his heirs & assigns forever.
Item, I give, devise and bequeath
to my daughter, Almeda Whiton the West half of the lot of land East of John K.
Lord’s and the new house and barn I lately built on it. The Lot is to be
divided North and South and said lot lies Westerly of a large Oak Tree and is
bounded Westerly and Southerly by highways, and Easterly by a lot devised to my
daughter Hannah. I also give her the best horse, harness, and carriage or wagon
that I may own at my decease. She is to have her choice, To have and to hold
the same unto her, the said Almeda Whiton and her heirs and assigns forever.
Said devised land lies in Stafford contains about one acre. John K. Lord’s land
lies West of said Premises part of the way, and land now or formerly owned by
Mr. Cummings lies on the North.
Item. I give,
devise and bequeath unto my daughter Hannah B. Washburn my large double
tenement house, East of John K. Lord’s by the large Oak Tree and one half of
the Lot of land on which said house stands, Said lot is to be divided North and
South and the said Hannah to have the East half of the lot. It contains about
one acre, lies in Stafford and is East of the lot willed to Almeda Whiton, is
bounded South & East on highways. To have and to hold the same unto her the
said Hannah B. Washburn & her heirs & assigns forever.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my Grand-son, Andrew Whiton One Thousand Dollars, and
direct my Executors to pay the same to him out of my Estate. To have and to
hold the same to him and his heirs & assigns forever.
Item. I give
and bequeath to my son Julius Converse, in trust for my three grand daughters,
viz: Adaline Washburn, Hannah Whiton & Esther Whiton the three daughters of
my daughter Almeda Whiton, the sum of three Thousand dollars to be held in
trust by my son Julius for my said three grand-daughters, in equal proportions,
one thousand dollars for each of them. To have and to hold the same unto him
the said Julius and his heirs and assigns forever in trust for my said three
grand-daughters for their sole use and benefit. And he is to pay each of them
their share from time to time in such sums and at such times as he may Judge
best, he being the sole judge in that matter.
Item. I give
and bequeath to Each of my grand children living at my decease (except the four
children of my daughter Almeda Whiton, Who have been provided for in this Will)
the sum of One Hundred Dollars, and direct my Executors, to pay the said sum to
each of them out of my Estate for their own use and benefit. To have and to
hold the same unto them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give
and bequeath to Wealthy Converse my brother John’s daughter One Hundred dollars
for her own use and benefit. To have and to hold the same to her and her heirs
& assigns forever.
Item. I give
and bequeath to Louis Converse my brother John’s daughter One Hundred Dollars
for her own use and benefit, for her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give
and bequeath to Thomas Warren of Stafford two hundred dollars for his own use
and benefit. To him and his heirs and assigns forever. My Executors are to pay
all the aforesaid legacies out of my Estate within Six months after my decease,
except in cases where otherwise provided.
Item. I give, devise and
bequeath to the Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company, a body politic and
Corporate by the laws of this State located, having an Office & doing
business in Stafford Springs Village in Stafford, my wood lot containing about
two hundred acres more or less lying & being partly in Stafford and partly
in Ellington and lies Southerly of the Lillibridge Farm; East on Crow Hill on
land lately owned by Parley Converse; South on land of Charles Fox and
Ellington line, West on Tolland Turnpike. Also I give and devise said Company a
piece of land I bought of Marvin Cummings and a piece of land I bought of
Preston Parkess; said last two pieces of land join and lay on the West side of
the Old Turnpike and adjoining the Lillibridge Farm containing about twenty-two
acres, and reference may be had to said Cummings and said Preston’s deed to me
for a more particular description. I also give and devise to said Company the
South part of the Lillibridge Farm, south of Turnpike Road, containing about
Seventy acres. To have and to hold said last mentioned four pieces of land to
the said Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company and their Successors and assigns
forever.
Item. I give, devise and bequeath all the rest and
residue of my property and Estate of Every kind and description both real and
personal and all of which I may own or die possessed, including all my factory
and Capital Stock in the Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company with that
portion of said four pieces of land which I have devised to said Company which
attach to or belong to the Capital Stock of said Co. which I own (and the said
four pieces of land are to attach to all the shares of the Capital Stock alike)
to my five children aforenamed, viz: to Josiah Converse, Orrin Converse, Julius
Converse, Almeda Whiton and Hannah B. Washburn, in Equal proportions to be
divided between them share and share alike, except my daughter Almeda Whiton
(as I have given her children more than the other Grand children is to have her
share Thirty-six Hundred Dollars less than either of the other shares of my
other four children. And the share coming to my daughter Almeda Whiton I give
and devise to her brother Julius Converse in trust, for the sole use and
benefit of the said Almeda Whiton, To have and to hold the same unto them my
said five children and their heirs and assigns forever in proportion aforesaid,
except that the said Almeda Whiton’s share in this clause of my Will is to vest
in the said Julius Converse in trust for the said Almeda Whiton. To have and to
hold the same unto the said Julius Converse and his heirs and assigns for ever
and for the sole use and benefit of said Almeda Whiton and in Trust for her.
Item. I further
order and direct that whatever sum or sums I shall have advanced to either of
my children or grand children or shall be found charged to either or any of
them on my book or books at my decease, the amount or amounts so advanced and
charged shall be taken and held as an advancement against the child or
grandchild against whom said charge is made. Lastly I do make, constitute and
appoint, my son Josiah Converse and Richard S. Beebe of Stafford Executor of
this my Last Will and Testament- In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal at Stafford this day of
August A.D. 1872.
Solva Converse (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
said Solva Converse as his Last Will & Testament in presence of us who in
his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses.
Augustus Spellman }
Henry Smith }
Three Witnesses
Frank C. Prouty }
Proved by Augustus Spellman on 12
Aug. 1872 before R. D. Davison, Justice of the Peace.
Whereas I, Solva Converse of Stafford, County of Tolland and State of
Connecticut made my Last Will and Testament bearing date the day of August A. D. 1872 and proved the 12th
day of August A. D. 1872, and whereas I desire to make some changes and
alterations in said Will, and being of sound and disposing mind and memory, I
do hereby make this as a Codicil to said Will, and I do hereby confirm my said
Will dated the day of August AD. 1872
in all things except as changed and altered by this Codicil, and except so far
as the same is inconsistent with this Codicil.
And First, I except and take out of
the the devise to my son, Orrin Converse and out of the Real Estate devised to
him in said Will One piece of land containing about ten acres with the house on
the same being the house now occupied by James Dunn and by another family; the
land is the house lot connected with & on which the said house stands; said
lot is bounded on one side by the Rail-Road and one side by a highway, and on
the other two sides by land willed to Orrin Converse in my Will, and lies in
Stafford, and I hereby give, devise and bequeath said piece of land and house
to my son Josiah Converse to have and to hold the same unto him and his heirs
and assigns forever. And in consideration of the same the said Josiah is to be
charged the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars, out of any money or property coming
to him out of my Estate in the settlement of the same.
Second. The Real Estate willed and
given to my daughter Hannah B. Washburn in and by my said Will, is given and
devised to her upon the condition that she shall not sell said Real Estate to
any one during the life of Orrin Converse and Albert C. Eaton without their
consent to the Same.
Third. The sum of Three Thousand
Dollars given in and by my said Will to Julius Converse in Trust for my three
grand-daughters, Adaline Washburn, Hannah Whiton and Esther Whiton, I hereby
give to my three Grand-daughters above named in equal proportions instead of
giving the same to Julius in Trust as stated in said Will. To have and to hold
the same to them forever, but any sum charged to them in my book is to be
deducted from said legacy, that is the sum charged to each shall be deducted
from her share.
Fourth. I have given to my great
grand-son Lucius F. Eaton a pair of steers now out to pasture. Should I dispose
of them or any thing happen that he does not finally have or get them, then I
give him Fifty Dollars to be paid him out of my estate. To have and to hold the
same to him forever.
Fifth. And whereas since the making
of my said Will Wealthy Converse has deceased, I give the one hundred Dollars I
had willed to said Wealthy to Louis Converse, my brother Johns daughter. To
have and to hold the same to her, the said Louis forever.
Lastly I do hereby revoke so much of my said Will as
constitutes and appoints my son Josiah Converse and Richard S. Beebe of
Stafford Executors of my said Last Will and Testament. And I hereby constitute
and appoint my son Julius Converse, Executor of my said Will & Testament
dated the day of August A.D. 1872 and
proved the 12th day of August 1872. And I also appoint my son
Julius Converse Executor of my said Last Will and Testament and of this Codicil
which is to be annexed to said Will and to be treated as part of the same,
which is confirming and treated as my Last Will and Testament and binding upon
every one except so far as the same is hereby especially revoked, or so far as
the same is inconsistent with this Codicil, and where inconsistent with this
Codicil, this Codicil is to prevail instead of said Will. And my son Julius
Converse as Executor of this Codicil and of my said Will is to execute and
carry out the same in the place and stead of said Josiah Converse and Richard
S. Beebe. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Stafford
this 15th day of September, A.D. 1877.
Solva Converse (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
said Solva Converse as his Codicil to his said Last Will & Testament, dated
the day of August A.D. 1872 which was
proved August 12th A. D. 1872, in presence of us who in his
presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses on this 15th day of September A. D. 1877.
Mahlon K. West of Hartford Conn.
Henry Thrall of Stafford Conn.
Erlon S. Washburn of Stafford Conn.
Presented for probate on 3 Dec.
1877 by Julius Converse, named Executor of said Instrument in said Codicil, and
was confirmed as Executor. The Inventory of his estate was not recorded, but
claims against the estate totaled $697.51. Almeda C. Whiton, Orrin Converse,
Josiah Converse, and Hannah B. Washburn released all claims against the estate
in June 1878.
Julius Converse of the Town of
Stafford, posted bond as Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Solva
Converse, late of Stafford, with L. W. Crane, R. S. Beebe and D. F. Fairman, of
Stafford, as sureties, on 3 Dec. 1877.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Town of Stafford Register of Probate Records Vol. 20, p. 89-97, from FHL
microfilm #1320435, and Vol. 2A, p. 238.
Will of Caleb Cook of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
The last will and
Testament of Caleb Cook of Kingston in the County of Plim . In
new-england Gentleman as followeth—
I the said Caleb Cook being thro: Gods mercy of a sound and
disposing mind & memory in consideration of my mortality & sense of my
duty & in setting my house in order before my decease do make and ordain
this my last will & Testament as followeth in the first place I bequeath my
soul to God who gave it hoping to be gathered to my fathers depending on the
merits & grace of Christ for Salvation & my body I commit to the earth
to be decently interred according to the discression of my Exr.
& surviving Friends hoping for a glorious resurrection to life &
immortality & as so what temporals it has pleased God to bless me with all
my Just debts & funeral charges being first paid I dispose of the same as
followeth viz.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my dear and loving
wife Hannah Cook so long as she shall remain my widdow my best bed and
furniture for the same with the whole use & improvement of my homestead
farm that was given to me by Hond. Father Francis Cook with the
housing belonging to it so long as she shall remain my wdow. &
in case she marry again my will is that she shall have paid her the sum of six
pounds the one third part by my grandsons Bartlett & Amos [?] the sons of
my son Caleb Cooke decd. equally between them & Allso I give
unto my wife my best [?].
Item. I give & bequeath unto my grandsons Bartlett &
Amos the sons of my late son Caleb Cook decd. to them their Heirs
& assigns forever all that my lot of land lying at a place called Cooks
point – Jones River meadows esteamed to be about six acres to be equally
divided between them likewise one third part of my real Estate equally to be
divided between them paying to my daughters as hereafter expressd,
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Benja. Cook his heirs &
assigns forever one third part of my real Estate likewise my best silver headed
cane, my Nocturnal my leading Staff, & musket, Paying to my daughters as
hereafter expressd.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Ephraim Cook to him his
Heirs & Assigns forever one third part of my real Estate & likewise my
smallest silver headed Cane my little gun, & best sword, paying to my
daughters as hereafter expresd.
Item I give & bequeath unto my daughter Hannah Cook one
feather bed & furniture for the same eighty six pounds thirteen shillings
& four pence to be payd her within three years after my decease
that is to say twenty eight pounds seventeen shillings & nine pence to be
paid her with three years after my decease a year till paid to be paid the one
third part thereof by my grandsons Bartlet & Amos the sons of my late son
Caleb Cook decd. & the other two thirds by my two sons Benja.
& Ephraim equally between them out of my personall Estate as it shall be
apprizd. or in money as my grandson & sons shall choose likewise
a right in my house for herself, & wood to Burn on my land, untill she
shall marry—
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Rebeccah Cook
one feather Bed & furniture for the same & likewise eighty six pounds
eighteen shill. & four pence to be paid her within three years after my
decease that is to say twenty eight pounds seventeen shillings & nine pence
till paid to be paid her one third part thereof by my grandsons Amos &
Bartlett the sons of my son Caleb Cook decd. & the other two
thirds by my sons Benja. & Ephm. equally between them
out of my personal Estate as it shall be prizd. or in money as my
grandsons & sons shall choose also a part of my house & wood on my land
to burn untill she shall marry.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Lidia Cook one bed
& furniture likewise eighty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence
to be payd. within three years after my decease viz twenty eight
pounds seventeen shillgs. & nine pence a year till paid to be
paid her the one third part by my grandsons Bartlett & Amos & the other
two thirds by my two sons Benja. & Ephraim equally between them
out of my personal estate as it shall be prizd. or in money as my
grandsons & sons shall choose & likewise apart in my house for herself
& fire wood on my land to burn untill she shall marry
Item. I give & bequeath unto my grandsons Bartlett &
Amos & to my sons Benja. & Ephraim, the whole of the
remainder of my personal estate wheresoever it may be found viz one third part
to be equally divided between my two grandsons Amos & Bartlett & the
other two thirds to be equally divided between my two sons Benja.
& Ephraim. Lastly I do constitute & appoint my son Benja.
Cook sole Exr. of this my last will & Testament ratifying &
allowing this & no other to be my last will & Testament & do hereby
make null & Void all other & former wills & Testament by me made In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 13th day
of May Anno Dom. 1762.
Signd. seald. & Declared by the sd
Caleb Cook to be his
last will & testamt In Presence of us. Caleb Cooke (seal)
Ephraim Washburn
Francis Adams
Robert Bradford
Presented for probate on 5 Sept. 1762 by Benja.
Cook, the Executor, and proved by Francis Adams and Robt. Bradford,
two of the witnesses.
Robert Bradford of Kingston, John Bradford of Plimton, and
John Wadsworth of Duxborough appraised the estate of Caleb Cook, late of
Kingston, on 14 Oct. 1762, which totaled about £1377.6, including his homestead
farm valued at £600. Benja. Cooke, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 1 Nov. 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 374-375, 389-393, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Eunice Cook of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1839) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Eunice Cook of Kingston in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Singlewoman Considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life and and being of sound mind and memory, do make and ordain this my
last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows
1st I give unto my beloved brother Elkanah Cook
all my Estate both Real and Personal after my decease to him the said Elkanah
his heirs and assigns forever— Provided the decease of my brother Elkanah
should be prior to my own, I hereby confirm the division of my estate to the
heirs at Law of the said Elkanah Cook after my decease to them their heirs and
assigns forever –
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day
of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Eunice Cook (seal)
Signed sealed and declared by the
said Eunice Cook to be her last will and testament in the presence of us who at
the request and in her presence hereunto set our names as witnesses to the same
Peleg
Bradford
Ransom
Mitchell
James
T. Simmons
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Feb. 1851 by Benjamin Cook, who is interested therein, and proved by
Peleg Bradford, Ransom Mitchell, and James T. Simmons, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Eunice Cook, late of Kingston, was appraised by Alden S. Bradford, Ezra Fuller,
and Oliver Everson on 11 Feb. 1851, her Real Estate totaled $494, and her
Personal Estate totaled $243.52. Benjamin Cook, the Administrator with Will
annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Feb. 1851.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 93, p.
62-63, from FHL microfilm #0555641.
Will of Joanna Cook of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In the
Name of God, Amen: I Joanna Cook of Kingston, widow of Zenas Cook late of
Plympton, deceased, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being
of sound and perfect mind and memory, Blessed be Almighty God for the same, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following,
that is to say.
1st I give and bequeath unto my Sisters
Hannah Faunce, Eleanor Faunce and Sarah Faunce, the improvement of all my Real
Estate during their natural lives, with power to sell the whole or any part
thereof, if necessary for their comfortable support; and in case of the death
of either of them before or after my decease, the survivors or survivor of said
sisters to have the improvement and right of sale as aforesaid.
2d I give and bequeath to my Sister Lydia
Cook, wife of Josiah Cook, and the heirs of my sister Molly Cook deceased, all
my wood land that was set off to me in the division of the estate of my brother
John Faunce Esq. deceased, which lies in that tract of land set off to my said
brother in the division between him and the heirs of John Sever, provided said
land is not disposed of by my sisters aforesaid during their lives.
3d I give and bequeath all my other Real
Estate not otherwise disposed of, which I may have at the time of my decease,
or the decease of my sisters Hannah Faunce, Eleanor Faunce and Sarah Faunce to
be equally divided between my brothers Eliezer Faunce and Elijah Faunce, after
the decease of all my said Sisters aforesaid;
4th I give and bequeath to my said Sisters,
Hannah Faunce, Eleanor Faunce and Sarah Faunce all my personal estate of what
kind or nature soever, if they are living at the time of my decease, and in
case of the death of either of them before myself, the survivors or survivor to
have it – And in case of the death of all of them before me, I give it to my
brothers Eliezer and Elijah, and my Sister Lydia Cook, wife of Josiah Cook, and
the heirs of my sister Molly Cook deceased.
5th I hereby appoint my brother Eliezer
Faunce my Executor to this my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness Where of, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty fourth day of
December AD one thousand eight
hundred and sixteen.
Joanna Cook (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared by the above named Joanna Cook to be her last Will and
Testament in presence of us –
Isaac
Washburn
Susanna
Washburn
John
Gray
Presented for probate on the third Monday of May 1837 by
Sarah Faunce, one of the devisees therein named, and proved by John Gray, the
only surviving witness.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p. 145-146, from FHL microfilm
#0555265.
Will of Sarah Cook of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1828) *
In the
name of God, Amen. That I Sarah Cook of Kingston in the County of Plymouth,
Singlewoman, do on this fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner following, viz.
In the first place I give and bequeath unto my beloved
brother, Elkanah Cook, my share of Fresh Meadow set off to me in the Jones
River Meadow, so called, in the division of my hond. father’s
Estate,– and also a piece of wood-land lying in the Pine plain, so called,
together with a piece of Fresh meadow adjoining the same, all of which was set
off to me in the division of my hond. father’s Estate called the
Everson land. Also
in the second place I give and bequeath unto my beloved sister, Patience Cook,
all the rest and residue of my Estate, both Real and Personal, wherever &
whenever the same may be found, with the incumbrance of her paying my last
expenses. Lastly,
I do appoint my beloved brother Elkanah Cook, Executor of this my last Will and
Testament. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Signed, sealed, & published by the
sd. Sarah Cook, declaring this to Sarah Cook (seal)
be her last Will & Testament in
presence of us who were called to witness the same.
Seth
Cushing
Pelham
Holmes
James E.
Cushing
Probated on 14 Apr. 1828, and proved by Seth Cushing and
Pelham Holmes, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Elkanah Cook, of Kingston, on 14 Apr. 1828.
James Cushing, Seth Cushing, and Martin Cook, all of
Kingston, were appointed to appraise the estate of Sarah Cook, late of
Kingston, singlewoman, on 18 Feb. 1828. The Inventory, dated 3 Jan. 1828, was
valued at $483.00, including her real estate valued at $359. Elkanah Cook, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 14 Apr. 1828.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 47-49, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Caleb Cooke
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1721) *
In the Name of God amen; The tenth day of February anno Dom 1721
I Caleb Cook Senr. of Plymouth In ye County of Plymouth
in New: England yeoman—being Sick & weak in Body but of perfect mind &
memory (Thanks be given unto God) Therefore Calling to mind ye
mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to
dye: do make & ordain this my last will & Testament: That is to Say
Principally and first of all; I give & Recommend my Soul into ye
Hands of God that gave it; & my Body I commend to ye Earth to be
buried in decent Christian Burial at ye Discretion of my Executrix
nothing doubting but that at ye general Resurrection I Shall Receive
ye same again by ye mighty Power of God. and as touching
Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life: I
Give Demise & Dispose of ye same in ye following
manner & forme: Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to Jean my dearly beloved
wife my best Bed & all ye furniture belonging thereunto, also ye
Lower Part of ye westerly End of my dwelling House, also Twenty
Pounds in good Bills of Publick Credit in this Province or Currant money of
New: England to be Paid in manner yearly & Every year during Her natural
Life: out of ye Estate of my Son John hereafter by this Instrument
given unto Him ye Sum of five Pounds, & also out of ye
Estate hereafter given unto my other three sons to wit: Caleb, James, &
Joseph, five Pounds Each upon default of ye Payment of all or any Part
to Enter upon ye Estate of that Party that is faulty. Item, I Give
& Bequeath to my Loving Son John His Heirs & assignes forever (under ye
Consideration above mentioned, as also it Shall be hereafter ordered) all that
Part of my Homestead that Lyeth below the high way, bounded beginning at a heap
of Stones about three Rod & a half to the Southward of a Round Cobling Rock
that lyeth in ye highway, from thence Extending North Easterly to a
Large white oak Tree & from thence to a Stump that ye fence now
lyes upon at ye Head of ye marsh, from thence Northerly
as ye fence now Stands till it Comes to a large Rock That is near ye
Stepping Rock & from Sd Rock westerly to Sd Stepping
Rock in a Creek and then bounded by Said Creek till it Comes to Grays.
meadow, and then bounded by a Parcell of meadow that Sd John Cooke
lately bought of mr. Thomas & then bounded by Sd
meadow till it Comes to James Howlands. Land, and then by Sd
James Howlands. & Thomas Howlands. Land till it comes
to ye fishing Rock by ye water side and then Ranging
westerly by Sd Tinkhams Land to ye High way & then by
Sd High way Till it comes to ye Bounds first mentioned.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Caleb, His Heirs & assignes
forEver (under Consideration aforementioned as also what Shall be hereafter
ordered) all that Part of ye Purchase made from Samuel Fuller that
lyeth to ye Northward of Smelt brook till it Comes to ye
Foot of a Hill about Twenty Rod westward of ye High way & then
by ye way up into ye woods thrô my Land till it Comes to
ye Head of Sd Purchase being all to ye
Northward of Sd Brook & way Reserving half an acre of Sd
Land on ye Notherly Corner of ye westerly Side of ye
High way. Item, I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Sons James
& Joseph to their Heirs & assignes forEver (under Consideration
aforementioned as also what Shall be hereafter ordered) all ye
Housing Lands & meadow & Swampy Land that I have in ye
Township of Plymouth or Elsewhere Excepting a Purchase I made of John
Sturdevant of about an acre & half of Salt meadow & ye
Reserve out of my Son Calebs. Part. notwithstanding what is afore
written my will is that there be a way allowed thrô my Sd Land down
to ye waterside & up into ye woods where it now is.
Item, I Give & Bequeath unto my Grand Children The Children of my daughter
Jean Harris ye Sum of thirty pounds in bills of Publick Credit, in
this Province or Currant money of New: England to be Paid to them at my decease
by my Son John Six Pounds yearly Successively untill ye Sd
Thirty Pounds be Paid. Item, I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Anne
Johnson or to ye Heirs of her Body the Sum of Thirty Pounds in Bills
of Publick Credit in this Province or Currant money of New: England to be Paid
at my decease by my Son Caleb Six Pounds yearly Successively untill ye
Sd thirty Pounds be Paid: Item, I Give & Bequeath unto my
Daughter Elisabeth Johnson or to ye Heirs of Her Body the Sum of
Thirty Pounds in Bills of Publick Credit in this Province or Currant money of
new: England to be Paid at my Decease by my Son James Six Pounds yearly
Successively untill ye Sd thirty Pounds be Paid. Item, I
Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Robert Carvour & Mary His wife their
Heirs & assignes forEver all that half acre of Land reserved out of ye
Bequest made to my Son Caleb: also I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary
Carvour or to ye Heirs of Her Body, The Sum of thirty Pounds in
Bills of Publick Credit in this Province, or Currant money of new: England to
be Paid at my decease by my son Joseph Six Pounds yearly Successively untill ye
Sd Thirty Pounds be Paid; and all ye Remainder of my
Estate whatsoever & wheresoever after my Just debts are Paid (Excepting my
Cedar Swamp at Colechester which I do hereby give & Bequeath unto my Sons
Caleb, James & Joseph to their heirs & assignes for Ever to be Equally
divided amongst them) one third Part to be to my Loving wife for Ever and ye
other two Thirds to be Equally divided amongst my Children and Grand Children
aforesd. Item I do hereby Constitute make & ordain my Loving
wife, Jean Cooke my Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testamt.
and I do hereby disallow Revoke & disanull all & Every other former
Testaments will, Legacys & Bequests & Executors by mee in any ways
before named Willed & Bequeathed, Ratifying & Confirming this & no
other to be my Last will & Testament; In witness where of I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal ye day & year above written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced his
and declared to be his last will & Caleb C C Cooke (seal)
Testament before us mark
Sarah
Shurtleff
John
Dyer
Francis
Adams
March ye 31st 1722 The above
named Sarah Shurtleff made oath that She Saw ye abovewritten Caleb
Cooke Signe Seal & heard him declare ye above written & ye
within written Instrument to be his last will and Testament and that She
together with John Dyer & Francis Adams She Set to Her hand as a witness
& that also according to ye best of her observation he then was
of a Sound & disposing mind & memory. Before
me Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Aprill ye 4th 1722 The above
named John Dyer & Francis Adams made oath that they Saw ye above
named Caleb Cooke Signe Seal & heard Him declare ye above &
within written Instrument to be His Last Will & Testamt. and
that they together with Sarah Shurtleff did at ye Same time Set to
their Hands as witnesses and that also according to ye best of their
observation he then was of a Sound & disposing mind & memory:
Before
mee Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The Moveable Estate of Mr. Caleb Cooke late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will & Codicil of Francis
Cooke of
In the Name of God Amen I Francis Cooke of Kingston in the
County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman being of a Disposeing Mind &
Memory blessed be God for it & Calling to mind that it is appointed for all
Once to die Do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner
& form following.
In the First place I Give and bequeath my Soul to God that
Gave it me and my body to the Earth with a Decent Christian Burial in hope of a
Blessed Resurrection: and as to the outward and temporal Estate that it hath
pleased God to bless me with I dispose of the same in the following order—
Imprimis I Give and Bequeath unto my loving son Caleb Cook
and to his heirs and assigns forever and to the Children of my loving son
Robert Cook deceased and their heirs & assigns forever all that my landing
place that I bought of Major John Bradford at Jones river in Kingston: and
allso I Give unto my son Caleb Cook all my Oxen of four years old and upwards
with all my Carts plows Chairs and all my Implements for Carting & plowing
allso half my Sheep with my Mare for four years and at the End of sd
four year then if there is no Increase to have half ye. mare If
there is Increase of the Mare then only half the Increase—
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my loving daughter Elizabeth
Cook Seventy pounds to be paid out of my Estate and what She hath in her Chest
and hath had for some time past—
Item I Give and bequeath unto my loving Grand Children the
Children of my loving son Francis Cook deceased five Shillings I haveing
allready Given them their Portion—
And after my Just Debts are paid and my funeral Charge
Discharged and the Aforesd. Legacies paid My mind is that ye.
remainder of all my Estate Real & personal whatsoever or wheresoever it is
or may be found Shall be Equally divided between my three daughters or Such as
Legally represent those that are Dead that is to say my Loving Daughter Susanna
Stertevant the Children of my loving daughter Sarah Cole and my loveing
Daughter Elizabeth Cook to have Equal as aforesaid of the remainder of my
Estate. And lastly I Do Nominate and appoint my Loving son Caleb Cook the Sole
Executor Of this my last will & Testament Hereby Declaring all other Will
or Wills by me hereto fore Made void & Confirming this and no other to be
my last will and Testament as witness my hand and Seal this 28th day
of October 1732.
Signed Sealed Declared and
Pronounced by the Abovesd. Francis Francis
Cook (seal)
Cook to be his Last will and
Testament Before us Witnesses
Elisha Washburne
Ephraim Washburne
Francis Adams
Probated on 18 Sept. 1746, proved by Francis Adams and
Ephraim Washburne.
Notwithstanding any thing in the Aforesaid Will to the
Contrary My Mind is that my Son Caleb Cook have only one pair of Oxen If I
leave any with my Cash & Wheels & tackling therto belonging And I do
hereby Give & bequeath unto my daughter Beforementioned my part in a
Furnice for makeing of Iron begun in Kingston to be Divided to them as is in
this will aforesd. is Declared In Witness—hereof I have hereunto Set
my hand and Seal this fifteenth day of May anno Dom. One thousand Seven hundred
& thirty Six 1736.
Signed Sealed published & Pronounced
By the Aforesd. Francis Cook to be Francis
Cook (seal)
A Codicil to the Aforesd. Will
Ichabod Washburne
Bethiah Washburne
Francis Adams
Probated on 18 Sept. 1746, proved by Francis Adams &
Bethia Washburne
An Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Francis Cooke of
Imprimis To One Bleue Straite Bodyed Coat & Jackett 3.10.0
To a Blew Great Coat 10/
a Straite Bodyed Coat & Jacket 1.
5. 0
To a Mortueing Ax 2 Augurs & 1 Addz[?] 1.
1. 0
To 1 Siuth 4/ One Crad
Caw[?] 20/ To Sheep Shears 5/ 1.15.0
To 1 Sixteenth part of a Furnice in
Gershom
Bradford
Francis
Adams
William
Ripley
Oath of Caleb Cook, admr. 18 Dec. 1746.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob Cooke of
The Last will and Testament of Jacob Cooke of Kingston In The
County of Plimouth In New England yeoman, I The Said Jacob Cooke being aged and
Infirm In Body But Through Divine Favour of a Sound and Disposing mind and
memory and Desireous To Set my House in order Before I go Hence do make and
ordain this my last will and Testament, and First I Commit my Soul To God That
Gave it and my Body to the Earth To Be Decently Buried according to the
Discretion of my Executor hereafter Named Hoping for a Glorious Resurrection to
life Through the merritts of Jesus Christ my Redeemer and as To what Estate it
Hath pleased God to Bless me with In this Life I Dispose of the Same as
Followeth viz. Imprimis having Given to my Three Sons William Jacob and Josiah
By Deed of Gift what I Designed Them as Their full parts and Portions of my
Estate, I give and Bequeath unto my Son John over and above what I Have already
given him By Deed of gift Which I Do Hereby Confirm) a Bed and Beding. Item I
give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Damaris one of my Best Beds with all The
Furniture Belonging To it allso Two Cows or the value of them In money allso
The Liberty To use and Improve one Room In my Dwelling House So long as She
Shall Remain unmarried.—
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Four Daughters Lydia
Rebeckah margaret and Damaris Their Heirs and assigns forever To Be Equally
Divided Between Them my lott of Land which I Bought of Joseph King Lying Near
agawam In the Township of Plimouth Together with all the Remainder of my
moveable Estate after my Just Debts and Funerall Charges are first paid and
Discharged
Lastly I Do Hereby Constitute and appoint my Son John Cooke
Sole Executor of This my last will and Testament Hereby Revoking and making
void all other and Former will By me made Ratifying and Confirming This and no
other as my Last will and Testament In witness whereof I have Hereunto Set my
Hand and Seale This Sixteenth Day of october Anno Domini 1728…—
Signed Sealed and Declared By the said Jacob Cooke
as his last will & Testament— Jacob
Cooke (seal)
In presence of us—
Thomas
Croade
Jno
Washburne
Rachell
Croade
Probated on 21 May 1747, proved by
Thomas Croade Esq. and John Washburne. Administration of the estate of Jacob
Cook of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jane Cooke
of
To all Christian People to whom these Presents shall come
Greeting. Know Ye that I Jane Cooke of Kingston in ye County of
Plymouth in New-England Widow Relict of Caleb Cooke of Kingston aforesd
deceasd being Sick & weak of Body and Judging the time of
my Departure is at hand yet being by ye Mercy of God in the Exercise
of my Reason & perfect in my Understanding, Do Make this my last Will &
Testament as follows—Viz—
I Bequeath my Soul to God that gave it & my Body to the
Earth to be buried with Christian burial: And I do Constitute & appoint My
loving Son in Law Robert Carver of Kingston abovesd Mariner
to be my only & sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament as full
and absolute to all Intents & Purposes as the Case does or may require and
as the Law directs Not Willing that any thing should be wanting for want of
being more more fully Expresst. And after my funeral Charges & my other
just Debts are payed I do Will & appoint my Estate to be Disposed of as
follows —
Item I do Give unto my Eldest Son John Cooke of Kingston
abovesaid Husbandman five Shillings of my Estate — Item I do Give unto the
Heirs of my Son Caleb Cooke junr of Kingston aforesd
Deceasd five Shillings of my Estate — Item I do Give unto my
Son James Cooke of Kingston aforesd Husbandman five Shillings of my
Estate—
Itm I do Give unto my Son Joseph Cooke of
Signed Sealed & Delivered In the Presence of us Abiah
Wadsworth Ebenezr Fuller
her
Mary J
mark –
Proved on 24 April 1736 by Abiah Wadsworth, Ebenezer Fuller,
and Mary Wadsworth, the witnesses. No inventory was recorded for her estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Cooke of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1694) *
The Last
will and Testament of John Cook of the town of Dartmouth in the County of
Bristoll: I being weake of Body but of sound and Perfect memory, have disposed
of my Estate which God hath been pleased to bestow: Upon me in manner following
that is to say In the first place I give to my Son in-law Arthur Hathaway &
his wife Sarah my Daughter all my land in the point at or Near the Burying
place in Dartmouth the which I bought of John Russell to them their heires and
Assignes for Ever: And also I give Unto my Son in-law Stephen West and his wife
Mercey my Daughter one full Third part of a whole Share of lands in the
Township of Dartmouth with all my houseing and Orchards thereunto belonging:
with all the priviledges & appurces belonging to the same to them their
heires & Assignes for Ever—They to possess the same after the Decease of my
wife Sarah— Allso I give unto Jonathan
Delano, one Third part of a share of meadow caled the Freemens meadow Lyeing
within the Town-Ship of Rochester to him his heires & Assignes for Ever:
Allso I give to my Grandson Thomas Taber my little Island Caled & Known by
the Name of Ram. Island Lying in Cushnat River in Dartmouth with one third part
of my Share of Meadow Called the Freemens Meadow Lyeing in the Township of Rochester,
to him his heires & assignes for Ever—and I give to my said Grand son my
Gun & sword Allso I give to my Grand Daughter Hester Perry One feather Bed
& Bolster, All the Rest & Residue of Estate Goods & Chattles of
what Sort or Kind so Ever I Give & bequeath unto my Loveing wife Sarah to
Use & Dispose of the same as she shall see good And I make my said wife
Sole Executrix of this my Last will & Testament: In witness whereof I the
said John Cook have hereunto sett my hand & Seale this Ninth Day of
November 1694 in the presence of
Aaron Savory 0 his
mark John Cooke (seal)
Thomas
Taber Memorandum
that on the 16th of Aprill 1696
Then
appeared Aaron Savory & Thomas Taber
both
of Dartmouth, Before John Saffin Esqr.
Judge
of Probate of wills &ta and made Oath
that
they were present & did see John Cooke
late
of Dartmouth Decd. Signe seale & publish
this
Instrument to be his last will & testiment
and
yt he was of a Disposeing mind when he so did
to
the best of their apprehensions
John
Cary Registr. Jno
Saffin
Sarah Cooke of Dartmouth posted bond as Executrix of the last
will & Testament of John Cook of Dartmouth on 15 July 1696 before John
Saffin Esqr., Judge of Probate, with Thomas Taber and Jonathan
Delano, both of Dartmouth, yeomen, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “John Cook, Dartmouth, 1694,” from
FHL microfilm #0572852.
Will of John Cooke
of
In the Name of God Amen I John Cook Senr. of
Kingston in the County of Plymouth in New England yeoman being of a Disposeing
Mind and Memory blessed be God (for ye same) and Calling to mind my
Mortallity Knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to die do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, I give and
bequeath my Soul to god that gave it me & my body to the Earth with a
Christian Decent burial in hopes of a blessed Resurrection, & as to ye
Temporall Estate that it hath pleased god to bless me with I dispose of the
same in ye following order. —
Imprimis.— I Give and Bequeath unto my Dear & Loveing
wife Hannah Cook the use and improvement of the Great Room in my dwelling house
& the Chamber over it, and ye use of all my utensills or
household goods, Dureing Life or widdowhood and in Case She should Marry Again
then my Mind is that She Should have her bed and all she brought to me, and a
good Cow in the Stead of that She brought with her Moreover to have ye
use of One of my Cows, that which She Shall choose and if my wife Shall Decease
my Widdow, then my Mind it yt. her Children Shall have all ye
Estate that she brought & a good Cow in ye Room of that She brot
Moreover my Mind is that my widdow have a Good Cow. kept and provided for her
use Winter and Summer upon the Farme as may be Convent. for her
& allso paid her yearly & every year thirty pounds money, or Such
things as She Shall desire at money price dureing Life of Widdowhood One large
brass Kittl-Excepted out of the Household goods above Express’d, — —
Item I Give and bequeath unto my three sons and theire Heirs
and assigns forever to be equally divided amongst them, My Son Silas to have
his Choice, all my lands Meadow wood lands Swamp Mills whatsoever and
Wheresoever it is or may be found, Except what I Shall hereafter, Give unto my
Daughter Mercy Hodges, with all my interest in Shiping to be Divided as aforesd.
To my Son Silas Cook One third, To my Son Paul Cook One third, and to my Son
Robert Cook One third.
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my Loveing Daughter Mercy
Hodges, and to her Heirs & Assigns forever all that my Parcel of Land and
meadow I bought of James Johnson bounded Southwesterly, by the Countrey Roade
Northwesterly by land of Ebenezer Cobb, Northeasterly by ye Creek
& Southeasterly by land of Robert Carver and allso a Large brass–Kittle,
yet notwithstanding any thing above written My Mind is yt. my Son
Silas Cook if he take what or any part of what is above Granted him, that it is
upon Condition that he do One third part towards provideing and keeping my
Widow a Cow for her use as is above Expresd. and allso pay the Ten
pounds yearly for her Support and the Estate Stands Chargeable for the
performance thereof; And allso my Son Paul Cook is equally bound to ye
Same duty, and what is Given to my Son Robert Cook Stands bound to ye
Performance thereof that so my Widdow may have and Enjoy honestly what is
herein Given her. — And as to my Personall Estate (Excepting my household
goods) That after my Just debts are paid and my funerall Charges Dischargd.
The Remainder to be Equally divided between my three Sons, or if it Shoul’d
fall Short my mind is that they be equally paid by my three Sons. —
And Lastly I do Nominate Ordain and appoint my Loveing Son
Silas Cooke my Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby
Revokeing and makeing Null & Void all and all other Will or Wills Codicils
by me heretofore made and Confirming this this and no other for my last Will
& Testament. In Witness Whereof I
the sd. John Cooke have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Sixth
day of May, Anno Domini 1741. — 1741
Signd Seald Pronouncd. &
Declard by the abovesd. Jno Cooke
To be his last Will in Presence
of
Robert Carver John Cooke (seal)
Joseph Cooke
Francis, Adams
Presented for probate on 6 July 1741 by Silas Cooke, the
Executor, and proved by Robert Carver, Joseph Cook & Francis Adams, the
witnesses.
Samuell Foster, Wrestling Brewster and Joseph Mitchell, all
of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will & Codicil of Robert
Cooke of
In the Name of God Amen. I Robert Cooke, of Kingston, in the
County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman, being weak & low in Body but of a
Disposing Mind and Memory Blessed be God & calling to Mind my own
Mortality, Knowing it is appointed for all once to die, Do Make this my last
Will & Testament in the following Manner I Give & Bequeath my Soul to
God that gave it Me, & My Body to the Earth with a decent Christian Burial
in hopes of a blessed Resurrection, And as to ye Outward Estate it
hath pleased God to favour Me with I Dispose of ye Same in ye
following Order Imprims. I Give & Bequeath unto my Dear &
loving wife Lidia Cooke One Bed & Furniture that that She shall Choose
& what that wants of Sixty Pounds, to be made up out of my personal Estate,
Such as she shall Choose and also her Thirds in my real Estate during Life—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Eldest Son Charles Cooke
twenty Pounds paid out of my personal Estate in the first Place and then my
Whole Estate that Shall remain when sd twenty Pound is paid to my
Eldest Son and all my just Debts & funeral Charge Discharged shall be
equally Divided between my Children (to wit) My loving Son Charles Cooke
Nathaniel Cooke Robert Cooke Sarah Cooke Francis Cooke, And my loving Son Simeon
Cooke My Mind is yt he have as much of my Estate as to Make him
equal with my Other Children with what he may have of the Estate that may
hereafter comes to my dear & loving Wife Lydia Cooke. And I do hereby
Constitute Ordain & appoint my Loving Brother Caleb Cooke my Sole Executr
of this my last Will & Testament Hereby Revoking Disanulling & making
void all other & former Will or Wills Codicil or Codicils by Me heretofore
made and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament—In
Witness hereof I ye sd Robert Cooke have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this Seventeenth Day of May Annoq. Domi 1731 —
Signed Sealed Declared & Pronounced by the
abovesd Robert Cooke to be his last Will Robert Cooke (seal)
& Testament before us Witnesses
James Cob — Martha Washburn
Francis Adams
February ye 7:1731 The here named James Cob &
Francis Adams Made oath that they Saw the Above named Robert Cooke Sign Seal
& heard him Declare ye Above written to be his last Will &
Testament And that they at the Same time in ye Presence of ye
sd Testator Together with Martha Washburn did Set to their hands as
Witnesses and according to the best of their Observation he then was of a Sound
& Disposing Mind & Memory—Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Yet Notwithstanding any thing in the aWill aforesd
the sd Robt. Cookes Mind & Will is that his dear
& Loving Wife
Dated January 6. Annoq. Domini — 1731/2 —
Signed Sealed Published & Declared & Pronounced
to be an Addition or Codicil to sd Will by sd Robert Cooke (seal)
Robert Cooke before us Witnesses —
Jabez Cushman Ephraim
Washburn Francis Adams
February the 7.1731. The Above named Ephraim Washburn &
Francis Adams made Oath that they Saw the Above named Robert Cooke Sign Seal
& heard him Declare the Abovewritten to be an Addition or Codicil to his
within written Will and that they at the Same time together with Jabez Cushman
in ye Presence of ye Testator Set to their hands as
Witnesses and that according to the best of their Observation he then was of a
Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory—Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration were granted on 14 July 1732 to
Caleb Cooke, Brother to the sd Deceased and Sole Executor.
Capt. Caleb Loring of Plimton, Mr.
Francis Adams & Mr. Gershom Bradford of
Gershom Bradford, Robert Bradford, Ephraim Washburn, James
Hovey, and James Everson, were appointed to divide the Real Estate of Robert
Cook Senr., late of Kingston, among his children on 29 Oct. 1744.
The estate was divided on 20 Dec. 1744 among Charles Cook, the eldest son,
Simeon Cook, Francis Cook, Robert Cook, Sarah Cook, and Nathll. Cook, and
approved on 21 Dec. 1744.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Caleb Coombs of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In
the name of God amen I Caleb Coombs of Rochester in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of a sound & disposing Mind
& Memory for which I return thanks to the all wise Giver of every Favour;
calling to Mind the Mortality of Man, I do now make & ordain this my last
Will and Testament & first & above all, I do give & bequeath my
immortal Soul to God who gave it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a
decent christian Manner, at the discretion of my Executor herein after named,
and as touching that portion of earthly Estate wherewith it has pleased the
Great Arbiter of human Events to bless me with, I do dispose of it in the
following Manner & Form, viz
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Hannah Coombs one third part of all my
Estate both Real & personal as long as she remains my Widow –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Caleb Coombs all my Real Estate with all the
privileges & appurtenances to them belonging which is hereafter named to
wit The Homestead Farm & four Acres of fresh Meadow I bought of Elijah
Briggs & a piece of swamp at the Head of the Neck (so called) bought of the
Wo. Mercy Rider another piece of swamp near that bought of John
Bishop also all the debts of every kind due to me, all my wearing apparel, all
my live Stock, all my farming Utensils, he paying all my just debts funeral
Charges, the Charges of settling the Estate & do whatever is in this Will
pointed out for him to do —
Item I
give & bequeath to my three Daughters, Susanna, Sarah & Phebe all my
Household Furniture to be equally divided between them —
Item I
give & bequeath to my three Daughters above named thirty Dollars apiece to
be paid by my Son Caleb when he shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years to
be paid in Neat Stock or Money as shall best suit my Son Caleb ~
Item and
I do by these presents constitute & appoint Thomas Faunce of Dartmouth in
the County of Bristol & Commonwealth aforesaid to be the sole Executor of
this my last will and Testament. In Testimony of all which I do here unto set
my hand & Seal the ninth day of February in the Year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred & nine —
signed sealed pronounced & declared by the said Caleb
Coombs
as his last Will & Testament in presence of Caleb Coombs (seal)
Caleb
Briggs
Delia
Briggs
Elijah
Briggs
Presented for probate on 12 April 1813 by Thomas Faunce, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Caleb Briggs and Elijah Briggs, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Thomas Faunce, the before named Executor.
Joshua Peirce and Lot Thacher, both of Rochester, Yeomen, and
Benjamin Coombs of Middleborough, Trader, were appointed to appraise the Estate
of Caleb Coombs, late of Rochester, yeoman, on 12 Apr. 1813. The Inventory of
the Estate of Caleb Coombs, late of Rochester, dated 1 June 1813, totaled
$3547.46, including his real estate valued at $2395. Thomas Faunce, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Sept. 1813.
The Accounting of Thomas Faunce, Executor on the Estate of
Caleb Coombs yeoman, late of Rochester, dated 10 July 1816, including payments
to the widow for her thirds of the personal estate of $390.82, retained for my
wife Sally her Legacy of $78.08, paid Sukey Hathaway for her share $78.08, paid
Phebe Muxham for her share $78.08, and delivered to Caleb Coombs the residuary
Legatee $308.36.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 525-526, from FHL microfilm
#0550903, Vol. 45, p. 76-77, and Vol. 48, p. 126-127.
Will of Experience Cooper of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the Name of God amen. I Experience Cooper of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth Widow, being weak & infirm in Body, but of sound
Mind & Memory to make & publish this my last Will & Testament in
manner following, namely —
My
Will is that my Body be buried in a decent & Christian Manner, & that
after my funeral Charges & just debts are paid, my Executor hereafter named
cause to be procured & erected at my Grave Monumental Gravestones equal in
size & quality to those which are erected at the Grave of my Husband Thomas
Cooper deceased.–
Then as to my worldly Interest—
I
give to my four Sisters, Lydia Clark, Sarah Lanman, Elizabeth Bartlett and Mary
Lanman all my wearing Apparel to be equally divided between them –
I
give to my two Nieces Rebecca Bartlett & Judith Gray to be equally divided
between them, all my Beds & Bedding & Bed Linen & all my Household
Furniture, except my time piece, & mourning piece; Also I give to the said
Rebecca Bartlett & Judith Gray one hundred Dollars each –
To
my Niece Sarah Brewster I give my time piece –
To
my Niece Nancy Brewster I give my Mourning piece –
I
give to my Niece Nancy Louden two hundred Dollars. –
To
Joshua Holmes Louden Son of my said Niece Nancy Louden, I give all the Estate
that I am or may be Heir to from the Estate of my Brother Joshua Holmes
deceased both real & personal, to have & to hold to him the said Joshua
Holmes Louden his Heirs & Assigns forever, not including any demand which I
have against said Estate –
To
my Brother George Holmes, I give one hundred & fifty Dollars a year for the
Term of four Years from the time of my decease, if he shall live so long, if
not to be discontinued at his decease –
To
my Niece Susanna or Susan Bartlett I give two hundred Dollars –
To
my half Sister Rebecca Austin I give one hundred Dollars –
To
my Niece Experience Brewster I give one thousand Dollars –
To
my two Brothers Richard Holmes & Barnabas Holmes I give all my other Estate
both Real & personal & wherever to be found to be equally divided
between them to have & to hold the same to the said Richard Holmes &
Barnabas Holmes their Heirs & Assigns forever –
Lastly
I do constitute & ordain my said Brother Barnabas Holmes to be sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament.—
In
Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & Seal this thirtieth day of
June in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & thirteen –
signed, sealed, published,
pronounced, & declared
by the said Experience Cooper as
& for her
last Will & Testament in
presence of us who at
her request & in her presence
hereunto set
our Names as Witnesses — Experience Cooper (seal)
Martin
Parris
Philip
Washburn
Pelham
Brewster
Presented for probate on 30 Dec.
1813 by Barnabas Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Martin
Parris Esqr., Philip Washburn, and Pelham Brewster, the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Barnabas Holmes,
the before named Executor.
John Gray, Gentleman, Pelham
Brewster, Yeoman, and Philip Washburn, Mariner, all of Kingston, were appointed
to appraise the Estate of Experience Cooper, late of Kingston, widow, on 30
Dec. 1813. The Inventory of the Estate of Experience Cooper, late of Kingston,
was dated 20 Jan. 1814, her personal estate totaled $1914.42, and her real
estate totaled $4352.00, including 33 acres purchased of Nathaniel Cooper, and
land purchased of Hezekiah Ripley. Barnabas Holmes, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 20 Jan. 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp.
204-205, 226-227, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of John
Cooper of
I John Cooper haveing Reason to expect my great Change now
Doe make this my Last Will & Testament wherein I freely Resigne my Spiritt
to god that gave it & my body to ye earth by desent buriall when
ye Lord shall put an end to my dayes here in Comfortable hope of a
future happy estate in glory for ye meritt sake alone of my dear
blessed redeemer. & as for what estate ye Lord hath lent me, my
will is first that all my Debts Justly or in Conscience Due to any person shall
be honestly paid & then what is Left shall be wholely at ye
Dispose of my Loveing wife Priscilla for her Comfortable Support dureing her
life & what of it shall be at her Death left I thus Dispose of it to be
devided into three parts The Church of Barnstable shall have one third part
thereof, & ye Surviving Children of my sister Alic Bradford
another third part, & ye Surviving Children of my sister Lydia
Morton ye other third part thereof, Also I doe request and appoint
my loveing friends William Crocker Barnabas Lathrop & Thomas Huckins for to
be executors of this my Last will & Testament as Witness my hand & my
seal this twenty & eight Day of December 1676.
Signed and sealed in ye presence John Cooper & a
(seal)
of John Phinney junir,
Job Crocker
Job Crocker & John Phinney allowed & took their oath
that they Did see John Cooper Signe & Seal & Declare this Instrument
above written to be his Last Will & Testament this 25th of
February 1683.
Before
me Thomas Hinckley Govenor
John
Thacher asist:
Barnabas
Lathrop Asist
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Thomas Cooper of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In
the Name of God amen the twenty seventh day of April in the Year of our Lord
one Thousand seven hundred & Ninety one 1791 I Thomas Cooper of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth Yeoman, calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament, & first I commend my Soul to God who gave it,
& my Body to the Earth to be buried according to the discretion of my
Executrix hereafter named, not doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
receive the same by the mighty Power of God, & as to such outward Estate as
God has bestowed on me I dispose of as follows viz
I
give & bequeath unto my loving wife Experience Cooper the whole of all my
Real Estate & personal Estate whatsoever or wheresoever to be found with
Liberty to sell or dispose of any part or ever the whole of the same if need be
for her support or Maintenance in a comfortable Manner for so long a time as
she may remain my Widow, and in case of a second Marriage, to have twenty
Pounds out of my said Estate & leave the remainder to be disposed of as
hereafter mentioned —
I
also give and bequeath unto my loving Kinsman Thomas Copper Holmes the Son of
Richard Holmes of Plymouth all such part of my aforementioned Estate (if any
there be) as may remain after my said Wife’s decease or her second Marriage to
him the said Thomas Cooper Holmes his Heirs & assigns forever –
Lastly
I do hereby constitute & appoint my loving Wife Experience Cooper
afore-mentioned to be sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament &
do order her to pay all my just debts & funeral Charges out of my said
Estate & do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made, allowing &
confirming this only as my last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I the
said Thomas Cooper have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year
above mentioned —
signed sealed & declared by the
said Thomas Cooper to be his last
Will & Testament in presence of
us Thomas Cooper (seal)
Josiah
Fuller
John
Gray
John
Fuller
This
Codicil to my last will & Testament made this twenty seventh day of
September A.D. one Thousand eight hundred & eight, that Whereas I have by
this my last Will & Testament given my Wife Experience the Improvement of
my Real & personal Estate during her Widowhood & a right to sell my
Estate if necessary for her Support, I hereby give & bequeath to my said
loving Wife Experience the whole of that part of my Real & personal
wherever the same may be found to her, her Heirs & assigns, which I have
purchased or acquired since the date of this my last Will & Testament that
is since the twenty seventh day of April A.D. one Thousand seven hundred &
Ninety one; & what I owned before that time to stand & be as is given
in my said Will –
signd. seald.
& declared to be a Codicil to my
last will & Testament the day
& Year
abovesaid in presence of Thomas Cooper (seal)
Richard
Holmes
Joshua
Holmes
Rosseter
Cotton
Presented for probate on 31 Oct.
1808 by Experience Cooper, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Richard
Holmes, Joshua Holmes and Rosseter Cotton Esqr. the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Experience
Cooper, the before named Executrix.
Barnabas Holmes Junr. of
Plymouth, Yeoman, was granted Administration de Bonis non with the Will annexed
of the estate of Thomas Cooper, late of Kingston, Yeoman, on 11 Apr. 1814, the
Executrix his wife Experience Cooper being now deceased without completing her
Executorship.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
403-404, from FHL microfilm #0550902, and Vol. 46, p. 428.
Will of Amos Cornell of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the Name of God Amen I Amos Cornell of Darmouth in the
County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housewright being weak in
body but of a sound disposing mind & memory, Thanks be to God therefor but
considering the mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for men
once to die do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament in the
following manner, viz.
Imprimus I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Cloe the
use and improvement of all my Estate both real & personal as long as she
shall remain my Widow excepting Forty Acres of Land which I give to my son
William hereafter described ~
Item I give & bequeath to my Son William and to his heirs
& assigns forever Forty Acres of Land lying the north side of my homestead
& adjoining lands owned by Ezra Winslow & Abisha bowen & Phineas
Wuddk[?]
Item I give & bequeath to my Son Benjamin Forty Dollars
to be paid by my Executor in one year after the Death or marriage of my wife ~
Item I give & bequeath to my Son John the Fifty Dollar
Note that I have against him and Twenty Dollars to be paid by my Executor in
two Years after the Death or marriage of my Wife –
Item I give & bequeath to my Son Amos & to his heirs
the Fifty Dollar Note that I have against him & Twenty Dollars to be paid
by my Executor in three years after he comes into possess of what I shall give
him & all my Wearing apparrel ~
Item I give & bequeath to my Son Israel and to his heirs
Forty Dollars to be paid by my Executor in four Years after the Death or
marriage of my Wife
Item I give & bequeath to my Daughter Roby Norton Twenty
Dollars to be paid by my executor in four Years after the Death or marriage of
my Wife and my household Furniture after my Wifes widowhood has expired
Item I give & bequeath to my Son Philip cornel & to
his heirs & assigns forever all the residue & remainder of my Estate
both real & personal & to come into possession of the same after my
Wife has done with the use of the same or she either marries or should be
removed by Death ~ His paying all my just debts legacies & bequets, before
mentioned, Funeral charges & expence of settling my Estate and lastly I do
constitute and appoint my said Son Philip to be sole Executor of this my last
Will and Testament ratifying this to be my last will & testament
In witness where of I the said Amos Cornel have hereunto set
my hand & Seal this third Day of November in the Year of our Lord Eighteen
Hundred & Five
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said Amos Cornel to be
his last will & testament in the pre-
sence of us – the
above was interlined
Lemuel Reed previous to signing Amos Cornell (seal)
Ezekiel Chase
Saml Perry Dec
3 1805 Approvd—
Presented for probate on 3 Dec. 1805 by Philip Cornell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Lemuel Reed and Ezekiel Chase, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Amos Cornell, Dartmouth, 1805,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Benjamin Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the Name of God amen. This Eighth day of August Anno
Domini one thousand Seven hundred and Sixty three I Benjamin Cornel of
Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and province of the Massachusetts-Bay in
New-England Being weak in body but of a sound disposing mind and Memory, And
calling to mind the Mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men
to die, do think Proper for to make disposition of that worldly Estate with
which it has plased God to bless me and therefore do make & ordain this my
last Will and Testament – Principally and first of all I recommend my soul to
God my Creator and my body I order to be decently buried at the discretion
& cost of my Executors herein after named
Item I give
and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Sarah Cornel, her heirs and assigns forever
all my houshold-goods together with all my live stock, together with one Side
Sadle & bridel, she paying all my Just debts and defraying allso my funeral
Charges
Item I give
& bequeath unto my said wife sarah Cornell the Income, use &
Improvement of all my Real Estate during the time she remains my Widow and it
is to be understood that the affores.d Bequests to my sd. wife is in
lieu of her dower or power of thirds in my Estate
Item I give
and bequeath unto My Son Timothy Cornel to him his heirs and assigns forever a
lott of land containing ten Acres laying on the North Side of my brother Joseph
Cornels homestead farm and bounded Southerly on it, and westerly and Northerly
on the highway & Easterly on land belonging to Increase Allen
Item I give
unto my said son Timothy Cornel to him his heirs and assigns forever the
Southerly part of my home stead farm extending Northerly as far as a Stone
cross wall which begins at the highway about Sixteen rods to the Southward of
my house and extends something to the northward of East a crost my homestead
And my will is that my Said Son Timothy Cornel come into possession of the two
lotts of Land above given to him immediately after the marriage or decease of
my widow —
Item I give
& bequeath unto my Son James Cornel to him his heirs and assigns forever
all the Notherly part of my homestead farm extending southerly as far as the
Cross wall (above described as the Northward bound of that part of my homestead
before given to my son Timothy Cornel) to gether with all the buildings
standing there on and it is my will that my said Son James Cornel come into
possession of the Sd. Northerly part of my homestead farm
Immediately after the decease or marriage of my widow
Item I give
& bequeath to my said two sons Timothy Cornel and James Cornel all my
wearing apparel equally to be be divided between
Item I give
and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Cornel A note of hand which I have upon
my son Timothy Cornel Together with all the Other debts that are due to me the
better to Enable her to pay all my just debts.
Item I give
to my Son James Cornel all my farming tools to him his heirs & assigns
forever —
Lastly I appoint, constitute & ordain my beloved Wife
Sarah Cornel & my Son Timothy Cornel to be Executrix & Executor Joyntly
of this my last will to see the same fulfilld according to the true
intent thereof, hereby revoking & making void all other wills &
testament by me heretofore made Confirming this only to be my last will &
testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day
and year first above written
Sign’d Seald & declared by the said }
Benjamin Cornel all the abovewritten } Benjamin Cornel (seal)
Instrument to be his last will & testament }
{ Joseph Allen
In presence of us {
Joseph Allen Jun
{ Daniel Hathway
Proved on 6 Nov. 1764 by Joseph Allen and Joseph Allen Junr.
two of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Benjamin Cornell, Dartmouth, 1764,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Benjamin
Cornell of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1768) *
I Benjamin Cornell of Hempstead in
his
Benjamin +
Cornell (seal)
mark
Signed sealed published and by the said Benjamin Cornwell as
and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
Thomas Everit
Charles Hicks
Henry Hicks
Probated on 26 Apr. 1768, and proved by Charles Hicks and
Henry Hicks, Yeomen, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Stephen Cornell, one of the Executors, on 24 May 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Caleb Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
The Ninteen Day of Apriel one thousand Seven hundred and
fifty Six I Caleb Cornell of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and province of
the Masschusets Bay in Newengland yeoman Being Sick and Weak in boddy but of
Sound Disposeing Mind and Memory thanks Be to God for the Same: therefore
Calling to Mind the Mortality of My boddy and knowing that it is appointed for
all Men once to Die, Do Make and ordain this My Last Will and testament that is
to Say principally and first of all I Commit My Boddy to the Earth to be
Decently buried at the Descretion of My Executors hear in after Named, and as
touching Such Worldly Estate Whear with it hath pleased God to Bless Me in this
Life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following Manner and form –
Imprimis My Will is that all my Lawfull Debts and funeral
Charges be first paid and Discharged by My Executors hear in after Named –
Item – I give and bequeath unto My Well beloved Wife Dele
Cornell the use and profit of my whole Estate for her Support and to bring up
my two Sons untill they Com to twenty one years of age and no Longer and after
that one third part of My Estate During her Natural Life or So Long as she
Remains My Widdow and No Longer but if it So happen that She Marrie then I Give
unto her one fether bed and furniture and one Cow all which I give to her in
Lew of her thirds and Dowry
Item further My Mind and Will is that after all the above
Mentioned Debts and Legasies is paid and Discharged all the Rest and Remainder
of My Estate Both Rail and personal I Give to My two Sons Gideon Cornell and
Gouit Cornell to them their heirs and assigns for Ever to be Equally Devided
Between them –
Item I Constitute Make and ordain My Well beloved Brothers
Joseph Cornell and Daniel Cornell Soule Executors to his My Last Will and
testament and I Do hear by utterly disallow Revoke and Disannul all and Every
other former testaments Wills Legasies and bequests By Me in any Wais before
Named Willed and bequeathed Rattifiing and Confirming this and No other to be
My Last Will and testament Whear of I have hear unto Set My hand and Seal the
Day and year above Writton –
Signed Sealed and published
Pronounsed and Declared this
To be My Last Will and testament Caleb Cornell (seal)
In the Presents of us the Subscribers
Phillip Allen
Seth Allen
James Allen
Presented for probate on 2 Nov. 1756, and proved by Phillip
Allen, being a Quaker, and James Allen.
Prince Allen, Benjam. Wing, and Increase Allen,
all of Dartmouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Caleb Cornell, late
of Dartmouth, on 20 Sept. 1756. The above mentioned Gentlemen (being Quakers)
gave their sollomn affirmation to the faithfull discharge of their above
mentioned trust. The Inventory was dated 25 Oct. 1756, and totaled £69.2.9,
including some livestock, but no real estate. Joseph Cornell and Daniel
Cornell, two of the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 2 Nov. 1756.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Caleb Cornell, Dartmouth, 1756,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Edward Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
The Seventh Day of March AD: one Thousand Seven Hundred and
Fifty Four I Edward Cornal of Dartmouth in ye: County of Bristol
with in his Majestyes Province of ye: Massachusetts Bay in New
England yeoman Being at this Present time in Resoneable Bodily Health and of a
Sound desposing mind and Memory for which I desire to be thankfull Considering
ye: uncertainty of this Life Do make and ordain this my Last Will
and Testament; And as to My Worldly Estate where with God hath Been pleasd,
to Bless me in this Life I Give Devise and despose of ye: Same in ye
following Manner & Form (viz)
Imprimis My
Will is that all my Just Debts funeral Charges and Just Expences of all Parts
with Respect to Settleing my Estate should be first paid by my Executors here
after Named out of my Personal Estate
Item I Give To Susannah My Well beloved Wife one
Bed with all ye: furniture thereto belonging she to take her Choice:
Together with My Rideing beast And Sidesaddle and one of my Best Cows: Together
with thirty pounds Lawfull Money: I
Likewise Give to my said Wife ye. use and Improvement of all My
Reall Estate; Together with ye. use & Improvement of All My
Personal Estate: Except what shall in Each be other ways desposed of in this my
Will All which I Give To my said Wife (in Lew of her Right of Dower or Thirds
in my Estate) During ye: time she Remains my widdow Except ye:
First Mentiond Gift To be at her own dispose—
Item I Give and bequeath to my Two Sons (viz)
Walter Cornal and Daniel Cornal All My Housing and Lands to be Equaly Devided
between them Quantity and Quallity Walter to have ye: Southerly part
of my Homstead Farm with ye. Houseing & ye. als to be
Made Good to my sd son Danll, in my other Lands: All
which I Give to my Above said two sons and to their Heirs and Assigns for ever
Provided My Son David Cornal Who went to Sea should Never Return Again: but if
in Case my Said Son David Should be Now Living So that he should Return Again
then I Give to him his Heirs & Assigns Forever an Equal part with my other
two Sons First above Named both in My Real & Personal Estate –
Item I Give Give to my above said Son Walter
Cornal all my Wearing Apparril Together with one Horse & one Cow; Together
with both Summer & Winter Keeping for Each on My Lands Above Bequeath in
This my will –
Item I Give to my above Named Son David if he is
Living & Should Ever Return Again one Cow & one Horse with Summer &
Winter Keeping on my abovesaid Lands; Together with my High Candlestick but if
to be that my Said Son David should Never Return then Said Candlestick To be
for my afore said Son Daniel I Likewise Give to my Said Son Daniel Cornal one
Horse & one Cow together with Winter & Summer Keeping upon my abovesaid
lands
Item I Give David Wilcox Son of Stephen Wilcox
one Silver Spoon
Item I Give to David Cornal Son of Peleg Cornal
one Silver Spoon
Item My Will is that in Some Convenient Time
after ye. Decease or Marriage of My Said wife which Shall First
Happen; That My Trusty and well beloved friends, Stephen West Humphry Smith
Thomas Brigs Benjamin Akin & Bartholomew Taber or Either of Them That Shall
Then be Surviving Make A Devision of all my Real Estate & Likewise Personal
That Shall be then Lift to & Among My above Named Sons That shall Then be
Surviving if any More than one there be; or Such as Legally Represent them
Which devision by them Made To be Final
Item I Here by Constitute Make and ordain My
Said Wife Susannah and My well Beloved Friend Thomas Brigs Above Named Joynt
Executors of this My Last will and Testament Here by Making Void all other
Wills & Testaments by me before this time Made Rattifying this and No other
To be my Last Will & Testament In Witness where of I have hereunto Set my
Hand & Seal ye. Day & year first above written
Signd Seald, Publishd,
Pronouncd,
And Declard, by ye. Sd,
Edward
Cornal as his Last Will and Edward Cornell (seal)
Testament in Presence of
Us—
William White
Jedidiah Wood
Stephen West
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1754, and proved by Jedediah
Wood and Stephen West, two of the witnesses.
Benjn Akin, Stephen Willcox and George
White, all of Dartmouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Edward
Cornell, late of Dartmouth, on 14 Oct. 1754. The Inventory of the Estate of
Edward Cornel, late of Dartmouth, dated 15 Oct. 1754, was not totaled, but his
real estate was valued at £600. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory
on 16 Oct. 1754, and Susannah Cornel, one of Executors, gave her oath to the
inventory on 5 Nov. 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Edward Cornell, Dartmouth, 1754,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Edward
Cornell of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1770) *
In the Name of God Amen, the fourth day of October in the
year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and seventy, I Edward Cornell of
Hempstead, in Queens County being sick and weak in Body, but of perfect mind
and memory, thanks be given to God therefore calling to the mortallity of my
Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say principally and first of
all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God that gave it,
and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at
the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection
I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give
and dispose of the same in the following manner and form– first I give and
bequeath to my Son William Cornell the House and Land lying the East side of
the Brook where he now lives, secondly I give to my two Sons Benjamin Cornell
and William Cornell all my Lands lying the west side of the Brook to be equally
divided betwixt them, Benjamin Cornell to have the west side and William
Cornell to have the East side, to be divided by a north and south line, and
also I give to my Son William Cornell all my Salt meadow lying in Hungry
Harbour, and likewise I give to my two Sons Benjamin Cornell & William
Cornell all my Land lying on the plains and all my patting Right to be equally
divided betwixt them, and also that my Son Benjamin Cornell shall pay one
hundred pounds to my Son John Cornell, and also that William Cornell shall pay
one hundred pounds to my Son Daniel’s Children John Cornell and Caleb Cornell
and Milson Cornell and Mary Cornell, to be equally divided betwixt them, and if
either of them should die without Issue to fall to the rest; And also I give to
my Daughter Hannah Abrahams Twenty five pounds to be paid out of my Estate, and
likewise I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Lamberson the use of Twenty five
pounds; But if she should have any lawfull Heir then it shall fall to them; But
if she Dies without any lawfull Heir then it shall go to her Son James Cornell,
and also I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Lamberson my great Cubboard and also I
give to my Daughter Judah Cornell the use of Twenty five pounds as long as she
lives, and att her death to fall to her two sisters Hannah Abrahams and
Elizabeth Lamberson and likewise I give to my Daughter Judah one great puter
platter that was her Grandmothers and likewise I give to my Grandson Melson
Cornell one great puter platter And also I give to my Grandson James Cornell
the sum of Ten pounds to be paid out of my Estate, and likewise I give to my
Girl Martha Dick five Earthen plates, one linnen wheel and Twenty pounds in
Money to be paid out of my Estate, and further if she stays with me as long as
I live and does not marry and after my Death she shall have milk of two Cows
and paster and hay found them, and also all the turkeys I give to Martha Dick,
and likewise I give to Martha Dick one Bed and bedstead and furniture–And also
I give to my Granddaughter Elizabeth Cornell Daughter of William Cornell the
sum of Ten pounds and one Linnen Wheel, and also I give to my Grandson Lankil
Cornell the sum of Ten pounds and my riding beast, Saddle and Bridle and also I
give to my four Grand Children Edward Cornell son of John Cornell, and Marget
Watts and Edward Abrams and Marget Abramas all the remainder of my Buter to be
equally to be divided betwixt them; and also to my two Grandsons Edward Cornell
and Edward Abrams, each of them one Calf apiece, and likewise I give to my son
William Cornell one Waggon plow and Harrow, and all my farming Utensills, and
one pair of Oxen and the remainder of my Horses and five Sheep, and likewise I
give to my Grandson James Cornell five sheep, and the remainder of my Cattle
and things to be sold to pay of all my just Debts— And likewise I ordain and Constitute my two
Sons Benjamin Cornell and William Cornell to be my Executors of this my last
Will and Testament – And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all
and every other Wills and Legacies before named, and this to be my last Will
and Testament.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above
Written
Edward
Cornell -e] his mark (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said Edward Cornell as his last Will and Testament in the
presence of us the subscribers
Samuel Hicks
Frederick Nosran
Benajah Wiggins
Probated on 20 Nov. 1782, and
proved by Samuel Hicks of Hempstead, one of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Benjamin Cornell and William Cornell, the
Executors, on 7 Jan. 1783.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 35, p.
289-292, copied from original Liber 35, p. 166-167.
Will and Codicil of Elisha Cornell of Swansea, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In the Fear of the Lord Amen. I Elisha Cornell of Swanzey in
the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman though advanced
in age yet through the goodness of god of a sound Disposeing mind and memory
and calling to mind the uncertainty of life believing that it is appointed for
man once to die do make and Establish this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form following. First and Principally I Commit and Spirit into the Hand of
God who gave it and my body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently buried at the
discretion of my Executor —
And such worldly Estate as it hath pleased god to bless me
with in this life my Will is and I give and dispose of the Same in the
following manner
Imprimis. I order that all my Just debts and Funeral Chages
be well and truely paid With Convenient Speed after my decease by my Executor
out of my Estate
Item I give unto my beloved wife Patience Cornell all the
House hold Goods that she hath made sence living with me also all the
implements that are any ways appertaining to makeing Cloth also my great Chair
I also give unto my said Wife the use and Improvement of all the dwelling house
Where I now live together With the use and Improvement of the one half of my
Real Estate after my Just debts are paid so long as she remains my Widow and no
longer (NB my Will and meaning is that my Wife shall have Wood Sufficient for
the Support of one fire and no more as long as she Remains my Widow and no
longer) —
I give unto my son Joseph Cornell twenty dollars in addition
to what I have heretofore given him to be paid unto him by my Executor after my
Wives Right in my Estate Ceases
I give unto my son Elisha Cornell one hundred dollars to be
paid him by my Executor after wives right in my Estate Ceases
I give unto my son Reubin Cornell one hundred and twenty
dollars to be paid him by my Executor after my wives right in my Estate Ceases
also my Wearing apparril —
I give unto my two grandsons Elisha and David Hix (having
given their mother her portion heretofore) five dollars to be devided Equally
between them to be paid by my Executor after my wives right in my Estate Ceases
–
I give unto my Daughter Mary Wheaton five dollars in addition
to what I have heretofore given her to be paid by my Executor after my Wives
right in my Estate Ceases
I give unto my Daughter Elisabeth Chace Thirty dollars to be
paid to her by my Executor after my Wives right in my Estate Ceases
I give unto my Wives two Daughters (Viz) Hannah and Mary
Reynolds Each a Sheep to be delivered to them by my Executor at my Discease
I Farther give unto my Son Elisha Cornell my fire arms which
he hath in his possession
I give unto My son Asa Cornell all the rest and Remainder of
my Estate both Real and personal Not before given away in this Will and to
heirs and Assignes forever on Condition that he pays the Legacies given or
ordered in this Will to be paid by him for the Performance Whereof my said Real
Estate is hereby made liable and Chargable therewith —
I hereby Nominate Constitute and appoint my beloved Son Asa
Cornell to be my sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament Hereby
Ordaining Ratifying and Confirming this and this only to be my last Will and
Testament – Making Null and void all other or former Wills by me at any time
heretofore made In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal This
twenty first day of February in the year of Lord one thousand Eight hundred and
Six
Signed Sealed and delivered }
by the Said Elisha Cornell } Elisha Cornell (seal)
to be his last Will and }
Testament in the Presence }
of Joshua Mason
Caleb
OBrien
Benjamin
Buffinton Jur June
3d. 1806
approved
Be it known to all men by these
presents that I Elisha Cornell of Swanzey in the County of Bristol and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman have made and declared my last Will and
Testament in Writeing bearing date the twenty first day of February in the year
of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Six
I the said Elisha Cornell by this
Present Codicil do Ratify and Confirm my said last Will and Testament and do
further give unto my Beloved Wife Patience Cornell all the Provisions I shall
or may have on hand at my discease together With all that is Calculated for the
Insuing year and also all the flax and Wool that I have by me at my discease I
further give unto my said Wife Six Sheep and an Iron Pot and an Iron Bason and
Iron Spider and all my tubs and Barrils and a pair of Iron dogs
my Will and meaning is that this
codicil be adjudged to be a part and parcel of my last Will and Testament and
that all things Contained and mentioned therein be as faithfully and truly
performed and as fully and amply in Every Respect as if the same were so
declared and set down in my said last will and Testament Witness my hand this
Eighth day of April one thousand Eight hund and Six his
Signed in the Presents of us. Elisha X Cornell
mark
Joshua Mason
Caleb OBrien
Benjamin Buffinton Jur. June
3d. 1806
approved
Presented for probate on 3 June
1806, and proved by Joshua Mason and Benjamin Buffinton Junr., two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to his son Elisha [sic] Cornell, the Executor, on 3 June
1806. Joshua Mason and Benjamin Buffinton jur., both of Swanzey, were sureties
on the bond of Asa Cornell, Executor to the last Will and Testament of Elisha
Cornell, late of Swanzey, on 3 June 1806.
James Luther Esq., David Mason and
Benjamin Buffinton were appointed to appraise the estate of Elisha Cornell,
late of Swanzey, on 3 June 1806. The Inventory was dated 22 July 1806, his real
estate totaled $1762, and his personal estate totaled $197.46. Asa Cornell, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Nov. 1806.
James Luther Esq., Benjamin Slade,
and David Mason, all of the County of Bristol, Freeholders, were appointed to
appraise the Real Estate of Elisha Cornell, late of Swansey, and to set off to
Patience Cornell, the deceased’s Widow, one full third part of the said Estate
for her Dower or Thirds, on 3 June 1806. The division was dated 22 July 1806,
and approved on 4 Nov. 1806.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Elisha
Cornell, Swansea, 1806,” from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Hannah
Cornell of Hempstead,
In the Name of God, Amen. the twenty six of November 1776. I
Hannah Cornell of Hemsted in Queens County on Long Island and in the Province
of New York, being very sick and weak in Body but of parfect mind and memory
thanks be given unto God therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body
and knowing that it is appointed for all woman once to die, do make and ordain
this my last Will and Testament, that is to say principally and first of all I
give and recomend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my
Body I recommend to the Earth to be Buried at the discretion of my Executors
nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again
by the mighty power of God, and as toching such worldly Estate wherewith it
pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form. First I will and order all My Just debts and
funeral Charges to be paid. I give and Bequeath unto my Grand daughter Hannah
Cornnell the sum of Forty pounds Current Lawfull money of
Hannah Cornell (seal)
us Witness
Thomas Fowler
Margaret Fowler
Deborah Cornnell her X
Mark
Probated on 11 Mar. 1777, and proved by Thomas Fowler,
yeoman, and Deborah Cornwell, spinster, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1765) *
I Isaac
Cornell of Flushing in Queens County in the Province of New York being weak in
Body but of sound Mind and Memory (Blessed be God) do this twenty third day of
January Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and Sixty five, make and publish
this my last Will and Testament in the manner following (Vizt.)
Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Deborah Cornell in Leiu of her
Dower One of my horses which she may choose also two Beds with the Furniture
belonging thereunto Item I do order all the Residue and Remainder of my
personal Estate be sold and the mowing Ground adjoining the Land of Joseph
Cornell, Cornelius Van Wyck, Obadiah Cornell and the Highway by my Executors
(hereafter named) to Discharge my lawfull Debts if them should not be
Sufficient to pay and discharge all my lawfull Debts, then I order and direct
my under mentioned Executors to sell and dispose of such Land or Lands as they
shall think most convenient for the discharging of my Debts aforesaid. Item I
give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Margaret Cornell all the residue and
remainder of my Estate to her her Heirs and Assigns forever but if my said
Daughter should die under Age or without lawfull Issue then the bequeath or
granted Legacy I give and bequeath unto my three beloved Brothers James
Cornell, Stephen Cornell, and Obadiah Cornell equally to be divided among them
their Heirs and assigns forever &c. Lastly I constitute and appoint my
loveing Brothers Samuel Cornell, James Cornell, Stephen Cornell, and Obadiah
Cornell Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness hereof I the
said Isaac Cornell have hereunto set my hand and fixed my Seal the day and Year
above written
Isaac Cornell (seal)
Signed sealed published and by the said Isaac Cornwell
pronounced as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
Charles Hicks
Charles Hicks the 3d.
Robert Jackson
Probated on 9 Apr. 1765, and proved by Charles Hicks, Charles
Hicks the 3d. and Robert Jackson, of Queens County Yeomen. Letters
of Administration granted to James Cornell and Stephen Cornell, two of the
Executors, on 1 June 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 25, p. 105-107, copied from
original Liber 25, p. 94-95.
Will of Israel Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God Amen this Twenty-Eight Day of february
A.D. 1785 I Israel Cornell of Dartmouth in the County of bristol and
Commonwelth of Masechusets yeoman being weak in body but of a well and sound
Desposeing Mind and Memory for which I think God and – Calling to mind the
mortallity of my body and Knowing that it is Appointed for men once to Dye: Do
make and ordain this My Last will And testament: and first I Commit My body to
the Earth to be buryed Decently by my Executor: and My Soul I Resign to God
that Gave it And as touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless Me with in this life I Give and Dispose of the Same in the following
Manner and form Viz –
Imprimis I Give to My beloved wife Susanna the Use and
Improvement of All My Estate both Real and personal So long as She Remains my
widdow:
Item. . I Give to My Son William Cornell twelve pounds Silver
money to be paid by My Exetor one year after My Executor Comes into possesion
of what I Shall Give him in this will.
Item. . I Give to My Daughter Elisabeth Chase the one half of
my housestuff when My wife hath Don Useing of it according to My Will —
and twelve pounds in Silver Money to be paid to her two years
after My Executor Comes into possesion of what I Shall Give him in this will
Item. . I Give to My Daughter Susanna Chase the other half of
my housestuff And to Come into the possesion when my wife hath Don useing it According
to My Will: and twelve pounds Silver monney to be paid by my Executor three
years after he Comes into possesion of what I Shall Give him in this Will –
Item – – My will is that My two Sons Amos and William Shall
have my wereing apparel Equealy between them Each his part and part alike –
Finally I Give and bequeath to My Son Amos Cornell and to his
heirs and Assigns forever All the Rest and Residue of My Estate both Real An
personal wherever it may be found not Given in this my will And to Come into
possesion at My wives Death or marriage which firs happens: And I Do make
Constitute and ordain him my sd Son Amos to be the Sole Executor of
this My Will and he Shall pay All My Just Depts and funeral Charges and the
Legaces herein mentioned to be paid: And I Do Ratifie and Confirm this Instrument
to be My Last Will and witness whereof I the Sd Israel Cornell have
hereunto Set My hand and Seal the Day and year above writen
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and }
Declared by the sd Israel
Cornell to be } Israell Cornell (seal)
his Last Will and testament in
prisents of us }
Nathaniel Baker
Peter Wicks
Russell Mason Proved
March 7th 1786
Presented for probate on 7 Mar. 1786 by Amos Cornell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathaniel Baker and Peter Wilkes. Letters
of Administration were granted to Amos Cornell on 7 Mar. 1786, with Daniel
Hicks of Dartmouth, yeoman, and Nathaniel Baker of Rehoboth, yeoman, in the
County of Bristol, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Personal Estate of Israel Cornel, late
of Dartmouth, was appraised on 10 Dec. 1785 by Daniel Hicks and Peter Wilke,
and totaled £83.16.4. Amos Cornell, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 7 Mar. 1786.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Israel Cornell, Dartmouth, 1786,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of James Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1767) *
The Last Will and Testament of James Cornell of Dartmouth In
the County of Bristol In the Province of the masachusets Bay In New england
yeoman being at this present time In as good helth of Body as Common for old
age – but of a Sound Disposing mind perfect memory & understanding as in my
Life past thanks begiven unto God. Therefore Considering the uncertainty of
this my natural Life do for the preventing future Trouble in my family make
& ordain this my Last Will & Testament that that is to Say principally
& first of all I Give & Recommend my Sole To God that gave it and my
body I commit to the Earth therein to be Decently buried at the Discretion of
my Executor herein after Nominated and Also that Temporal Estate it hath
pleased the Lord to bles me With In this Life (after all my Just debts &
funeral Expences are paid & Discharged) I give Devise and Dispose of the
Same In the following Manner & form ~~~
Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my Well beloved Son Stephen
Cornell all my uplands and Salt meadows Which I own Lying & being In the
Township of Dartmouth aforesaid together with all the housing & buildings
on the Same to be & Remain unto him his heirs & assigns for Ever
together also with all my personal Estate Be it of what nature or kinde soever
Excepting only what I Shall here in after otherwise Dispose of he my Said Son
paying & performing as I Shall herein after order him to Do More over I
Give unto him my Said Son one of my beads with the bedsteed and Cord And the
beding belonging to it.
Itim I Give and bequeth unto my Well beloved Wife Rebeckah
Cornell the Sum of one hundred Spanish Silver mill’d Dollars to bepaid untoher
Within one year after my Deceas by my Executor herein after nomynated Moreover
I give unto her My Said Wife all my houshold goods She brought with her to me
When I married her together with her Pillun She brought also to me and the one
half of my Side Saddle I also give unto my Said wife one of my Cows
Itim I give and bequeath unto my Well beloved Daughter
Elizabeth Cornell the Sum of Six pounds Lawfull money to be paid unto her by my
Executor herein after named Within one year after my Deceas and So Six pounds
Lawfull Money at the End of Every year for & During the time my Said
Daughter Shall Live unmarried & no Longer Moreover I Give & bequeath
unto my Sd Daughter all the Remander of my household goods be them
of what nature or kinde So ever Which is not herein before given unto my Sd
wife Excepting only that bed bedsted & Cord with ye. beding
belonging to it Which I have herein before given unto my Son Stephen Cornell I
also give unto her my Sd Daughter the other of my Pilluns & the
other half of my Side Saddle I also Give unto her my Said Daughter one of my
Cows
Itim I Give & bequeath unto my Said Wife Rebeckah Cornell
& to my Daughter Elizabeth Cornell the use & Improvement of the one
half of my now Dwellinghouse With the use and Improvement of my Garden &
that yard which is fenced In With wall near the Garden With a priviledge to
gether Summer fruit out of my orchard & Winter fruit Sufficient for their
own uses both for sumer & winter together with the one half of my provision
& one half of my Wool & flax that I Shall have Laid in for my familys
use at the time of my Deceas together with the Run of two hogs in my orchard
& apriviledge of Cutting fire wood Sufficient to Keep one fire for my Wife
& Daughters use on that Land which I bought of Jeremiah Brownell the
Improvements & priviledges In this paragraft given to my Sd wife
& Daughter to be & Remain unto them & to be Equally Improved
between them as followeth to my Said wife for & During the time She Shall
Reman my Widow and to my Said Daughter for & During the time that She Shall
Live unmarried It is to be understood that they are to have the Improvement of
the one half of the Sellow room as well as the housroom.
It is also to be understood that all the Gifts herein Given
to my Said Wife Rebeckah Cornell Is to be In Lew of her Right of Dowry and
power of thirds in my Estate If She please to Except of it as Such and not
other wise.
Itim My mind and Will is that I do Will and order that If my
Said Wife Should Refuse and would not take up With the Gifts herein Given unto
her In Lew of her Right of Dowry and power of thirds in my Estate that then
& In Such Cace one third part of them Gifts herein given to my Said Wife
Shall be and Remain unto my Said Daughter Elizabeth Cornell and the other two
thirds to be & Remain unto my Son Stephen Cornell ~~
Itim of this my Last will and Testament I do nominate
Constitute & appoint make And ordain my beloved Son Stephen Cornell Sole
Executor Desireing him In all Love to take Cear & See the Same Duly and
truly fulfilled according to the true Intent and meaning thereof And by these
presents I do Revoke make null & void all & Every other Testaments
Wills Legacies and bequests by me In any Ways before named willed &
bequeathed Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my Last will
& Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
Seventh Day of March In the Seventh year of his majesties Reign George the
third over Great Brittain &c King Annoqe. Domini 1767
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared
by the Said James Cornell as his Last Last will &
Testament In the Presence of us the Subscribers
Timothy
Tripp James Cornell (seal)
Thomas
Tripp
Lovat
Tripp
Presented for probate on 29 Apr. 1776, and proved by Thos.
Tripp and Lovat Tripp, two of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “James Cornell, Dartmouth, 1776,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Johannes Cornell of Flatbush, Kings County, Province of New York (1745) *
In the Name of God Amen I Johannes Cornell of Flat Bush in
Kings County of Nassau Island in the Colony of New York Yeoman being at this
time in pritty good health of Body and of sound and perfect memory and
Understanding (Blessed and praised be the Lord for the same but calling to
Remembrance ye uncertain Estate of this transitory life and that all
Flesh must Yeald unto death when it pleases God to call do make ordain
Constitute and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme
following that is to say first and principally I commit my precious &
immortal Soule into ye mercifull hands of God my creator hoping through the
Merrits Death and Passion of my blessed Saviour & Redeemer Christ Jeses to
have and receive afull pardon & free Remission of my manifold Sins & to
inherit Everlasting life & my body to the earth from whence it Was taken to
be buried in such decent & Christian manner as to my Executors hereafter
named shall be thought Meet and Convenient & as touching such Temporal
Estate which the Lord in Mercy far above my deserts hath been Pleased to bestow
upon me I give devise and Dispose of ye. same in the following
manner and form Imprimis I will and order that all such debts & duties
which I owe in Law or Conscience to any persons whatsoever and also my Funeral
Charge to be well & truly satisfied and paid with in some convenient time
after my decease Item I will order and bequeath after my depts & funeral
Charges are paid my whole Estate Reall and personall to my dearly beloved Wife
Lammetie Cornell to be freely possessed and injoyed by her during her Widowhood
but in case she happens to remarry then I will order and bequeath her out of my
Estate only fifteen pounds New York Money Yearly and every Year during her
Natural life Item after my said beloved Wifes decease I will order
give devise and bequeath to my Grandson Johannes Rapelӱe Son to Daniel
Rapelӱe deceased and my deceased Daughter Aeltie Rapelӱe and to his
heirs and Assigns forever All that Messuage Tenement and plantation on which I
now dwell together with all the outlands and Meadows and other the Rights
priviledges and Appurtenances to ye. said plantation belonging and
Appertaning With also that peice of Woodland which I purchased of Jores
Brinkerhoff deceased Scituate in ye. Limitts of Newtown between the
Lands of William Howard and Neu Boswyck as the said Land is now in my
possession Together also with all my utensils of Husbandry belonging to my said
Plantation Three Cows and all my Horses as also my Negro Boy Commoney aged
about Seventeen years and my Negro Girl Lyne aged about thirteen Years on
Condition that my said Grandson Johannes Rapelӱe or his heirs shall well
and truly pay and disburst for ye. premises hereby to him and them
devised and bequeathed ye. full and just Sum of Five Hundred pounds
New York Money as aforesaid to be divided in an equal proportion between the
other nine Children of his said Mother (my Daughter Aeltje Rapelӱe &
that also in nine equal yearly payments ye. first whereof to be made
ye. first day of May after the decease of my beloved Wife Lammetie
Cornell to my Grand Daughter Lammetie now Wife to Hendrick Brinkerhoff her
heirs or Assigns and ye next to my Grandson Daniel Rapelӱe his heirs or
Assigns & After that manner to ye eldest of my said Grand Children) there
heirs or Assigns downward untill the said full sum of Five Hundred pounds be
paid by said Yearly Payments but in case any of my said nine Grand Children
happen to depart this life in Nonage and with out lawfull Issue then I will and
order that his her or there part shall desolve to the Surviving of all the
Children of my deceased Daughter Altje Rapalje their heirs and Assigns in equal
proportions
Item I give unto my Grandson Johannes aforementioned my large
duch Bible and my Gun Item I give unto my Grandson Jores Rapalje my Negro Boy
Tom Eaged about Six years but in case my Grandson Jores shold depart this Life
in Nonage then the Negro Boy shall be with ye Remaining parte of my estate to
be devided Amongst all my GrandChildren Item I give and bequeath all the rest
and remaining part of my Estate Real and personall of what Nature kind quality
or Condition soever or wheresoever the same or any part thereof shall or may be
found in equal proportion to all my Grand Children ye. Children of
my said Daughter Aeltie Rapalӱe deceased in said proportion for ever
Lastly I do nominate Constitute and Appoint my Grand Son in
Law Hendrick Brinkerhoff and my Grand Son Daniel Rapalӱe & my Grand
Son Johannes Rapalӱe Executors of this my last Will and Testament In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal Day of November in the
Nineteenth year of his Majesty’s Reign in Ye Year of our Blessed Lord and
Saviour Christ Jesus One Thousand Seven Hundred And Forty five mark
T Johannes Cornel (seal)
his
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Johannes
Cornell as his last Will & Testament in Presents of us ye
Subscribers Nicholas Wycof Cornelius Wycof Necklas Wyckof
Probated on 10 Jan. 1748 before George Clinton Esq. Captain
General and Governour in Chief of the Province of New York and Territories
thereon depending in America Vice Admiral of the same and Admiral of the White
Squadron of his Majesty’s Fleet. Administration of his estate was granted to
Hendrick Brinkerhoff and Daniel Rapalye two of the Executors therein named.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 16, p. 414-416, copied from
original Liber 16, p. 388-390.
Will of John
Cornell of Rockaway, Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen. I John Cornell of Rockway in the
Bounds of Hempstead on the Island of Nassau and in the Colony of New York
Colonel of the Militia in Queens County being at this time in good Health of
Body and of sound Mind Memory and understanding thanks be to God for the same
Considering the uncertainty of Life and Certainty of Death do make this my Last
Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say first and
principally I commit my precious and immortal Soul into the mercifull Hands of
God that gave it hoping for pardon and Remission of all my Sins through the
Merits and Intercession of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer and my
Body to the Earth to be buried in such decent and Christian like Manner as to
my beloved Wife (or in case of her Death) as to my other Executors) shall seem
meet. Item I will order and direct that all my just Debts and funeral Expences
be duely paid and discharged in Convenient time after my Deceas
Item Whereas I did heretofore enter into one Bond Obligation
unto Justice Jonathan Whitehead late of Jamaica in Queens County aforesaid
& since deceased Conditioned for the payment of the sum of three hundred
pounds or some such sum as by the said Bond hereby referred to will more fully
appear, And Whereas I did enter into the said Bond in order to make some
provision for my beloved Child and Daughter Gloriana now the wife of Henry
Foster of Jamaica in Queens County of sd. yeoman and did deliver the
said Bond unto him the said Jonathan Whitehead upon Trust and Confidence that
in Case he should survive me then he should receive the Moneys due on said Bond
from my Executors and pay the Moneys due on said Bond from my Executors and pay
the same unto my said Daughter to and for her use the which Bond he the said
Jonathan did before his Death deliver unto my said Daughter in whose Hands the
same is now remaining wherefore in order to satisfie and pay the said Bond or
Obligation, I do give and bequeath unto the said Gloriana Foster the sum of
three hundred pounds Current Money of New York to be paid unto her within Six
months after my Decease, in full satisfaction and discharge of the said Bond or
Obligation and not otherwise and upon the payment thereof she is to deliver up
or release said Bond unto my Executors. Item All the Rest Residue and Remainder
of my Goods Chattels and personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I do give
and bequeath unto my dear and loving Wife Letitia Cornell and to her Executors
Administrators and assigns for Ever, Except the sum of One hundred pounds which
sum I do hereby give and bequeath unto my Nephew Charles the son of my late
Brother Thomas Cornell and which sum of One hundred pounds is to remain in the
Hands of my said Wife during her Life and paid unto my said Nephew Charles
within Six months after the Decease of my said wife and not before. Item I do
give devise and bequeath unto my said dear wife Lettitia during her natural
Life all that my Farm or Plantation situate and being at Rockway aforesaid and
all my Lands and Rights in Hempstead and all other my Lands Tenements
Hereditaments & real Estate whatsoever & wheresoever, To have and to
Hold the same unto my said wife during her natural Life as aforesaid to use and
Enjoy or to receive the Rents Issues and profits there of for and towards her
better subsistance and Maintainance during her Life as aforesaid and from and
immediately after the Death of my said wife Lettetia then I do give devise and
bequeath my said Farm or plantation at Rockway and all my Lands and Rights in
Hempstead aforesd. Together with all other my Lands Tenements
Hereditaments and Real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever unto my said Daughter
Gloriana the wife of Henry Foster aforesaid and to her Heirs and Assignes for
Ever, To have and to hold the same unto her the said Gloriana Foster and to her
Heirs and Assignes for ever to her and their sole and only proper use Benefit
and Behoof for evermore. Item I do make ordain Constitute and appoint my said
wife Lettetia and my Nephew Thomas Cornell Executors of this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all former and other will or Wills by me at any time
heretofore made and declare this to be my only last Will and Testament. In
Testimony whereof I the said John Cornell have hereunto set my Hand and Seal
this sixteenth day of June in the fifteenth year of the Reign of our Souveraign
Lord George the Second of Great Britain France & Ireland King Defender of
the Faith &c. and in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand and seven
hundred and forty one.
John. Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
John Cornell as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who hath
hereto subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereof in his presence
Jno.
Chambers
Jno.
Barton
Fredk.
Phillipse Junr.
Letters of Administration granted to Lettetia Cornell and Thomas
Cornell, the Executors, on 18 Apr. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
I John Cornel of Dartmouth In the County of Bristol in the
province of the Massachusets Bay in New England yeoman being Sick and weak of
Body but of Sound disposing Mind and Memory thanks be to god for it therefore
Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last will and testament that is
to say Principaly and first of all I Give and Recommend my Soul in to the hands
of God that Gave it and my Body to be Buried in decent Christian Burial and as
touching Such worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to Bless me with in
this Life I Give Demise and dispose of the Same in the following Manner and
form
Imprimis I will that all my Just Debts Be well and truly paid
by my Executor hear after named in Sum Convenient after my deceas
Itam where as My Son Job being Dead I Give and bequeath to
his two sons Namely Job Cornell and John Cornell the Southerly part of My
homestade farm With the housing and orchard thereon standing to be Equaly
Divided Betwen them there heirs and assigns for Ever I allso Give to my two Grandsons the one
Moity or halfe part of all My Salt meadow and Segy flat in the township of sd
Dartmouth to be Equaly betwen them there heirs and assigns I also Give to my Sd
Grandsons the one halfe of all my personal Estate of what Nature or kind so
Ever
Itam My Will is that My Daughter in Law Mary Cornell have the
use and Improvement of what I have above Given to my two Grandsons Boath Real
and personal to Supert and bring them up with all during there Minority and
then to be and Remaine to them there heirs and assigns as abovesd.
Itam I Give and bequeath to My Loveing Son Isaac Cornell the
Northerly halfe of My home stade farm with the one moitie of My Salt Meadow on
Segy flatt to be and Remain to him My Sd Son Isaac and assigns for
Ever I also Give to My sd Son the use and Improvement of one third
part of the orchard on the south halfe for fiften years from the Date hear of I
Likewise and bequeath to him my Son Isaac the other Moity or halfe part of My
personal Estate of what Nature or kind so Ever Whom I Likewise Constitute Make
and ordain Sole Executor to his My Last will and testament and I do hearby
uterly Revoke Make nul and void all and Every other Will or Wills Legacies
Bequest and Executor by Me in any wise heartofore Made or named Ratifieing
Confirming and alowing this and no other to be my Last Will and testament In
Witnes where of I have hearunto Set my hand and Seal this first day January
Annodomini 1755
Signed Sealed Published
Pronounced and declared John Cornell (seal)
by the sd John Cornell to be
his Last Will and testament
In presents of us the Subscribers
Jonathan Davel Juner
Richard Cornell
Beriah Goddard
Presented for probate on 4 May 1762, and proved by Jonathan
Davill Jr and Beriah Godard, two of ye witnesses.
Jonathan Devel ye 2d, Philip Howland
and Ezekiel Cornel, all of Dartmouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
John Cornel, late of Dartmouth, on 27 Feb. 1762. The Inventory was dated 1 Mar.
1762, and totaled £33.6.7, no real estate. Isaac Cornell, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 4 May 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “John Cornell, Dartmouth, 1762,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of John
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1757) *
In the
name of God Amen I John Cornell of Flushing in Queens County in the Province of
New York Yeoman this Twenty eighth day of February in the year of our Lord
Christ one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven being in good health of Body
and of perfect mind and memory blessed be God, and considering with myself the
uncertainty of this Life, and knowing that all Men once must Die and in order
therefore to settle my Affairs as to my worldly Estate to prevent differences
after my decease, I do hereby make and ordain this my last Will and Testament
in manner following Imprimis I will and order that all my just and lawfull
Debts and funeral Charges be well and truly paid and discharged by my Executors
hereafter named Item I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife Mary
Cornell my best feather Bed and all the furniture belonging to it Item I will
and order that my Executors hereafter named as soon as convenient after my
decease Sell and dispose of all that my Messuage Tenement dwelling House and
Tracts of Lands and Salt meadows whereon I now live situate in Flushing aforesd
with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any manner of ways
appertaining Together with all my moveable Estate of what nature or kind soever
it may be (Except the Bed & furniture as aforesd) and the proceed or moneys
ariseing from the Sales thereof after my just Debts and funeral Charges as
aforesd. bing first paid I give and dispose of in manner following
Item I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid Wife Mary Cornell the Sum of one
hundred pounds current lawfull money of New York free and clear to be disposed
of at her discretion Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son Thomas Cornell
the Sum of Two hundred pounds Current lawfull money of New York to him his
heirs Exrs. Admrs. & assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my loving son John Cornell the Sum of two hundred pounds Current
lawfull money of New York to him his heirs Exrs. Admrs.
& assigns for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my loving son Oliver
Cornell the Sum of two hundred pounds Current lawfull money of New York to him
his heirs Exrs. Admrs. & assigns for ever Item I give
and bequeath unto my loving Daughter Margaret Cornell the Sum of one hundred
pounds Current lawfull Money of New York and to her heirs Exrs. Admrs.
& assigns for ever Item and all the remainder part of the moneys from the
Sales as aforesaid not herein before given I give and bequeath unto my
abovesaid Wife and Children as aforesd Thomas John Oliver & Margaret to be
equally divided amongst them my aforesaid Wife and Children Share and Share
alike and to their heirs Exrs. Admrs. & assigns for
ever And I do hereby nominate and appoint my loving brother Thomas Cornell Esqr.
and his son my Cousine Thomas Cornell Junr. Executors of this my
last Will and Testament hereby giving and granting unto my said Executors full
power and Authority to Grant Bargain Sell Convey and Asure All that my Lands
and moveables as aforesaid which I have herein before ordered to be sold and
that to such person or persons and his and their heirs and assigns for ever in
Fee Simple by all and every such lawfull ways in the Law as to my said
Executors or their Councell learned in the Law shall seem fit proper or
necessary And after Sales being made as aforesaid then my Will and desire is
that my sd Executors be carefull of the moneys belonging to my
aforesaid Children and to put it out upon good Security that the Interest
thereof of each Childs part be for the bringing them up, and to pay them as
they come of Age and if either of my aforesd Children should die
under Age and without Lawfull Issue then such Childs part to be equally divided
among the Survivors of my Children And I do hereby revoak all former Wills and
Testament by me heretofore made rattifying this and no other to be my last Will
and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
Seal the Day and Year above first written John Cornell (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament in
the presence of us Benjamin Field, George Hicks, Oliver Hicks
Probated on 16 July 1767, and proved by Benjamin Field and
George Hicks, both of said County Yeomen. Letters of Administration were
granted to Mary Cornell of Queens County, Widow and Relict of John Cornell,
late of said County Farmer, since the Executors named, Thomas Cornell Esquire
and Thomas Cornell Junr have both departed now this Life, on 11 Aug.
1767.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 25, p. 610-613, copied from
original Liber 25, p. 530-532
Will of John
Cornell of Rombout,
In the name of God Amen the thirty first day of March one
thousand seven hundred and Sixty I John Cornell of Rumbout Precinct in Dutches
County and Province of New York being at present under a weak and low State of
health but through the great Goodness of God of a sound mind and memory and
Remembering that it is Irrevocable Decreed and appointed unto me once to Die
and not Knowing the day of my Departure and Dissolution out of time and that I
may set in Order my House or Temporal affairs or concerns I do make and ordain
this my last Will and Testament and in the first place I give and Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God who gave it and my Body to the Earth to be buried in
a Decent manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing
Doubting of its Resurrection to Life at the Last day by the Almighty power of
God and with Regard to such worldly things or Estate that God has been pleased
to bless me with I give bequeath and Dispose of in the following manner,
Imprimis My Will and Desire is that my Just debts and funeral Charges be first
paid out of my Personal Estate, Item I
give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Mary the sum of one hundred Pound New
York money also all her wearing apperril
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Mertin two hundred pounds Money of
said Province and also all my Right and Interest in the Store house standing on
the North River at the Fishkill Landing known by the name of Frankfords
Store, Item I give and bequeath unto my
two Daughters Jane and Mary the Remainder of my Estate both Real and Personal
to be Equally Devided between them Excepting what may be necessarily wanted for
their bringing up and Education which I desire may be carefully performed
Especially Mertain whos Education I desire may be such as will well fit and
Qualify him for an apprentice in order to obtain the science or Knowledge of
Physick and then to be put to some able and Skillfull Practitioner of the
Profession, Item my Will is that my
Estate both Real and Personal be sold and converted into money wether before
Mertin arrive to the age of twenty one years or not I submit to the Discretion
of my Executors but then at furthest
Itim my Will is that my Wife with Mertin Wiltse and John Smith be
Executors upon this my last Will and Testament,
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and date
above written.
Signed and Sealed as his last Will in Presence of
Henry Cornell John Cornell (seal)
Michael Stilwill
John Couch
Probated on 6 June 1761, and proved by Henry Cornell and John
Couch, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Mary Cornell,
Martin Wiltse and John Smith, the Executors, on 10 Aug. 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Cornell of North Castle, Westchester County, Province of New York (1771) *
Be it Remembered that on this twenty fifth Day of January in
the Year of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred Seventy and one I Joshua
Cornel of the West Patent of North Castle in the County of West Chester &
Province of New York being of Perfect Mind and Memory thanks be Given to God
and therefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that is
appointed for all men once to Dye Do make this my last Will and Testament
Touching my Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me with in
this life And Do hereby Give and Dispose of the same in the following Manner
and form.
First I
Order and is my Will that all my Just and Lawfull Depts and likewise my funeral
Charges be well and truly paid out of My Personal Estate.
Item I
order and it is my Will and I do Give to my loving Wife – Hannah the use of all
my Estate both real and Personal for the Support and Maintenance of my said
Wife and my Children Ten Years from the above Date.
Item and
after said ten years Exphired I Order all my Estate both real and Personal to
be sold and that at the Discression of my Executors hereafter Mentioned.
Item I
Order and it is my Will and I Do Give to
my loving Wife Hannah Aforesaid my Watch that I now have and also the one equal
third Part of all the Moneys that Shall be raised from the Sales of all my
Estate Which Share Above Ordered to be Sold.
Item I
Order and it is my Will and I do give all the rest and residue of the Moneys
arising from the Sales of my Estate which I have Ordered to be sold to be
devided among all my Children in Manner foloing that is to say to my Sons
Samuel Joshua and John twice as much as my three Daughters Charity Sarah and
Phebe or my said Daughters to have half as mutch as my said three Sons always
allowing my Son John to have ten Pounds Alowed him before the division be made
among my said Sons and Daughters and the residue of my Estate to be devided
among my Children as foloeth two thirds therof to be Equally devided among my
three Sons above named and one third thereof to be Equally devided among my
three Daughters Above named.
Lastly I
constitute & Appoint my two Brothers William Corneel of the Manor of
Philipsburgh in the County of West chester Province of New York and John
Corneell of the Township of Grenwhich in the County of Fairfield and Colony of
Connecticut Executors of this my Will Whome I Do Authorise and Impower to sell
and Dispose of all my Estate both real and Personal as above Ordered, And the
Moneys arising from the Sales thereof I Order them my Said Executors to devide
Proportion and Pay out to every Legatee as above Given and if either of my
Appointed Executors die before the whole of my Estate be Settled the Survivor
of them to Act as sole Executor of this my Will and I Do hereby utterly revoak
and Disannul all and every Wills and Testaments made by me before this Date
ratifying Confirming this and No Other to be my last Will and Testament
Joshua Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and declared by the said
Joshua Cornell to be his last Will and Testament in the Presents of these
underwritten Witnesses
Benjamin Smith John
Clapp Junr James Anderson
Probated on 10 Jan. 1776, and proved by Benjamin Smith of
said County Farmer and James Anderson of the County Labourer, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to William Cornell and John
Cornell, the Executors, on 14 May 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 30, p. 184-187, copied from
original Liber 30, p. 168-170.
Will of Joshua Cornell of Westport, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
This Six Day of June Ano Dom one thousand Seven
hundred and Eighty eight I Joshua Cornell of Westport in the County of Bristol
and Commonwelth of the Massachusetts Being advanced in years But of a Sound
Disposeing mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to
Dye Do make and ordain this and no other to Be My last will and testament
Princably and first of all I Commit my sole to GOD that gave it and as touching
my Worldly Estate with which it has Pleased him to Bless me with in this life I
give Demise and Dispose of in the following manner and forme Imprimis – Viz –
my mind and will is that my Belovd Wife Lusanah Cornell Shall
have the westerly Ende of my Dwelling house or the new Part from the top to the
Bottom During her life or widdowhood together with the one half of all my
houshold goods and indore moveables also the one half of my Loom and tackling
to her and her heirs forever [?] the goods and Loom that is given Clear –
I also give unto my Said wife Eighty Pounds of good Pork and
Eighty Pounds of good Beef to Be Paid unto her By my fore Sons namely
Christopher Gedian Stephe and Daniel yearly and every year as long as She Lives
or Remains Single to Be Paid Equell Between them fore also twelve Bushells if
indin Corn and Eight Bushels of good Barly – farther my mind and will is that
my Said Wife Shall let my Dafter Ruth live in the hous with her and to let her
have one half of all the Provsion that I have given her as long as she Shall
Remain Single I also give unto my Said wife and Daughter twenty Pounds of good
wooll and twenty Pounds of good flax from the [?] and Six Cords of wood to Be
Deliverd att the Door [?] Sutable length for the fier to Be Paid Equil By My
fore Sons as aforesaid I also give the use and Profit of my Little ortchard
standing to the Estard of my Dwelling to them two as aforesaid –
itm and I give unto my Said wife my Riding mere and womans
Saddle and Bridle to her one Disposel I also give unto my wife and Daughter the
Choice of my Cows at my Death = my mind is that my Son Daniel Shall Keep a hors
and Cow winter and Sumer well for them two as long as they Remain Single I also
give the use and Profit of my large Bible to my wife as long as She Remains
Single togather with one half of the garden and Previleg in the Seller under
the west Part of ofmy hous: a Previleg to the oven in the other Part to Bake
when She wants also a Previleg to go to and from Bouth my wells Winter and
Sumer and a Previledg to go throw the other Part of my Dwelling house into the
garret I also order my four Sons Namily Christopher Gedian Stephe and Daniel to
Pay there Mother Lusannah Cornell Eight Silver Dollars yearly and every year as
Long as She Remains my widow to be Paid att Equil Charges [smeared] By them
fore the above is to Be under stood is given in lew of my wives Rite of Dower
or Power of thirds
itm – I give and Bequeth unto my Daughter Ruth Cornell the
one half of my houshold goods and indooer mooveables and the one half of my
Loom and tackling also the one half of my Silver Spoons and the other half to
my Said wife Lusannah Cornell = I also order my fore Sons Namely Christoper
gedion Stepen and Daniel to Pay unto My Said Daughter Ruth Eight Sd Dollars
yearly and every year as long as She Remains Single to Be Paid at Equil Charges
Between them fore I also order my fore Sons to fine ther Sister Ruthe the one
half of the Provetion the flex the wooll and the wood if She Should out Live
her Mother as Long as She Remains Single = I also give unto my Said Daughter my
grate Bible after the deth of her mother = I also order my fore sons namely
Christeper gedion Stephen and Daniel to Pay to there Sister Ruth Cornell Sixty
Silver Dollars a Peace which will Be for them all to Pay two hundred and forty
Dollar to Be Paid in one yeare after my Deceas
itm I give and Bequeth unto my Son Christpher Cornell all My
Land that I had of Christpher giffard and lying on the westward of the hiway
led to the Point with all the timber and other Stuff Belonging to me that is on
the land this land is Described as follows adjoining northerly on Josept Hise
westerly on the Rever Southwardly on William macomber Esterly on the Said hiway
and is the land where he now lives on also one Peace of Salt medow Lying on the
Ram island flat Jones Northerly on the Rever Southerly Partly on William
Giffard and Partly on Eddys Salt medow = to him and his heirs and assigns
forever —
itm I give and Bequeth unto my Son Gedion Cornell all the
Land and Salt meddows that I Bought of Isaac Wood together with a Peace or
Persell of Paster land now Belonging to my homsted farm and lying to the
northward adjoining northward on Wesson Soul and Beginning at his Southwest
Corner from thence Southesterly as the Wall and fence now Stand to a Brook and
a watering Place from thence North Esterly until it Comm to gedions Land as the
wall and fence now Stands [smeared] Prevledg that I have to Pass throw Stephen
Cornells Land and Israels wood land to my tenn acer lot I give unto my Sone
gedian all the above Land and Salt meddow to him and his heirs and assigns
forever ~ Excepting what wood and timber is on that Paster which I gave him of
from my homsted farm which I give unto my Son Daniel Cornell and to have twenty
five years after my Deces to Cut and tak this timber in
itm I give unto my Son Stephen Cornell my two thirds of the
farm and Bildings that I owne of that farm where he Lives or was Bought of
Jonathen Sowl also the two Island that I Bought of Edward Wing that goes by the
name of the Ricksons islands also one Peace or Persol of Salt Meddow lying on
the Bush flat westerly on the River or Chanel Southerly on Joseph Tucker
Esterly and Northerly on Abraham Cornell to him and his heirs and assignes
forever –
itm I give and Bequeth unto my Son Daniel Cornell my homsted
farm and the Bulding there on together with Pine Island and all the Salt medder
that I havenot already given awy I also give him all the Rest and Resedue of my
Estate Both Real and Personal of what kind Soever Excepting what I have already
given away to him and to his heirs and assigns forever all Exceping my gates I
also defer him my son to let my wife and difter have a Part of the Provetion of
it should leve any on hand
itm I give and Bequeth unto my grandson Jousha Cornell Son of
gidian Cornell my George foxes Jurnal
itm I Do hereby ordain Constitute and appoint my Son Stephen
Cornell Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament I also give unto him
my Executor all my wearing apparel together with all my Notes to anabel him to
Pay all my funeral Charges and Just Debts of what Kinde Soever
I also Desire him in Love to See the Same Duly and truly
according to the true intent and meaning thereof and I Do hereby make null and
void all other wills or Testaments by me Before this time made Rattifying this
and no other to Be my Last Will and testament in witness whereof I the Said
Joshua Cornell have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and Year above Ritten
Signed Seald Published Pronounced and Deliverd
by the Said Joushua Cornell to Be his Last
Will and Testament in the
Presents of us the Subscriber
George Brightman
Thomas Hicks Joshua Cornell (seal)
Richard Keirby
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1788 by Stephen Cornell, the
Executor, and proved by Thomas Hicks and Richard Kerby, two of the witnesses.
Richard Kerby and Thomas Hix, all of Westport, yeomen, were sureties on the
bond of Stephen Cornell as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Joshua
Cornell, late of Westport.
Mr. Wesson Soule, Richard Kirby and William
Macomber Joyner, all Sufficiant freeholders of Westport, were appointed to
appraiser the Estate of Joshua Cornell, late of Westport, on 27 Oct. 1788. The
Inventory of the Personal Estate of Joshua Cornell, late of Westport, was
appraised on 12 Nov. 1788 by William Macomber, Wesson Soule and Richard Keirby.
The Executor gave his oath to the inventory on 5 May 1789.
Westport October the 27 Day A.D 1788
Received in full of Stephen Cornell Executor to my honored
fathers Joshua Cornell Last will and testament all was given me in Said Will I
Say Received Per me
Richard Keirby Gideon Cornell
Wesson Sowle
Westport october the 26 Day A.D 1788
Received in full of Stephen Cornell Executor to my honored
fathers Joshua Cornell Last Will and testament all that was given me in Said
will I Say Receved Per me
Richard Keirby Daniel Cornell
Wesson Sowle
Westport october the 27 Day A.D 1788
Received of my Son Stephen Cornell Executor to my husband’s
Josua Cornells Last Will and testament all that was given me in Said Will
Excepting what I am to Receive yearly
I Say Received Per me Lusannar Cornell
Wesson Soule
Richard Keirby
Westport october the 27 Day A.D 1788
Received in full of Stephen Cornell Executor to my honner’d
fathers Last will and testament all that was given me in Said will Excepting
what I am to Receive yearly I Say Receivd Per me
Wesson Sowles Ruth Cornell
Richard Kierby
Westport october the 27 Day 1788
Received in full of Stepen Cornell Executor to my honered
father Joshua Cornell Last Will and testament all that was given me in Said
will I Say Received Per me
William Macomber Christopher Cornell
Daniel Cornell
* Transcribed with
great difficulty by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Joshua
Cornell, Westport, 1788,” from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Mary
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1772) *
I Mary
Cornell of Flushing in Queens County and Province of New York being very sick
and weak in Body but of sound mind and Memory, and knowing the uncertainty of
Life and certainty of Death do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament
in Manner and Form following, I recommend my soul unto God who gave it, and my
Body to be buried at the Discretion of my Executors whom I shall hereafter
appoint, and after all my just Debts and Funeral Charges are paid I give and
dispose of my Estate in the following manner. Imprimis I do order and it is my
Will that all the Estate both real and personal which did belong unto my
Husband John Cornell Deceased, and whereon I have administred be disposed of
and sold by my Executors as they shall judge most proper, and the Debts to be
all paid as soon as it can be conveniently done, and as to what was left me by
my Husband aforesaid I give and dispose of the same as follows. I give and
bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Mary Cornell my Mahogony Tea Table and Tea
board and all my wearing apparel and likewise the one equal half of what sum or
sums of Money which was given to me by my aforesaid husband John Cornell, and I
do give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Ann Cornell my feather bed with
all the Furniture belonging to it and likewise the other equal half of what
Money was left to me as aforesaid, the Money to be paid to the aforesaid Mary
Cornell and Ann Cornell by my Executors when they shall arrive to the Age of
Eighteen years, but if Mary Cornell or Ann Cornell should die before they come
to the Age of Eighteen as aforesaid, then the surviving one of the aforesaid
Daughters to have the whole of what was given to both, and Lastly I nominate
and appoint my beloved son Thomas Cornell, and John Field Junr. and
Somerset Lawrence, all of Flushing aforesaid to be my Executors of this my last
Will and Testament.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this sixteenth Day of May
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy two.
Mary Cornell (seal)
Signed
and sealed in presence of Ezekiel Row, Caleb Valentine, Nathaniel Tom Junr
Probated on 13 June 1772, and proved by Ezekiel Roe and
Nathaniel Tom Junr., of said County Yeomen, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration granted to John Feild Junr. and Somerset
Lawrence, two of the Executors, on 29 Oct. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 28, p. 426-428, copied from
original Liber 28, p. 324-325.
Will of Phebe
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1786) *
Know all men by these presents that I Phebe Cornell Widow of
Richard Cornell late of the Township of Flushing in Queens County & State
of New York, residing at present in New York, being in a weak State of Body,
but of sound mind memory & Understanding, considering the uncertainty of
this Life, & the certainty of Death Do therefore make my Will &
Testament in manner following Viz. First I order all my just Debts &
funeral charges to be paid – Secondly I give & Devise unto my Grand
Daughter Mary Pell the sum of Twenty Pounds, to be put out at Interest for her
use by my Executors, & paid to her when she arrives of lawfull age. Thirdly
I give unto my Daughter Anne Cornell my Clock & easy Chair. Fourthly I give
all the rest of my moveable Estate except my Cash Notes & Bonds, to my two
Daughters Phebe Pearsall & Ann Cornell & their Heirs, to be divided
equally between share & share alike– Fifthly I give unto my Son Charles
Cornell and his Heirs, the Sum of Two hundred pounds, to be paid him out of my
Lands, as soon as they can be conveniently sold; out of the above sum is to be
deducted whatever sum he may be indebted to me. Sixthly I give & devise all
the residue of my Estate both real and Personal, in manner & form following
Viz. one equal third part to my Daughter Phebe Pearsall & her Heirs, one
equal third part I give & devise unto the three Sons of my Daughter Anne
Cornell viz Joseph Thomas & Samuel & the Survivors & Survivor of
them, to be equally divided between them & I hereby order my Executors or
the Survivor to put their Shares out at Interest or purchase some real Estate,
for their use & benefit, & to sell the same if they think it necessary,
& either to divide or sell the same when the youngest Son arrives of Age
& pay them respectively their Shares
Seventhly I give & Devise the remaining third part of my Estate to
my Grand Daughter Mary Pell & I hereby order my Executors or Executor to
put her Share out at Interest or purchase some real Estate for her use &
benefit which ever they may think best, with liberty to sell the same &
invest it in other real property as they think most for her Interest– one half
of which I order my Executors to pay her as soon as they can after She arrives
of lawfull Age or marries, the other half to be paid her in seven years
afterwards, or sooner if my Executors think proper – But if my Grand Daughter
should Die under age & leave no lawfull Issue, I then give one equal half
of what I have bequeathed unto her, to my Daughter Phebe Pearsall & her
Heirs, the other equal of what I have bequeathed unto her, I give unto my three
Grand Sons, Joseph Thomas & Samuel Cornell subject to the same conditions
of letting the money out at Interest or investing into real Estate, &
selling it again, & investing it in other real property, & their Shares
to be paid to them equally when the youngest arrives of Age– And I hereby
nominate my son in Law Thomas Pearsall, my Son Charles Cornell, & my
Daughter Phebe Pearsall to be Executors of this my last Will, & I hereby
order them or any two of them to sell my lands & Meadows as soon as
convenient after my Decease that a division of my Estate may be made & if
there should be but one Executor living before my Estate should be sold, that
one shall have full power to sell the same, if done with the consent of my
Daughter Anne Cornell given under her hand in Writing and I hereby revoke all
former Wills by me made & declare this to be my last Will & Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this second Day of
May one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. Phebe Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published & Declared by the said Phebe
Cornell as & for her last will & Testament in the Presence of us who
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto– Robert Townsend Henry Mitchell
Rudolphus Bogert
Probated on 18 June 1787, and proved by Rudolphus Bogert of
the said County writing Clerk, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Thomas Pearsall, one of the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 40, p. 11-14, copied from original
Liber 40, p. 12-15.
Will of Richard
Cornell of Rockaway, Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Cornell of Rockway in the
bounds of Hempstead in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Collony of New
York Yeoman being Very Sick and Weak in body but of Sound Mind and Memory
thanks be given to Almighty God for the same therefore Calling to mind the
Mortality of My Body and Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to dye
Do Make and Ordain this to be My Last Will and Testament principaly and first
of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it
hoping thro the Death and merrits of my dear Redeemer to have forgiveness of
all My Sins past And to Inherit Everlasting Life after death My Body I Commit
to the Earth from whence it came to be Buried in a Christian Like and decent
manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named Nothing Doubting but
at the General Resurrection I shall receive the Same Again by the Mighty power
of God and touching Such Worldly Estate that it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life I give Devise and Dispose of the Same in manner and form following
Imprimis it is my Will and desire the my funeral Charges and Just Debts be well
and faithfully be paid and Discharged for the doing of Which I do order my
Executors hereafter named to Sell and Dispose of So Much of my personal Estate
as will Satisfie the same Item I give
and bequeath to My Welbeloved Wife Hannah Cornel the one Equal third part of My
personal Estate and also the whole farm whereon I now live during her Widowhood
And no longer for the bringing up of our Children and Not otherwise I do give
to my said Beloved Wife the Sum of fifty pounds Current Money of New York to be
paid her within one Year after her Second Marriage in Lieu of her dower which
by Law shee is Intitutled thereunto and Not otherwise to be and remain to My
said and to her heirs and Assignes forever
Item I give and bequeath to My Son Richard Cornel all the farm and
Plantation whereon I now Live as also all my Meadow ground Lyon rock Neck in
the Township of Hempstead aforesaid to be and remain to my aforesaid Son and to
his heirs Male forever Item I do give
and bequeath to My aforesaid Son Richard Cornell Twenty pounds Current Money of
New York to be paid by My Executors hereafter Named out of My personal Estate
when he shall arrive at the Age of Twenty one Years Item I give and bequeath to my younger Son
Cornelius Cornell the other two thirds of my personal Estate Excepting the
Twenty pounds which I have already given to my Son Richard to be and remain to
My Aforesaid Son Cornelius and to his heirs and Assigns forever Item it is my Will and Desire that the two
thirds of my Personal Estate Which I have given to My Son Cornelius be within
Six Months after my decease be Sold by my Executors And the Moneys Arising
therefrom be put and Keept at use till he shall arive at the Age of Twenty one
Years Item it is also My Will and desire
that the farm or plantation wherein I now Live that is to Say after My wifes
Second Marriage be Let out to the best Advantage by my Executors as aforesaid
for the bringing up of my two Children and the overplus if any be to be and
Remain to My Son Richard Cornel And Lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute And
Appoint My Welbeloved Wife Hannah Cornell and my Honoured father William
Cornell and My honoured father in Law John Van Wyck My Whole and Sole Executors
of this My Last Will and Testament or the Major part of them and I do hereby
utterly disalow and Disanul all and Every other former Wills and Testaments by
me at any time heretofore made or Executed Allowing this and no other to be my
Last Will And Testament In Witness
Whereof I have put to my hand and Seal this Ninth day of April in the Ninth
Year of the Reign Of our Sovereign Lord George by the grace over great Britain
france and Ireland King Defender of the faith &c And in the Year of our
Lord God One Thousand seven hundred and Twenty three
Richard Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said
Richard Cornell to be his Last Will and Testament in presents of us the
Subscribers
Ebenezer Warner
John Cornell
T. Whitehead
Probated on 25 Mar. 1724, and Letters of Administration
granted to Hannah Cornell, William Cornell, and John Van Wyck, the Executrix
and Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1761) *
This Eighteenth Day
of February AD: One Thousand Seven Hundred & Sixty one. I Richard
Cornell of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay In New England Yeoman, being at this Present time Very weak
in Body, but of a Sound Disposing Mind and Memory, Thought best to Make this My
Last will and Testament, and as to my Worldly Estate Whare with God hath been
Pleassd to Bless Me in this Life I Give Devise and Despose of the
Same in the Following Manner & Form –(viz.) –
Imprimis My Will is that all My Just Debts Funiral Charges
and Just Expences of all Sorts with Respect to Setling my Estate Should be all
paid in Seasonable Time Next after My Decease by My Executor Here after Named
out of My Live Stock
Item I Give to My Loving Wife Content Cornel ye:
use and Improvement of all My Estate to be Improved by her During the Time She
Remains My widow; Excepting what thereof I Shall Perticularly In this My Will
Otherwise Despose of, all which I give to my said wife in lue of her Right of
Dowry in my Estate
Item I Give to My Son Ezekell Cornell & to his Heirs
& Assigns for Ever, all the West End of My Homesteed Farm to a Cross Stone
wall about fourteen rods to the Eastward of My Said Son Ezekell Cornels Now
Dwelling House I also Give to My Son Ezekell Cornell the Priviledge of a way
through My Land Down to the Highway whare it will be Most Conveniet and Least
Damage Sufficient for Cart and Oxen to Pass to Him his Heirs & Assigns for
Ever. Furthermore My Will is that My Son Ezekell Cornell Come Into the Possession
of what I Have Above Bequeathed to him Emediately after my Decease – Excepting
what Priviledge I Shall give to My Said Wife out of Said Bequest above Said –
Furthermore I Give to My Said Wife Content the Priviledge of
Keeping One pair of Oxen or equivalent in other Cattle kind in the Swamp
Pasture (So Called) as also the Priviledge of Getting fire wood Sufficient for
one fire During the time of her Natural Life or widowhood: which above Said
Priviledge I Give to my Said wife out of what I Have In this My Will Given to
My Son Ezekell Cornell –
Item I Give & Bequeth to My Two Sons Namly Richard Cornel
& Gideon Cornel all the Rest of My Homesteed Farm to be Equally Divided
Between them & to their Heirs & Assigns for ever
Item I also give to My son Gideon Cornel all my Salt Medow to
him & His Heirs & assigns for Ever: –
Item I Give & Bequeath to My three Sons Namely Ezekel
Cornel Richard Cornel & Gideon Cornel all My Farming Utentials also all My
Carpenters tooles Excepting My Broad Ax which I give to My Son Gideon Cornell,
to be Equally Divided Among My Above Said three Sons –
Item Moreover I Also give & Bequeath unto My Two Sons
Richard Cornel & Gideon Cornell all My Live Stock togeather with all My Hay
and Corn & Meet that Shall Remain at the Decease of My Said Wife or Marrage
to be Equally divided Between them
Item I Give unto My Son Ezekell Cornel my Gun –
Item I Give to My Son Richard Cornel My Largest Bible –
Item I Give & Bequeath to My Son Philip Cornel and My
Daughter Patience Tripp all the Rest & Resedue of My Estate that Shall
Remain after the Decease of My Wife or her Marrage: In Manner Following; that
is to Say, One Third Part to My Said Son Philip Cornell & the other two
Third Parts to My Daughter Patience Tripp –
Item I Do Hereby appoint My Said Son Ezekell Cornell Sole
Executor of this My Last Will & Testament hereby Making Void all Other
Wills & Testaments by Me before this Time Made Confirming this and No other
to be My Last Will and Testament, In Witness whare of I the Said Richard
Cornell have hereunto Set My Hand & Seal the Day & Date afore Said –
Singnd, Seald, Published
Pronouncd, and Declard,
by the Said Richard Cornel
as his Last Will and Testament
In the Presence of us the Subscribers
Benjamin Tripp Richard Cornel (seal)
Nathanael Tripp
Benja. Akin
Proved on 7 July 1761 by Benjamin Trip and Nathanal Trip, two
of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Richard Cornell, Dartmouth, 1764,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Richard
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1774) *
KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I Richard Cornell of the
Township of Flushing in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Province of New
York Yeoman being at present in tolerable good health and of sound and
disposing Mind Memory and understanding do make my Last Will and Testament in
manner and form following First my Will
is that my Debts and Funeral charges be paid in some convenient time after my
Decease out of my personal Estate Secondly I give and devise unto my Son
Charles and unto his heirs and Assigns for ever the house where he now lives
and ten Acres of Land in a square piece about the same and one equal undivided
half part of all the rest of my Lands Meadows and Real Estate whatsoever and
wheresoever except the House where I now live and ten Acres of Land about the
same herein After given to my Wife and Daughters I also give to my said son Charles my Negro
boy named Cesar, one Waggon one Plow one Harrow one Wood Sled my black horse
and my bald Mare and one half part of the Boat at South and one third part of
the Grain that may be growing on the ground at the time of my Death I also give to my Said Son Charles my Shoe
buckles and all my Wearing Apparel except one double Gown and one pair of Gold
Sleeve Buttons which I give unto my said Wife and my Will is that my said Son
Charles shall have the use of one half part of the Barn where I now live for
two years After my Decease Thirdly I give and devise unto my said Wife and to
my three Daughters to Wit Phebe Anne and Mary and to their heirs and Assigns
for ever the House Out Houses and Barn where I now live and ten Acres of Land
in a square Piece about the same and the other equal undivided half part of All
the rest of my Lands Meadows and Real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever equally
to be divided between them as Tenants in common but subject to the Priviledge
above given to my said Son in the said Barn and my Will also is that if my said
Wife should die before me then the part of my said House out houses and Barn
where I now live and of the said ten Acres of Land about the same above devised
to her shall go to my said Daughters and to their heirs and Assigns for ever as
Tenants in Common equally to be divided between them and the part of the
Residue of my said Lands Meadows and Real Estate above devised to her shall go
to my said Son and Daughters and to their heirs and Assigns for ever as Tenants
in common Equally to be divided between them And if my Said Wife survives me
and should remarry then my Will and desire is that She shall before such Remarriage
dispose of and convey the part of my said House Out Houses Barn Lands Meadows
and Real Estate above devised to her to or among such of my said Children or
their Issue and in such manner as she shall think proper but in case She makes
no Disposition thereof as aforesaid then the same or such part thereof as shall
not be disposed of as aforesaid shall upon her Remarriage to the same Persons
and in the same manner as the same would have gone by this my Will if She had
died before me Fourthly I give and bequeath unto my said Wife and Daughters All
the rest of my personal Estate equally to be divided between them Share and
Share alike And my Will is that if my said Son Charles should die before me and
leave a child or children then the part of my said Estate herein before devised
to my said Son Charles shall go to such Child or Children and to his her and
their heirs and Assigns for ever equally to be divided between them if more
than one and if but one that one to take the whole And if any or either of my said
Daughters should die before me and leave a child or children then the part of
my Estate herein before devised to such Daughter or Daughters so dying shall go
to the respective Child and Children of such respective Daughter or Daughters
so dying and to his her and their heirs and assigns for ever equally to be
divided between them if more than one and if but one that one to take the whole
of his or her Mothers part and if any or either of my said Children should die
before me and leave no Issue then the part of my Estate herein before given to
such of my said Children so dying except the Part of my said House Out Houses
and ten Acres of Land about the same above given to my said Wife and Daughters
shall go to the Survivors of my said Children as may die before me leaving
Issue always to stand in the place of and take such share as his her or their
parents would have been entitled to if living equally to be divided between
them if more than one and if but one that one to take the whole of his or her
Parents share and if any or either of my Said Daughters should die before me
and leave no Issue then the part of such of my said Daughters so dying in the
said House Out Houses Barn and ten Acres of Land about the same above given to
my said Wife and Daughters shall go to the Survivors of my said Daughters and
to their heirs and assigns for ever as Tenants in common equally to be divided
between them The Child and Children of such of my said Daughters as may die
before me leaving Issue always to stand in the place of and take such Share as
his her or their Mother would have been entitled to if living equally to be
divided between them if more than one and if but one that one to take the whole
of his or her Mothers Share And in Case any or either of my said Children
should die before me leaving Issue then and in such Case I hereby Authorize and
impower my Executors and the Survivors of them to sell the part and parts of my
said Estate herein before given to such of my said Children so dying and to put
and place the money arising by such Sale out at Interest on good Security for
the benefit of the respective Issue or such of my said Children so dying and in
order that there May be a Division of my said Real Estate according to this my
Will I do hereby Authorize and empower my said Executors and the Survivors of
them to make a Division thereof and to Sell the Same or any part Share or
proportion thereof for that purpose if they think proper and I hereby declare
that what I have herein before given to my said Wife is in bar of her Right of
Dower and that the money and effects which my said Daughter Phebe has already
received of me shall be deducted out of her part of my said Estate and that
whatever Monies or effects I shall here after give to either of My said
Daughters shall be deducted out of their respective parts of my Estate And I
hereby Appoint my said Wife and my said Son Charles and my said three Daughters
and my son in Law Thomas Pearsall Executors of this my last Will and Testament
and I hereby Revoke All former and other Wills by me made and Declare this and
none other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the thirtyeth day of March in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and seventy four.
Richard Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Richard
Cornell As & for his last Will & Testament in the Presence of Us who
Subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto at his request in his presence and in
the presence of each other
William Thorne
Martha Thorne
Benjamin Doughty Junr.
Probated on 25 Apr. 1775, and proved by William Thorne and
Benjamin Doughty Junr., both of said County Yeomen. Letter of
Administration granted to Phebe Cornell, Mary Cornell, and Thomas Pearsall,
three of the Executors, on 17 May 1775.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 29, p. 504-508, copied from
original Liber 29, p. 459-463.
Will of Richard
Cornell of Rockaway, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1777)
*
I Richard Cornell of Rockaway in the Township of Hempstead in
Queens County and Province of New York being but Weak in Body but of perfect
Understanding and Memory blessed by Almighty God for it, but knowing it is
appointed for all men to Die think it Convenient to Settle and dispose of the
Estate it hath pleased almighty God to bless me with and in order thereunto I
do make Constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament in Manner and
form following, that is to say first of all My Just Debts and funeral Charges
to be paid and in order thereunto I do give My Exers
hereafter named full power Lawfull and Absulute Authority to sell and dispose
of any part of my Estate for as much as will pay all my Debts if they shall
think Convenient Item I give and
bequeath all my Estate Real and personal after my Debts is paid to my Well
beloved Wife Deboron Cornell and my two Sons and three Daughters, Richard
Cornell Benjamin Cornell Margaret Smith the wife of Peter Smith Hannah Cornell
and Mary Cornell, they being obliged to give my Daughter Phebe Cornell a good
Maintenance during her life share and share alike equally amongst them to them
and their Heirs and Assigns forever I do
Appoint my well beloved son Benjamin Cornell and my well beloved Son in Law
Peter Smith and my well beloved Cousin Cornelius Van Wyck My Executors to this
My Last Will and Testament revoking and disanuling all wills heretofore by me
made In Witness hereof I do set my hand
and Seal this Fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and Seventy seven. ~/:~
Richd Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published and Declared to be his last Will and
Testament in presents of ~/:~
Stephen
Mott
Wm
Van Wyck
Theods
Van Wyck
Probated on 1 Oct. 1778, and proved by William Van Wyck and
Theodorus Van Wyck, both of the said County Yeoman. Letters of Administration
granted to Benjamin Cornell and Peter Smith, two of the Executors, on 15 May
1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 32, p. 354-356, copied from
original Liber 32, p. 257-258.
Will of Ruth Cornell of Swansea, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the Name of God Amen the twenty six day of september one
thousand Eight hundred and five I Ruth Cornell of Swansey in the County of
Bristol in the Common Wealth of Massachusetts Bay in New Ingland Yeoman Being
Sick and weak in Body but in perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to God for
the Same therefore Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and
testament that is to Say Principally and first of all I Give and Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that Gave it and my body I Recommend to the Earth to
be buried in Decent christian Burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same
again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith
it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give and Dispose of it in the
following manner and form
imprimis I give an bequeath unto my loveing brother Elisha
Cornell twenty dollars to be paid him by my Executrix at the expiration of one
year after my Decease
Item Give and bequeath to my loveing Nephews Ezra Cornell and
Elijah Cornell Each five dollers to be paid them by my Executrix at the
expiration of one year after my Decease
Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Nece Martha Cornel
daughter of my beloved Brother Stephen Cornell all the Remainder of my estate
wheresoever it may be found to her and her heirs and assigns forever
And I Likewise Constitute my beloved Nece Martha Cornell to
be my Sole Executrix of this my Last will and testament and that all my Debts
And funeral Charges be paid by my Executrix and I do hereby utterly Disallow
Revoke and disannul all and every other testament will Legacys and bequeathes
Executrix by me in way before and willed and bequeathed ratified and Confirmed
this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness where of I here
unto Set my hand and Seal the day and year above written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared By the said
Ruth Cornell as her Last will and Testament in presence of us the Subscribers
Childs Luther Ruth Cornell (seal)
Stephen Cornell
Marcy Kelton
Novr
5th. 1805 approved
The last Will and Testament of Ruth Cornell late of Swansey,
Singlewoman, was presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1805 by Martha Cornell the
Executrix, and proved by Childs Luther and Stephen Cornell, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Martha Cornell,
Singlewoman, the before named Executrix, with Childs Luther, Yeoman, and
Stephen Cornell, Yeoman, all of Swansey, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Ruth Cornell, Swansey, 1805,” from
FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Samuel
Cornell of Flushing,
In the name of God Amen the twelfth day of July in the year
of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred and thirty eight I Samuel Cornell
of Flushing in Queens County on the Island of Nassau in the Colony of New York
Yeoman being Sick and very weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory thanks
be given unto God therefore calling unto mind the Mortality of my Body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make and ordain this my
last Will and Testament that is to say Principally & first of all I give
and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and for my Body I
Recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at
the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the
General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God
and as touching such Worldly Estate where with it hath pleased God to Bless me
within this Life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form Item my Will is that first of
all my Just and due debts with funeral Charges shall be Justly paid out of my
Personal Estate, Item I give and
bequeath to my welbeloved Daughter Meriam Cornell the Sum of one hundred pounds
to be paid out of my Personal Estate by my Executors when she shall arive to
the age of Eighteen years or at her Marriage Provided she doth marry before she
shall be to that age, Item I give and
bequeath to my welbeloved Daughter Sarah Cornell the sum of one hundred Pounds
to be paid out of my Personal Estate by my Executors when she shall arive to
the age of Eighteen years or at her Marriage, Provided she doth marry before
she shall arive to that age, Item I give
and bequeath to my welbeloved Daughter Debora Cornell the sum of one hundred
Pounds to be paid out of my Personal Estate by my Executors when she shall
arive to the age of Eighteen years or at her Marriage provided she doth marry
before she shall arive to that age, Item my Will is that provided that it
should please God that either of my aforesaid Daughters should Die before they
shall arive to the age of Eighteen years or marry that then their part or
Legacy shall be equally divided to she or they that shall remain alive Item my Will is that provided it should please
God that my Wife Anno Cornell should be with Child before my Death and it
should be a Daughter then I give and bequeath to the said Child the sum of one
hundred Pound to be paid out of my Personal Estate by my Executors when she
shall arive to the age of Eighteen years,
Item I give and bequeath to Anno Cornell my Dearly beloved Wife all my
houshold Goods and Chattels that is all my Personal Estate that I have not
herebefore given & bequeathed together with the said one hundred pounds
that is provided she should not be with Child with a Daughter in lieu of her
Dowry or third of my Personal Estate
Item my Will is that my Negro man named Jack shall be to my said Wife so
long as she doth continue my Widow but provided she should Marry then the said
Negro be to live with either of my Children whom he shall choose, Item my Will is and I do hereby Order that my
dearly beloved Wife Anno shall have the whole use and benefit of all my Lands
Meadows Land Housings Barns Orchards Tenements and appurtenances in any manner
belonging unto me so long till my Son Joseph Cornell doth arive to the age of
twenty one years together with the equal three quarter parts of the said Lands
Meadows Housings Barns Orchards Tenements and Appurtenances after my said Son
Joseph doth arive to the age of twenty one years till my Son George Cornell
doth arive to the said age of twenty one years,
Item my Will is and I do hereby order and impower my Executors hereafter
named with as good Power & Authority as I myself in my Life time could have
had to Sell convey and dispose of all my Lands Meadows Housings Barns Orchards
Tenements and Appurtenances in any manner of ways belonging unto me provided my
said Executors do think fit in their Discretion when my said Son George Cornell
doth arive to the Age of twenty one years,
Item my Will is and I do hereby order that provided my said Executors do
not sell my said Lands & Tenements when my said Son George doth arive at
the age of twenty one years that then my Son Joseph shall have the use and
benefit of one equal quarter part of all my Lands Meadows Housings Barns
Orchards Tenements and appurtenances till the said premises be sold and also my
Son George Cornell shall have the use and benefit of one equal Quarter part of
all my said Lands Meadows Tenements and appurtenances also till the said
premises be sold, Item my Will is and I
do order that my said Wife Anno Cornell shall have the use and benefit of the
one equal half of all my Lands Meadows Housings Tenements and appurtenances so
long till my Son Samuel Cornell doth arive to the age of twenty one years and
then my said Son Samuel shall have the use & benefit of the equal quarter
part of all my said Lands Meadows Tenements and appurtenances till my said Son
Charles Cornell doth arive to the age of twenty one years and my said Wife Anno
the other equal quarter part for the Support & bringing up of my Children
in Lieu of her Dowry or thirds of my said Lands and Tenements, Item my Will is that the Timber on my
aforesaid Lands shall not be embezled nor made use of in any ways otherwise
than for the necessary uses on said Farm,
Item my Will is and I do hereby order that provided my said Executors do
sell and dispose of my aforesaid Lands and Tenements before my said Son Charles
doth arive to the age of twenty one years that then the Sum or Sums of money
sold for shall be disposed of as followeth that is one equal quarter part to be
paid to my said Son Joseph Cornell and one equal quarter part to be paid to my
aforesaid Son George Cornell as it shall become due and one equal quarter part
to be paid to my aforesaid Son Samuel Cornell when he shall arive to the age of
twenty one years and the other equal quarter part to be paid to my afore said
Son Charles Cornell when he shall arive to the age of twenty one years, Item my Will is and I do further impower my
said Executors that provided my said Executors do think it will be to the
greater advantage and benefit of my afore said two Sons Samuel and Charles to
purchase and buy any Lands elsewhere which the said Money that is above ordered
by me to be paid unto them that then my said Sons shall except of said Lands so
purchased and bought to them their heirs and assigns for ever in lieu and stead
of said money, Item my Will is and I do
hereby order that provided my dearly beloved Wife Anno Cornell should be with
Child with a Son or Sons before my Death that then the Son or Sons he or they
shall have & be paid by my Executors he or their equal part &
proportion with my other aforesaid four Sons Joseph, George, Samuel and
Charles, Item my Will is and I do hereby
order that provided my said Executors do purchase and buy Land or Lands for my
said Sons Samuel and Charles that then my said Wife shall the use & benefit
thereof till he or they shall arive to Lawfull age but provided they the said
Executors do not purchase and buy Land or Lands that then my aforesaid Wife
Anno shall have the Interest of the said money that is to be paid to them for
their maintainance till he or they shall arive to Lawfull age, Item my Will is and I do hereby Order that
provided it shall please God that either of my Sons shall Die before he or they
do arive to Lawfull age leaving no Lawfull Issue that then he or their part as
above given to him or them shall be equally divided among they that do remain
alive but provided he or they do leave Lawfull Issue that then he or their
Issue shall possess have and enjoy that part or the sum that he or they should
have had and enjoyed, Item my Will is
and I do hereby Order that provided my aforesaid dearly beloved Wife shall be
and remain my Widow at the time that my aforesaid Son Charles Cornell doth
arive to the age of twenty one years that then my aforesaid Sons shall pay to
my aforesaid Wife Anno in each and every of their equal proportion the sum of
eighty pounds in the whole toward her future Support and maintainance, Item my Will is and I do hereby order that
provided my aforesaid Wife shall marry before my aforesaid Son Charles Cornell
doth arive to the age of twenty one years that then at her marriage she shall
not have the use nor benefit any longer of neither Real nor Personal Estate for
her Support nor for the Support nor maintainance of any of my aforesaid
Children but that the use of my Real and Personal Estate shall be made use of
and appropriated by my Executors toward the Support and bringing up of my said
Children it is to be understood to be that part of benefit and Interest that I
have ordered and given to my aforesaid Wife for that purpose, Lastly I constitute make and appoint my
Dearly beloved Wife Executrix with my loving Son Joseph Cornell & my Friend
Richard Everit of Jamaica Executors of this my last Will and Testament
Containing part of four Sheets of Paper by them or any two of them to be
performed and done in all things whatsoever by them according as I have herein
Willed Ordered and bequeathed and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and
disanull all and every other former Testaments Wills & Legacies and Execrs.
by me in any ways before this time named Willed and bequeathed ratifying and
Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Memorandum that there was interlined before the signing
Sealing Pronouncing and Declareing hereof in eighth line the word Pounds in the
fifty sixth line the word ways in the fifty eighth line the word of in the
Seventy first line the word provided in the one hundred and first line the Word
Wife in the hundred fourth line the Word Sons.
Samuel Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by the said
Samuel Cornell as his last Will & Testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers Vizt.
Samuel Thorne
Richd. Cornell Junr.
James Cornell
Letters of Administration granted to Anno Cornell, Joseph
Cornell and Richard Everit, the Executrix & Executors, on 29 July 1739.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel
Cornell of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1768) *
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Cornell of Flushing in
Queens County and Province of New York being weak in Body but of sound memory
(God be blessed) doe this Sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and sixty Eight make and ordain this my last Will and
Testament in manner following Vizt. Imprimis I will and order that
all my Just Debts and funerall Charges be paid and discharged by my Executors
hereafter named Item I give and bequeath unto my dear Wife Hannah Cornell the
sum of five hundred pounds Currt. Lawfull money of New York also my
Negroes Pompey and Beller and a little Boy called Charles also all my Household
Goods or furniture likewise Firewood and what provisions may be necessary for
her use my riding Chair, Horse and four Cows with Keeping for the same also the
use of my Kitchen and best room of my House Item I give and bequeath unto my
three grand daughters Mary Hannah and Abigail Sands the sum of one hundred
pounds a piece lawfull money aforsaid to be paid them by my Executors five
years next after my decease but in case either or any of them die before then
the Surviving Sister or sisters to have what was designed for the deceased also
I give to said grand Daughter Abigail my silver Tankard Item I give and
bequeath unto my two grand sons Comfort Cornell and Samuel Cornell their heirs
and assigns forever the farm I bought of Samuel Rodman whereon I now live
containing about two hundred Acres of Land with all the Buildings Hereditaments
and appurtenances thereunto belonging also my salt and fresh meadow the whole
Situate in Flushing aforesaid, I also give them one hundred pounds a piece to
be paid them five years next after my Decease Item I give and bequeath unto my
son Barak Cornell the sum of five hundred pounds Currt. money
aforesaid to be paid him at the Expiration of five years next after my Decease
Item I will and order that my Negroes called Jacob and Dip be disposed of but
that they may have the privilege of choosing their masters Item I will and
order that all my Stock Goods and Chattels not heretofore given be sold at
publick vendue and the moneys arising from the Sale thereof be put out at
Interest and that at the expiration of five years next after my Decease, after
all the aforesaid Legacies are paid then the remainder and residue of all my
personal Estate whatsoever I give unto my said Son Barak Cornell and in order
that this my last Will and Testament be punctually complyed with I doe here
nominate ordain and appoint my said dear wife Hannah Cornell to be my Executrix
and my Brothers in law John Carman & Joshua Carman Executors of this my
last Will and Testament revoking all others heretofore made in Witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal the Day and year above Written
Samuel Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published & declared by the Testator as his
last Will & Testament in the Presence of
T. Hicks
James Areson
Chas. Hicks
Probated on 18 May 1768, and proved by Thomas Hicks and James
Areson of said County Yeomen. Letters of Administration granted to Hannah
Cornell, the Executrix, on 15 June 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 26, p. 352-354, copied from
original Liber 26, p. 299-301.
Will of Sarah
Cornell of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1765) *
In the Name of God Amen I Sarah Cornell of Hempstead in
Queens County in the Province of New York being now well in health and of good
and perfect sound mind and Disposing memory and considering the incertainty of
this transitory Life do make this my last Will and Testament as followeth that
is to say First I do hereby given and bequeath unto my Son Thomas Cornell five
Pounds New York Money and to his Assigns then I do hereby impower my Executors
which are hereafter named or the survivors of them to retain in their hands as
much Money out of my Estate as will Purchase the several half Dozens of Silver
Table Spoons which are hereafter mentioned and given unto my Grand Daughters
which are hereafter named (Vizt) Item I do hereby give and
bequeath unto each of My Grand Daughters which are hereafter named a half a
Dozen Silver Table Spoons (Vizt) Mary Walters Elizabeth Walters and
Hannah Walters Children of my Daughter Sarah Walters and unto my Grand
Daughters Sarah Talman and Phebey Talman Children of my Daughter Phebey Talman
unto my Grand Daughters Sarah Thorne Mary Thorne and Children of my Daughter
Martha Thorne and unto my Grand Daughters Phebey Tredwell and Sarah Tredwell
Children of my Daughter Peggy Tredwell to them and to each of their respective
heirs and Assigns for Ever then all the residue and remaining part of all my
Estate after paying my just Debts and Legacys which are above mentioned I do
hereby give and bequeath unto my four Daughters Vizt Sarah Walters
Phebe Talman Martha Thorne and Peggy Tredwell and to each of their several and
respective Representatives to be equally Divided between my said four Daughters
Share and Share alike to them and to each of their respective Heirs and Assigns
forEver and in case either of my said Daughters Should happen to Dye before
they should be intitled to or receive their Share or Shares of the Legacys
which are above mentioned that then I do here give and bequeath any such Part
or parts where any such Death should happen unto all such of their Children
respectively to be equally Divided between them share and share alike to them
and to each of their Heirs and Assigns forEver and I Do hereby make and Ordain
my loveing and trusty friends Valentine Hewlet Peters Esqr Captain
Jacob Mott and my brother Samuel Doughty to be my true and lawfull Executors of
this my last will and Testament revoking all former and other wills or
Testaments by me heretofore made or Declared I Witness whereof the said Sarah
Cornell hath hereunto sett her hand and seal the fifteenth Day of May in the
Year of Our Lord Seventeen hundred and sixty five
Sarah Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said
Sarah Cornel to be her last Will and Testament in presence of us who were her
Witnesses Memdm that the word or Name (& Sarah Tredwell)
between the fourteen & fifteenth Line from the Top, as also that the word
Martha Thorne was razed before the Esealing or Delivery hereof
John Hicks
Silas Hicks
Jacob Hicks
Probated on 16 May 1769, and proved by Silas Hicks and Jacob
Hicks of said County Yeomen. Letters of Administration granted to Samuel
Doughty, one of the Executors, on 26 May 1769.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 27, p. 48-50, copied from original
Liber 27, p. 46-48.
Will of Stephen Cornell of Swansea, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1767) *
In the Name of God Amen this Twenty Seventh Day of October In
the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred & Sixty Seven – I Stephen
Cornell of Swanzey In the County of Bristol In the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay &c Yeoman being weak in Body but of a Sound Disposing
mind and Memory (thanks be given to Almighty God) Therefore calling to mind the
Mortallity of my Body and knowing that it is Appointed for men once to Die do
make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament In the following manor and form
~~~
Imprimss. My Will is that all my Just Debts and
funeral Charges be paid and Discharged by my Executor hereafter Named ~~
Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved Son Israel Cornel in
addition to what I have already given him the Sum of fifteen Pounds Lawfull
Money to be paid to him or to his Legall Representatives by my Executor
hereafter named within One Year after my Decease
Also I give my Said Son Israel the one half of my wearing
Apparrel ~
Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved Son Elisha Cornell In
Addition to what I have already given him the Sum of Nine Pounds Lawfull Money
to be paid to him or to his Legual Representatives by my Executor hereafter
named within Two Years after my Decease ~~
Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved Son Stephen Cornell In
Addition to what I have already given him the Sum of Twelve Pounds Lawfull
money to be paid to him or to his Leguall Representatives by my Executor
hereafter named In Two Years after my Decease also I give to my Said Son
Stephen the one half of my wearing Apparrel ~
Item I give and Devise unto my beloved Son Gideon Cornell and
to his Heirs and Assigns forever a Certain Tract or parcell of Land Lying in
Swanzey aforesaid bounded Northerly by Land of the Heirs of Smith Rowland
Westerly by Land of Samuel Lewis Southerly on Land of Joseph Baker and Easterly
on a high Way ~~~
Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mary Mason In
Addition to what I have already given her the one Equal fourth part of all my
Houshold goods also I give to my Said Daughter Mary the Sum of five Pounds
Lawfull Money to to be paid to her or to her Legual Representatives by my
Executor hereafter named within One Year after my Decease ~~~
Item I give and Bequeath to my beloved Daughter Ruth Cornel
Three Quater parts of all my houshold goods and also my Looms and all my Loom
tackling and all my other Implements for making of Cloth I further give to my
Said Daughter One good Cow I further give to my Said Daughter One Hundred
pounds weight of good Beef and One hundred pounds weight of good Pork Eight
bushels of good Indian Corn Two bushels of Rye Forty pounds weight of good
Cheese Eight pounds weight of Butter all my wool flax and Yarn that I Shall
have in my house at my Deceas all which Shall be paid and Delivered to her
Imediately after my Decease by my Executor hereafter Named
I also give to my Said Daughter Ruth the Use and Improvement
of the one half part of my now Dwelling House with the Use of my garden and the
One Third part of my Orchad with a priviledge to pass and repass to the High
Way the Garden and Orchad as She Shall have Occation and the keeping of Said
Cow both Summer and Winter on this my homsteed farm all wich Use and
Improvements with the keeping Sd. Cow Shall be performed by my
Executor and to Continue During the term my Said Daughter Shall remain
unmarried and no Longer, my Will is if my Said Daughter Ruth Shall See Cause in
one Month after my Decease to Deliver up to my Executor the the Use and
Improvment of the House Orchad Garden and the keeping of the Cow as aforesaid
then my Will is that my Executor Shall pay in Liew there of to my Said Daughter
Ruth the Sum of Twenty Pounds Lawfull money within One Year after my Decease
and also the further Sum of Twenty Pounds in like Money Two Years after my
Decease
Item I give and Bequeath to my granson Joseph Cornell my Gun
~~
Item I give and Bequeath to my grandaughter Penelope Cornell
five Dollars to be paid to her by my Executor herafter named ~~
Item I give and Bequeath Six Rods Squar of Land on the South
East Corner of my homesteed farm to all my Children and GrandChildren for the
Use of a Burring place for them and their Heirs for=ever –
Item I give and Devise to my beloved Son Elijah Cornell to
him his Heirs and Assigns forever all the Rest and Residue of my Estate both
Real and personal wherever it may be found not otherways Disposed of in this my
Last Will and Testament he paying and performing his Assigned Legacies
According to the True Intent and meaning of this my Last Will ~~~
Finally I do Constitue Ordain and appoint my Said Son Elijah
Cornell to be my whole and Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament
Ratifieng and Confirming this and no other to me my Last Will and Testament In
Witness Whereof I the said Stephen Cornell have hereunto Sett my hand and fixed
my Seal the Day and Year before written—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced }
and Declared by the Sd. Stephen Cornell } Stephen Cornell (seal)
to be his Last Will & Testament }
In the Prsence of us the Subscribors }
Samuel
Law
Elezabeath
Peirce
David
Peirce
Proved on 25 Apr. 1768 by Samuel Law and David Peirce, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elijah Cornell, with
David Peirce and Samuel Law as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Stephen Cornell, Swansey, 1768,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Thomas Cornell of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
The Last Will and Testament of Thomas Cornel of Dartmouth in
the County of Bristol in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay In New England
&c being at this time weak in body, but of a Sound Disposing Mind &
Memory, thanks be given unto God, therefore Considering the uncertainty of this
my Natural Life, Do for the preventing futer trouble in My Family Make and
Ordain this My Last Will and Testament,
Principally and First of all I Recommend my Soul to God my
Most Mercifull Creator, whence I had my first being, And my body I Commit to
the Earth there in to be Decently buried at the Dicreretion of My Executor
herein after Nominated
Imprimus –
My Mind & will is that all my Just Debts and funeral
Expences of all Sorts be first paid out of My Live Stock, by My Executor herein
after Named,
Item, I Give & Bequeath unto My Loving Wife Mary Cornell
all the House hold Goods She Brought with her when She Came to Live with me,
also all the Notes of hand for Money which was Made to her, and also, all the
Notes with her Name Mary Cornel upon the back of sd Notes – I also
give unto My Said wife one Cow She to take her Choise out of My Cows, Also My
Riding beast which Came of the Mair She Brought with her, the Sd Cow
& & Riding Best to be kept on my farm, I Now Live on During the Time
She Shall remain My widow, I Also give unto My sd Wife one
womans side Saddle & Bridle, all the Above Said Gifts that I have in this
My Last will & Testament Given to my said Wife I Give free & Clear to
be at her own Dispose – and it is to be understood: I Give it in Lue of her
Right of Dower and power of thirds In My Estate: Moreoever I give unto My Said
Wife During the time She Shall remain my widow Sufficient fier wood Cut fit for
the fier place in My Great Chamber, also My Great Chamber to Live in with a
Priviledge in My Ketching what She Shall Have Ocation of to Do her own work in.
also I Give unto My sd wife one Hundred pound of Good pork a
year & Yearly During the time She Remains My Widow, to be procured by My
Son Peleg Cornell – and also Eight bushel of Indian Corn in Like Manner as
aforesaid
Item I Give & Bequeath unto My Son Peleg Cornel and to
his Heirs and Assigns for Ever, all that My Homesteed Farm where I Now Live
with all the Housing & biulding Standing on it together with all My Salt
Medow and hummoks of upland in the Said Medow Lying up the River at a place
Called petskeatawae Also My Little Island lying Near Jeremiah Wilcockes &
Wings Shore with all My Medow & Sedges Lying & Adjoyning to Said Island
also all that part of My Salt Medow or Segg Lying at Bush point flat So Called,
in Acaaxset River only Excepting that half acre & Eight rod that I Bought
of William Cadman, and also Excepting that Salt Medow I formerly Bought of
Jeremiah Devol, and what Medow & Sedges that shall here after Make in the
water Adjoyning to the Two parcels above Exceped I also Give unto My Said Son
Peleg Cornel & to his Heirs & Assigns for ever the one half of all My
Ceder Swamp in the Town of Dartmouth afores.d –
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto My Son Joshua Cornel and to
his heirs and assigns for Ever all the Land or farm I Bought of Christopher
Gifford with all the Buildings on it also My Bigest Island Called the pine
Island with all My Salt Medow & Segg Lying Adjoyning to Said Island half an
acre & Eight rod of Salt Medow I Bought of William Cadman at Bush point
flat with what it May Increas by its Natural Groath further out In the water,
Adjoyning to said Medow, and also that peace or parel of Medow or Segg flat that
I Bought of Jeremiah Devol, Late of sd Dartmouth Decased, all
on sd Bush point flat: also all that tract or Parcel of Salt
Medow it being three Acres & thirteen rods as it was Laid out on the great
flat in Acoaxset River – Also all the other half of My Ceder Swamp in Said
Dartmh. also the Several parcels or Sums of Money which I have here
to fore Let him have I give to him my Said Son Joshua Cornel I also give unto
My Said Son Joshua Cornel all My Wareing apparel, also all the Remaining part
of My Live Stock (if any there be) after all My Just Debts are paid I give unto
My Said Son Joshua Cornel. –
Item: I Give and Bequeath unto My Daughter Rebecca Wing the
Some of Twenty five pound Lawfull Money or to those that shall Legally
represent her, to be paid to her My Said Daughter Rebecca Wing: by My Son
Joshua Cornel, in Manner following: one third of the before Mentioned Twenty
five pound in one year next After My Decease, & one third in Like Manner in
Two years after my Decease, and the Remainder of the said Twenty five pound
Lawfull Money in three years after my Decease.
Item: I Give and Bequeath unto My Daughter Susannah Gifford
Twenty five pound Lawfull Money: to be paid to her by My Son Peleg Cornel, in
three years Next after My Decease, in the following Manner one third of the
Above Mentioned Some of Twenty five pound in one year after My Decease, one
third in in Two year after My Decease, and the Remainder of the afore Sd
Twenty five pound in three years after My Decease, I also give unto My Sd
Daughter Susannah Gifford one Good fether bed –
Item I Give and Bequeath unto My Two Daughters Namley Rebecca
Wing & Susannah Gifford, all the Remainder of My House hold Goods that I
have Not heretofore in this My Last Will Other ways Disposed of Equally Between
them –
Item: I Give and Bequeath to My Grandaughter Elizebeth
Gifford Daughter: of My Daughter Elizabeth Gifford Deceased, the Sum of Ten
pounds Lawful Money to be paid to her by My Son Peleg Cornel in five year Next
after My Decease –
Item: I Give and Bequeth unto My Wife Mary Cornel one Quarter
part of the use and Improvement of My Orchard, During the time She Shall Remain
My Widw
Item: I Give & Bequeath unto My Son Peleg Cornel My Large
handirons
Item I Give and Bequeath to My Wife Mary Cornel one Hundred
pound of Good Beaf & three Bushel of Rye a year & yearly During the
time She Remains My Widow, to be Procured by My Son Peleg Cornel for her In
Manner as aforesaid –
Item Of this my Last Will and Testament I Do Nominate
Constitute and Appoint My Son Peleg Cornel Executor to take Cear and See the
Same in Every respect truly fulfilled And by These Presents I Do Revoke Make
Null and void all and Every other Wills and Testaments whatsoever by me hereto
fore Made or Declared confirming and allowing this and No other to be My Last
Will and Testament.
In Testimony where I have hereunto Set My hand and fixed My
Seal this Twenty fifty Day of May in the third year of his Majestys Reign
George the Third by the Grace of God King of Great Brittain &c Annoqo
Domini 1763,
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced Thomas Cornell (seal)
and Declared by Me the Said Thomas Cornel
all this the afore written Instrument to be
My Last Will & Testament
In presence of –
Benjamin Wing
James Willkey
Benjn Akin
Presented for probate on 2 Aug. 1763. Benjamin Wing being one
of the people Called Quakers made his solemn affirmation being one of the
witnesses, and Benjamin Ackin Esqr. another of the witnesses thereto
made oath that they were present and saw ye sd deceased
sign seal and hear him Publish and declare ye sd
Instrument as his Last will and testament.
Stephen Wilcoks, John Potter ye 2, and James
Wilkey, all of Dartmo., were appointed to appraise the Inventory of
Thomas Cornel, late of Dartmo., on 15 July 1763. The Inventory of the movable
Estate of Thomas Cornel, late of Dartmo. was dated 15 July 1763, but
not totaled. Peleg Cornel, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2
Aug. 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas Cornell, Dartmouth, 1763,”
from FHL microfilm #0572854.
Will of Thomas
Cornell of Rockaway, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1763)
*
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Cornell of Rockway in Queens
County in the Province of New York being weak in body but of sound and
disposing mind and memory and Knowing the certainty of Death and uncertainty of
the time thereof do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
following that is to say Imprimis I recommend my Soul into the hands of God who
gave it and my body to the Earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a
decent and Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executors and as
touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in
this Life I give and dispose of the same in the following manner that is to say
Imprimis I Order and direct that all my Just debts and funeral Expences to be
first paid out of my Personal Estate, Item I do give and bequeath unto my
beloved Wife Sarah Cornell my negro Woman Slave named Philis and my rideing
Chair Chair Horse one hundred Pounds in money one Bed and furniture and the use
of all my plate (one silver Bowl only Excepted) during her Widowhood. Item I
give and bequeath unto her my said Wife so long as she continues my Widow the
whole and entire use of a certain Tract of Land lying at Rockway being part of
the Plantation whereon I now reside beginning at a certain spring below my
Orchard called the orchard Spring and from thence to run as the fence now
stands to another Spring nigh Richard Cornells called the Lattens Spring
including all the Lands and meadows within the said fence as far as the Creek
with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging Except the Wood and Timber growing
thereon together with the use of the one equal half part of my dwelling House
Kitchen Barn ovil and Chair house at Rockway with one equal half of the fruit
of my Orchard there yearly and the priviledge of geting the necessary fire Wood
and fencing Timber on a Certain part of my Plantation called Rocks Point at
Rockway, Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Thomas Cornel one pair of Good
working Oxen Item I give and bequeath
unto my Sister Elizabeth Cornell at the fish Kills twenty Pounds Item I give and bequeath unto Lettishe
Lawrence and to her Heirs and assigns one bed and furniture Item I give and bequeath unto my three
Daughters to wit Phebe Martha and Peggy and to each of their respective
Representatives three fourth parts of all the Residue of my Personal Estate of
what kind or nature soever or wheresoever my Corn Growing on the ground
included to be equally divided among them Except one hundred pounds first to be
taken out of the said moveable Estate
Item my Will is and I do Order and Direct that the other fourth of the
aforesaid Residue of my Personal Estate shall remain in the hands of my
Executors together with the abovesaid on hundred Pounds which I have excepted
out of my moveable Estate for such uses as I shall herein after direct.
Item I give and devise unto my Son Thomas Cornell all my
lands Tenements and Hereditaments lying on Rockway Neck on the South side of
Nassaw Island the use of that part thereof which I have devised to my Wife only
excepted untill the said use be deleimined all which said Lands Tenements and
Hereditaments I give and devise unto him my said Son Thomas and to his heirs
and assignes for ever on the following conditions to wit first on condition
that he my said Son of his heirs Executors or Administrators shall pay unto my
said Wife Sarah Cornell to her heirs and assigns the sum of two hundred Pounds
within one year next after my Death, Secondly that he or they pay unto my
Executors or the Survivors of Survivor of them the sum of two hundred and Sixty
pounds within two years next after my Death for such uses as I shall hereafter
direct, and thirdly that he or they pay unto my Daughter Phebe and to her
representatives the sum of two hundred pounds within three years next after my
Decease and unto my other two Daughters to witt Martha and Peggy and to each of
their respective Representatives the several sums of two hundred pounds each
yearly thereafter in the order as they are named and also that he or they pay
unto Lettishe Lawrence and to her heirs and assigns the sum of forty pounds
within five years next after my Decease as aforesaid and in case my said Son
Thomas or his heirs Executors or Administrators shall refuse or neglect to pay
any of the respective sums aforesaid for the space of three months next after
any of the said sums become payable then and in such case my Will is that my
Executors or any two of them or the Survivors or Survivor of them shall sell so
much of the aforesaid Lands Tenements and Hereditaments devised to my said Son
Thomas as will raise a sum of money sufficient to discharge all the aforesaid
several payments with all costs and charges arising thereon and I do hereby
fully Impower my Executors or any two of them and the Survivors or Survivor of
them to make such Sale accordingly Item
my Will is and I do order and direct that my Executors or Survivors or Survivor
of them shall put out on Interest as soon as they conveniently can after my
Decease all the money arising by the aforesaid fourth part of my Personal
Estate which I have directed to remain in their hands and also the aforesaid
one hundred pounds which is excepted out of my moveable Estate and shall pay
the Interest thereof yearly into the hands of my Daughter Sarah for her use
only and in Case she Survives her present Husband Daniel Waters they shall then
pay unto her the whole princible money for her sole and proper use only but in
case she does not Survive him they shall then pay the principal money according
to such disposition as she shall make thereof in writing under her hand in the
presence of two Credible Witnesses, and it is also my Will and I do further
Order and direct that my Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them shall
employ the aforesaid sum of two hundred and Sixty pounds to be paid unto them
by my Son Thomas Cornel for the use of my Daughter Sarah in the same manner in
all Respects as they are directed to employ the money arising by the aforesaid
fourth part of my Personal Estate as also the aforesaid one hundred pounds
which is excepted out of my moveable Estate as aforesaid.
Item I do give and bequeath unto my Daughters Phebe Martha
and Peggy and to each of their respective Representatives three fourth parts of
all my plate only excepting one Silver Bowl as above mentioned after the use
thereof devised to my Wife shall be determined to be equally divided among them
and I do order and direct that the other fourth part of my plate (only
excepting as above) shall remain in the hands of my Executors or the Survivors
or Survivor of them for the use of my Daughter Sarah in Case she Survives her
present husband Daniel Waters and in Case she does not survive him then my
Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them shall after her Death deliver
the said plate unto such person or persons as she by some Instrument of writing
under her hand in the presence of two Credible Witnesses shall direct and in
Case she makes no such disposition in writing my Executors or the Survivors or
Survivor of them shall after her Decease divide all the said plate and all the
aforesaid sums of money which shall be in their hands for her use among all her
Children in equal portions
Item I hereby declare that whatsoever I have devised to my
Wife Sarah Cornel is in Lieu of her Dower and that it is my Will that if she
shall refuse to accept thereof as such and shall incist on her Dower that then
and in such case whatsoever I have bequeathed unto her shall be unto my Son
Thomas Cornel to his own proper use, Lastly I make and appoint my Friends
Valentine Hewlet Peters Jacob Mott David Jones and William Nicolls Esqrs.
Executors of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have to this
my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal this twenty fourth day of
December in the year of our Lord Christ Seventeen hundred and Sixty three.
Thomas Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Thomas
Cornell as and for his last Will and Testament in Presence of
Benjamin Lester
Jacob Hicks
Benjamin Wright
Probated on 4 Apr. 1764, and proved by Benjamin Lester, Jacob
Hicks, and Benjamin Wright, of the said County and
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Cornell of Rockaway, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1766)
*
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Cornell of Rock way in the Township
of Hempstead in Queens County in the Province of New York Yeoman being weak in
Body but of sound mind and memory (blessed be God) Do this seventeenth day of
September in the Year of Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty six
make and publish this my last will and Testament in Manner and form following
(that is to say) Imprimis I commend my soul into the Hands of Almighty God who
gave it me, my Body to the Earth from whence it came, in hopes of a joyful
Resurrection to Eternal Life through the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ; and
as for that worldly Estate wherwith it has please God to bless me I dispose
thereof as follows, First I give grant Devise and Bequeath unto my three sons
namely Thomas, Whitehead and Benjamin all and Singular my Messuages or Dwelling
Houses, Lands, Meadows and real Estate at Rockaway aforesaid where I now live
Together with an Eight Shilling Right in the common and Undivided Land in the
Township of Hempstead aforesaid all which to be equally Divided betwixt my said
three sons in Quantity and Quality as nearly as may be To have and to hold the
same Messuages Lands Meadows and Right of Lands with their and every of their
Rights Preveledges Hereditaments and appurtenances unto them my said three sons
in Severalty and to their severall and respective heirs and Assigns for Ever
But my will is that in case that any of my said Lands so devised to my said
three sons as aforesaid should hereafter appear to be under an Intail and my
son Thomas as Heir at Law should take the advantage thereof and hold such
Intailed Lands to himself then and in such case my will is that he shall have
no Right at all in any part or parcel of such of my Lands as are above Devised
which shall be free from such Intail, and in case any of my said sons shall
happen to Dye before he or they arive to lawfull age and without lawful Issue
then my will is that his or their part and share of my aforesaid real Estate
shall go to and be fore the only benefit and behoof of them Survivor or
Survivors of my said three sons and to their heirs and assigns for Ever. Item I
will and Order that my Messuage Grist Mill, with all my Lands Meadows and real
Estate in Jamaica in Queens County shall be sold by my Executors hereafter
named and appointed or any two of them as soon as conveniently may be after my
Decease in such manner as to them shall seem most for the advantage of my
Estate and I do hereby fully Authorise and impower them my said Executors or
any two of them aforesaid to make sale thereof accordingly and to give seal and
execute good sufficient Deed or Deeds of conveyance in the Law to the Buyer or
Buyers thereof his and their Heirs and assigns for Ever, and out of the moneys
arising by or from the sale thereof I Will and order the first of all that all
my just Debts shall be duly paid and Satisfyed and the over plus thereof I give
and bequeath unto Helenah my dearly beloved wife my three sons abovenamed and
my Daughter Helenah to be Divided amongst them share and share alike, Item I
give and bequeath unto my said Wife and Daughter all my whole moveable and
personal Estate of what kind or nature soever equally to be Divided betwixt
them (Excepting all such moneys as shall or may be Due to me by Bond Bill Note
of hand Book or otherways as also all such ready cash as I shall have by me at
the time of my Decease all which said Debts and ready Cash above excepted I
will and order that the same shall go and be apply’d for and towards the
Payment and Discharge of my Debts) and I do will and order that my Wife shall have
the use or Interest of my Daughters part or share of my Estate so given to her
as aforesaid to defray the charge of her Education and bringing up through her
Nonage, Item I further give unto my said wife the whole use Benefit proffits
and Incomes of all my Lands and real Estate at Rockaway aforesaid for so long a
Time as till my said three sons shall respectively arive to lawful age or Marry
(if my said Wife shall so long continue my widow) which said Proffits and
income shall be for the support and maintenance of my said Wife and also for
the maintenance and Education of my said sons during the Time aforesaid and my
will is that in case my said Wife shall remain my widow until all my said Sons
arive to lawful Age or Mary that she shall then during her widowhood have and
take to herself all such benefits and priviledges in my house and Lands which
my Mother now has and enjoys by Virtue of my Fathers last Will and Testament
which with all other the Legacies and Priviledges above given unto her my said
wife shall be in Lieu and in full of her Right and Title of Dower or Power of
thirds of into or out of all my Lands and real Estate. Item my will is that if
my said wife shall marry again that then all the Rights and priviledges which I
have above given unto her in all or any of my said Lands and real Estate shall
cease, Determine and be absolutely and utterly void to all intents purposes and
constructions whatsoever and Lastly I nominate and appoint Helenah my said wife
my honoured Father in law Benjamin Whitehead, and my son Thomas above named or
any two of them Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby
declare this and no other by me heretofore made to be and contain my last will
and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day
and Year first above written
Thomas Cornell (seal)
Item my will and true meaning is that my said three Sons as
they respectively arive to lawful age or Marry shall have the use Possession
and benefit of his or their part of my said Lands so given or Devised to him
and them as aforesaid (Excepting that reserved to my said Wife during her
Widowhood) immediately after his or their arrival to such age or Marrying as
aforesaid
Thomas Cornell
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas
Cornell as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
hereunto Subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the
Testator and in the Presence of each other
Mary Whitehead
Joseph Field
Benja Hinchman
Probated on 6 Mar. 1767, and proved by Benjamin Hinchman, of
Jamaica. Letters of Administration granted to Helenah Cornell and Benjamin
Whitehead, two of the Executors, on 27 June 1769.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 27, p. 74-77, copied from original
Liber 27, p. 74-77.
Will of William
Cornell of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen. I William Cornell of Hempstead in
First I bequeath my immortal soul to God who gave it My Body
to the Earth from whence if came in certain hopes of a Reunion of my Body and
Soul at the last day and of Eternal Salvation thro the Sole merits of my
Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ and as to what worldly Estate that shall belong to
me at the time at the time of my decease, I give devise and bequeath the same
as followeth.
Imprimis. I will that my just Debts and funeral – Charges be
paid and satisfied.
Item. I give and devise unto my two Sons John and William all
my Beach, Marshes and broken Lands and others belonging to me at Rockway Beach
equally to be divided betwixt them and their respective Heirs and Assignes for
Ever And they are to maintain the Fence equally betwixt them and as to my
personal Estate after my Debts are paid I give to my Grandchildren Elizabeth
the daughter of my Son John and to Phoebe Denton the Daughter of my Daughter
Elizabeth late wife of James Denton Each of them the sum of five pounds.
To Susannah the daughter of my Son William the sum of twenty
pounds.
To Elizabeth Stringham the Daughter of my Daughter Mary late
wife of James Stringham the sum of ten pounds and to Mary Stringham the other
Daughter of my said late Daughter Mary the sum of One hundred pounds And to
Elizabeth Hazard the Daughter of my Daughter Letitia deceased late the wife of
Johnathan Hazard the sum of Ten pounds, And all the remaining part of my
personal Estate if any be I give to my Son William Cornell and his Daughter
Susannah aforesaid and to my said Grand Daughter Mary Stringham equally to be
divided amongst them three.
Lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my Brother Collo
John Cornell and my two Sons William and John to be Executors of this my last
Will and Testament and do hereby revoke all former or other wills by me made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my Hand and Seal this
fourth day of May in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and Forty two
Wi: Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed delivered and published by the said William
Cornell as his last Will and Testament in presence of us
S:l
Clowes
Jos:
Sackett Junr.
Johannah
Clowes
Letters of Administration granted to William Cornell and John
Cornell, two of the Executors, on 1 Sept. 1743, Collo. John Cornell,
the other Executor named having renounced his right thereto.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Cornell of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1756) *
In the Name of God. Amen. I William Cornell of Hempstead in
Queens County in the Colony of New York yeoman being in perfect Health &
Strength of Body, and of Sound mind and understanding blesed be God therefore,
but calling to mind the certainty of Death and the uncertain Hour thereof do
make this my last Will and Testament in the manner & Form following. First
I give and Bequeath my Immortal Spirit unto God who Gave it, my Body I
recommend to the Earth from whence it came to be Buryed in a Christian Like manner
at the discretion of my Executors herein after named. And as touching my
Temporal Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give
will Devise bequeath & dispose thereof as Followeth. Imprimis, I give and
Bequeath to my Son William Cornell my Negro Boy named Cezar, and another of my
negro Boys named Charles,— I give and Bequeath to my son John Cornell, and to
my son Timothy I give and Bequeath another of my Negro Boys named Fortune To be
& Remain to them respectively & to their several & respective
Executors administrators & Assigns forever. Item I give and bequeath unto
my Daughter Susannah my Silver Teapot and half a Dozen Silver Table spoons, I
give to my Daughter Ann, and half a Dozen more of the same Sort I give to my
Daughter Elizabeth. Item I will and require that all and Singular my Messuages
Dwelling Houses Lands Meadows Tenements and Hereditaments, where I now Live in
the Township of Hempsted abovesaid or Elswhere in any part of the world
whatsoever, with their & every their appurtenances shall be sold by My Exrs
or major part of them by way of publick vendue or by private Sale as to them
shall seem best and most beneficial for my Estate, and I hereby fully as farr
as in me lyeth Authorise and Impower them my said Executors or major part of
them to make sale thereof accordingly and to subscribe seal & Deliver good
Authentick and sufficient Deed or other Legal Reasonable & proper
Instruments in writing for Conveying and Confirming the same to the Buyer or
Buyers his her or their Heirs & Assigns for ever, and my Will is further
and I order & Require that my said Executors or Major part of them shall
also sell and dispose of all the Rest and Remainder of my moveable Estate at
Publick or Private Sale which they please (excepting my wearing apparell which
I give to my three Sons above named Equally to be divided between them, and
Excepting also the three negro Boys & the Silver Teapot and Spoons, above
herein named in manner and form as aforesaid) Item I do will and order that as
soon as my Real and personal Estate shall be sold as aforesaid and turned into
into money, That in the first place out of the money produced thereby my
Executors shall duly pay all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges, and out of the
overplus I give to my Son William the sum of three hundred pounds, and the like
Sum of three hundred pounds to my Son John, and the Sum of three hundred pounds
to my Son Timothy, and to my said Daughters Susannah, Ann & Elizabeth I
give the sum of Two hundred pounds Each to be paid to them Respectively as soon
as the money can conveniently be collected in coming by the sale of My Estate
as aforesaid (my Sons being first paid their Respective Legacies above
mentioned) and also the Supluss money if any be after paying my Debts & all
& every the Legacies above mentioned I give and bequeath the same to my
Three Sons above named in an equall proportion to be Divided betwixt them. as
to my Son Timothy being in his nonage I will and order that his share and
proportion of My Estate which I have above given or bequeathed unto him shall
be by my Executors or Major part of them put & kept out at Interest, and
the Interest arising thereby shall be applied towards his maintenance &
Education during his nonage, and the residue of all his said Legacies gifts or
bequests paid him when he shall arive to Lawfull age or Marry which shall
happen first. And Lastly I do nominate and appoint my Sons William & John
above named my Daughter Susannah above said and my Trusty & wellbeloved
Friend Henry Van Flack of the City of New York Merchant (or such & so many
of them as shall think fit to Qualifie themselves) Executors of this my last
Will and Testament, and I allow and declare this & no other by me
heretofore made to be my last Will & Testament, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this foretench [fourteenth]
day of June Day of June in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven
hundred and fifty six.—
William Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed published and Declared by the above named
William Cornell the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the
presence of us who have have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto
in the presence of the said Testator and in presence of Each other.—
Elias Doughty
John Cromwell
Sarah Doughty
Probated on 5 Apr. 1781, and proved by Sarah Doughty of
Queens County, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
William Cornell and Susannah Vanostrand, one of the Executors and the
Executrix, on 25 Apr. 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 34, p. 197-200, copied from
original Liber 34, p. 156-158.
Will of Thomas Cornish of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the Name of God
Amen
the thirtieth day of April Anno Domi, 1756, Thomas Cornish of
Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth Labourer Having Inlisted myself in His
majesty’s in the war in the intended Expedition against Crown point, do make
and Ordain this my last Will and Testamt that is to say principally and first
of all, I Give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it, and my
body I Recommend to Earth, nothing Doubting that at the Generall Resurrection I
shall Receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching Such
things of this Worlds Goods that it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this
life I Give Devise & Dispose of the same in the following manner & form
Imprs. It is my Will and I doe Order that in the
first place all my Just Debts be paid and Satisfied~
Item, I give to my mother Jane Primes one pound Six Shillings
& eight pense to be paid to her by my Execr. out of my Estate
Item I give to my Sister Eunis primes one pound Six Shillings
and eight pence, when she comes to be of the age of Eighteen yrs. to
be paid to her by my Execr. out of my Estate
Item I give to my wife Sarah one Cow and all the Remainder of
my Estate that I have not already disposed of; and I do Constitute &
appoint my Trusty Frind Mr. Thomas Ames of Bridgwater in the County
of Plimouth to be Sole Execr. of this my last Will and Testament,
Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my last Will and
testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and
Year above written
Signed Sealed published pronounced } his
and Declared by the sd. Thomas Cornish } Thomas +
Cornish (seal)
to be his last Will and Testament } mark
In the presence of us the Subscribers }
Joseph Josslyn Jonathan Howard
Nathan Haward
Proved on 7 Mar. 1757 by Joseph Josslyn and Jonathan Haward.
Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Ames of Bridgwater, yeoman,
the Sole Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 346-347, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Thomas
Cornwell of Oyster Bay,
In the name of God Amen the seventh day of February in the
year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and thirty nine (forty) I
Thomas Cornwell of Oysterbay in Queens County on Nassau Island and in the
Province of New York Yeom being sick and weak in Body but of perfect mind and
memory thanks be give unto God therefore and calling unto mind the Mortality of
my Body and well knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make
and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally and first
of all I give recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body
I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the
Discretion of my Executors hereafter named and appointed nothing doubting but
at the General Ressurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power
of God and as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this Life I give demise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form Imprimis I give
and bequeath unto Mary my dearly beloved Wife all my whole moveable Estate and
Effects of what kind soever upon this condition that she my said Wife will do
and shall fully discharge all my Just debts that is now owing or becoming due
from me and if my said Wife do refuse or neglect to discharge my said Debts as
afore said that then I do order and impower my Executors hereafter named to
sell and dispose of so much of my said moveables Effects as will discharge my
said debts as aforesaid Item I give and
bequeath unto Mary my dearly beloved Wife the full whole and uncontroulable use
and profits of all my Lands Messuages and Tenements by her freely to be
possessed and enjoyed dureing the time she shall remain my Widow and no longer
and she my said Wife shall provide for and bring up my two Daughters namely
Elizabeth and Latisha for the profits afore said Item it is my Will when my dearly beloved
Wife Mary shall marry or Die that then all my lands Messuages and Tenements
shall be sold by my Executors hereafter named and appointed and I do hereby
give and grant unto my said Executors full power and Lawfull Authority to sell
the same and the Sale or conveyance so made by them shall be to all intents
constructions and purposes as good firm and effectual to the purchasers as if I
myself had conveyed the same with my own hand and Seal, Item I give and bequeath unto Mary my dearly
beloved Wife (if she shall survive the Sale of the land as aforesaid) the one
equal full third part of all the money my Lands sells for as aforesd.
be the same more or less to her own proper use the said Legacy being in Lieu of
her Dowry and to be paid in some convenient time after such sale is made as
aforesaid Item I give to my welbeloved
Daughter Elizabeth Cornwell the one full equal third part of all the money that
my Lands and Tenements as aforesaid shall or may be sold for be the same more
or less to be paid by my Executors, Item
I give to my welbeloved Daughter Latisha Cornwell the remainder full equal
third part of all the money that my Lands and Tenements as aforesaid shall or
may be sold for be the same more or less to be paid by my Executors, Item it is my Will that if my two Daughters
Elizabeth and Latisha shall Die before they arrive to the age of Eighteen years
without Issue and unmarried that then the Interest or use of their Legacies
shall be to my Wife Mary Cornwell dureing her Life and then the principal shall
be returned to my to loving Brothers John and William Cornwell equally to be
divided between them or their heirs and I do appoint constitute make and ordain
my dearly beloved Wife Mary Cornwell an Executrix loving Brother John Cornwell
and my loving Brother William Cornwell and my trusty and loving Friend Richard
Thorne of Great Neck my Exors. of this my last Will and Testament
and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanul all and every other former
Testaments Wills Legacies and bequests & Executors by me in any ways before
named Willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my
last Will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and date above
written. Mary Cornwell taken in an
Executrix before the signing this Will.
Thomas Cornell (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the sd.
Thomas Cornwell as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the
subscribers
Samuel Daughty
Thomas Lewis
David Seaman
Probated on 16 Apr. 1740, and Letters of Administration
granted to Mary Cornell, John Cornell, William Cornell, and Richd.
Thorne, the Executors, on 16 Apr. 1740.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Cotton of
The last Will and Testament of John Cotton of Plimouth.
I John Cotton now of plimouth not knowing how soone God may
Call me out of this World Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner as
followeth hereby revoaking & making voyd all former wils. I commit my soul
to god in Christ my maker & Redeemer Resting alone upon his free grace
& mercy in ye everlasting Covenant for Everlasting Salvation.
Concerning my worldly Estate which God hath Lent me I dispose as followeth. My
Will is that as Soone as may be after my decease if it be not done before That
my two daughters Sarah Bradbury and Maria Bradbury have paid to them what
Remains of an hundred pound Each of them as my Daughter Elizabeth Allin hath
already Received which my son Allin Did give acquittance for. My share in ye
farm at
Signed Sealled and Declared to be
his Last Will
and Testament in presence of
William Shurtliff
Nathaniel Thomas junr
Mary Thomas
Plimouth Ss ye 18th
day of Septembr 1700. Before Wm Bradford Esqr
Then appeared Mr William Shurtliff Mr Nathaniel Thomas
and Mary his Wife ye Witnesses Subscribed to ye within
written Will and made oath that they were present & saw and heard Mr
John Cotton ye Testator within named Sign Seal and Declare this
within written Instrument to be his last Will and Testament & that to ye
best of their judgment he was of Sound disposing mind and memory when he did ye
same.
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
William Bradford Esqr
Commissioned &c for ye Granting of Probate of Wills and Letters
of Administration within ye County of Plimouth to all to whome these
presents shall Come or may concern Greeting know ye that on ye
Eighteenth Day of September Anno Domini one thousand and seven hundred before
me in plimouth ye Will of Mr John Cotton Late of Plimouth
Deceased to these presents annexed was proved Approved and allowed who having
while he Lived and at ye time of his Death goods Chattels Rights and
Credits the said Deceased and his sd Will in any manner Concerning
was Committed unto Joanna his Wife Executrix in ye same Will named
Well & truly to Administer ye same And to make a true &
perfect Inventory of all & singular ye goods Chattels Rights
& Credits of ye sd Deceased and the same to Exhibit
into ye Registers office of ye aforesd County
according to Law Also to Render a plain & true account of her sd
Administration upon oath In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and ye
Seal of ye said office.
Dated at Plimouth ye 18th
day of William Bradford (seal)
September Ano Dom) 1700
Saml. Sprague Register.
An Inventory of ye
Estate of Mr Jno Cotton late of Plimouth now deceased
Taken & apprised by us whose
names are under written July ye 30th 1700.
[Not totaled, but his housing &
lands at Plimouth valued at £150, some other lands in this province and some at
Carolina of unknown value, and his estate included £50 in books.]
Wm
Bassett
Samll
Prince
Mrs Joanna Cotton, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory before Wm Bradford Esqr
judge on 18 Sept. 1700.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jane Cowing of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In the name of God Amen – on the third day of February in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety one, I Jean Cowing of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, in New
England, widow being advanced in age & under some bodily infirmity, yet
through divine goodness of sound & disposing mind & memory, and calling
to mind the frailty and mortality of my body, as well as the soul’s
immortality, do now proceed to make & ordain this my Last will &
testament, and first of all I commend my immortal soul into the hands of that
God, who gave it, trusting & relying in the merits & intercession of
Jesus Christ my saviour for pardon grace & glory, and my body I commit to
the earth, to be decently buried, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named, nothing doubting but that at the general resurrection of all the dead,
the same shall be raised again, by the mighty power of almighty God, to a
glorious immortality, and with respect to the worldly Interest, which I Leave
behind, I dispose of it, in manner, as follows – vizt
Imprs I Give & bequeath unto my two
Sons vizt–Joseph & Ward six shilling a piece, to be paid to each
of them by my Executor, within twelve months after my decease
Item – I Give &
bequeath, unto my three grand children vizt John Hooper, Joseph
Hooper & Hannah Hooper, six shillings a piece, to be paid to each of them
by my sd Executor, within twelve months after my decease
Item – I Give &
bequeath unto my Grandson Henry Cowing Eighteen Shillings, to be paid to him by
my sd. Executor within twelve months after my decease
Item – I Give &
bequeath unto my Grand Daughter Abigail Cowing, my feather Bed & furniture,
and all my wearing apparell, also my case of drawers & my milch Cow &
one pair of hand Irons & all my pewter & Iron ware, and my Looking
glass & Linnen, together with all the residue of my Estate after my just
debts & charges are paid & the Legacies above mentioned
Lastly – I do hereby
nominate & appoint my son Joseph Cowing sole Executor upon this my Last
will & testament, ordering him to pay all my just debts & charges &
the Legacies aforesaid, in manner & form above mentioned.— In witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal, the day & year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced & her
declared by the said Jane Cowing, to be her Jane X Cowing (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of mark
Joseph
Bassett
Hasadiah
Leach
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1794 by Joseph Cowing, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Bassett and James Leach, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Joseph Cowing, the before named Executor.
Jas Leach, yeoman, Jos. Basset
Gentleman, and Robt Dunbar, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed
to appraise the estate of Jane Cowing, late of Bridgwater, on 3 Feb. 1794. The
inventory was dated 16 Apr. 1794, and totaled £19.18~. Jos. Cowing, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 July 1794.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 538-539, from FHL microfilm
#0550717, and Vol. 35, p. 114-115.
Will of William Creed
Jr., of Jamaica, Queens County, Province of New York (1710) *
In the Name of God Amen. I William Creed Junr. of
Jamaica in Queens County on the Island Nassaw within the province of New York
Gent. being now very sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and
memory Considering the Certainty of Death but the uncertain hour thereof Doe
make this my Last Will and Testament in Manner and form following. First I
bequeath my Soul to God who gave it my body to the Earth from whence it Came to
be Decently and Christianly buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter
named in Sure hopes of a Reunion of my body and Soul at the Last Day and
Eternall Salvation through the Merritts of my onely and Blessed Saviour Jesus
Christ and as for Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me,
I Give devise and bequeath the same as followeth, First I will that my Funerall
Expences and Just Debts be duely paid and Satisfyed for the better performing
of which I hereby order and Authorize my Executors hereafter named or the Major
part of them to Sell and Convey away my Lott of Land in the Township of Jamaica
Comonly Called Higbeys Lott, or Some other part of my Lands not Exceeding the
value of Two hundred pounds. Whereas I am together with Thomas Whitehead and
Abel Gale Security for a Certain Sume of Money for Francis Sawyer of Jamaica
and Whereas I have further advanced money to the said Sawyer to Indemnifie them
and me in which behalf the said Sawyer hath by a Deed or Mortgage Made over to
me his house and Some Land in Jamaica It is my will if the Equity of Redemption
be taken away that the said house and Lands be sold by my Executors or Major
part of them and that the Said Thomas Whitehead and Abel Gale be Indemnifie
with the produce thereof if it amount to so much as will Indemnifie them and my
self, if not that we be proportionable Loosers but if it amount to more the
overplus after all Charges Interest Costs and trouble paid to be returned to
the said Francis Sawyer or his Executors or administrators. I will and bequeath
to my Son William Creed one hundred Acres of Land in Jamaica to be ordered
& appointed him by the Major part of my Executors To have and to hold to
him and his heires and assignes for Ever And all the rest of my Lands houses
and Meadow Ground in what part of the world soever Situate & belonging to
me at the time of my Decease either Immediately or in Revertion I give devise
and bequeath the same to my two sons William and Augustine to be Equally
Divided between them Share and Share alike and to their heires and assignes for
Ever, If either of them Dye before he Comes of age of Twenty one years the
whole to goe to the Survivour, and if they both die before they Come to age
then to next right heires of me the Said William Creed. Also I give to my said
two sons Equally to be Divided four horses Eight Cows Two plows Shares &c.
one waggon and all my hoes and axes. Allso I give to William my Negro Man
Called Joe and to Augustine my Negro boy Called Robin, Item, I give to my
Daughter Elizabeth one hundred pounds to be paid to her when she is one and Twenty
yeares by her Brother William or by Augustine if William Dye before he Comes of
age. Item, I give to my Daughter Sarah one hundred pounds to be paid to her
when she is Twenty one Yeares Fifty pounds by her Brother William and Fifty
pounds by Augustine or the whole by the Survivour of them two who Shall Inherit
the Lands as aforesaid Item I give to my
Daughter Letitia one hundred pounds to be paid to her when she is Twenty one
yeares old by her Brother Augustine or by William if Augustine Die before he
Comes of age, Item I will order & appoint that my Dear and welbeloved wife
shall have the Sole use possession and Enjoyement of my house and plantation
where I now live and of all the rest of my Land and Meadows Except as is before
Ordered Concerning a Disposition by my Executors and also of all my Negros and
other things belonging to my Farm which is before given to my Sons out of the
produce whereof to Maintaine herself and our Children so long as She Shall
Remaine a widdow but if she happens to Marry againe Then I will that my
Executors or Major part of them doe take my Lands and other things given to my
Sons into their possession and the same to hire out for Maintainance and good
Education of my Children, and I will that my Boys Education be in a particular
Manner according to their Genius taken Care of and then I will that my
Executors or Major part of them doe Sell my negro Girl Isabell and that the
produce of her Sale be made up out of the rest of my plantation to the Same of
one hundred pounds which I give to my beloved wife Mary Creed to be paid her
within three yeares After her Decease Marriage but not otherwise. And as for
all the rest of my personall Estate herein before not Disposed of by me I will
that one third part thereof be given to my wife her Executors &
administrators and the other two thirds to be Equally Divided amongst my three
Daughters Elizabeth Sarah & Letitia to be delivered to Each of them on the
day of their Marriage or at the age of Eighteen yeares and if any of my
Daughters Die before that time her or their Surviveing Sister or Sisters to
Enjoye her or their Sister or Sisters Share or Shares and Lastly I doe hereby
nominate Constitute ordaine and appoint my Honoured Father William Creed my two
welbeloved Brothers in Law Thomas Cornwell and Thomas Whitehead and my beloved
Friend Samuell Clows or the Major part of them (who shall be alive at the
putting in Execution of any part of this my will & Testament) my whole and
Sole Executors of this my Last will & Testament hereby utterly Revoking all
other or former wills by me at any time heretofore made or Executed In Testimony whereof I have to this my Last
will and Testament Containing three Sheets of paper written on one Side and
Sealed togeather put my hand and affixed my Seale at Jamaica this First day of
May Anno Dm. 1710.
Wm Creed (seal)
Signed Sealed and published by the within named William Creed
as his Last will and Testament after Interlineing of these words (be) in line
Fourty Eight (Children) in Line Sixty (be) in Line Sixty five In the presence
of us
Robert Read
Hendrick Broudber
Andrew Gibb
Probated on 16 Apr. 1711, and Letters of Administration were
granted to William Creed, Thomas Cornwell and Thomas Whitehead, three of the
Executors, Samuell Clowes, the other Executor, having renounced his right of
Executorship.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 40-43.
Will of Hannah Cuffs of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1815) *
Commending my Soul to the boundless mercy of God through his
Son I Hannah Cuffs of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth dispose of my property
as follows –
I give
to my Daughter Hannah Ripley all my Furniture & Apparel excepting as
hereafter stated in full of her Share of what I may leave of Property at my
Death –
I give
to my Daughter Polly Cuff all my House & Land & Appurtenances, all the
Money, Notes & Demands, which I may leave at Death, & one Bedstead
& a pair of Flatirons, she paying all my Debts. I also give her a pair of
Blankets.—
I give
my Gold Necklace to my Grand daughter Hannah H Ripley, and in Testimony that
this is my last Will and Testament, I hereto set my Name & Seal this twenty
third day of October in the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & fifteen —
Signed sealed &
delivered in presence of
Z
Bartlett Hannah Cuffs (seal)
Benjan.
Morton
Eunice T
Simmons
Presented for probate on 18 Nov. 1815 by Mary Williams Cuffs
of Plymouth, singlewoman, no Executor therein being named, and proved by
Zacheus Bartlett Esqr. and Benjamin Morton, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Williams
Cuffs, well & faithfully to execute the said Will & to administer the
Estate.
Mary Williams Cuffs, of Plymouth, Singlewoman, was granted
Administration with the Will annexed of the estate of Hannah Cuffs, late of
Plymouth, widow, on 18 Nov. 1815.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 47, p. 355-356, from FHL microfilm
#0550904, and Vol. 46, p. 439.
Will of William
Curtis of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1736) *
In the Name of God Amen the Twenty third Day of October In
the Year of our Lord 1736 I William Curtes of Scituate In the County of
Plimouth In Newengland Yeoman Being Weak In Body But of perfect Minde and
Memory Thanks be give thereunto god therefore Calling to Minde the Mortaillyty
of my Body and Knowing that It is appointed for men once to Dye Do make and
ordain this my Last Will and testment that is to say
First I Will that all the Just Debts Which I Do owe to any
person or persons What Soever Shall be Well and Truly paid In a Convenient Time
after my Decease By My Executrs hear after Named out of my personal
Estate – Item –
I give and Bequeath to Rachel my Well be Loved Wife the use
and Improvement of all my Estate Both Real and personal During the Whole term
of her Natural Life or Remariage Which Shall first Happen Excepting So much of
my personal Estate as Will pay all my Just Debts, Item
I give and Bequeath to my son John Curtis the Sum of Ten
Shillings In Bills of Creditt to be paid to hime Within one year after my
Decease by my Said Wife – Item
I give and Bequeath to my Son William Curtis and to his heirs
and assigns forever all my Shair of Cader Swampe Lying In Said
I give and Beqeuath to my Son Samuel Curtes and to his heirs
and assigns forever all the Rest of my Real Estate Not Before Disposed of
Excepting the Improvement of it as above Expressed – Item –
I give to my Daughter Rachal Curtis the Sum of fifty pounds
In Bills of Creditt to be paid to her by my Executor Hearafter Named Within one
year after my sd Wifes Decease or Remariage Which Shall first Happen
and allso one half of my personel Estate Within Dores or Household goods – Item
I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Curtis the Sum of fifty
pounds In Bills of Credite to be paid to her By my Said Son Samuel Curtis
Within one year after the Decease or Remariage of my said Wife Which Shall
first Happen and allso the other half of my Houshold Goods –
Lastly I ordain Constitute and appointe My Son William Curtis
to be The only and Sole Excetor of this My Last Will and Testement In Wittness Whairof I Haved Hearunto Set my
Hand and Seal the Day and year first and above Written Signed Sealed published
and
Declared By the Said William Curtis as his Last
Will and Testament In Presents of the
marke of
us the Subscribers viz William § Curtis (seal)
Ensign Cole
David Cole
Caleb Torroy
Probated on 17 May 1748, and proved by Ensign Cole, David
Cole, and Caleb Torrey, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Curtis of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
In
the name of God amen, the 19th day of August Eighteen hundred and
eighteen I William Curtis of Pembroke in the County of Plymouth Gentleman
calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die being advanced in age but of sound disposing mind and
memory, thanks be given to God for the same. And first of all I recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body to the earth to be decently
buried by my Executor hereafter named and touching such worldly Estate as it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of the same
in manner following
Item. I give to my daughter Hannah
fifty dollars to be taken out of my household furniture to be appraised to her
to make her equal to my other two daughters Polly Trask and Lydia Crooker of
what I have given to them and is their shares in full of my Estate as will
appear by receipts –
Item I give to my son James and my
Son Jacob and the heirs of my Son William deceased all the remainder of my real
Estate to be equally divided between them, to them their heirs and assigns
forever and I do by these presents impower my Executor to make sale of such of
my real Estate for the payment of my debts as he may think best if he shall
have occasion to sell the same and I order my Executor to pay all my just debts
and charges and if any of my children shall bring any demand against my Estate
except note or bond they shall forfeit what I have given them in this Will, and
I do constitute and appoint William Loring Esquire Sole Executor to this my
last Will and see me decently buried when dead in witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above written and declare this
to be my last Will and testament in presence of
Lot Keen William Curtis (seal)
Joshua Turner
John Turner
Presented for probate on 19 Nov.
1821 by William Loring Esquire, the Executor therein named, and proved by Lot
Keen and Joshua Turner Junr. two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed, John Turner Esquire being now deceased. Letters of Administration
were granted to William Loring, the before named Executor.
Lot Keene, yeoman, Isaac Hatch,
yeoman, of Pembroke, and Joel Peterson, Housewright, of Duxbury, were appointed
to appraise the Estate of William Curtis, late of Pembroke, Gentleman, on 19
Nov. 1821. The Inventory of the Estate of William Curtis, late of Pembroke,
dated 24 Nov. 1821, totaled $365.91, including his real estate valued at $250.
William Loring Esquire, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Mar.
1822.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 54, pp.
230-231, 342-343, from FHL microfilm #0550908.
Will of Lydia Cushing of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1790) *
In the name of God Amen – I Lydia Cushing of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow, being weak
in body, but through Gods Goodness, composed in mind, do make & ordain this
my Last will and testament. – First of all, I Give and recommend my soul into
the hand of God who gave it, and my body to the earth to a decent burial by my
executors hereafter mentioned, and as touching such worldly estate as it hath
pleased the Lord to bless me with, I now dispose of the same in manner
following, after paying my funeral charges & just debts
First – I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Phebe Snow,
three pounds Lawful money, to be paid to her in one year after my decease. ~
Second – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Margaret Vials
Six pounds Lawful money to be paid to her in one year after my decease ~
Third – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Paddelford
three pounds Lawful money, to be paid to her in one year after my decease
Fourth – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Cushing
Thirty pounds Lawful money, with also all my houshold Goods and wearing
apparell, to be paid and delivered to her when she is eighteen years of age,
and as much of it as she needs before that time, which I Leave to the
discretion of her Guardian, and if she should not Live to that age, my will is
that said Goods and apparell be equally divided between my said Daughters
Margaret Vials and Sarah Paddelford, and the said Thirty pounds in money to be equally
divided between my two sons Zatu Cushing and Elisha Cushing –
Fifth – I Give and bequeath to my son Joseph Cushing Thirty
pounds Lawfull money, to be paid to him at the age of twenty one years, with
Interest after one year from my decease, and as much more as his Guardian shall
think proper, besides the Interest, my will is, that he should have if he
should need before he is of age, and in case he should not Live to that age,
what is not disposed of, of said 30 £ & Interest my will is shall be
equally divided between my two said sons Zatu & Elisha
Sixth – I Give and bequeath to my two said Sons Zatu &
Elisha all my Estate and Interest that remains not yet disposed of, to be
equally divided between them, excepting one pound four shillings I give &
bequeath to my cousin Lydia Cook Daughter to Sylvanus Cook of Kingston &
County aforesaid, I also constitute, make and ordain said Sylvanus Cook and
Seth Cobb, (both of said Kingston & County of Plymouth aforesaid) to be my
Executors to this my Last will & testament, and also as Guardians for my
two Children under age viz~. Mary & Joseph above named. and I do
hereby revoke & disanul, all other wills, testaments or conveyances, and
declare this to be my Last will & testament, and I do ratify and confirm to
each one & to their heirs as above bequeathed. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of June in the year of our
Lord one thousand, seven hundred & ninety. ~
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and de-
clared, in presence of us ~ Lydia Cushing (seal)
Nathl.
Foster junr
Lydia
Foster
Samuel
Nelson
Presented for probate on 4 July 1791 by Sylvanus Cook and
Seth Cobb, the Executors therein named, and proved by Nathaniel Foster junr
and Samuel Nelson, two of the witnesses, on 6 Apr. 1791. Letters of
Administration were granted to Sylvanus Cook and Seth Cobb, the before named
executors, both of Kingston, with Nathaniel Foster junr, of
Middleborough, Gentm. and Elias Churchill of Plymton, Gentm.
as sureties, on 4 July 1791.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 390-392, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Nathaniel Cushing of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Nathaniel Cushing of Midleborough
in the County of Plymouth &c Ship-builder, being at this time under bodily
pains & distresses, but of a sound & disposing mind, remembering the
uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of death, do make this my Last will and
testament –
1st– I Resign my Soul to God who Gave it, and my
body I dismiss to be decently buried in the earth at the discretion of my
Executrix herein after named hoping to find mercy and acceptance with God by
the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ
2d– As to what temporal Estate God has blessed me
with I dispose of it in manner following to wit – I Give to each one of my
Children Six Shillings to wit Stephen Cushing, Jemimah Foord Sprague, Nathaniel
Cushing, Hannah Spooner, Pagy Vails, Sarah Paddelford, Zattel Cushing, John
Cushing, Elisha Stetson Cushing, Molly Cushing, Joseph Cushing, to be paid by
my Executrix in two years after my decease, more I Give to my Son Nathaniel a
piece of Land Situate by Mattapoysett Harbour in Rochester in the County aforesaid
–
3d– All other Estate of every kind that I may die
seized, I Give to my true and Loving wife Lydia, she to pay the Legacies above
mentioned, all my just debts & funeral Charges
4th– And I do Constitute and appoint my said wife
Lydia the only & Sole Executrix of this my Last will & testament this
thirteenth day of November A.D. one thousand seven hundred Eighty & Eight
Signed, Sealed & pronounced by the tes-
tator to be his Last will & testament in
the presence of us, who in the presence of Nathaniel Cushing (seal)
each Other have Subscribed our names
hereunto – Nathan
Sears
Heman
Higgins
Gideon
Barstow junr
Ebenezer
Cannon
Ephraim
Dexter
Caleb
Dexter
To the Hoñble Joseph Cushing Esqr Judge for the
Probate of wills &c for the County of Plymouth
Plymouth 15th April 1789 Whereas I am appointed
Sole Executrix to the Last will & testament of my husband Nathaniel Cushing
Late of Middlebo deceased, these may Certify that I do decline &
Refuse taking upon me the sd trust & executing the same
Lydia Cushing
Presented for probate on 15 Apr. 1789 by Lydia Cushing, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Nathan Sears and Ebenezer Cannon, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration with the will
annexed were granted to Seth Cobb, Lydia Cushing the before named Executrix
having refused.
The Inventory of the Estate of Nathaniel Cushing, late of
Middleborough, Shipwright, was appraised on 25 May 1789 by Silas Peckins,
Philip Hathaway, and Zattae Peckins, and totaled only £9.5.6, the piece of land
lying on Matapoiset Harbour for a building yard valued at only 12 shillings.
Seth Cobb, the Administrator with ye will annexed, gave his oath to
the inventory on 3 Aug. 1789, and he notified the court that the estate was
insolvent and insufficient to pay all the debts which the sd
deceased owed.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 555-556, from FHL microfilm
#0550716, and Vol. 31, p. 28-29.
Will and Codicil of Seth Cushing of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In The Name of God Amen the Eighth Day of August A D 1760 I
Seth Cushing of Plimtown in the County of Plymouth in New-England Inholder
being under Infirmety of Boddy but of Sound mind do make this my Last will and
Testament
First I Recommend My Soul to God that gave it and my body to
the Earth to Decent Burial, and Touching Such Earthly Estate as god hath
blessed me with in this Life I give the same in manner Following viz
Imps. I Give unto my well beloved wife Lydia
Cushing the use & Improvement of ye one third part of all my
Real Estate During her Natural Life Also the use & Improvement of two Rooms
in my Dwelling house viz a Lower Room & a Chamber which She Shall Chuse
also Privelidge in the Celler & Well with Liberty to bake in the oven
During the Time She Shall Remain My widdow also I give To my Said wife the
whole of my Indoor moveables To be at her own Dispose forever I also give her a
mourning Sute of Clothes
Item I Give unto my three Daughters Viz Mary Johnson Margrett
Darling and Deborah Samson the Sum of Twenty pounds Lawfull monny a peice To be
Paid them in the following manner by my Executor here after named that is to
Say to Each of them the Sum of Six pounds thirteen Shillings & eight pence
a peice to be Paid them in three years after my Deceas that is To Say One third
part of Said Sum pr. annum in full of their portion, with what I
have heretofore given them
Item I Give To my Son Seth Cushing the farm where on I now
Dwell with the buildings thereon Together with all my out door Moveables
together with All the Rest of my Estate both Real & Personal wheresoever
the same is or May be found To have & to hold the Same with the
appurtenances to him my Said Son Seth his heirs & Assigns forever
Lastly. I do hereby appoint my Said Son Seth Cushing Executor
to this my will and order him To Pay my Just Debts and funeral Charges and the
Legacies Given to his sisters and perform what is ordered for my Said wife
before mend. out of the Estate herein given him In witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day & year afore written
Signed Sealed published and Declared
by Said Seth Cushing to be his Last
Will & Testament Seth Cushing (seal)
In
Presenc of
Gideon
White
Ebenr
Cole
Edward
Winslow
Plymouth
Augt. 8th 1760
Item Notwithstanding any thing heretofore Expressed in this
My Said will I do see Caus By this Codicil To give unto my Daughter Deborah
Samson besides what I have hereto fore given her a further Sum of thirteen
pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence Lawfull monny to be Paid her by my
Executor aforesaid within two months after my Deceas also the Bed &
furniture thereto belonging on which She usually Lodges which I Judge is no
more than will make her Equal with her Sisters Considering what I have here
before given them. In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal
the day afore written
Signed
Sealed Published & Declared In Presence of
Gideon White
Ebenr. Cole
Edward Winslow Seth Cushing (seal)
Presented for probate on 1 June 1761 by the Executor, and
proved by Ebenr. Cole and Edward Winslow, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Seth Cushing of Plimton, the
Executor, on 1 June 1761, with Joseph Cushing and Caleb Turner, both of
Hanover, Gent., as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 150-152, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Seth Cushing of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
Know all men by these presents that I Seth Cushing of
Plympton in the County of Plymouth being in the Seventy eighth year of my Age,
do make that is hereafter written & subscribed with regard to my Real &
personal Estate to be my last will and Testament without any further Ceremony
or Formality & do request the Judge of Probate of wills for the County
abovesd. for the time being to approve of the same.
1. That my just debts & funeral charges to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named—
2. I give unto my eldest Son Seth my Cane that hath a crooked
head & a small pair of Steelyards which I suppose is his Share with which
he has already had—
3. I give unto four of my Daughters viz Polly Bonney Wife of
Joseph Bonney & Lydia Paddock wife of John Paddock & Susanna Thomson
Wife of Timothy Thomson & Ruth Bradford Wife of Stephen Bradford in twelve
months after my decease ten Dollars to each of them and to Seth Thomas, Son of
Hannah Thomas deceased, ten Dollars if he is alive at twenty one years, and to
Love Harlow Daughter of Rachel Harlow deceased if she liveth to eighteen Years,
ten Dollars —
4. I give to my Daughter Sarah & Son John my Dwelling
house & Barn & Shed & the Land on which they stand as hereafter
described viz Beginning at a Stake standing on the northerly side of the Road
two Poles to the eastward of a long stone standing nearly opposite of James
Cushing’s house from thence northerly to a Stake standing on a Ditch two Poles
to the Eastward of a small White Oak standing on the side of said Ditch, thence
eastward on said Ditch untill it comes to a turn in said Ditch, that turns to
the northward untill it comes to a Stone wall thence by sd. Stone
Wall untill it comes to the End of sd. Wall to an Apple tree, thence
northerly a straight Course to a Stake standing by the Edge of Barrow’s Brook,
six feet to the Eastward of the Castway that goes over the Brook thence
downstream by said Brook untill it comes to the Spring Brook thence southward
by said Brook untill it comes to the northeast corner of the Land that I sold
unto Josiah west thence by said Land westerly & southerly untill it come to
the Highway, thence westerly by the Highway untill it comes to the Bound first
mentioned, Also the northerly half of my Woodlot lying in Halifax joining Jones
River Pond the above described premises I give one third part to my Daughter
Sarah and the other two thirds to my Son John –
5 Also I give unto my Daughter Sarah the Loom and Tackling
with all my indoor moveables that are not disposed of before my decease—
Also I give my Son John a Piece of Fresh Meadow & swampy
Land lying in Kingston & was the Meadow & swamp that was set off to the
Widow Silence Everson Widow of John Everson deceased as part of her thirds or
dower, also all my Pew rights in Plympton meeting house also my Chaise —
6th I give unto my Son James the Residue of my
Estate both real & personal when & wherever it may be found that I have
not disposed of before my decease also my Desk with all the papers it contains
—
7th I do hereby appoint my Son James Cushing sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament and to pay all my just debts
& funeral Charges & Legacies as above expressed, and see this executed
according to Law & Justice and in Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
& Seal this fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred & ten in
Plympton in presence of –
Isaac Churchill
Zenas Bryant
Jabez Weston Seth Cushing (seal)
Presented for probate on 2 July 1810 by James Cushing, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Churchill, Zenas Bryant and Jabez
Weston, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to James Cushing, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 236-237, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Allerton
Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1730) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Allerton Cushman of
Plimton in ye County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman Being at this
present time infirm & weak in Body but of Sound & Disposing Mind &
Memory Blessed be God for it, Do Make & Ordain this to be my last Will
& Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever
First I Will that all Debts I do owe in Right or Conscience
to any manner of Person or Persons whatsoever shall be well & truly
Contented & Paid by my Executor hereafter named in convenient time after my
Decease—Item I Give to my beloved Wife Elizabeth Cushman the third Part of the
Improvement of my whole real Estate till my Son Allerton comes to twenty one
years of age. I also Give to my Wife the whole Improvement of my House &
Land I bought of Jabez Newland during her natural Life. I like wise Give to my Wife
ye value of ye Sum of fourty Pounds to be Set off to her
out of my personal Estate, That is to Say I Give unto my Wife one feather bed
and furniture thereunto belonging, and so much more of my personal Estate as
shall make ye sd Sum of fourty Pounds as it shall be
prised by two indifferent Men chosen by my Wife & my Executr.
hereafter Named, which sd Value of fourty Pounds I Give to my Wife
to be at her Dispose forever—. I also Give to my Wife the Improvement of ye
value of Sixty Pounds to be raised out of my personal Estate as it shall be
prized as abovesd So long as She remains my Widow, But when she
shall Marry again then the sd Sum of Sixty Pounds shall return to my
Son Joseph Cushman to him his Heirs and assigns forever, And my Will is further
that if my sd Son Joseph shall Decease before he comes to ye
Age of twenty one years then the Abovesd Sixty Pounds shall return
to my Surviving Children. I also Constitute Ordain & appoint my beloved
Brother Josiah Cushman of Plimton aforesd to be my Sole Executr
to this my last Will & Testament Thus hoping that this my last Will &
Testament will be kept & performed according to ye true Intent
& Meaning there of I Commit my Body to the Dust & my Soul to God that
gave it: In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal this
Sixteenth day of October in ye Year of Our Lord One thousand Seven
hundred and thirty — 1730 —
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced &
Declared by ye sd Allerton Cushman as Allerton Cushman (seal)
his last Will & Testament in the
Presence of us the Subscribers
James Harlow
Elizabeth Cushman
John Bell
January the 25: 1730 — The Within named James Harlow
Elizabeth Cushman and John Bell made Oath that they saw ye Within
namd Allerton Cushman Sign Seal & heard him Declare the within
named Instrument to be his last Will & Testamt. and that they at
ye same time in ye Presence of ye. said
Testator Set to their hands as Witnesses and that according to the best of yr.
Observation he then was of a sound & disposing Mind & Memory Before Isaac Winslow
Judge
of Probate
The inventory of ye Personal Estate of Allerton
Cushman late of Plimton deceased was taken January 30th 1730/31 by
Samuel Bradford, Francis Adams & Ignatius Cushing, but not totaled, and
sworn to by Josiah Cushman, the Executor, on March ye 5: 1730/31.
The distribution of the personal estate of Allerton Cushman,
late of Plympton, set off by Josiah Cushman, of Plympton, the Executor,
mentioned:
To the widow
To Capt. Caleb Loring, guardian to Mary Cushman
To James Harlow, guardian to James Cushman
To Josiah Cushman, guardian to Allerton Cushman
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Cushman of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the name of God
amen. I Benjamin Cushman of Plympton in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman considering the Uncertainty of this Mortal
Life, & being of sound & perfect Mind & Memory, blessed be almighty
God for the same, do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in
Manner & form as following, that is to say —
First
I give and bequeath to my two eldest Daughters Joanna & Zilpha Cushman the
use & Improvement of my Homestead Farm together with my Dwelling House and
all the Buildings standing on the same, also all my out Lands to occupy,
cultivate & improve at their own Discretion & as they shall see fit for
& during their natural Lives, with all the privileges belonging to the
above premises –
And
it is further my Will that after the decease of my two Daughters above named
that the above premises be divided into six equal shares, & that my three
Sons Caleb Cushman, Joseph Cushman & Benjamin Cushman junr.
& my two Daughters Zerviah Chandler & Sarah Fuller have five of the
above shares to be equally divided among them & that my three Grandchildren
viz Jacob, Irena & Winslow B. Cushman all Children of my Son Jacob Cushman
have one share to be equally divided among them –
I
will & bequeath unto my eldest Son Jacob Cushman one Dollar to be paid out
of my personal Estate by my Executor hereafter named –
And
I do further will & bequeath to my two eldest Daughters Joanna & Zilpha
Cushman the whole of my personal Estate after paying my just debts &
funeral Charges, to dispose of as they shall see fit –
And
I do hereby constitute & appoint Zebedee Chandler of Plympton my sole
Executor of this my last will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
fourteenth day & November in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight
hundred & seven
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above
named Benjamin Cushman to be his
last Will &
Testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto Ben. Cushman (seal)
subscribed our Names as Witnesses
in presence of the Testator
John
Bisbe
Josiah
Perkins
Noah
Bisbe –
To the Hon Joshua Thomas Esqr.
Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth –
The Subscriber having been
nominated Executor in the last Will & Testament of Benjamin Cushman late of
Plympton in said County yeoman deceased informs your Honour that it being
inconvenient for him to take upon him said Trust hereby declares his refusal of
the same –
Plympton
April 6th. 1813 ~~ Zebedee Chandler –
Presented for probate on 6 Apr.
1813 by John Faunce Esqr. of Kingston in said County, Zebedee
Chandler the Executor therein named having refused said Trust, and proved by
John Bisbe and Josiah Perkins, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to John Faunce Esqr.
John Faunce, of Kingston, Esqr.,
was granted administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of Benjamin
Cushman, late of Plympton, Yeoman, on 6 Apr. 1813.
Oliver Parker, Lemuel Cobb, and
Isaiah Ripley junr., all of Plympton, yeomen, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Benjamin Cushing [sic], late of Plympton, Yeoman, on 6
Apr. 1813. The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Cushman, late of Plympton,
not dated or totaled, included his homestead farm containing 30 acres with the
buildings valued at $705, and his personal estate totaling $370.23. John Faunce
Esqr, the Administrator with the will annexed, gave his oath to the
inventory on 3 May 1813, and he notified the court that the estate is
insufficient to pay all his just debts.
Timothy Ripley and Peleg Wright,
Yeomen, and Isaiah Ripley Junr., Gentleman, all of Plympton, were
appointed to set off one third part of the Real Estate of Benjamin Cushman,
late of Plympton, Yeoman, to his Widow Zerviah Cushman as her dower in said
real estate for her use during her natural life, on 1 Nov. 1813. The division
was dated 3 Jan. 1814, and approved the same day.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p.
523-524, from FHL microfilm #0550903, Vol. 39, p. 460-461, Vol. 44, p. 532, and
Vol. 45, p. 214.
Will of Earl Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
I
Earl Cushman of Middleborough County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts do
make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in the following words, to wit.
1
I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved wife Wealthy Cushman the use
and improvement of all my estate both real and personal so long as she remains
my widow
2d. I do also give and bequeath to
my son Earl Henry Cushman two thirds of all my estate both real and personal
after the 2d marriage or decease of my Wife aforenamed for his use and behoof
forever.
3
I do further give and bequeath to my daughter Lucy Cushman one third of
all my estate both real and personal after the 2d. marriage or decease of my
Wife aforenamed for his [sic] use and behoof forever.
4
After paying out of my property my debts and funeral expenses, I do
further give to my son Earl Henry above named the sum of two hundred dollars to
be paid in one year from my decease.
5
A I do further appoint Morrell Robinson of said Middleborough to be my
sole executor of this my last Will and testament hereby revoking all former
Wills.
In
testimony hereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal on this Twenty second day
of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Earl Cushman
Signed,
sealed, proclaimed and delivered.
before
us.
Calvin
Shaw
Apollos
Eaton
Betsey
Brett
I
decline the trust of Executor of the within will
Morrill Robinson
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Aug. 1847 by Morrill Robinson, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Calvin Shaw, Apollos Eaton and Betsey Brett, the Witnesses thereto
subscribed. No assignment of an administrator or inventory of the estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p.
287-288, and Probate Docket #5802 was checked for any additional records.
Will of Eleazer Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
Know
all Men by these Presents that I Eleazer Cushman of the Town of Plimpton in the
County of Plimouth in New-England being at Present sick & weak of body, but
of Sound & Disposing Mind & memory thanks be go God for the same and
being Senseable of my own Mortality do Make and Ordain this to be my last Will
& Testament to Remain firm and Inviolable forever as followeth ~
I Give and Bequeath unto my well
& dutifull wife Eunis Cushman all my Estate both real & personall after
my Just debts and funerall charges & first paid out of the same to her
& her Heirs and assigns forever,
I do hereby Constitute and Appoint
my well beloved wife Eunis Cushman aforesaid to be Execx. of this my
Last Will and Testament, Thus Hoping that this my last will & Testament
will be Observed according to the true intent & meaning thereof, I do
hereto Set my hand & Seal this 22d. day of Febry,
1758. ~~
Signed Sealed & Declared in the
Presence of Eleazer Cushman (seal)
John
Rickard
Judath
Faunce
Nehemiah
Bennett
Presented for probate on 2 May 1758
by the Execx. therein named, and proved by John Rickard and Nehemiah
Bennett, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to the
Widow Eunis Cushman, the Executrix, on 2 May 1758, with John Tillson,
Husbandman, of Plimpton, and Hezekiah Stodder, Housewright, of Scituate, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 509-510, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Eleazer Cushman of Willington, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1793) *
In the
name of God, amen. I Eleazer Cushman of Willington in the County of Tolland
& State of Connecticut being far advanced in age & of a sound disposing
mind and memory, Thanks given to God therefor; and calling to mind that it is
appointed for man once to die, and after death the Judgement do make and ordain
this to be my last Will and Testament, that is to say first I recommend my soul
to God who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent christian manner at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter appointed – In the first place I do hereby
appoint my son Eleazer Cushman to be my Executor to this my last will and
Testament. –
I give
and bequeath to my loving wife Abigail the use and Improvement of the one half
of all the lands I now own together with the use of the west part of the house
where I now live it being the whole of my part of the house after my just debts
and funeral charges are paid for and during her natural life. I also give to my
sd. wife all my houshold furniture to be at her disposal forever –
I give
to my son Eleazer Cushman the other half of my lands forever to be at his
disposal together with those lands and buildings given to my wife after her
decease he paying my just debts funeral charges and the Legacies hereafter
mentioned –
I give
to my son Eliphalet three pounds lawful money to be paid by my Executor within
one year after the decease of my sd. wife, which together with what
I have already given him will be his share of my estate
I give
to my son Thomas, five pounds £, my. to be paid by my sd.
Executor within two years after the decease of my said wife, which with what I
have already given him will be his share of my estate –
I give
to my Daughter Abigail Carpenter, twenty shillings lawful money to be paid by
my sd. Executor in three years after the decease of my sd.
wife, which with what I have already given her will be her share of my estate –
I also
give to my Daughter Chloe five pounds lawful money to be paid by my sd.
Executor at the decease of my sd. wife, together with the priviledge
of keeping a Cow the year round out of those lands I have given to my Executor
every year so long as she remains single – I also give her liberty to live in
that part of the house given to my sd. wife so long as she continues
to live single –
The
remainder and residue of my estate not before given away I give to my sd.
three sons equally to be divided – I do hereby declare this to be my last Will
and Testament, revoking and disannulling all other Wills be me made – In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day
of January AD 1793
Signed sealed and delivered Eleazar Cushman (seal)
in presence of –
Richard Pearl
Miner Grant
Eunice Grant –
Proved on 8 Aug. 1797 by Richard Pearl, Miner Grant and
Eunice Grant, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the goods, Chattels and estate of Mr.
Eleazar Cushman late of Willington decd. appraised on 17 Apr. 1797
by Rufus Fisher and John Goodwill totaled $863.44, including 38 acres of land,
part of a house and barn valued at $333.34.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 4, p. 272-273, from FHL microfilm #0005743.
Will of Elias
Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it remembered that I Elias Cushman of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on this tenth day of
June in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following, Viz:
Imprimis,
I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Charity Cushman all my household Goods,
my Silver Watch, Meal tubs and Cider Casks, (excepting one bed and bedding, my
desk and gun,) Also I give to her all my neat stock, horses, sheep, swine, my
chaise, pleasure Wagon, riding sleigh and the harnesses belonging to the same,
and all the provisions which I may leave, Also I give to her all the Notes
which are given in her name to her and to her disposal forever. Also I give to
her the use & improvement of one third part of my homestead farm and the
buildings thereon during her natural life.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my brother Zebulon Cushman One hundred and fifty
dollars, to be paid out of my estate by my Executor in one year after my
decease. Also one half of my wearing apparel.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my brother Isaac Cushman fifty dollars to be paid out of
my estate by my Executor in one year after my decease. Also one half of my
wearing Apparel.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my sisters Sarah Morton, Olive Vaughn, Betsey Vaughan,
Hannah Thomas, and Rebecca Cushman One hundred dollars to each of them to be
paid out of my estate by my Executor in one year after my decease.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Nephew Zebulon Cushman Junior the use and improvement
of that piece or lot of land which I hold by deed under the hand of Patience
Purrington, Widow, deceased, during his natural life, and after the decease of
the said Zebulon Cushman Jun. I give and devise to his heirs the said lot of
land forever to be equally divided between them.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Nephew Isaac Cushman 3d One hundred and
eighty dollars to be paid out of my estate by my Executor in one year after my
decease, Also I give to him a legacy of One hundred dollars which my Uncle
Abraham Miller gave me in his last Will and Testament.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Nephew Joseph H. Cushman One hundred and twenty
dollars to be paid out of my estate by my Executor in one year after my
decease.
Item,
I give and devise to my Nephew Elias Cushman 3d all the rest residue
and remainder of my Estate, both Real & Personal of any name or nature to
him and his heirs and assigns forever, he paying all my just debts and the
several legacies above named.
Lastly, I do appoint my said Nephew
Elias Cushman 3d my Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written.
Elias Cushman (seal)
Signed, sealed and published by the
said Elias Cushman declaring this to be his last Will and Testament in presence
of us, who at his request were called as witnesses to the same and in his
presence did hereunto subscribe our names.
Darius
Miller
Abigail
T. Miller
Seth
Miller
Presented for probate on 20 Feb.
1832, and proved by Darius Miller and Seth Miller, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were given to Elias Cushman 3d, of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elkanah
Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1725) *
Know all men by These Presents that I Elkanah Cushman of ye
Town of Plympton in ye County in New: England being at this Present
time in Health & of Sound & disposing mind & memory &
understanding blessed be God for it, do make & ordain this to be my last
will & Testament to Remain firm & Inviolable forever. Imprimis: I give
& Bequeath unto my Son Allerton Cushman; & unto my Daughter martha
Holmes Each of them twenty Pounds; and unto my two grand daughters Elisabeth
Delanoe & Hannah Cushman Each of them five Pounds. Item: I give &
Bequeath unto my two Sons Allerton Cushman & Josiah Cushman all
ye Rest of my Estate both Real & Personal & also all ye
money or Bills of Credit which I Shall have at ye time of my
decease; and also all ye debts that Shall then be due unto me; my
Just Debts & funeral charges being first Paid out of ye same;
and my Will is that my sd two Sons Allerton & Josiah
Shall be Executors of this my Last Will & Testament; Thus Hoping that this
my Last Will & Testament Will be kept & Performed according to ye
true Intent & meaning thereof; I comitt my Body to ye Dust &
my Soul to God that gave it: In Wittness where of I ye aforesaid
Elkanah Cushman have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal this fourteenth day of
october one thousand Seven Hundred twenty & five
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye
above named Elkanah Cushman
to be His Last will & Testament Elkanah Cushman (seal)
In ye Presence of us
Jacob Tompson
John Tompson Junr
Barnabas Tompson
September ye 22d 1727. The above named John Tompson Junr
& Barnabas Tompson made oath yt they saw ye above
named Elkanah Cushman late of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth
deceased Sign Seal & heard him declare ye above written
Instrument to be His Last Will & Testament at yt at ye
same time they together with Jacob Tompson Sett to their Hands as wittnesses
& yt also according to ye best of their observation
He then was of a Sound & disposing mind & memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probates
Letter of administration on the estate of Elkanah Cushman,
late of Plympton, was granted on 26 Sept. 1727 to Josiah Cushman, one of the
sons of the said deceased, and one of the executors therein named, the other
executor named, Allerton Cushman, having refused the executorship. No inventory
of his estate was recorded.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ezekiel
Cushman of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it remembered that I Ezekiel Cushman of
Firstly
I commit my spirit to God who gave it & my body to the Earth to be buried
by my Friends in a decent manner, as touching my Earthly estate I do dispose of
it in the following manner Viz –
Item I do give & bequeath to my wife Abigail
Cushman the whole improvement of all I do possess or am seized of both Real
& personal Estate which I do not otherwise dispose of for her to improve or
make use of in What way she thinks best so long as she remains my widow — If
the income of my real and personal estate is not sufficient for her Comfortable
support she may dispose of so much of the personal estate Money or stock after
my debts are paid as her circumstances need so long as she remains unmarried
and no longer except the household furniture that she may have during her
natural life
Item 2: I do give to my daughter
Sophia Bryant 40. Dollars –
Item 3. I do give to my son Harvey
Cushman twenty dollars and all of my wearing apparel to be delivered to him
when I have done with them if called for –
Item 4. I do give to my daughter
Almira Davies One hundred dollars
Item 5. I do give to my daughter
Eliza Pierce One hundred dollars –
Item 6 I do give to my daughter Abigail Cushman two
hundred dollars.
All of the above Legacies &
sums of money I will & order to be paid to the said respective Legatees
within twelve months after the marriage or death of my widow Abigail Cushman
Except my wearing clothes & twenty dollars, which is to be paid to Harvey
Cushman when called for after my death.
Item 7. I do give to my son
Bartlett Cushman my mahogany desk & Bookcase.
Item 8. I give to Gilson Cushman my
cherry desk & case both to be received when their Mother has done with
them.
Item 9. I do give to my daughter
Abigail Cushman one good Bed, Bedstead, Cord & so much as will clothe one
Bed well in Bed clothes the above to be delivered to her at my death. I do give
to Abigail Cushman my best case of drawers & one of the best Tables, and
Clock & Cook stove with its furniture and one cup board standing in the
room with the stove the last named articles to be delivered at the marriage of
my widow or her death.
Item 10. I do give to my two
daughters to be equally divided between them Viz Almira Davis & Abigail
Cushman, the whole of my household furniture which I have not otherwise
disposed of, after their Mother has done with it to be theirs forever. I do give
to Sophia Bryant, Almira Davis, Eliza Peirce & Abigail Cushman, the whole
of my horned Cattle, Hogs & money and notes debts due me after paying out
my debts, & funeral charges & my wife Abigail Cushman has done with
them if there be any thing left my will is that it shall be equally divided
between my four daughters, to be theirs, their heirs, & assigns forever.
Item 11 I do give to my two daughters Almira Davis
& Abigail Cushman so long as they do live single & unmarried the whole
of the improvement of my dwelling house in which I now live together with the
wood house, Corn house, with the lot of land on which they stand and all of the
privileges belonging thereunto except the Carpenters shop. – The lot of land
which they are to improve with the building is bounded as follows Viz beginning
about 5 rods southwest from my dwelling house by the road, thence northerly by
the road 14 rods, thence easterly 7 rods to the land of L. Perkins thence
southerly & westerly by the land on which L. Perkins now lives to the first
mentioned–bounds All of which the above named, Almira Davis & Abigail shall
have the improvement of so long as they live unmarried together with the
privileges of having one Cow. Kept on the farm, on which I now live summer
& winter without anymore expense to them than driving & Milking
Item 12. I do give to my daughters
Almira Davis & Abigail Cushman eight Cords of wood per year 4 cords of Oak
& 4 of pine to be cut & drawn to their door every fall by my two sons
Bartlett Cushman & Gilson Cushman or their heirs or assigns so long as the
above named Almira & Abigail do live unmarried–the above named Cow is to be
equally well provided for, Summer & winter by Bartlett & Gilson Cushman
or their heirs or assigns
All of the above Legacies my two
daughters Almira Davis & Abigail–shall have the improvement of during their
natural lives unless they forfeit those conditional Legacies by marriage if one
of the Sisters Almira or Abigail marries or dies before the other she shall
leave to the surviving or other Sister all the property both had in the
buildings Land, Cow & wood when when Almira & Abigail are both married
or dead, I do give to my two Sons Bartlett Cushman & Gilson Cushman to them
their heirs & assigns forever the whole of both my real & personal
estate after they have paid out my debts & legacies and their Mother &
Sisters have done with it, what is left to be equally divided between Bartlett
Cushman & Gilson & their heirs & assigns forever.
And I do appoint Bartlett Cushman
the sole executor on this my last will and testament and I do revoke all other
wills before made by me and do establish this as my last will & testament
in testimony of which I do hereunto set my hand & Seal this first day of
December One thousand eight hundred & thirty.
Ezekiel Cushman (seal)
Signed sealed, published &
delivered by the said Ezekiel Cushman to be his last will & Testament in
presence of us, who at his request and in his presence have set our names as
witnesses to the same –
Lothrop
Perkins
Bradford
Sherman
Dennis
Sherman
Presented for probate on 2 May
1832, and proved by Lothrop Perkins and Bradford Sherman, two of the witnesses.
Lothrop Perkins Esq., Bradford
Sherman, and Dennis Sherman, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Gardner Cushman of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In the name of God I Gardner Cushman of Rochester in the
County of Plymouth Cordwainer, this twenty fifth day of November in the Year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixteen being of a sound &
disposing Mind & Memory calling to Mind the Mortality of Man do make &
ordain this my last Will and Testament & first I give my Soul to God who
gave it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a decent and Christian like
Manner at the Disposal of my Friends & as touching my worldly Estate I do
dispose of it in the following Manner & Form–
I give
& bequeath to my beloved Brothers viz Ezekiel Cushman Cephas, Allarton
& Benjamin Thomas the whole of my wearing Apparel to be equally divided
between them, & to be delivered to them at my decease by my Executor
I also
give to my beloved Mother Judith Cushman the Remainder of both my real &
personal Estate to be hers & her Heirs & Executors & assigns
forever.—
Item I
do appoint Allarton Cushman to be the sole Executor of this My last will and
Testament — In Testimony of which I do
hereto set my hand & Seal this twenty fifth day of November in the Year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixteen —
signed sealed published & declared
by the said Gardner Cushman to be his
last Will & Testament in presence of us,
Ezekiel
Cushman Gardner Cushman (seal)
John
Wallis Junr.
Abishai
Rogers.
Presented for probate on 17 Dec.
1816 by Allarton Cushman, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ezekiel
Cushman and John Wallis Junr, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Allarton Cushman, the
before named Executor.
To the Hon Joshua Thomas Esqr.
Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth
I hereby give your Honour to
understand that I have relinquished and do hereby relinquish the Bequest made me
in the Will of Gardner Cushman late of Rochester in the County of Plymouth
Cordwainer deceased
Rochester
December 17th. 1816
Attest Beza Hayward Ezekiel Cushman
John Wallis
Junr.
Gideon Hammond, Gentleman, Isaac
Barrows, and James Hammond, Yeomen, all of Rochester, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Gardner Cushman, late of Rochester, Cordwainer, on 17
Dec. 1816. The Inventory of the Estate of Gardner Cushman, late of Rochester,
dated 14 Mar. 1817, totaled $2211.50, including his real estate valued at
$1955. Allarton Cushman, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 17
Mar. 1817.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp.
278-279, 394, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will and Codicil of Hercules Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1832) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Hercules Cushman of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Counsellor at
Law do make, ordain and declare this instrument to be my last Will &
Testament revoking all others.
Imprimis,
All my just debts and funeral charges are to be punctually & speedily paid
& my wife & children are to be provided with suitable mourning apparel
and the family provision which shall remain on hand at my decease are to be
left for the use of my wife & children without the interference of my
Executor so long as they shall constitute one family.
Item,
I give & bequeath to my wife & children their respective wearing
apparel & to my son William Hercules Cushman I give & bequeath my own
wearing apparel, my gold watch, and my shares in the Social Library in said
Item,
I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth P. Cushman the sum of One
hundred dollars in cash to be paid to her by my Executor within three months
after my decease.
Item,
My Will is & I hereby order & empower my Executor herein named, within
a reasonable time after my decease, having regard to the condition of the
family to make sale of all the Real Estate not herein specifically devised of
which I may die seized wherever the same may be situated & to make Deeds
thereof conveying the same to be held in fee simple & also to make sale of
all all such personal estate as I may die seized of & which is not herein
specifically devised; and in making the sales he is to make the best of the
Estate which it may be in his power to do; Such of my personal estate as
consists of Bank Stock & Insurance Stock I hereby except from the aforesaid
order of Sale to my Executor leaving the sale to his discretion.
Item,
I give & bequeath to my only son William Hercules Cushman all my right, and
interest in the lot of land & the buildings thereon standing situated at
the four corners in said Middleborough which was formerly owned by Daniel
Thomas and now owned by myself and Peter H. Peirce, Esquire, my Copartner in
trade there in equal purparties; to have and to hold to said William Hercules
and to his heirs & assigns forever. Also I give & bequeath to said
William Hercules and to his heirs & assigns all my right & interest in
the stock in trade in & connected with the Store on said lot of land,
including the goods in said Store, the debts due to the Copartnership of
Hercules Cushman and Company and such erections on said lot of land as have
been made by the means of the funds of said Company, my right and interest in
the whole being one undivided half part thereof, the other moiety thereof being
owned by my said Copartner Peter H. Peirce Esquire, on this condition however
that said William Hercules pay the full amount of one half part of the debts
which said Company shall owe at the time of my decease. And further it being my
intention that my said son William Hercules should have in full half part of
all the property & estate of which I may die seized over & above the
said wearing apparel, watch and library shares, devised to him in this my Will
& no more than a half part, my Will is and I hereby declare it as my
special direction to my Executor that for the purpose of ascertaining the value
of the Estate hereby bequeathed to said William Hercules, my right &
interest shall be valued and estimated at the sum of One thousand dollars &
no more, which sum I consider to be the fair worth of that property aside from
the building recently erected thereon and and that building having been erected
with the funds of said Copartnership. I further declare it to be my Will and
special direction to my Executor that the Stock in trade, goods in store &
debts due which I have herein devised to said William Hercules shall not be
particularly inventoried, nor an account of Stock taken otherwise than as
herein after directed, that is to say the value of said stock goods and debts
devised and aforesaid is to be ascertained by striking a balance of my accounts
on the Books of said Copartnership; I therefore direct & my Will is that my
said Copartner Peter H. Peirce Esquire shall liquidate that account; the Books
will shew the amount of funds which I have furnished to said Copartnership
& all credits of every sort to which I am entitled; and also the amount of
property of all sorts which I have withdrawn from said Copartnership & the
balance of that account as it shall be liquidated & settled by my said
Copartner shall be deemed and taken to be the true value of the said Stock in
trade, goods and debts due above devised to the said William Hercules; and a
certificate under the hand of my said Copartner stating the true balance in my
favor on said Books shall be conclusive evidence & the sole guide to my
Executor in ascertaining the value of said stock in trade, goods and debts due
which I have herein devised to said William Hercules; I make no allowance for
profits which may be nothing or if any thing they are not to be taken into the
account but are to be considered as included in the said devise to said William
Hercules, my design being to give and bequeath to him my whole right and
interest in said lot of land, store & buildings, goods, debts due to said
firm and indeed the whole establishment, he paying one half of the debts which
said Company may owe & the whole devise to take effect at the time of my
decease so as to include all the goods & property of a said Copartnership
which may then be on hand & he to represent me then & to become the
Copartner of said Peter H. Peirce Esq. in that establishment if such shall be
the pleasure of said Peirce & William Hercules. The said sum of One
thousand dollars for the Real Estate and the balance found in my favor on said
Company’s Books and certified by my said Copartner as aforesaid are together to
Constitute the estimated amount & value of the property & estate which
I hereby design to give & bequeath to said William Hercules and which he is
to take subject to this further provision, that is to say, if the said
estimated value of said Real Estate and the value of said Stock in trade goods
& debts explained as aforesaid and estimated & certified as aforesaid,
by my said Copartner shall together exceed the amount of the rest & residue
of my estate herein after devised, said William shall pay over to my Executor
one half of said excess to increase said residue. My Will further is that if
said William Hercules shall die without issue, the Estate to him above devised
shall be distributed to & among my other children who shall be living at
the time of his decease.
Item.
If the rest and residue of my Estate shall exceed the amount of the above
bequest of Real Estate, stock in trade, goods & debts due made to said
William Hercules the value thereof found & estimated in manner above
mentioned my Executor is to pay over to said William Hercules One half part of
such excess.
Item,
All the rest and residue of the property & estate of which I may die seized
I give & bequeath as follows, that is to say, to my daughter Mary Washburn
Cushman One third part of such residue, to my daughter Elizabeth Washburn
Cushman one third part of said residue, to my Wife Elizabeth P. Washburn I give
& bequeath the interest or income of one third part of said residue to be
paid to her by my Executor or my lawful Administrator with this Will annexed,
during her Widowhood; and on the death or marriage of my said Wife said
undevised third part of said residue is to be distributed to and among my
children who shall in either event be alive & to their legal
representatives share & share alike. My Will further is that on the death
of either of my said daughters without issue & unmarried, the share of the
deceased shall be distributed to & among such of my Children as shall
survive the deceased & their legal representatives.
Lastly I hereby constitute &
appoint my trusty & esteemed friend William Bourne Esquire of said
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this ninth day of June in
the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Hercules Cushman (seal)
Signed, Sealed and declared by the
above named Hercules Cushman to be his last Will & Testament in the
presence of us who in his presence have set our names hereto has witnesses.
Zechariah
Eddy
Levi
Peirce
Whereas I Hercules Cushman of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, Counsellor at Law have duly made and
duly executed my last Will & Testament in writing the date whereof is June
the ninth day One thousand eight hundred and thirty two,
Now
I the said Hercules Cushman do hereby confirm said Will & the several
bequests therein mentioned except in so far as the same may be varied or
revoked by this Instrument which I declare to be a Codicil to my said Will and
which I direct to be annexed hereto & taken as a part thereof; And I do
hereby give & bequeath to my son William Hercules Cushman my pew and the
furniture thereof in the Meeting House of the first precinct in Middleborough
and also my shed near to said Meeting House on the South Westerly side of the
Vestry, to have and to hold to said William Hercules and to his heirs and
assigns forever on the following conditions Viz: First that said William
Hercules pay to my Executor within one year after my decease the sum of One
hundred dollars which sum is to go into the residue of my estate to be
distributed as in my said Will directed, Second that said William
Hercules reserve seats in said Pew for my Wife Elizabeth P. Cushman and my
daughters Mary Washburn Cushman & Elizabeth Washburn Cushman, and permit
them to occupy the same so long as they shall respectively remain unmarried.
In
respect to the portraits or pictures of myself and my said Wife, my Will is
that they should not be sold nor in any manner be disposed of by my Executor
but remain in my family as heirlooms, the property in them to be in my son
William Hercules and if he should die without issue the property therein to
vest in the next eldest heir of my family and so in succession forever; but as
the portraits are now & have for a considerable time been, hung up in the
house of my said Wife’s father, my Will is that they remain there during the
lifetime of her said father & her mother & if my said Wife should
survive them they are still to be at her disposal during her widowhood, but on
her death or Marriage, they are to come into the possession of said William Hercules,
if alive, or to my next eldest heir if he should not be alive as before
expressed.
In
respect to my books of account, title deeds, receipts & other papers &
evidences of property my Will & pleasure respecting them is that my
Executor shall have the inspection of them & the custody of them for a
reasonable time and at all times when it shall be necessary for executing the
intentions of my Will & excepting the Notes of hand or bonds which are to
be given upon to be cancelled on the payment of the moneys which may be due
thereon or on the performance of the condition thereon they are to be finally
placed in the hands & under the control of my said son William Hercules.
In
testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this ________ day of June
One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.—
Hercules Cushman (seal)
Signed, sealed and published by the
said Hercules Cushman as & for a Codicil to be added to & considered
part of his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed
our names in his presence.
Zechariah
Eddy
Foster
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 2 Oct.
1832, the Will proved by Levi Peirce and Arad Thompson, two of the witnesses to
the Will, and the Codicil proved by Arad Thompson and Foster Tinkham, two of
the witnesses to the Codicil. Letters of Administration granted to William
Bourne, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1727) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Isaac Cushman Senr.
of Plimton in the County of Plymouth in the Province of ye
Massachusetts Bay in New-England being at this present time in Health & of
sound Mind & Memory Thanks be to God for the Same Yet calling to Mind the
Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to dy do
Make & ordain this my last Will & Testament That is to Say principally
& first of all I Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it &
my Body I recommend the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executor nothing Doubting but at ye General
Resurrection I shall recieve the Same by the mighty Power of God And as
touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless Me in this
Life Having given to my Son Isaac Cushman Decd his full Portion in
land to his full Satisfaction And as concerning my Son Ichabod Cushman he has
had his Portion already to his full Satisfaction — Yet notwithstanding for the
Love & fatherly affection which I bear towards him I Give to him the fifh
Part of my Books & twenty Shilling to be paid to him out of my moveable
Estate—
Imprims. I Give to my Grandson Nathaniel Cushman
my Share of Cedar Swamp lying in
Imprims. I Give to my Daughter Rebekah Mitchel One
quarter Part of my moveable Estate besides what is above Expressed— Item I Give
to ye Children of my Daughter Mary Waterman deceased One quarter Part of my
Moveable Estate besides what what is above Expressed —
Itm I Give to the Children of my Daughter Sarah
Briant deceasd One quarter Part of my Moveable Estate besides what
is above Expressed—
Itm I Give to my Daughter Fear Sturtevant One
quarter Part of my Moveable Estate besides what is above Expressed and if it
should please God to take away by Death Either or Both my Daughters wch
are now Surviving before my self then what I have given to them shall belong to
their Children. And my Will is that my Son in Law Robert Waterman shall be my
Executor to this my last Will & Testament to Recieve all Debts due to the
Estate & also to pay all Debts due from the Estate & Funeral Charges
before any Division be made of ye abovesaid Particulars amongst my
Children & Grand Children — And I do hereby Request my loving friends Capt.
Benoni Lucas & Deacon David Bozworth to be overseers of this my last Will
& Testament And to be assistant unto my aforesd Executr.
in the Performance of ye Same. In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this twenty fifh day of October One thousand
Seven hundred twenty & Seven
Isaac Cushman (Seal)
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye Abovesd
Isaac Cushman Senr. to be his Will and
Testament In ye Presence of us
Ignatius Cushing
Benoni Lucas
David Bozworth
Octobr the 30-1732. The within named Ignatius
Cushing & David Bozworth made oath that they Saw the within named Isaac
Cushman Sign Seal & heard him Declare the within written to be his last
Will & Testament & that they at ye Same time In ye
Presence of ye sd Testator Together wth Benoni
Lucas Set to their hands as Witnesses And that according to the best of yr
Observation he then was of a Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory Before
Isaac
Winslow Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration on the Estate of Mr.
Isaac Cushman late of Plimton were granted to his son in law Robert Waterman,
the Sole Executor, on 4 Dec. 1732.
An Inventory of the personal Estate of the Revd. Mr
Isaac Cushman late of Plimton Deceased taken by us ye Subscribers
Novr 2d 1732
To Books £02-0-0
To Bonds 220-12-10
To Wearing Apparrel
23-2-0
To Bedding & furniture
63-15-6
To Pewter
09-17-9
To Brass
04-07-0
To tin
00-09-0
To Iron Pots & Kettles
03-1-0
To Knives & Forks
00-13-0
To fire tackling & Iron Hatchet
05-13-0
To Old Iron
03-0-0
To glass Ware
00-10-6
To Earthen Ware
00-4-6
To Chairs
02-11-0
To Chests & Tables
03-12-0
To trays & dishes & barrels
& other House Cumber
03-14-0
To Yarn & Wooll & tou[?]
04-9-7
To tobacco
00-7-0
To Cart & Wheels
01-10-0
Saddle & Bridle
00-10-0
To Provision
50-2-5
To Cattle & Horse
48-15-0
To Hay
34-17-0
Debts due to the Estate 134-16-2
Debts due from ye Estate
42-16-11
David
Bozworth
Benjamin
Weston
Ignatius
Cushing
Decembr the 19: 1732 Robert Waterman Adminr
on ye Estate of Mr Isaac Cushman late of Plimton in the
County of Plymth Deceasd Made Oath that the within
written is a true & perfect Inventory of the Estate of ye sd
Isaac Cushman as far as is come to his Knowledge & if more hereafter
appears he will also give it in Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The day abovesd the within named David Bozworth
Benjamin Weston & Ignatius Cushing Made Oath that ye Apprisement
by them here made of ye Estate of Mr Isaac Cushman late
of Plimton in ye County of Plymouth Deceased is a just & equal
apprisement according to ye best of their Judgement Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it remembered that I Isaac Cushman of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth Gentleman being weak in body but of sound mind and memory do
on this twenty fourth day of May AD One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
make and publish this my last Will and testament in manner following that is to
say
I give and devise to my son Abraham M. Cushman all my
homestead farm Also one piece of fresh meadow situated in Middleborough which
was formerly owned by Asa Barrows, and is adjoining to the Land of William
Nelson Esq. Also one fifth part of my household Goods, To have and to hold to
him his heirs and assigns forever he paying all my funeral Expenses, and the
sum of Eight hundred and two dollars, to my other children as I hereafter name
in six month after my decease –
I give and devise to my sons namely, Elias Cushman, Venus
Cushman, George Cushman, and Eliphalet Cushman in equal shares the sum of Eight
hundred dollars, to be paid to them by my Executor in six months after my
decease. Also all the rest & residue of my Estate both Real & personal
to them to have & to hold and to their heirs and assigns forever
I give to my daughter Hannah Miller the wife of Jacob Miller
one dollar to be paid to her in six months after my decease by my Executor
I give to my Grandson Samuel Hall the son of Samuel Hall one
dollar to be paid to him by my Executor in six months after my decease –
And lastly I do constitute & appoint my said son Abraham
M. Cushman sole executor of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the
day & year above written.
Isaac Cushman (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the
said Isaac Cushman as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us
who at his request and in his presence hereunto set our names as witnesses to
the same
Seth
Miller
Polly
Finney
Charles
L. Thomas
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1832, and proved by Seth
Miller and Polly Finney, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
granted to Abraham M. Cushman, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James
Cushman of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen, I James Cushman of Kingston in the Plymouth considering
the uncertainty of this mortal life, do make this my last will and Testament,
in manner and form following.—
In
the first place I give and bequeath unto my Son Samuel E. Cushman, my daughter
Mary Cushman and my daughter Sarah Bartlett all my home lot of land on which I
now dwell Bounded Northerly by the brook, and mill pond also to include a small
piece of land on the Northerly side of the Mill pond between the land and road
leading to the Gristmill, bounded as the fence now stands and bounded easterly
and southerly by John Drew’s land, until it comes to the highway, thence
bounded by the high way, land of George Brewster and Nahum Bailey until it
comes to the high way again, then by the high way, and land I sold my said son
Samuel E. Cushman to the brook began at, with all the buildings standing
thereon, to them and their heirs, in equal shares, or their assigns.
2nd. I give and bequeath
Unto my son Job Cushman one third of the land, I purchased of David Bradford
lying in
3rd. I give and bequeath
unto my grandson James Harvey Cushman, two thirds of the land I purchased of
David Bradford aforesaid.
4th. I give and bequeath unto my
sons Zenas Cushman, Spencer Cushman and Martin Cushman, in equal shares a piece
of land lying in Kingston which I purchased of John Brewster, also my wood lot
and salt meadow which was given to me by my Honord Father Thomas Cushman,
deceased,
5th. I give unto my son Nathaniel
Cushman, a Note, and all obligations I hold against him, and Five dollars.
6th. I give unto my daughter Mary
the Amount of Fifty dollars out of my household furniture, and the remainder to
be equally divided between Mary Cushman and Sarah Bartlett my daughters.
7th. If any more personal Estate
should be left or found belonging to my Estate after paying my just debts and
funeral charges, my will is that it be equally divided between my sons and
daughters aforesaid.
8th. I constitute and appoint my
son Samuel E. Cushman sole executor of this my last Will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty two, and declare by the said James Cushman to
be his last will and Testament
in the presence of us who at his
request
and in his presence have subscribed
our names as witnesses. James Cushman (seal)
Seth
Washburn,
Francis
Drew,
John
Gray
Probated on 20 May 1833, and proved
by Seth Washburn, Francis Drew, and John Gray, the witnesses. Letters of
administration granted to Samuel E. Cushman, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James Cushman of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1845) *
In the
name of God Amen. I James Cushman of Stafford in the County of Tolland &
State of Connecticut being weak in body yet of sound disposing mind &
memory do hereby ordain & make this my last will & Testament, in manner
& form following that is to say.
Imprimis. I will that all my just debts & funeral charges
be first paid out of my estate by my Executor hereinafter named. Item, I give
& bequeath to my beloved wife Phebe the use & improvement of my home
farm & buildings during her natural life also the use & improvement of
one yoke of Oxen, two Cows & Ten sheep & all my household furniture
& farming tools & utensils during her natural life & then to go to
my son Lathrop C. Cushman to be his own forever subject to the following
legacies viz. Item I give & bequeath to my daughter Phebe Washburn and my
daughter Susan N. Smith the sum of Fifteen dollars each to be paid to them by
my Executor within one year after my decease. Item. I give to each of my sons
viz Eli P. Cushman, Joseph G. Cushman and James Cushman the sum of Five dollars
each to be paid to them by my Executor within one year after my decease. Item
all the residue & remainder of my estate real & personal I will &
bequeath to my son Lathrop C. Cushman and do hereby ordain constitute &
appoint him sole Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking
all former wills testaments by me at any time heretofore made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
10th day of April AD
1845
Signed Sealed published & declared as my last Will and
Testament in presence of
Zina Winter James Cushman (seal)
Samuel Cushman
Lunah Cushman
Presented for probate on 29 Apr. 1845 by Lathrop C. Cushman,
the Executor, and proved by Samuel Cushman and Lunah Cushman, two of the
witnesses. Isham Scripture and Harvey R. James, of Stafford, were appointed to
appraise the estate of James Cushman, late of Stafford, by Zina Winter, Judge.
The Inventory of the Estate of James Cushman, late of
Stafford, was presented on 2 May 1845, and totaled $1264.50, including his home
farm and buildings valued at $850, and the Turnpike Lot valued at $80.
The Executor of the last will & testament of James
Cushman, late of Stafford, was allowed $117 for the support of the widow &
family of the deceased during the settlement of the estate.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 16, pp. 359-362, 482, from FHL microfilm
#0005749.
Will of Joanna Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In the Name of God
amen. I Joanna Cushman of the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts being weak of Body yet of a sound &
disposing Mind & Memory, blessed be God for the same do make & ordain
this my last Will & Testament in Manner & form following, that is to
say —
I give
& bequeath to my Son Isaac Cushman the third, two third parts of the Share
undivided, which fell to my Daughter Deborah the wife of Daniel Sturtevant in
the Settlement of the Estate of my Husband Eliphalet Cushman decd.
which Share I bought by Deed from the said Daniel Sturtevant & Wife, which
two thirds given above is to be understood only in the Land exclusive of the
Dwelling house, to him my said Son Isaac his Heirs & assigns forever – Also
I give & bequeath to him my said Son Isaac all my indoor moveables which
are not herein otherways disposed of, together with all my farming Tools &
outdoor moveables & all my live Stock & all my Dues & Demands of
every kind – & my will is & I hereby order that my said Son Isaac shall
pay all my just Debts funeral Charges and for the Settlement of the Estate —
I give
& bequeath to my Son Joseph H. Cushman one third part of the Land contained
in the said Share, two thirds of which is given to my said Son Isaac together
with the whole of said Share in the Dwelling house to him my said Son Joseph H
Cushman his Heirs & assigns forever – Also I give & bequeath to my said
Son Joseph one Bed with a striped Tick with a Bedstead & Cord, one underbed
two pair tow, & linen Sheets, one Cotton Sheet, three pair of Pillow Cases,
one pair of Cotton & wool Blankets, one white all wool Blanket, one green
Bedquilt lined with blue, one red blue & black Coverlet, one red &
white Coverlet, one patchwork Bedquilt, lined with blue, one large plain Chest
& one small Chest, one small Trunk covered with oil Cloth one Set of TeaSpoons
& my watch –
I give
& bequeath to my Daughter Deborah the Wife of Daniel Sturtevant one Calico
patch work Bedquilt lined with white & all my wearing apparel –
I give
& bequeath to my Granddaughter Joanna the Daughter of Daniel Sturtevant one
Gold Ring –
And my
will is & I hereby constitute & appoint my said Son Isaac Cushman 3d.
sole Executor to his my last will & Testament – In Testimony whereof I the
said Joanna Cushman have hereunto set my hand & Seal this seventeenth day
of June Anno Domini Eighteen hundred & fourteen —
Signed sealed pronounced & declared by the said Joanna
Cushman as her last will & Testament in presence of us Joanna Cushman (seal)
Jacob
Bennet
Josiah
Sparrow
Calvin
Reding
Presented for probate on 24 Nov. 1814 by Isaac Cushman 3d.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Bennet Esqr. and
Josiah Sparrow, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Isaac Cushman 3d., the before named
Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p. 554-555, from FHL microfilm
#0550903.
Will of Joanna Cushman of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
I
Joanna Cushman of Plympton
1st. I give my Soul to God & my Body to the
Grave to be decently buried. –
2d.
I give all my real & personal Estate
to Zerviah Chandler the Wife of Zebedee Chandler and Silvia Cushman the Wife of
Jacob Cushman to be equally divided between them after my just Debts and
funeral Charges are paid
I appoint Zebedee Chandler Administrator
on my Will
Signed
sealed & delivered in presence of us this fifteenth day of October in the
year of our Lord 1816
Bennet Perkins her
Isaiah Ripley 2d. Joanna X Cushman (seal)
Zerviah Fuller mark
The Will of Joanna Cushman, late of
Plympton, singlewoman, was presented for probate on 12 Dec. 1816 by Zebedee
Chandler, the Executor therein named, and proved by Bennet Perkins, Isaiah
Ripley 2d., and Zerviah Fuller, the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Zebedee Chandler, the before named
Executor.
Isaiah Ripley 2d. and
Jonathan Parker Gentleman, and Timothy Ripley Yeoman, all of Plympton, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Joanna Cushman, late of Plympton,
Singlewoman, on 12 Dec. 1816. The Inventory, not dated, totaled $106.66,
included one half of a kitchen, bedroom and buttery valued at $48. Zebedee
Chandler, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Jan. 1817.
Plympton November 29th.
1817 This day receved of Zebedee Chandler of Plympton in the County of Plymouth
& State of Massachusetts twenty four Dollars, it being in full of all
Demands of every name or nature both real & personal Estate of Joanna
Cushman late of Plympton deceased which we give up all our Right, Title &
Interest in said Estate that has ever appeared or shall ever appear for the
above named Sum in presence of us Witnesses – and our Heirs and Assigns forever
hereafter
Isaac Wright Jacob Cushman
Isaac Wright Junr. Silva Cushman
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp.
274-275, 329-330, from FHL microfilm #0550905, and Vol. 49, p. 161.
Will of Joshua Cushman of
Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In the Name of God amen, I Joshua Cushman of Marshfield in
the county of Plimouth in New: England yeoman being sick & weak of body,
but of sound mind & memory (blessed be God for it): & calling to mind
the mortality of my body do hereby make & ordain this my last will &
testament. & first of all, I do recommend & commit by Soul into the
hands of God that gave it; & my body to the earth to be decently interred
by my executor hereafter named, in hopes of a resurrection to life eternal
thro’ the merits of the great redeemer; & as to my worldly goods &
estate with which God has blessd. me in this life, I do hereby give
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form. ~
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my beloved wife
Deborah Cushman the use & improvement of all my estate both real &
personal after my funeral charges, Doctor & all my just debts are paid for
the term that she shall remain my widdow to enable her to maintain & bring
up my children.
Item. I give to my son Apollus the sum of twenty pounds
lawfull money, my gun & ammunition, the sd. £20. to be paid
within one Year after my decease.
Item. I give to my two sons Apollus & Cephas all my
wearing apparell to be equally divided between them. ~~
Item. My mind & will is that after my wife,s decease or
marriage that then my whole estate both real & personal shall be equally
divided amongst all my children viz, Joseph Cushman, Joshua Cushman, Mary
Chandler, Sara Cushman, Paul Cushman, Apollus Cushman, Cephas Cushman, Soul
Cushman, Myall Cushman, Consider Cushman, Robert Cushman & Deborah Cushman.
~~
Item. I do constitute & appoint my son Joshua Cushman, to
be the sole executor of this my last will & testament, & I do revoke
all other wills hereby ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my
last will & testamt.
In witness whereof I,ve hereunto set my hand & seal this
8th. day of March in the year of our Lord 1765.
Joshua Cushman (seal)
Signed, sealed & declared by the sd. Joshua
Cushman to be his last Will & testament in Presence of us.~
James Sprague Junr., Lidia Winslow, Nehemiah
Thomas, —
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1765 by Joshua Cushman, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemh. Thomas and James
Sprague Junr, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Joshua Cushman, late of
Marshfield, was appraised by John Wadsworth and Jonathan Peterson, of
Duxborough, and James Sprague junr., of Marshfield, on 12 Apr. 1765,
not totaled, but it included a farm at Rochester valued at £154.13, and a small
salt meadow at Rochester. Joshua Cushman, the administrator on the estate, gave
his oath to the inventory on 22 May 1765.
Barzillai Hammond, Ezekiel Clark, and Nathaniel Hammond
presented the division of the estate of Joshua Cushman in Rochester, dated 10
July 1765, setting off a 1/3rd part to the widow as her right of
dower. Recorded on 12 July 1765.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Josiah
Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1742) *
In the Name of God Amen Josiah Cushman of the Town of Plimton
in County of Plimouth in new England Yeoman Being Through the Goodness of God
of perfect and Desposing Memory Butt Calling to mind the mortallaty of my Body
and Knowing it is appointed for all men once To Die Do make and Ordain this my
Last Will and Testement — Imprimas — I Will and Bequeath my Soul unto God who
Gave it me: and my Body To the Dust To be Decentely Buried at the Descretion of
my Executrex hereafter Named nothing Doubting But at ye Generail
Rezerection I Shall Receive the Same again by the mighty power of God and as
Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God To Bless me in this
Life I Dispose of in the following mannor
Item. I Will and Bequeath unto my well Beloved Wife Susanah
Cushman the Sole Improvement of one third part of my Whole Estate Both Reail
and personal During her naturiel Life my Just Debts & funarell Charges
Being first paid out ~~
Item. I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Son Josiah Cushman
the Sum of Ten pounds in Bills of Creditt old Tenour or in Movables To the
value thereof To be paid him By my Exectx within Twelve
months after my Decease which Said Sum of Ten pounds with the Lands I have
Given him by Deed Baring Date apriel the Third 1740. I Esteam his full
proportion of my Estate. —
I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Son Elkanah Cushman the
Sum of Ten pounds In Bills of Creditt old Tenour or in movable Estate to the
value thereof To Be paid him By my Executox Within Twelve monthes after my
Decease which Said Sum of Ten pounds with the Housing and Lands I have already
Given him By Deed Bareing Date Apriel ye Third 1740 I Esteme his
full proportion of my Estate —
Itm I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Son
william Cushman the Sum of Ten pounds in Bills of Creditt Old Tenour or in
movables To the value thereof To be paid him By my Executox Within Twelve
months after my Deceas Which said Sum of Ten pounds With the Lands I have
alredy Given him By Deed Bareing Date Apriel the Third 1740 I Esteame his full
proportion of my Estate — —
I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Son Isaiah Cushman the Sum
of Ten pounds in Bills of Creditt Old Tenour or in movables to the Value
thereof To be paid him By my Executrix Within twelve monthes after my Decease
which Said Sume of Ten pounds with what I have already Given him in Housing and
Lands By Deed Baring Date Apriel the Third 1740 I Esteam his full proportion of
my Estate —
Item — I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Martha ye
Wife of Robert Waterman the Sum of Sixty five pounds old Tenour or in movables
To the Value thereof To be paid her By my Executrex within Twelve months after
my Decease —
I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Susannah Cushman
The Sum of one Hundred and fifteen pounds in Good Bills of Creditt Old Tenour
or the Value thereof in movables To be paid her by my Executrix with in Twelve
monthes after my Deceas —
Item — I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Elizaboth
Cushmon the Sum of one Hundred and fifteen pounds in Good Bills of Credditt Old
Tenour or in movables to the Value thereof To be paid her By my Executrix
within Twelve monthes after my Decease: I having already Given my Loving
Daughter Anne the wife of Robart Avery the value of one Hundred and fifteen
pounds and Therefore Shall Give her no more untill my Other Daughters have
Received Equell To Her as I Have Before Bequeathed unto them —
Item— I Will and Bequeath unto my Four Loving Daughters viz—
Martha the wife of Robert Waterman Susanah Anne the wife of Robert Avery and
Elisabath all the Resedue of my Estate Both Real and personel whatsoever and
wheresoever it may be Found To be equaly Divided among them which have not
Disposed of By Deed nor in this present will and Further my Will is if any of
my Sons Shall Decease Before they Arive unto ye age of Twenty one
years that in Such Case my Surviveing Son or sons Shall Injoy ye
Estate of the Deceased and my Daughters To Have none of ye Issues
nor property Thereof it is also my Will That if any of my Daughters Shall
Decease Before they Arive unto the above said age of Twenty one years that then
my Surviveing Daughters Shall Injoy ye Estate of my Deceased
Daughter and my Sons to have none of ye Issue or property thereof —
Lastly I Nominate and appointe my Loving Wife Susannah
Cushman To be ye Sole Executrex of this my Last will and Testement
hereby Revoking all Other and former Wills Either Written or verbell by me
Heretofore made or done hereby Rettifing and Confirming this my Last Will To
Remain firm and Inviolable in Testimoney whereof I the Said Josiah Cushmain
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal ye Day of June 1 one thousand Seven Hundred and forty
Two 1742
Signed Sealed pronounounced and Decelard
By the Said Josiah Cushman to be his Last will and Testement
in
presents of us
Lazarus Samson Josiah Cushman (seal)
Nathll Shurtleff
Joseph Lucas
Presented by for probate on 18 May 1750 by the Executrix, and
proved by Lazarus Samson & Nathll. Shurtleff.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Josiah Cushman of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the name of God
Amen– the twenty fourth day of August one thousand seven hundred and Eighty
four–I Josiah Cushman of Plymton in the County of Plymouth in New England,
yeoman, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God
therefor, and Calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my Last will and
testament vizt– principally and first of all, Give and Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that Gave it hoping that through the merits of
Christs death & Sufferings to Recieve the forgiveness of all my Sins, and
my body unto the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, and as touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this Life, I Give and dispose of in the following manner and
form.~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Deborah
the improvement of one third part of all my Real Estate so Long as she shall
Remain my widow if she should marry, the said Real Estate to be divided to my
Eight Sons if Living and also I Give unto my beloved wife one third part of all
my Personal Estate to her own disposal
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Son Josiah One
Eighth part of all my Real Estate he paying nineteen pounds Seventeen Shillings
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son William one
Eighth part of all my Real Estate, together & one yoke of Oxen ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Ignatius one
Eighth part of all my Real Estate and thirty Dollars in money to be paid out of
my Personal Estate when he shall arrive at twenty-one years of age ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Nathaniel one
Eighth part of all my Real Estate & one yoke of three years old Stears –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Andrew, one
Eighth part of all my Real Estate & ten Dollars in money to be paid out of
my moveable Estate when he shall arrive at twenty one years of Age –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Robert one Eighth
part of all my Real Estate & ten Dollars, to be paid out of my Personal
Estate when he shall arrive at twenty one years of Age
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Alden one Eighth
part of all my Reall Estate, and also one third part of my Personal Estate
after my just debts be paid and funeral Charges –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Jeremiah one
Eighth part of all my Real Estate & also one third part of my Personal
Estate after my just debts are paid and funeral Charges
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Sarah ten
Shillings besides what she has already had to be paid out of my Personal
Estate.
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Deborah ten
Shillings, besides what she has already had, to be paid out of my Personal
Estate –
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Susanna one
feather Bed and Lastly – I Constitute and appoint my Loving wife Deborah
Cushman to be the Sole Executor on this my Last will and testament, & I do
hereby utterly disallow & Revoke all wills by me before made Ratifying
& Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and testament–In witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day and year above written.~
Signed, Sealed, Published & delivered by the sd Josiah Cushman (seal)
Josiah Cushman as his Last will & testament
in presence of us the Subscribers –
Isaiah
Cushman
John
Chamberlin
William
Chamberlin
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1784 by Deborah Cushman, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Isaiah Cushman and John Chamberlin, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Deborah Cushman,
the before named Executrix.
James Churchill Gentm, Joel Ellis yeoman, and John
Chamberlin Housewright, all of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Josiah Cushman, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 4 Oct. 1784. The Inventory of
the Estate of Josiah Cushman, late of Plymton, dated 7 Feb. 1785, totaled
£685.10.6, including his real estate valued at £416. Deborah Cushman, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 7 Feb. 1785.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 207-209, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of
In the name of God amen, I Lydia Cushman of Plimouth aged
Sixty three years & being weak of body but of perfect understanding &
memory, Prases be to god for the same; knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die, I do make this my last will and Testament that is to say first
& principally I give & recomend my Soul to god that gave it me and my
body to the Earth to be decently buried at Decent Christian burial by my
Executor nothing doubting but at the general Resurection I Shall receive the
same again by the Mighty power of God and as touching the worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I give Demise and dispose of the
same in manner & forme following—
I Give and bequeath to my Eldest daughter Maria Barker my
Book Called Concorgiance and my smallest looking Glass
Item. I Give and bequeath to my Youngest daughter Lydia
Cushman and to her heirs and assigns forever all the rest & Remainder of my
Estate both real and personal, and also my Will is that all my Debts &
funeral charges be paid, by my Brother Edward Arnold and Lydia Cushman my
Youngest Daughter whom I nominate & appoint The Sole Executrix of this my
last will & Testament and I do hereby utterly revoke & all other and
former Wills here by ratyfieing & Confirming this and no Other to be my
last will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand this
day of September 27 in the year 1744.
Signed Sealed and Declared
by the said Lydia Cushman
to be her last will & Testament
In the presence of us Lydia Cushman (seal)
Experience Lothrop
Elizabeth Howland
Benjamin Lothrop
Proved on 11 May 1749 by Benja. Lothrop &
Elizabeth Howland. Administration was granted to Lydia Atwood, wife of Solomon
Atwood, the Sole Executrix in the will named, on 11 May 1749. No inventory of
her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Marcy
Cushman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1728) *
Know all Men by these Presents that Marcy Cushman of Plimpton
in the County of Plymouth in New England Relict and Widdow of Isaac Cushman
Late of Plimpton Deceased Being at this time in health, and of sound and
disposeing memory and understanding Blessed be God for it, Do make and ordain
this to be my Last will and Testment to remain firm and inviolable for ever;
Imprimis my Will is that all my Just debts and funeral Charges be first paid
out of my Estate by my Executor hereafter named; Item, I give and bequeath unto
my Son Jonathan Freeman and unto my Daughter Marcy Waterman each of them Ten
Shillings, Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Bradford Freeman the Sum of
Twenty Pounds to be paid unto him by my Executor when he shall arrive at the
age of twenty one years; Item I give unto my Son Ichabod Freeman the sum of
Forty two Pounds to be paid unto him by my Executr. when he shall
arrive at the age of Twenty one years, Item I give unto the Heirs of my
Daughter Marcy which is Born of her Body the Sum of Eighty Six Pounds which
said of Eighty Six Pounds she hath already received as Lent unto her in Money
and houshold stuff; But if my said Daughter Marcy decease without heirs born of
her Body, then I give Ten pounds of the abovesd. Sum of Eighty Six
pounds to my Son Jonathan Freeman above named, and the remainder of the sd.
Sum of Eighty Six pounds I give to my two Sons Bradford and Ichabod Freeman
above named to be equally divided between them; Item I give and bequeath to my
Three Daughters (viz) Fear Cushman Priscilla Cushman and Abigail Cushman all
the rest of my Estate to be equally divided amongst them and paid unto each of
them as they shall arrive at age by my Executr. hereafter named; And
my Will is that my Brother Samuel Bradford of Plimpton Afforesd. be
Executor to this my last Will and Testament. Thus hopeing that this my last
Will and Testament will be kept and performed according to the true intent and
meaning thereof; I commit my Body to the Dust, and my Soul to God that gave it;
In witness whereof I the Afforesd. Marcy Cushman have hereunto set
my hand and Seal this Sixteenth Day of December Annoq Dom: 1728.
Signed Sealed and declared
by the Above named Marcy Marcy Cushman (seal)
Cushman to be her last
Will and Testamt. in the
presence of us.
William Churchel
Samuel Cushman
John Bell
Ichabod Freeman, of Plympton, yeoman, was granted
administration with will annexed of the estate of Mercy Cushman, late of
Plympton, who died testate and appointed Mr. Saml.
Bradford, of Plympton, as Executor of her estate, who is also since deceased,
not having fully administered upon the estate, on 2 June 1740.
The Inventory of the Estate of the widow Mercy Cushman, who
deceased in 1738, was appraised by Josiah Perkins, George Samson, and Benja.
Weston, but not dated or totaled. Ichabod Freeman, the administrator, gave his
oath to the inventory on 17 Apr. 1741.
Joseph Lucas, Josiah Cushman, Willm. Churchill,
Benja. Weston, and Ebenezer Sole, all of Plymton, were appointed to
divide the Dower set off to Mercy Cushman widdow of Isaac Cushman late of
Plymton deceas’d out of his Estate among the Heirs of Isaac Cushman pursuant to
province Law on 19 Mar. 1740.
The division was dated 17 Apr. 1741. The first assignee was
Zebede Chandler of Plymton, Housewright, who was the assignee of Fear
Stertevant wife to Nehemiah Stertevant Junr., of Plymton, husbandman
& Phebe the wife of Barnabas Hatch of Tolon in the Collony of Conneticut,
they being two of ye Daughters of sd Isaac and Mercy
Cushman. The second assignee was Priscilla the wife of Israel Holmes of
Plymton, Cordwainer, another of the Daughters of the deceased. The third
assignee was Abigail Cushman, another Daughter of the deceased. Nathaniel
Cushman son of said Deceas’d and Sarah wife to John Gibbs a Daughter of sd.
Deceas’d haveing quitted their Right Title and Interest in the Premises have no
part assign’d them therein. Approved by Jno. Cushing, Judge of Probt.,
on 17 Apr. 1741.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #5875, the will not recorded in
the probate books, the administration from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p.
215, the inventory from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 301, and the division
from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 301-304.
Will of Nathaniel Cushman of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1817) *
In the
name of God Amen I Nathaniel Cushman being indisposed but of perfect mind &
memory praise be given to God for the same but calling to mind the mortality of
my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do therefore make
& ordain this to be my last will & testament hereby making null &
void all other former wills & testaments by me made & signed and
particularly and first of all my soul I recommend into the hands of God that
gave it me my body I recommend to the earth to be decently buried nothing
doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same by the mighty
power of God – As to such worldly estate as it pleased God to bless me with I
give demise & dispose of the same in the following manner, viz –
Item
my will is that my debts funeral charges be first paid
Item
I give to Hannah my beloved wife the use of all my real estate during her
natural life except the stone Ledge so called, and my son Lemuel Cushman is to
improve the land as my wife & he can agree & likewise I give her one
horse & side saddle a yoke of four year old steers two cows & ten sheep
all the house hold furniture one half of the house and one half of the barn all
to be at her own disposal during her natural life & then to return back to
my son Lemuel Cushman except the house hold furniture which is to be given to
my daughter Sarah Cushman when her mother is done with it My wife is to dispose
of the stock as she please which I give her ~
Item
I give to my son Lemuel Cushman all the rest of my real & personal estate
which is not otherwise disposed of for his proper use and behoof forever by my
son Lemuel improving his mothers land as is above written –
Item,
I give the rest of my children one dollar each to be paid whenever called for
in one year after my decease except Charlotte & Clarissa to them I give one
Cow apiece to be paid them after my decease in one year –
Item
I give to my daughter Sarah Cushman three hundred dollars – Two hundred to be
paid her in money one hundred dollars a year after my decease and one hundred
dollars whenever she shall want after my decease in stock or household
furniture
And furthermore I do appoint Hannah
my beloved wife & Lemuel Cushman to be my Sole Executors of this my last
will and testament In witness whereof I truly hereunto affixed my hand and seal
the 16th day of Aug AD
1817 – Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared by the said Nathaniel
Cushman as his last will & testament in presence of us Witnesses
Susanna Cady Nathl. Cushman (seal)
Patty Bemis
Daniel Peck
Presented for probate on 13 Sept.
1817 by Hannah Cushman and Lemuel Cushman, both of Stafford, named Executors,
and approved the same day. The Inventory of the estate of Nathaniel Cushman,
late of Stafford, appraised by Ebenezer Gay and Daniel Peck, was presented the
same day, and totaled $2751.14.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Town of Stafford Register of Probate Records Vol. 9, p. 440-444, from FHL
microfilm #0005746.
Will of Noah Cushman of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
In the Name of God amen I Noah Cushman of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts–Yeoman being
advanced in years & infirm in Body but of a sound Mind & Memory blessed
be God for the same, wherefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing
that it is appointed to all men once to die, I do hereby make & ordain this
to be my last Will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever
principally and first of all, I give my Soul to God that gave it, & my Body
I give & recommend to the Dust to be buried in a decent manner at the
Discretion of my friends & Executor hereafter named in hope that the same
Body will be raised at the general Resurrection by the mighty power of God
& as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I do
hereby dispose of the same as followeth (viz) –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my true & well beloved Wife Zeruah Cushman &
to her Heirs & assigns forever all of the property or Effects of Property
that she owned at the time of her & my Marriage also the best Cow that I
shall own at my decease, which Cow I give to her instead of a Cow she brought
with her when I married her, also my small chest with a Lock and Key & two
Cotton Sheets & two Cotton Pillow Cases that she hath lately made, also one
Cambrick Sheet we purchased sometime ago & also one third part of the
indoor moveable Estate that we have made or purchased since our Marriage, I
also give to my said Wife during her natural Life the use and Improvement of
one third part of my home Farm & Buildings thereon standing & one third
part of my part of a Pew in the Meeting house ~
Item I
also order my Executor hereafter named to pay to my said Wife thirty Dollars
& to keep on my Farm my Heifer that is now almost one Year old untill it
shall become a Cow & then to deliver said Cow to my said Wife and I do
hereby order that my said Wife shall at her discretion expend said thirty
Dollars for the Education of her & my Daughter Zeruah Thomas Cushman and I
also order that when my said Wife shall receive said Cow she shall improve the
same at her Discretion for the Benefit of our said Daughter & to account
for the same, when she shall be legally called upon therefor.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Jacob Cushman & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever five hundred Dollars to be paid to him in one Year after my decease by
my Son Hercules Cushman.—
Item I
give and bequeath to my Son Andrew Cushman & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever eight hundred Dollars to be paid to him in one Year after my decease by
my Son Hercules Cushman.—
Item I
give and bequeath to my two Sons namely Zenas Cushman second & Elias
Cushman, in equal halves & to their & each of their Heirs & Assigns
forever about sixty Acres of Land be it more or less & contains all of my
Farm called the plain Farm together with the Barn thereon standing also the
southerly half of my Lot of fresh Meadow, called Bartlitts Meadow & also
all of my hewed Timber Board Clapboard & Shingles at the Saw mill, or
otherwhere, that I have prepared to build a House on said plain Farm–
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Daniel Cushman & to his Heirs forever five
hundred Dollars, but I do not give it to him to have a right to demand &
come into possession of the same, but I order for my Son Hercules Cushman at
his discretion to pay the same to him the said Daniel & for said Hercules
to keep a fair account of what he payeth & to allow Interest after one year
from any decease, & if the whole shall not be paid to said Daniel while he
is living for the surplus of what is not then paid at said Daniel’s Decease to
be paid to his Heirs at Law–
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Joseph Cushman & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever my ten Acre Lot of Land lying notherly of Jonathan Harlow’s Land &
between said Harlow’s Land & Capt. Ebenezer Wood’s Land, also
five hundred Dollars to be paid to him by my Son Hercules Cushman, when he the
said Joseph shall arrive to twenty one Year of Age, & then if not paid to
be on Interest untill paid I also give to him the said Joseph my Bed &
Furniture commonly used for his Lodging & also my two Steers that are now
almost one Year old & I do order my Son Hercules Cushman to keep said
Steers on my home Farm untill said Joseph shall arrive to twenty one Years of
Age & then deliver them to him –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Coombs & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever two hundred Dollars to be paid to her in one Year after my
Decease by my Son Hercules Cushman, I also give unto her my Great round back
Chair –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Cushman & to her Heirs two hundred
Dollars & my Bed & Furniture that was her Mother’s bed I do not give
them to her for her to demand & come into possession of them as she shall
like, but I order for my Son Hercules to keep the controls of them in his own
hands & to pay & deliver them to her at his Discretion & to keep a
fair Account & to allow her Interest for her money after one Year & if
he shall not pay & deliver the whole to her during her Lifetime then at her
decease to pay & deliver any Surplus to her Heirs in Law.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Zilpah Cushman & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever two hundred Dollars to be paid to her in two Years after my
decease by by my Son Hercules Cushman & also one Cow & one Bed with
light Furniture
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Priscilla Cushman & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever two hundred Dollars to be paid to her when she shall arrive to
eighteen Years of Age by my son Hercules Cushman, I also give unto her one Cow
to come into possession of at my decease, I also give unto her one Bed with
light Furniture—
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Salome Cushman & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever two hundred Dollars to be paid to her when she shall arrive to
eighteen years of Age by my Son Hercules Cushman. I also give unto her one Cow
& also one Bed with light Furniture –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Zeruah Thomas Cushman & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever two hundred Dollars, to be paid to her when she shall arrive to
the Age of eighteen years, I also give unto her the Benefit of the thirty
Dollars put into the hands of her Mother for her Education & the Cow with
the Income thereof that I have by this Will ordered to be put into the hands of
my said Wife to manage for her, the said Money to be paid to her as above by my
Son Hercules Cushman—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Grandson Noah Cushman Son of my Son William Cushman
deceased & to his Heirs & assigns forever, two hundred Dollars to be
paid to him when he shall arrive to twenty one Years of Age by my Son Hercules
Cushman.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my two Granddaughters namely Mercy Lyman & Betsey
Liman both Daughters of said William Cushman deceased in equal halves & to
their & each of their Heirs & Assigns forever all of my Pew standing in
the lower Floor in the meeting house in Randolph in the State of Vermont.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my two Grandchildren namely Noah Cushman Perkins &
Mercy Cushman Perkins both Children of my Daughter Mercy Perkins deceased each
one of them seventy five Dollars to be paid to them by my son Hercules Cushman
as followeth namely for said Noah Cushman Perkins to be paid his seventy five
Dollars, when he shall arrive to twenty one Years of Age & for her the said
Mercy Cushman Perkins to be paid her seventy five Dollars, when she shall
arrive to eighteen Years of Age —
Item I
give and bequeath to my Granddaughter Lydia Ripley Lyon Daughter of my Daughter
Joanna Lyon deceased & to her Heirs & Assigns forever one hundred
Dollars to be paid to her by my Son Hercules Cushman when she shall arrive to
eighteen Years of Age
Item I
give & bequeath to my sons Jacob Cushman, Andrew Cushman, Zenas Cushman
second, Hercules Cushman, Elias Cushman, Daniel Cushman & Joseph Cushman,
in equal proportion and to their Heirs and Assigns forever All of my wearing
Apparel. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughters, namely, Abigail Coombs Zilpah Cushman
Priscilla Cushman, Salome Cushman & Zeruah Thomas Cushman in equal
proportion & to their & each of their Heirs and Assigns forever all of
the remaining part of my indoor moveable Estate that I have not otherwise
disposed of. —
Furthermore
my Will is & I do hereby order, that what provisions I shall have at my
decease in Store for my Family, shall be for the use of my Family & also
that so much of the Fodder that I shall leave in Store for my Stock of
Creatures as shall be necessary for keeping my said Stock untill the time of
turning out Creatures to pasture shall be kept & improved for the keeping
said Creatures untill the time of turning them out to pasture; Furthermore I do
hereby give to my said Wife & hereby order my said Son Hercules to find
& deliver to her one hundred pounds of good pork & one hundred Pounds
of good Beef at the usual time of killing Creatures for winter Meat the Fall of
the Year next after my Decease.–
Item on
Condition that my Son Hercules Cushman shall well & truly pay all of my
just Debts, funeral Charges, the Expence of settling of my Estate & shall
also pay the before named Legacies, that I by this Will have given &
ordered for him to pay, I do hereby give & bequeath to my said Son Hercules
Cushman and to his Heirs & Assigns forever all of the remaining part &
Residue of my Estate of all Sorts real & personal including the Reversion
of the real Estate, that I have by this Will given the use of to my said Wife
during her natural Life and not to her Heirs & Assigns —
And I do
hereby revoke & disannul all former Wills made by me —
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my said Son Hercules Cushman sole Executor
of this my last will and Testament
Thus
hoping that this my last will & Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & Meaning thereof I the before named Noah
Cushman have hereunto set my hand & seal this ninth day of March in the
year of our Lord eighteen hundred & eighteen —
Signed,
sealed published pronounced
and
declared by the said Noah Cushman
to
be his last Will and Testament Noah Cushman (seal)
in
presence of us ~
Isaac
Thomson
Squire
Tinkham
Ransom
T. Wood
Presented for probate on 15 April
1818 by Hercules Cushman Esqr., the Executor therein named, and
proved by Squire Tinkham and Isaac Thomson Esqr., two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Hercules Cushman, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, p.
277-280, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Priscilla Cushman of
This eighteenth day of March A.D.1769, I Priscilla Cushman of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth widdow, being in a very weak &
Languishing condition, and sensible of my own mortality, knowing that it is
appointed once for all to die, but through the infinite goodness of Almighty
GOD, am of a sound disposing mind & memory, thanks therfor be rendered to
Almighty GOD for the same; wherefore calling to mind the the mortality of my
body, knowing that is appointed for all living once to die, do make & ordain
this to be my Last will & testament.
Principally & first of all I recomend my soul into the
hands of Almighty GOD that gave it and my body I recomend to the earth, to be
buried in a decent & christian burial at the discretion of my executor
hereafter-named nothing doubting but by the General resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of GOD, and as touching such worldly
estate as it hath pleased GOD to bless me with in this Life, I give, demise,
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
Imprimis, I give & bequeath unto my welbeloved son John
Cobb my six pewter platters marked with the letters P.T.~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my welbeloved daughter
Martha Eaton wife of Lot Eaton my looking glass & blue bed-quilt.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my wel-beloved daughter
Priscilla Cushman, my chest with one dran in the same, & all my diaper.~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my beloved son Isaac Cushman
two of my silver tea-spoons marked with the letters I.C.~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my two sons Andrew Cushman
& Perez Cushman, my other two silver tea-spoons that are marked with the
letters A.C. & P.C. likewise
I give & bequeath to my said son Andrew a silver neck
buckle.~~
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Susañah Cushman my
iron teakettle.—
Item, I give & bequeath unto my beloved daughter Patience
Cushman two pair of my best sheets, Likewise do give to her my sd
daughter all that she hath cost me for her support since her honrd
father William Cushman decd, & I do acquit her of the same so as
there may be nothing taken out of her portion Left her by her said father for
her maintenance, since his decease, to this time.
Item, I give & bequeath unto my daughter in law Joanna
Thomas wife of Ebenezer Thomas junr my pannel with the furniture.~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my four aforesaid daughters,
viz, Martha Eaton, Priscilla Cushman, Susanna Cushman & Patience Cushman,
all my wearing apparel together with my gold necklace & six gold rings,
& gold locket & jewels & gold buttons & silver shoe buckles,
& all my cloathing of what nature soever, to be equally divided between
them.~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto Joseph Cushman, Zenas
Cushman, William Cushman, Noah Cushman, Isaac Cushman, Andrew Cushman, &
Perez Cushman, all the remaining part of my personal estate not yet given away,
to be equally divided between them after my just debts & funeral charges
being first paid out of the same, and further my will is that all the foregoing
legacies that is given away be given to them & their heirs & assigns
forever.—
And my will is, & I do hereby appoint John Weston of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth gentl to be the sold
executor of this my last will & testament, Thus knowing that this my last
will & testament will be kept & performd according to the
true interest & meaning hereof: utterly disallowing all other wills,
ratifying & confirming this only to be my Last will & testament. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this day & year
above-written
Priscilla
Cushman
Signed, sealed, published & declared by the sd
Pris. Cushman to be her last will & testamt. in presence of
Isaac Tinkham
Nelson Finney Shubael Tinkham
Probated on 1 May 1769, presented by John Weston of
The inventory of Priscilla Cushman, dated 27 May 1769, was
appraised by Benjamin White, Nelson Finney, and Edmund Weston junr,
and totalled £70.0.11.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Robert Cushman of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1747) *
In the Name of God Amen I Robert Cushman of Kingston in the
County of Plimouth yeoman being of a Disposing mind & Memory blessed be God
& Calling to mind My own Mortality Knowing that it is appointed for all to
die do Make & ordain this my Last Will & Testimony in manner & form
following I bequeath my soul to God that Gavest me & my Body to the Earth
With a desent Christian Buriall In a hopes of a blessed resurrection & as
to The outward Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I Dispose of the
same In the following order & form. ~~~
Imprimis I give & bequeath to my dear & Loving wife
Prudence Cushman all that Part of my dwelling house In where I now live &
the use & Improvement of all My land that I,ve not allready Disposd.
of by deeds viz. what is reservd. to Me in sd. Deeds this
Dureing Life or widowhood 2 cows & 6 sheep my son Robt. To keep
sd. Cows & Sheep & to be his at my wifes decease &
Robert to have my mare or Horse That I shall leave & take Care to see that
my wife be sutebale carried to Meeting to have the use of my best Bed that is
now in the Use for her use Dureing life or Widoohood: & to have her own bed
She brought with Her, to be at her Dispose & upon her Second marriage to
have all she brought with her
Item I give & bequeath Unto my beloved Son Robert Cushman
& to his heirs & Assigns forever all the Remainder of my Sixty acre
Lott that I,ve not allready given away by deed allso one acre that was Reserved
by the County Road Where I sho,ud see cause to take it also half of two Lotts
of Land butting Upon the Long Valley as we go to Agawom that is the great Lott
the small Lot Lies forever down confirming this & what I,ve already given
to him by Deed.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Loving Son Thomas Cushman
ten shillings Old Tenour & this with what I,ve allready Given I Judge to be
his Portion~
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Loving son Joshua Cushman
ten shillings This with what I,ve allready Given him I Judge to be his Portion.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Loving son Jonathan
Cushman his heirs & assigns for-ever the one half of two Lotts of Land in
the Last Division Of Plimouth commons the Great Lott is butted on the Long
Valley as we go to Agawom the small Lott lies Lowerdown, with a confirmation of
what I,ve allready given him by deed. ~~
Item I Give & bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Ruth
Perkins fifteen pounds Old Tenour & this with what she has allready had I
Judge to be her Portion
Item. I Give & bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Abigal
Leonard the bed I useuly lie on & the furniture to have after my wifes
decease or Second marriage Allso fifteen pounds old tenor to be paid out of my
Estate & this with what I,ve allready given her I Judge to be her Portion.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Hannah
Washburn fifteen Pounds old tenour & this with what Ive Then allready Give
her I Judge to be her portion
Item Also my mind is that my Son Robert shall one Chain &
then my log Chain & other Chains Plows Carts Drafts yooks & my Farming
Tools shall be equally devided between my two Sons Robert and Jonathan. &
after my just Debts are pd. & my funerall Charges Dischargd.
what shall Remain of my personal Estate I put into the hands of my wife for Her
use & Comfort & after my wifes decease or marriage again there to be to
my Son Robert.
Lastly I do hearby Nominate ordain & appoint my Dear
& Loving son Robert Cushman Executor of this my Last will & Testament
hearby Revoking maiking void all other former will or Wills Codicial or
Codicials heretofore made & Confirming this & no other to be my last
will & Testament as wittness my hand & Seal this ninth day of February
annoque Domini. 1746.-7
Signed Sealed & declared
his
By the abovesaid
Robert Robert G) Cushman
Cushman to be his last will mark
& Testament before us.
James Harlow
Jabez Washburn
Francis Adams
Now further know ye that notwithstanding Any thing aforesd.
That my Son Robert shall have all my Plows Carts & Husbandry tooles &
no Devition to be made & my Grand-son Robert to have my arms &
Amunition. Signd. Seald. May 9th. 1749 this
Publishd. & declared by the abovesd.
Nathan Perkings his
Benja.
Eaton Robert R Cushman
Francis Adams mark
Presented for probate on 7 Nov. 1757 by James Harlow, Jabez
Washburn and Francis Adams, the Excetr. within namd.
being dead, the Subscribers to the within will; & made oath that they saw
the sd. Robert Cushman Sign Seal & Deliver & heard him
declare this will to be his last Will & Testament… and at ye.
same time ye. sd. Nathan Perkins & Francis Adams
Subscribers to the within Codiciall made oath that they saw The said Robt.
Cushman the Testator sign Seal & heard him declare This annexd.
Codicial appertain to & apart of this his sd. last Will &
Testament… Approved on 7 Nov. 1757.
Letters of Administration Cum Testamento annexo were granted
to Thomas Cushman of Kingston, yeoman, on 7 Nov. 1757.
The Inventory of the Estate of mr. Robert Cushman
late of Kingston, was appraised on 24 Mar. 1758 by Robt. Bradford,
John Faunce, and Nathan Perkins, and totaled £125.4.6. The administrator gave
his oath to the inventory on 30 Mar. 1758.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 410-412, 527, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Robert Cushman of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I Robert Cushman of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being in possession of my reason and
understanding, but conscious of the uncertainty of human life, do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say. ~~
First.
I give & devise unto my daughter Deborah Smith her heirs and assigns
forever, in addition to five hundred dollars, that I gave her when she was
married, all that part of my Winsor land situated in Duxbury in said County,
that lies on the Northerly and Easterly side of the following line to wit:
beginning at the center of the Westerly line of Widow Hathaways house lot, and
the Easterly end of a fence; thence running with said fence north eighty two
and an half degrees West as far said fence extends – thence on the same course
to a stake by the meadow thence North ten degrees East thirteen rods to a stake
– thence North eighty seven & a quarter degrees West four rods &
eighteen links to a stake thence North about six degrees East ten rods &
two links to a stake – thence North eighty six degrees West to the creek.
Secondly.
I give and devise to my daughter Ruth Winsor, her heirs & assigns forever,
in addition to five hundred dollars, that I gave her when she was married, all
the remaining part of said tract of Winsor land lying on the Southwesterly side
of the above described line.
Thirdly.
I order my Executor hereafter named, to retain in his hands five hundred
dollars in money, and so long as my daughter Persis shall remain the wife of
Daniel Weston, I direct my Executor to pay to her personally so much of the
interest of said sum, as in his discretion shall be necessary for the support
of herself & children – relying with confidence on his fidelity & honor
so to execute this trust as shall most contribute to the comfort &
convenience of my said daughter and her children. And in case of the death or
divorce of her husband, leaving said Persis, I then order my said Executor to
pay to her the said sum of five hundred dollars, and also to pay her so much
as, with what he may before have paid her, shall be equal to six percent on
said five hundred dollars from the time of my decease. And in case she shall
decease leaving her present husband, I direct my Executor then to pay to her
children who shall survive her the same amount which would be payable to her in
case of her surviving her husband. Also I give to my said daughter Persis the
use of the easterly front room in my dwelling-house and the bed-room adjoining,
with a privilege in the Cellar, and of using the kitchen for the purposes of
baking & washing – Also wood sufficient to support one fire, to be
delivered at the door of said house – also the use and income of one Cow to be
kept on my farm, separate from the rest if she chooses. All which rights &
privileges and provisions are to be had and enjoyed by her, personally so long
as she may continue the wife of her present husband, and until she may be again
married, without any right of disposing of any or either of them to any other
person or persons.
Fourthly.
I give and devise unto my son Joseph P. Cushman his heirs & assigns
forever, all the rest, residue & remainder of my estate both real, personal
& mixed, wherever it may be.
And,
Lastly, I do appoint my said son Joseph P. Cushman sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament, hereby ordering him to pay all my just debts &
funeral charges.
In
Testimony Whereof, I the said Robert Cushman have hereunto set my hand and seal
this first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty three
Robert Cushman (seal)
Signed,
sealed and published by said Robert Cushman, declaring this to be his last Will
& Testament in the presence of us, who at his request were called as
Witnesses to the same, and in his presence & in the presence of each other
did hereto subscribe our names.
Eleazer
Harlow
Nathaniel
Ford
James
P. Ford
Presented for probate by Joseph P.
Cushman, the Executor, on the first Tuesday of October, 1837, and proved by
Eleazer Harlow and Nathaniel Ford, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph P. Cushman, the Executor.
Joseph P. Cushman, of Marshfield,
was granted Administration of the Estate of Robert Cushman, late of Marshfield,
yeoman, on 3 Oct. 1837, with John Ford Junior and Eleazer Harlow, both of
Marshfield, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p.
417-419, from FHL microfilm #0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 313.
Will of Stephen Cushman of Carver, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1866) *
Be it remembered that I Stephen Cushman of Carver in the
County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts do on this tenth day of August in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six, do make and
publish this my last Will and testament in manner as follows Viz’.
Firstly – I give and bequeath to my only child Susan Lincoln
the improvement of all my property both real and personal during her natural
life, under the direction of a Trustee herein-after mentioned. Should he die or
resign a person is to be appointed by the Judge of Probate in his place.
Secondly. I give to my grandchild or grand-children being the
children or child of my daughter Susan Lincoln all my property both real and
personal after the death of their mother,– I mean and wish to be understood,
they are only to have the use of the property under the same Trustee, as along
as the law will permit.–and when the Law will not permit it any longer – then
my will is that all my property both real and personal shall go to them
equally.
Thirdly. I appoint Jesse Murdock of Carver as Trustee and I
confer on him the full authority over all my property both real and personal to
have full power to sell and convey the same, to make any change in the matter
that he may think will be for the benefit of my daughter or her child or
children – having confidence in the Trustee no bond shall be required of him –
and he shall not be answerable for any loss where he exercises common and
ordinary prudence – the waiving of a bond shall not apply to the Trustee
appointed by the Judge of Probate.
Lastly. I nominate and appoint the said Jesse Murdock
Executor of this my last Will and Testament who is directed out of my estate to
pay my debts and my funeral charges.
Signed,
sealed and published by the said Stephen Cushman and declaring this to be his
last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request were called
as witnesses of the same, and in his presence did here subscribe our names.
Stephen Cushman (seal)
Jesse
Murdock
Marcus
M. Shaw
Samuel
Shaw
Hon Wm H. Wood,
Dear Sir
– I decline the trust of acting as Excer and Trustee on the Estate
of the late Stephen Cuishmond [sic] of Carver,
Yours
Respectively,
Jesse
Murdock
Thomas Southworth, of Carver, petitioned for administration
of the will of Stephen Cushman, late of Carver, the executor therein named
having declined, on the second Monday of June 1870 before Wm
H. Wood, Judge of Probate Court. Thomas Southworth, of Carver, was granted
Administration with the will annexed of the estate of Stephen Cushman, late of
Carver, on 13 June 1870, with Jesse Murdock and George P. Bowers, of Carver, as
sureties.
William Savery and Philander W. Bump, of Carver, and N. Frank
Shurtleff, of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Stephen
Cushman, late of Carver, on 13 June 1870. His real estate was valued at $6588,
and his personal estate totaled $1136.78. Thomas Southworth, the executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 12 Sept. 1870.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 106, pp. 550-551, 566, from FHL microfilm #0555647, Vol. 120, p.
34, and Vol. 109, p. 370.
Will of Susanna Cushman of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1856) *
Be it Remembered that I Susanna Cushman of Carver in the
County of Plymouth, Single Woman, do on this Thirty first day of March in the
Year of our LORD one thousand Eight hundred and Fifty Six, make and publish
this my last Will and Testament in manner following.
In the first place I will is that my Executors pay all my
just debts and Funeral Charges, then I give and bequeath to my Brother Stephen
Cushman, all my right in the Homestead Farm, and buildings for and during his
natural life, for him to Cut Wood and improve as his own so long as he shall
live, Also I give him my part of what we own together in Common and undivided
in Carver and Wareham, the true meaning is all my Real Estate shall be his to
improve during his natural life and no longer.
Item. I also give and
bequeath all the Real Estate that I have given the improvement to my Brother
Stephen during his life time to my three Brothers and a Nephew, Thomas M.
Cushman, Isaac Cushman, Caleb Cushman & Heman Cushman to them and their
Heirs forever to be equally divided amongst the four Heirs named, after Brother
Stephen has departed this life.
Item, I give and bequeath to my Brother Stephen Cushman all
my money and securities for Money in Saving Institutions or elsewhere, but he
the said Stephen Cushman shall pay all the demands like debts out of the money
I give him.
Item. I give and
bequeath to my Brothers Isaac Caleb and Heman Cushman all my Household
furniture Consisting of Beds & Bedding and a number of other articles to be
divided equally amongst the three, I also nominate and appoint Stephen Cushman
and Thomas M. Cushman to execute this my last Will and Testament in manner
above described, In testamony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal, the day and year above Written
her
Susanna X
Cushman (seal)
mark
In presence of
Jonathan Cobb
Almira M. Savery
Joannah Maxim
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1856 by
Stephen & Thomas M. Cushman, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Jonathan Cobb, Almira M. Savery and Joanna Maxim, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 98, p. 323-325, from FHL microfilm
#0555643
Will of Thomas Cushman of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The sixteenth day of February 1768. Thomas Cushman of
Kingston in the county of Plymouth, in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in
New-England yeoman, being in a very low state of health and weak of body, but
of a perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to almighty God therefor, calling
to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all once to
die, make & ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say
Principally & first of all I give and recomend my soul into the hands of
God that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a decent
christian burial at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the
general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God;
and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner
& form. ~
Imprimis,
I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Amaziah Cushman & to his as
followeth, the southeasterly part of my homestead begining at the country road
at the northerly corner of the Land I bought of Robert Carver thence southwest
by sd. Carver,s land to a fence, thence near southeast as my orchard
fence now standeth until it comes within four rods to the southerly corner of
my orchard fence, from thence near southwest by a white oak tree on the
easterly side of the brook called Smelt-brook, thence the same course over the
said brook to a rock and from the said rock. [sic]
I also give unto my son Amaziah the
one half of the upper end of all my homestead farm lying on the southwesterly
side of the said Smelt-brook, also the whole of my dwelling house on said Land
& the one half of my barn, also the one half of a piece of salt-meadow that
lieth on the easterly side of the meadow belonging to the heirs of deacon
Wrestling Brewster deced, and by the river & creek from the corner of my
fence to the first opening of the said creek that runs into Jones-river also
the one quarter part of my woodland with my other son, and the one quarter part
of the pew in the meeting-house in Kingston, also my gun & amunition, also
a small colored chest. ~
Item,
I give and bequeath unto my beloved son Elisha Cushman & to his heirs the
other half of my homestead farm that I haven’t given unto my son Amaziah, &
the other half of my barn that I have not given to my son Amaziah, & the
other half of the piece of salt meadow with my son Amaziah, & the one
quarter part of all my woodlands, also the one quarter part of the pew in the
meeting-house in Kingston.
Item,
I give & bequeath unto my beloved son James Cushman & to his heirs the
piece of salt-meadow I bought of John Faunce Late of Kingston deced, & the
one quarter part of my woodland in Kingston, & the one quarter part of my
pew in the meeting-house in sd. town, also the one half of my
cedarswamp Lying & being in the township of Hallifax.
Item,
I give & bequeath unto my beloved son John Cushman, & to his heirs, a
certain piece of salt meadow lying at the corner of my fence at the first
opening of the creek, so down the creek to Tyler,s meadow & Lothrop,s &
upland, and the one quarter part of my woodland in Kingston with the one
quarter part of my pew in the meeting house in said town. and the other half of
my cedar-swamp lying & being in the township of Hallifax that I have not
given unto my son James. Furthermore my will is that each of my four sons
Amaziah, Elisha, James, & John, they & their heirs shall have liberty
to pass & repass thro’ each other,s Land where it may be the least damage
to each other through gates or barns. ~
Item,
I give & bequeath unto my beloved daughters Desire Cushman & Sarah
Cushman, to them & their heirs, to be equally divided between them all my
indoor personal estate excepting my wearing apparel & a small colord.
chest & full,d cloth & the provision for a season comes about. Also my
will is that my two daughters Desire Cushman & Sarah Cushman may have the
Liberty of living in my great-chamber, and a right my cellar so long as they
remain unmarried. ~
Also
my will is that my son Amaziah Cushman shall pay unto my son James Cushman,
when my son James comes to the age of twentyone years, fifty three pounds, six
shillings & eight pence, and the intrest on the same after my son Amaziah
shall arrive to the age of twenty one, until paid. ~
Also
my will is that my son Elisha Cushman shall pay unto my son John Cushman when
my son John comes to the age of twenty one years the sum of fifty three pounds,
six shillings & eight pence, and the interest from the time that my son
Elisha shall arrive to twenty one years of age until paid. ~
Item,
My will is that all my outdoors personal estate that is out of doors personal,
& my wearing apparel & full’d cloath with the sixteenth part of the
furnace in Kingston & a small color’d chest, & the improvement of all
my real estate until my son Amaziah arrives to the age of twentyone years,
after my funeral charges are paid & my just debts are all discharged, if
any there be, it shall be equally divided among all my children. ~
Likewise, I do hereby constitute, make,
& ordain my brother John Faunce & mr. John Gray my executors
of this my Last will and testament.
Likewise,
I do constitute & appoint my brother John Faunce guardian for my daughter
Desire Cushman, sons James Cushman & John Cushman during their minority.
Likewise,
I do constitute & appoint mr. John Gray, guardian for my
daughter Sarah Cushman, sons Amaziah Cushman & Elisha Cushman, during their
minority.
And
I do hereby disallow & disanul all & every other former testament,
wills, legacies & bequests, executors, by me in any ways before named,
willed, & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my
Last will & testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal the day & year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced, and Thomas Cushman (seal)
declared by the said Thos.
Cushman to be
his last will and testament, in
presence
of us the subscribers.
Josiah
Fuller, Wrestling Brewster, Lidia Fuller
Presented for probate on 1 Aug.
1768 by John Faunce and John Gray, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Wrestling Brewster, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to John Faunce and John Gray, the Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr.
Thomas Cushman, late of Kingston, was appraised on 10 Aug. 1768 by Robert
Bradford, Jonathan Cushman, and Benjamin Cook, and totaled £554.12.4, including
his homestead farm and buildings valued at £236.13.4, and two lots of salt
meadow valued at £96.13.4. John Faunce and John Gray, the Executors, gave their
oath to the inventory on 20 Aug. 1768.
Received of John Gray Executor on
the last will of Thomas Cushman late of Kingston Deceasd the sum of four pounds
eight Shillings & six pensce it being for two Sixth parts of the ballance
due from the said Executors account to James Cushman and John Cushman who are
minors, Kingston November the 5th 1771.
Jabez
Washburn, junr. Guardian
We the Subscribers do acknowlege
that we have receivd of Mr. John Faunce and John Gray Sundreys of Indoor
Moveables (Given to us by Our Honored father in his last Will) amounting to the
sum of Sixty five pounds ten shillings & eight pence as per Schedule of
said Goods to us delivered
Witness our hands at Kingston May
the 16th. A.D. 1771.
Desire
Cushman
Sarah
Cushman
Received of John Gray Executor on
the last Will of my honored father Thomas Cushman late of Kingston deceasd the
sum of two pounds four shillings & three pence in full for my part of the
ballance due to me from said Executors Account, I say received pr.
me Desire
Cushman
Kingston October the 2. 1771.
Received of Mr. John Gray Executor
on the last Will of my honored father Thomas Cushman late of Kingston deceasd
the sum of two pounds four shillings & three pence in full for my part of
the ballance due to me from said Executors Account, I say recievd
Kingston October 2. 1771 pr
me Sarah Cushman
Deacon Peleg Wadsworth of Duxbury,
yeoman, Ebenezer Washburne Gentleman & Josiah Fuller yeoman, both of
Kingston, were appointed to divide the all the wood land which Thomas Cushman
late of Kingston died seized of within said Town into four equal parts or share
and to assign and set off to his sons Amaziah Cushman, Elisha Cushman, James
Cushman, and John Cushman, one part each on 5 Aug. 1778.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 91-93,
from FHL microfilm #0550711, Vol. 21, p. 70 [receipts], and Vol. 25, p. 225
[division of wood land]. The original will is not filed in his Probate Docket
#5900 to crosscheck. I think there might be lines missing in the transcribed
will.
Will of William Cushman of Willington, Hartford
County, Connecticut (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen this 27th Day of
February 1775 I William Cushman of Willington on the County of Hartford and
Colony of Connecticut in New England being now advand in
years but of Perfect mind and memory thanks be givin to to the God of all
mercys there for and and now under a Sence of the mortality of my Body as
Knowing it is appointed for all men once to Die and Whilst I am now in a
Comfortable State of Health it Being the most Proper time to Recollect and
Dispose of what temporal Intrest god has been Pleased to bless me With in this
Life and therefore I Dispose of all in this my Last Will and Testament as
follows first of all I Recommend My Sole to god that gave it and my Body to the
Dust to be Buried With a Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my
Executor here after Named Nothing Doubting but Soul and Body Will be Reunited
at the Last Day by the almighty Power of god
and as to my Temporal Intrest in the first place my Will is
that all my Just Debts and funiral Charges be adjusted and Paid
Item I give and Bequeath to my Well Beloved Wife Abagal the
Improvement of one half my farm and the West Part of the House and Chamber over
the Same and the one half of the Cutting and a Suitable Part of the Barn for
Such Effects as She Shall Have occasion for and Likewise a pass and Repass
through the East Room in Said House for up Chamber Down Seller and out to the
high way at all times the whole of the above so Long as She Remains my Widow
and Like Wise I give to my Said Wife to be at her Disposal for Ever one Cow one
good feather Bed and furniture and a Sufficiency of Houshold furniture as her
then Circumstances for her Comfortably to Keep house –
Item I give to my Son Solomon Cushman Twenty Pounds Lawfull
money Worth in Live Stock in one year after my Decease that being the Whole of
his portion with what he hath heretofore had –
Item I give and Bequeath to my Son William five Pounds
Lawfull money worth in Live Stock in one year after my Deceas that Being his
Portion with what he hath heretofore had –
Item I give to my Son Alderton forty Shillings L: mony Worth
in Live Stock in one year after my Deceas that being his Portion With what he
hath had –
Item I give to my Son Joshua Thirty Pounds worth in Stock in
one Year after my Decease that being the Whole of his Portion –
Item I give and Bequeath to my Son Benjamin Twenty Shillings
mony Worth in Live Stock to be paid in one year after my Decease that being the
Whole of his portion with What he hath heretofore had
Item I give and Demise to my Son Joseph the Whole of my
Estate both Real ands Personal after the Debts and Legacies above mentioned and
together with what I here after shall order to be paid to my Daughters &c
be Setled and Paid the Said Joseph to hold the Same to him self his heirs and
assigns for Ever –
Item I give to my Daughter Sarah Allen Twenty Shillings L:
mony worth in Live Stock that being her Portion with what She hath heretofore
had –
Item I give to my Daughter Lydia orcutt Twenty Shillings mony
worth in Live Stock that being the Whole of her Portion With What She hath had
–
Item I give to my Daughter Abigail Blogget five Pounds L mony
Worth in Live Stock that being the Whole of her Portion with what She hath had
–
Item I Give to my Daughter Mary Antizel five Pounds L mony
Worth in Live Stock that being the Whole of her Portion with what She hath had
–
and the Whole of the Legacyes to my Daughters as above
Bequeathd to be paid to Each of them in one year after my Decease –
and I Do make Constitute and appoint Moses Holmes Esqr
of Said Willington to geather with my Said Wife Abigail to be Sole Executors to
this my Last Will and Testament Ratyfying this and no other to be my Last Will
and Testament Signd Seald Publishd and
Pronounced the Day and year above Written –
William Cushman (seal)
Witnesses } Abel
Holmes
Amos
Holmes
Present } Moses Holmes
Proved on 2 July 1778 by Moses Holmes Esqr, Abel
Holmes and Amos Holmes, the witnesses before Isaac Pinney Judge.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr William Cushman
late of Willington was appraised by Elias Lee, Seth Johnson and Isaac Johnson
on dated 2 Feb. 1778, but not totaled. His home lot and buildings valued at
£500.0.0, and an acre lot on the East Side of the road valued at £60.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 2, p. 3-5, from FHL microfilm #0005742.
Will of Uriah Cutting of Waltham and Marlborough, Middlesex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen The Fifth Day of February Anno Domini
One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two I Uriah Cutting late of Waltham in the County of Middlesex
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts & then An Inn-holder but now of
Marlborough in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid Yeoman being Sick and
week in Body but of perfect & Sound disposing mind and Memory, Thanks be
given unto God Therefore, calling Unto mind the Mortality of my Body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to die do make and ordain this my
Last Will and Testament: That is principally and first of all I give and
recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it: And for my Body I
Recommend it to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian like Manner at the
discretion of my executor hereafter in this writing named nothing doubting but
at the General Resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the Mighty power
of God And touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me in this Life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form
Imprimis I give to my well beloved wife Cate if she on my
decease will have the full improvement of (for her use & Benefit her thirds
or dower in & to the Real Estate of her first Husband) Namely one third
part of my Household goods and Furniture including every part & parcel
thereof (Excepting those articles of Household Goods & Furniture which I
have Leased with my Real Estate which Real Estate lieth in Waltham aforesaid)
to be taken by her in such articles as she shall Chuse & to be by her taken
at the prices such articles shall be apprized & Inventoried at by the
apprizers who shall apprize and Inventory the Estate I shall die Seized and
possessed of if she sees cause to Chuse the same and doth do it: but if she
Refuses or doth delay or neglect Unreasonably to Make her choice of said
Articles of Household Furniture at the prices they shall be apprized at then
one third part of Said Furniture & Household Goods
are to be set out & delivered. to her by My Executor and
shallbe most convenient and Suitable for Housekeeping & Upholding life
I also order that out of my Estate be raised and paid to her
the said Cate fifty Silver Dollars yearly & every year during her Natural
life which Bequeathes Made for her support & conveniency to be for her
dower and thirds in & to my Estate which I suppose to be More to her then
the Income or benefit of one third part of My Estate as it would have Arreived
to her had I made no will & which fifty dollars is to be paid by My
Executor so long as he has the care of my Estate in the Nonage of My Son
I also order that if My wife aforenamed and my Executor
hereafter named agree that She keep, takes proper care of suitably provides for
Maintains Cloaths diets & in a sufficient manner takes care of my three
youngest Children Namely Thankful, Nancy and Richard till they are each of them
Respectively seven years of age both in sickness and in health that my Executor
pay her my said wife fifty Silver Dollars a year for four years which will make
two hundred Dollars in Silver money for taking Care of & providing every
thing necessary & convenient both in sickness & in health for said
Children till each of them be Seven years of age & on Condition she don’t
take proper care of & provide for them the said Children then & in that
case My will is that my Executor take effectual care to see that the aforenamed
children are taken proper & suitable care of & brought up as they ought
to be
And I do Will & order that my Executor hereafter Named do
take effectual care that all my Children are properly taken care of &
Suitably Educated taught & instructed in Reading writing and Arithmetick
and to [?lawful] Business or calling for them to follow in this life suitable
for them
I also Will and order that out of the Remainder of My
Personal Estate – and the yearly Rents of my Real Estate arising from it being
Rented out My Just debts and Funeral Charges with the Settlement of my Estate
& the Bringing up of My Children in a proper and Suitable Manner be paid
& discharged by My Executor who I hereby Request to take Effectual care of
My Children that they are well Educated in the Christian & Calvinithical
Religion as well as in Reading writing & Arithmetick and in proper &
Suitable business for them to follow
I also Will and order that after the Lease that I have given
of My Real Estate is Expired & out that my Executor Lease out and improve
to the best advantage & the most profit for my Children the said Real
Estate that I shall die seized and possessed of from time to time taking
Effectual care that the premises are kept in good order and Repair As they
ought to be & that there is not any strip or waste made of or on the same
till one of my sons comes into the possession of the same At the time hereafter
Expressed
I Give and Bequeath confirm and grant unto my Son Uriah
Cutting being my Eldest son his Heirs and Assigns forever he living to have
surviving Issue of his Body the whole and all of My Lands and Tenaments of
every sort kind and Nature including Buildings and all Real Estate of whatever
kind that I shall die Seized and possessed of in Fee Simple or in Revertion or
Revertions Remainder or Remainders for him to be put into the improvement of by
my Executor when he is twenty one years of Age Willing and ordering that after
He comes into the improvement of the same pay the sums & Legacies hereafter
named which I give and dispose of as herein Mentioned Namely
I Will & order that my Son Uriah after he is twenty one
years of Age pay to my beloved wife aforenamed if she be then living every year
she lives the aforesaid Sum of fifty Silver Dollars which is before that time
to be paid by my Executor as afore is Expressed
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elisabeth as her
portion in & to my Estate to be paid her by My Son Uriah at her age of
twenty one years or if she Marries before she is twenty one years old then it
is to be paid at her Marriage Namely the Sum of thirty pounds Lawful Silver
Money
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Mary as her part
& portion in & to my Estate thirty pounds lawful Silver Money to be
paid her by said Uriah My Said Son at her age of twenty one years or when she
Marries if She Marries before She is twenty one years old
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Cate thirty pounds to
be paid her by My Son Uriah at her age of twenty one years or if She Marries
under that age then said Sum to be paid at her Marriage
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Thankful the Sum of
thirty pound Lawful Silver Money to be paid her at her being twenty one years
of age or if She Marrys before She is twenty one year old then it is to be paid
her at her Marriage by My Son Uriah
Item I give and Bequeath to My Daughter Nancy thirty pounds
lawful Silver Money to be paid by my Son Uriah to her when she is twenty one
year old or if She Marries before she is twenty one year old then it is to be
paid her at her Marriage
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son Richard Sixty pounds
lawful Silver Money to be paid him when he is twenty one years of Age by my Son
Uriah
And Provided my Son Uriah dies without Issue then and in that
Case I Will Bequeath & Confirm the Real Estate aforesaid which is Willed to
my Son Uriah to be to Said Richard his heirs & assigns After the decease of
said Uriah any thing to the contrary herein contained Nothwithstanding he said
Richard paying the Legacys & Sums aforesaid to his Mother and Sister that
Remain unpaid at Said Time
I Will and order that all other Estate whether anything by
the Renting said Premises or other wise & not herein disposed of be Equally
divided among my Children aforenamed
I likewise hereby Constitute Make ordain and appoint My
beloved Brother Amos Cutting of Marlborough in Said County Physitian my Only
Sole and lawful Executor of this my last Will & Testament. And I do hereby
utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former Testaments
Wills & Legacys Bequests and Executors by me in any ways before this time
named willed and Bequeathed. Ratifying and confirming this & no other to be
My Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal the day & Year first written
Signed Sealed Publishd. Pronounced and Declared by
the said Uriah Cutting as his last Will and Testament in Presence of us the
Subscribers
Garsham Biglow Uriah Cutting (seal)
Samuel Straton
Jona. Ward
Presented for probate on 13 Nov. 1782 by Amos Cuttin, the
Executor, and proved by Gershom Biglow and Jonathan Ward, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Amos Cutting, physician, with Gershom
Bigelow, yeoman, both of Marlborough, County of Middlesex, and Jonathan Ward
Esq. of Southborough, County of Worcester, as sureties.
The Account of Amos Cotting, Executor of the last Will &
Testament of Uriah Cotting of Waltham, Inholder, listed the personal inventory
of his estate valued at £203.5.10, and rents and income of the real estate to
the 1st of April at £421. The inventory of his estate was appraised
on 30 Nov. 1782 by Jona. Ward, Abner Sanderson and Abel Holden, who
in addition to his personal estate listed his real estate dwelling house and
barns and other buildings with about 35 acres of land lying in Waltham and
Newton valued at £1340.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Middlesex County Probate Case #5697.
Will of David Darling of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the name of God Amen
– the fourteenth day of February A D. 1784 –I David Darling of Pembroke in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being advanced in
age, and under bodily infirmity but of a Sound mind and memory thanks be Given
to God for the same, Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to die, make this my Last will and testament
Imprimis– I Commit my Soul into the hands of God that Gave
it, and my body to the Earth, to be buried in a Christian manner, at the
discretion of my Executors hereafter named, and as touching such worldly Estate
as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I Give and dispose of, in
the manner & form following
Item – I Give unto my Son Samuel Darling twenty acres of wood
Land out of the Lot that my Son John Darling deceased bought of Samuel Bartlett
Esqr Late of Plymouth, deced, and is part of the forty first Lot in
the Majors purchase, so Called, Lying in the town of Pembroke, said twenty
acres to be taken off the South westerly end of said Lot; I also Give to my Son
Samuel my best Suit of apparell; my mind and will is, that if my said Son
Samuel Darling shall make any demands of my Estate as a debt due to him after
my decease, my mind and will is the aforegoing Gifts to my said Son Saml.
shall be void, and I Give the same to be equally divided between my Son Benja.
Darling and my Daughter Mercy Richardson.~
Item – I Give to my Son Benja. Darling Eight acres
of wood Land off my Homestead Lying at the Southerly end and adjoining to Sandy
bottom pond and which is already Staked off—I also Give to my said Son Benja.
the one half of the forty first Lot of Land in the Majors purchase not before
Given away to my said Son Saml.—I also Give to my said Son Benja.
the half of my Cedar Swamp that I bought of Deacon Bryant & Noah Morse.~
Item–I Give unto my Son Benjamin the one half of all my
Personal Estate not before Given away, he paying one half of my just debts–I
also Give to my Son Benja. Sixty pounds in Cash, to be paid him by
my Daughter Mercy Richardson to him the said Benja. and to his Heirs
and assigns forever –
Item –I Give to my Daughter Mercy Richardson all the
Remainder of my Real & personal Estate not before Given away, she the said
Mercy Supporting me during my natural Life, and paying to my Son Benja.
ye. Sixty pounds in Cash, and paying the one half of my debts, to
her the said Mercy Richardson and to her Heirs and assigns forever.— I hereby
appoint my Son Benja. Darling and my Son in Law Stephen Richardson
joint Executors to this my Last will & testament–In witness whereof, I the
said David Darling have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the day and year
aforesaid. ~
Signed Sealed & published by the sd. David
Darling David Darling (seal)
to be his Last will & testament in presence of
Jno. Turner – John Oldham – Sarah Record
Presented for probate on 18 Feb. 1785 by Benjamin Darling and
Stephen Richardson, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Turner,
John Oldham and Sarah Record, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Benjamin Darling and Stephen Richardson, the before named Executors.
John Turner junr Gentm, Josiah Thomas,
and Jno. Oldham, yeomen, all of Pembroke, were appointed to appraise
the Estate of David Darling, late of Pembroke, yeoman, on 18 Feb. 1785. The
Inventory of the Estate of David Darling, late of Pembroke, yeoman, dated 19
Feb. 1785, totaled £341.14.10, including his homestead farm valued at £200, and
his out lands valued at £100. Benjamin Darling and Stephen Richardson, the
Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 19 Feb. 1785.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 326-328, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Sarah Jane Davee of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1865) *
In
the Name of God Amen,
I Sarah J. Davee of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of a sound disposing mind and memory do
make publish and declare this instrument to be my last Will and Testament,
hereby revoking all other and former Wills by me made.
First, I appoint Samuel H. Doten of said Plymouth Executor of
this will and direct him first to pay all my debts, funeral expenses and costs
of administration out of my estate.
Second, If at the time of my decease the family graveyard or
lot is not fixed as I direct and in the manner hereinafter specified, I direct
my said Executor Samuel H. Doten (in case the same shall not have been sold in
my life time) to sell and dispose of my house and land and my two seats in Pew
No. 88 in the Unitarian Meeting House, and for the purpose of so doing, I,
hereby give unto my Executor said Samuel H. Doten full power to execute and
deliver all necessary deeds, conveyances and other instruments whether under
seal or otherwise, which may be necessary to give a good and perfect title to
the purchaser or purchasers of the same, and out of the proceeds arising from
the said sale and from my other property if any to cause the family grave yard
or burial lot to be levelled and made even ground, the present gravestones to
be removed from the graves of my Father and Mother and the same replaced, with
the best of slate grave-stones.– I direct also that the present gravestones be
removed from the graves of Sylvester Davee and Betsey Davee and that the same
be replaced with the best of white marble gravestones, and that the same kind
of white marble stones be placed at my grave all properly inscribed, and that
all be enclosed by a suitable iron fence,
Third, Whatever remains of my estate after full payment of
the above expenses and charges, I give devise and bequeath to Mrs Abbie Virgin
of said Plymouth, to have and take the use income and improvement of the same,
and also to use so much of the principal of the same as she may need during the
term of her natural life, and what remains of my estate at her decease I give
devise and bequeath to be equally divided among Priscilla Abby Doten, Harriet
Eliza Paulding, Solomon Davee, Samuel Cole Davee, Sylvester Davee and Sarah
Sylvester Davee, to have and to hold to them their heirs and assigns forever,
In
testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of
the witnesses named below this thirty first day of October in the year of our
Lord eighteen hundred and sixty five, the words “full power” being first
interlined on the first page of this instrument.
Sarah J. Davee (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Sarah J.
Davee as and for her last Will and Testament in our presence, and we in her
presence, and at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses the words “full power” being interlined
before the signing.
Wm
H. Whitman
James
Bates
D.
E. Damon
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of March, 1875, by
Samuel H. Doten, of Plymouth, with Chas. C. Doten and Stephen M. Burbank Jr. as
sureties, and proved on 22 Mar. 1875.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 335-336, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 133, p. 256.
Will of Betsey Davie of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be
it known that I Betsey Davie of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth,
Singlewoman, make this Instrument and declare it to be my last Will and
Testament.
I
give, devise and bequeath all the Estate both Real and Personal of which I
shall die seized and possessed to my mother Jedidah Davie and my sister Sarah J
Davie and to the survivor of them, her heirs and assigns, forever.
And
I do constitute and appoint them Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this twenty second day of
March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
Betsey Davee
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Betsey Davie as her last Will and
Testament in the presence of us who in her presence and in the presence of each
other and at her request have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Thomas
Diman
Benjamin
Diman
Caleb
C. Bradford
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of April, 1849, by Sarah Davie, one of the Executors, and proved by
Thomas Diman and Benjamin Diman, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Sarah J Davie, one of the Executors therein named, the other
having previously deceased.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p.
143-144, from FHL microfilm #0555640.
Will of Ichabod Davie of Plymouth, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God
Amen. I Ichabod Davie of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and
publish this my last Will and testament in manner following. I give bequeath
and devise all the Estate and property of every description, real and personal
of which I may die seized and possessed to my wife Nancy Davie to hold the same
to her, her heirs and assigns forever, And I hereby constitute and appoint my
said wife Nancy Davie to be sole executrix of this my last Will and testament
In
witness whereof I the said Ichabod Davie have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty ninth day of December in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty.
Ichabod Davie (seal)
signed, sealed published and
declared by the above named Ichabod Davie to be his last Will and testament, in
the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same
Nath
M. Davis
George
W. Briggs
Nathl
Goodwin
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of May 1848 by Nancy Davie, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Nathaniel M. Davis and Nathaniel Goodwin, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Nancy Davie, the Executor.
Nancy Davie, of Plymouth, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Ichabod Davie, late of Plymouth,
Merchant, on 15 May 1848, with Levi Barnes and Charles May, both of Plymouth,
as sureties.
No inventory of the estate was
recorded.
Jesse Harlow and Albert L. Barnes
was appointed as Administrators with the will annexed of the Estate not already
administered of Ichabod Davie, late of Plymouth, on 10 Feb. 1868, Nancy Davie,
the Executrix, having since deceased without fully executing said will, with
William H. Nelson and George H. Jackson, of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 202-203, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
Vol. 1G, p. 486, and Vol. 120, p. 389.
Will of Jedidah Davie of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be
it known that I Jedidah Davie of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth, widow,
make this Instrument and declare it to be my last will and testament.
I
make no bequest to my son Johnson Davie or to the children of my deceased sons
Thomas Davie, Solomon Davie and Samuel C. Davie
But
I give, devise and bequeath all the Estate of which I may die seized and
possessed to my two daughters Betsey Davee and Sarah J. Davie and to the
survivor of them her heirs and assigns forever, both real and personal
And
I do constitute and appoint my said daughters Betsey and Sarah J. Davie and the
survivor of them Executor of this my will
In
testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name this twenty second day of
March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two
Jedidah Davie
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Jedidah Davie as her last Will and Testament in the
presence of us who in her presence and in the presence of each other and at her
request have subscribed our names as witnesses
Thomas
Diman
Benjamin
Diman
Caleb
C. Bradford
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of April, 1849, by Sarah J. Davie, one of the Executors, and proved by
Thomas Diman and Benjamin Diman, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary
granted to Sarah J. Davie, one of the Executors therein named, the other having
previously deceased.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p.
145-146, from FHL microfilm #0555640.
Will of John Davie of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1841) *
Be it known that I
John Davie of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, Mariner, being in feeble
health, but of sound mind and memory, for which I bless God, do make publish
and declare this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament in manner
following to Wit,
First, I give and bequeath to all my brothers & sisters,
all my household furniture, beds & bedding to be equally divided among
them.
Second, I give and bequeath to my brother Ebenezer Davie in
consideration of the kind attention rendered me in my sickness by him and his
family, all the rest residue & remainder of all the property & estate
which I shall leave at my decease he paying all my just debts and the charges
& expenses of settling my estate & I do appoint him the said Ebenezer
Davie sole Executor of this my Will.
In
testimony whereof I do hereto set my hand & seal this twenty fourth day of
June in the year eighteen hundred & forty one
John Davie (seal)
Signed, sealed, published & declared by the said John
Davie to be his last will & Testament in presence of us & we at his
request, in his presence & in presence of each other have subscribed the
same as Witnesses
Silvanus
Harlow
Isaac
Davie
David
Harlow
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1841 by
Ebenezer Davie, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Davie and Davie
Harlow, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Ebenezer David was granted administration of the estate John
Davie, late of Plymouth, Mariner, on 6 Dec. 1841, with David Harlow and Isaac
Davie, all of Plymouth, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 510-511, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 385.
Will and Codicil of Nathaniel M. Davis of
Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
Be it
remembered that I Nathaniel M Davis of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth being
of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will
and testament
I give
to my son William Davis all my books and wearing apparel.
I give,
devise and dispose of all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, of
which I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled at the time
of my decease in manner following, that is to say:
I give,
devise and bequeath one third part thereof to my son the said William Davis, to
have and to hold to him his heirs and assigns forever.
I give,
devise and bequeath one third part thereof to the said William Davis and Allen
Danforth of said Plymouth Esquire, or such one of them as shall accept this
trust, to have and to hold the same to them, the said William Davis and Allen
Danforth and their assigns and the survivor of them, his heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns, but upon the trust and to the uses and purposes
following, that is to say, to hold, lease and demise the real estate, and
invest the personal property above devised to them, in such description of
Property, real or personal, and on such security, and in such manner, and on
such terms as they shall deem safe and advantageous, and after deducing all
proper charges and expences, and reasonable compensation for their own services,
to pay the rents incomes, dividends and profits of said trust property to my
daughter Abby M. Hall semiannually in every year during her natural life to and
for her sole use and benifit, upon her own seperate receipt
And at
and upon the decease of the said Abby M. Hall then in trust to pay said rents,
incomes, dividends and profits to her daughter Alice B. Hall untill she arrives
at the age of twenty one years, in case the said Abby M. Hall shall die
previous to that time. And upon the arrival of the said Alice B. Hall at the
age of twenty one years, her mother having previously died, or upon the death
of her mother after the said Alice attains the age of twenty one, then in
further trust to convey and transfer the said trust property to the said Alice
B. Hall. And in case the said Alice B. Hall shall die before she arrives at the
age of twenty one, said trust property on the decease of the said Abby M. Hall
shall go to the heirs at law of me the said Nathaniel M. Davis.
I give,
devise and bequeath the remaining third part thereof to the said William Davis
and Allen Danforth and their assigns, and the survivor of them his heirs,
executors, administrators and assigns but upon the trust and to the uses and
purposes following, that is to say, to hold, lease and demise the real estate,
and invest the personal property above devised to them, in such description of
property real or personal, and on such security, and in such manner, and on
such terms as they shall deem safe and advantageous, and after deducting all
proper charges and expences, and reasonable compensation for their own
services, to pay the rents dividends incomes and profits of said trust property
to my daughter Elisabeth B. Davis semiannually in every year during here
natural life, to and for her sole use and benifit, upon her own seperate
receipt And at and upon the decease of the said Elisabeth B. Davis there in
trust to convey and transfer said trust property to such person or persons, to
such uses and upon such terms and conditions as the said Elisabeth by her last
will, or any writing in the nature thereof attested by three disinterested
witnesses shall direct and appoint; and in default of any such will or
appointment said trust property shall go to her heirs at law
I
release and discharge each and every of my children from all claims and demands
I may have against them at the time of my decease
It is my
will that the trustees herein named shall each be liable only for his own
receipts, payments and defaults on the premises and not for the receipts,
payments and defaults of any other trustee.
I direct
that no bonds shall be required of the trustees herein appointed, or from any
future Trustee, for the faithful performance of any of the trusts herein
reposed in them, unless the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth, upon
the application of some person or persons interested in the said trust
property, shall adjudge it necessary that bonds shall be given.
And if
any or either of said trustees shall die, or refuse to accept, or shall
relinquish said trusts, the survivor shall by a writing signed by him appoint
some other suitable person to be appointed by the said Judge of Probate to be a
trustee in the place of and with the same powers as the trustee so dying,
refusing or declining.
I hereby
authorise and empower the said Trustees to sell and convey all or any part of
the real Estate herein conveyed to them in trust, in such manner and on such
terms as they may deem expedient, and apply the proceeds of such sale or sales
to the purposes of their said trusts
Lastly I
hereby appoint the said William Davis to be Executor of this my last will and
testament.
In
testimony whereof I the said Nathaniel M Davis have to this my last Will and testament
set my hand and seal this fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Nathl M. Davis (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Nathl. M. Davis as and for his last Will and testament in our
presence, who at his request, in his presence, and in presence of each other
have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Jno.
B. Thomas
Wm.
Thomas
Wm.
R. Sever
Whereas
I Nathaniel M Davis have made and duly executed by last will and testament in
writing dated October fourth AD 1847
Now
I do hereby declare this present writing to be a codicil to my said will, and
direct the same to be taken as part thereof
In
case of the death of my daughter Elisabeth B. Davis without issue, I hereby
revoke the power of disposing by will or appointment in writing of the property
divised to trustees for her benefit, which is given her under said will
executed by me as aforesaid, to the following extent: – viz The said Elisabeth
may by a will, or by any writing in the nature of a Will attested by three
disinterested witnesses, devise and dispose of one third part of said property
devised to trustees for her benifit, in such manner as she may see fit, but in
Case of her death without issue as aforesaid, and upon such contingency only,
the remaining two thirds of said property devised to trustees for her benefit,
shall descend to my heirs at law, and the said trustees or their successors are
hereby directed to transfer and pay over said trust property, upon the decease
of said Elisabeth without issue, in conformity to the directions herein
contained. – Provided however, that the share of said property devised to
trustees for the benefit of said Elisabeth, which might descend on the
happening of such contengency to my daughter Abby M. Hall or in case of her
decease to her daughter Alice B. Hall, shall vest in the trustees appointed
under my will, or their successors, who shall manage, apply and dispose of said
share in precisely the same manner as they are directed by the terms of my will
to manage, apply and dispose of the other property devised to them in trust for
the benefit of said Ally M. Hall
In case
of the decease of my daughter Abby M Hall before her daughter Alice B. Hall has
arrived at the age of twenty one years, I direct the said trustees to pay over
to said Alice during the time she is under said age, only so much of the income
and profits of the property in their hands for the benefit of the said Alice as
they may judge sufficient for her suitable maintenance and education, and to
invest the surplus income and profits (if any) for the benefit of said Alice,
to be paid her at the same time the other trust property is directed in my will
to be paid and transferred to her
I give
Cynthia T. Sherman, for many years a domestic in my family, the sum of four
hundred dollars.
I do
ratify and confirm my said will in every thing except where the same is hereby
revoked and altered as aforesaid.
In
witness whereof I have to this Codicil set my hand and seal this twenty ninth
day of April AD eighteen hundred and forty eight
Nathl M. Davis (seal)
Signed, sealed,
published and declared by the said Nathl M Davis as and for a
Codicil to his last Will and testament and to be taken as part thereof in our
presence, who at his request, in his presence, and in presence of each other
have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses
Jno. B.
Thomas
Wm.
Thomas
Wm.
R. Sever
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1848 by
William Davis, the Executor therein named, and proved by John B Thomas, William
Thomas and William R Sever, the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
William Davis, the Executor.
William Davis of Plymouth, Counsellor at Law, was appointed
as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Nathaniel M. Davis, late of
Plymouth, Esquire, on 14 Aug. 1848, with Thomas Davis, of Boston in the County
of Suffolk as surety.
John B. Thomas and Schuyler Sampson, both of Plymouth, and
Charles G. Davis, of Boston were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathaniel
M. Davis, late of Plymouth, on 14 Aug. 1848.
The Inventory of the Estate of Nathaniel M. Davis, late of
Plymouth, Esquire, dated 16 Sept. 1848, included real estate in Boston, as well
as in Plymouth, with a total value of $47,875, and personal estate valued at
$48,497.25, including shares in a number of different banks and corporations.
William Davis, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1848.
John B. Thomas, Schuylar Sampson and Isaac L. Hedge, all of
Plymouth, were appointed to divide the real estate of Nathaniel M. Davis, late
of Plymouth, within the county of Plymouth, between the heirs William Davis and
the two trusts, on 3 Oct. 1848. The division was dated 1 Nov. 1848.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 90, pp. 314-318 [Will and Codicil], 361-363 [Inventory], 396-399 [Division],
from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol. 2H, p. 166.
Will of Nicholas Davis of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
This Twenty fifth Day of April Anno. Domi 1753. I Nicholas
Davis of Rochester in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the
Massachusets Bay in New England Yeoman being under the Decaies of Body but
through the Goodness Of God of a sound Disposing mind & Memory, and as
concerning my Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this
Life I Give Devise & Dispose of the same in the following manner and form
vizt.
Imps. My Will is that all my Just Debts and
Funerall charges should be paid in Convenient time after my Decease Out of my
Live Stock
Item. I Give to
Ruth my loving Wife the one half part of all My Indore Moveables (Exclusive of
One Feather Bed with all the Winter Furniture thereto belonging) and my Silver
Spoons which said spoons I Give to my said Wife; and Bed to my Daughter
Elizabeth to be taken Out Before Any Division thereof be made, I Likewise Give
to my said Wife a riding Beast she to take her choice; and ten Good sheep—
Item. I Give to my
Secon Nathan Davis Twenty Six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Lawfull
money to be paid to him as I Shall Order in this My Will by my Son Timothy
Davis.
Item, I Give &
Bequeath to my son Timothy Davis all the southerly part of My Homstead to
Extend from the Southerly end, Northerly untill it comes to asone wall Comonly
called & known by the Name of keen Meadow wall and to runing Easterly &
Weserly with said Wall to the most easterly & Westerly parts of my Land.
Togather with One Quarter of an Acre of land Including the Buildings where the
tan House now stands, Provided he nor any Other person from by or under him
shall ever do any thing whereby to hender Creatures the free liberty of
Drinking there All which I Give to my said Son Timothy, and to his heirs &
Assigns forever, he paying to my said Son Nathan Davis the Sum of Twenty six
pounds thirteen shillings and four pence Lawfull Money within two years next
after my Decease, & to My Daughter Elizabeth Smith the sum of thirteen
pounds six shillings & eight pence within the abovesd. Term; and
provid for his sd. Mother my wife Yearly, and every Year During the
time she remains my widdow at the Doore of my now Dwelling House, six Cord of
Good Wood at asutable Length for her Chimney, & Keep her a riding Beast of
her own finding from the time his Brother James Arrives to the Age of Twenty
One years, so Long as she remains My Widdow and Keep it well winter and Summer
in stable Trim for Service
Item. I Give to my
son Nicholas Davis all that part of my Homstead Beginning at the Northerly end
thereof so to Extend Southerly so far the Ston Wall Commonly called and known
by the Name of Edward’s Wall so ranging easterly and Westerly with said Wall
untill it comes to the most Easterly and westerly parts of my Land all which I
Give to my said son Nicholas Davis, and to his heirs & Assigns forever he
paying to my Daughter Mary Davis the sum of Fourty pounds Lawfull Money when
she Arrives to the Age of Eighteen years or time of Marrage which Shall first
Happen and Provide for his Mother my wife at the Door of my Now Dwelling House
at asutable Length fit for her Chimney Six Coard of Good Wood Yearly Year by
Year and every Year During the time she remains my Widdow, and Pay to his said
Mother Fourty Shillings pr. Year Yearly as aforesaid Lawfull Money
as aforesaid From the time my son James hereafter named Comes of the age During
the abovesaid Term and in Like Manner Yearly Provide Good Keeping for One Cow and
five sheep winter and Summer for his said Mother During said Term.
Item, I Give to my
two sons Vizt. Nicholas & Abraham Davis all that part of my
Homstead Lying between that part above Given to my said son Nicholas and my
Orchard fence & so runing easterly & Westerly with said Orchard fence
and so runing Easterly & Westerly with said Orchard fence untill it comes
to the most easterly & Westerly part of my Land To be Equall Divided
Between them in Quantity & Quality to them their heirs and Assigns forever.
Item, I Give &
Bequeath to my son James Davis and to his heirs and Assigns forever all the
remaining part of my Homstead with all the Buildings standing thereon, which
shall not in this my Will be Otherwise Disposed of but not by him to be
Possessed nor to have the Proffit of untill he Arrives to the Age of twenty One
Years Except my said wife Shall Decease or Marry before that time All which I
Give to my said Son James as above Expresed he Providing for his Mother my
wife, Good Keeping Winter and Summer for One Cow and five sheep Yearly Year by
Year and every Year, and in like manner Pay to her fourty shillings pr.
Year Lawfull Money from the time that she shall Arrive to the Age of twenty One
years During the time that she remains my Widdow.
Item. I Give to my
Daughter Elizabeth Smith one feather Bed with all the Winter furniture thereto
belonging she to take her choice
Item, I Give to my
daughter Mary Davis all the remaining part of my Indore Moveables which I shall
not in this my Will Otherwise Dispose of
Item. I Give to my
Abovesd. Son Nicholas Davis All my farming Implements of what sort
soever they may be, togather with all my Live Stock which shall be remaining
after Just Debts Funerall charges and Just Expences Of all sorts togather with
what is particulerly Given away in this my Will is first taken Out of the same.
Item, I Give and
Bequeath unto my abovesaid Wife the use & Improvment of my Great room
Togather with the use & Improvmt. Of two cows during the time
she remains my Widdow, I Give to My said wife the use and Improvment of all
that part of my Homstead Above in this my sd. Will Given to my sd.
Son James to be used by her untill my said son James Comes to the Age of twenty
one Years Provided she Survives to that time or remains my Widdow, & does
Not make strip and wast of the Wood nor unreasonably ware the Land to hurt it
Item, I Give to my
three Sons vizt. Timothy, Nicholas, & Abraham Davis all my
Wearing Apparrell
Item My Will is That
my said Wife shall find Cloathing for my abovesaid Son Abraham During the time
of his Apprintiship
Item. My Will is That
all my abovesaid Sons togather with my said Wife should hav the Previledge Of
passing and repassing by Gates of Barrs thro’ each Others Land where it may be
Convenient and Least Prejudicall to each Other.
I Hereby Constitute, Make and Ordain My Son Timothy Davis
Sole Execr. Of this My Last Will and Testament, Hereby Making Void
all other Wills by me Before this Time Made ratifying this and No Other to be
my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said Nicholas Davis have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the day and Year first above Written
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced &
Declared by the said
Nicholas Davis Nicholas Davis (seal)
as his last Will and Testament
In presence of us
Abraham Devell
William Sears
Stephen West
Presented for probate on 1 Decr. 1755 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by William Sears, one of the witnesses, and Abraham
Devel being one of the People called Quakers Did Solemly Affirm and Declar that
he saw the Said Nicholas Davis since Deceased Sign Seall & Deliver &
heard him Declare this Instrument to be his Last Will and Testament. Letters of
Administration were granted to Timothy Davis of sd. Rochester Yeoman
Sole Execr. on the First Day of December Anno Domi. 1755.
The Inventory of the Estate of Nicholas Davis, late of Rochester,
was appraised on 24 Nov. 1755 by Roger Braley, Samuel Wing, and John Shirman,
but not totaled, his real estate being abt. 100 acres with the buildings valued
at £666. Timothy Davis, the Executor, made Solem Affirmation (being one of the
people called Quakers) to the inventory on 1 Dec. 1755.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 17-19, 15-16, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Nicholas Davis
Jr., of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen – I Nicholas Davis junr of
Kingston in the county of Plymouth, being weak in body, but of sound mind and
memory, and being desirous to set my house in order, before I die, do make
& publish this my last will & testament, in manner & form
following, that is to say ~
My will
is, that after all my just debts are well & truly paid I Give &
bequeath unto my beloved wife Martha Davis, all my Estate, both real &
personal, wherever it may be found
And I do
hereby constitute & appoint Silas Morton to be my Executor for this my last
will & testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal, the twenty sixth day of November,
in the year of our Lord 1798.
Signed, Sealed in pre- Nicholas Davis junr — seal
sence of
Elisha
Washburn
Elisha
Stetson junr
John
Cook
Presented for probate on 4 Feb. 1799 by Silas Morton, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elisha Washburn and John Cook, two of the
witnesses.
Saml. Stetson, John Faunce, & Bildad
Washburne, all of
The Inventory of the Estate of Nicholas Davis junr.,
late of Kingston, yeoman, dated 1 July 1799, totaled $1710.65, including 16
acres of wood land being a part of what is called Continental lot valued at
$112.00, 28 acres of Pasture & wood land at 3 brook valued at $504.00, 4½
acres of wood land valued at $31.50, a dwelling house, shoe makers shop &
outhouses with the lot adjoining valued at $660.00, a barn valued at $25.00,
and a Pew in the meeting house valued at $80.00. Silas Morton, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 31 Mar. 1800.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of William Davis, Esq., of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Be
it remembered that I William Davis of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, of
sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and
testament.
I
give to my grandfather Nahum Mitchell, if he survives me, the property and
rights of property devised to me by the will of my mother Harriet Davis.
I give
to my grandmother Nabby Mitchell, if she survives me, the sum of one thousand
dollars, to be paid her by my Executors as soon as may be after my deceased.
I give,
devise and bequeath to my wife Helen Davis my dwelling house on Court Street in
Plymouth, where I now reside, with the land appurtenant, including the garden
and orchard, to have and to hold the same, with all the privileges and
appurtenances to said premises belonging, to her the said Helen, her heirs and
assigns forever.
I also
give to my said wife all the furniture, books, pictures and other articles of
personal property in said dwelling house, together with my watch and wearing
apparel.
I give
to John J. Russell of Plymouth, Counsellor at law, my law books and the
furniture in my law office.
I give
devise and dispose of all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate of what
I may die seized and possessed, or to which I may be entitled at the time of my
decease in manner following, that is to say,
I give,
devise and bequeath the whole of said residue and remainder of my estate unto
Allen Danforth Esqr. of Plymouth, and my cousin William T. Davis of
Boston, or such one of them as shall accept this trust, to have and to hold the
same to them the said Allen Danforth and William T. Davis and their assigns,
and the survivor of them his heirs executors, administrators and assigns, but
upon the trusts and to the uses and purposed following, that is to say, to
hold, lease and devise the real estate, and invest the personal property above
devised to them, in such description of property real or personal, and on such
security and in such manner, and on such terms as they shall deem safe and
advantageous, and after deducting all proper charges and expenses, and a
reasonable compensation for their own services, to pay the rents, income,
dividends and profits of said trust property as follows, viz. two thirds
thereof to my said wife Helen Davis semiannually in every year during her
natural life, to and for her sole use and benefit,-and upon her own separate
receipt. And to pay the remaining third thereof to my child or children I may
leave at my decease, and to any posthumous child, if it should so happen, who
may be born after my decease, semi-annually in every year during the natural
life of such child or children, to and for the sole use and benefit of such
child or children, and upon his her or their separate receipt. Said third part
to be equally to said children, if there are more than one.
Provided
however, and I hereby direct said trustees, during the minority of such child
or children, to apply and appropriate so much of said one third part of the
rents income, dividends and profits of said trust property, as said trustees
may in their discretion judge proper and expedient to and for the suitable
support, maintenance and education of such child or children, until such child
or children attains or attain respectively to the age of Twenty one years, each
child on reaching that age to be paid an equal share of said third part as
above directed, and to invest the surplus of said one third part (if any) as
said trustees may see fit, and to pay over the same, when the youngest of said
children attains the age of twenty one years, equally to any children of mine
who may be living at that time, or if there is but one child, the whole of said
surplus shall be paid such child on reaching the age of twenty one years. And
if no one of my children attains that age, then said surplus (if any) on the decease
of my child or children, shall be paid to my said wife, or in case of her
decease to her heirs at law.
And at
and upon the decease of my said wife, then in further trust to pay said two
thirds of the rents, income, dividends and profits of said trust property to
any child or children of mine who may be living at her decease, semi-annually
in every year during the natural life of such child or children, to and for the
sole use and benefit of such child or children, and upon his, her or their
separate receipt, or upon the receipt of the guardian or other legal
representative of such child or children.
And in
case of the decease of such child or children before my wife’s decease, then in
further trust to pay the whole of said rents, income, dividends and profits to
my said wife, in the same manner and on the same terms as said two thirds of
the same as herein directed to be paid her.
And at
and upon the decease of such child or children, my said wife also having
previously died, then in further trust to convey and pay over the whole of said
trust property in such manner and to such person or persons as such child or
children by any last will, or any instrument in the nature thereof attested by
three disinterested witnesses shall direct and appoint; each child, if there
are more than one, to have the power of disposing of an equal part of said
trust property; and in default of any such will or appointment, said trust
property shall go to the heirs at law of such child or children.
And at
and upon the decease of my said wife, my child or children having previously
died, then in further trust to convey and pay over the whole of said trust
property in such manner and to such person or persons as my said wife by her
last will, or any instrument in the nature thereof attested by three
disinterested witnesses, shall direct and appoint, and in default of any such
will or appointment, said trust property shall go to the heirs at law of my
said wife.
It is my
will that the trustees herein named, and their successors, shall each be liable
only for his own receipts, payments, and defaults in the premises, and not for
the receipts, payment and defaults of any other trustee.
I direct
that no bond shall be required of the Trustees herein appointed, or from any
Future Trustee, for the faithful performance of any of the trusts herein
reposed in them, unless the Judge of Probate of the County of Plymouth, upon
the application of some person or persons interested in the said trust
property, shall adjudge it necessary that bonds shall be given.
And if
any or either of said trustees shall die, or refuse to accept, or shall
relinquish said trusts, the survivor or remaining trustee shall by a writing
signed by him appoint some other suitable person, to be approved by the said
Judge of Probate, to be a trustee in the place of, and with the same powers, as
the trustee so dying, refusing or declining.
I hereby
authorize and empower the said Trustees and their successors to sell and convey
all or any part of the real estate herein conveyed to them in trust, in such
manner and on such terms as they may deem expedient, and to apply the proceeds
of such sale or sales to the purposes of their said trusts.
I hereby
appoint the said Allen Danforth and William T. Davis to be Executors of this my
last will.
In
testimony whereof I the said William Davis have to this my last will and
testament set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of March A.D. eighteen
hundred and fifty two.
Wm Davis (seal)
Signed,
sealed published and declared by the above named William Davis as and for his
last will and testament in our presence, who at his request, in his presence
and in presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto;
the “to and,” “each child on reaching that age to be paid an equal share of
said third part as above directed,” and “or remaining trustee,” having been
first interlined.
J.
H. Loud
Wm
S. Russell
Charles
May
Be it
remembered that I, William Davis of Plymouth, do hereby make and ordain the
following as and for a codicil of my last will and testament.
In order
to make my intention clear in my said will, I declare that in case of death
without children, that the whole of the rents, income and profits devised to
trustees for the benefit of any child or children, shall be paid to my wife,
upon her separate receipt, free from the interference or control of any
husband, and she shall have the power of disposing of the said trust estate by
will in the same manner as declared in said will in relation to the two thirds
therein named and devised for her benefit.
I give
and bequeath three thousand dollars to be deposited by my executors in the
Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, the income thereof to be paid
semi-annually to my Aunt Elizabeth C. Hyde, wife of Nathan D. Hyde, on her
separate receipt, to her separate use, during her natural life, and after her
decease said sum of three thousand dollars shall without the intervention of a
trustee, be paid over to my uncle James H. Mitchell, or in case of his decease,
to any child or children of said James then living.
I give
to Leonard Snow of Plymouth the sum of Three Hundred dollars;
I give
to Betsey Dunham of Plymouth one hundred dollars.
All the
legacies in said will and codicil are to be paid and deducted before the trust
estate is created.
I do
hereby declare & publish the above as a codicil to my former will, and do
republish the same. Witness my hand and
seal the seventeenth day of February A. D. 1853.
Wm Davis (seal)
Signed, sealed,
published and declared by said William Davis as and for a codicil to his last
will and testament, in our presence, who in his presence, at his request and in
the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses. The words
“the same being the second codicil by me made” and “and a codicil thereto,
being first interlined and erased.
Chas. G.
Davis
Terence
Wakefield Jr.
Thomas
E. Dunning
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1853 by
Allen Danforth and William T. Davis, the Executors therein named, the will
proved by William S. Russell and Charles May, and the codicil proved by Charles
G. Davis, witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Allen Danforth and William T. Davis, the Executors therein
named.
Allen Danforth of Plymouth and William T. Davis of Boston
were appointed as Executors of the last Will and Testament of William Davis,
late of Plymouth Esquire, on 11 Apr. 1853, with Jacob H. Loud and Charles G.
Davis, both of Plymouth as sureties. Thomas Russell, Nathaniel Russell, and
John J. Russell, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of
William Davis, late of Plymouth, on 11 Apr. 1853.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Davis, late of
Plymouth, Esquire, totaled $38,986, including his real estate valued at
$10,600. Allen Danforth and William T. Davis, the Executors on the Estate of
William Davis, late of Plymouth, gave their oath to the inventory on 28 June
1853.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, pp. 158-162, 309-310, from FHL
microfilm #0555642, and Vol. 2H, p. 358.
Will of John Whitcomb Dean of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1877) *
Stafford Dec. 13th 1877. In the name of God, Amen.
I John Whitcomb Dean, of Stafford, Tolland County State of Connecticut Do make
& constitute this, my Last Will and Testament as in the following is
written
I, John Whitcomb
Dean, being of sound mind and memory Do give and bequeath to my beloved wife
Mary Dean all my estate both real & personal, to be hers without reserve
forever. Furthermore also I, John Whitcomb Dean constitute Mary Dean my wife,
Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament
John W. Dean
Signed in presence of
Orwell
Dimmick
Abraham
Francis
Truman
Watrous
Presented for probate on 21 Jan. 1878 by Mary Dean, named
Executrix therein, and probated by Abraham Francis and Orwell Dimmick, two of
the witnesses. Mary Dean, named Executrix in the last Will & Testament of
John W. Dean, late of Stafford, deceased, having resigned said trust,
Administration with the Will annexed on said Estate was granted to Orwell
Dimmick of Stafford. Zenas D. Washburn and Luman Orcutt, both of Stafford, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of John W. Dean, late of Stafford, at the same
time.
The Inventory of the Estate of John W. Dean, late of
Stafford, dated 26 Jan. 1878, and presented on 8 Mar. 1878, totaled $1084.85,
including his buildings and about 70 acres of land valued at $850.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 20, p. 79-82, from FHL microfilm #1320435.
Will of Thomas Dean of Raynham, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1744) *
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Dean of Raynham in the
County of Bristol in his majesties Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England Gentelman Being of Sound Memory & Disposing Mind Blessed be God
therefor; and now being advanced in years, and Knowing that it is appointed for
Man once to die & not Knowing the time of my Death: think it is my duty to
set my house in order before I am Gathered to my fathers; Do make &
Constitute this to be my Last Will & testament (Renounceing & making
void any Will by me here to fore) My Soul, I Committee to God in Christ; My
Body to the Earth to be decently Buried in hopes of a Joyfull Resurection at my
Lord Redeamers Second Coming: The Worldly Estate God has Graciously Given me I
dispose of as followeth Viz
Item I Give my beloved Wife Mary the Southerly half part of
my Dwelling house & one third part of the Improvement of my home Lands on
both sides of the highway in Raynham affore said dureing her Natural Life; I
also Give here the one third part of my personal & movable Estate with in
dore & with out for Ever
2: I Give to my Son
Josiah Dean of said Raynham my Gun sword & Artillery I also Ratifie &
Confirm to him his heirs & assigns my home steed Lands on Both Sides of the
highway with Buildings there on standing with all other the Land’s &
primises as in the Deed of Gift to him Even with the Date here of may appear he
& his heirs & assigns to have & hold the same in fee Simple for
Ever more I also Give my said son Josiah two third parts of all In dore &
out dore Goods movables & personal Estate with husbandry Tools To have
& hold the same
3 I Give unto my son
Elijah Dean of said Raynham fifty acres and three Quarters of an acre of Land
in said Raynham Taunton proprietors measure at aplace Called Neck plain &
is part of the hundred & thirteen acres of Land the one half of which I
this day Gave my son Josiah a deed of Gift of: & is to be bound westerly to
Josiah half part southerly by the heirs of Capt John King Late
deceased & so to Extend Easterly to ye Extent of ye
surveys in My Lands as Bounded in the Returns of the Same; is bounded Northerly
partly by a highway & partly by Land Late Isaac Deans deceased: always
saveing to my son Seth a Conveniant Bredth on said highway for six acres of
Land in sd Whole tract that I shall Give him in this Will: I also
Ratifie & Confirm to him said Elijah Dean all those Lands as bounded &
Discribed in my Deed of Gift to him Dated with these presents & all the
primises there in conveyed all which Lands above said I Give said Elijah his
heirs & assigns for Ever To have & to hold I also Give him all the Debt
he sd Elijah owes me at this Day; & said Elijah is to Discharge
me & my heirs & Executor of all Demands he has against me on all
accounts to this Day –
4: I Give to my son
Seth Dean of said Raynham Six acres of Land in sd Town; Taunton
proprietors measure to be bounded partly by a highway Leading from Benjamin
Halls Dwelling house to Richard Williames on the north: & is to be bounded
on the West on Josiah half part of said tract & to Extend East & South
untill the six acres is Included : I also Give him Said Seth Dean all my Ceder
Swamp in Bridgewater in ye County of Plymouth; as also one Quarter
of one purchase Right in the old Town ship of Taunton; I also Ratifie &
Confirm to him said Seth all & Singular the Land & primises Where his
Dwelling house Standeth as I have Given him in & by a Deed of Gift – Even
with the Date here of; he said Seth Dean to have & hold all the affore said
Lands to him his heirs and Assigns for Ever; I also Give him sd Seth
all Debt Due to me from him; & he is to Discharge all Demand he has against
me to this Day –
5 I Give my Daughter
Mary the Wife of James Leonard of Taunton the 28 acres of Land in Taunton in yt
part Called Middelborough precint near the Dwelling house of Jacob Staple as
the Same was bounded & Laid out May 22d 1718 by Thomas Gilbert
& Thomas Harvey & John White She said Mary To have & hold the same
her heirs & assigns for Ever
6: I Give to my
Daughter Marcy King Wife of Robert King over & above What She has
heretofore of me Received ten pounds to be paid her with in twelve mounth after
my Decease by my son Seth Dean in publick bills of Credit of the old tenor
accounting Silver at thirty shillings per ounce or other money Equal there to –
7: I Give My Daughter
Rebecah Wife of David King of Dighton ten pounds to be paid her with in twelve
Mounths by my Son Seth Dean in publick bills of Credit of ye old
tenor accounting Silver at ye Rate of thirty Shillings per ounce or
other Money Equivelant thereto I also Ratifie & Confirm to her what she has
hereto fore of me Receivd –
8 I Give to my
Daughter Kezia Wife of Edmond Andrews of Norton one Cow & Calf that the
said Edmond has all Ready Rcievd; with what said Daughter has here to fore had
of my Estate; I also Give her twenty Shillings in publick bills of Credit of ye
old tenor accounting Silver at 30 shillings per ounce to be paid her by my
Executor here after Named: –
And all other of my Estate Rael & personal not in this
Will Disposed of I Give to my said son Josiah Dean or yt may not be
Disposed of at time of my Decease I also Give him – I Constitute & appoint
my said son Josiah Dean to be Sole Executor of this my Last Will &
testament; & that he pay all my Just Debts & Receive All my Credits
(& Give me a Cristian Burial) –
In testimoney Where of I the said Thomas Dean have here unto
Set My hand & Seal this twelfth Day of July in the 18th year of
the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second A:D: 1744
Signed Sealed Delivered published & }
Declared to be the Last Will & testament }
of Thomas Dean In presents of us } Thomas Dean (seal)
Joseph
Hall
Jonathan
Shaw
James
Williams
Proved by James Williams and Jonathan Shaw, two of the
witnesses on 6 Oct. 1747.
James Williams, Esqr., Mr. Jonathan
Shaw and Mr. Jonathan Dean, freeholders in the County of Bristol,
were appointed to appraise the Personal Estate of Mr Thomas Dean,
late of Raynham, on 31 Dec. 1747. The Inventory of the Goods & Chattles
Personal of Mr. Thomas Dean, late of Raynham, was dated 31 Dec.
1747, and totaled £615.13.0. Josiah Dean, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 7 Feb. 1748/9.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas Dean, Raynham, 1748,” from
FHL microfilm #0572870.
Will of David Delano of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
In the Name of God, Amen I David Delano of Middleboro.
in the County of Plimouth Husbandman, being Aged, but of perfect &
Disposing mind & memory thanks be to God, Calling to mind the Mortality of
my body, and Knowing That it is Appointed Unto all Men Once to dye I do Ordain
this my last Will and Testament ~
Imprimis I Give and Bequeath my Soul into the Hands of God
that Gave it Hoping for Eternal Salvation Onely in and Thro’ the Merrits of
Jesus Christ, my Dear Saveour and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be
Decently Buried at the Discretion of my Execr. hereafter Named, and
as Touching that Worldly Estate with which it hath pleased God to Bless me I
Give & Bequeath the same in Manner following
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Beloved wife Betty Delano
after all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges is paid, the improvemt.
of all my Estate both real and & personal During her Naturall Life &
all my personall Estate forever to dispose of as shee sees Good
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my son David Delano whome I do
Appoint Executor of this my Last Will and Testament after the decease of my
abovesaid Wife all my Estate That then remains After my wife abovesaid Having a
Decent Burial he paying as above & hereafter expressed
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Lemuel Delano
Twenty pounds in the Old Tenner as it now passeth to be paid unto him by my
abovesaid Son my Execr. within one year after the decease of my
abovesaid Wife, & In Testimony Whereof I the said Delano the Testator have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Thirtieth Day of July Anno Domi, 1750,
Signed Sealed & Delivered, Published, David Delano (seal)
Pronounced, and Declared by the abovesd.
David Delano the Testator to be his
last Will and Testament In the presence
of us the Subscribers
Ezra Clap
Elijah Clap
Manasah Clap
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1755 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Elijah Clap and Manasah Clap, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to David Delano of Middleborough, the
Executor, on 1 Aug. 1755.
The Inventory of the Estate of David Delano, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 2 July 1755 by David Sears, Elijah Clap, and
Manasa Clap, not totaled, but his real estate valued at £53.18.4, and his
personal estate £12.16.4. The Executor gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Aug.
1755.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 541-542, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Ichabod Delano of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
The Last will & testament of Ichabod Delano of Duxborough
in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England, yeoman
I
the Said Ichabod Delano being under many bodily infirmities, yet of perfect
mind & memory, for which I bless God; and Calling to mind the mortality of
my body, do upon Serious Consideration make & ordain these presents to be
my Last will & testament, to Remain firm inviolable forever, that is to
say, first of all, I Recommend my Soul to God, who Gave it & my body I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian manner at the discretion of
my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I
Shall Recieve it again, and as touching such worldly Estate as God hath pleased
to bless me with in this Life, I Give & devise & dispose of the same in
the following manner and form ~
Imprimis – I Give to my two Oldest
Sons Ichabod Delano & Charles Delano all the Salt meadow that I die Seized
of that was their mothers to be equally divided between them ~
Item – I Give to my true and Loving
wife the whole improvement of my Real and Personal Estate that I die Seized of
Excepting what I have Given to my two Sons above named for the term of Seven
years from the date of this my Last will and testament
Item – I Give to my two Sons
Ichabod Delano & Charles Delano abovesaid the Remainder of my Salt meadow
Laying on what is Called Common Island, to be equally divided between them
after the Expiration of the Seven years, above mentioned ~
Item – I Give to my two Sons
Ichabod Delano & Charles Delano the improvement of two thirds of the
Remainder of my Real Estate not yet disposed of, after the Expiration of the
Seven years above mentioned, to keep the Estate in Repair ‘till my Other three
Sons are of age to act for themselves whose names are as follows, that is to
say Elisha Delano – Seth Delano & Elijah Delano – and now my will is that
after my Debts and funeral Charges are paid, that the Remainder of my Estate
not yet disposed of, be equally divided between my five Sons, that is to say,
Ichabod Delano, Charles Delano Elisha Delano, Seth Delano & Elijah Delano.
Excepting the moveable Estate of my first wife’s which I Give to my two Eldest
Sons above mentioned ~
Lastly – my will is that my oldest
Son Ichabod Delano be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament thus
hoping that this my Last will & testament be kept performed according to
the true intent and meaning thereof
In witness whereof I the aforesaid
Ichabod Delano have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Fifteenth day of
February Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & Eighty Six – 1786 ~
Signed Sealed & declared by the
above named
Ichabod Delano to be his Last will
& testa- Ichabod Delano (seal)
ment in presence of us ~
Nathaniel
Samson
Aaron
Samson
Reuben
Delano
Presented for probate on 11 Sept.
1786 by Ichabod Delano, the Executor therein named, and proved by Aaron Samson
and Reuben Delano, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted unto Ichabod Delano, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Ichabod Delano, late of Duxbury, was appraised on 29 Sept. 1786 by Calvin
Partridge, Reuben Delano and Gideon Harlow, and totaled £206.8.11, including
his homestead farm and buildings valued at £160, and a piece of salt marsh
valued at £10. Ichabod Delano, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
2 Oct. 1786.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p.
82-83, from FHL microfilm #0550716.
Will of Jonathan
Delano of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1744) *
In the Name of God amen this Seventh day of March Anno Domini
One thousand seven hundred & fourty four I Jonathan Delano of Rochester in
the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets bay in New England
Yeoman Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament—
Principally and Fist of all I Give my Soul to god & my
body to the Earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executors, and as
touching my worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I Give and
dispose of the same in the following manner and form First I do appoint Samuel
Winslow my Father in law and Elisha Barrows Inholder both of Rochester aforesd
to be Execrs. of this my will and Order them out of my moveable
Estate they pay all my Just debts & funeral Charges—
Item I Give to my Dearly beloved wife Rachel the One Third
part of my Estate as the Law directs for widdows to have where there is no will
Item I Give my Son Jonathan all my real Estate Consisting of
Housing and lands which I have & doe own in Rochester be the same more or
less & the same to be & remain to him his heirs & Assigns forever
he paying out to his Sister Hannah what I am Obliged by bond to pay her &
allso One shilling old tenour to my Daughter Eliza besides what she hath
allready had and after my Son Jonathan shall come of lawfull Age then he to be
Sole Executor of this my will.
Item, My Will is that what of my moveable Estate Shall be
left after my Debts are paid and my wife hath her part thereof as the law
directs Shall be divided Equally between all my Children which I had by my
second wife, viz Amasa Samuel & Irana Excepting what I had by my last wife
and that I Give what of it Shall remain after my Debts are paid unto my
Daughters Joanna & Martha, lastly I do hereby revoke all former wills and
ratyfie this as my last will & Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal the day & Year first above written—
Signed Sealed published
Pronounced & Declared by me the
said Jonathan Dellano as my Jonathan Delano (seal)
last will & Testament In
Presence of
Ebenezer Spooner
Sarah Robinson
Timothy Ruggles
Presented for probate by the Executors 20 May 1745, and
proved by Mr. Timothy Ruggles & Ebenezer Spooner. Letters of
Administration were granted to Samuel Winslow and Elisha Barrow, both of
Rochester, the Executors, on 20 May 1745.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real & Personal of
Jonathan Delano late of Rochester, was appraised by Noah Sprague, Cornelius
Brigs and Mark Haskell junr. on 24 Apr. 1745, and totaled £434.2.4,
including his homestead with the buildings valued at £200. Saml
Winslow and Elisha Barrow, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on
21 May 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 456-458, and Vol. 10, p.
171-172.
Will of Jonathan Delano of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the Name of God amen, upon the Second day of December in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three, I Jonathan
Delano of Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the province of the
Massachusets bay in NewEngland yeoman, upon good & serious Considerations,
and under some Infirmitys of body, and under the Decays of Old age, but being
of perfect mind & Memory Thanks be given unto God for the same, and
therefore Calling unto mind the Mortallity of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die Do make & ordain this to be my last will
and Testament, That is to say Principally and first of all, I Give and
Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that Gave it, and my body I recomend to
the Earth to be buried in a Decent & Christian manner at the Discretion of
my Executor here afternamed, nothing Doubting but at the great & General
Resurrection, I shall receive the same again by the Almighty power of God, and
as touching such worldly Goods and Temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this life with, I Give Demise and dispose of the same in the
manner & form following.
Imps. My will is that all my Just debts &
funeral Charges be Defreyed and payd out of my Personal Estate.
Item. I Do give and bequeath unto my Dearly & Wellbeloved
wife Hannah Delano all and the whole of my Real & personal Estate dureing
the whole term or time of her widdowhood, or while she remains my widdow.
Item. I Do give and bequeath unto my Eldest son John Delano
all my Single share in the salt meadow that I have lying on Skirt Island,
together with all the moveable Estate that he has allready Received.
Item. I do Give and Bequeath unto the Children of my Second
son Jonathan Delano deceased all that their Father the sd. Jonathan
Delano deceasd received of me in his life time, Equally between them, Besides
five Shillings worth of Moveable Goods, I Do Give to my Grandson Samuel Delanoe
the son of my said son Jonathan Delano deceasd.
Item. I do Give and bequeath unto my third son Nathan Delano
my best Bed One Coverlid One Bolster & two black Chairs.
Item. I Doe Give and bequeath unto my fourth son Amasa Delano
my next Bed that is the best One Bolster One Coverlid.
Item I do Give and Bequeath unto my fifth son Ebenezer Delano
the sum of One Shilling lawfull money.
Item. I do Give and bequeath unto my two Grandsons the sons
of my yonguest son David Delano deceasd, all the residue of my Homestead farm
it being the One third part of said farm with the Salt meadow adjoining to it
Commonly called Littel meadow, and it being all that part of my said farm that
I have not Given my aforesaid son Ebenezer Delano a Deed of, That is to say to
my Grand son, Jonathan Delano two Thirds of my residue of of said Homestead
with all of my said Little meadow with one half of my Dwelling house with Two
thirds of the Fenceing and Orchard thereon, and Likewise Two thirds of what I
now do own in my wood lott and one Chest that was my fathers.
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my Grandson Oliver Delano One
Third part of my Homested farm that is to say of the residue of it with the
fenceing and Orchard thereon with all my right in the Tussock Meadow that I
have not otherwise disposed of, and one third part of what is not otherwise
disposed of in my Wood lott. And the said Jonathan Delano and Oliver Delano
being both the sons of my son David Delano deceased. And my will is that my said Grandson Jonathan
Delano Shall pay to his sister Zilpha Delano the sum of five Shillings.
Item. I do Give and bequeath to my daughter Ruth Peterson,
what She hath already received.
Item. I do Give and Bequeath to my daughter Hannah Soule the
sum of five Shillings with what she has allready received.
Item. I do Give and bequeath unto my two Grand Children
Silvanus Curtis and Hannah Curtis the sum of One Shilling to each of them
together with what their mother Dorothy Curtis in her life time received ~ And my Will is that all these above said
Legacies that are given as abovesaid are given to them, and to their heirs and
assigns forever.
And I do hereby Constitute and appoint my Trusty and well
beloved son John Delano to be Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament,
and I do hereby utterly disallow and revoke and disanul all & every other
and former wills Testaments & bequests by me in any Before named willed or
Bequested made Ratyfieing and Confirming this & no other to be my last will
and Testament, In Witness whereof I the said Jonathan Delano have hereunto set
my hand and Seal the day & year above written—
Signed Sealed published pronounced & Declared
by the said Jonathan Delano to be his
last will and Testament in the presence
of us the Subscribers. Jonathan Delano (seal)
Abner Weston
Joshua Stanford
John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 4 Feb. A.D. 1765 by John Delano, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joshua Stanford and John Wadsworth, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John Delano, the
Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Jonathan Delano, late of
Duxboro’, Yeoman, was appraised on 29 Mar. 1765 by Abner Weston, John
Wadsworth, and Joshua Stanford, all of Duxboro’, but not totaled, his homestead
farm & fence was valued at only £20, half the house was valued at £5.6.8,
his meadow at the skirt was valued at £8.13.4, his little meadow at £6.13.4,
his part of the wood lot at £4.13.4, and his right in the Tussok meadow at
£2.17.9. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 30 Mar. 1765, and
John Delano, the administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Apr. 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, pp. 164-166, 195, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Joseph Delano of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
The last will and testament of Joseph Delano of Duxborough in
the county of Plymouth in the province of Massachusetts-Bay in New England
yeoman. – I the said Joseph Delano being under many bodily infirmities yet of
perfect mind & memory thanks be given to Almighty God therefor. calling to
mind the mortality of my body, do upon serious consideration make & ordain
these presents to be my last will & testament to remain firm &
inviolable forever. that is to say, first of all, I give & recomend my soul
into the hand of God that gave it and my body I recomend to the earth to be
buried in a decent christian manner at the discretion of my executor herein
after named, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive
the same again by the Almighty power of God; and as touching such worldly
estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give
& devise & dispose of the same in the following manner & form. –
Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my son Reuben Delano all
my real estate, that is to say, my home-farm, wood-lott & meadow, with all
the buildings & fences thereon his paying my debts & funeral charges. ~
Item, I give to Lidia Delano the wife of my son Benjamin
Delano, my best table.
I give to my daughter Rebeccah Fullerton wife of John
Fullerton, a chest.
I give to my daughter Zebiah Delano my loom & the
tackling belonging to it, also my best bed & best chest. –
I give to my daughter Lucy Delano my best iron pott, &
warming pan, & a chest.
I give to my son Reuben first mentioned, my gun & sword
& a bed, & my hatt.
I give to my son Benjamin Delano’s five children, which are
my grandchildren, six shillings a piece to be paid by my son Reuben Delano. –
I give to my two grandsons Elijah & Reuben Delano sons of
Reuben Delano, my wearing cloaths.
I give to my three daughters viz. Rebeccah Fullerton, &
Zebiah & Lucy Delano all my movable estate not yet disposed off equally
between them. –
Lastly My will is that my son Reuben Delano be the sole
executor of this my Last will & testament, thus hoping that this my Last
will & testament be kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof. – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
this twenty third day of April anno Domini one thousand seven hundred &
seventy. 1770.
Signd. seald. & declard.
by the beforenamd. Joseph
Delano to be his last will & testament in the
presence of us. Joshua
Peterson Joseph X Delano (seal)
Jacob
Dingley junr.
Judah
Delano
Presented for probate on 6 Aug. 1770 by Reuben Delano the
Executor therein named, and proved by Judah Delano, Jacob Dingley junr.
and Joshua Peterson, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Reuben Delano, the Executor, with Jacob Dingley junr. and Judah
Delano, both of Duxborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 406-407, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Philip
Delano, of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1708) *
In the name of God Amen I Philip Dilino aged & infirm in
body yet of perfect memory Doe ordain Constitute & appoint This my Last
will & Testament I bequeath my body to the Earth to be buryed at the
Discretion of my Executor and my soul into the hand of God my Creator nothing
Doubting but at the Resurection my body shall Rise again thrô the Mighty power
of Christ my Redeemer who is the Resurection & the Life
And as for what worly Goods it hath pleased God to bless me
withall my will is that my honest debts be payd & funerall Charges be
Defrayed
Impr: I Give unto my son samuell (whome I appoint
to be administrator) all my Lands upland Meadow & swamp within the township
of Midlebury or any other place whereof I have not made Disposall already with
all my other good moveables & Cattle what so ever saving unto my three
Daughters (viz) My Daughters Martha Delino Martha Harlow & Jane Delino
I Give unto my Daughter Harlow one cow
I Give unto my Daughter Jane one cow
I Give unto my Daughter Martha Delino widow one cow & one
swine my will is that that swine is now fat be killed & spent in the family
Desiring to Live peaseably & do Dy quietly & that all
my Children may quietly agre after my Decease Desiring my borther – Thomas to
be over seer of this my Last will & Testament in Conformation whereof I
have set my hand & seal this Eleventh Day of December in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred & Eight in the pesents of
Thomas Delino
Samuell Weston Philip Delino (seal)
Samll Delino
his S marke
Probated on 24 Dec. 1708, and proved by Samll
Delino & Samuell Weston. The inventory, dated 11 Dec. 1708, was taken by
Abraham Sampson & Joseph Delino.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Dr.
Thomas Delano of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1722) *
In ye Name of God Amen. October ye
fifth one thousand seven Hundred & twent two 1722 I Thomas Deleno Senr.
of Duxboro. by Reason of old age & ye many Infirmitys
of Body which attend it But being of Perfect mind & memory (thanks be given
unto God) therefore calling to mind ye mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye, Do make & ordaign
this my Last will & Testament that is to Say Principally & first of all
I give & Recomend my Soul into ye Hands of God that gave it
& my Body I Comend to ye Earth to be buried in Decent Christian
Burial at ye Discretion of my Executor; nothing Doubting but at ye
general Resurrection I Shall receive ye Same again by ye
almighty Power of God: & as touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
Pleased God to Bless me in this Life: I give Demise & Dispose of ye
Same in ye following manner & Form . . .
Imprimis: First my will is that all my Debts & Funeral
Charges be Levyed & Paid out of my Estate. Item; I give & Bequeath to
my Son Benoni Deleno five Shillings. Item; I give & Bequeath unto my Son
Thomas Deleno one Half Lott of Land Lying in ye
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced his
& Declared by ye Sd Thomas Deleno Thomas T Deleno (Seal)
as his Last will & Testament marke
In ye Presence of us ye Subscribers
Hannah
Alden
Samuel
Weston
Joshua
Deleno
Probated on 22 Apr. 1723, the will was proved by Hannah
Alden, Samuel Weston, & Joshua Deleno. Letter of administration on the
estate of Doctor Thomas Deleno, late of Duxboro, was given to Joseph
Deleno, the executor, on 6 May 1723.
The inventory of the moveable estate of Doctor Thomas Deleno
was dated 29 Apr. 1723, appraised by John Alden & Samuel Weston, and
totaled £79.5.6. Debts due from the estate of Doctor Thomas Deleno totaled
£18.18.10.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Phillip Delino of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
The Last will and Testament of Phillip Delino of Duxborough
In the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Masachusets bay in New England
yeoman. I the Said Phillip Delino being under many bodily Infirmeties yet of
Perfect Minde & Memory thanks be given To almighty God therefor Calling To
Mind the Mortallity of my body Do upon Serious Consideration make and ordain
these Present to be my last will & Testament To Remain Firme and Invoiable
for Ever that is to Say first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
hands of God that gave it & my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried
in Decent Cristian Maner at the Discresion of my Executors herein after named
nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall Receve the Same again
by the Almighty Power of God & as Touching Such worldly Estate Wherewith It
hath pleased God To bless me in this Life I give & Demise & Dispose of
the Same in the following manner and forme
Imprs) I Give & bequeth to my only Son Judah
Delino My Gun & Sword & my Fishing Craft & all my husbandry Tools
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Daughter Mary Tower Wife To
Elijah Tower a Spoon marked P.D
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Daughter Elizabeth Delino a
Spoon marked ED
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Daughter Abigail Soul wife
To Abisher Soul a Spoon m PD
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Son Judah above named All
my Real Estate both Lands & Meddows building & fencing &c provided
he finds his Sister Elisabeth before named with a Sufficancy of house Room to
Dwell in so long as She Shall Live unmarrid
Item I Give & bequeth To My three Daughters above named
all the Remainder of My Estate Viz all my Live Stock and all the Moveables that
I have not herein before Given a way after my Debts & funeral Charges are
paid to be Equally Divided amongst my three Daughters
Lastly My will Is that my Son Judah Delino & my Son in
Law Abisher Soul above named be the Soul Executors of this my last will &
Testament thus hooping that this my last will be Keept & Performed
according To the Trew Intent & meaning thereof. In witnis where of I the afore named Phillip
Delino have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Third Day of Decr.
Anno domini one thousand Seven hundred & fifty Six. 1756
Signd. Sealed & Declared by the above Phillip Delino (seal)
Named Phillip Delino to be his
Last will & Testament
In
Presenc of.
William Thomas
Joseph Cushman
Jonathan Peterson
Presented for probate on 1 June
1761 by the Executor therein named, and proved by William Thomas and Jonathan
Peterson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Judah
Delino and Abisha Soul, both of Duxborough, Husbandman, the Executors, on 1
June 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 154-156, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Simon Delis
of
In the Name of God amen the fourth day of August in the year
of our Lord 1747. I Simon Delis of Scituate in the County of Plimouth in New
England Feltmaker being weak and infirm of Body but of sound mind & Memory
through the blessing of Almighty God haveing a just sence of the Mortallity
Once to dye do make and Ordain this my last will and Testament in manner &
form following, renouncing annulling by these presents all and Every will or
wills Testament or Testaments by me heretofore made or Declared by me Either by
word or writeing and this only to be taken for my last—
And first being Penitent, and humbly asking for giveness for
my past sins, I recomend my Soul to almighty God who gave it, and my body I
recomend to the Earth in Christian Burial in full and Certain hopes of a
Joyfull resurrection unto life & Glory through the Merits of our Blessed
Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ and as to such Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this life I Give & dispose of the same in Manner &
form following viz. Imprimis, I Give & Bequeath unto my Beloved son
Claudius Delis the sum of ten shillings, and, and also all all he is indebted
unto me by bond or otherways in full of his portion of my Estate, but here I
must not omit that I do bequeath to him all my wareing Cloaths wollen &
Linnen —
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my beloved son Simon John
Delis the sum of ten shillings and all that he is indebted unto me by bond Book
or otherways in full of his portion of my Estate –
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my kind & well beloved
wife Patience Delis and such Goods & Estate as I received with her in
mariage at her own dispose, But in case any of my daughters or Grand Daughters
Shall carry themselves reverently & loveingly to her, I do leave it to her
discretion to give to such a one such a Girl as She shall see cause, in
remembrance of me. –
Item, I do hereby bequeath and dispose of the rest of my
money Moveable Goods and Estate not already in this will disposed off I do
ordain & direct to be put into the hands of my Trustee hereafter named
impowering him to sell such of my houshold Goods as my wife can best spare to
be imployed to such use and in such manner as follows, viz, intrest of all my
bonds Notes of hand and such other Estate as my said Trustee Shall Judge with
the advise of my beloved wife to be proper to turn into money for the advantage
of my Estate being sold for the real worth of the same, my will is that he be
hereby Enabled to do it & to see that the income of my money Shall be
yearly paid to my beloved wife dureing her Continuing a Widdow in Consideration
of her Extra ordinary care and tender rediness to me, & all the rest of my
moveables the use of my best Suite of Curtains & Bed quilt dureing her
Natural life She giveing bond to my Trustee to leave the same Curtains and
quilt upon her decease And for my Trustee to deliver them up to whom I Shall
here after appoint, and in case my beloved wife in her widowhood should fall
sick or lame and the Income Income of my Estate Should prove insufficient to
mantain her, my will is that my Trustee is hereby impowered to make Sale of the
principal for her Support and maintenance, and in case my beloved wife Should
see cause to marry again my will is in case she marrys with a man of Good life
and Convenation and keeps up the Ordinances of the Gospel, then my will is She
Shall receive one half of the income of my money and liberty to keep one half
of my moveable Goods and Household Stuff, But in case She Should marry an
Irreligious man And not keep up the Ordinancys of the Gosple then the Aforesaid
Gift Shall Cease, Only the Callico Curtains & Quilt Aforesaid which She
Shall injoy dureing her Natural life and after her decease the income of my
money and Household Goods & State to be returned to my Trustee to be
disposed of by him, as it Shall be Expres’d hereafter. –
Item, I Give & Bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mary
Stetson Ten Shillings & the privilige to set in my Pew in St.
Andrews Church as long as She Shall live & no more, Besides Besides what I
will Give to her son Nathaniel & her Daughter Elizabeth Stetson as it Shall
be hereafter ordered ~
Item I Give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Elizabeth
House the sum of ten Shillings and the privilige to set in my Pew in St.
Andrews Church as long as she Shall live besides I Gave her Before for her
portion, But in Consideration of her Dutifull kindness and care of me, while I
was at her house, I Give & bequeath her five pounds old tenour to be paid
her as it Shall be Exprest hereafter
Item In case my beloved wife Should perform the first
proposal of her Mariage then my will is She Shall injoy all the aforesd.
priviliges as it is heretofore Expres’d, and I do impower my Trustee to take an
Account of all the Goods that is left & found, and what money there shall
be found by bills or bonds or any otherways to distribute it as here after
follows, it shall be after my beloved wife shall be deceased –
Item I bequeath unto my son Claudius Delis Eldest daughter
Elizabeth the aforesaid Sute of Callico Curtains, and a Calleco Bed quilt But
least She should be x upon the Curtains nor the Bedquilt they are very
Creditable and they were never yet usd, But She is not to have them given her
till after my beloved wifes decease, and upon the Condtitions hereafter
mentioned and to his three sons & Daughter Lydia I Give equal, To my
daughter Mary Stetsons two Children, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Stetson the use of
my Pew in St. Andrews Church excepted provided they all Conform to
the worship and Discipline of the Church of England, and if any of them Shall
Simple whether it be Christ Church they Shall have Six months time to inform
themselves by such means as shall be provided to them as the Abridgment of
Londons case the History of the reformation of the Church of England set out by
Doctr. Nicholas, and by the perswasive letter to the people of
Holland to remove the prejudice to the Comon prayer book, there cannot be in a
Kingdom two appoint Goverments, But after their Examination those that cannot
Conform Shall have Nothing, and if One of them or all Shall Conform my will is
that they Shall be made Equall alike; Excepting Grandson Simon Delis if he be
one of them that will conform he Shall have above them that will Conform my
Silver Shoe buckles at the time as it is abovesaid after by beloved wife is
deceasd, Furthermore my will is that all my Grand Children that are like to be
Conformish and are yet under age, when distribution Shall be made what their
portion Shall be it Shall be put to intrest for their benifit untill they come
of age and if anyone Should die of them the Next Surviver Shall have his
portion, But before the Accomplishment of this my last will and Testament it
will not be amiss that I may set some things down for them who Shall see or
hear to Consider what doth follow, then be it known to ye all that Shall see or
hear of the Misbehaviour of my Contrary Party, that since Septem 1746 there
hath been very unjust Striveing by under handed worke to Disposes me and mine
of my pew Which I had purchased not only with my money but also by Honourable
Considerations of revd. Mr Davenporte saying to me ye are
after after God and with his blessings, the first man which did Cause this
Church to be set up in this place & ye are the oldest man that is among us,
pray said he Mr. Delis take the Choice of the Pews that are in the
Church, but that I might not Exalt my selfe of haveing Such praise beyond
measure, it hath pleased God to suffer to Suffer that I have been so persecuted
by unjust oppression, that it hath vexed my Spirit within me and made my heard
desolve, But for as much I have the Comfort to see that my Labour hath not been
in vain in the Lord, but it was prosperous through Gods blessing, By whose
Spirit I am if the Count that my aforesaid labour was Gods blessing upon my
Sincere indeavour, so I am the first man which hath Given Such Legacy as it
Shall hereafter be named.
Item, I Give and bequeath to Each my Grandsons Combs House
and Nathaniel Stetson the use of my Pew in St. Andrews Church as
long as they Shall live, and to theirs after them provided they Shall perform
the following Condition that is to pay yearly twenty Shillings Each for the use
here ordered afterword but here it must be Observed that my both Grandsons Shall
not take possession of the foresaid Pew before they are come to age, but my
beloved wife & both daughters be Still liveing they Shall Injoy their privilige
without molestations as long as they live, but in Case my both Grandmentiond
Sons could not Settle conveniently to come to Church, Item my Will is that they
nor no man nor men nor any person whatsoever Shall sell my Pew to any person or
persons whatever, But as I said above if my Grandsons or one of them Could not
Conveniently come to Church my pew being the income is Designed for the benifit
for whom it Shall be, declared hereafter so that whosoever it is who Injoy it
Shall be to them, as if they only did hire it, for as I will that the income of
my pew Shall be for the Benifitt of those for whom it, Shall be declared here
after it Shall be hired out to as many persons as can Conveniently Set in it
beside them that have the privilige to set in it, and altho, the Church is
indebted to me ever since it hath been set up, my Will is if I cannot pay the
Six pounds ten Shillings I am rated for toward the finishing the Church my will
is that my Executor Shall pay it out of my Estate ~~ Item I Give & Bequeath
to St. Andrews Church in Scituate the Income of twenty five pounds
forever, that is to say One third part to the Support of the Minstre provided
they Shall full fill the Conditions hereafter proposed which if they do not
full fill then they Shall forfeit my foresaid Gift and it Shall be Given to the
poor Widdows as it Shall hereafter said for my Will Shall unalterable, Item I
Give and Bequest the Two thirds part of the aforesd. twenty five
pounds forever for the Support of the The poor Widdows that Shall be Comunicat
in the foresaid St. Andrews Church, and also I Give them all the
Income of my Pew forever which may be maid by hireing it to such persons as
Shall [can’t read] Seats to set in,
but all them which I am Going to Object against shall forever be Expel’d from
set in to my Pew, and after I have made an end of my Will then I Shall Give
some of my reasons for it, Now I come to tell who they are that are to be
Expelled, They who bear the Name of David House and all the Family of Mr.
Bezaliel Palmer, and all the Family of Mr. Jacob Bailey
My Will and Testament is after my beloved whife She is
deceas’d that all the income of my money and of my moveable Goods &
Household Stuff and Curtains & the Bed quilt which were put in to her hands
for her own use and improvement dureing the Term of her Widdowhood But in case
She shall Marry Again and She Shall receive one half of the income of my money
and Should Injoy also one half of my moveable Goods and Household Stuff, and
the Callico Curtains and Callico Bed quilt dureing her Natural life and after her
decease to be returned to my Executor to be disposed of by him as it is
Expressed already heretofore, then my Will is that my beloved Daughter
Elizabeth House shall receive my Gift as it is before Expres’d, my Will is that
the twenty five pounds I have Given forever for Such uses as it is before
Expres’d with the income of my Pew with what it will bring in, it Shall be put
in Intrest with by bonds on Notes of Hand & other Moveable Estate or money
as my Executor hereafter Name Shall Judge with my beloved wife proper to turn
it into money for the advantage of my Estate as it is before Express’d, I say
my Will is that it Shall be put in Intrest upon Good and Sure Security, And my
Trustee is hereby Impowered as it is Expres’d before to see that my beloved wife
Shall have the Income of that money that Shall be put out for that purpose, And
furthermore my Will is that after the decease of my Beloved wife that for the
increase of the Stock I have Given towards the maintenance of the Minister
& Poor Widows of the said St. Andrews Church Shall not be made
use of untill ten years after my wifes decease and at the End of ten years then
the twenty five pounds and all the income of it Shall be put altogether into
One sum, and as it is before said I Give one third part of the income forever
of the foresaid Sum, yearly to the Rector of the said Church, provided they
Shall fulfill the Conditions abovesaid, that they shall oppose from time to
time forever those who are Expelled from Set in to my pew, and that Rector of sd.
Church that Shall not Observe the foresaid Conditions Shall forefeit my Gift
and as it is before said it Shall be given for the benifit of the poor Widdows
for ever.—
Item I Give and bequeath the privilige to my Executor
Hereafternamed to set in to my Pew as long he shall live provided he Shall not
suffer any that I have Expelled from Set in to my Pew as long he Shall come to
the said St. Andrews Church, and in Case any one of my daughters
Should admit any one of them that are Expelled from Set in to my Pew I impower
him after the first and Second and third time to Expell them by the Assistance
of the Rector, and I hope that my Executor Shall take all the Care he can to see
that if their be any seat in my Pew that may be hired to do it as soon as
Oppertunity present for to promote the benyfits of the poor widows, I would not
that it Should be understood that my haveing Givein the Inome of my pew to the
Widdows Should Exemp them who have mind to to hire a Seat or Seats in my pew to
pay toward the Maintenance of the Minister or toward the Charges which may come
toward the Church. no this is not maintanation. for whosoever Shall hire wether
it be a head of a Family or a Single person who Shall hire Seat or Seats they
Shall be rated proportionably according to the income of their Estate this rule
must be observed among Christians. my Will it is Still if my both Grandsons
Coume House and Nathaniel Stateson Should come in age and settle conveniently
to come to Church they Shall injoy my Pew and their upon the aforesaid
Conditions which Shall never be alterd and if their be any of the poor Widdows
Should want to be releived after the ten years are Expired My Will is that the
Rector With the two Church Wardens that they Distribute to them Out of the
income of the Stock, which Stock Shall not be Diminished, according to their
discretion as they Shall see the want the poor Widdows Shall Stand in Need and
what the income of the Stock can afford it is to be understood that all the
Legacies that I have bequeathd is in old tenour, I Would not have to be
understood as if I had any Expectation of meeting a reward in a future life
because I have devoted such small things for pious & Charityable use no no
far be it from me to have such Dangerous thought in me, for our Good works are
all Mixd with Sins, and Our Good works cannot Endure the severity of Gods
Judgment yet are they pleasing and Acceptable to him, read, Heb: 13.16. and St.
Jam. 2 verse 17.18 and 22. to 26, many more Scripture might be produced to this
purpose, but if we do beleive these are the word of God, then Good works are
Acceptable to him in Christ Jesus Who is my Only hope and help to Obtain
Eternal Salvation through his Meritts. –
Item my Will is I bequeast to My beloved wife a Decent
Mourning suit and a Mourning ring of four pound of Old tenour after my decease
And I do ordain and Constitute and appoint my beloved Friend Joshua Yongue of
Scituate Executor to this my last will and Testament In Witness wherof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day and year above written
Signed Sealed pronounced published and
Declared to be my last will & Testament
In the presence of us witnesses ~~ Simon Delis (seal)
Thomas Bardin
Abijah White
Ezekiel Palmer
Presented for probate on 1 Feb. 1747[/48] by the Executor,
and proved by Thomas Bardin, Abijah White, and Ezekiel Palmer, the witnesses.
The original will was not deposited in the probate folder for Simon Delis.
To John Cushing Esqr Judge of the Probate of Wills for the
County of Plimouth &c. Whereas Mr.
Simon Delis late of Scituate Deceas’d by his will dated August the fourth 1747
appointed me Executor, And inasmuch as the said Will appears to me to be very
Unintelligible and Great Difficulty may arise to me by reason thereof And on
other accounts if I should proceed therein, Therefore these are to Inform yor.
Honr. That I do hereby Renouce ye. sd.
Executorship and Desire to be Excused from any trouble or Concern therein –
January 15. 1747 Joshua Young
Patience Dillis of Scituate in the
Jonah Stetson Patience Dellis
Ezek: Turner Samuel
Shearman
Abijah
White
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. Simon Dillis,
late of Scituate, was appraised by Abijah White, Joshua Young, and Thos.
Stockbridge on 14 Jan. 1747[/48], and totaled £738.1.0, including a piece of
land & meadow that was mortgaged by Jno. Turner to the deceased,
the time of redemption being not yet expired, valued at £200, two bonds valued
at £120, and the Callico Bed Quilt & Curtains valued at £46.5. Patience
Dillis, the administratrix cum Testamento Annexo on the estate of Simon Dillis,
gave her oath to the inventory on 14 Jan. 1747[/48].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jemima
Denton of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen ye eighth day of June Anno Domini one
thousand seven hundred thirty & four I Jemima Denton of Hempstead in Queens
County on Nassau Island being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind #
# & memory thanks be to God & considering ye frailty of
humane nature & the Mortality of my body knowing its appointed for all
mankind once to dye do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament that
is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recommenend my Soul into ye
hands of a Mercifull God that Gave it & my body I Recommend to ye Earth to
be buried in a Christian Like manner at ye discretion of my
Executors Nothing Doubting but alltho it shall Lye Mouldering for a time in ye
dust & Earth at ye Generall resurrection I shall receive ye same again by ye
mighty Power of God and as touching such Worldly Estate where with it hath
pleased God to bless me within this Life I give Devise & Dispose of the
same in the following manner & form
Imprimis I order and my Will is that # # my Negro Girl be Sold & all
other of my Estate of What nature or quallity soever to ye best
advantage and at ye Discretion of my Executors hereafter named and
my funeral charges and all other my Just debts to be paid by my Executors
hereafter named and all the sum & Sums of money already Due to me that
shall arrise or become Due by ye Sale of my Negro Girl & ye
Rest of my Estate as abovesaid after my Just Debts be first payed as above said
to be taken care of by my Executors hereafter named for the use benefit &
towards ye bringing up suporting & subsisting my Daughter Deborah whome I
commit to ye care of my Executors hereafter named to be brought up at their
discretion & all the sum sums of money & all other of my Estate that
shall remaine after my sd. Daughter Deborah when she shall arrive to
ye years & age of eighteen years but if she should be married
before ye age of eighteen years then to be paid unto her att marriage Day by my
Executors hereafter named but if my said Daughter Deborah should die before
marriage or before # # # # # she arrives to ye age of eighteen years
then my Will is that all my Estate Sums & sums of money that shall be
remaining shall be equally divided between my Sisters Viz: Mary ye
Wife of Benjamin Smith, Deborah ye Wife of Joseph Carman & Ann ye
Wife of John Fayrweather to be paid to them by my Executors hereafter named
& I Do constitute make and ordain Jacob Smith Esqr. my loving
Brother Benjamin Smith & Jonathan Rowland Executors of this my last Will
& Testament and I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanul all and
every other formers Testaments Wills Legaceys and Executors by me in any ways
before this time named Willed & bequeathed Ratifieing & allowing
confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Jemima
Denton Ä
Signed Sealed Published and Pronounced Declared by the said
Jemima Denton as her Last Will and Testament in ye presence of us the
subscribers
Micah Smith
Robert Maruin
Timothy Tredwll
Probated on 27 July 1734, Letters of Administration granted
to Jacob Smith and Benjamin Smith, two of the Executors, Jonathan Rowland, the
other Executor, having relinquished the same.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel
Denton of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Denton of Hempstead In
Queens County within the Colony of New York Yeoman being Now in perfect Health
and of sound Mind and Memory (Praised be God for the same) but Knowing the
Certainty of Death and Uncertain hour of its Approach Do Make this my Last Will
and Testament in Manner and Form following, My Soul I Bequeath to God who gave
it My Body to the Earth from whence it came in Certain hopes of a Joyfull
Resurrection and Reunion at the Last Day and of Eternal Salvation through the
Sole Merrits of My Redeemer Christ Jesus and for My Worldly Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to Bless me I Devise and Bequeath the same as follows. First I
Will that My Funeral Charges and all other My Just Debts be paid and Satisfied
Then I Give and Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Abigail All my Houses Lands
and Meadows To have and To Hold to her Sole use for the Maintainance of her and
our Children During the time of her Widowhood and also the use of all such
Lands as shall According to the Directions herein After given be purchased by
my Executors but if she happen to Marry Again then she is Immediately to
Surrender all such Houses and Lands and Meadows to the use of My Son Joseph I
also Give to My said beloved Wife the one Equal third part of all My personal
Estate which said Share and use of My Estate as aforesaid shall be in Lieu of
her Dower and all other pretentions to my Estate Whatso Ever Item I hereby
Order and Impower My Executors hereafter Named to Sell My Meadows Ground Lying
at a place Called Near Rockway in Hempstead and the produce thereof to be
Divided amongst my Daughters as hereafter is Directed Item I Give Devise and Bequeath to My Son
Joseph Denton and to his heirs and Assigns forever all my Houses Lands and
Meadows (Excepting the peice of Meadow Afoor Ordered to be Sold to the use of
My Daughter) And Also all such Lands as shall happen According to the Direction
herein after Exprest to be purchased by my Executors to have the possession
thereof as soon as his Mother shall happen to Dye or Remarry But if My said Son
Shall happen to Dye before he comes to the Age of Twenty One years or if After
that Age he shall happen to Dye without Issue and Without Makeing Any will or
otherwise Disposeing of the said Estate real Then I will that the Same shall
goe to My Daughters Which shall then be alive to be Equally Divided between
them To have and to hold to them And their Heirs And Assignes forever Item I Give to my Four Daughters Mary, Deborah
Jemimah And Anne the other two thirds of my personal Estate And the Money to be
produced by the Sale of the peice of Meadow at Near Rockway to be Equally
Divided betwixt them to be Delivered to them on their Marriage or when they
Arrive to the Age of Twenty One years and if any of them Dye before the said
age or Marriage the share of such to be Equally Divided Amongst the survivors
of them Item because my Land is But
Indifferently Timbered (if My Executors see fitt) I doe hereby Impower them to
Sell any of My Houses Lands or Meadows at any time During my Sons Minority and
with the Money to purchase for him other Lands Which is better Timbered Lastly I hereby Nominate and Appoint My
Loving Brother Jonas Denton and my good Friend Samuel Emery Junr of
Flushing to be my Sole Executors of this My Last Will and Testament And do
hereby Disannul all other Wills or Testaments by me at any time heretofore Made
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto put My Hand and Seal this Fourteenth Day of
February Seventeen Hundred and Seventeen
Samuel Denton (seal)
Signed Sealed and published by the within Named Samuel Denton
as his Last Will And Testament in presence of us
Geo Cocke
Tho Keble
Letters of Administration granted to Jonas Denton and Samuel
Emery, the Executors, on 27 May 1719.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel
Denton of
In the Name of God Amen The Twenty Fifth Day of Aprill in the
Fourth Year of the Reigne of our Souvraigne Lord George King over Great
Brittian &c. Annoq Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighteen I Samuel
Denton of Jamaica in Queens County on Nassau Island in the province of New York
BlackSmith being in Health of body And of Good and perfect Memory thanks be to
God Calling into Mind the Certainty of Death And the Uncertain hour thereof do
Make and Ordain this My Last Will and Testament That is to say principally and
first of all I Give and Recommend My Soul into the hands of God that gave it by
whom of his meer and only Grace I trust to be saved through the Death of my
Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ My Body in hope of a Joyfull Resurrection I
Commit to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and Decent Manner at the
Discretion of my Executors and touching and Concerning the Distribution of my
worldly Estate I Dispose of the same as followeth first I Will that all such
Debts as I owe shall be Truly paid Item
I give and Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Martha Denton the Free use and
Occupation and Benifit of all and Singular my Real and personal Estate of What
Nature or Kind soever Dureing And Untill she Remains My Widdow only my Mother
is to have Liberty to pasture Two Cows and to have her Firewood Yearly Dureing
the said time of and on the premisses But if it should happen that my said Wife
should Marry again Then my Will is that my said Estate shall be Valued and
Apprized And my said Wife is to have Three Hundred pounds out of the same (upon
Condition that she Claim no Title or Interest or Dower or Thirds of and upon My
Estate abovesaid to Remain to her and assigns for Ever Item if it please God that my said beloved
Wife do Dye My Widdow then I do give Devise And Bequeath unto my Two Loving
Brothers Jacomiah Denton and Hezekiah Denton all my said Estate Real and
personall Goods Chattells Lands and Tennements To have and to hold to them and
to their heirs and assigns for Ever To be Equally Divided between them and
their Respective Heirs Share and Share alike My will is this Bequest and Devise
shall Immediately take Effect after My said Wifes Decease And Further my will
is that if it shall happen that my said beloved Wife do Marry again that then I
do Give Devise and Bequeath unto My said Two Brothers Jacomiah and Hezekiah all
the Rest Residue and Remaining part of my said Estate of what Nature or Kind
soever After the said Three Hundred pounds is taken out by my Wife as abovesaid
to Remain to them and to their Heirs and assigns forever Equally to be Devided
as abovesaid Item I do Give unto the
Children of my Sister Sarah Wills Namely to Samuel Clement and Sarah the sum of
Four pounds Each to be paid them by my said Brothers when they shall
respectively Come to Age Item I do give
and Bequeath unto the Children of my Sister Clement Smith Namely to Robert John
Mary Abraham Ebenezer and Samuel Also the sum of Four pounds each New York
Money to be paid them also by my said Brothers Jacomiah and Hezekiah when they
shall severally and Respectively Arrive to Age as abovesaid And if it should
happen that any of the abovenamed Children should dye before they Come to Age
then my will is that his or their part or portion shall be Devided among the
Surviving Brothers and Sisters Item My
Will is that if it should happen that either of my said Brothers should Dye
before they have Disposed of the Estate Above Bequeathed to them that then the
Surviving shall wholly Enjoy the same to be to his use and to his heires and assigns
for Ever – Item I make and ordain my said beloved Wife Martha Denton and my
Loving Brother Jacomiah Denton to be my Executors of this my Last Will and
Testament And I do hereby Impower and Authorize my said Executors to alienate
And Convey all or any part of my said Estate Lands &c as to them shall Seem
Convenient for the paying of the Legacies Abovesaid And I do utterly Revoke all
Former Wills and Testaments by me in any wise heretofore Made or Declared In Witness Where of I have hereunto being my
Last Will and Testament Subscribed with my own Hand and thereunto put My Seal
the Day and Year first above Written
Samuel Denton (seal)
Sealed Declared and Delivered by the said Samuel Denton in
the presence of these Witnesses
Joseph Smith
Samuel Ketcham
Amey Smith
Probated on 8 Sept. 1718, and proved by Joseph Smith, Samuel
Ketcham and Amey Smith, the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Jacomiah Denton, one of the Executors, on 7 Apr. 1719, Martha Denton, the other
Executor, having renounced the same.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Dexter of New Bedford, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
Imprimis I
give to my beloved Daughter Abigail Bowles, all my Cattle sheep and swine that
I shall have at my decease. Imprimis I give to my Grand Son Seth Stevens my
Farming Utentials and Tools of every description; The reason why I do not give
my son Luen Dexter none of my small Estate; is I have heretofore given him all
that I ever intend he should have of my Estate; lastly I give to my said
Daughter Eunice Steavins all the rest and residue of my Estate not heretofore
given away, of every Name and description She the said Eunice paying my Funeral
Charges and the expence of Setling my said Estate – and all demands that are
against me or my Estate – I hereby Appoint my good Friend John Tinckham of New
Bedford my Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
former Wills, heretofore made
In witness whereof I have here unto set
my hand and
Seal this Tenth day of March in the Year
of Our Lord
Eighteen Hundred & Five – his
Signed Sealed published and
declared by the above Named William X Dexter (seal)
William to be his last Will & mark
Testament in the presence of
Us, who at his request and in
his presence have here unto Subscribed
our Names as Witnesses to the same
Patience Cornish
Richard Delano
Seth Spooner May
7, 1805 Approved
Bartholomew
Akin, David Mitchell and Abner Jenne all of New Bedford, yeomen, were appointed
to appraise the estate of William Dexter, late of New Bedford, on 21 Mar. 1805.
The inventory was dated 22 Mar. 1805, and sworn to by John Tinkham, the
Executor, on 7 May 1805.
Presented
for probate on 7 May 1805 by John Tinkham, the Executor, and proved by Richard
Delano and Seth Spooner, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted unto John Tinkham, with Richard Delano, Yeoman, and John Taber the
Second, Yeoman, all of New Bedford, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol
County Probate File “William Dexter, New Bedford, 1805,” from FHL microfilm
#0575127.
Will of Manasseh Dickerman of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
In the Name of God amen
I Manasseh Dickerman of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth being weak
in Body but of sound Mind & Memory blessed be almighty God for the same do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner & form
following.—
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to unto my beloved Wife Thirza Dickerman the Improvement
of one third part of all my real Estate during her Widowhood Also one Cow &
the Improvement of all my household Goods excepting my Watch and Clock &
one Feather bed & Furniture belonging to the same. —
Item I
give and bequeath to my eldest Son Samuel Dickerman one Dollar to be paid in
two Years after my decease, it being his full share of my Estate with what I
have before given him —
Item I
give and bequeath to my eldest Daughter Rebecca Dalie Wife of Lewis Dalie one
Dollar to be paid in two years after my decease, it being her full share of my
Estate with what I have before given her.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Ruth Guinett Wife of John Guinett Twenty
Dollars to be paid in two years after my decease it being her full Share of my
Estate, with what I have before given her. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Sally Shepardson, the Wife of Nathaniel
Shepardson twenty Dollars to be paid in two Years after my Decease, it being
her full share of my Estate with what I have before given her –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Shaw Wife of Ebenezer Shaw thirty Dollars
to be paid in two years after my decease, it being her full share of my Estate
with what I have before given her. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Thirza Dickerman, one hundred Dollars to be
paid in two years after my Decease.—
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Roxana Randall Dickerman seventy five Dollars
to be paid in two years after my decease. –
Item it
is also my Will that what of my household Goods shall remain at my wife’s
decease to be equally divided betwixt my five youngest daughters after settling
to my two youngest Daughters Thirza & Roxanna Randall one Feather bed
apiece–
Item I
give and bequeath to my youngest Son Manasseh Dickerman his Heirs & Assigns
forever about twenty Acres of Land be the same more or less lying on the
southerly part of my homestead Farm & is bounded as followeth (viz)
beginning at the north East Corner of Silas Snow’s Land on the southerly side
of the Land that leads from my Barn easterly, then north to the middle of said
Lane – then easterly by the middle of said Land to a flat Stone in the Ground
about two rods north east of the House that Nathan Bryant now lives in then
east ‘till it comes to a Stone Wall then southerly by said Wall to where it
turns west then easterly part of the way by a Stone Wall so far as to include a
Spring, that is called & known by the name of the round Spring, then south
in a Straight Line one rod east of said Spring to Samuel Dickerman’s Land
otherwise is bounded by the Lands of said Samuel, Oliver Bryant & the said
Silas Snow to the first Bounds —
Item I
give and bequeath to my two Sons Oliver Dickerman and Liman Dickerman, the
value of one hundred & fifty Dollars apiece in Land to be appraised to them
by three disinterested Freeholders living in the Town of Bridgwater to be
appoint my Executors hereafter named & the Land to be taken at the Place
where it shall be thought most convenient by my said Executors —
Item I
give and bequeath to my three Sons Benjamin Franklin Dickerman, Oliver
Dickerman & Liman Dickerman, to their Heirs and Assigns forever all the
Rest and Residue and Remainder of my Estate both real & personal
wheresoever lying or being after my just Debts funeral Charges & Legaises
are paid & discharged. –
Item it
is also my Will that if either of my said Sons Oliver Liman or Manasseh shall
decease before they arrive to the age of twenty one Years & without a
lawful begotten Heir, then in that case the devise which I have bequeathed him
so deceased be equally divided betwixt the surviving ones of my four youngest
Sons or to their Heirs.—
Finally
I do hereby constitute & appoint my Son Samuel Dickerman and Ensn.
Mark Perkins joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby giving
them full power to sell & dispose of any part of my Estate (not above
disposed of) as they shall think fit or proper for the paying & discharging
of my just Debts, funeral Charges and Legacies —
In
confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this fifth day of
February in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & eighteen.
Signed sealed published & declared by the
above named Manasseh Dickerman
to be his last will & Testament in the presence
of us who at his request & in his presence
have hereunto subscribed our Names Manasseh Dickerman (seal)
as witnesses to the same –
Jonathan
Snow
Caleb
Howard
Silas
Snow
Presented for probate on 2 Mar. 1818 by Samuel Dickerman and
Mark Perkins, the Executors therein named, and proved by Jonathan Snow and
Caleb Howard Esqrs, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Samuel Dickerman and Mark Perkins, the before
named Executors.
Caleb Howard Esqr., Jonathan Snow Esqr.
and Nathan Packard, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise
the Estate of Manasseh Dickerman, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 2 Mar. 1818.
The Inventory of the Estate of Manasseh Dickerman, late of Bridgwater, dated 9
Mar. 1818, totaled $4304.34, including his real estate valued at $3582. Samuel
Dickerman and Mark Perkins, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on
7 Apr. 1818.
Caleb Howard Esqr., Jonathan Snow Esqr.,
and Nathan Packard, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, all Freeholders in said
County, were appointed to set off one third part of the real estate of Manasseh
Dickerman, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, to his widow Thirza Dickerman as her
dower in the estate, on 2 Mar. 1818. The division was dated 9 Mar. 1818, and
approved on 5 Oct. 1818.
Samuel Dickerman and Mark Perkins, Executors of the estate of
Manasseh Dickerman, late of Bridgwater, have agreeably to the direction in the
last will of the deceased, set off to Oliver Dickerman, a minor son of the
deceased, of whom Silas Snow is Guardian, five acres three quarters and three
and a half rods amounting to the sum of one hundred & fifty dollars on 10
Mar. 1819, and to Lyman Dickerman, a minor son of the deceased, of whom Lieut.
Nathan Packard is Guardian, five acres and fifty seven rods amounting to the
sum of one hundred & fifty dollars on 10 Mar. 1819. The appraisers were
Jonathan Snow Esqr., Capt. Zachh. Gurney and Hayward
Marshall.
Zechariah Gurney and Mark Perkins, Gentlemen, and Elijah
Packard, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to divide the remaining real
estate of Manasseh Dickerman, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, among his three sons
Benjamin Dickerman, Oliver Dickerman, and Lyman Dickerman, agreeably to his
last will & testament on 6 Apr. 1819. The division was dated 12 Apr. 1819,
and approved on 3 May 1819.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, pp. 222-224, 274-275, and
491-493, from FHL microfilm #0550905, and Vol. 50, pp. 146, 188-189.
Will of Daniel Diman
of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Daniel Diman of Plymouth in the
county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being advanced
in years, but of sound & disposing mind & memory, do make and ordain
this to be my last will & testament, and in the first place, I give my soul
to God, trusting in the merits of the redeemer of eternal life, my body I
resign to the dust to be buried in a decent manner, and as to my worldly
estate, after my just debts & funeral expences are discharged, I give &
bequeath the same in manner following
First. I Give to my well beloved wife Patience, the use &
improvement of my whole estate both real & personal, during the whole time
she shall remain my widow, and if necessary for her comfortable support, I
hereby impower her to sell my personal estate, and the house lot or piece of
land I purchased of James Warren Esqr. lying between my dwelling
house & the house of Ichabod Shaw junr. on the easterly side of
the street
2nl I Give to my Daughter Elisabeth, if she
shall survive her mother Patience, aforesaid (and upon the express condition
that she never marries) all my personal estate and moveables, which is not
necessarily disposed of as aforesaid, also that half of my house & Garden
where I now live, and a certain piece of meadow land in said Plymouth
containing about one and a half acre which I bought of James Warren Esqr.
at a place called Goose point, and also one right in my Pew in the meeting
house in
3rd I Give to my Sons David & Josiah,
to be equally divided between them, after the decease or marriage of my widow
aforesaid, a certain piece of pasture land, containing about ten acres, being
the same piece which I bought of William Greenleaf Esqr, and which
is known by the name of Brown’s pasture, also, I give to said David &
Josiah after the decease of their said mother, about one acre of meadow land,
lying on the north westerly side of the lane, leading from the road to Capt
Hammatt’s rope walk & joins the Garden late Isaac Symmes deceased, and
which I purchased of Joanna Symmes, his Executrix
4th After my wife’s decease or improvement
shall cease, as aforesaid, I Give all the rest & residue of my Estate to be
equally divided between my four children, David, Josiah, Rebecca &
Elisabeth
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my two sons David &
Josiah to be Executors to this my last will & testament. In testimony of
this being my last will & testament, I hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
30th day of June A.D. 1797.
Signed, Sealed & declared to be his
last will & testament in presence of Daniel Diman (seal)
Rossr.
Cotton
Sarah
Stephens
Joseph
Bartlett
Furthermore,
I do make this a Codicil to the above will viz~
Whereas I the above named Daniel Diman have given the
improvement of the whole of my Estate, both real & personal, after my
decease to my wife Patience, it is upon condition that my Daughter Elisabeth
live with her as she now lives with us, Free from expences, but if she &
her mother should agree to seperate, my will is, notwithstanding what is above
written, that she have the improvement of one quarter part of my whole estate
both real & personal, during her mother’s life, upon condition she should
not marry; and my said will in every thing else to stand good according to the
true intent & meaning of it. In witnesses, whereof, I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this 6th day of July A.D. 1797.
Signed, Sealed & declared
in
presence of Daniel Diman (seal)
Rossr
Cotton
John
Bartlett
Joseph
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 19 Jan. 1798 by David Diman &
Josiah Diman, the Executors therein named, and proved by Rosseter Cotton Esqr.
& Joseph Bartlett, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the real & personal estate of Daniel
Diman late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elizabeth Diman of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In
the name of God amen. I Elizabeth Diman of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
Semstress being convinced of the certainty of Death & uncertain of the time
thereof & being desirous of disposing of What Estate I may leave do make
this my last Will and Testament in manner following— After committing my Soul
to God who gave it, trusting in the Merits of Jesus Christ alone for Salvation,
and my Body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named —
Item
I give to my Mother in Law Mrs. Patience Warren all my Real &
personal Estate to her sole use & improvement during her natural Life,
except such Articles of my Cloathing as shall hereafter be disposed of — And I
do hereby impower my Executor, or in Case of his Death, do impower my Mother in
Law to sell either Real, or personal Estate, as he or she may judge necessary
for the paying my just debts & funeral Charges, & what she may need for
her comfortable support during Life—& if my Father in Law Benja.
Warren should survive my Mother in Law Patience Warren —
Item
I give and bequeath to him the said Benja. Warren the Improvement of
this my part of the Dwelling house & Lot I now dwell in during his natural
Life —
Item
I give to the 3d. Church of Christ in Plymouth a Silver Cup of the
same Weight and value as the one given by my uncle Jonathan Diman to the sd.
Church of Christ in Plymouth.
Item
I give to David Diman Son of my Brother David Diman & Daniel Son of my
Brother Josiah Diman jointly all the real Estate that may remain at my Mother
in Law– Patience Warren’s decease, reserving to my Father in Law Benjamin
Warren as before expressed the Improvement of the the House & Lot, if he
survives my Mother in Law Patience Diman,– And I do hereby Order that David Son
of my Brother David Diman & Daniel Son of my Brother Josiah Diman on their
coming into possession of my Real Estate to pay to my Sister Rebecca Rider
fifty Dollars, & also to pay into the hands of Mr Judson or his
Successor in the Ministry fifty Dollars for the use and Benefit of the poor of
sd. Church of which he is the pastor, or disposed of at his
discretion for the benefit of sd. 3d Church of Christ in
Plymouth —
Item
I give to my Sister Rebecca Rider my dark Lutestring Gown & Petticoat.—
Item
I give to my Sister in Law Lois Diman my light blue Calimanco Petticoat And at
my Mother in Law’s decs. my large Looing Glass.—
Item
I give to my Sister in Law Sophia Diman my light coloured Lutestring Gown &
Petticoat & at my Mother in Law’s decs. my Suit of checkd.
Curtains.—
Item
I give to Daniel Son of my Brother Josiah Diman at my Mother in Law’s Decs.
my Clock & Great Bible —
Item
I give to Sukey Diman Daughter of my Brother Josiah Diman two silver Table
spoons —
Item
I give to Thomas, Son of my Brother Josiah Diman Mr Flavel’s Works —
Item
I give to Elizabeth Daughter of my Brother David Diman my Gold Necklace &
at my Mother in Law’s decease a Bed and Beding & what of Household
Furniture may remain undisposed of at that time —
Item
I give to Abigail Daughter of my Brother David Diman my Stone Nubs, & one
Silver Table spoon. —
Item
I give to each of my Brethern & Sisters Children each a Common Bible.
Item
I give to my Brother David Diman my old Volume of Mr Erskins’ works
& the Life of Mr Brainard with the Journal —
Item
I give to my Brother Josiah Diman my New Volume of Mr Erskins Works
& the Life of Mr Brainard without the Journal. —
And
I do hereby appoint my Father in Law Benjamin Warren my sole Executor of this
my last will & Testament —
In
Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & seal at Plymouth this
17th. day of February one thousand eight hundred & four. —
Signed Sealed & delivered by
the said Elizabeth Diman
to be her last Will and Testament
in presence of
Isaac
Barrows
Sally
Sturtevant Elizabeth Diman (seal)
Betsey
Bishop
Presented for probate on 27 April
1807 by Benjamin Warren, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac
Barrows and Sally Sturtevant, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Benjamin Warren, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
62-63, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Jonathan Diman
of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—I Jonathan Diman of
First,
I Give to the First & third church of Christ of Plymouth a Silver cup for
the Communion table, of the same size & dimensions that Colo
Lothrop gave to the third Church of Christ in said Plymouth
Second,
I Give to my brother Daniel Diman & his two sons, David & Josiah, all
my wearing apparell, to be divided between them
Third—I
Give to my beloved wife Rebecca Diman, the improvement of all my real &
personal Estate, to be at her disposal, if she continues my widow, ‘till her
death, but if she marries again, then to have of the real & personal estate
only what the law allows to widows in her circumstances
Fourth—I
Give to my brother Jeremiah Diman’s two sons, Jonathan & Thomas & to my
brother Daniel Diman’s two sons, David & Josiah, all my real & personal
estate, after my wife’s decease, but if my wife should marry, then I give them
immediately, two thirds of my real & one half of my personal estate, and
the remainder of my real & personal estate to come to them, after my wife’s
decease
Lastly—I
nominate and appoint my wife Rebecca Diman and Ephraim Spooner Esqr
and my Brother Daniel Diman, to be my Executors to this my last will &
testament.—In testimony & confirmation of all which, I do hereunto Set my
hand & Seal, this 11th of September Annoque Domini 1795
Jonathan Diman (seal)
Signed, Sealed & Declared to be
his
last will & testament in
presence
of us
Joseph
Croswell
David
Diman
Freeman
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 1 Mar.
1797 by Ephraim Spooner Esqr. & Daniel Diman, two of the
Executors therein named, and proved by Joseph Croswell & Freeman Bartlett,
two of the witnesses. Rebecca Diman, widow of Deacon Jonathan Diman, late of
The Inventory of the Estate, both real & personal of
Jonathan Diman, late of Plymouth, Dealer, was appraised by William Goodwin,
William LeBaron & Richard Holmes on 5 Apr. 1797, and totaled $1516.12,
including his dwelling house, yard, garden & appurtenances valued at $1300.
Eph. Spooner, Esqr. & Daniel Diman, the Executors, gave their
oath to the inventory in Apr. 1797.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Seth Doggett of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In
the name of God amen, this nineteenth day of July in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & thirteen, I Seth Doggett of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being of a
perfect Mind and Memory, blessed be God therefor, calling to Mind the Mortality
of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make
& ordain this my last will & Testament, that is to say, principally
& first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave
it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God. And touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give,
demise & dispose of the same in the following Manner & form (viz) –
Item
1st. I give and bequeath to Daniel Macomber of said Middleborough
all my Share in a Wood lot that I bought in Partnership with my Father Thomas
Doggett & now is divided between my Sister Experience Doggett containing
about ten acres of Land, also about one acre of fresh Meadow it being the whole
of my Share and lying at the upper End of my Brother Simeon Doggett’s fresh
meadow on Nemasket River to him & Heirs forever also my great Coat I give
unto the said Macomber. —
Item
2d. I give unto Experience Peirce my Niece my Bed & Bedding
& also forty Dollars in Money to be paid by my Executor out of the Estate I
have given him after my decease —
Item
I give unto Mark Doggett all my wearing Apparel excepting my great Coat which I
have given to Daniel Macomber. —
And
I do constitute and appoint Daniel Macomber Executor to this my last will and
Testament, thus hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept
& performed according to the true Intent & Meaning thereof, In Witness
Whereof I the said Seth Doggett have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day
& Year written
Signed, sealed, published &
delivered to be the last Will
and Testament by the said Seth
Doggett in presence of us
William
Peirce Seth Doggett (seal)
Nathaniel
Macomber Junr.
Benajah
Peirce
Presented for probate on 16 Nov.
1816 by Daniel Macomber, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathaniel
Macomber Junr & Benajah Peirce, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Daniel Macomber, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p.
230-231, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Thomas Doggett of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Thomas Doggett of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth do make my Last will & testament in form
following and principally, I humbly commit my soul to God who Gave it, trusting
in his mercies and Christs merits for salvation, my body to be buried at the
discretion of my executor hereafter named in hopes of the Resurrection,
touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I dispose
thereof as followeth. ~
Imprimis – I Give & devise unto my Son Seth Doggett two
thirds of the farm on which I now dwell, said two thirds to be Laid out to him
adjoining to the Land belonging to the Heirs of Mr. William Read
deceased, also one half of the Buildings thereon as all the meadow Lying on
Nemasket River, bounded by Land of Simeon Doggett, to him the said Seth Doggett
to his Heirs & assigns forever, as also all my right and title to a certain
Right of wood Lot I bought of Ebenr. Blackman of said Middleborough
Excepting one third of said Lot hereafter disposed of, as also my Cart &
plow and Chains together with all my farming tools
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Experience
Doggett the one third of the Homestead farm whereon I now dwell, one half of
the Buildings thereon, and one half of the Orchard on my said farm, also one
third of the wood Lot bought of Ebenr. Blackman as abovesaid to her,
her Heirs & assigns forever, as also my best Bed & furniture. ~
Item – I Give unto my Daughter Joanna Peirce wife of William
Peirce of Taunton in the county of Bristol, the sum of Two pounds, two
shillings as Silver was in the year 1775.~
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my Six Grand Children vizt
William, Ephraim, Joanna, Samuel, Benajah & Experience, Children of the
abovesaid William & Joanna Peirce the sum of one pound & ten shillings
a piece as they shall come to Lawful age, but if any of the abovesaid Grand
Children shall die before they shall come to Lawful age Leaving neither Child
nor Children, then to be paid to the surviving Brothers & Sisters equally
between them
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my son Jabez Doggett one
half of my Lot of Land in the Sixteen Shilling purchase of Land Lying adjoining
to the Land of John Peckins in said Middlebo. To him his Heirs and
assigns forever, as also the feather Bed which he now hath of mine in his
possession, as also the sum of Thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence
to be paid as Good as Lawful money was in the year 1765, to be paid to him or
his Heirs by my Son Simeon Doggett or his Heirs according to a Lease said
Simeon Gave to me October 26th.A.D.1765. ~
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my son Simeon Doggett all
my Land undisposed of wherever they shall be found, as also all my Right in the
Iron Ore in Apawamsett pond and elsewhere in Middleborough, to him to his Heirs
forever. ~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Seth Doggett and to my
Daughter Experience Doggett all the remaining part of my Indoor and to my out
door moveable Estate, to be equally divided between them – moreover it is my
will that my Son Seth Doggett should pay unto his Sister Joanna Peirce the
aforementioned two pounds two shillings, as also my son Seth Doggett shall pay
one half of my sum Given to my five-Grand Children being four pounds & ten
shillings to be paid to them as they shall come to Lawful age; and that my
Daughter Experience Doggett shall pay the sum of four pounds ten shillings unto
the afore-mentioned Grand Children in the same manner—and it is my will that my
just debts and funeral Charges should be paid of the remaining part of my
moveable Estate before it shall be divided between my Son Seth Doggett and my
Daughter Experience Doggett – and I do my presence Constitute and appoint my
son Seth Doggett Sole Executor to this my Last will & testament – In
Witness whereof I have Set my hand and Seal this thirteenth day of August A.D.
1785
Signed Sealed, Published & declared by
the said Thomas Doggett to be his Last
will & testament in presence of us, who Thomas Doggett (seal)
in his presence subscribed the same as
witnesses hereof
Sylvanus
Wood
Andrew
Wood
Ichabod
Wood
Presented for probate on 6 Oct. 1788 by Seth Doggett, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Sylvanus Wood and Andrew Wood, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Seth
Doggett, the before named executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 456-458, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Joseph
Donham Sr., of
The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Donham Senior or
Plimouth…
I being att present Weake of body and not knowing the Day of
my Death yet being of Right mind to Despose of that Little Worldly Estate which
god has given me After my Decease…
Item My Will is... I having Done for and given to my Eldest Sons
Eleazer Donham and Nathaniel Donham to the utmost of my Abillity and have given
them Double to what I am Able to give to the Rest of my Children formerly
therefore I Shall and Doe Give Only to Nathaniel Donham a grant of 10 Acres of
Land belonging to my meadow att the South Meadows…
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Micajah Donham twenty Acres of Land
Which he now Liveth on with half an Acre more on the South East Corner of that
Lot I now Live on as It is bounded to him…
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Joseph Donham twenty Acres of Land yt
I have Lying on the Eastward of a Pond Called Johns Pond…
Item I Give and bequeath to my two Youngest Sons Benajah Donham &
Daniel Donham fourty Acres of land that I now Live on which Is my homested when
they shall Come to the age of one and twenty Years Equally to be Divided
between them they allowing to their mother Esther Donham a third of the Rentts
and profitts of It Dureing her naturall Life…
Item I give to my Daughter Mercy Donham a Heifer or Cow With Calf…
Item I give to my Loving wife Esther Donham all my goods &
Chattells and Other Estate Whatsoever for her Support and She to have my
Dwelling house for her naturall Life and my wife to have my Homested or farm
till my two youngest Sons Benajah and Daniel Donham Shall Come to the age of
one and twenty years and then I give to My Loving Wife A third part of all ye
Income and profitts of It Dureing her naturall life only My Debts to be Paid
Out of the moveables…
And I Doe Institute and Appoint my
Loving wife Esther Donham to be My Sole Executrix of this my last Will and
testament…
And I Desire Capt James Warren and
William Shurtleff to be helpfull to my Wife in the management of her
Executrixship ~ And In Witness of the truth to What Is above written of this my
Last Will and Testament I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seale this ninth of
March one thousand Seven hundred two three…
In the presence of us Joseph Donham (seal)
James Warren …
Nathaniel Morton
William Shurtleff
On the Sixteenth Day of June 1703
before Nathaniel Thomas Esqr. Judge of the Probate of Wills &c.
the With named James Warren Nathanel Morton & William Shurtleff
made Oath that they were present and Did see and hear the within named Joseph
Donham Signe Seale and Declare the within Written Instrument to be his Last
will and testament & that he was of a Disposing mind to ye best
of their Judgements… =
Nathaniel Thomas Register …
The inventory of the Estate of
Joseph Donham Senr deceased, was appraised by John Pratt &
Benony Lucas on 31 May 1703, but not totaled. Esther Donham, the executrix,
gave her oath to the inventory on 17 June 1703.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel Doten of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853) *
In the
name of God Amen, I Daniel Doten of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being in ill health but of sound and disposing
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, disposing
of my worldly Estate and all the property of which I shall die seized in the
following manner, to wit,
First. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sally Doten the
use and improvement of all my estate, after the payment of my just debts and
funeral charges, both real and personal for her benefit during her natural
lifetime.
Second. My will is, should there be property left, of my
estate, after the decease of my wife, as follows— To my daughter in law Polly
Mary I give and bequeath the sum of Ten dollars.
Third. I give and bequeath to my beloved daughters Sally C.
Smith and Betsey Gibbs in equal and undivided parts the remainder and residue
of my Estate both real and personal wherever the same may be found, after the
decease of my beloved wife as aforesaid.
Lastly. I do hereby appoint my Nephew Levi Reed the second,
Executor of this my last will and testament, directing him to pay all my just
debts and the legacies as herein devised.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal and declare this to be my
last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named below this fifth
day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
three.
Daniel Doten (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, and declared by the said Daniel Doten as and for his last
Will and testament, in presence of us, who, in his presence and in presence of
each other, and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Stillman
Benson
James
D. Reed
Harriet
Reed
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of February 1853 by Levi Reed, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Stillman Benson and Harriet Reed, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Daniel Doten, late of Middleborough, was appraised on 3 Mar. 1853 by Stillman
Benson, Ansel Benson, and Mathew Cushing, his real estate valued at $712.000,
and his personal estate totaled $213.65. Levi Reed, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on the first Tuesday of May 1853.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, pp. 58-60, 187, from FHL
microfilm #0555642.
Will of Elisha Doten of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In the Name of the Ever liveing God Amen. I Eisha Doten of of
the Town and County of Plimouth In NewEngland; being weak & in low
Condition of body, tho’ I thank God, that I am in my perfect mind and Memory,
but not knowg how soon it may pleas God to take me Out of this
World, & knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to Dye do make this
my last Will and Testement as followeth—
First I Commend my soul to God that Gave it, and my Body to
be Decently Buried in a Chrestain Manner, hopeing & Trusting in the free
Grace and Marcy of God through the Merits of a Blessed Redeemer, that I shall
Receive it Again at the Great and Last day, to a Blessed and Happy
Resurrection; and as to what Estate it has pleased God to Bless me in this
World I Dispose off, as Followeth, Vizt,
I Give to my Loveing Wife Hannah Doten all my whole moveable
or personall Estate where soever it is or may be found, this I Give to my said
Wife and to her heirs and assigns forever; And as for my Real Estate I Dispose
Off, as Followeth (First) I Give to the
heirs of my son Elisha Doten Decd, the One seventh part of all my
Real Estate, to them and to their heirs & Assigns forever—
And I also Give to the heirs of my son Samuel Doten One
seventh part of all my Real Estate to them & to their heirs and Assigns for
ever,
And I Also Give to my son Edward Doten, and to his heirs
& assigns forever, the seventh part of all my Real Estate where soever it
may be found—
And I Give to my son Paul Doten the seventh part of all my
Real Estate To him & his heirs & Assigns forever.
And I Give to my Daughter Lois Harlow wife to Amaziah Harlow
One seventh part of all my Real Estate to her & To her heirs and assigns
forever. –
And I Give to my son Stephen Doten the One seventh part of
all my Real Estate To him & to his heirs and Assigns for ever, And I Give to my son James Doten the One
seventh part of all my Real Estate To him & To his heirs & Assigns
forever, And I Do by these presents
Constitute and Appoint my son Edward Doten & Amaziah Harlow to be the Execrs.
Of this my last Will and Testament—
In Witness where of I have hereunto sett my hand & seal
this twenty fourth day of December, In the year of Our lord One thousand seven
hundred & fifty three — 1753 —
Signed and Seald Elisha Doten (seal)
In presents of us,
Joseph Morton
Thomas Bartlett
Joseph Warren
Presented for probate on 17 July 1754 by the Executors
therein named, and proved by Thos. Bartlett and Joseph Warren, two
of the witnesses. Administration was granted to Edward Doten and Amaziah
Harlow, both of Plimouth, Mariners, the Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 312-314, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Hannah Doten of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
We the Subscribers On the Fourteenth of Aprill A.D 1754,
Being at the House where Joshua Sherman Dwells in Plimouth, Hannah Doten Widdow
being then and there Sick, and apprehending herself near her End, but was of
sound mind, said in Our hearing, that she Desired her Brothers Meaning Joshua
Sherman and Caleb Sherman, Should have what Estate she should Leave after her
Death and the next Day after she Died, Witness Our hands this 18th.
Day of Aprill A.D 1754,
Joseph + King }
his
marke } Plimo.Sc, May 15, 1754. The said Joseph
Rebeccah Pearce } King and Rebecca Pearce Made Oath,
} to the Truth of
the above Declaration
N.B. the heirs were all Before
me John Cushing Judge of probt.
notified but Did not appear
Jno.
Cushing
The Inventory of the Estate of
Hannah Doten, late of Plimouth Widow, was appraised on 7 June 1754 by John
Torrey, Nathl. Shurtleff, and Silvanus Bartlett, and totaled
£80.8.4½.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p.
292, from FHL microfilm #0551540.
Will of Isaac Doten
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
I Isaac Doten of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth mariner
being in a weak state of health, and apprehensive my great change is near, but
blessed be God of a sound, disposing, mind & memory, do give my soul to God
in and thro’ Jesus Christ, hoping for acceptance thro’ him and for eternal
salvation; my body I comit to the dust, not doubting it will be raised again at
the resurrection of the just, and considering the circumstances of my family I
think it my duty to settle my temporal estate and accordingly do now make this
as my last will & testament. And my will is that after my just debts &
funeral charges be paid by my executor hereafter named, my estate be disposed
off as followeth.—
Item. I give to my dearly beloved wife Mary Doten, the use
& improvement of my estate both real & personal, the whole of it,
during her natural life to be used & improved for her comfortable support,
and to enable her to bring up the younger children.
Item, My will and pleasure is That at my wife’s decease, if
any of my personal estate be left, and all my real estate, be divided among my
children and their heirs according to the Law of this province for setling
intestate estates;-- Saving to the heirs of my daughter Hope Carver deced, as
also my daughter Mary Whitman, having already given them a full proportion of
my estate, My will is that they shall have no more of my estate than what I
have already given them. –
And
finally I constitute and appoint my dear & loving wife Mary Doten, sole
executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby making void any or all
other wills heretofore made by me. Ratifying & confirming this to be my
last will and testament. Witness my hand & seal this sixth day of May in
the tenth year of his Majesty,s reign A.D. 1770.—
Signed, sealed, published & declared to be his Isaac Doten. (seal)
last will & testament in presence of,
Mary
Bartlett,
Lazarus
LeBaron,
Thomas
Foster.
Presented for probate on 16 May 1770 by Mary Doten, the
executrix, and proved by Lazarus LeBaron and Thomas Foster esqr.,
two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 20, p. 367, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of James Doten of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God
Amen—I James Doten of Plymouth, being Sensible of the Certainty of Death &
uncertain of the time thereof and being desirous of making a disposition of my
Small Estate before my departure, being of a sound disposing mind & memory
do make this my Last will & testament, hereby Revoking all my Other and
former wills
Imprimis—First & principally, I Resign my Soul to God who
Gave it, desiring to hope in the merits of the Redeemer of mankind for Eternal
Salvation, and my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
herein after named ~
Item—I Give to my beloved wife Bathsheba Doten, after my just
debts are paid, all my Estate both Real & Personal for her to improve her
Life time, and to dispose of if necessity Requires, but if any Estate be Left
after her death, after paying her funeral Charges and her Debts, allowing her
to Give her wearing Cloaths & whatever was Given her by her father to Such
of her Relations as she thinks proper—the one half of ye. Remainder
both Real and Personal I Give to James Doten the third Son to Stephen Doten the
Other half to be equally divided between the three Sons of the said Stephen
Doten Sons, or their Heirs –
Item—I hereby appoint my Brother Stephen Doten to be my Sole
Executor of this my Last will & testament – Witness my hand & Seal at
Plymouth this twenty Second day of September 1785. ~
Signed, Sealed & delivered & declared
to be the Last will of sd Doten in presence James Doten (seal)
of ~
Stephen
Churchill
William
Hueston
Stephen
Churchill junr
Presented for probate on 7 Aug. 1786 by Stephen Doten, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Stephen Churchill and Stephen Churchill
junr, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Stephen Doten, the before named Executor.
Jesse Harlow, Sylvanus Harlow and Stephen Churchill, all of
Plymouth, Gentlemen, were appointed to appraise the estate of James Doten, late
of Plymouth, Gentleman, deceased, on 7 Aug. 1786. The Inventory of the estate
of Capn. James Doten, dated March 1787, totaled £620.11.11¾,
including his dwelling house and garden valued at £100, a piece of land
adjoining North Street valued at £105, and 1/3d of the Schooner
Serious and 3/8ths of the Schooner Swallow, together valued at
£204.5.10. Stephen Doten, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3
Apr. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 10-12, 324-325, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of James Doten of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
Be it
remembered that I James Doten of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth being of
sound mind and memory do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and
form following that is to say—
First I
give and devise to my Wife Elizabeth Doten all my Estate both real &
personal of every name & nature, which I may possess at my decease, she
paying out of said Estate to my Children or their Heirs the following Sums,
viz.
To my Daughter Hope the Sum of one Dollar—to my Son James the
Sum of one Dollar—to my Son Isaac the Sum of one Dollar—to my Son John the Sum
of one Dollar—to my Daughter Elizabeth the Sum of one Dollar—to my Son Daniel
the Sum of one Dollar—to my Daughter Mary the Sum of one Dollar—to my Son
Thomas the Sum of one Dollar to my
Daughter Lucy one Dollar—to my Daughter Lois one Dollar—Eleanor my Daughter one
Dollar—
And I do
hereby appoint my son Daniel Doten sole Executor of this my Last Will and
Testament, he paying all my just Debts & funeral Charges out of my said
Estate, & I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made ~~
As
Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal this tenth day of June in
the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seventeen—
signed sealed published and
delivered by the above
named James Doten to be his last
Will & Testament
in the presence of us who at his
Request & in his presence
have hereunto set our Names as
Witnesses to the same
Moreover it is also my Will that my
Wife Elizabeth Doten shall have the sole & entire disposal of the abovesaid
Estate, which she may be possessed of at her Decease.—
Solomon
Churchill
Th
Drew James Doten (seal)
Joel
Perkins
Presented for probate on 30 Aug.
1817 by Daniel Doten, the Executor therein named, and proved by Thomas Drew and
Joel Perkins, two of the witnesses.
Will of John Doten
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1746) *
In the Name of God Amen, the twenty Ninth day of April One
thousand seven hundred & forty Six in the Eighteenth year of the reign of
our Sovereign Lord George the Second of Great Britain & King — I John Doten
of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets bay in
New England Husbandman, Being Sensible of the Frailty and the uncertainty of
Human life — I do there fore Ordain this my last will and Testament —
Imprs. I Commit my Soul to God, who gave it &
my body to the Earth to be Buried in a decent Christian manner by my Executor
hereafter named— My Temporal Estate
& Goods God hath Bestowed upon me my will is they be imployd & disposed
of in the manner following —
Item I Give to my beloved wife Hannah Doten all that
household Goods of What kind soever that she brot. to me— I also
Give my said wife the use of my Now dwelling house & one third part of the
profits of my homestead which I am now possessed of dureing her widowhood –
Item I Give (after my decease) unto my Grandson Edward Doten
Eldest son to my Son John Doten the improvements & profits of two third
parts of my homestead, and the reversion of sd. Homstead (viz) all
the Lands belonging to my sd homestead, & buildings fences &
fencing Stuff timber standing or lying upon it with all the priviliges &
appurtenances thereunto belonging at the End of my sd. wives
widowhood or at her decease I Give and bequeath to my sd. Grandson
Edward Doten to him his heirs & Assigns forever, and in like manner I Give
to my said Grandson the Second Share in the Sixth lot in South Meadow Sedar
swamp—
Item I appoint & will that my Abovesd.
Grandson do pay out such Legacies unto such of my Children as Shall be
hereafter mentioned, as I Shall Appoint viz— Five pounds old tenour unto my
daughter Mehitable Lucas the wife of William Lucas within One whole year after
he shall come into the possession of the above premisses—
Item, One pounds old tenour unto my son Jacob Doten within
the Space of One year after he Shall come to Enjoy ye. above granted
premisses—
Item, That he pay unto my daughter Susanna Finney the wife of
John Finney the sum of twelve pounds old tenour at the Expiration of One year
and half after he comes into possession of the Above premisses—
Item, That he pay unto my daughter Lydia Lucas the wife of
John Lucas the sum of ten pounds old tenour at the Expiration of two whole
years after his possession of the above.
Item my personal Estate I Give one third part to my loveing
wife to be at her own dispose, and proper use.—
Item, The remainder I will to be Equally divided between my
Sons & daughters at my decease.
Item, For the faithfull Executing of this my last will and
Testament I do appoint my eldest son John Doten Executor to this my last will,
& do revoke & Make Void all wills by me Made at any time heretofore In
Witness Wherof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & year within
written—
Signed Sealed & published by the within
Named Jno Doten to be his last will & John Doten (seal)
Testament Before us who Subscribed
our Names as Witnesses of the Execution
therof in sd. Testators presence—
George Barrows junr.
Joseph Shaw
Othniel Campbell
Presented for probate on 14 July 1747 by John Doten the
Executor, and proved by George Barrows Jur. and Othniel Campbell,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John Doten of
Plimton, the Executor, on 14 July 1747.
Vol. 10, p. 472-473
The Inventory of the Real & Personal Estate of Mr.
John Doten of Plimton, was appraised by Nathaniel Fuller, Abel Crocker, and
Jonathan Shaw Junr, on 1 Aug. 1747, but not totaled. John Doten, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Aug. 1747.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, pp. 452-454, 472-473, from FHL
microfilm #0551535.
Will of John Doten
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God Amen I John Doten of the Town of Plymton
and County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusetts Bay in New england
Husbandman being Convinced of the Certainty of Death and of uncertainty of the
Time when and being throu gods goodness at this Time of a good Disposeing mind
and memory Do make this my Last Will and Testement as Followeth in the first
place I Commit my Sole to god Who gave it and my body to the Earth To be Buried
in a Decent Christen manner at ye Discretion of my Executor
hereafter named and as to my Temporal Estate Which it has plesed God to Bless
me with all my Will is that it Be Improved & Disposed of in ye
folowing mannar & after my Just Debts and funeral Charges paid— —
Imprimis I give to my Beloved Wife Lydia Doten one third part
of my Real and personal Estate During the Time of here Widdowhood—and then To
Return to my Children Hereafter namd. To be Divided amongst them In
ye saim manner the oather two Thirds are.—
Item, I give unto my Son Edward Doten 2—5th
parts & an half of Two thirds part of my real & personal Estate to his
heirs & assigns forever—
Item, I give unto my Son Ebenezer Doten one fifth part &
an half of two thirds parts of my real and personall Estate to his heirs &
assigns forever—
Item, I give unto my Daughter Elisebeth Fuller the Value of
one fifth part of two thirds part of my real & personall Estate to her
heirs and assigns To be paid to her in money or out of my personal Estate one
fifth pounds old tennour To be paid twelve months after my Decease and the
Remanding part To Be paid to her yearly at 50-old Tenor a year Till ye
whole Be paid & my Will is that my Son Edward Doten and my Son Ebenezer
Doten pay the aforesd Sumes To my Daughter Elesebeth Fuller Equally
Betwene them—
Item I give unto my Son Nathanil Doten on fifth part of Two
thirds parts of my Real and personal Estate To his heirs and assigns forever
Further my Will is That if my Son Edward Doten or Ebenezer
Doten Should Dye Without Jouse[?] that the part of my real Estate which they
then posess Shell Belong to the Surviveing brother of the two To his heirs and
assigns forever furthermore I Do by these presents Constitute and appoint
Ebenezer Spooner of plimouth in ye County of Plimo Cordwinder Sole
Executor To this my Last will & Testement in Testimony whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Ninteenth Day of January AD one thousand
Seven hundred and forty Eight—
Signd Sealed and Declared in John Doten
presents of us—
William Lucas
Elisha Wyton
Rabecca Robins
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1749, and proved by Willm
Lucas and Elisha Wyton.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Doten, late of Plympton,
was appraised by Abell Crocker, Benja. Fuller, and Elisha Whiten on
7 Apr. 1749, and totaled £2137.17.2 old tenour, including his homestead valued
at £848, and out land meadow, wood & Cedar swamp valued at £471. Ebenezer
Spooner, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 12 Apr. 1749.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Neriah Doten
of
In the Name of God amen. I Neriah Doten of
Imprimis I Commend my Soul to God in and thro. Christ humbly
hoping that he will Recieve ye Same to himself in Glory—And my Body
I Commit to ye Earth to be decently Interred therein at ye
Discretion of my Executors hereafter named ~~
Itm my Will is that all my just Debts & funeral
Charges be first Paid out of my Goods Chattels Rights or Credits that I am in ye
actual Possession and may die seized And ye Remainder (if any there
be) I Give & Bequeath unto my Hond. Mother Mrs Martha
Doten to her & her Heirs & to their only only proper use Benefit &
Behoof forever
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Brother Jabez Doten
of Plymouth in ye County aforesd Joyner All the Right
Title & Interest that I now have or might by any way or means have in the
Part of ye Estate that was my Honourd. Fathers Isaac
Dotens deceased & is now Settled on my sd Mother & in her
Inmprovemt. for and during her natural Life Which sd
Right I Give to him ye sd Jabez his Heirs & assigns
forever –
Itm I do by these Presents Constitute my sd
Mother Martha & Brothr. Jabez Doten to be Sole Executors of this
my last Will & Testament hereby Revoking all and every Will if any I have
heretofore made and in Confirmation of these Presents I have hereunto Set my
Hand & Seal this twenty Second day of June in the twelfth Year of ye
Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George ye Second by the Grace of God of
Great Britain France & Ireland King &c. annoq. Dom: 1738.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced &
Declared to be ye last Will & Testament Neriah Doten (seal)
of the Within Testator by himself
In Presence of us.
John Doten
Benjamin Holmes – James Hovey
Proved on 4 Dec. 1738 by Benjamin Holmes and James Hovey.
Letters of Administration granted on 5 Dec. 1738 to Mrs
Martha Doten, Mother of the deceased, Jabez Doten, the Brother of the deceased
having refused the Executorship.
Mr. Thomas Holmes, Mr. Saml.
Nelson, and Mr. John Atwood, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Stephen Doten
of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of GOD Amen. I Stephen Doten of
3d. I give and bequeath to my Son Joseph Doten all
my Lands on the Westerly side of the Sandwich Road bounded by the house lot and
Garden down to the doubles Brook being all the Land I own joining together on
that Side of Sandwich Road, excepting my Wifes improvement of Dower in the
same. 4th, I give and bequeath to my Son Stephen Doten and my two Daughters
Mary Doten and Esther Doten and to my Grandson James Isdell Clark all the
Residue of my Real Estate Consisting of mowing Lands Pasture Lands, and Wood Lands
lying in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere, they Paying a Legacy of Twenty
Dollars to my three Grandchildren Samuel W. Lewis, Jesse J. H. Lewis and Marcia
Lewis, that is a legacy of Twenty Dollars to each of them makeing Sixty Dollars
in the whole to said three Grandchildren and a Legacy of Fifty Dollars to my
Son Paul Doten – these Legacies to be paid to said Paul Doten and my said three
Grandchildren Lewis’s after my Wifes Decease my said Wife is to have her
improvement of Dower in Common with my Son Stephen and Daughters Mary &
Esther and Grand Son James Isdel. I give and bequeath all my neat Stock horse
&c. and all my out of Door Personal Estate to my two Sons Stephen Doten and
Joseph Doten excepting the improvement of one third part thereof to my Wife
during her natural Life and I order and Direct that if either of my children
bring any accounts against my Estate it Shall be paid out of their own shares
of my Estate which I have given them in this my last will. Lastly, I nominate and appoint my Son
Stephen Doten to be the Executor of this my last will and Testament.— In
testimony whereof I the said Stephen Doten have hereunto set my hand and Seal
this Twenty third day of April AD one thousand Eight hundred and thirty
Stephen Doten (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared to be his last Will and Testament
in
Presence of us
John B Thomas
Roland E Cotton
Rossiter Cotton
Probated on 21 May 1831, and proved by Roland E Cotton and
Rossiter Cotton, two of the witnesses. Letters of administration granted to
Stephen Doten, of
Lemuel Leach, Elkanah Finney, and Ichabod Morton, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Dotey
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1701) *
The Last Will & Testament of John Dotey Senr
of Plimouth. I being Sick & weake of Body & not knowing how it may
Please God to deal with me yet being of disposing mind & memory do dispose
as followeth of my Worldly Estate which god has Given me Imprimis I Give To my
Eldest Son John Dotey a hundred Acres of upland at Doteys Plains And thirty
acres of upland at Indian Pond and a Grant of four acres of meadow. Item I Give
to Sarah my Wife The third of ye Income of profits of my farme and
one Roome in my Dwelling house during her Widdowhoode further I Give to my Wife
Two Cows & one Great Trunk and an iron pott & one Feather bed with
furniture belonging to it.
I Give to my four youngest Sons Isaac Dotey & Samuel
Dotey Elisha dotey and Josiah Dotey all my Homestead Housing & upland
belonging to my farme whereon I now Live And Ten acres of Meadow at Doteys
Meadow more or less I further Give to my four sons Isaac Samuel Elisha &
Josiah All my whole Stock undisposed of vizt oxen Cows & Sheep
& Cattell of all sorts not disposed of With all my Implements of Husbandry
provided ye Debts being first paid. Item I Give to my Daughter
Elizabeth Moss a two year old Heiffer Item I Give to my Daughter Martha A
Feather Bed With furniture belonging to it Item I Give ye Qarter
Part of my Ketch to my four youngest Daughters Martha Sarah Patience and Desire
Item I Give to Martha one Pewter Platter Item I Give all ye Rest of
my Houshold Stuff one third part to my Wife & the Remainder to my four
youngest Sons vizt Isaac Samuel Elisha & Josiah Dotey And I do
make & Appoint my loving wife Sarah Dotey to be ye sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament And I desire my Loving Brother
John Rickard to be helpfull to my sd Wife in the management of it
This I do acknowledge to be my last Will and Testament whereunto I have set my
hand and Seal this fifteenth April 1701
The
Mark X of John Dotey Senr (seal)
Signed Sealed & Delivered In ye presence of
William Ring
Eleazer Ring
William Shurtliff
Plimouth ye third day of June 1701 Before Wm
Bradford Esqr Appeared William Shurtliff William Ring and Eleazer
Ring ye witnesses to ye within written Will and made oath
that they were present & saw and heard John Dotey ye Testator
within named Sign Seal & declare ye within written Instrument to
be his last Will and testament And that to the best of their Judgment he was of
sound disposing mind & memory when he did ye same.
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
Memorandum That on ye day abovesd ye
Sarah Dotey Relict of ye sd John Dotey deceased &
sole Executrix of ye within written Will before Probate &
allowance of ye same declared that she did & doth Reserve to her
self the benifit of ye law Respecting her dower or thirds in ye
Housing & lands of ye sd Deceased any thing to ye
Contrary thereof Contained in sd Will.
Sarah Dotey, the wife and Executrix, was granted letters of
administration on 3 June 1701.
May ye 17th 1701 An Inventory of ye
Estate of John Dotey of Plimouth deceased.
[Totaled £163.03.1]
Memorandm that on ye 3rd day
of June 1701 Appeared Sarah Dotey relict & widdow of ye sd
Jno Dotey deceased & Executrix of his last Will & Testament
& made oath before William Bradford Esqr yt ye
above and within written is a true Inventory of ye goods Chattels
Rights & credits of ye sd deceased so far as she
knows & that if more come to her knowledge it shall be Added Attest Saml
Sprague registr
An Inventory Taken by us Nathll
Southworth
under written John
Rickard
John
Sturtevant
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Cornelius Drew of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the name of God Amen I Cornelius Drew of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth being of sound & disposing Mind & Memory, though
afflicted with bodily weakness & Infirmity, thinking it proper to settle my
worldly concerns do make & ordain & appoint this my last will and
Testament. – first committing my Soul to
God as unto the hands of a faithful Creator hoping in his Mercy through the
Merits of my blessed Saviour for a happy Immortality; & my Body to the Dust
in a sure & certain hope of a resurrection thereof by the mighty Power of
God— And as to my worldly Goods –
I
give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife the use & Improvement of all my
Estate, both Real & personal, that may remain, after all my just Debts and
incidental Charges are paid; --I also give her a right to sell or dispose of
any part of the same if necessary for her support & comfort during her
natural Life. I also give her a right to dispose of any part that may remain at
her decease if she think proper either by Will or otherwise—
And
if any of my Estate shall remain at the Decease of my Wife it shall be equally
divided betwixt my two sons Edward Drew & Cornelius Drew until my Wife
shall make other disposition by Will or otherwise according to the right given
her in which Case the shall inherit according to such Disposition.
And
I do request my Brother Seth Drew & I do hereby appoint him to be my sole
Executor to his my last will & Testament – In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & Seal this fourteenth day of July in the Year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & ten -- 1810
signed sealed in presence of us who
have subscribed our Names as Witnesses Cornelius Drew (seal)
Ellis
Bradford
David
Beal junr.
Zenas
Drew junr.
Presented for probate on 4 April
1815 by Seth Drew Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved by
David Beal junr. and Zenas Drew junr., two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Seth
Drew Esqr., the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 47, p.
123-124, from FHL microfilm #0550904.
Will and Codicil of Gilbert Drew of Vernon, Sussex County, New Jersey (1850) *
In the name of God Amen. I Gilbert Drew Senior of the
township of Sussex and State of New Jersey being week in body but of Sound and
disposing mind memory and understanding Do make and publish this my last Will
and Testament in manner and form following hereby revoking any former Will and
testament made by me
First, I
order and direct my Executors hereinafter named to pay and discharge all my
just debts and funeral expenses, as soon as conveniently may be after my
decease
Secondly
I give and bequeath unto my Son Gilbert Drew Junior the Sum of Twenty dollars
to be paid to him by my Executors within one year after my decease
Thirdly
It is my will and I do hereby order and decree that my said Executors as soon
as conveniently and advantageously may be, and upon reasonable notice to all my
children, sell at Public Sale all my goods and chattels and real estate and to
make and execute good and sufficient deed or deeds of conveyance for the same.
And that all the rest and residue of my said Estate including the proceeds of
said Sale, be divided into twelve equal shares, or parts – And I do hereby give
devise and bequeath one equal share or twelfth part to each of the following of
my said children that is to say: to William Drew, Naomi the wife of John Glan
of the County of Steuben in the State of New York, Ebenezer Drew, Eliza the
wife of William Green, Susan the wife of Samuel Sprague, Jane the wife of
Robert Chardavoyne, Isaac Drew, and Samuel Drew, to have and to hold the said
one equal share or twelfth part to them severally and to their respective heirs
Executors Administrators and assigns forever
Fourthly
– I give devise and bequeath one other equal Share or Twelfth part of the said
residue to the children and heirs at law of my deceased daughter Sarah late the
Wife of Barnet Rutan of the State of New York to have and to hold the same to
them and to their heirs Executors administrators and assigns to be equally
divided between them Share and share alike
Sixthly,
I give devise and bequeath one other equal Share or twelfth part of the said
residue of my estate to the children and heirs at law of my deceased daughter
Polly late the wife of John Vail to have and to hold to them and to their
heirs, executors administrators and assigns, and to be equally divided between
them share and share alike, but on the express condition that my estate if not
to be charged for any labor done for me by the Said Polly or her children as I
consider that what I have paid & expressed in Support of her and her said
children a full compensation for all her and their labor for me –
This
share is Subject nevertheless to be a deduction of the Sum of thirty dollars by
me paid for the funeral expenses of the Said Polly. And further it is my will
and I do hereby order and devise that the share of the part of the division of
my estate that is hereby given to Phebe the daughter of my Said daughter Polly
is to be charged with whatever Sum or Sums of money may be due to me at the
time of my death from her husband Michael Vangeldeys.
Sixthly.
I do hereby give devise and bequeath To my Said Executors and to the Survivor
of them – One other equal share or Twelfth part of the said residue of my said
Estate to have and to hold the same to them and to the Survivor of them and to
their heirs or the survivor of them, In trust nevertheless and to and for the
following special purpose, that is to say – that they will put the sum to use
upon good and sufficient security in their name as Trustees, and recive and pay
over from time to time as it may accrue the interest thereof to my daughter
Hannah the wife of Joseph Ingersoll of the County of Steuben in the State of
New York for her sole use and benefit and upon her own receipt or order during
her natural life and after her death then to pay over convey and delver the
said trust found to her children and heirs at law to be divided between them
share and share alike.
But it
is also my Will that if the said Hannah Shall so desire the Said Executors and
Trustees or the Survivor of them, are hereby authorized and directed to
purchase real estate with the said share or any part thereof And to hold the
same in trust, to and for the use and benefit of the said Hannah during her
natural life, free from any debts charge or incumbrance of her present or any
future husband; and after her death to convey the Same to her said children and
heirs at law Share and share alike.
Seventhly,
I give devise and bequeath to my said Executors and to the Survivor of them one
other equal share or part of my said estate, In trust nevertheless and to and
for the following special purpose that is to Say, that they will put the said
share of the said residue to use upon good and Sufficient Securities, in their
name as trustees and receive and pay over from time to time as it may accrue,
the interest thereof to my daughter Rhoda Ann wife of Benjamin Harrison during
her natural life for her Sole use and benefit and upon her own receipt or order
and after her death then to pay over Convey and deliver the said trust fund to
her children and heirs at law to be equally divided between them share and
share alike.
Eighthly
It is my will and I do hereby direct that from each of the said share or parts
of the residue of my estate hereby given to either of my said children or in
trust for them is to be deducted respectively the amount of money that may be
due and owing to me at the time of my death upon bond note or obligations or
writings from either of my said children or from the present or any future
husband of either of my said daughters without respect to the length of time
during which such indebtedness or any part thereof may have existed –
Ninthly
That while the Said residue of the said estate real and personal remain unsold
by my said Executors I give devise and bequeath the Same to my said children
and grandchildren above named (Except my Son Gilbert), and to my said Executors
Trustees as aforesaid, the said residue of my estate in the same shares parts
and proportions and in the same right and for the same purpose respectively
that the Said Several shares or parts are above given and bequeathed
Lastly,
I do appoint hereby constitute and appoint my sons Isaac Drew and Samuel Drew
Executors of this my last Will and testament.— In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and seal the first day of May in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and fifty.
Signed
Sealed published and his
Declared by the said Gilbert Drew to Gilbert
X Drew (seal)
be his last Will and testament in presence of us mark
Evi A
Martin
G W
Houston
Danl.
Haines
(Codicil) I Gilbert Drew of Vernon in the County of Sussex do
make and publish this codicil to my last Will and testament bearing date the
first day of May in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty –
Whereas
by my said Will and testament I did give devise and bequeath to my Executors
therein named one equal twelfth share or part of the residue of my estate both
real and personal in trust for my daughter Rhoda then the Wife of Benjamin
Harrison and to be disposed of as therein mentioned for her benefit during her
natural life and after her death then to pay over convey and deliver the same
to her children and heirs at law to be equally devided between them share and
share alike. And whereas my said daughter Rhoda has since the date of the said
Will departed this life, I do hereby revoke that clause of the said Will – and
I do give devise and bequeath the said one equal twelfth part or share of my
estate real and personal to the children of the said Rhoda to be equally
divided between them share and share alike Subject to the conditions
restrictions and deductions mentioned in the third, Eighth and ninth clause of
the said Will
Secondly,
And Whereas by the third clause of my said Will I did give devise and bequeath
unto Eliza the wife of William Green one equal share or twelfth part of the
residue of my estate, And whereas since the date of the said Will Margaret the
daughter of my son Isaac Drew has been delivered of a bastard child and charged
Gilbert Green the son of my said daughter Eliza Green with being the father of
the said child: I do hereby so far revoke the said bequest and devise to my
said daughter Eliza, as that two hundred dollars parcel of the share or part,
given to her shall paid and allowed to my son Isaac Drew for and towards the
expenses by him incurred and to be incurred in and about the Sickness and lying
in of his Said daughter and in and about the maintenance and Education of her
Said child. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first
day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty three—
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said his
Gilbert Drew as and for a Codicil to his last will and Gilbert
X Drew (seal)
testament in the presence of us who have at his request &
in mark
his presence & in the presence of each other Signed the
same as witnesses thereto
Milton
Osborn
Danl
Haines
Proved by Daniel Haines, a witness to the will and codicil,
on 15 Sept. 1855.
Sussex County SS Isaac Drew and Samuel Drew, the Executors in
the within testament named being duly sworn according to the term did severally
depose and say that the foregoing writing contains the true last will and
testament and codicil thereto of Gilbert Drew the testator therein named So far
as they know and as they verily beleive that they will well and truly perform
the same by first the debts of the said decease and then the legacies in said
testament and codicil specified so far as the goods chattels and credits of the
said deceased can thereunto extend and that they will make and exhibit into the
Surrogats office of the County of Sussex a true and perfect inventory of all
and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased that have or
shall come to their knowledge or possession or to the possession of any other
person or persons for their use and render a just and true account when
thereunto lawfully required.
Sworn
and Subscribed before me Isaac Drew
at Newton December 19th 1855 Samuel Drew
Danl S Anderson Surrogate
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Sussex County Probate Will Book E,
p. 36-45, from FHL microfilm #0960521.
Will of Hannah Drew
of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825) *
In
the name of God Amen – I Hannah Drew
of
Imprimis. All my debts of which
there are but few none of magnitude are to be punctually & speedily paid
& the Legacies herein after bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as
circumstances will permit & in the manner here after directed.
I give to my son Seth Drew the sum
of three hundred & fifty five dollars.
I give to my son Francis Drew the
sum of three hundred & fifty five dollars.
I give to my daughter Hannah Cook
the sum of three hundred & fifty five dollars.
I give to my daughter Sylvia
Cushman the sum of five dollars.
All which said sums above named
amounting to the sum of one thousand & sevinty dollars are to be paid by my
Executor out of or from the Money or Public or Private Securities Given me by
my late Husband in his last Will & Testament And my further will is that all the other
property Given me by my last Husband except as above provided be divided among
my four Children Exactly according to the last Will & Testament of my last
Husband—And I hereby appoint my son Seth Drew my Executor of this my last Will
& Testament. In witness
of all & each of the things herein contained I have hereunto set my hand
& seal this twelfth day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand
Eight Hundred and twenty five 1825.
Hannah Drew (seal)
Signed sealed & declared by the
above named Hannah Drew to be her last will & Testament in presence of us
who in the presence of the Testator & of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
Robert
Cook Jr
Levi
Prince
Fanny
Cobb
Presented for probate on 21 May
1832, and proved by Robert Cook Jr. and Levi Prince, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Job Drew
of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it known, that I Job Drew of
First,
I give to my son Ezra One undivided quarter part of all my real estate, and
this devise is intended by me in remuneration for and in consideration of
various sums of money which he has furnished me, and which have greatly
contributed to the comfort of me and his mother in our old age.
Second. I give and devise all the rest and residue of
my estate, real and personal to my good wife Thankful, having the utmost
confidence in her discretion, kindness, and prudence to do what she may think
is just and right, should she leave any thing at her decease, among my other
children, Job Drew Jr, Fanny Sampson, Sophia Thomson and Sukey Ford..— I hereby
appoint Thomas P. Beal of
In
witness of all I Job Drew have hereunto set my hand
and
seal this twelfth day of May 1832.
Job Drew (seal)
Signed, sealed and published by Job
Drew in our presence as his
will and by us subscribed in his
presence,
Thomas
P. Beal
Benjamin
Sampson
Alexander
Beal
Presented for probate by Thomas P.
Beal, the Executor, and approved on 4 June 1833.
The subscribed named as Executor in
the will of Job Drew late of
Probate Court Thomas P. Beal
The subscriber as Attorney to Ezra
Drew as by power of Attorney, hereby expresses the assent of said Ezra Drew to
the legacy given him in the last will of Job Drew his father proved this day at
a Probate Court at Scituate, and consents to receive the same in full of his
demands against his said father’s Estate.
June 4, 1833 Thomas P. Beal Attorney
to said Ezra
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Job W. Drew of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1869) *
Be it remembered that I, Job W. Drew of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind
and memory do make, publish, and declare this my last Will and Testament in
manner following viz.
First. After the payment of all my just debts and funeral
expenses I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary A. Drew, the use and
improvement during her natural life of all my estate both real and personal of
every name and nature (with exceptions hereafter to be named) including a
Policy of Insurance upon my life, with the right to sell and dispose of any
part thereof that may be necessary for her comfortable maintainance and
support, also with the right to sell and dispose of any part thereof should it be
for the interest of my estate to do so.
Second. After the decease of my said Wife I give and
bequeath to my children Thomas B. Drew, Martha E. Waterman & Juliet M.
Washburn all of my estate remaining, to them, their heirs in three equal
Shares.
Third. I give and bequeath to my Son in law, Martin P.
Washburn my Colt and Heifer in token of my appreciation of his kindness and
attention.
Fourthly. I hereby appoint my son Thomas B. Drew sole Executor
of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and declaring void all
former Wills by me heretofore made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October, A.D.
1869.
Job W. Drew.
Signed, Published and declared by said Job W. Drew as and for
his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence, and in
presence of each other have hereunto set our names as Witnesses.
Joseph Stetson + Solomon Davie
+ Eliza W. Davie.
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Nov. 1869 by
Thomas B. Drew, of Plymouth, with Mary A. Drew of Kingston and Henry Mills of
Plymouth as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Thomas B. Drew of
Plymouth on 8 Nov. 1869.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 386, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 566.
Will of John Drew
of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1742) *
Know all Men By these Presents that I John Drew Senr.
of the Town of Hallifax in the County of Plymouth in NewEngland being at this
present time Labouring under many Bodily infirmities yet of a Sound &
disposing Memory & Understanding Blessed be God for the same & being
sensible of my own mortality & knowing that it is Appointed for all men
once to die, do make & Ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament, To
Remain firm & Inviolable for ever. Imprimis, I Give & Bequeath unto my
well beloved Wife, sarah Drew, the use & improvement of my dwelling house,
Barn, & out houses & also the Use, improvement & income of All the
improved Lands & meadows belonging to my homestead which Lye there Joyning
together during her Widdowhood. Item, Whereas I have already Given unto my
Eldest Son John Drew, by Deed of Gift A Certain Parcel of Land, I Give unto him
more all my Tools & Tackling both for Carpentry & husbandry: Item:
Whereas I have already Given unto my son Thomas Drew by deed of Gift one
Quarter part of my Homestead: my will is that he shall be content therewith as
his part of my Estate. Item: I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Eliza.
Drew forty pounds. Item. Whereas I have already Given unto my daughter Jemima
Read sundry my will is that she shall be Content therewith as her part of my
Estate. Item Whereas I have Already Given unto my daughter Mary Bennet Sundry
things my Will is that she shall be Content therewith as her part of my
Estate Item I Give & Bequeath unto
my Grandson Peter Drew all my Homestead Land & meadow with Buildings
thereon, Reserving unto his Grandmother the Use & improvement thereof as is
before Expressd. it is to be understood that sd. Homestead shall not
include any part of that hundred Acre lot, which did formerly belong unto John
Hascal & Isaac Walker Item I Give
& Bequeath unto my Grandson silvanas Drew all my part of that hundred Acre
lot which was formerly John Hascal & Isaac Walkers Right in the 26 mens
Purchase. Item. I Give & Bequeath unto my Grandson Isaac Bennet Ten pounds,
Item I Give & bequeath unto my son thomas Drews Eldest son Ten Pounds.
Item. I Give & Bequeath unto my Grandson Charles Read Ten Pounds. the same
to be paid unto them or Each of them when they Arrive at the Age of Twenty one
years, Item my will is that my Grandson Peter Drew shall pay as A Legacy unto
my daughter Elizabth. Drew the forty Pounds which I have given unto
her & to be paid in Manner Following that is to say Ten Pounds thereof when
he arrives to the Age of twenty one Years And the Remainder to be paid Ten pounds
A Year until the whole is paid. & my will is that my Two Grandsons Peter
Drew & silvanus Drew shall pay as A Legacy unto my Grandson Isaac Bennet
the Ten pounds I have Given him when he Arrives to the Age of Twenty one Years
& unto my son thomas Drew Eldest Son the Ten pounds I have Given unto him
when he Arrives to the Age of Twenty one Years, & unto my Grandson Charles
Read the Ten pounds I have given unto him, when he Arrives to the Age of Twenty
one Years, it is to be Understood that the several sums which I have Given
& Legacys ordered to be paid shall be Equal in value to bills of Credit of
the old form & Tenour. Item. I Give & Bequeath unto my Grandson Peter
Drew my longest Gun & sword. Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Grandson
Silvanus Drew my shortest Gun, Item my will is that my Indoor moveables &
stock of Creatures after my Just Debts & funeral Charges are paid out of
the same, be disposed of in Manner following that is to Say my Loving wife
sarah Drew shall have the use & improvement thereof during her Natural life
& after her Decease I Give the same to my Daughter Elizabeth Drew, & my
will is that my aforesd. Wife shall Take the motherly Care of my sd.
Daughter Elizth. Drew during the Time she lives unmarried, if she so
Cause to Live with her mother, & my will is that if it should so happen
that there is any part of my Estate which I have not herein Particularly Given
Away & disposed of I Give the same unto my aforesd. Wife &
my Will is that my loving Wife sarah Drew shall be Executrix of this my Last
Will & Testament Thus hoping that this my last will & Testament will be
kept & performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof. I
Commit my body to the dust, & my Soul to God that Gave it in Witness
whereof I the aforesd. John Drew senr. have hereunto set
my hand & seal this Seventeenth day of April one Thousand seven hundred
forty & two
Signed sealed & Declared John Drew (seal)
by the abovenamed John
Drew senr. to be his Last
Will & Testament in the
presence of us
George samson
Zachariah Soul
Jacob Tomson
Probated on 10 July 1745, and proved by George Samson,
Zachariah Soul, and Jacob Tomson, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Sarah Drew of Hallifax, widow of the Deceased, Executrix, on 10 July
1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 506-508, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Seth Drew
of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen I Seth Drew of Kingston in the County
of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being of sound & disposing mind and
memory blessed be the Almighty God for the same do make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner & form following. I give my soul to God
as into the hands of a faithful creator, hoping in his mercy through the merits
of Jesus Christ my Saviour for a happy immortality and my body to the dust to
be buried in a decent christian manner in sure and certain hope of a
resurrection thereof; And as to such goods and estate wherewith, it has pleased
God to bless me in this life, I give and bequeath as follows (viz.) I give to
my wife the use and improvement of all my estate both Real and Personal during
her natural life. I give her a right to sell or dispose of any part of my
personal estate for her support & comfort if necessary. I also give her a
right to dispose of any part of my personal estate by gift in her life time or
by will at her decease and at the decease of my wife, my executor hereafter
named shall take into hands all my estate both real and personal and shall
divided the same in the following manner—
I give unto my oldest son Seth Drew all the land in my
possession which I bought of Joshua Adams. I also give him the land I purchased
of Eli Cook formerly the dower
I give unto my son Francis Drew my dwelling house where I now
dwell together with the out buildings and the land I bought of Benjamin Chipman
being one acre more or less- I give him my wood lot I purchased of Bildad
Washburn adjoining the
I give unto my daughter Hannah Cook the land which I bought of Deborah Adams
and now in my possession.
I give unto my daughter Sylvia Cushman the use &
improvement of all my land or interest laying in Rocky-nook so called
consisting of the land I purchased of William Cobb and Cynthia Cobb with the
dwelling house and other buildings thereon, a blacksmith shop and water
privileges which I purchased of her husband Thomas Cushman all which she shall
use and improve for her support & maintenance during her natural life, and
at her decease the same shall be divided equally amongst her living children and
if the said Sylvia Cushman shall decease before her mother, all her share given
her in this instrument shall descend and be divided amongst her children the
living as equally as circumstances will admit.
I give unto my two daughters Hannah Cook and Sylvia Cushman
all my household furniture and indoor moveables (excepting books) to be divided
equally betwixt them and my will is that whatever of my personal estate may
remain and not heretofore disposed of more then sufficient to discharge all
just debts and incidental charges shall (together with my books) be equally
divided amongst my four children. And I
hereby appoint my son Seth Drew my sole executor of this my last Will and
Testament. And I do hereby revoke and annul all former wills and testaments by
me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this day of in the year of our Lord One Thousand
eight hundred and twenty three.1823.
Signed sealed published and declared
by the above named Seth Drew to be his
last Will and Testament in the presence of us Seth Drew (seal)
who have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses in the presence of the testator
Samuel
Glover
Job
Cushman
Fanny
Cobb
Wilkes Wood
J. Prob.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thankful D. Drew of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
I Thankful D. Drew of Kingston Plymouth County widow do make
this my last Will viz.
First— I give to Sarah L. Griffin Daughter of my son Job Drew
the sum of Five Dollars –
Second— I give my son Ezra Drew six hundred Fifty Dollars
Third— I give to my Daughter Fanny Sampson Fifty Dollars, and
one third of my wearing Apparel and Books.
Fourth— I give to my Daughter Sophia Thompson one Third of my
wearing apparel and Books
Fifth— I give to said Fanny and Sophia all my household
Furniture, except my Iron Ware Brass Kettle – tubs one large and two small
silver tea spoons.
Sixth— I give all the rest and residue of my Estate of every
kind real or personal to my daughter Sukey Ford forever and I hereby appoint
her husband Elisha Ford Executor to this my Will & order my pecuniary
Legacies to be paid in six months after the Probate of this my Will hereby
revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness of all which I have hereto set my hand and seal
this twentieth day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and
thirty three.
Thankful D. Drew (seal)
Signed sealed and declared, by Thankful D. Drew to be her
Will in our presence & we in her presence and in presence of each other
subscribed as Witnesses
Joseph
Sampson
James
N. Sever
Thomas
P. Beal
Presented for probate on the Third Monday of Jan. 1841 by
Elisha Ford, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Sampson, James N.
Sever, and Thomas P. Beal, the Witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto.
Elisha Ford was granted administration of the estate of
Thankful D. Drew, late of Kingston, widow, on 18 Jan. 1841, with Thomas P. Beal
and Samuel Adams, all of Kingston, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 3-4, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 369.
Will of William Drew
of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1795) *
In the name of God Amen. – I
William Drew of Kingston being of sound & disposing mind & memory tho’
afflicted with bodily weakness & infirmity thinking it proper to settle my
worldly concerns, do make, ordain & appoint this my last will &
testament, first committing my soul to God, as into the hands of a faithful
creator hoping in his mercy thro’ the merits of my blessed savior for a happy
immortality – and my body to the dust in a sure and certain hope of a
Resurrection thereof. – and as to my worldly Goods
Imprimis – I Give & bequeath to my Son William, all my
Interest in the Schooner Nymph & all the bills I have paid on her, if she
should be owned by me at my decease if not any other fishing that I may have
any part in at that time, I also give him the flake yard I own with all the
buildings except the easterly part of the ware house which I sold to Madam
Hannah Thomas, with a right of continuing the same where it now stands, she
paying three shillings pr. year as ground rent for the same & take it away
when she pleases. – I also give my said son William my building yard from the
middle of the great gutter at the northerly side of my Store down stream ‘till
it comes to Mr. Sever’s bounds with the work house thereon. – I also
give my said Son William the Dwelling House & Lot where he now lives, it
being the House & Lot that formerly belonged to Heirs of Abigail Brewster
deceased. I also give my said Son William, all my account against him, all the
above bequests I make to my said son on condition that he pays into the hands
of my Executor two hundred Dollars & cancells all book accounts he may have
against me at my decease, at which time he will come into possession of the
premises
Item.– I Give & bequeath,
unto my Daughter Katharine the sum of Forty five pounds to be paid her at my
decease as an equivalent for what I have done for my married Daughters in
providing furniture &c for them – or she may recieve the Interest of the
above sum or any part thereof, ‘till she chuses to take ye. whole of
the principal or untill the decease of her mother when it must be Settled
Item.–
I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife the use & improvement of all my
Estate, both real & personal not herein before disposed of & that may
remain after the payment of my just debts & necessary charges, during the
time she shall continue my widow, with power to sell & dispose of any
personal estate that she may find necessary for her comfortable support &
subsistence, while she may continue my widow
Item
– at the decease or marriage of my said widow, that my Executor herein after
named, take all the estate that she may leave both real & personal, into
his own hands & cause the same to be divided among my daughters in the
following proportions–vizt–to my Daughter Katharine one full seventh
part thereof to my Daughter Jenny twenty pounds less than one seventh part or
she may take a full seventh part on paying to my Executor twenty pounds, this I
do because I sold her husband the house & Lot where they now live for much
less than it was worth at that time – to my Daughter Julia one full seventh
part– to any unmarried daughters that may survive their mother, one full
seventh part with the addition of Forty pounds for house furniture &c, which
sum or sums my Executor will charge to the estate before he proceeds to a
division of the same.– It is to remembered Katharine is before provided for in
this & therefore not considered as unmarried in this provision
Item.
– Give & bequeath to my two Grandsons Charles Thomas & George Thomas
one full seventh part to be equally divided between them, when they shall
arrive each to the age of twenty one years, on the conditions herein after
mentioned vizt– I request my Executor to keep this share or seventh
part in his own hands for the use of my said Grandsons, wholly under his own
control & if either of them should not arrive to that age, the survivor is
have the whole and my Executor shall pay Interest, Income or improvement that
he may make on said share annuall into the hands of my Daughter Dorothy Thomas
or into the hands of some person in Trust for her at his discretion, wholly for
her use, untill my two said Grandsons shall each arrive to the age of twenty
one years & cause the said share to be paid to his or their hands as the
case may be, taking good security for the payment of Lawful Interest on the
same to their mother annually for her own special use during her life, one half
of each severally, the above Interest or income to my Daughter Dorothy both
from my Executor or her Sons shall be paid only on this special condition, that
she gives up any right of Dower she may have as the widow of Charles Thomas in
the house and Lot that I have herein given to my Son William, and my will is
that if any of my Daughters shall die unmarried, that their share be divided
among my remaining Daughters – and I do request my brother Seth Drew, and I do
hereby appoint him to be my sole Executor to this my last will & testament,
with full power to do and transact all & every thing respecting the
premises. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
twentieth day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred
& ninety Five –
Signed and Sealed in the presence
of
Zenas
Drew William Drew (seal)
Abijah
Drew – Richard Everson
The will of William Drew late of
Kingston Esquire was presented for probate on 6 July 1795 by Seth Drew the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zenas Drew and Abijah Drew, two of the
witnesses.
James Drew, Zenas Drew and John
Adams junr., all of Kingston, Gentlemen, were appointed to appraise
the estate of William Drew, late of Kingston, Esqr., on 13 July
1795. The Inventory of the Estate of William Drew, late of Kingston, Esqr.,
not dated, totaled £2001.0.11, including his real estate which totaled £1232.
Seth Drew, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 24 Aug. 1795.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 35, pp.
289-291, 403-404, from FHL microfilm #0550718.
Will of Azuba Dunbar of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In the name of God amen. I Azuba Dunbar of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Widow being weak in the Body but of sound mind & memory
do this twentieth day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred &
sixteen make & publish this my last Will & Testament in manner
following that is to say –
Imprimis
I give to my Daughter Lydia Dunbar one half of all my property of whatsoever
name or nature. —
Item
I give to my Daughters Dinah Dunbar & Kezia Wood the other half of all my
property of whatsoever name or nature, to be equally divided between them to
come in possession immediately after my decease
To
my other five Children I give nothing more, Than they have received already
And
lastly I do constitute and ordain my Neighbour & Friend Solomon Alden sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament.—
Signed sealed published pronounced & declared
by the said Azuba Dunbar as & for her last Will &
Testament in the presence of us who at her request her
& in her presence hereunto set our Names as Witnesses to
the same Azuba X Dunbar (seal)
Solomon
Alden Mark
Solomon
Alden Junr.
Lewis T
Alden
Presented for probate on 7 July 1817 by Solomon Alden Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Solomon Alden Junr. and
Lewis T Alden, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Solomon Alden, the before named Executor.
Ezra Conant, yeoman, Rufus Wood, Gentleman, and Solomon Alden
junr., yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Azuba Dunbar, late of Bridgwater, on 7 July 1817. The Inventory,
dated 9 July 1817, totaled $354.50, which included some livestock, but no real
estate. Solomon Alden Esqr, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 5 Jan. 1818.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p. 533-534, from FHL microfilm
#0550905, and Vol. 49, p. 178-179.
Will of Joseph Dunbar of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
I, Joseph Dunbar of Halifax in the County of Plymouth in the
State of the Massachusetts Bay in America, yeoman, being of sound &
disposing mind and memory, Sensible of my Frailty and mortality do make and
ordain this to be my Last will and testaments—First and principally I commit my
immortal Spirit to God who Gave it, and my body to the Dust, to be decently
buried according to the discretion of my Executor hereafter mentioned, and as
to my outward Estate I Dispose of the same in the following manner vizt
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Hannah
one third part of my Indoor moveables for her own use and disposal
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my son Daniel two thirteenth
parts of all my Real Estate if he shall ever come to Live & dwell in this
State to him his heirs & assigns forever
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons John & Jesse
two thirteenth parts of all my Real Estate to Each of them, to them their heirs
and assigns forever
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Son Hosea one & half a
thirteinth part of all my Real Estate to him his heirs and assigns forever
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my two Grand Children the two
Children of my Son Benjamin deceased, two thirteenth parts of all my Real
Estate, to them their heirs and assigns forever ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my three Grand Children the
Children of my Son Joseph deceased, two thirteenth parts of all my Real Estate,
to them their heirs and assigns forever ~
Item–I Give and bequeath unto my Grand Child the Child of my
daughter Ruth Mahurin Five pounds
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Joanna Five pounds
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Four Sons vizt
Daniel, Hosea, John & Jesse after my Just debts and Funeral Charges are
paid, the one half of all my moveables not yet disposed of to be equally
divided
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my two Children–the Children of
my Son Benjamin deceased, one Eighth part of all my moveables as before not yet
disposed
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my three Grand Children the
Children of my Son Joseph deceased one Eighth part of all my moveables after my
Debts & Funeral Charges are paid not yet disposed of
Item–I Give unto my daughter in Law Hannah Dunbar my Son
Benjamins widow Liberty of a Room in my House to Live ~
Item–I Give unto my Grand Child Ruth Mahurin one Eighth part
and to my daughter Joanna One Eighth part of all my moveable Estate not yet
disposed of after my Just debts and Funeral Charges are paid
Lastly—I Do nominate and appoint my Son Hosea Dunbar Sole
Executor of this my Last will and testament hereby Revoking and making null and
void all Other wills by me heretofore made Ratifying and Confirming this and no
Other to be my Last will and Testament, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this Sixteenth day of February Annoq. Domini One thousand,
Seven hundred and Seventy nine
Signed, Sealed and Declared to be his
his Last will & Testament in presence
Joseph X Dunbar (seal)
of Noah
Cushing mark
John
Leach
John
Leach junr
Presented for probate on 4 March 1782 by Hosea Dunbar, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Noah Cushing, John Leach and John Leach
junr, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Hosea Dunbar, the before named Executor.
Ebenezer Tomson Esqr., Noah Cushing, yeoman, and
Jacob Tomson, yeoman, all of Halifax, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Joseph Dunbar, late of Halifax, yeoman, on 4 Mar. 1782. The Inventory of the
Estate of Joseph Dunbar, late of Halifax, dated 15 Mar. 1782, totaled £536.8.3,
including his real estate valued at £415.10. Hosea Dunbar, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 1 Apr. 1782.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 264-266, 288, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of Samuel Dunbar of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the name of God
Amen – On the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand, Seven
Hundred and Eighty, I Samuel Dunbar of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth and
State of Massachusetts Bay in New England, yeoman, being (through divide
Goodness) in a Good State of health and of a Sound and disposing mind and
memory proceed to make this my Last will and testament, and first of all, I
Commit my body to the Dust to be decently buryed at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named; and my immortal Soul I Commend into the hands of God
who Gave it, trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour for pardon Grace
and Glory and as to my worldly Interest I dispose of it in the following
manner, vizt– my will is that all my Just Debts and funeral Charges
be paid by my Executor hereafter named
Item – I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife my Horse
& Chaise One Cow all my Indoor moveables and Houshold furniture, and one
half my money and Debts, and also all my wearing apparell of all Sorts, to be
entirely at her dispose, and the Reason that I dont herein Give to her my said
wife the privilege and use of part of my Land & buildings is because that
She hath Got Security for the same Otherways
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Eldest Son Samuel his
Heirs and assigns all my Right and Interest in the Old or Great Cedar Swamp in
Bridgwater and the Reason I Give him no more at this time is because he hath
already had his Share of my Estate
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my three Daughters, Vizt
Mehitabel Melatiah and Hannah and also my Grand Daughter Sarah Snow One Spanish
milled Dollar to each of them or the value thereof to be paid to each of them
by my said Executor within Six months after my decease, this with what I have
already Given to my sd Daughters is Considered as their Share of my
Estate
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons vizt.
Asa & Simeon five pounds to each of them to be paid to them by my said
Executor in Spanish milled Dollars at Six Shillings a piece or Other Current
money equivalent, within twelve months after my decease, this with the
Education they have had, is Estimated their part of my Estate ~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my five Sons vizt–
Robert, Daniel Peter, Thaxter, & Caleb, one Spanish milled Dollar to each
of them to be paid to them by my said Executor within twelve months after my
decease, this with what I have already Given them, is all I Can Give them of my
Estate
Lastly – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Barnabas, his Heirs
and assigns the one half of my money and Debts (the Other half being Given to
my wife) also all the Rest of my Estate not herein disposed of both Real &
personal and I do hereby nominate & appoint him my sd Son
Barnabas Sole Executor upon this my Last will & testament, In witness
whereof I Do hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published pronounced and De-
clared by the sd Samuel Dunbar to be his Last Saml. Dunbar (seal)
will & testament in presence of
Edmund Alger junr – Joseph Alger junr –
Isaac Alger
Presented for probate on 1 May 1786 by Barnabas Dunbar, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Edmund Alger junr. and Isaac
Alger, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to Barnabas Dunbar, the before named Executor, with Edmund Alger junr.
and Isaac Alger, all of Bridgwater, yeomen, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 519-522, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Annis
Dunham of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1729) *
In the Name of God amen: Aprill: 17 [seventeenth] day one
thousand seven hundered and twenty Nine I Annis Dunham of Middleboro in the
County of Plimouth in New England Wife to Ephraime Dunham Being Very Sick and
weekly in Boddy but of perfect Minde and Memory thanks be To God theirfor
Calling to Minde My one Mortallity Knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to Dye Do make and ordain this my Last Will and testyment that is to Say
princepally and first of all I Give and Recomend my Soul into the Hands of God
my Maker And my Boddy to the Earth to be Buried in a Decent Christian Maner at
the Decretion of my Executors Not Douting but I Shall Receive the Same a gain
at the Generall Reserrection by allmyty God
and as touching Such worldly Estate I Give Demise and Dispose
of the Same in the following Manner
Imprimis I Give unto my only son Jonathan Dunham All that My
portion or My part of that Estate Which formerly belonged unto My Honered
Father John Smith Late of Middleboro Deceased Which He Dyed Seazed of: to my
above Said Son His Aires Executors adminestrators or assings To Remain for the
proper use and bennyfit of my above Said Son at the age of twenty one years
Item I give to my Loveing Husbon Ephraime Dunham the use and
Improvement of My above Said Estate untill my above Said Son is twenty one
years of age
and I allso impower My above sd Husbon Either to
sell or Dispose of the above Said Estate for His own advantage and the
advantages of my Son all ways Reserveing to my Son the princaple or the vallew
their of to be Secureed in the Law: for Him and if in Case My Son should Dye
with out a Lawfull air begotten by Him Self that the above said Estate I freely
and absolutely Give to my Loveing Husbon Ephraime Dunham to Him his aires
Executors admintrators and assigns whome I make in that Case and ordain to be
my Sole Executor Willed and bequeasid Rattyfieing and Conferming this and No
Other to be my Last will and testement in Wittness whare of I Have here unto
Set my Hand and Seal the Day and year above Written
Signed Sealed published
pronounced and Declared
to be the Said Anis Dunhams
Last Will and Testament Anes Dunham (seal)
in the presents of us
Thomas Knowlton
Ruth Bennett
Samuell Bennett
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #6830, the will filed but never
recorded for probate.
Will of Ebenezer Dunham of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1821) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Ebenezer Dunham of Carver in the County of Plymouth,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being weak in body but of sound &
perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and
publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is
to say,
1st I
give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Priscilla Dunham the one half of all my
Household goods & furniture.
2d I
give and bequeath unto my two oldest sons Ebenezer Dunham & B Morton Dunham the sum of fifty Dollars each.
3d I
give and bequeath unto my Oldest Daughter Hannah Shaw the sum of eighteen
Dollars and thirty cents.
4th I
give and bequeath to my second Daughter Priscilla Dunham single woman the sum
of one hundred Dollars.
5th I
do also give and bequeath to my two Youngest sons Joseph Dunham and Benjamin
Dunham the sum of two hundred & fifty Dollars, each, to be paid them when
they shall respectively arrive at twenty one years of age.
6th I
also give and bequeath to my three youngest Daughters Fanny Dunham, Lydia
Dunham and Abigail Dunham the sum of one hundred Dollars each to be paid them
when they shall respectively arrive at eighteen years of age.
7th I
also will that my said wife Priscilla receive out of the profits of my real
Estate the sum of sixty Dollars to be paid her annually during her natural life
on condition that she shall not demand her right of Dower in the same.
I
also will that my two youngest sons Joseph & Benjamin receive their living
out of my Estate and that they remain with their three oldest Brothers during
their minority, and that the labour of the said Joseph and Benjamin during
their minority accrue to the benefit of their said three oldest Brothers, and
also that my said three youngest Daughters receive their living & remain
with their said three oldest Brothers in like manner until they respectively
arrive at the age of eighteen years; which said several legacies and sums of
money I will and order shall be paid to the said several Legatees, within six
months after my decease except those which I have otherwise ordered which shall
be paid as above directed. As to all my real Estate consisting of my Homestead
farm on which I now live, situate in Carver together with my farm on which my
sons now live together with all my out lands, meadow’s swamps &c lying
within the County of Plymouth which shall remain after the above said legacies
& sums of money shall be shall be faithfully discharged and all my just
Debts and funeral charges paid, I give and devise to my three oldest sons
Ebenezer Dunham B Morton Dunham & Harvey Dunham their heirs and assigns
forever to be equally divided between them when the said Harvey shall arrive at
twenty one years of age.
And
lastly as to all the residue of my personal Estate money, goods, Chattels
&c of what kind soever I give and bequeath to my said three sons Ebenezer
Dunham B Morton Dunham and Harvey Dunham.
And
I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Priscilla Dunham and my oldest son Ebenezer
Dunham joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all
former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fifth day of April in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.
Signed, sealed, published & declared
by the within named Ebenezer
Dunham to be his last Will and
Testament in the presence of us Ebenezer Dunham (seal)
who at his request and in his
presence have hereunto subscribed
our names as witnesses to the same.
Ebenezer Shurtleff
Ichabod Dunham
Thomas Hammond
Presented for probate on 20 Aug. 1821 by Ebenezer Dunham, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Shurtleff, Ichabod Dunham and
Thomas Hammond Esqr, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ebenezer Dunham, the before named Executor.
Ichabod Dunham of Plymouth, yeoman, Benjamin Ward, Gent., and
Ira Murdock, Gent., of Carver, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Ebenezer Dunham, late of Carver, deceased, on 20 Aug. 1821. The Inventory,
dated 26 Feb. 1822, totaled $4324.07, including his real estate valued at
$3260. Ebenezer Dunham, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 July
1827.
Benjamin Ward and Ira Murdock, of Carver, and Ichabod Dunham,
of Middleboro’, were appointed to appraise the estate of Joseph, Benjamin, and
Abigail Dunham, minors, of Carver, on 16 July 1827. The inventory was dated 6
Sept. 1827, and was valued at $600, which included a lot of wood-land called
George’s Meadow Neck valued at $250, and a piece of fresh meadow called the
Pratt Meadow at the Moses Wright Place valued at $350. Joseph Shaw, Guardian
for Joseph, Benjamin & Abigail Dunham, gave his oath to the inventory on 17
Sept. 1827.
Ichabod Dunham, Benjamin Ward and Ira Murdock, all of Carver,
freeholders, were appointed to set off to Priscilla, the widow of Ebenezer
Dunham, late of Carver, now Priscilla Robbins, her dower in the real estate of
her late husband on 16 July 1827. The division was dated 6 Sept. 1827, and
approved on 17 Sept. 1827.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, p. 546-549, from FHL microfilm
#0550907, and Vol. 64, pp. 159, 256-258.
Will of Ephriam Dunham of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In the
Name of God Amen, This tenth Day of December Annoque Domini One Thousand Seven
Hundred & fifty three 1753, I,
Ephriam Dunham of Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in the province of
the Massachusetts Bay in NewEngland, Yeoman do Make & Ordain this my Last
Will and Testament,
Imprimis. I Give my soul to God that Gave it, and body to the
Ground to be Buried after my Death by my Executorix Hereafter named & as
Touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to Bless me with I Give and
Dispose of the same in the following manner & form
First I Do hereby
Appoint & Impower my Dearly=beloved Wife Elizabeth to be the Sole Executrix
of this my last Will and testamt. & I do put into her Hands my
Homstead to Improve for her Maintenance so Long as she remains my Widdow, if
she reaily finds she wants the whole of the Improvement of it to maintain her
selfe, but if she finds that she can doe with less then the whoe incomes of Yet
Yearly, then My Will is for her to Give my son Jonathan so much of the incomes
Of it Yearly as she can spare. Also I Give Liberty to my Well=beloved Wife So
Long as she remains my Widdow to improve apart of my Dwelling House Namely the
Largest room, which is towards or faces (towards) the south, and Also the Other
Little room towards the Westerly part of the House, and also Liberty of one
Half of the Celler & Half the Garrett and Liberty of the Oven in my son
Jonathan’s part, and also the Liberty of using Half of the Barn. Also I Give
unto my Wife all my Cattle, & Horses, and my cart and my Chains, &
plows & Axes, & all my Other tools (Excepting) such as I shall
Hereafter name which I Give to my son Jonathan, to innable her to pay my Just
Debts. Also I Give my Wife all the personal Estate that she brought with her to
me forever, to give it to whome soever She pleases, but my Other Moveable
Estate which she has not a Necessity to Sell to pay Debts I would have her Give
my son Jonathan, if she should Marry Again, and I would recommend it to my Wife
to Let my son Jonathan have the use of my cart and Any of the Other tools so
Long as she shall keep them in her Hands from time to time as she can Spare
them & as he shall stand in Need of them, And if my Wife Marryes Again, She
is to Quit My Whole Estate, but in case she shall after that be a Widdow Again,
then shei is to have it in her power to returne to my reall Estate & Draw
one third part of the incomes of the same (During her Widdowhood, and if she
stands in Need of it she shall have the Liberty of Living in One of the room’s
of My House Again.
Secondly I Give unto
my son Jonathan my whole Homestead, House And Barn & the previledges
belonging to it, that is to say, I Give it to him, During his Naturall life,
and then to his Heirs & Assigns forever, tho’ my Wife Elizabeth is to Have
the Improvemt. Of it so Long as she remains my Widow as is before
Expresed, Excepting one Half of my Orchard, and part of my House Namely the
Back room, in the Easterly part of the House, & half of the Garrett or
chamber & half of the Celler, & Half of the Barn. I Give my son
Jonathan Liberty to Improve these immediately after my decease, and I also now
Give him one of the best Axes & one How & one Scieth.
Finally I Hereby
revoke and Dissanull all former Wills made by me, and ratify and Confirm this
as My Last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have Hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal
this tenth Day of December A1753, as
before written.
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced, & Declared
by the said Ephriam Dunham as his Last Will Ephriam Dunham (seal)
& Testament in
presence of us
Nathan Bassett, Benja.
Bassett
Stephen + Mackomber
Presented for probate on 1 Mar. 1756 by the Executrix therein
named, and proved by Nathan Bassett, Benjamin Bassett, and Stephen Mackomber,
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elizabeth Dunham
Widdow of the said deceased, the Executrix, on 1 Mar. 1756.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 40-41, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Ichabod
Dunham Jr. of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it remembered that I Ichabod Dunham Jr. of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind &
memory, blessed be almighty God for the same, do make & publish this my
last Will & Testament in manner & form following –
First
I give to my beloved mother Betsey Dunham one bedstead & feather bed.—
2d.
I give & bequeath to my honoured father Ichabod Dunham one sward plough.
3d.
I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Maria Dunham all my goods &
chattels whatsoever name or nature except what I have willed above to my father
& mother. I also give unto my beloved wife Maria Dunham all my notes &
demands, whatsoever name or nature. I also appoint my beloved wife Maria Dunham
sole executrix of this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former
wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal this sixth day of March One thousand eight hundred &
twenty-six
By
my wife’s paying all my honest & just debts— his
Signed, sealed, published &
declared Ichabod X Dunham Jr.
(seal)
by the above named Ichabod Dunham
Jr. mark
to be his last Will & Testament
in the presence of us who at his request &
in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses to the Same
John
Savery —
William Murdock — Zilpha Murdock
Presented for probate on 15 May
1826 by Maria Dunham, the Executrix, and proved by William Murdock and Zilpha
Murdock, two of the witnesses, and she was directed to sell at public or
private auction the live stock of the deceased. On 15 May 1826 Maria Dunham,
Executrix on the estate of Ichabod Dunham Jr., late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Israel Dunham of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the name of God, Amen I Israel Dunham of Carver in the
County of Plymouth in New England, being in advanced age of life but of full
understanding, blessed be God therefor Considering human frailty and mortality
do make this my last Will and Testament as follows. That is to say I resign my soul to God my
Creator whenever he shall call me out of this mortal life, hoping for Eternal
Life through Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Sanctifier, and as touching worldly
estate, not heretofore disposed of, I give and bequeath in manner following,
viz. 1.
I give my son Israel Dunham all my Estate Real and Personal, with his
paying as hereafter named.
2. to my son Joseph Dunham One hundred Dollars
3. to my son Benjamin Dunham Eighty Dollars
4. to my son Eleazer Dunham Eighty Dollars
5. to my daughter Hannah Chase Forty Dollars
these sums to be
paid in one year after myself and Wife’s decease – 6. I also will that my son Israel Dunham pay
all my just debts and funeral charges of myself and Wife Hannah Dunham. And I do hereby appoint my son Israel
Dunham Executor to execute this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set hand and seal, this eighteenth day of June A.D. 1810
Israel Dunham (seal)
Nathaniel Sherman } In presence
Thomas Doty } of us
Levi Sherman }
Presented for probate on 11 Aug. 1828 by Israel Dunham, the
Executor, and whereas Nathaniel Sherman one of the witnesses thereunto, is by
reason of indispositions unable to appear and give evidence before the Probate
Court, a deposition of Nathaniel Sherman was ordered.
I Nathaniel Sherman of Carver in the County of Plymouth do
testify and say that I saw Israel Dunham sign an Instrument he saith was his
last Will and Testament and did declare it to be so in the presence of the
subscribing witnesses, I considered him to be of sound mind and memory, capable
of disposing of his Estate in the manner and form that he did –
Nathaniel Sherman
Proved by Levi Sherman, one of the witnesses thereto
subscribed, on 15 Sept. 1828. Letters of Administration were granted to Israel
Dunham of Carver, on 15 Sept. 1828.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 283-285, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of John
Dunham of
I John Dunham of Plimouth being now sick and weak in Body but
of disposing mind and memory not knowing how soone God may Call me out of this
World Do make and ordaine this to be my last Will and Testament in mañer and
forme following hereby revoaking and making null all former Wills. My Soul I
Give to God Resting upon his said Grace in Christ for ye pardon of
all my sins and my body I Give to the Earth out of Which it was taken to be
Decently Buried in hopes of a Comfortable Resurrection at the last day and for
the Worldly Estate which God hath lent me my will is this to Dispose of it Imprimis I Give to my beloved Wife Mary
Dunham and to my Daughter Mercy Dunham my house I now Dwell in with all my
Goods moveables and Chattels whatsoever Except what hereafter in this my Will
is Excepted. Also I Give to my said Wife and Daughter Mercy all my Land about
two miles off from my now Dwelling house and the orchard there it all
containing about Sixteen acres more or less: Also to them I Give one acre of
meadow lying at Doties meadows those lands lying within the Township of
Plimouth I absolutely will and Bequeath to my said Wife and Daughter Mercy and
to the heirs or Assigns of her my said Daughter for Ever. Also forty acres of
land lying at Colchester in the Township of Plimouth aforesaid I Give to my
said Wife and Daughter Mercy to be equally divided betwixt them But my Will
further is that if my Wife need her share of the land for her Support she may
sell it for that End which land I value at ten pounds But if my Wife sell not
this land at Colchester then my Will is that after her decease my son John
Dunham have the one half of it he his heirs & assigns for Ever Desiring and
hoping he will be tender and Carefull to help his mother While she Lives the
other half of Said lands I absolutely bequeath to my Daughter Mercy her heirs
and assigns for Ever Item I Give to my son John Dunham my Best Cloth Coat
hereby Signifying that hath already Received his full portion Item to my Son
Bartholomew Hamlin and my Daughter Susanna his Wife I Give all the Rest of my
wearing Cloaths both Linnen and Woollen from head to foote Item I Give to my
son James Hamlin one shilling and to my Daughter Mary his Wife one shilling
Item I Give to my Son Robert Barrow one shilling and to my Daughter Lidia his
Wife and to the heirs of her Body for Ever thirty acres of Land which I have
lying at Monponset in the Township of Plimouth.
And I do hereby appoint my Wife & Daughter Mercy to be
Executrixes of this my last Will & Testament And Do Desire and appoint my
Loving friends Isaac Cushman and Ephraim Morton junr to be overseers
thereof In Testimony that this is my last Will & Testament Reserving
Liberty to my self to sell any of my Lands above mentioned before I dye I set
to my hand and Seal this Second day of February one thousand Six hundred and
ninety one/two
John Dunham (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared to be
the Last Will & Testament of
John Dunham above named
in presence of
John Cotton
Saml Sturtevant
Mr Jno Cotton one of the Witnesses
within named made oath in Plimouth Before William Bradford Esqr Dept
Governr and Mr Ephraim Morton Associate ye 16th
of Aprill 1692 that he was present and saw the within named John Dunham Sign
& Seal & heard him Declare the within written Instrument to be his Last
Will and Testament And that to the best of his judgment he was of a disposing
mind & memory when he so did.
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
An Inventory of the Estate of John Dunham Senr late of
Plimouth Deceased Taken & apprised on ye 16th Day of Aprill 1692
by us whose names are hereunto Subscribed, [not totaled, only personal estate.]
Ephraim
Morton junr
Thomas
Faunce
Mary Dunham Relict widdow of John Dunham late of Plimouth
Deceased made oath in Plimouth Aprill 16th 1692 Before William
Bradford Esqr Dept Govr and Ephraim Morton
Associate that the above written is a true Inventory of the Goods Chattels
& Credits of the said Deceased so far as she Knoweth & that when more
shall come to her knowledge she will Discover it
Attest
Saml Sprague Cler
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Patience Dunham of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
I Patience Churchill alias Donham of Plymouth in the County
of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow, and of sound and
disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain, this Instrument to be my last
Will and Testament – In the first place I commend my soul to God who gave it,
and my body to a decent burial. –
In the next place I dispose of my worldly estate as follows,
viz: I give and bequeath my whole estate both Real and Personal wherever the
same may be found in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere to my beloved sister
Betsey Peterson widow of Perez Peterson late of Plymouth aforesaid deceased to
her & her heirs and assigns ~
In the second place I nominate and appoint William Morey of
Plymouth aforesaid to be sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament
In testimony whereof I the said Patience Churchill have
hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of February A.D. One Thousand
Eight hundred and thirty two, – signed sealed and declared to be her last Will
and Testament in presence of us, N.B. “& her” interlined before signing
Rosseter Cotton
Priscilla Cotton Patience Churchill (seal)
Roland E Cotton
The last Will and Testament of Patience Dunham, late of
Plymouth, widow, was presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1850 by
Perez Peterson, who is interested therein, no person appearing to object
thereto, and proved by Roland E Cotton, one of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto.
The Inventory of the Estate of Patience Dunham, late of
Plymouth, was appraised by Ezra Leach, Ellis Whiting, and Abiather Hoxie, and
totaled $15.50, no real estate. Ephraim F. Churchill, Special Administrator on
the Estate of Patience Dunham, late of Plymouth, gave his oath to the inventory
on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1850, and in his accounting added the amount due
the deceased for the proportion of a pension claim due her from the United
States of $4386.00.
Ephraim F. Churchill, of Plymouth, was appointed as Special
Administrator of the Estate of Patience Dunham, late of Plymouth, widow, on 1
Oct. 1850, William Morey who was named as Executor thereof having declined the
trust, with Ezra Leach and Ellis Whiting, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 92, p. 390-392, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 1F, p. 13.
Will of Sarah Dunham of Attleborough, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1815) *
In the name of God Amen I Sarah Dunham of Attleborough in the
County of Bristol (widow) being weak in body but of a Sound Disposing mind and
Memory for which I Desire to bless God – and Calling to mind the mortality of
my body, it being appointed for all men once to die Do make and ordain this my
Last will & testament Princepally and first of all I give my Soal into the
hands of God that gave it, and my body to the earth to be buried in a Decent
burial at the Discression of my Executrice here after named, and as to Such
worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this world I give and
Dispose of in the following manner (viz)
Imprimas I will and Require that all my Just debts funeral
Charges and Charges of Administration be paid out of my Estate by my Executrice
here after named –
Item I give to my Son Solomon Donham one Dollar as his full
portion –
Item I give to my Son John Dunham one Dollar as his full
portion –
Item I give to my Son Nathaniel Donham one Dollar as his full
portion –
Item I give to my son Joseph Dunham one Dollar as his full
portion –
Item I give to my Daughter Anna Smith the wife of Cyriel
Smith five Dollars as her full portion –
Item I give to my Daughter Betsey Hise the wife of Otis Hise
one Dollar as I have given her Considerable before as her full portion –
Item I give to my Daughter Sarah Wilmarth wife of Nathan
Wilmarth one good feather bead and one Coverled as her full portion –
Item I give to my Daughter Lydia Hise wife of James Hise five
Dollars and one full [?] table as her full portion. –
Item I give to my Daughter Martha Dunham all my Estate both
Real and Personal where ever the Same may be found that is not otherwise given
away Requering her to pay all my Just Debts funeral Charges and Charges of
Administration out of the Same
And I do here by Constitute and appoint my Daughter Martha
Dunham the Soal Executrise of this my Last will & testament hereby Revoking
all former will by me made Rattifying this Instrument and this only to be my
last will and testament. In witness where of I have hereunto Signed Sealed
published and Declared this Instrument to be my Last will and testament this
fifth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred fifteen. In presence
of Elisabeth Perry Benjamin Ingolls, and David Perry who Signed here unto as
witnesses at the Same time –
Elesabeth Perry Sarah
Benjamin Ingalls her
X mark
David Perry Dunham
July 4. 1815 Approved.
Proved by Benjamin Ingalls and David Perry, two of the
witnesses, on 4 July 1814. Martha Dunham, Singlewoman, was granted
administration of the estate of Sarah Dunham, late of Attleborough, with Joseph
Dunham and Benjamin Ingalls, yeoman, all of Attleborough, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Sarah Dunham, Attleboro, 1815,”
from FHL microfilm #0575131.
Will of Warren Dunham of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
Be it
remembered that I Warren Dunham in Middleborough and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts being of sound and disposing mind and memory but out of health do
make and publish this my Will and testament as follows, viz.
I give
to my wife Lucinda Dunham all my personal estate, and also the use and income
of my real estate after paying my just debts and funeral charges out of said
real estate until my Daughter Lucinda S. Dunham shall arrive to the age of
twenty one years or until she shall marry which ever event shall first happen.
And after my said Daughter shall become of age or shall marry, the use and
improvement of one half of my Real Estate, so long as she shall remain my
widow, provided she shall support and educate my said daughter, my said widow
having the benefit of my said Daughter’s services until she shall be of age or
marry and I devise and bequeath to my said Daughter her Heirs and assigns all
the rest and residue of my estate: And I authorize my Executors herein after
named and impower them to sell off and pass deeds of conveyance of so much of
my real estate or so much wood and timber off of said estate at public or
private sale as shall be necessary to pay my debts and Expences at their
discretion. And I hereby nominate and
appoint my said wife and Thomas Southworth Executors of this my Will. Witness
my hand and seal this twenty first day of July, Eighteen hundred and thirty
eight.
Signed, sealed published and Warren Dunham (seal)
declared in presence of us.
Benjn.
P. Wood
Peter
Vaughan
Cushman
Vaughan
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1838 by
Thomas Southworth, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by Benjamin
P. Wood and Cushman Vaughan, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Lucinda Dunham and Thomas Southworth, the
Executors therein named.
Thomas Southworth, of Middleborough, was granted
administration with Will annexed of the estate of Warren Dunham, late of
Middleborough, yeoman, on 2 Oct. 1838, with Benjamin P. Wood and Cushman
Vaughan, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of Warren Dunham, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 23 Nov. 1838 by Benjamin P. Wood, Cushman
Vaughan, and John Savery, his real estate totaled $2025, including his
homestead farm valued at $1500, and his personal estate totaled $342.10. Thomas
Southworth, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first Monday of
Dec. 1838.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, pp. 357-358, 481-482, from FHL
microfilm #0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 89.
Will of William
Dunham of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1745) *
In the Name of God Amen,
I William Dunham of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth in the province
of the Massachusetts bay in New England yeoman being on a Sick bed and
apprehending My selfe near the Great Change of Death but of a sound &
Desposeing Mind & Memory Do First Give my Soul to God trusting through the
meritts of my Dear Redeemer to find Acceptance with him My body I Commit to the
Grave beleiving my Executor will give it a Decent burial and trusting that it
Shall at ye. Great day be raisd again in a likeness to Christ
Glorious body, and as to My worldly Goods that God hath blessed me with I Give
& dispose of them as follows (after my Just debts and funeral Charges are
paid) — Item I Give to my dear and
loveing wife the Improvement of my Real & personale Estate Dureing her Life
To be wholy at her Disposall with Liberty to Sell and Dispose of the Same if
there be Necessity for it, for her support and the support of my poor in firm
son William Dunham —
2. Whatever of my Real or personal Estate Shall be left or
remaining at the decease of my Dear wife My Will is that it be Settled upon my
two Children to wit My Beloved son William Dunham & My beloved Daughter
Martha Freeman wife of Nathaniel Freeman According to the Law of this province
for Settling Intestate Estates in, Two parts or Shares of ye. Same
to my sd. son William and one Share or part of the Same to my said
Daughter Martha. —
3 I Do appoint my
Beloved Brother Samuel Dunham Sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament and I do hereby Renounce and revoke all other wills or Testaments be
me heretofore made and Do Publish pronounce & Declare this to be my last
Will and Testament In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this twelfth day of November One thousand
seven hundred & forty five
Signed Sealed published & Declared
In Presence of
Nathaniel Foster William Dunham (seal)
Eleazer Stephens
Thomas Foster
Probated on 8 Mar. 1745[/46], and proved by Thomas Foster and
Nathll. Foster, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Dunham, late of
Plimouth, was appraised by Thomas Foster, Seth Jackson, and Samuel Bartlett on
31 Mar. 1746, and totaled £223.16.63/4. Samuel Donham,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 24 May 1746.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Dunham of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1761) *
In the Name of God
Amen I William Dunham Of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth in NewEngland
Yeoman Having ben for Many years Past a Poor Distrised Creeple but my
Infirmities Now increeseing upon me and being Apprehensive yt my
great Change By Death Draws Near and being yet Through the goodness of God of
Sound & Dysposing Mind & Memory Think it my Duty to Dispose of my
Estate as Follows.
And first I give my
Soul to god in and Through Jesus Christ my Dear Redeamer Hoping for Acceptance
and Eternal Salvation In and Through his Merits alone My Body I Committ to the
Dust to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executor Hereafter Named not
Doubting it Shall be raised again at ye. Last Day, and after my Just
Debts and Funeral Charges are paid by my Executor Hereafter to be Named–
First I give and Bequeath to Jonathan Churchell of Plimouth
To his Heirs and Assigns for Ever the whole of My Estate of what Nature Soever
Both Real and Personal, he Paying ye Legacies Hereafter Mentioned to
the Four Children of my sister Martha Freeman of Connecticut in Money
2d My Will is that my Executor hereafter Named
Immediately After my Decease shall Cause my Estate to Be Apprized by three men
Under Oath to be appointed by the Judge of Probate for the County of Plimouth,
and after my said Just Debts & funaral Charges are paid The Remainder of
the Value of said Estate be Paid in Equal Proportion To the four Children of my
Sister Martha freeman wife of Nathll. Freeman Of the Colloney of
Connecticut to them or theirs Viz, To Anna Staften And her Heirs one fourth
Part to Martha Freeman and her Heirs one Fourth Part to Nathaniel Freeman and
His Heirs one fourth Part To Experiance freeman & her heirs one fourth part
and further my will Is that the Said Nathaniel be Paid his parts with ye
Interest when he arrives To ye. age of Twenty one years and Each of
their Daughters their Parts At the age of Eighteen years with interest also
till they Arrive to that age, And to Such of the Daughters as are all ready
arrived to the age of Eighteen Their Parts to be paid to them or their heirs in
Six months after my Decease
Lastly I appoint my well beloved frind Jonathan Churchill (to
whom I have given my Said Estate and to whose Care I have committed my Affairs
while living) To be Sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament He to be
allowed fully for his Trouble with and for me while Managing my Affairs while
Living as also for Settling my Estate after my Decease Hereby Revoking all
Other will I Declare this to me Last will and Testament, Published Pronounced
and Declared to be his Last will And Testament in Presence of –
His
her William X Dunham (seal)
Hannah X
Rogers Mark
Mark
her
Susannah + Marshall
Mark
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 2 Mar. 1761 by the Executor theirin
Perusd, and proved by Thos. Foster Esqr. and hannah
Rogers, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jonathan Churchill of Plimouth, Yeoman, the Executor, on 2 Mar. 1761.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Donham, late of
Plimouth, was appraised on 1 Apr. 1761 by Nathaniel Foster, Lemuel Morton, and
Silvanus Bartlett, and totaled £51.16.6, his real estate consisting of part of
a house, the land adjoyning to the house, an old barn and a field and wood lot,
which together totaled £45.18.8. Jonathan Churchel, the administrator on the
estate, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Apr. 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 50-52, 108-109, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Christopher Dyer of
Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1800) *
In the Name of God
Amen. – on the seventh day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred – I
Christopher Dyer of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being weak in
body but of a disposing mind & memory, proceed to make this my last will
& testament. In the first place, I give & recommend my soul into the
hands of God, who gave it, trusting in his mercy thro’ Jesus Christ for pardon
grace and glory; and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried, at
the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner and
form. —
Imprimis. – I Give
and bequeath to Sarah my dearly beloved wife, one half of my dwelling house
& half of my northerly barn, together with all the privileges &
appurtenances thereunto belonging during her natural life – and it is my will
& desire that Betty, Sally & Polly, unmarried daughters should have
& enjoy, all the privileges & appurtenances, jointly with my wife
during their natural lives, of the above mentioned buildings, as long as they
may live unmarried; and if Jason, my son, survives the above mentioned
daughters, it is my will that said property should be his.—and, I give to
Sarah, my wife & to the above named daughters jointly for their use, behoof
& disposal forever, three good Cows & an horse, and said creatures to
be kept on or near the farm adjoining the house, at the expence of Jason my
son, meaning, that Jason, should keep sd creatures during their
natural lives provided the daughters live single, & if otherwise, he is not
to keep them. And, I also give & bequeath to my wife & aforenamed
daughters, jointly & severally, all the household furniture, & moveables
of which I may die possessed.— And, I Give & bequeath to Jason my son, all
the farming moveables & utensills, which belong to said farm, and also my
wearing apparell, and I also give to him all my Stock of Cattle, of which I may
die possessed which I have not heretofore disposed of. And I also give &
bequeath to Betty, Sally & Polly my daughters, one hundred Dollars to each
of them to be paid by my Executor in two years after my decease if called
for.—And, I also give & bequeath to Dorothy Battles, Abigail Copeland,
& Chloe Leach, my daughters, Thirty Dollars, each, to be paid by my
Executor in two years after my decease, if called for.—And, I likewise
constitute ordain & appoint my well beloved son, Jason, my sole Executor of
this my last will & testament.—And, I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke
& disannul all & every other former testaments, wills & legacies.
And, I do give & bequeath to said Jason, my appointed Executor, all my
lands & Real Estate, which are not otherwise, deeded or given, for his behoof
& profit forever, or to his heirs, Executors or administrators.—In witness
whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal, the day and year above written.
–
Signed Sealed Published, Pronounced
& declared by the sd. Christopher Dy- Christopher Dyer (seal)
er, as his last will & testament in
the presence of us.~
Sarah
Bassett
Joseph
Bassett
George
Chipman
Presented for probate on 9 June 1800 by Jason Dyer, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Bassett and George Chipman, two of
the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Hannah Dyer
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1774) *
In
the name of God amen,—upon the twenty eighth day of July in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy four I Hannah Dyer of Plymouth in
the county of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England,
widow, and relict of Capn. John Dyer Late of said Plymouth deceased,
upon good and serious considerations, and being under some decays of nature but
of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God for the same and therefore
calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die, do make and ordain this to be my Last will &
testament, that is to say principally and first of all I do Give and recommend
my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth
to be buried in a decent and christian manner at the discretion of my Executors
herein after named, nothing doubting but at the great and general resurrection
I shall recieve the same again by the almighty power of God, and as touching
such worldly Goods & temporal estate that God has been pleased to bless me
with in this Life with—I Give, demise and dispose of the same in the following
manner and form
Imprs
I Give and unto my Grandson John Dyer my Dwelling house with all the Lands
adjoining to it, and my case of draws, a Large Looking Glass that was his
Grandfathers John Dyers, six pewter plates & six napkins & four Large
silver spoons, one silver pepper box, which were his Grandfathers, all which I
do Give & bequeath unto my said Grandson John Dyer, to him his heirs and
assigns forever
Item—My
will is that all my just debts & funeral charges be defrayed and paid out
of my Lands & cedar swamps, not before disposed of and my other moveable
estate not before disposed of—And further my will is that in case that there
should be or is any of the said out Lands or cedar swamps or moveable Goods be
left over & above or besides paying my just debts and funeral charges,
together with what debts there shall be found due to me or to my Estate, I do
give and bequeath unto my two Daughters Bathsheba Rickard & Martha Morton
equally to be divided between them, their heirs & assigns forever
Item—I
do hereby constitute and appoint Eleazer Stephens & Nathaniel Morton to be
the sole Executors of this my Last will & testament—and I do hereby utterly
disallow revoke & disannul all & every other & former wills,
testaments & bequests Legacies & Executors by me in any before name,
willed & bequested, Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my
Last will & testament—In witness whereof I the said Hannah Dyer have
hereunto set to my hand, seal, the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, published,
pronounced
& declared by the said Hannah
Dyer Hannah Dyer (seal)
to be her Last will & testament
in
the presence of us the subscribers
Isaac
Doten
Josiah
Whittemore
John
Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 2 Mar.
1793 by John Dyer of
To John Dyer of Boston, in the
County of Suffolk, Sadler
Whereas Hannah Dyer Late of
Plymouth, in the County of Plymo. aforesaid widow deceased; on the
eighth day of July Anno Domini 1774 made her Last will & testament in
writing, and signed, sealed & delivered the same before sufficient
witnesses, by which will (after gifts Legacies then made) she appointed Eleazer
Stephens & Nathl Morton Executors of ye same will,
but they being deceased, & the sd will having been proved,
approved & allowed admon. wth ye same will annexed is
therefore by these presents committed unto you ye sd.
John Dyer of all & singular ye Goods Chattells, Rights &
Credits of ye sd. deced, will & faithfull to dispose
of ye same according to Law & ye direction of ye
sd will… In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand & ye
seal of ye Court of Probate ye second day of March, Anno
Dimini 1793
Joshua Thomas
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Dyer
of
In the Name of God Amen, I John Dyer of
Imprimis I Give and bequeath Unto my Son John Dyer his Heirs
and Assigns forever my dwelling house wherein I now dwell & the Farme and
the Land whereon they Stand and the Land Adjoyning when he Shall Arrive to the
Age of Twenty One Years And the One half of all the Rest of my Real and
personall Estate Whatsoever and Wheresoever to his Heirs & Assigns Forever.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my Loveing wife Hannah Dyer the
Other half of my Real & personall Estate (Excepting the Dwelling house
& Land) To her & her Heirs and Assigns forever and my Will further is
that if my Son John Dyer should Dye before he arrives to the age of twenty one
years then I Give the whole of my Estate both Real and Personall to my said
loveing wife Hannah Dyer to her Heirs & Assigns forever to be wholy at her
Disposall. —
Item, I do Constitute and appoint my sd Dear wife
Hannah Dyer Sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament; and I do by
these presents Revoke and make void all other and former Wills by me heretofore
made Ratyfying allowing & Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will
and Testamt. And in Testymony hereof I the sd John Dyer
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this fifteenth day of June Anno Domini One
thousand Seven hundred & thirty seven 1737.
Signd Seald Publish & Declar’d
To be his Last Will & Testamt.
In
Presence of us John Dyer (seal)
Lazarus LeBaron
David Turner
Samuel Thacher
Presented for probate by the Executx.
on 17 Nov. 1741, and proved by Samll Thacher, one of the witnesses.
Proved by Lazarus LeBaron and David Turner, the other witnesses, on 20
Nov.1741.
Whereas John Dyre, of Plymouth,
Gentleman, is Non Compos Mentis (as we Judge) and Utterly Incapable of Takeing
Care of himselfe & his Estate, Wherefore we pray that Care may be Taken
Relateing Thereunto by your Honour to Law & Justice Appertain, signed on 22
Dec. 1740 by Samuel Nelson, Hannah Dyre, Isaac Lothrop, Nathll.
Thomas, Jno. Murdock, and Saml.
Deacon Joseph Lucas, of Plymton,
Collo. Isaac Lothrop Junr., and Capt. Stephen Churchell,
both of
Isaac Lothrop Junr., and
Stephen Churchell, of
* Transcribed and
abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Eagleston of Greenfield, Saratoga
County, New York (1799) *
The
last Will of Joseph Egleston Deceased ~
In the name
of God Amen. I Joseph Eagleston of Greenfield in the County of Saratoga and
State of New York, being in a poor state of helth but of a sound mind and
memory calling to mind the mortality of my the mortality of my body think
proper to make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, first I recommend my
spirit to God who gave it, and my body to the dust to be buried in a decent
Christian like manner under the direction of my Executors herein after nam’d~
and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
with in this life I give and dispose of the same in the manner following Vizt. I the first place I order that my just debts
and funeral charges be first paid out of my Estate by my Executors ~ My will
is, and I do hereby order my Executors to deliver unto Daughter Sarah Washbon
one fether bed and furniture, this together with what I have heretofor given
her I judge to be her share of my Estate ~ I give unto my Daughter Abigail
Goodspeed Ten Dollars, I give unto my Daughter Charity Pike one Dollar, I give
unto my Daughter Mary Eagleston one fether bed and furniture and one Cow, to be
deliver’d her by my Executors when she shall come of age, I give to wife Mary
Eagleston one bed and furniture, I give unto my said wife the use, Rents, and
Profits of one hundred acres of Land of the south end of my homstead with the
dwelling house and this building thereon standing, for so long time as she
shall remain my widow, this I give her for her support during her said
Widowhood, and for the support, Educating, and bringing up of my four Children
namely Arthur Eagleston, Amos Eagleston, Benjamin Eagleston, David Eagleston
and Mary Eagleston, and for which purpose I also give unto my said wife my
sheep, hogs fatting Cow and half of my horses and one half of my stock of
Cattle besides what are herein otherwise disposed of And for which purpose I
also give to her my said wife all my hay and other fodder, and Grain of Every
kind, both that which is harvested, and that which is not, and for which
purpose I also give my said wife the use of of all my farming utentials and
household furniture not herein before disposed of, and I hereby strictly injoin
it on my Executors to see that the uses, Rents, Profits, and articles herein
granted to my said wife for her support during her said widowhood, and for the
support Educating and bringing up of my said infant Children be applyed for
that purpose according to the true intent and meaning of this my last Will. –
I give unto
my sons Joseph Robbins Eagleston, Arthur Eagleston, Amos Eagleston, Benjamin
Eagleston, and David Eagleston, the hundred Acres of Land afore mentioned with
the said dwelling and other buildings there on, equally between them and their
respective heirs and Assigns for ever, but not to take Possession thereof till
my said son David Eagleston shall become of Age, and even then under the
injunction that my said wife be Supported out of the Rents, and Profits there
of during her said Widowhood ~ I give unto my son John Eagleston about six
acres of Land inclosed in fence adjoining the south side of the lane leading
from the highway to his dwelling house, to him his heirs and Assigns for
ever~ all the rest and residue of my
Lands and possessions not herein before disposed of I give equally between my
three sons Samuel Eagleston, John Eaglston and Jeremiah Eagleston and their
respective heirs and Assigns forever ~ I likewise give to my three sons last
mentioned all my Cattle and horses not herein before disposed of equally
between them ~ And lastly I nominate, ordain and appoint my said wife Mary
Eagleston and my said son John joint Executors to this my last Will and
Testament but if either should die before the business should be finished (in
that case) I hereby from that make the survivor my sole Executor to finish the
same and I hereby make all former or other Wills by me made, ratifying and
Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament ~
In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Greenfield aforesaid the
thirtieth day of August Anno Domm one Thousand seven hundred and Ninety nine
his
Joseph
X
Egleston (seal)
mark
Signed
sealed and pronounced by the said Joseph Eagleston to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us
Adam
Comstock, Ebenezer Scofield, Amos Scofield ~
Saratoga
County SS: Be it rembered that on the Sixteenth day of December in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine personally appeared
before me Henry Walton, Surrogate of the County of Saratoga Adam Comstock and
Ebenezer Scofield two of the subscribing witnesses to the above written Will
who being duly sworn on their oaths declared that they saw Joseph Eagleston
sign (by making his mark) and seal the said instrument in writing purporting to
be the last Will and Testament of him the said Joseph Egleston, that they heard
him publish and declare the same as and for his last Will and Testament, and
that at the time thereof he the said Joseph Eagleston was of sound mind memory
and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief, and that their
names subscribed to the said Will are respectively of their own proper hand
writing and that they subscribed their names thereto in the presence of the
Testator and that they saw Amos Scofield the other subscribing witness
subscribe his name thereto in the presence of the Testator and that Mary
Egleston & John Egleston Executors in the said Will named likewise appeared
before me and were duly sworn to the faithful performance and Execution of the
said Will ~
Henry
Walton
Letters
Testamentary were granted to Mary Eagleston, widow of Joseph Eagleston,
deceased, and John Egleston on 17 Dec. 1799.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Saratoga County Probate Wills Vol. 1, p. 45-48, from FHL
microfilm #0555716.
Will of Alfred Eaton
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Alfred Eaton of Middleborough, in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being weak in body but
of a sound and perfect mind and memory do make and publish this my last will
& Testament in manner and form following: that is to say, I give and
bequeath to Everitt Robinson and William Robinson my sister’s two sons all the
real Estate I own on the easterly side of the road where I now live to come
into possession of the same after the decease of one of my parents. This I do
in consideration of the services of their mother in attending to me in my
sickness. I give it to them and their heirs forever. I have the remainder of my
property to pay my just bills.
Signed sealed published and declared by me the above said
Alfred Eaton this twlf day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight
hundred forty.
Alfred Eaton (seal)
Signed sealed published & declared in the presence of us William
Drake
Josiah
Robinson
Mercy
B. Swift
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of October 1840 by
Everett Robinson, a devisee therein named, and proved by William Drake and
Josiah Robinson, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Alfred Eaton, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Eaton of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1745) *
In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Eaton of Kingston in the County of Plimouth in New England House wright being of a disposeing mind & memory blessed be God for the same and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make & ordain this to be my Last will and Testament, and in the first place I Give & Bequeath my Soul to God that gave it me & my body to the Earth in hopes of a Blessed Resurrection, and as to the Temporal Estate it hath pleased God to favour me with I dispose of the same in the following Order—
Imprimis. I Give and Bequeath unto my Loveing son William
Eaton his heirs and assigns forever About Seventy Acres of Land of my homestead
lying & being in Kingston aforesaid bounded beginning at a Small Rock with
Stones upon it about half a pole to the Westward of the range of Francis Cooks
land and is twenty three pole & one half Distant from the Small Walnuts in
sd. Cooks range—which is a Bound of Land I Gave lately to my Son David Eaton by
Deed, & from thence ranging South forty Seven degrees and One half westerly
to a heap of Stones about three feet to the northward of a Small walnut Sapling
Marked on four sides near a Swam & Side and from thence on the Same range
unto the range of the Land I lately Sold unto Josiah Perkins & from thence
by sd. Perkins’s land unto the Land of George Bryant thence by sd. Bryants land
unto the Small ash tree marked being by the side of a Brook which tree is a
Bound between my Land and the Land of Eleazer Ring and from thence by said
Rings land unto the Land of Francis Cook and so by sd. Cooks land to the Bound
first mentiond, Allso Two Acres of meadow be it more or less lying in Jones
River meadow in the Town of Plimton being all that part, of that Lot of meadow
that I bought of the Reverend Mr. Isaac Cushman Deceasd lying on the North west
Side of a Ditch that Crosses sd. lot of meadow.
Allso I Give him all my Percell of upland & Swamp Ground lying
adjoining to the northwest End of the Before mentioned meadow home to the Coune
of the Easterly side of sd. Lot of meadow & home to the Land of Josiah
Perkins & Samuel Bradfords and the meadow that was Jacob Chipmans &
Robert Watermans: allso I Give him a Good Bed and Suitable Furniture to it and
a Chest which he uses with the Axes that are Called his, allso a Quart pot marked
B E : allways reserveing a way Suitable to my meadow over sd. Land. Allso
Reserve the old Dry wood on sd land for my Sons John Benjamin & David. and
whereas I look upon my Son William Eaton non compos mentis therefore my will is
that in case my Son William Should have no heir lawfully begotten of his body
and Should come to want that then And in that case my two Sons Benjamin Eaton
& David Eaton Shall have all the Lands and meadow with all that I have
Given my Son William Eaton if they take care of him and provide for him all
things Needfull and Necessary for him for his comfortable Support Dureing his
Natural life But in case they refuse so to do then my will is that any other of
my sons or sons in law who Shall provide for him as aforesaid Shall have the
Land and meadow and what is Given him by this Instrument and in case they Shall
all refuse to take ye care of him as aforesaid that then the Select men of the
Town Successively Shall have power to dispose of sd. Estate and Out of the
Effects to provide fer his Comfortable support and the Over plus (if any be to
returne to my Children to be divided amongst them in manner following viz. To
Each son two shares, To each daughter One Share and One Share to each daughter
Deceasd to be Equally Divided between Each Daughters Children.— Whereas I have
Given my Son Benjamin Eaton a percell of Land by Deed of Gift, I now Give him
about Eleven Acres more of my homestead and bounded beginning at a heap of
Stones laid about a Small rock Cleft in two on the West Side of a Cart way
which is ye former bounds of land I formerly gave him thence by said Land to a
Small Maple marked in the range of land which was Capt. Lorings and from thence
by sd. Lorings land to the Land of Isaac Churchell thence by sd. Churchells
land up the Brook to the Easterly Corner thereof, Thence North North 52 Degress
and a half Easterly about Seventeen Pole and a half to a Stake & Stones
about it which is the Southerly Corner bounds of the land I lately Gave to my
son John Eaton: Thence bounded by John Eaton’s land to the bound first
mentioned; allso I Give unto him that One Acre of my Land which lyeth at the
westerly Corner of ye land I Sold to Josiah Perkins, and allso one half part of
ye meadow I bought of the Revd Mr. Isaac Cushman aforesd. lying on the South
East side of a Ditch which Crosseth sd. lott, allso Three Eights of a Lott of
Meadow I bought of Mr. Partridge to be Set off to him as may be best for him,
and the rest of the Lott the other Five Eights, I Give to my Son David (this as
to the body of sd. Lotts of Meadow) but a piece of said Lott almost Included in
some Upland & Swampy Ground of about four or five acres more or less not
before disposed off I Give to my Sons Benjamin & David to be Equaly Divided
between them Allso my will is that that the bond That my Son Francis Eaton Gave
me for One hundred & odd pounds be discharged & Deliverd up to him or
his.— Item I Give and bequeath unto my Loveing son Elisha Eaton One hundred
pounds old tenour or in Good merchantable goods at money price or a piece of
meadow I bought of Eleazer Cushman in Jones river Meadow But if my Executor see
Cause to take ye Meadow and pay the hundred pound thats at his Election— Allso I Give unto my three Sons John Benjamin
& David in Equal parts or Shares all my Cedar Swamps whatsoever or
Wheresoever in case or may be found— allso a percell of Land I bought of Samuel
Bradford lying in the Sixth Great Lott, Laid Out in Plimouth Commons 1712.
Allso I Give to my Three sons my Pew in the Meeting house & Helyards
Hetchel Betle & wedges & Carpenters & Joyners Tools. Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Grand
Children, the Children of my daughter Sarah Cushman the Sum of fourty pounds
old tenour or that which is Equivalent to money as it now goes to be equally
divided amongst my sd. Grand Children.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my daughter Mary Soule
Seventeen pounds old tenour in money or that Equivalent as it goes now.— Item I
Give and bequeath Daughter Elizabeth Stertevent Ten Shillings old tenour which
together with what I have allready Given her I Judge to be her portion.— Item I
Give & Bequesth unto my Grand Child Phebe Bryant the sum of Thirty
Shillings old tenour to be paid in money or Equivalent. To Mercy & Hannah I
late paid them their portion. and their Remains due of of Micah Bryants portion
Fifteen pounds & ten Shillings old tenour in money or what is Equivalent
and to Jesse Bryant Twenty five pounds & Sixteen Shillings old tenour in
money or that which is Equivalent— and all ye rest of my Estate of what Kind or
Nature so Ever and wheresoever lying & being my Just debts & Legacys
and funeral Charges being first paid, I Give and Bequeath Equaly amongst my
Children (Excepting my son William) and such of my Children thats deceased left
Children Each Childs (Children) to have one Share amongst them it is my will
that my Executyor pay Out sd Legacys within a year And a half after my Decease.
I do nominate Ordain & appoint my Loving son Benjamin Eaton Junr. Executor
of this my Last will and Testament, hereby Confirming this & no other to be
my last will & Testament, Hereby making Null & void all and Every will
or wills or Codisils heretofore made and allowing this & no other to be my
Last will and Testament as Witness my Hand & Seal twenty third day of April
Anno Dom. 1745. Yet notwithstanding any thing abovewritten If my Children can
agree about the take care of my son William I leave it to their Discretion—
Benjamin
Eaton (seal)
William Ripley
John Everson
Francis Adams
Plimo. Sc.
December 20, 1745. The abovenamed William Ripley John Everson & Francis
Adams made Oath that they saw said Benja. Eaton the Testator Sign
& Seal & heard him declare this Instrument to be his last will &
Testament & that they in his presence Subscribed as Witnesses & that he
was then of Sound mind in their Judgements. Before
Jno. Cushing Judge of Probt.
An Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Benjamin Eaton late of
Kingston Deceased taken by us the Subscribers 20th of January 1745.
Imprimis, To Punes & Apparell 75.19.8
To Table Cloath 1.0.0
To Beds & beding &
Furniture 55.16.6
To Meal Bagg 0.5.0
To Brass Scales & rots 1.0.0
To Stilyards 2.0.0
To Warming pan 2.0.0
To Puter plate platen & Tanker
&c. 5.15.0
To Iron Pots Kettles & Other
Iron Utensils 11.7.0
To 2 Brass kettles 11.0.0
To more Iron Utensils 2.2.0
To Knives forkes & Box Iron 0.7.0
To Silver Buckles & Shoes 2.6.0
To Butter & Butter pot 1.13.0
To Earthen & Glass & Stone
vessels
1.14.0
To Cleves & tallow
1.4.0
To wooden Utensils
2.10.8
To Sam p Morter & Table 1.5.0
To Sickles
0.6.0
To Chest & Tables & Sifting
trough
1.17.6
To Chain Chests & Tubs &
Cask
4.3.0
To a Short Log Chain
1.0.0
To Carpenter tools
1.10.0
To Grain of all Sort come to 22.19.0
To hay in the Barne 15.0.0
225.17.8
Brot over from the Other Side 225.17.8
To the Live Stock upon the Farm 80.10.0
To a Yoke of Oxen in Francis Eatons
hands 32.0.0
To Pott & pott Book at Benja
Eatons house
1.10.0
To Books 1.18.0
To Pork 10.14.0
To the Eighth part of ye
Furnace 120.0.0
To ye Same part in an
old forge 10.0.0
To part in Jones River Meadow 48.0.0
To other lands & Cedar Swamp 673.0.0
To 30 Acres of land lying between
David & William lands 324.0.0
to Cash £5 – Crow Bar 20/ 6.0.0
To Some Rails 1.0.0
To Curtain rods, Testament old
Saddle
2.11.0
To a piece of Land bought of Samuel
Bradford
8.0.0
The Above Inventory was valued in bills of Credits old tenour
by us – Gershom
Bradford
Samuel
Foster
Samuel
King
Before
me Jno. Cushing Judge of Probt.
Jacob Tomson, of Middleborough, Josiah Perkins, James Harlow,
George Bryant, and Nathaniel Fuller, all of Plympton, were appointed to divide
the real estate of Benjamin Eaton, late of Kingston, that was not particularly
bequeathed and given away among the children & their repesentatives
according to law and the intent and meaning of the will, on 20 May 1748. The
division, dated 15 June 1748, mentioned Benjamin’s sons William Eaton, David
Eaton, the Revd. Mr. Elisha Eaton, the heirs of Hannah
Bryant, deceased, who was the wife of Benjamin Bryant, deceased, namely Michell
Bryant & Marcy Leach, the wife of Nathaniel Leach, son John Eaton, daughter
Mary Soul, wife of Zechariah Soule, who has sold her right to Capt.
John Loreing of Plympton, as did son Francis Eaton, deceased, daughter
Elizabeth Sturtevant, the wife of Cornelius Sturtevant, daughter Sarah Cushman,
deceased, who was late the wife of Benjamin Cushman, and daughter Hannah
Bryant, deceased, wife of Benja. Bryant, deceased, accepted 12 Sept.
1748.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elijah Eaton
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of GOD Amen. I Elijah Eaton of Middleborough in
the county of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, Being in
health and of a Sound Disposing mind and memory; and Calling to mind that it is
appointed unto all men once to DIE, do proceed to make my last Will and
Testament, and Publish the Same in the following manner First of all I commend
my Soule to GOD who gave it thro’ the merits and mediation of the Glorious
Redeemer, and my Body to the Dust whence it was taken, to be buried in a
Christian manner in hope of a Resurection to a glorious immortality; And as
touching Such worldly estate as it hath Pleased GOD to bestow on me in this
Life, I give and dispose of it in the following manner. VIZ. 1. To my Son
Barzilai Eaton I give the improvement during his natural Life of the following
described Estate: – all my Land North of the Road where my Dwelling house
Stands, the New Part of Said Dwelling house, and the West great Room, the
Privalidge of Cutting Wood on my Wood Land sufficient for one fire three years,
my Cider Casks – half the Corn house – one bed Room Chamber in the West Part of
said house, the Same that he finished and a Privaledge at the Well. 2. I give
and bequeath unto the Revd. Phillip Colley to his use and benifit
forever all my Right to the Proprietors house in this Parish with the Real
Estate and other buildings pertaining to it, being the same which he now
occupies – 3. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Lucretia Perkins to be paid to
her out of my Estate Twenty Dollars. 4. I will and bequeath to my
Daughter Mersena Eaton to be paid out of my Estate Twenty Dollars. 5. I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Bethana Leonard to be paid to her out of my
Estate Twenty Dollars, and in case of her becoming a Widow – I bequeath
unto her one fifth of all my Real & Personal Estate not already disposed of
in the foregoing Articles: or in other Words, that She Shall Receive one fifth
of all in the next following item is bequeathed to Zebina Eaton, Salona Fobes,
Salona Eaton & Elijah Eaton & Sarah Keith & Elijah E. Perkins – 6.
all my Real and Personal Estate not already disposed of in the foregoing
articles I give and bequeath and would have appropriated in the following
manner – To my Son Zabina Eaton one fourth part; to my Daughter Salona
Fobes one fourth part, to Salona Eaton one Eighth Part, to Elijah
Eaton one Eighth Part Children of Daniel Eaton who married my Daughter,
to Sarah Keith, wife of John Keith one Eighth part, and to Elijah E.
Perkins one Eighth part Children of Azel Perkins who married my
Daughter, to their use and benefit forever – Provided nevertheless that if
Bethana Leonard mentioned in the fifth Article Shall become a Widow She is to
Receive as is there Expressed one fifth of Said Estate. 7thly &
lastly. I do hereby appoint Elijah E. Perkins, Trader, and Luke Reed – Yeoman,
both of Middleborough aforesaid, joint and Sole Executors of this my last Will
and Testament And I do hereby Revoke all former Wills and Testaments heretofore
made or named, declaring, Ratifying and confirming this to be my last Will and
Testament. In Witness whereof I the
said Elijah Eaton have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this thirty first day of
October in, the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and Twenty five
Elijah Eaton (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Published & Declared by the
Said Elijah Eaton
to be his last Will and Testament in Presence of us.
George
Pickens Jr.
Harriet
S. Smith
Sarah
An Sproat
Probated on 11 April 1831, and
proved by George Pickens Jr., one of the witnesses, Harriet S. Smith is
deceased and Sarah An Sproat is out of the Commonwealth. Letters of
Administration granted to Elijah E. Perkins of
Simon Backus, Azel Perkins, and
Daniel Alden, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Eaton of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1815) *
In the name of God amen, I Samuel Eaton of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, considering the Frailty of
human nature & the uncertainty of Life being of sound mind & memory,
these things me hereunto moving have thought proper to make this my last Will
and Testament in manner following namely, my Soul I commit to Almighty God who
gave it & my Body to the Dust to be decently interred at the discretion of
my Executors hereafter named; my real Estate, which I am in possession of, I
dispose of in the following manner.—
First
I give & bequeath to my two Sons Israel Eaton and Enos Eaton all my real
Estate with my Money to be equally divided & also the Tan-Yard between
them, with this exception the Buildings of all kinds except the currying Shop
& Beck house I give to my Son Enos Eaton exclusive; by their paying out of
my Estate as hereafter mentioned, which two Sons Israel & Enos I constitute
& appoint my executors to this my last will & Testament; namely I give
to my Son Israel Eaton my Desk with one half my Hitchel, to my Son Enos Eaton,
my watch & one Bed with my great Iron kettle, & one half of my Hitchel,
together with my Fire Tongs; I give to my Son Israel Eaton, my great Bible – I
give to my Son Daniel Eaton one hundred & fifty Dollars. I give to my Son
Darius Eaton one hundred & fifty Dollars. I give & bequeath to each of
the Children of my Son Samuel Eaton, that may be living at my decease ten
Dollars each; I give to the Children of my Daughter Mehitabel Wood one Bed with
one half my house hold Furniture not above disposed of, also I give to my
Daughter Eunice Eddy one Cow with the other half of my household Furniture; I
give to my Grandson Zenas Eaton ten Dollars to be paid him in Leather – All
which Legacies shall be paid out of my Estate after my just debts are paid
within one year after my decease. the rest & every part of my Estate, that
may remain of what kind soever, shall be equally divided between my two
Executors Israel & Enos Eaton — This
I declare to be my last Will & Testament & hereby revoking all former
wills by me made – In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal
this first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred &
fifteen.
Signed sealed published &
declared by the
above named Samuel Eaton to be his
last
Will & Testament in presence of
us who
have hereunto subscribed our Names
as Witnesses Samuel Eaton (seal)
in the presence of the Testator –
Seth
Eaton junr.
Barnabas
Eaton
Ziba
Eaton
Presented for probate on 21 Feb.
1820 by Israel Eaton and Enos Eaton, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Seth Eaton Jr. and Barnabas Eaton, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Israel Eaton and Enos Eaton, the before named
Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 50, p. 501, from FHL microfilm #0550906.
Will of William Eaton
of Plymouth, Colony of New Plymouth (1690) *
July – 1690 The Will
of William Eaton I being Cald forth to go against the French I Give 1 Cow and
Calf to my Father and Mother.
All debts I Give to them But they must Gather them John Gray
oweth me fifty shillings in money and two days worke I helps him that he ows me
for.
Elkanah Cushman and Martha his Wife made oath before the
County Court at Plimouth March 18th 1690/91 that they being in
Company of William Eaton above named on the Day of the Date abovesaid Did here
him verbally Declare what is above written to be his Will and that the same in
his presence was then Comitted to writing Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk.
An Inventory of the Estate of William Eaton Deceased [not
totaled, but small]
Benjamin Eaton father of the above named William Eaton
deceased made oath before the County Court at Plimouth March 18th
1690/91 that this above written is a true Inventory of the Estate of sd
Deceased so far as he knoweth and that if more Shall be Discovered to him he
will make it known.
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Eddy of Dighton, Bristol County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In the name
of God, Amen.- I Joshua Eddy of Dighton in the County of Bristol and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being sick and weak in body, but of a sound and
disposing mind and memory, calling to mind the uncertainty of human life,
believing it appointed unto man once to die, do make and establish this my last
Will and Testament in manner and form following.— First and principally I
commit my spirit unto God who gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be
decently buried at the discretion of my executor And such worldly estate as it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this life my will is and I give and
dispose of the same in the following manner.—
Imprimis. I
order that all my just debts and funeral charges be well and truly paid by my
executor herein after named out of my estate after my decease.–
Item. I give
and bequeath unto my beloved wife Isabel Eddy the use and improvement of all my
estate both real and personal after my just debts are paid so long as she shall
remain my widow and no longer, instead of her third and dower. —
Item. I give
and bequeath unto my two sons James Eddy and Joseph Eddy each Fifty Dollars in
addition to what I shall give them herein after mentioned, to be paid them,
when my wife’s right in my estate shall cease, by my executor herein after
named, out of my estate.—
Item. I give
and bequeath unto Wanton A. Eddy and Nancy B. Eddy Children of my son Wanton
Eddy deceased, each one Dollar, to be paid them out of my estate by my executor
herein after named when my wife’s right in my estate shall cease.–
Item I give
and bequeath unto my children Viz Francis Eddy, James Eddy, Joshua Eddy, Joseph
Eddy, Eben Eddy, Jabez Eddy, Stephen Eddy, Elizabeth Hathaway, Lovina Eddy and
Mary Anne Eddy all the rest and residue of my estate both real and personal not
before given away to be divided equally between them after my wife’s right in
my estate ceases excepting my three daughters whose three shares together shall
be equal to two sons in this division to them and their heirs and assigns
forever.–
Lastly I
hereby nominate and appoint my son James Eddy to be my sole executor to this my
last Will and Testament hereby ordaining ratifying and confirming this and this
only to be my last Will and Testament, making null and void all other or former
wills by me at any time heretofore made,—
In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth day of May in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Thirty five –
Signed,
sealed and declared by the Joshua Eddy (seal)
said Joshua
Eddy, to be his last Will
and
Testament, in presence of us, who
at his
request and in his presence
have
subscribed our names as
witnesses
hereto – – – – –
John Earle
Elisha Baker Dighton
July 10 1835
Asa Chace approved
–
Proved on 10
July 1835 by John Earle, Elisha Baker and Asa Chace, the witnesses. James Eddy,
of Swansey, was granted letters testamentary on the estate of Joshua Eddy, late
of Dighton, on 10 July 1835, with John Earle and Elisha Baker, both of Swansey,
as sureties.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File #9184, online at www.AmericanAncestors.org, New
England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, MA.
Will and Codicil of Obadiah
Eddy of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1722) *
Know all men by these presents that I Obadiah Eddy of the
town of Middleborough in the County of plmouth in new England: being at this
present time in health and of sound and disposing memory and understanding:
Blessed be god for it yet being senceable of my own Mortality: do make and
ordain this to be my last will and testament: to remain firm and Inviolable for
Ever: Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel eddy: My Steer which is
three years old this Spring: and my calf: besides what I have heretofore given
him Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Eddy: my mare and my saddle:
and my hoops for cart wheeles, and my draught chain: and plow Irons: and
grindstone: and horse chains: and fro: and Iron dog: and three hoes: and my
Iron tackling for a yoke: and my Iron kettle: and washing Tubb: besides what I
have heretofore given him: Item: I give and bequeath unto my two aforesaid sons
Samuel & Benjamin My log Chain and my crosscut saw and my Hatchel: to be in
Equal partnership between them: Item: I give and bequath unto my Daughter
Elisabeth delano my Cow which she now hath in her custody: besides what I have
heretofore given her: Item Item: I give and bequeath unto my grand daughter
Sarah Eddy: the daughter of my Son Joel Eddy: My bed: and all the bedding
belonging to it: and also the two pewter platters and one Quart pot: and one
warming pan: and one brass Skillet: and one pewter bason: and one pewter
porringer: and one frying pan: which were her mothers and also I give unto her
my said grand daughter My least Iron pot and pot hooks and Iron Tramel: and one
pint pot: Item: I give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Mehetabel Eddy the
daughter of my Son John Eddy my cow which I now have in my Custody: Item: I
give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Malatiah Eddy the Wife of my Son
Samuel Eddy: all my houshold Stuff which I have left at the house of my Said
Son Samuel Eddy: Except the aforementioned particulars which I have given to my
grand daughter Sarah Eddy as aforesaid: Item I have heretofore given unto My
Son John Eddy; and unto My Son Jabez Eddy and unto my Daughter Hasadiah Samson
Deceased and unto my daughter Bennet Woodward: and unto my daughter Hannah
Clark: their full part and portion which I Intend for them of my Estate and my
will is that my Loving friend Capt Jacob Tomson Shall be Executor of this my
Last will and testament: to take care that the same be performed according to
the true Intent and meaning thereof: Thus hopeing that this my last will and
testament will be truly performed: I commit my body to the dust and My soul to
God that gave it: in witness Whereof I the aforesaid Obadiah Eddy have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this: 18th. day of May one thousand seven
hundred twenty and two
his
mark
Signed Sealed and declared by the Obadiah O Eddy (seal)
aforesaid Obadiah Eddy to be his
last will and testament: in the
presence of us
George Vaughan
Abigail Tomson juner
Lydia Tomson
A
Codicill
Know all men by these presents that Whereas I Obadiah Eddy of
the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in New England have
Declared this Instrument to be my Last Will & Testament and whereas my
beloved & Trusty friend Jacob Tomson Esqr Whom I Chose &
apointed my Executor to this My Last Will & Testament is Deceased
I Doe therefore by these presents appoint ordain &
Constitute my Son Samuel Eddy Sole Executor to this my said Last Will &
Testament & Doe by these presents Rattifie and Confirm this Instrument as
it is Expressed on this paper baring Date May the Eighteenth in the Year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred Twenty & two—. In Witness hereof of the
said
Obadiah Eddy have Hereunto
Set my hand & Seal this Seventeenth Obadiah
Eddy
Day of December in the year his mark
O
Of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
Twenty & Six
Signed Sealled & Declared
In the presence of us
Witnesses
Joel Ellis
Joseph Bate
Thomas Darling
November the 6: 1727
Joel Ellis and Thomas Darling made oath that they saw the
abovenamed Obadiah Eddy signe seal and heard him declare what is a above
written to be a Codicill to the within written Will and that at the same time
they together with Joseph Bate set to the hands as witnesses and that according
to the best observation he then was of a sound and Disposing mind and memory—
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #7086, the will not recorded in the
probate books, and the estate presumably never probated.
Will of Zachariah Eddy of Swansea, County of Bristol, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1718) *
In the name of God Amen: the thirty first day of August one
Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighteen in the fifth year of the Reigne of our
Souvereign Lord George of great Britain King &c: I Zachariah Eddy of
Swansey in the County of Bristol in ye province of the Massachusets
Bay in New England: being Sick and weak but of sound Disposing mind and memory
blessed be the Lord for the same and knowing the uncertainty of this Life on
Earth: and being desirous to settle things in order: do make and ordaine this
my Last will and Testament: first of all I Commend my Soul to almighty God that
gave it: and my body to be buryed in such Deacent Christen manner: at the
Discreson of my wife Abigal: whom I Constitute and ordaine Sole Executrix of
this my Last will and Testament: and Conserning my worldly Estate I dispose of
followeth
Imprimis; I Leve: Abigal my sd wife in ye
possesion of my homsteed hous and Land for her mantainence during her neturall
Life: according as I Have Reseved in a deed of gift to my son Caleb Eddy
bearing date January ye 27: 1710/11
also I give and bequeath to my sd wife all the
moneys that I Have in my house: also Eight pounds money due to me from
Rememberence Simmons: and five pounds money due to me from Robart Carr:
and in Referance to my Sons: Namly my son Zachariah Eddy:
& my son John Eddy Ebenezer Eddy, Obadiah Eddy Caleb Eddy and Joshua Eddy:
whom I Have possesed all of them with Lands: as may apear by deeds of gifts:
and other Estate acording to my Abillity: all which I Confirm to my sd
sons
also I give to my sd sons all that is now due or
owing to me from them or any one of them: by bill, bounds or book: not to be
demanded but the bounds to be delivered and Cenceled
also I give to my son Joshua Eddy my great bible
Itim I Have given to my daughter Elisabeth Whippil: Deceased:
to the vallue of one Hundred pounds worth: first and Last: and also I give to
my Son In Law Samuel Whipple: all that money belonging to me that is in his
hands to be bestoed among my sd daughter Children
also I give and bequeath: all my Right of undevided Land in ye
purchese of Shewamit in Swansey: to my two sons Obadiah Eddy and Joshua Eddy to
them their heirs and assigns for Ever Equaly to be devided between them
Itim I give & bequath to my grandson Edward Eddy one
single Right of Land in ye undevided in Swansey town purches to him
his heirs and assigns for Ever: also I give him my Carbine
and I give my musket to my wifes son Timothy Smith
and I give my fouling gun to my son Caleb
and my Will is that my wife shall Have all the Rest of my
houshold stuf to be at her Dispose amongst her Children or min as She Shall See
Cause and I do hereby make void all other wills by me made: Ratifiing this to
be my Last Will and Testement
Signed Sealed and Declared Zachariah Eddy
by the sd Zachariah Eddy to be (seal)
his Last will and Testement
the day & year above writen
In the presences of us –
William
Wood
William
Anthony
Joseph
Mason
Presented for probate on 29 Oct.
1718, and proved by the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Abigail Eddy widdow Relict of Zachariah Eddy late of Swanzey, on 29 Oct. 1718,
with Joseph Mason and William Anthony, of Swanzey, as sureties.
The Inventory of Zachary Eddy of
Swanzey was appraised on 19 Sept. 1718 by Theophelos Luther, William Wood, and
William Anthony, and totaled £64.12.0, no real estate. Abigail Eddy, widow
Relict of Zachariah Eddy, gave her oath to the inventory on 29 Oct. 1718.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File
“Zachariah Eddy, Swansey, 1718,” from FHL microfilm #0575134.
Will of Adam Edson
of
I
Adam Edson of the
I.
I give and bequeathe unto my beloved daughter Eliza wife of James J.
Scote fifteen shares of the stock of the Merchants and Mechanics Bank of the
City of
II.
I give and bequeathe unto my said daughter Eliza all and singular the
household furniture, household stuff and wearing apparel which I may own and
possess at the time of my death to have and to hold the aforesaid personal
property and Bank Stock to her the said Eliza her heirs Executors
Administrators and assigns absolutely and forever.
III. All the rest and residue of my Bank Stock and
personal property of Every description I give and bequeathe unto my beloved son
Henry Edson to have and to hold the same to him the said Henry his heirs and
assigns absolutely and forever
IV.
All my real estate I give and devise unto my Said Son Henry to have and
to hold the same unto him the said Henry his heirs and assigns forever—Upon
trust however to sell and convey the same upon such terms as he may think
proper Either at public or private sale and the one third part of the avails
thereof to pay over unto my said daughter Eliza for her proper use benefit and
behoof forever
V.
The remaining two thirds of the above of all my real Estate so to be
sold as aforesaid I give and bequeathe unto my Said Son Henry and to his legal
representatives to his and their sole proper use benefit and behoof forever—
Lastly
I do hereby nominate Constitute and appoint my said son Henry Sole Executor of
this my last will and testament hereby revoking and Annulling all former wills
by me made—In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this third
day of December A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two—
Adam Edson (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the testator to be his last Will and testament
in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the
presence of Each other have subscribed our names as witnesses— G. W. Kirtland of the town of Waterford in
the County of Saratoga & State of New York, Ira Taylor of the same place—
Probated on 23 June 1834, presented
for probate by Henry Edson Esquire, the Sole Executor. The next of kin are
listed as Henry Edson, George Edson, James J. Scote and Eliza his wife, and the
will was proved by Ira Taylor and George W. Kirtland.
* Transcribed by
John A. Maltby from Record of Wills,
Will of Josiah Edson,
Esq., of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1733) *
In the Name of God Amen. The fifth day of Septembr
in the Year of Our Lord 1733 ~
I Josiah Edson of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in
New-England Esqr. being Sick & weak in Body but of a Sound Mind
& Memory Thanks be to God therefor, And now Calling to Mind the Frailty
& Mortality of my Body And knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to
dy, do Make & Ordain this my last Will & Testament that is
to Say, Principally & First of all, I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
hands of God who gave it & my Body I Commit to the Earth to be decently
buried at the Care & Discretion of my Executor hereafter named, And as
touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleasd God to bless
Me in this Life I Give & Dispose of ye Same in the following
Manner, that is to say-
1. First of all I Give unto my well beloved Wife Elizabeth
Edson for her life & Improvement dureing her natural Life One half of my
Dwelling house with all my Houshold Goods Excepting Some Particulars which I
shall otherwise Dispose of hereafter Mentioned & also I Give unto her the
Third Part of ye. Incomes of my Farm, and after her Decease I Give
them to my Kinsman Capt. Josiah Edson —
2. I Give unto Sarah Edson the Wife of sd Josiah
Edson my Silver Tankard —
3. I Give unto Josiah Edson the Son of ye.
Abovenamed Josiah Edson all my Books of Divinity & all my Wearing Cloaths
& twenty Pounds to be laid out in Books ~
4. I Give unto Abiezer Edson the Son of Josiah Edson one Yoke
of oxen one Caliver Gun & a Cubline.
5. I Give unto Elijah Edson the Son of Josiah Edson one Yoke
of oxen and my Small Gun with Brass about the Breech of it —
6. I Give unto Abiah Edson the Daughter of Josiah Edson one
Cow —
7. I Give unto Huldah Edson & Freelove Edson to Each of
them a Heifer of three years old wn. yy come of Age
8. I Give unto Elizabeth Hayward the Daughter of Nathaniel
Hayward a Case of Drawers & one plain Chest and a feather which She now
lies on and the furniture belonging to it
9. I have already Disposed of ye Greatest Part of
my Lands by Deeds of Gift which I now ratify & Confirm in this my last Will
& Testament, and the Remainder of my Estate which I have not Disposed of
both real & personal I Give unto my Kinsman Capt. Josiah Edson
his Heirs & assigns forever, and him the sd. Capt Josiah Edson I
make ordain Constitute & Appoint to be my only & sole Executor of this
my last Will & Testament ~
10. My Will is that the Revd. Mr
John Angier & Joseph Pratt be appointed as Trustees to take Care that this
my last Will be Accomplished & Fulfilled & I do hereby utterly Revoke
& Disanull all my former Wills and Declare this & no other to be my
last Will & Testament and In Witness & Confirmation hereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & Year Abovewritten
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced Josiah Edson (seal)
by ye. sd. Josiah Esqr to be
his last
Will & Testament In Presence
of us the Subscribers ~
Jonathan Cary
Ebenezer Snow
Nathanl. Willis junr
Probated on 21 Oct. 1734, and proved by Jonathan Cary, Ebenr
Snow, and Nathaniel Willis junr, the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Capt. Josiah Edson, Kinsman to the deceased, and
Sole Executor, on 11 Nov. 1734.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 7, p. 71-73, from FHL microfilm
#0550513.
Will of Josiah Edson of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In The Name of God Amen. On the fourth day of January 1762, I
Josiah Edson of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth Gentm. being
under bodily Infirmities but of a sound & disposing Mind & memory proceed
to make this my last will & Testament. In the First I recommend my soul
into the Hands of the great God that gave it trusting in the Mercy and Grace of
God through Jesus Christ for Pardon Grace and Glory and my Body I commit to the
Earth to be decently Buried at the Discression of my Executor hereafter named
and as touching my worldly Estate I dispose of it in the following Manner
(viz). With regard to my well beloved Wife Abigail I have already caused
obligations to be given her by my Sons to her full Satisfaction of her part of
my Estate both Real and Personal.
Item. I have already given to my Sons namely Josiah, Abiezer,
& Elijah, Deeds of Land which I do hereby ratifie & confirm further I
give unto them one half of my quick Stock i.e. one half The Sheep, & Swine
the other half being my Son Elijah,s already, & my Horse & best Saddle,
& Bridle, and one half my Hay and Fodder if there be any as also my apparel
all to be equally divided between them.
Item. I give unto my Daughters namely Huldah Howard, Freelove
Fobes, my grandaughter Sarah Holbrooke, Child of my Daughter Sarah, decease,d,
and the Heirs of my Daughter Abiah deceas,d, to their Heirs, & Assigns,
forever, my Tract of Land lying to the Eastward of Josiah Fobes,s Homestead and
adjoining to it also my Purchase right in the sixth part of a purchase right of
undivided Lands within ye Eight Miles of the Township of Bridgwater
further I give unto them all my other Personal Estate not otherwise disposed of
equally to be divided between them, (after the Debts & Funeral Charges are
paid,) that is one quarter to said Huldah, one quarter to said Freelove, one
Quarter to said Sarah Holbroke, and a quarter to the Heirs of said Abiah.—
Item. I give unto my sons Josiah and Elijah their Heirs &
assigns my Eighth part of the Town Saw mill so called.
Item. I give unto my Grandson Abiezer Edson my Best Great
Coat & my Black Mair & my other Saddle and Bridle.
Item. I give my Negro Servant Tom unto my Son Elijah, also my
Gun—
Item. I nominate and appoint my sd. Son Josh.
sole Excr. of this my last Will & Testamt.
Item. As there are several Pieces of Cloath that are
appropriated to Several Members of the Family for Cloathing my Will is that
they shall not come into the Inventory.
I give unto my sons Josiah, Abiezer & Elijah my Silver
Tankard—
Signed Seald. Publishd. Pronouncd.
& declard. by the Josiah Edson (seal)
sd. Josiah Edson to be his last Will & Testamt.
in
Prescence of us.
Abishai Willis
Abel Edson
Isaac Swift
Presented for probate on 5 Apr. 1762 by Josiah Edson Esqr.,
the Exr. therein named, and proved by Abel Edson and Isaac Swift,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Josiah Edson
Esqr., the Execr.
The Inventory of the Estate Real & Personal of Capt.
Josiah Edson, late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 4 Feb. 1762 by John
Washburn, Samuel Kinsley, and Nathan Mitchel, and totaled £464.9.10, including
his land by Josiah Fobes given to the daughters valued at £280. The appraisers
gave their oath to the inventory on 15 Mar. 1762, and the Executor gave is oath
to the inventory on 5 Apr. 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 302-303, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Josiah Edson of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In
the name of God amen. I Josiah Edson of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman calling to mind the Uncertainty of
human Life & being of sound Mind & Memory, do make & ordain this my
last Will and Testament
1st.
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife the whole of my household Furniture,
except my Clock to be at her Disposal, also one third of my real Estate during
Life provided my Son Barnabas should fail in supporting & maintaining her
to her satisfaction, also one Cow & two Sheep, also the whole of my part of
the Building during her widowhood she letting my two Daughters Reliance &
Olive having the right to live in the House as long as they live single.—
2dly.
I give and bequeath to my Daughters Susanna Packard, Sarah Hayward, Reliance
Edson & Olive Edson one third of the pew on the ground Floor in the
southeast corner of the meeting house in the north precinct in Bridgwater in
equal Shares. —
3dly.
I give & bequeath to my two Daughters Zilpah Kingman & Esther Kingman
each, one sixth of a Pew in the front Gallery in the Meeting house above
mentioned. —
4th.
I give & bequeath to my two Daughters, Reliance & Olive, to each of
them Furniture for house keeping equal to what my other Daughters have had out
of my Estate also each of them, one young Cow provided my Son Barnabas has not
procured these for them before my decease, also the right to live in the House
so long as they live single
5th
The Residue & Remainder of my Estate both real & personal, I give &
bequeath to my Son Barnabas Edson his Heirs & Assigns forever he paying all
my just Debts & funeral Charges, & providing Furniture & two young
Cows for my two Daughters Reliance & Olive equal to what their Sisters have
had; I also appoint him to be sole Executor to this my last Will &
Testament, I hereby revoke all former Wills by me made declaring this to be my
last Will & Testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my my hand
& Seal this tenth day of June Anno domini one thousand eight hundred &
thirteen –
Signed sealed published & declared
by the said Josiah Edson to be his last
Will & Testament in presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our names as Josiah Edson (seal)
Witnesses in presence of the Testator
Nathan
Alden
Cyrus
Warren
Galen
Warren
Presented for probate on 17 Jan.
1820 by Barnabas Edson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Alden
Esqr. and Galen Warren, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Barnabas Edson, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p.
480-481, from FHL microfilm #0550906.
Will of Samuel Edson
of
This fifteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one
thousand Six hundred Eighty Eight—eighty nine I Samuel Edson Senr
Inhabitant of the Town of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England
Being of perfect understanding and memory Praysed be God for the Same Do make
and Declare my last Will and Testament in manor and forme following Having
already Disposed of moste of my Lands and a Great part of my Estate to my
Children as By their Deeds Doth appear I do now will and Bequeath to my Eldest
son Samuel Edson my Fowling piece and to my other two sons Joseph Edson and
Josiah Edson my musket sword and Bandaleers.
Item I Give and Bequeath to my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph
Edson and Josiah Edson to Each of them a Drought Chaine and also a Logg chain
and all my wearing cloaths to be divided among them.
Item I Give and bequeath to my Loving Wife Susanna Edson all
the Rest of my Estate Both Personall and Reall housing Lands Chattels and Cash
all within Doors and Without whatsoever I have not Otherwise Disposed of to be
Wholy at her Dispose during her naturall Life and what is Left at her decease
and mine Either Housing Lands Chattels or Cash: all without doors to be Equally
Divided among my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson their
heirs and Assigns And all within Doors all my houshold Goods and Cash to be
Equally divided among my five Daughters Elizabeth Susanna Sarah Mary and
Bethiah their heirs and assignes And I do hereby nominate and appoint my Loving
Wife Susanna Edson to be my Executrix and my son Samuel Edson and my son Josiah
Edson to be Joyned with her as Executors of this my Last Will and Testament And
I Do further Will and desire Mr James Kieth John Kingman Senr
and Thomas Snell of Bridgewater to be overseers of this my Last Will and
Testament to See it faithfully performed hereby appointing my Executrix and my
Executors above mentioned to Receive all my just debts and to pay what ever I
owe any pson Discharging my funerals. In Witness whereof I the abovesaid Samuel
Edson Senr have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above
written.
Samuel Edson Senr (seal)
Readd Signed Sealed Published
and Declared to be his Last
Will and Testament in the
presence of us Witnesses
John Field
John Ames
Samuel Kinsley
John Ames and Samuel Kinsley two of The Witnesses here named
made oath before the Court at Plimouth September ye 20th
1692 that they were present and saw the above named Samuel Edson sen now
Deceased Sign Seal and heard him declare the above written to be his last will
and Testament And that to the best of their Judgment he was of Sound mind and
memory when he did the same
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
The Inventory of Samuel Edson Senr who deceased
the 19th day of july 1692: is as Followeth
[Total is £148.14.08]
And taken this 29th of july 1692: By Samuel Allin
Senr and by William Brett
Samuell Edson and Josiah Edson the sons of sd
Deceased made oath Before the Court at Plimouth September 20th 1692:
That the above written is a true Inventory of the Estate of their Late Father
Samuel Edson Deceased so far as they know and that if more shall be Discovered
to them they will make it known.
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Edson
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1719) *
In The name of God amen this Sixteenth day of March In the
year of Our Lord 1719 I Samuel Edson of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in
New England Yeoman being Very Ill of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks
be given to God therefor Calling to mind the Mortality of my body & knowing
that it is appointed to all men Once to dye do make and Ordain this my last
Will and Testament, That is to say principally & first of all I give and
Recomend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it hoping through the Merrit
death & passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon
& forgiveness of all my Sins, and to Inherrit everlasting life; and my body
I Commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter named Nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I Shall
Recieve the Same again by the mighty power of God, and as Touching such worldly
estate as it hath pleased the Lord to Bless me withall I give demise and
dispose of the Same in manner and form following.
Imprimis. I will that all those debts and duties that I do
Owe in Right or in Conscience to any manner of person or persons whatsoever
Shall be well and truly paid or Ordained to be paid in Some Convenient time
after my decease by my executors hereafter named. ~
Item I give unto my beloved wife Susanah Sixty pounds in
Silver money to be paid her by my Executor hereafter named, as also all my
movables to be disposed of as she shall think fit; and the Improvement of the
One half of my homestead or Homeliving during her Life, and the Improvement of
my negroe man George, and my negro woman Sarah during her natural Life.
Item. I give unto my Grandson Samuel Packard his heirs and
Assignes One hundred Acres of Land lying at a place Called Pochaug neck in
Bridgwater aforesd. as also five or Six Small Titicut Lots adjoyning
to the said hundred acres, as also a Lott of meadow lying at a place Called
Calling Cove, as also the One half of five hundred acres of Land that I have in
the Colony of Conecticut. All this I give unto said Grandson Samuel Packard his
heirs and assignes; as also the One half of half a Share of Cedar Swamp in the
West Cedar Swamp.
Item. I give unto my Two Grandsons Paul & Job Packard
their Heirs and Assignes Two Lotts of Land near to the Land of Josiah Washbourn
in Bridgwater Containing by estimation One hundred & fifty acres more or
less; Also I give unto the sd. Paul & Job Packard each of them
Ten pounds in Silver money; And further my Will is that if either of these
Shall dye before he Shall Arrive unto Lawfull age that then the Other Survivor
Shall have all the Lands and money abovenamed.
Item. I give unto my Grandaughter Bethiah Packard Twenty
pounds in Silver money to be paid by my executor hereafter named and in Case
She dye before She Come to Lawfull age then my Will is that said Twenty pounds
be Equally divided between Paul And Job Packard her Two brothers.
Item I give unto my daughter Susanah Brett her Heirs &
Assignes a Ten acre Lott of Land near to the Land whereon now she dwelleth as
also a Small Lot of Land lying at the Head of their Lands as also a Lot of Land
lying near the Land of Richard Jenings Containing by estimation Seventy five
acres more Or less, and about Twenty four acres nigh to the Lands of John
Kingman; As also the One half of a five hundred acre Right of Lands that I have
in the Collony of Conecticut; also half of a Share of Cedar swamp in the West
Cedar swamp; Also I give unto my daughter Susanah Bret after my wifes decease
my negro Slave Sarah. I give also unto my daughter Susanah abovesd.
one hundred & Twenty pounds in money partly paper and partly Silver, my
said daughter Susanah Brett I Constitute Executrix to this my Last Will &
Testament.
Item. I give unto my son Samuel Edson whome I appoint
Executor to this my Last Will & Testament unto him and Children and their
Children all my Homestead or Home living the One half at my decease the Other
half at my wifes decease.
And all my other Lands meadow housing or Cedar swamp that I
have not already given away also One hundred pounds in Silver money partly and
partly paper Towards bringing up his Son Samuel to the Colledge, and in Case he
Shall not be found Capable then any Other of his Sons but if he bring up no Son
to the Colledge then my Will is that he Return fifty pounds of that hundred
unto his sister Susanah Brett or her heirs. I give also unto my sd.
Son my negro man George after my wifes decease; and farther my Will is that if
after all the abovesd Sums be paid if their remain any money
that then it be equally divided between my son Samuel and my daughter Susanah
but for the use of their Children. And I do hereby utterly Revoak and disanull
all Other former Wills Confirming this and no Other as my last Will and
Testament. In Witness and Confirmation hereof I have set to my hand and Seale
the day and year above written. his
Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared Samuel X Edson (seal)
by the said Samuel Edson to be his last Will & Mark
Testament In presence of us the Subscribers
Benjamin Allen
Samuel Washbourn Junr.
Benjamin Leonard
Mr. Benjamin Allen testified on 27 July 1719 that
he soposed Samuel Edson was of a sound and disposing mind and memory when he
signed his will.
Samuel Washbourn Junr., of Bridgewater, testified
on 27 July 1719 that Samuel Edson was not of a sound mind and memory when he
signed his will.
Benjamin Leonard testified on 7 Sept. 1719 that he witnessed
the signing of the will, “but doubts whether he was of a disposing mind when he
did so by Reason he seemed to me to Lay in a Stupified Condition.”
Comfort Willis also testified on 2 Nov. 1719 that he was
present at the signing of the will, as was desired to Subscribe as an evidence,
but desired to be excused by reason of age & Infirmity, but thought he was
perfect in mind & memory.
Experience Hudson also testified on 2 Nov. 1719 that she was
present at the signing of the will, and that he was of a sound mind.
The will was finally approved on 1 Feb. 1719[/20], and
letters of administration were given to Samuel Edson, the Executor, and Susanah
Brett, the Executrix.
The Inventory of the personal Estate of Mr. Samuel
Edson of Bridgwater who deceased April 10th 1719, was appraised by
Nathaniel Brett, William Hudson, and Comfort Willis, but was not totaled,
included £255 in Bills of publick Credit. Mr. Samuel Edson and Mrs.
Susanah Brett gave their oath to the inventory on 13 July 1720.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, p. 260-263,
from FHL microfilm #0550510.
Will of Susanna Edson
of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1732) *
In the Name of God Amen, October ye fourth Anno
Dom. 1732, I Susanna Edson Relict of Samuel Edson late of Bridgwater in ye
County of Plymouth in New England Deceas’d Do make & ordain this my Last
Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth First I Recommend my Soul to God that gave it
& my body to the Earth in Decent Christian burial at ye.
Discretion of my Execrs. hereafter named – And as for my Estate
which was left to my Free dispose at my husbands death, and what I have Gained
Since, My Will is that it be disposed of (after my Just debts & funerall
Expences are Paid in manner following –
Imprimis I Give to my Son Samuel Edson my house which I built
after my husbands Decease as allso two Cows & ten Sheep which I left in his
hands when I Removed to my Daughter Susanna Bertts as allso an Iron Barr, a
Sledge, & a Chair all which I give I give to him his Heirs and assigns
forever –
Item I give to my Grandson Samuel Packard Seven pounds in
money which formerly I Expensed towards the Secureing of his land at Purchas
Neck.
Item I give to my two other Grandsons vizt Paul
Packard & Job Packard Each of them a Sheep or Lamb –
Item Item I Give to my Grand Daughter Bethiah Bartlett a Cow
& Calf a Pewter platter & a Silver spoon, all which she hath allready
receivd also Six pounds in bills of Creditt to be paid to her after my Decease.
Item all the Rest of my Stock and Houshold Goods of Every
sort & kind and all my money whether Silver or bills of Creditt (if any be
left after My Decease) with all Debts due to me I Give and bequeath to my
Daughter Susanna Brett to be to her and her heirs & assigns forever. And
furthermore I Give To my sd. Daughter Susanna Brett my little Negro
Girl Phebee to be wholly at My sd. Daughters dispose till thirty
years of Age ~ Finally I Nominate and Appoint my Grandson John Brett my
Executor and my sd. Daughter Susanna Brett Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament –
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
& Declared by the sd. Susanna Edson Susanna
Edson
In Presence of us.
her Q marke (seal)
Joseph Edson
Joseph Cary
Thomas X
Buck
Probated on 20 May 1742, and proved by Joseph Edson, Joseph
Cary, and Thomas Buck. Letters of Administration granted to John Brett and
Susanna Brett, both of Bridgwater, Joynt Executors.
Joseph Edson, John Lathrop, and Samuel Hartwell, all of
Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the estate both Real and Personal of
Susanna Edson, late of Bridgwater, on 18 May 1742. The Inventory was dated 21
May 1742, but not totaled. The appraisers gave their oaths to the inventory on
24 May 1742, and John Brett and Susanna Brett, the Executors, gave their oath
to the inventory on 7 June 1742.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 524-525, and Vol. 9, p.
14-15.
Will of Joel Ellis
of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I Joel Ellis of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in
body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to God therefor,
calling into mind the mortality of my body, & knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament, and desire it may be recieved by all as such; that is to say,
principally & first of all, I give & recomend my soul into the hands of
God who gave it, & my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent
christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing
doubting but at the general resurrection, I shall recieve ye same
again by the mighty power of God; and as touching such worldly estate wherewith
it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise & dispose of
the same in ye following manner & form—
Imprimis.—I Give & bequeath to my truly beloved wife
Annis Ellis, the use & improvement of one third part of all my real estate,
excepting the meadow I bought of Chandler Wright, together with one half of my
dwelling house vizt. the northerly part of sd house,
including the front room, the bed room, half the kitchin & half the cellar
& half the buttery in ye southerly part of sd house;
also, one quarter of my barn & one quarter of all my other out buildings;
and also, a seat for her own use in my Pew in the meeting house, together with
the use & improvement of all my houshold furniture—the whole of the above
so long as she shall continue or remain my widow—I also, give & bequeath to
my wife Annis Ellis & to her heirs & assigns forever, one of my Cows
that, which she shall see fit to chuse, & a bridle coloured year &
vantage heifer & four sheep & one swine.
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my son Joel Ellis & to his
heirs & assigns forever, one half of all my real estate, together with one
half of my dwelling house–vizt. the southerly or new part of sd
house, including the front room, half the kitchin, the bedroom & half the
buttery & half the cellar, also one half of my barn & one half of all
my other out buildings, & also one half of my Pew in the meeting house, I
also give & bequeath to my son Joel & to his heirs & assigns, all
my farming tools & utensills together with my largest yoke of oxen, my
horse, one store cow, two year & vantage heifers & my part of a dun
coloured heifer, & all the rest of my sheep not before disposed of.
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my two sons–vizt
Nathaniel Ellis & Thomas Ellis & to their heirs & assigns forever,
all the rest & residue of all my real estate, not before disposed of in
this my last will & testament, that is to say, one half of all my lands,
together with one half of my dwelling house, one half of my barn & one half
of all my other out buildings, and also one half of my Pew in the meeting
house, all which is to be equally divided between them the said Nathaniel &
Thomas — I also give to my son Nathaniel one store Cow, & to my son Thomas,
I give & bequeath my smallest yoke of oxen
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my three sons Joel, Nathaniel
& Thomas, all my wearing apparell in equal division among them.
Item.—I Give & bequeath to my four Daughters vizt.
Patience Wright, Selah Wright, Phebe Parker & Mira Loring & to their
heirs & assigns, all my houshold furniture, after the decease of my wife,
or otherwise, when she shall cease to be my widow; and I do hereby order my
sons Joel & Nathaniel, to pay my three Daughters vizt– Patience
Wright Selah Wright & Phebe Parker, Sixty Dollars, that is to say Twenty
Dollars to each one of them, in two years after my decease, one half of said
sum to be paid by my son Joel Ellis & the other half by my son Nathaniel
Ellis; and I do further order my son Thomas Ellis to pay my Daughter Mira
Loring Twenty Dollars, in two years after my decease,
And my will is, and I do positively order my three sons Joel,
Nathaniel & Thomas, to pay all my just debts & funeral expences equally
between them, and also; to recieve all my dues, debts & demands in the same
proportion amongst them—and I do further order, that, if any or either of my
children above named, shall make or bring any demand against my said estate,
for services by them done & performed or in any other way, they shall be
utterly debar’d & excluded from all & every bequeath or legacy
contained in this my last will & testament.
Lastly, – I do constitute, make & ordain my Son Joel
Ellis sole Executor of this my last will & testament, and do hereby,
utterly, disallow, revoke & disannul, all & every other former will
& testament, legacies, bequeaths & Executors by me, in any way
heretofore named, willed and bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this &
no other to be my last will & testament.—In Witness whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand & seal, this seventeenth day of January in ye
year of our Lord, One thousand Eight Hundred and three.
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pro- Joel Ellis (seal)
nounced & declared by ye said
Joel Ellis, as his last will & tes-
ment, in presence of us the sub-
scribers.–
Elijah
Bisbe junr
Jonathan
Nye
Beza
Bisbe
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1803 by Joel Ellis, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Bisbe Esqr. & Jonathan Nye,
two of the witnesses.
Steph. Ellis, Gentm, Elijah Bisbee Esqr.
& Geo. Sampson, yeoman, all of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Joel Ellis, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 1 Aug. 1803. The Inventory,
dated 3 Oct. 1803, totaled $2512.24, his real estate totaled $2107.00,
including his homestead farm & buildings valued at $1981. Joel Ellis, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Oct. 1803.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ignatious Elmes of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the name of God Amen I Ignatious Elmes of Midleborough In
the County of Plimouth & Province of the Massachusets Bay In New Engld.
Yeoman being of a Sound mind and Disposing Judgment and Good Memory but
Sensable I mus Die do mak appoint & ordain this To be my Last will &
Testament My Immortal & Never Dieng Soul I Commit unto God hooping The he
through the merrets of the Blood of Jesus Crist will Receve my Departing Spirit
my Body I Commit unto The Dust to be buried at the Discresition of My Executor
hereafter named and as To my worldly goods where with God has blessed me I
Dispose of as follows
Imprimis My will is that all my Just Debts & funeral
Charges be honestly & Truly paid by my Execr. out of my moveable
Estate
Item My will is and I do hereby Give unto my well beloved Son
Elkanah Elmes All that Land where on his house now Stands Where he now Lives
from the Brook to the northward of his sd. house by the Cuntry Road
westerd untel you Come to ye. Town Road Leading from ye.
wadeing place in Namasket River to Capt. Bennets mill so Called and
Thence by Road Southerly until you Come to the midle of the gravely hil where
was an old apple Tree and from thence Easterly a Cross my farm home To a Stake
and Stones Standing in the Range of The Minestery Land a Little To the
Northward of the Corner Bounds of old mr. Thacher Land being a Stake
& Stones & from sd. Corner bounded by the Minestery Land
home To the Land formerly owned by Doctr. Palmer of sd.
Town. & by his Line Down To the Cuntry Rhoad first mentioned as also all
the household Goods as also all the house hold goods I had a Deed of Sail of
Some Time ago
Item To my Dear Son John Elmes I will and Bequeth all the
Remainder of of that part of my farm Lying to the Southward of Said Road &
the Easterd of the Town Road above mentioned upward untill you Come To the way
Just Above the Dug way & so by said way or old Path as it goes up to the
Land formerly owned by Jeremiah Thomas of sd. Midleborough.
Item My Dwelling house & the Remainder Part of my home
farm my will is that my Dear Wife Sarah Elmes have the Improvement of the Same
for the maintenance of my Dear Son Ebenezer & Dear & only Brother
Rodulpus Elmes of sd. Midleborough who I Desire may be Carefully
Taken Care of In my home & Comfortably Taken Care of in my house &
Comforately[?] may be provided for and after his & hir Deaths Equally
Equally Divided Subducting what is already given out of yr Shears
Item All my moveable Estate within Doars and without after my
Debts & funeral Charges be Paid I give To my wife for the use Last
Mentioned
Item My will is and I Do hereby Constitute & appoint my
Dearly beloved frind mr Nehemiah Bennet to be the Sole Executor of
this my Last will & Testament
In Witness and Confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this Third Day of Feby. AD 1763
Ignatous Elmes (seal)
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced
& Declared by the sd. Ignatious Elmes to
be his Last will & Testament In
Presence of us
Steaphan Powers
Oxenbridg Thacher
Samll. Thacher
Presented for probate on 8 Mar. 1763, and proved by
oxenbridge Thacher and Samuel Thacher, two of the witnesses. Whereas Nehemiah
Bennet the only Executor there in named having this day Renounced the
Executorship thereof I do Commit the Administration thereof Cum Testamento
Annexo unto Sarah Elmes of Midleborough, widdow of the said deceased, on 15
March 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 409-410, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Rodulphus
Elmes of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1744) *
Know all Men By these Presents that I Rodulphus Elmes of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in New England Being at this
present Time Laboring under maney Bodley Infermites yet of a Sound and
Disposing memory and under standing Blessed Be God for the Same and being
Senceable of my own mortallity and Knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to Die do make and ordain this To Be my Last Will and Testement To Remain
firm and Invoilable for Ever.— Imprimas It is my Will that all my Just Debts
and Funerail Charges be Well and Truly paid out of my Estate By my Executor
hereafter named in Convenent Time after my Decease: Item I give and Bequeath unto my Well Beloved
Wife Bethyah Elmes one Feather Bed two pair of Sheets two Pillows and Two
Pillow Cases and all other Furnature Belonging to a Bed Need full and necessary
as She Shall Chuse and think fit also I give unto my Said Wife the use &
Improvement of the Westerly Lower fier Room of my New Dwelling House the W[? ink blot] by Lean to and Leanto
Chamber and also the Westerly Chamber over the said Fire Room and also that
part of the Cellar which is under the said Westerly Lean to During her
Widdowhod also I give unto my said Wife my Negro woman and also one cow During
her Weddowhood: It is my Will that my Son Ignatious Elmes Shall keep and Look
after Said Cow for his mother Both Winter and Sumer During her Widdow hood also
it is my Will that my Said Son Ignatious Shall Find and allow his mother
Sufficient fire Wood Brought To the Door and Cut Fit for the Fier as She Shall
want it During her Widdowhood: also I give unto my Said Wife the use and
Improvement of one quarter part of the Improved Lands Belonging to my Homsted
Whereon I Dwell Lying on the Easterly Side of Namasket River and also the use
& Improvement of one third part of my Improved Lands Lying on the Westerly
Side of said Namasket River During her Widdowhood also I Give and Bequeath unto
my Said Wife one quarter part of all the Remaining part of my moveable Estate
after my Just Debts and and Funerail Charges are First paid out of the Whole To
Be at her own Disposing, Item I Give and
Bequeath unto My Son Rodulphus Elmes all my Severail Lots of Land Both Improved
and un Improved Lying and Being in the Settle Lotments puchase so called on the
Westerly Side of Namasket River in the Townshep of Middleborough aforesaid only
Rezerfing unto his Mother the use and Improvement of the one third part of all
the Improved Lands thereon During her Widdowhood as abovesaid the Same To
belong unto him and his heirs and assigns forever also I Give unto my sd
Son Rodulphus Elmes the Bed on Which he usualy Lodgeth with Convenent Beding
thereto— Item I Give unto my Son Ignatous Elmes all my Homsted Lands Both
improved and unimproved Which Ly their adjoyning Together Whereon I now Dwell
With the Bildings thereon on the Easterly Side of Namasket River in the
Township of Middleborough aforesaid only Reserveing unto his mother the use and
Improvement of those Rooms in the Dwelling House Which I have Given her the Improvement
of During her Widdowhood. also Reserveing unto his said Mother the use and
Improvement of quarter part of the Improved Lands thereof During her Widdowhood
the same To Belong unto him and his heirs and assigns forever: Item: Whereas I
have allredy Given unto my Two Daughters Mary Warshburn and Kathrine Carver the
Value of Forty pounds To Each of them which they had at the time of there
marriages: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Beathyah Barden Besides
What I have heretofore Given her all my meadow Which Lyeth in the Meaddows
Called the Lower Meddows in the Twenty Sixth mens purches in the Town Ship of
Middleborough aforesaid To belong unto her and her Heirs and assigns forever:
also I Give unto my said Daughter Bethyah Barden the Sum of Four pounds and
Five Shillings in Lawfull money to be paid unto her Within one year after my
Decease and my Will is that my aforesd Son Ignatious Shall pay the
Same as a Legacy unto her: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my three Daughters
mary Warshburn Kathrine Carver and Bethyah Barden all the Remaining part of My
Moveable Estate Besides What I Have Before Disposed of To Be Equally Divided
Between them and also I Give unto my Said three Daughters all all that part of
my Moveable Estat Which I have given unto my Wife During her Widdowhood that is
to Say What is Remaining thereof at the Time of her marriage or Decease the
Same also to Be Equally Divided Between them: Lastly my Will is that my son
Rodulphus Elmes Shall Be Executor of this my Last Will and Testement thus
Hoping that this my Last Will and Testement Will be Keept and performed
according To the True Intent and Meaining there of: I Commit my Body To the
Dust and my Soule To God that Gave it: In Witness Whereof I the aforesaid
Rodulphus Elmes have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Twenty Fifth Day of
June one Thousand Seven Hundred forty four—
Signed Sealed and Declaird By The
above Named Rodulphus Elmes To Rodulphus Elmes (seal)
Be his Last Will and Testement in the
Presents of us~~~
Nathll Southworth
Ebenezer Morton
Jacob Tomson
Presented for probate on 25 Jan. 1748, the Executor therein
named Renouncing the Executorship, and proved by Nathll Southworth,
Ebenezer Morton, and Jacob Tomson, no letters of administration were granted at
that time.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Estey of Stoughton, County of Suffolk, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1744) *
In the Name of God Amen, The twenty eighth day of August, In
the year of our Lord One Thousand, Seven hundred and forty four, I Benjamin
Estey of Stoughton in the County of Suffolk in New England, Yeoman, being Under
the Infirmities of Old Age, & some Indispositions of Body, but of Perfect
Mind and Memory, Thanks be Given unto God therefore, Calling to Mind the
Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for Men once to Die Do
make & ordain this my last Will & Testament, That is to say,
Principally & first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of
God that Gave it ~ hoping thro’ the Merrits, Death and Passion of my Saviour
Jesus Christ to have full and free Pardon & forgiveness of all my Sins
& to Inherit Everlasting Life & my Body I commit to the Earth to be
decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, nothing
Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the
Mighty Power of God, & as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
Pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the same in
the following manner and form, that is to say first, I Will that all those
Debts & Dutys as I do Owe in Right or Conscience to any manner of Person or
Persons whatsoever shall be well & truly Contented and Paid or Ordained to
be paid in convenient time after my Decease by my Executors hereafter
named. Item I give and Bequeath to Mary
my dearly beloved Wife the Use of one Room in my House & a Priviledge in
the Cellar And the use of all the Moveables, in the House during her Life, And
the Use of one Cow, which Cow my Executors are to provide and keep Winter and
Summer, and I will that my two Executors in Equal Halves Provide Seven Bushells
of Indian Corn, and four Bushells of Rye, and One hundred weight of Good Pork,
Sixty Pounds of Beef, and Eight pounds of Flax and Six Pounds of Wool for my
Now Wife yearly, and every Year, and what Wood she shall have Occasion for, and
if she shall have Occasion for any other things which is necessary For her
Comfortable Subsistence, I Will that my Executors Provide the same for her as
long as she see Cause to live in the House I have Willed to her. Item I Give to my Well beloved Sons Benjamin
Estey & Ebenezer Estey Whom likewise I Appoint, Constitute Make &
Ordain joyntly to be my Executors of this my last Will & Testament &
all and Singular my Lands, Messauges and Tenements with all and Singular
Moveables by them & their Heirs & Assigns to be Possessed forever in
equall halves (Vizt.) to be divided in equal halves to Each of my
Executors with my Wearing Apparel to be equally divided to my Executors at my
Decease, and at the Decease of my Wife, my Son Benjamin shall have my Great
Bible, & the one half of all the remainder part of my Books I Will to my Son
Ebenezer at the Decease of my Wife. Item
I Give to my well beloved Daughter Elizabeth Howard at the Decease of my Wife
the remainder part of my Books not already disposed of & all the Moveables
In the House & one Cow, which Cow, my Executors are to Provide for my said
Daughter, And I do hereby utterly
Disallow, Revoke & Disannul all & every other former Testaments Wills,
& Legacies, Bequests & Executors by me in any Ways before this time
Named, Willed & bequeathed, ratifying & Confirming this & no other
to be my last Will & Testamt. In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my Hand & Seal, the Day & year above written. Benjamin Estey
& a Seal
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced & declared
by ye sd Benja Estey as his
last Will & Testamt in ye
presence of us the Subscribers Vizt —
Benja Johnson, Ephraim Payson junr,
Isaac Johnson
Probated on 17 April 1750, and proved by Benjamin Johnson,
Ephraim payson junr, & Isaac Johnson.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Noble Everitt of Wareham, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the name of God amen I Noble Everitt of Wareham in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do make this my last
Will and Testament in the Manner following, viz –
In the first place I commit my Soul to God who gave it &
my Body to the dust to be decently buried, and with regard to the worldly
substance with which God has blessed me
I
give and bequeath all my household Furniture to my beloved Wife Abigail
Everitt, and my Will is that all my just debts including my funeral Expences
should be paid out of the remainder of my moveable Estate if sufficient, and if
not that the rest be paid out of my real Estate.—this being done, I give and
bequeath one third part of all my other moveable Estate (if any be left after
my Debts are paid) to my Wife Abigail Everitt– Also I give her the use of one
half of my real Estate, after my Debts are paid for her own use so long as she
remains my Widow, & one third part of it during her natural Life—
The
remainder of my Estate of whatever kind it may be, I give & bequeath to my
Children, to a Son two parts & to a Daughter one part, that is to say, to
my Daughter Abigail Everitt one Dollar to my Son William Everitt two Dollars,
to my Son Josiah Everitt two Dollars, to my Daughter Lucy Everitt one Dollar,
to my Daughter Hannah Everitt one Dollar, to my Daughter Eunice Everitt one
Dollar to my Son Noble Everitt two Dollars & to my Son John Lord Everitt
two Dollars—
and should a Child or Children of my Body be hereafter born, my Will is
that such should have the same proportional part of my Estate as the rest, i,e,
if a Son two Dollars & if a Daughter one Dollar. –
Also
I give my Executors hereafter named full power to sell all my real Estate,
& to purchase with the Effects of it a Farm more suitable for my Family,
than that which I may be possessed of at my Death, And should my Executors thus
sell my real Estate & buy another Farm for my Heirs (as I think it would be
best that they should) my Will is, that each of my Heirs should possess &
inherit the same thus purchased for them, as if I had died owner &
possessor of the same.—
I
ordain & appoint the Revd. Lemuel LeBaron & my Wife Abigail
Everitt Executors to this my last Will; – provided nevertheless, should my Son
William Everitt arrive to the Age of twenty one years before my Death or with
thirty days after, I appoint him the said William Executor in the room of the
said Lemuel LeBaron.—
Signed sealed & pronounced this
fifteenth day of
February one thousand eight hundred
& two,
in presence of –
Abigail
White
Lucy
S. Nye Noble Everitt (seal)
Lucinda
Fearing
Nathl
Standish
Presented for probate on 7 Feb.
1820 by Abigail Everitt and William Everitt, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Lucy T. Nye and Nathaniel Standish, two of the Witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Abigail Everitt and
William Everitt, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p.
490-491, from FHL microfilm #0550906.
Will of Josiah Everson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Know all men, That I Josiah Everson of Kingston in the County
of Plymouth, do make this my last will and Testament viz.
First
whereas my present wife Lois possessed at the time of my intermarriage with her
Certain articles of Furniture and some money at Interest for which she had
Notes payables to her, now I hereby give and devise to my said wife in case she
should survive me all said Articles of Furniture and the money which may remain
due on said notes payable to her, or any new Notes which may be hereafter taken
by her or me in payment of the aforesaid Notes so belonging to her before our
intermarriage. Second. I also give and devise to my said beloved wife Lois the
sum of five hundred dollars to be paid in twelve months after my deceas. I also
give and devise to my said wife the improvement of the easterly half of my
house her natural life with the privilege of going out and in both doors and
likewise a privilege in the wood house & seller. I also give my said wife
the improvement of a certain piece of land her natural life bounded as follows
beginning at the east corner of the house running parallel with the house to
the land of Pelham Brewster from thence to the lower end of the orchard from
thence across the foot of the orchard untill abreast of the front door from
thence up to the front door.
I also give the following Articles
of Furniture to my said wife, our (can’t
read), best Table, best work stand, best Looking Glass seven best chairs
Bed and best bedstead, one fourth of all the Bedding which belongs to me best
carpet and also Twenty five dollars in cash for the use of her money And after
the payment of all my just debts, Funeral Charges and the expenses of
administration I leave all that remains to my three boys Thomas Bicknall,
Sidney Everson Charles Everson to be divided equally
I
also appoint Thomas Bicknall, Sidney Everson Executors of my last Will and
Testament.
In
witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23d. day of May
A. D. 1843
Josiah Everson (seal)
Signed sealed and published by
Josiah Everson as his last will in our presence.
Cephas
Wadsworth
Seth
T. Winsor
Lorinda
Briggs
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of August 1843 by Thomas Bicknell and Sidney Everson, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Cephas Wadsworth and Seth J. Winsor, two of the
witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Thomas Bicknall and Sidney
Everson, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p.
336-337, from FHL microfilm #0555268.
Will of Samuel
Everson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen
I, Samuel Everson of
1st
I give & bequeath unto my heirs at Law a certain piece of Land
adjoining my brother Joseph Everson’s Land which was set off to me from my
Grandfather John Everson’s Estate containing about sixteen acres –
2d. I give
& bequeath unto my heirs and the heirs of Benjamin Cook of Kingston
deceased, all the Remainder of my Property both Real and Personal to be equally
divided among them at my decease after paying all my just debts, and funeral
Charges. —
And
I do Constitute and appoint Cyrus Benson of South Bridgewater in sd
County to be my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament revoking all
former Wills.
In
testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written.
Samuel Everson (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
pronounced & declared by the said Saml.
Everson to be his last Will &
testament, in presence of us who at his re-
quest and in his presence hereunto
set our names as witnesses to the
Same— Zenas Bryant Jr.
Thomas
Lanman
James
E. Cushing
Probated on 2 Dec. 1833, and proved
by Zenas Bryant Jr. and Thomas Lanman, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration given to Cyrus Benson of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin F. Faunce of Minot, Androscoggin County, Maine (1856) *
Will
of Benjamin F. Faunce,
I
Benjamin F. Faunce of Minot in the County of Androscoggin & State of Maine,
Knowing the uncertainty of life & being desirous of Controling the disposal
of my property, do make publish and declare the following as my last Will and
Testament.
1st.
I give & bequeath to my son Alvin W. Faunce, twenty five dollars, &
also to my daughter Lucy Anna Faunce, the Sum of twenty five dollars.
2d.
After paying all my Just debts & expenses of Probate of this my last Will
and Testament, I give and bequeath to my Wife Sarah Abigail all the residue of
my property, of whatever description, whether real, personal or mixed.
Lastly,
I Constitute & appoint my Said wife Sarah Abigail, Sole Executrix of this
my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this fourth day of
June A.D. one thousand, eight hundred and fifty six
Benjamin F. Faunce (seal)
Signed
& sealed by the said Benjamin F. Faunce, & by him declared to be his
last Will and Testament and in presence of each other at the Same time
Subscribed our names as witnesses.
Wm
Lowell
Nancy
Faunce
Isaac B.
Goodwin
Presented for probate by Sarah A. Faunce, the Executrix, on
the second Tuesday of Aug. 1855 [sic], and proved by William Lowell, one of the
subscribing witnesses.
Sarah A. Faunce, of Minot, was granted Letters Testamentary
as Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Benjamin F. Faunce, late of
Minot, on the second Tuesday of Aug. 1856.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Androscoggin County Probate Records Vol. 1, p. 294, from FHL
microfilm #010529, Probate of Wills Vol. 1, p. 45, and Letters Testamentary
Vol. 1, p. 33.
Will of Charles A. Faunce of Brockton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1875) *
Be it remembered that I Charles A. Faunce of Brockton in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, but knowing the
uncertainty of this life, do make this my last will and testament.
After the payment of my just debts and funeral charges, I
bequeath and devise as follows.
I give, devise and bequeath to my brother Anthony P. Faunce
the sum of five hundred dollars to have and to hold to him and his heirs
forever.
I give, devise and bequeath to my brother William F. Faunce
the sum of one hundred dollars to have and to hold to him and his heir’s
forever.
I give, devise and bequeath all the residue of my estate,
real, personal and mixed of which I shall die seized or possessed or to which I
shall become entilled in any manner at the time of my decease, to such trustee
as shall be appointed by the Probate Court of the County of Plymouth in said
Commonwealth, to have and to hold to him and his heirs forever, in trust
nevertheless for the following uses and purposes, viz.
First—to invest said residue and pay over the net income
thereof to my mother Juliet Faunce, for and during the term of her natural life
Second. Upon the decease of my said mother to pay over said
residue to my brothers Leonard Faunce, Albert Faunce, Anthony P. Faunce, and
William F. Faunce share and share alike, to have and to hold to them and their
heirs forever.
I
nominate William Perry of Brockton to be the Executor of this will, and I
request that he shall be exempt from giving surety or sureties on his bond as
executor, and I further nominate said William Perry to be the trustee above
named and request that he be exempt from giving surety or sureties on his bond
as trustee.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, and in the presence of three
witnesses declare this to be my last will, this thirteenth day of September in
the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy five.
Charles A. Faunce (seal)
On this thirteenth day of September
A.D. 1875, Charles A. Faunce of Brockton, Massachusetts, signed the foregoing
instrument in our presence, declaring it to be his last will, and as witnesses
thereof we three do now at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of
each other hereto subscribe our names, twelve words erased before signing.
Charles
W. Sumner
Susan
B. Crosby
Gideon
M. Washburn
Presented for probate on the fourth
Monday of December 1875 by William Perry, of Brockton, with L. D. Hervey and L.
H. Shaw, of Brockton, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to William
Perry on 10 Jan. 1876.
George H. Jameson, Benjamin Ellis
Eaton, and William A. Sanford were appointed to appraise the estate of Charles
A. Faunce, late of Brockton, on 27 Dec. 1875. His real estate was appraised at
$400.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p.
525-526, from FHL microfilm #0556648, Vol. 133, p. 327, and Vol. 145, p. 65.
Will of Eleanor Faunce of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In
the name of God amen. I Eleanor Faunce of Kingston Single-woman being weak in
Body but of disposing Mind and Memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do
make & publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following, that is to say.—
1.
First I give and bequeath unto my Sisters Hannah Faunce, Joanna Cook &
Sarah Faunce the Improvement of all my real Estate during their natural Lives,
with power to sell the whole, or any part, if necessary for their comfortable
support, & in case of the Death of either of them before or after my
decease the Survivors or Survivor of said Sisters to have the Improvement &
right of sale as aforesaid—
2d.
I give & bequeath to my sister Lydia Cook Wife of Josiah Cook and to the
Heirs of my Sister Molly Cook deceased all my Woodland that was set off to me
in the Division of the Estate of my Brother John Faunce Esqr.
deceased which lies in that Tract of Land set off to my said Brother in the
Division between him & the Heirs of John Sever, provided said Land is not
disposed of by my Sisters aforesaid during their Lives.—
3d.
I give & bequeath all my other real Estate not otherwise disposed of which
I may leave at the time of my decease, or the decease of my sisters Hannah
Faunce, Joanna Cook & Sarah Faunce, to be equally divided between my
Brothers Eliezer Faunce & Elijah Faunce after the decease of all my said
Sisters aforesaid.—
4th.
I give & bequeath to my said Sisters Hannah Faunce, Joanna Cook & Sarah
Faunce; all my personal Estate of what kind or nature soever if they are living
at the time of my decease; & in case of the Death of either of them before
myself the Survivors or Survivor to have it, and in case of the Death of all of
them before me, I give it to my Brothers Eliezer & Elijah & my Sister
Lydia Cook Wife of Josiah Cook & the Heirs of my Sister Molly Cook
deceased—
5th.
I hereby appoint my Brother Eliezer Faunce my Executor to this my last
Will& Testament.— In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
the twenty fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight
hundred & sixteen—
signed sealed & declared by the
above named Eleanor
Faunce to be her last Will &
Testament in presence of us
Isaac
Washburn Eleanor Faunce (seal)
Susanna
Washburn
John
Gray —
Presented for probate on 29 Jan.
1817 by Eliezer Faunce, the Executor, and proved by Isaac Washburn and John
Gray, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p.
340-341, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Elizabeth Faunce of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1858) *
Be
it known, that I, Elizabeth Faunce of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth and
State of Massachusetts, Widow, do make, publish and declare the following to be
my last & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills.
First.
I give, devise and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth H. Churchill, all the Real
Estate of which I may die seized or possessed or to which I may be in any way
entitled, also all my wearing apparel and all my household furniture, including
crockery, silver ware and all utensils for housekeeping, to her, her heirs and
assigns, forever.
Second.
I give to my Son John Carver, one hundred dollars.
Third.
I give to Josiah Carver, Son of said John, fifty dollars, to be deposited by my
Executor herein after named, in the Plymouth Savings Bank, payable to said
Josiah when he shall have attained the age of twenty one years.
Fourth.
I give to Sylvanus L. Churchill, son of said Elizabeth H., fifty dollars, to be
deposited by my Executor herein after named, in the Plymouth Savings Bank,
payable to said Sylvanus L., when he shall have attained the age of twenty one
years.
Fifth.
I give the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate, if there be any remainder,
to be equally divided between the three daughters of said Elizabeth H.
Churchill.
Any
charges or accounts, which I may have against either of my children are hereby
canceled, provided said children bring no claim against my estate. In case
either of them shall make any claim against my estate, then any charges or
accounts which I may have against such child, are to be considered and remain
valid and effectual, and the devise hereinbefore made to such child, shall
therefore become void and of no effect; it being my intention and desire that
this Will shall operate as a final settlement of all accounts between me and my
children.
If,
after payment of my debts and funeral expenses, my property shall be
insufficient to satisfy all the above devises in full, then my Will is, that
they be satisfied and paid in the following order. – First the devise first
above made to my daughter Elizabeth H. is to be satisfied and paid in full, to
the exclusion, if need be, of all the others.
Second,– the devise to my Son John is to be paid in full, to the
exclusions, if need be, of all the subsequent devises.
Third:
if after the devises to said Elizabeth H., and John, there shall not remain
sufficient property to pay, in full, the devises to my Grandsons Josiah Carver
and Sylvanus L. Churchill, then, and in that case, whatever there may be, is to
be equally divided between them, and disposed of as provided in sections Third
& Fourth.
I
nominate, constitute and appoint Isaac Brewster, of said Plymouth, Executor of
this Will, and direct him to cause such grave-stones as he may deem suitable,
to be placed at my grave, and paid for out of my estate.
In
testimony of all which, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty ninth
day of March, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty eight.
her
Elizabeth X Faunce (seal)
mark
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by Elizabeth Faunce above named, as and for her
last Will and Testament, in our presence, who in her presence, and at her
request, and in presence of each other, have hereunto set our names as
Witnesses.
Jno.
J. Russell
George
Harlow
David
Drew
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of October 1859 by
Isaac Brewster, the Executor, and proved by George Harlow and David Drew, two
of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Elizabeth Faunce, late of
Plymouth, was appraised by Leander Lovell, George Harlow, and David Drew on 1
Oct. 1859, her Real Estate totaled $525, and her Personal Estate totaled
$617.50, including $330 in the Plymouth Savings Bank, and notes from Thomas
Sampson for $50, and from George H. Pratt for $200. Isaac Brewster, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1859.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 101, p. 417-418, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Hannah Faunce of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I Hannah Faunce of Kingston, Singlewoman, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound and perfect mind and
memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make & publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner and form following, (that is to say). First, I give and bequeath unto my
sisters, Eleanor Faunce, Joanna Cook and Sarah Faunce, the improvement of all
my Real Estate during their natural lives, with power to sell the whole or any
part thereof if necessary for their comfortable support; and in case of the
death of either of them before or after my decease the survivor or survivors of
said sisters to have the improvement and right of sale as aforesaid. 2. I give and bequeath all my woodland
that was set off to me in the division of the Estate of my brother John Faunce
Esqr deceased, if not disposed of by my sisters aforesaid during
their lives, which lies in that tract of land set off to my said brother in the
division between him and the heirs of John Sever, to my sister Lydia Cook, wife
of Josiah Cook, and the heirs of my sister Molly Cook, deceased, if the same
tract is not sold by my sisters aforesaid.
3d I give and bequeath all my other Real Estate, not
otherwise disposed of, which I may leave at the time of my decease, or the
decease of my sisters, Eleanor Faunce, Joanna Cook, and Sarah Faunce, to be
equally divided between my brothers, Eliezer Faunce & Elijah Faunce, after
the decease of all my said sisters aforesaid.
4h I give and bequeath to my said sisters aforesaid, Eleanor,
Joanna, & Sarah, all my personal Estate of what kind or nature soever, if
they are living at the time of my decease, and in case of the death of either
of them before myself, the survivor or survivors to have it; and in case of the
death of all of them before me, I give it to my brothers Eliezer & Elijah,
and my sister Lydia Cook, wife of Josiah Cook, and the heirs of my sister Molly
Cook, decd. 5. I hereby
appoint my brother Eliezer Faunce my Executor to this my last Will and
Testament.
In
witness whereof I the said Hannah Faunce have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this twenty-fourth day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.
1816.
Signed, sealed, and declared 2
interlines before signing
by the above named Hannah
Faunce to be her last Will and Hannah Faunce (seal)
Testament in presence of us
Isaac
Washburn
Susanna
Washburn
John
Gray
Presented for probate on 17 Sept.
1827 by Eliezer Faunce, the Executor, and proved by John Gray, one of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p.
271-273, from FHL microfilm #0555258.
Will of John
Faunce of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1751) *
In the Name of God Amen on the Twenty First Day of Octr.
1751 – I John Faunce of Kingston In the
county of Plimouth In the Province of the Massachusets Bay In New England
Yeoman being In a Very Low State of Helth and Weak of Body but of Perfect Mind
and Memmory Thanks be Given to God therefor calling to Mind the Mortaleti of My
Body and Knowing that it Is Appointed to all Men Once to Die do make and Ordain
this My Last Will and Testement that is to Say Principaly and first of all I
Give and Recommend my Soul Into the Hands of God that gave it and My body I
Recommend to the Eairth to be buried In Decent christain Buriel at the
Descretion of My Executor: Nothing Doubting but at the Generail Rezerrction I
Shall Receive the Same again by the Mighty Power of God and as Touching Such
Worly Estate Wherewith it hat pleased God to Bless Me with in this Life I Give
Demise and Dispose of the Same in the Following Manner and form: Imprimas: I
Give and Bequeath to My beloved Son John Faunce whome I Likewise constetute make
and Ordain My Soule Executor of this My Last Will and Testement: all and
Singuler My Home Steed Farm Whereon I Now Dwell with all the Buildings there On
Excepting My part of the Furnice Standing on said Farm and some other Resarves
Hereafter to be Mentioned together with one Half of My Salt Meddow and one Half
of My ceder Swamp Lying at a place called Black Water and one Half of My part
of My Furnice above mentioned and one acre of Meaddow at a place called Dotens
Meddows In the Township of Plimton and also the Shortist of My Two Guns and
Sword by him Freely to be Posessed and Enjoyed— — — —
Item: I Give and Bequeath unto My Beloved Son Benjamin Faunce
the Other Half of My Salt Meddow and ceder Swamp above Mentioned Together with
Twenty Two acres of Land Lying in Kingston called My Iron Ore Lot be the Same
more or Less and My part of one Hundred Acres of Land I have in partnership
with Gamalell Bradford Esqr. and Mr. Benjm.
Samson Lying In Kingston above said and the Other Half of My part of the
Furnice aforesaid and Also the Other of My Guns by Him freely to be possessed
and Enjoyed— — — —
and Likewise I constitute and appoint My Son John Faunce to
be Guardian To My Son Benjm. During his Minority— — — —
Item: I Give and Bequeath to My Five Daughters and
Grandchildren (viz) Judeth Warshborn Lydia Warshburn Mary curtis Mehitebal
cushman and Rebekah Repley and the three children of My Daughter Hannah cook
Deceased all My Personall Estate Together with all My Household Goods Debts
& Movebels: Effects after My Funerail Charges & Just Debts are payed:—
To be Equally Divided Amongst them the three children to Have one Shear ~ Item:
I Give and Bequeath to My Daughter Lydia above mentioned My Cedar Swamp that I
have in Partnership with my son John to my Daughter Lydia abovesaid Lying in
the Town Ship of Pembrook Together With a Suteball convenance in My Dwelling
House and Priveledge in My Orchard and a Sutabel & convenant Guardian Spot
During her Widdow hood and also to Have one cow Keept on this My Farme booth
Winter and Summor During Her Widdow Hood as above said the ceder Swamp to her
own fore Ever by her freely to be possessed and Enjoyed and further My Will and
plesher is that My son John pay to my three Daughters (viz) Judith Warshburn
Lydia Warshburn and Mehetabel Cushman & the three Grand children above
Mentioned the full and Just Sum of Ten pounds thirtee Shillings & Eight
pence Currant Lawfull Money of New England to be paid Two years after my Decease
& to be Equaly Divided amongst them ye three Grand children to
Have One Shair ~~~~~~
And I Do Hereby Utterly Dissalow and Dissanull all and Every
Other former Testements Will Legaces and Bequests and Executors by Me in Eney
Ways Before Named Willed and Bequeathed Rettifing and confirming this and No
Other to be my Last Will and Testement in Witness Where of I Have Hereunty Set
My Hand Seal the Day and Year Above Written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and John Faunce (seal)
Declared By the Said John Faunce as His Last Will and
Testement In
Presence of us the Subscribers — — —
Abiel Fuller
Peleg Bradford
caleb cook Junr
Probated on 2 Dec. 1751, and proved by Abiel Fuller and Peleg
Bradford.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Faunce of
Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
The eleventh day of august 1768. John Faunce of Kingston in
the county of Plymouth in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New England
yeoman, being in a very low state of health and weak of body, but of a perfect
mind & memory, thanks be given to almighty God therefor, calling to mind
the mortality of my body, and knowing it is appointed for all men to die, I
make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, principally
& first of all, I give & recomend my soul unto the hands of God that
gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian
burial at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God; and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased to God to bless bless me
in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner
& form.
Imprs. I give and bequeath unto my beloved son
John Faunce, and to his heirs as followeth, the northeasterly side of my
homestead farm whereon I now dwell, with all the buildings thereon, besides
what is hereafter expressed, begining at the south easterly corner of my
fifteen acres lot, by that to Drakes hole, to a pine stump with stones about
it, thence north fortysix degrees west, sixty four rods to a stake & stones
about it, standing at the head of Little Winter meadow, thence I bind him to a
ditch that runs thro’ said meadow, by said ditch to a damm, and thence as the
fence now stands and the said brook until it comes to my dipping place, and
thence as my pasture fence now standeth, to a ditch that is on both sides of
Trout brook to a cause way thence north forty eight degrees west to Thomas
Tyler esqs. Land; and eight acres of woodland of the southeast end
of the lot I bought of Richard Adams; & the one half of my salt meadow,
& the one third part of my cedar swamp, also one sixteenth part of my
furnace, & the one eighth of my saw mill, & the one half of my pew in
Meeting house.
Item. Give and bequeath unto my beloved son Eliezer Faunce,
& his heirs, the other part of my homestead farm that I have not given unto
my son John Faunce, and the other half of my salt meadow, that I have not given
unto my son John, & the one third part of my cedar swamp with my son John,
and my other sixteenth part of the furnace, and the one eighth part of my saw
mill, and the other half of my pew in the body of the meeting house, adjoining
Lothrop,s and Cushmans. ~~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my beloved son Elijah Faunce
& his heirs, all my Lands & meadows lying in the township of Plymouth,
and the other third part of cedar swamp that I have not given to my other two
sons, and the other third part of my saw-mill that I have not given to my sons
John & Eliezer. ~~
My will is that my son John Faunce shall at twelve months
from my decease shall pay thirteen pounds, six Shillings & eight pence, in
any movable effects to my daughters to be equally divided between them. -----
Also that my son Eliezer Faunce at the age of twenty one, shall pay to my
daughters thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence in movable effects
to be equally divided between them. ~~
Item, I give & bequeath to my wife Hannah Faunce the one
third part of all my personal estate, and the use of the westerly end of my
dwelling-house and privilege in my cellar during her widdowhood, & a
privilege in my orchard for herself, & a garden-spot during her widdowhood,
And my will is that my two sons John Faunce & Eliezer Faunce shall find
wood carted & cut at the door for my wife Hannah Faunce as much as she
shall stand in need off so long as she shall remain my widdow, & that my
two sons John & Eliezer each of them shall keep their mother a cow winter
& summer during her widdowhood. My will is that my sons John & Eliezer
shall let their mother have eight bushels of rye & indian corn a year,
yearly, apiece, & ground to meal if needed, and also about five pounds
sheeps wool between them, & six pounds of flax a year, yearly, & forty
weight beef, & find a horse for her between them, to ride, and sauce
sufficient for her between them. ~~
Likewise, I do constitute & appoint my son in law Robert
Cook, and my son John Faunce to be my executors of this my last will &
testament. ~~
Likewise, I do constitute and appoint my son in law Robert
Cook to be guardian for my daughter Hannah Faunce & son Eliezer Faunce,
& Elijah Faunce, during their minority
Likewise, I do constitute & appoint my son John Faunce to
be guardian for my daughter Eleanor Faunce, & my daughter Molly Faunce,
& my daughter Joann Faunce, and my daughter Sarah Faunce, during their
minority. ~~
Also my will is after my funeral charges are paid, & my
just debts are all dischargd (if any there be) that all my personal estate
that I have not before disposed off to be equally divided between all my
daughters. ------ And I do hereby
utterly disallow & disanul all other former testaments, wills, legacies,
& bequests, executors, by me in any way before named, willed, &
bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will &
testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal November
the 28th. 1768.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, & delivered by the
sd. John Faunce as his last will & testament,
in the John Faunce (seal)
presence of us the subscribers.
Jonathan
Cushman
Reuben
Bisbee, David Ripley. ~~
Presented for probate on 2 Jan. 1769 by Robert Cook and John
Faunce, the executors, and proved by Jonathan Cushman and Reuben Bisbee, two of
the witnesses.
The Inventory of Mr. John Faunce, late of Kingston, was
appraised by Robert Bradford, Benjamin Cook and Jabez Washburne junr. on 9 Jan.
1769, and totaled £1132.6.10, including his personal estate valued at
£283.14.2, and his real estate valued at £848.12.8.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Faunce of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
Be it remembered that I John Faunce of Kingston in the County
of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Yeoman being weak in body, but sound and
perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and
publish this my last Will & Testament in manner and form following that is
to say –
First. I give unto my
Brother Benjamin Faunce and to my Brother Tilden Faunce all my freehold Estate
in Kingston and elsewhere to hold to them the said Benjamin Faunce & Tilden
Faunce their heirs and assigns forever, to be equally divided between them –
Second, I give unto my Brother Stephen Faunce the sum of Ten
Dollars which said legacy I will and order, shall be paid to the said legatee
within six months after my decease,
3d. Lastly as to all the rest residue and
remainder of my Personal Estate goods and chattels of what kind and nature
soever I give and bequeath the same to the said Benjamin Faunce and Tilden
Faunce to be equally divided between them, after paying my just debts and
funeral charges –
I hereby appoint Josiah Holmes Executor of this my last Will
and Testament. In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & seal the twenty seventh day of January in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & twenty nine, 1829.
Signed sealed published and declared his
by the above named John Faunce to be John X Faunce (seal)
his last will & testament in the presence of us who at
his request mark
and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses to the same
Jehiel Washburn
Josiah Holmes
Asa cook
Probated on 16 Feb. 1829, and proved by Jehiel Washburn,
Josiah Holmes and Asa Cook, the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Josiah Holmes of Kingston, on 16 Feb. 1829.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Faunce late of Kingston,
appraised by Jehiel Washburn, Samuel Soule and Asa Cook on 11 Mar. 1829,
totaled $1615.47, including his real estate valued at $1405.50. Josiah Holmes,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 Mar. 1829.
John Gray, Robert Cushman, and Asa Cook, all of Kingston,
were appointed to divide the Real Estate of John Faunce, late of Kingston,
between his brother Benjamin Faunce and Tilden Faunce on 13 Apr. 1829. The
division was dated 8 Mar. 1830, and confirmed on 15 Nov. 1830.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 455-456, from FHL microfilm
#0555259, Vol. 67, p. 113, and Vol. 69, p. 498-500.
Will of Joseph
Faunce of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1723) *
In the Name of God amen. I Joseph Faunce of ye
Town & County of Plymouth in new:England yeoman: being under Bodely
weakness & Infirmity (thoh Through ye Divine Favour
of Sound & desposing mind & memory) do make & ordain This my last
Will & Testament as followeth (viz) I do in ye first Place give
up my Imortal Soul to God that gave it & my Body to be Decently interr’d
after my Decease: and as to my temporal Estate (my Just Debts Sick Bed &
funeral Expenses being first Paid) I give & Bequeath to my Loving wife
Judith Faunce for Her Support & Comfort during Her natural Life: The use
Profits & Improvement of all my Housing & Lands: & of all my
moveable or Personall Estate Except what is here afterwards Excepted: giving
Her Hereby full Power & authority to Sell all my Lands & Swamps in
Middleborough in ye County aforesd (if it be needfull)
for ye Payment of my Just Debts & what She Shall not be under
necessity of Parting with for Her Support during Her Life: & shall appear
after Her Death then to be my Estate, Either Reall or Personall: I give &
Bequeath ye Same to my Three Daughters Hannah, Mary & Mehitable
to whome I have heretofore given Something at their marriage: Item my wearing
apparrell & arms I give to my four Sons, John, Joseph, Eleazer
& Thomas: to whome I have by Deed of Gift already given a Considerable Part
of my Estate: Item: I do Constitute & appoint my Sd Loving wife
to be Executrix of this my last Will & Testamt. Hereby Revoking
& making utterly null & void all former Wills and Testamts.
by me made: Ratifying Confirming & allowing this & no other for my last
Will, and In Testimony thereof I have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal this
twenty ninth day of march anno Domini one thousand Seven Hundred & twenty
three 1723
Signed Sealed & Declared
to be His last Will & Testamt.
In Presence of Joseph Faunce (seal)
Josiah Cotton His Marke
Nathaniel Holmes
Eleazer Holmes
Proved on 6 March 1724/25 by Josiah Cotton, Nathaniel Holmes
& Eleazer Holmes, and letter of administration granted to Judith Faunce
Relict widdow of sd deceased on 26 March 1725.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Joseph Faunce,
late of Plymouth, was appraised by Benjamin Warren, John Holmes, and Eleazer
Holmes on 11 Mar. 1724/25, not totaled, but his Land at Crane brook Ponds in
Plymouth, 124 acres, was valued at only £6.10.0, and his right in the Sixteen
Shilling Purchase in Middleborough, being one third of a share was valued at
£30. Mrs. Judith Faunce, the Relict and sole Executrix, gave her
oath to the inventory on 26 Mar. 1725.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Faunce of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1823) *
In
the name of God amen. I Joseph Faunce of the town of Middleborough Yeoman being
weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God, calling
unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing that is appointed for all men
once to die do make and ordain this my last will and Testament, that is to say,
Principally & first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of
Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in
decent christian burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but
at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power
of God, and touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless
me in this life, I give & bequeath the same in the following manner.
First
I give to my Brother James Faunce a parcel of land containing about two acres
lying in said Middleborough (near the old house so called) and is bounded on
the southwest by the farm lately owned by Freeman Cole, and on the southeast by
the highway, and on the other sides by the land of James Faunce, together with
two thirds of that wood and timber that I bought of John Keith & Abbey
Keith the wife of John Keith bounds and descriptions reference may be had to
the lease from sd John & Abigail to the sd Joseph
Faunce bearing date the twenty seventh day of November eighteen hundred and
twenty two.
Secondly,
I give unto my Brother John Faunce my house with all the privilege I have in
the same, together with that lot of land adjoining said house, and is bounded
on the south by the highway, and on the east and north by the land of James
Faunce and on the west by the land of John Keith, together with one third part
of that parcel of wood and timber I bought of John Keith as above described.
I
also give to my sister Hannah Faunce my chest of Drawers.
And
I appoint Samuel Thompson the sole Executor of this my last will and Testament,
hereby revoking all other wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of
January eighteen hundred & twenty three.
Signed, Sealed, published &
declared
by the above named Joseph Faunce to
be his last will and Testament in
presence of us who at his request
and
in his presence have hereunto
subscri- Joseph
ed our names as witnesses to the
same. his Joseph mark (seal)
Calvin
Tillson Faunce
John
Keith
Noah
Bisbee
Presented for probate on 14 Apr.
1823 by Samuel Thompson, the Executor, and proved by Calvin Tillson, John
Keith, and Noah Bisbee, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, p.
504-506, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of Nathaniel Faunce of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
Be it Remembered that I Nathaniel Faunce of Dartmouth in the
County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts House wright Being in Good
Health and perfect Memory do this tenth Day of June Anno Domini one thousand
eight hundred and nine make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in
manner following that is to Say
Imprimis I Give to my Son Thomas Faunce and to his heirs and
assigns forever my wood Lot that I bought of John Tallman Bounded as followeth
Beginning at the South East Corner Bound of my Said Son Thomas’s Land that he
now holds by Deed from me from thence Southerly a Straite Line to a Stake and
heap of Stones a Corner bound of Stoten Booths Land thence westerly to the high
way thence in the Line of said way Norherly to the Southwest Corner of his Said
Land thence to first mentioned Bound
Item I Give to my Son James Faunce my Desk and all the Debts
that may be Due to me at my Deceas
Item I Give to my Daughter Patience Faunce my Side Sadle and
fifty Dollars in Money to be paid by my Executor hereafter named in one year
after my Deceas
Item I Give to my four Daughters namely Patience Faunce Lidia
Faunce Sarah Faunce and Margaret Faunce all my House hold Furniture and in Door
Movables to be Equally Divided between them to them their Heirs and assigns
forever
also I Give to my Said four Daughters namely Patience Faunce
Lidia Faunce Sarah Faunce and Margaret Faunce the use and improvement of the
one half of my Home stead farm where on I now Live together with one half my
Dwelling House and Wood Sufficient for the use of fire for them So Long as they
Shall Remain Single or unmarried
and my Will is that my Said Son James Faunce Should improve
the Said half of my Said home stead farm for his Said four Sisters and if he
Doth Support and maintain them that the overplus of Said improvement if any
there be Should be his own and if the one half of my Said homestead is not
Sufficient for the Support of my Said four Daughters my will is that they be
Supported out of the Remaining half of Said home stead
Item I Give to my Said Son James Faunce the other or Remaing
half of my Said homestead farm together with the Revertion of the first
mentioned half of my Said homestead farm after the Mariage or Death of my Said
four Daughters to him his heirs and assigns forever
Item I Give to my two Sons Thomas Faunce and James Faunce all
my wearing appearrel to be Equally Divided between them
Item I also Give and Bequeath to my Said Son James Faunce all
the Rest and Residue of my Estate Real and Personal not herein before
Bequeathed and Devised wherever the Same may be found. and Lastly I do
Constitute and ordain my Said Son James Faunce Sole Executor of this my Last
Will and Testament In Testimony whereof I do hereunto Set my hand and Seal the
Day and year above Written
Nathaniel Faunce (seal)
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and Declared by
the Said Nathaniel Faunce as and for his Last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who at
his Request and in his Presence here unto Set
our names as Witnesses to the Same
Isaiah Chase
Zebedee Jones
John Rogers
May
7. 1822 Approved.
Proved by Isaiah Chase, Zebedee
Jones and John Rogers on 7 May 1822.
To the Hon Hodijah Bayles Esqr Judge of the
Probate of Wills &c for the County of Bristol
It being inconvenient to me to Execute the Duty of an
Executor to the Last will and Testament of Nathaniel Faunce Late of Dartmouth
in said County Deceased I Do hereby Signify and Declare to your Honor my
Refusal of that Trust
Dartmouth July 30th 1822 James Faunce
NB I also Request that John Rogers Esqr may be
appointed to that Trust
At a Probate Court holden at Westford in and for the County
of Bristol on the thirtieth day of July A. D. 1822.
Whereas
James Faunce who is named as Executor of the Last Will and Testament of
Nathaniel Faunce late of Dartmouth in said County deceased has in writing
declined taking upon himself said trust and requested that John Rogers of said
Dartmouth may be appointed Administrator of the estate of said deceased with
the Will annexed – I do therefore decree that the said Rogers be appointed
Administrator with the Will annexed of the estate of said deceased.
Given
under my hand and seal of Office the day and year above written
H.
Baylies, J. Prob.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File
“Nathaniel Faunce, Dartmouth, 1822.”
Will of Olive Faunce of Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine (1875) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Olive Faunce
of Auburn in the County of Androscoggin and State of Maine, being weak in body
but of a sound and perfect mind and memory, do make publish and declare this my
last will and testament in manner and form following viz:
First. I give and bequeath all the
property which I shall be possessed of at the time of my death unto my two
beloved sisters Eliza Adams and Lydia Crooker and to my beloved grand – child
Emma Ada Faunce to be divided among them equally after the payment of my just
debts and funeral charges and the fitting of my burying lot by erecting an iron
fence around the same and inscribing my name and age upon the monument now
standing on my lot.
Secondly. I hereby appoint George M. Roak of Auburn to
be the sole executor of this my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of August A.D.
1875.
as said Rubin
Olive Faunce
Signed
published and declared by the said Olive Faunce to be her last will and
testament in presence of us who at her request in her presence and in the
presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
A.
M. Pulsifer
Charles
Judkins
Julia
Judkins
Presented for probate on 21 Sept.
1875 by George M. Roak of Auburn, the Executor. She died on 23 Aug. 1875.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Androscoggin County Probate Records
Vol. 5, p. 53, from FHL microfilm #010531, and Probate of Wills Vol. 2, p. 12.
Will of Patience Faunce of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1839) *
Be it remembered that I Patiance Faunce of Dartmouth in the
County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Single woman Considering
the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of Sound and perfect minde and
memory blessed be allmighty God for the Same do make and publish this my last
Will and testament in manner and form following that is to Say first I give and
devise unto my nephew Thomas Faunce Second the Son of James Faunce and to his
heirs and assigns all my royal estate namely a lot of land situate in said
Dartmouth it being a part of the farm formerly owned by my father and is
bounded Easterly by David G. Wilsons Northerly by the highway Westerly and
Southerly by James Faunces land Containing eleven acres I do also give and
bequeth to my Brother Thomas Faunce one bed and Beding to furnish the same – I
do also give and bequeth to my brother James Faunce one bed and beding to
furnish the same I do also give and bequeth to Levy Faunce one larg brass
Kittle I also give my wearing apparel to be equelly devided amongst the
daughters of my brothers Thomas and James I further give and bequeth the
remainder of my indore household stuff to be equely devided amongst my two
brothers children
and lastly as to all the rest residue and remainder of my
personal estate goods and chattles of what kind and nature soever I give and
bequeath the same to my Said nephew Thomas Faunce Second whom I hearby appoint
Sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former
wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this
fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty nine
Signed Sealed published and declared Patience Faunce (seal)
by the above named Patience Faunce
to be hir Last will and testament
in the presents of us who at hir request
and in hir presents have hereunto Subscribed
our names as witnesses to the same
Jepthah
Ashley
Abel
Briggs
David
G Wilson
Dec
16th 1839
Approved heirs consent
We, James Faunce & Thomas Faunce the only heirs at law of
the within named testatrix hereby signify our consent to the proving of the
within will.
November 16th 1939 Thomas Faunce
James
Faunce
Proved by David G. Wilson, one of the witnesses, on 16 Dec.
1839. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Faunce 2d, of Dartmouth,
on 16 Dec. 1839, with David G. Wilson and Caleb Maxfield of New Bedford as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Patience Faunce, Dartmouth, 1839,”
from FHL microfilm #0575138.
Will of Rebecca Faunce of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1862) *
Be
it known that I Rebecca Faunce of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth State of
Massachusetts, being advanced in age but of sound mind and memory, do make
publish and declare this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament in manner
following.
First.
I give devise and bequeath to my Grandson Nathl B. Faunce ten
dollars to be paid him by my Executor hereinafter named soon after my decease
as may be convenient for his full share of my estate.
Second.
I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Jane Smith wife of Peter W. Smith, a
part of a certain dwelling house and lot on Summer Street owned and occupied by
me, namely, the two back chambers, the bed room and buttery on the West end of
said chambers, the Easterly half of the garret, one half of my undivided one
third of the cellar and one half of the land to me belonging adjoining said
house with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging to her
and her heirs and assigns forever.
Third.
I give, devise and bequeath to my daughter Dorcas M. Pierce the remaining part
of my said house namely, the Easterly front chamber, the North Easterly bed
chamber, one half of my undivided one third of the cellar and one half of the
land to me belonging adjoining said house with all the privileges and
appurtenances to the same belonging to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Fourth.
I hereby appoint my Grandson Phineas Pierce sole Executor of this my last Will
and Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of June
one thousand eight hundred and sixty two.
Rebecca Faunce (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Rebecca Faunce to be her last
Will and Testament in presence of us who at her request in her presence and in
the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
J.
B. Atwood
Daniel
J. Robbins
Leander
Lovell
Plymouth SS. To the
Judge of Probate for Plymouth,
Respectfully
represents the undersigned that he having been appointed Executor of the
foregoing Will of Rebecca Faunce, hereby decline that trust.
P. Pierce
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of December 1862 by Peter W. Smith, of Plymouth, who petitioned for
Administration with Will annexed of the Estate of Rebecca Faunce, late of
Plymouth, with Phineas Pierce of Boston and Chas. S. Holmes and Saml.
Talbot, of Plymouth, as sureties. Letters of Administration with Will annexed
were granted to Peter W. Smith on 1 Dec. 1862.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 104, p.
211-212, from FHL microfilm #0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 92 (91).
Will of Sarah Faunce of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
In the
name of God, Amen, I Sarah Faunce of Kingston, singlewoman, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life & being of a sound & perfect mind &
memory, Blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make & publish this my
last Will & Testament, in manner & form following, that is to say;
1st.
I give & bequeath unto my nephews Kilburn Faunce & Charles C. Faunce
all my real estate excepting what will be hereafter disposed of by this
Instrument.
2d.
I give & bequeath unto my nephew & niece, Asa Cook & Judith
Hammond, widow, that tract of Woodland that was set off to me in the division
of the estate of my Brother, John Faunce Esq. deceased, which lies in that
tract of Land set off to my said Brother, in the division between him & the
heirs of John Sever.
3d. I
give & bequeath unto my niece Molly Cook all my right in the Dwelling House
and lot where I now live, which is one fourth part of the same. I also give
& bequeath to the said Molly Cook all my right in a Pew, on the lower floor
of the First Congretional Meeting House in Kingston which was set off to me in
the division of the Estate of my brother John Faunce Esq deceased.
4th.
I give & bequeath unto the heirs of my brothers Eleazer Faunce deceased and
Elijah Faunce, deceased, & Molly Cook deceased, equal, all my personal
Estate to them or to their heirs.
5th.
I hereby appoint my nephews, Kilburn Faunce & Charles C. Faunce, my
Executors to this my last Will & Testament.
In
witness whereof I the said Sarah Faunce have hereunto set my hand & seal
this thirteenth day of December A.D. one thousand, eight hundred & thirty
seven.
Sarah Faunce (seal)
Signed,
sealed & declared to be her last Will & Testament in presence of us.
Peleg
Bradford
John
Fuller 2d.
Benjamin
Dunham
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1849 by
Kilburn Faunce and Charles C. Faunce, the Executors, and proved by Peleg
Bradford and Benjamin Dunham, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Sarah Faunce, late of
Kingston, singlewoman, was appraised by John Gray, Thomas C. Holmes, and Peleg
Bradford on 9 Oct. 1849, her real estate totaled $482.00, sundries in the house
valued were at $125, and cash on hand was $54.75. Kilburn Faunce and Charles C.
Faunce, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on the first Monday of
Dec. 1849, and the personal estate of the deceased was ordered sold at public
auction on 3 Dec. 1849.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p. 621-624, from FHL microfilm
#0555640.
Will of Elder
Thomas Faunce of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1745) *
In the name of the Ever Living God Amen —
I Thomas Faunce of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth &
Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England Elder of the Church of Christ
in said Town being Sensible of My frailty and Mortallity and not knowing how
soon soon it Shall Please God to put a period to my temporal life, do apprehend
it my Duty to set my house in Order Before I die, And though I am under bodyly
Weakness & decays of Nature (being in the Ninety Eighth year of my Age) Yet
blessed be the Lord Jehovah my God and Saviour I am of Sound Disposeing Mind
and memory, And therefore do make & Ordain this my last will and Testament
– In the First place I Commend my Immortall Spiritt into the hands of God the
Father Son & holy Ghost my Creator my Preserver Redeemer & Sanctyfier,
humbly relying on the Alone Meritts and Intercession of the Lord Jesus my Dear
Saviour & Trusting Entirely in the promises of the Gospel Covenant through
him for the pardon of all my Sins and Eternal Salvation ~ And My body I comit
to the Earth where it was Originally taken, (to be decently buried by the
Executor and Overseers of this my last Testament) in Good hope of a
Resurrection at the last day to Immortal life & bliss through Jesus Christ
the first Fruits of them that Sleep when death Shall be Swallowed up in victory
—
And as to Such Worldly Goods & Estate as it pleased God
to bestow upon me my Will respecting the Disposal thereof is as follows viz —
1 My Will is that all
my just Debts and Funeral Charges & just Expences be in the first place
paid and discharged out of my personal Estate —
2 I Give and Bequeath
to my Eldest son John Faunce & to his Heirs and Assigns forever (besides
the lands I have formerly Given him by Deed) all that Tract of Land (being
fifty Acres of thereabouts) where on he hath built and now dwelleth in Plimouth
Aforesd —
Allso all my right in the Swamp adjoyning thereto (being
about Six or Seven Acres) Commonly Called the Damm Swamp allso Six or Seven
Acres of land (more or less) lying upon Eell river (so called) on the Southerly
side of sd. river. Allso forty two Acres out of my Sixty Acre lot of
land laid out upon a plain Near ye. Road that Goeth to half way
pond. allso my whole Lott of land in Middleboro. lying Near to the
New Furnace in the South Purchase (so called) which I had by Deed of my Brother
Joseph Faunce —
Moreover I Give to my son John Faunce as Aforesd.
all my Glasier Tools. Allso the Moiety or half part of my wearing Apparell
allso the Great Bible that was my Fathers —
3 I Give &
bequeath to my son Thomas Faunce & to his Heirs & assigns forever all
my Farm Messuage or homestead whereon I now Dwell in said Plimouth both upland
& meadow with all the Buildings, Fences Improvements & thereon.
Allso Forty Acres of land lying at a place Called Warrens’
Wells Plain ~
Allso Eighteen Acres of Land (being the other part of the
Sixty Acre Lot aforesaid) laid adjoyning to my Homestead beforementioned) allso
Drodatis Annotations on the Bible. Allso the Other half part of my Wearing
Apparell. allso my Silver Seal. —
4. My Will is that the
Lands lying in the Township of Midellboro. which I have formerly
Given by Deed to my Daughter Joanna Paddock wife of Ichabod Paddock be her full
portion out of my Lands and Real Estate. —
5 I Give and bequeath
to my Daughter Patience Kempton wife of Ephraim Kempton & to her heirs and
assigns forever one full Third part in quantity & quality of my hundred
Acre lott (so called) in Middleborough Aforesd. in the Majors
Purchase (so called) which I bought of George Dauson Allso one full third part
as aforesaid of my other hundred Acre lot in said Middleborough Also One third
Part as aforesaid of Eight Acres & One quarter of Meadow And allso a Third
part as Aforesaid of a Cedar Swamp all within said purchase in Middleboro.
Aforesaid.
6 I Give and Bequeath
to my daughter Martha Dotey wife of Isaac Dotey deceasd & to her heirs and
Assigns forever One full Third part in quantity & quality of the Two Lotts
(One hundred Acres Each) and of the Eight Acres And a quarter of Meadow and the
Cedar Swamp beforementioned in Middleborough. —
7 I Give and Bequeath
to my daughter Jane wife of Ebenezer Finney a full third part in quantity &
quality of the Aforesd. two (Hundred Acre) Lots, and of the sd.
Eight Acres & a quarter of Meadow and the said Cedar Swamp in Middleboro,
that is to say to her Dureing her Natural life and on her decease to her
Children & heirs of her body born & to their Heirs & assigns
forever.
8 My will is that
after my Just debts & funeral Charges are paid out of my Personal Estate
the Remainder of sd. Estate be Divided Amongst my said Four
Daughters, viz. Patience Kempton Martha Doty Joanna Paddock & Jane Finney,
so as that they all have an Equal Share includeing what each of them have
receivd allready Out of my said Estate —
9 I Give and bequeath
to my Daughter in law Lydia Faunce wife of my son Thomas Faunce & to her
heirs & assigns forever a Piece of Salt Marsh meadow lying upon said Eell
river Known by the Name of the half Acre & According to the Ancient Bounds
thereof ~ And this Bequeathment I make as a Token of my Love in a Gratefull
Sense of of her tender Care & Unwearied pains & labour for my support
and Comfort by Night and day for many Years in my Weak and Feble State of Old
age and I pray God allmighty to reward her Good Deeds towards me.
10 I Give and bequeath
Unto my Great Grandson Jabez Faunce son of my Granddaughter Sarah Faunce
deceasd One Lot of land in Middleborough Aforesd. lying within the
South Purchase so called that is to say to him dureing his Natural life and on his
Decease to the Heirs of his Body lawfully begotten & to their heirs &
Assigns forever. And further my Will is that if the said Jabez die without
Lawfull Issue then the sd. Lot of land Shall return to and be
equally Divided Amongst my Children or their Heirs.—
And I do Ordain and Constitute my Son John Faunce aforesaid
The Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament trusting in his care and
fidelity, & Solemly Chargeing him as he will answer it to the Great God
Faithfully to Execute & Fulfill Every part and Article of ye.
Same, according to the true intent and meaning thereof — And furthermore I do
Appoint my Beloved Friends James Warren Eqr & Elisha Dotey the
Overseers of this my last Testament requesting them to Advise and Assist My
said Executor as occation may require in ye Management of matters
& perticulers therein & relateing thereunto —
And I do by these presents Revoke Disanull make void all
other and former wills & Testaments by me made & Executed and do allow
Ratyfie & Confirm this present & none other as my last Testament —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixd.
My Seal this twenty first day of March Anno Domini One Thousand Seven hundred
and forty five.
Signed Sealed Published and
Declared buy the sd. Elder Thomas
Faunce As his Last Will and Thomas Faunce (seal)
Testament in the Presence of us
Elisha Doten
Thomas Bartlett
Joseph Warren
John Finney
Plymouth Sc. March 7th 1745[/46]. The abovenamed
Executor Refuseing the Executorship The Witnesses to this will viz Elisha Dotey
Thomas Bartlett Joseph Warren & John Finney made Oath that they Saw the sd.
Thomas Faunce the Testator Sign & Seal & heard him declare this
Instrument to be his last will & Testamt. and that they in his
presence Subscribed as Witnesses & that he was then of Sound mind in their
Judgements—
Before Jno. Cushing Judge of Probates—
Letters of Administration with will annexed granted to Thomas
Faunce, of Plimo. in the County of Plimouth Yeoman, on 22 Mar.
1745[/46].
An Inventory of the Estate of Elder Thomas Faunce late of
Plimouth Deceasd taken March A.D. 1746, by James Warren, Jno Finney,
and Joseph Marton, totaled £873.17.4, including his home lot of 30 acres valued
at £112.10, the upland belonging to the homestead valued at £203.15, the
hundred acre lot where Dea. Finney lived valued at £187.10, the other hundred
acre lot in Middleborough valued at £57.10, the meadow below the Bridge valued
at £50, and several other parcels of land. Thomas Faunce, the administrator cum
Testemento annexo, gave his oath to the inventory on 9 July 1746.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, pp. 101-106, 317-318.
Will of Thomas Faunce of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
The last
Will & Testament of Thomas Faunce
I Thomas Faunce of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol yeoman
being of a Sound disposing Mind and Memory for which I desire to be truly
Thankful and Calling to mind the uncertainty of life thought best to make this
my last Will while thus favoured with ability and as to the worldly Estate
wherewith I have been Blessed in this life I Give devise and dispose of the
Same in the following manner viz
1th
I Give to my Seven daughters Namely
Abigail Snell Lucy G. Hafford Paulina Snell Salley A Terry Hannah C. Wilson
Emeline Collins & Phebe Ann Faunce the dwelling house and lot Which I own
in Newbedford on North Street to be equilly divided between them
2d
I give to my Six daughters Namely
Abigail Snell Lucy G. Hafford Paulina Snell Sally A. Terry Hannah C. Wilson
& Emeline Collins one half of my Household Furnature except my desk to be
equilly divided between them
3d I give to my daughter Phebe Ann Faunce the
other half of My household furnature except my desk
4th I give to my aforesaid Seven daughters Fifty
dollars Each to be Paid by my Son John Faunce one year after my decease
5th I Give to My Said daughter Phebe Ann Faunce
Thirty five dollars a year during the time or term She the Said Phebe remains
Single and un Married after my decease to be Paid by my Son John Faunce
6th I Give to my Son John Faunce all the rest and
residue of My Estate Both Real and Personal Where ever found to him and his
heirs and assigns
Finally I
appoint my Said Son John Faunce Sole Executor to this my last Will &
testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my Hand and Seal this twenty Eighth day of November in the year of our lord one
thousand Eight Hundred and Forty
Signed Sealed in Presence
of us Who at his request Thomas Faunce (seal)
Subscribed our Names
as Witnesses to the Same June 21 1841
Joseph
Gifford approved
Ebenezer
Andrews heirs
consent
William
Butts
Dartmouth March 6th 1841
To the judge of Probate in and for
the County of Bristol
This certifies that we the
undersigned being heirs and Receiving certain Legasies in the Last will and
testament of Thomas Faunce Late of Said Dartmouth deceased that we jointly and
Severally agree that we are willing to have Said will proved by the Said
executor and Settled by him as is therein directed
Leonard
Snell
Reuben
Hafford
Abel
Snell
Silas
Terrey
Benjamin
Wilson
Benjamin
Wilson, Guard to Phebe Ann Faunce
Proved by William Butts, one of the
witnesses, on 21 June 1841. John Faunce, of Dartmouth, was granted
Administration of the will of Thomas Faunce, late of Dartmouth, on 21 June
1841, with Reuben Hafford of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and Benjamin
Wilson of Fall River as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas
Faunce, Dartmouth, 1841,” from FHL microfilm #0575138.
Will of Daniel Feild of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1746) *
The last will and Testament of Daniel Feild of Bridgwater in
the County of Plimouth in New England. I the said Daniel Feild being in a weak
and low Condition and under the Apprehention of the near Approach of my Great
& last Change Still retaining the Exercise of my Reason praised be God: Do
make and Ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and Form as Followeth
~~
First and Principally I resign my Soul to God my Maker &
my body to the Earth in Decent Christian Burial and my will is that after my
Just debts and funeral Expences be paid the remainder of my Estate be disposed
of in Manner as followeth
Imprs. I Give and bequeath unto my Eldest son
Daniel Feild Ten Acres of Land where he now liveth being at the Easterly End of
sd. Lot free & Clear to him & his heirs forever~~
Item I Give and bequeath unto my Sons Job Feild & Joseph
Feild all the remainder of my lands in the Township of Bridgwater both upland
& Meadow lands also all my right in Cutting Cover Cedar Swamp and my right
in the old Cedar Swamp on the South side of the Town river and my Third part of
a purchase right in the Undivided, all the Above Bequests I Give to be Equally
divided between my two Sons above named they paying to their Sister Abigail
Feild the sum of One hundred pounds in bills of the old tenour or an Evivet
in bills of ye. New=tenour to be paid at the end of two years after
my decease; I say I Give it to them their heirs and Assigns forever. –
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Mehetible Manton
of Providence Forty pounds in bills of the old tenour or an Equivalent in bills
of ye. new tenour to be paid my by Eldest son Daniel Feild which
money is due from him to Me with the Lawfull Intrest for the Same from the 30th
of Septr. One thousand Seven hundred & forty two till payment be
made which is to be in in Two years after my Decease which with what She hath
allready had out of my Estate is all I intend for her and my will is that She
therewith rest contented –
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my five grandChildren the
heirs of my daughter Hannah Bessewick Twelve Acres of land lying on the
Southwesterly End of Stake plain (so called which land was laid out upon my
right in the undivided which with what their Mother had in her life time out of
my Estate is all that I intend for them, and my will is that they therewith
Rest Contented. —
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Feild all
My House hold Moveables & Two Cows which with what I have allready Orderd
is all I intend for her & my will is that She therewith Rest Contented
~~ Finally I Nominate and appoint My
Son Job Feild & Joseph Feild to be the Sole Executors of this my last will
& Testament utterly renounceing & revokeing all other wills &
Testaments by me heretofore made or Devised & Do Establish & Confirm
this to be my last will & Testament. In Witness wherof I have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal it being November the twenty fifth in the twentieth year of
his Majestys reign One thousand Seven hundred & forty Six —
Signed Sealed & published & Declared
In the presence of us – Daniel Feild (seal)
Edward Haward
Samuel Edson junr.
Nathll.
Brett
Presented for probate on 4 Mar. 1746[/47] by the Executors
above named, and proved by Edward Howard, Saml Edson junr.
and Nathll Brett, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Job Feild and Joseph Feild, both of Bridgwater, the Executors, on 4
March 1746[/47].
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, p. 370-372, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will and Codicil of Barzillai
Field of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1831) *
In
the name of God, Amen. I Barzillai Field of North Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth, Yeoman, do, on this sixth day of September Eighteen Hundred and
thirty-one, make and publish this, my last Will and Testament, in manner
following viz,
In the first place I give to my wife
the use and improvement of one third part of the whole of the Dwellinghouse, of
which I own one half– I also give her one quarter part of the crop of corn,
grain apples potatoes and garden sauce, which shall be raised annually on all
my lands in North Bridgewater I also
hereby order and direct my two sons to keep a cow for their mother, Summer and
winter, each & every year, and to furnish their Mother with fire wood at
the door ready cut, sufficient to support one fire. I also give her one half of
my annual income of the water privilege which I conveyed to Perkins &
Simmons; I also give the use and improvement of my Pew in the Meeting house to
her. These things I give to her while she remains my widow. I also give to her
at her disposal, all my household Furniture, and one cow, which she may chose
out of my stock of cattle.
I give to my Daughter Mary Cheesman
One Hundred Dollars to be paid in one year from my decease
I give devise and bequeath to my
son John my part of the newest Barn, and one half part of all the land I own in
North Bridgewater excepting my part of a lot which was bought of Oliver Snell,
and excepting and providing further, that in estimating and settling off his
half of my Land, the lot which I have given him by Deed shall be taken into
consideration, and he shall have no more than half of my land, if the lot which
I have conveyed to him were now mine, as the house lot which I have conveyed to
him in an advancement of part of his portion of my Estate, To have and to hold
the aforesaid Estate, to him and his heirs forever
I give, devise and bequeath to my
son Lucius, his heirs and assigns all my part of a lot of land, which was
bought of Oliver Snell. Also the half part of all the other lands I own in
North Bridgewater, and my part of the oldest Barn, and all my part of the
Dwelling house excepting such use and improvement as I give my wife and my
Daughter Chloe. I also give him my part of the corn house and shed and wood
house adjoining my house. These Legacies to my two sons I give them upon
conditions that they, their heirs and assigns shall furnish their mother with
wood as aforesaid and with a quarter part of the annual crops and the keeping
of a Cow as before directed
I give to my Daughter Chloe, her
heirs and assigns, all my part of a Cedar swamp in Stoughton, and my Will is
that while my wife lives in my house, my Daughter Chloe shall have the
privilege of living with her, and the use of a seat in my Pew, and after the
decease of my wife, my will is and I hereby give to Chloe, for her own personal
use, and for no other purpose, the use and improvement of the South East room
in my house, with the closet therein, with all necessary privilege of using the
celler, well and oven and Porch so much as may be needful and necessary for her
own convenience.
I also give her the use of one seat
in my Pew while she lives.
I give to my Brother Bethuel all my
wearing apparel.
I give, devise and bequeath to my
two sons John & Lucius, their heirs and assigns all the rest, residue and
remainder of my estate of whatsoever name or nature, not herein before disposed
of, they to pay the legacy of one Hundred dollars to their sister Mary.
Lastly I appoint Jesse Perkins, of
North Bridgewater sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and
year above written
Barzillai Field (seal)
Signed, sealed and published by the
said Barzillai Field declaring this to be his last Will and Testament in
presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence have subscribed our
names as witnesses
Fisk
Ames
Jesse
Perkins
Mary
A. Snell
Whereas I Barzillai Field of North
Bridgewater, did on the sixth day of September 1831 make and publish my last
Will and Testament, I do on this twenty seventh day of August 1832, make &
publish this Codicil to my said last Will and Testament in manner following
viz I give, devise and bequeath to my
Daughter Chloe the sum of Two Hundred Eighty five Dollars thirty seven cents in
lieu of a certain Cedar Swamp lying in Stoughton, which I have sold since the
date of my aforesaid Will; and the said sum of Two hundred Eighty five Dollars
thirty seven cents I hereby order and direct my two sons John and Lucius to pay
to their sister Chloe in one year from my decease.
And it is my desire that this codicil be annexed to and made part of my
said last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal the 27th day of August 1832
Barzillai Field (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Barzillai Field, to be a Codicil to his last Will and
Testament and to be taken as a part thereof in presence of us
Jesse
Perkins
Zechariah
Gurney
Ephraim
Cole
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of April, 1839, by Jesse Perkins, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Jesse Perkins, one of the witnesses to both the will and the codicil.
To the Hon Court of Probate for the
County of Plymouth.
The
subscriber having been appointed Executor of the Will of Barzillai Field late
of North Bridgewater deceased, hereby declines to accept the trust.
April
22, 1839 Jesse Perkins
Lucius Field, of North Bridgewater,
was granted administration with will annexed of the estate of Barzillai Field,
late of North Bridgewater, yeoman, on 2 Apr. 1839, Jesse Perkins, the Executor
named having in writing declined that trust, with Jesse Perkins and David Ames,
both of North Bridgewater, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Barzillai Field, late of North Bridgewater, not dated, was appraised by Weston
Simmons, William French, and Ephm. Brett, his real estate totaled $5540,
including the homestead valued at $3300, and $350 for the water privileges. The
personal estate totaled $1312.51, including $588.10 in notes of hand, and
$130.58 in cash on hand. Lucius Field, the administrator, gave his oath to the
inventory on the first Tuesday in October 1839.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Bethuel Field of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Bethuel Field of North Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth Yeoman, do, on this sixth day of September Eighteen hundred thirty
one, make and publish this my last Will and testament in manner following viz I
give, devise and bequeath to John Field son of my brother Barzillai his heirs
and assigns my part of the newest Barn, which I own, and one half part of all
the land which I own in North Bridgewater.
I give devise and bequeath to
Lucius Field son of my Brother Barzillai one half part of all the land I own in
North Bridgewater, and all my right and title to buildings (Except the Barn
before given to John) to have and to hold to him the said Lucius his heirs and
assigns forever.
I give, devise and bequeath to
Chloe Field, Daughter of my Brother Barzillai all the Cedar swamp which I own
in Stoughton, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
I give devise and bequeath to the
aforesaid John and Lucius Field their heirs and assigns, all the rest, residue
and remainder of my Estate of whatsoever name or nature. – And I hereby appoint
Jesse Perkins of North Bridgewater sole Executor of this my last will and
testament
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written
Bethuel Field (seal)
Signed, sealed and published by the
said Bethuel Field, declaring this to be his last Will and testament in
presence of us, who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our
names as witnesses
Fisk
Ames
Jesse
Perkins
Mary
A Snell
Whereas
I Bethuel Field of North Bridgewater, did on the sixth day of September 1831
make and publish my last will and testament, I do on this twenty seventh day of
August 1832 make and publish this Codicil to my said last will and testament in
manner following Viz.
I give devise and bequeath to Chloe
Field Daughter of my brother Barzillai Field the sum of Two Hundred eighty five
Dollars, thirty seven cents, in lieu of a Certain Cedar swamp lying in
Stoughton, which I have sold, and I hereby order and direct John and Lucius
Field to pay their sister Chloe the aforesaid sum, out of the Estate which I
have given them in one year from my decease
And it is my desire that this
Codicil be annexed to and made a part of my said last will and testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 27th day of August 1832.
Bethuel Field (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Bethuel Field to be a codicil to his last Will and
testament, and to be taken as part thereof in presence of us
Jesse
Perkins
Zechariah
Gurney
Ephraim
Cole
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Apr. 1849 by Jesse Perkins, the Executor therein named, the Will
proved by Fisk Ames and Jesse Perkins, two of the witnesses, and the Codicil
proved by Jesse Perkins, one of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Jesse Perkins, the Executor therein named.
Jesse Perkins, of North Bridgewater, was appointed as
Executor of the last Will and Testament of Bethuel Field, Late of North
Bridgewater, Yeoman, on 3 Apr. 1849, with Ansel Perkins and Isaac Perkins, both
of North Bridgewater, as sureties.
Ephraim Howard, Ephraim Brett and Weston Simmons, all of
North Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the estate of Bethuel Field, late
of North Bridgewater, on 3 Apr. 1849.
The Inventory of the Estate of Bethuel Field, late of North
Bridgewater, Yeoman, was appraised on 8 June 1849, his real estate valued at
$2640, but no personal estate. Jesse Perkins, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on the first Tuesday of July 1849.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 91, pp. 127-129, 321-322, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol.
2H, p. 195.
Will of Daniel Field of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
In the
name of God, Amen: I, Daniel Field of North Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth, Gentleman, being of sound mind and memory, Blessed be Almighty God
for the same, do, this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty one, do hereby make and declare this my last
Will and Testament, as follows, viz, ~
First. I appoint Jesse Perkins of North Bridgewater Executor
of this my said last Will and Testament, constituting him to that trust and
authority, as shall be described here after – after the payment of my just
debts and funeral charges are paid by my Executor – I dispose of my Estate as
follows ~
I
give to my Daughter Patty one hundred dollars, one half thereof to be paid her
in one year from my decease, and the other half in two years from my decease.
I
give to my Grand-son Marshall Field fifty dollars to be paid him when he shall
arrive at the age of twenty one years.
I
give to my Grand-son, Waldo Field twenty five dollars, when he shall arrive to
the age of twenty one years.
I
give unto my Grand-son Perez Field twenty five dollars to be paid him when he
shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
I
give unto my Grandaughter Hannah Field my best bed.
After
payment of my just debts and legacies aforesaid, I give and devise all my
Estate, wherever the same may be situated, or found, of every description, unto
Jesse Perkins, my Executor, above named, to have and to hold the same to the
uses following, viz, to the use of my son Zopher Field and his wife Bernice
during their joint lives, and to the survivor during life, and if my Real
Estate should ever be redeemed out of the hands of Micha Packard, the same to
be applied, with my personal Estate, sufficient for the comfortable maintenance
& support of my said son and his said wife, or either of them – or if the
rents, profits and income of said estate, either Real or Personal, should be
insufficient for the comfortable maintenance of my son Zopher and his wife –
after my just debts and legacies are paid out of the same – then my said
Executor and Trustee is hereby fully authorised and impowered to make sale from
time to time of such part or portion of my Real Estate (should I leave any) as
shall by my Executor and Trustee be found necessary for that purpose, and to
apply the proceeds of said sale as in his judgment he shall think proper for
their comfortable support and maintenance, and the longest liver of them.
I
likewise authorise and fully empower my said Executor to sell and to give
proper deeds of all real estate by him sold, well executed and delivered to the
purchasers, for the purpose of conveying this Will into effect, as I have
herein stated as above. He the said Executor first giving bonds to the Judge of
Probate for the faithful performance of his trust – and the disposal of the
proceeds as are herein directed, within one year from my decease, or sooner if
expedient.
After
the decease of my son Zopher Field and his wife Bernice, I give unto each one
of my Grandchildren, who are the children of Zopher Field one dollar each – and
should any Real Estate be left after the decease of my son Zopher Field and his
wife unsold and not disposed of by my Executor and Trustee I give and devise
the same to my two youngest Grand-sons, children of Zopher Field, viz, Charles
Copeland Field William Lawrance Field, to have and to hold the same to them,
their heirs and assigns in equal halves forever. Should my Executor and Trustee
decease before my son and his wife the Judge of Probate shall appoint his
successor.
In
testimony whereof, I, the said Daniel Field, hereunto set my hand and seal to
this my last Will and Testament, revoking all former Wills by me made, the day
and year above written.
N.
B. The words should my Executor and Trustee decease before my son and his wife,
the Judge of Probate shall appoint his successor, was put in before signing.
Daniel Field (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Daniel Field to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us, who in the presence of the Testator and each
other, and at his request, hereunto subscribe our names as witnesses.
Benjamin
Richards
William
Hall
Albert
Howard
Presented for probate on 5 Apr.
1836, and proved by Benjamin Richards and William Hall, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Jesse Perkins of North
Bridgewater, Esquire, on 5 Apr. 1836.
Benjamin Richards of Randolph,
County of Norfolk, Zenas Brett and Linus Howard, both of North Bridgewater,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Daniel Field, late of North
Bridgewater, Gentleman, on 5 Apr. 1836. The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Field,
late of North Bridgewater, Gentleman, was dated 2 May 1836, his real estate
valued at $4567.50, including his homestead farm of about 57 acres with
buildings and a mill privilege valued at $3350, and his personal estate valued
at $173.55. Jesse Perkins Esquire, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 16 May 1836.
Jesse Perkins, of North
Bridgewater, Executor of the estate of Daniel Field, late of North Bridgewater,
petitioned for a division of certain undivided lands owned by Daniel Field
jointly with George Field in North Bridgewater on 5 July 1836.
Jesse Perkins notified the court
that the personal estate of Daniel Field, late of North Bridgewater, was
insufficient for the payment of his debts on 7 Mar. 1837.
Benjamin Richards of Randolph,
County of Norfolk, and Linus Howard of North Bridgewater were appointed to
examine the claims against the estate of Daniel Field, late of North
Bridgewater, on 11 Mar. 1837. Claims totaled $1363.14, including $960.81 owed to
Micha Packard.
Benjamin Richards of Randolph,
County of Norfolk, Zenas Brett and Linus Howard, both of North Bridgewater,
were appointed to sever and divide the undivided lands in North Bridgewater
owned jointly by Daniel Field and George Field on 4 Oct. 1836. The division was
dated 30 Dec. 1837, and approved in Jan. 1838.
* Trasnscribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78,
pp. 122-125, 163-164, and 397, from FHL microfilm #0555264, Vol. 79, pp. 65,
402-403, and Vol. 80, p. 3-4.
Will of Fobes Field of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the name of God Amen. I Fobes Field of North Bridgewater
in the County of Plymouth, being weak in body, but of sound mind, do therefore
declare this my last Will & Testament in manner following, viz. I give and
devise unto Daniel Field Junr. & George Field, Sons of Lieut.
Zophar Field, all my homestead farm with the buildings thereon to them &
their heirs forever, Saving & excepting what I give to Melinda Field to
improve as herein after described. Also I give unto Said Daniel Field Jr &
George Field three other lots of land, to them & their heirs – one lot
containing fifteen acres, more or less, which I bought of Isaac Brett – one lot
containing twenty acres, more or less, which I bought of Doctor Crafts – one
other lot containing forty acres, more or less, near Alvin Snell’s adjoining
the one last mentioned: but the use & improvement of the real estate which
I give to Daniel & George aforesaid, I give unto my brother Daniel Field
till said Daniel Junr. & George are of lawful age; & if my
brother Daniel should decease before said Daniel Junr. & George
are of lawful age, my will is that the rents & profits of said real Estate
shall go exclusively to the benefit of the Said Daniel & George – The three
last mentioned lots of Land are owned by me & my brother Daniel & I
give to said Daniel & George only the half which I own.
I
give unto the widow Rebecca Field, Widow of my brother Richard, deceased, the
use & improvement of the land & buildings which I own in Claremont in
the State of New Hampshire, during her life. – I give unto the children of my
brother Richard, who shall be living at the time of their mother’s decease, the
said land & buildings in Claremont, to them & their heirs, to be
equally divided among them at their mother’s decease. – I give unto my brother
Daniel Field my part of a lot of land we own in Abington, to him & his
heirs. – I give unto my brothers Barzillai, Bethuel & Waldo, & to my
sister Susanna Cary, Fifty dollars each – I give unto the children of my
brother William, deceased, four dollars each. – I give unto the three children
of my Nephew Waldo Field, deceased, three dollars each. I give unto Melinda
Field the use of the South front room & bedroom & the South half of the
Kitchen of my house, with the privilege of using the oven, cellar & well so
much as will be necessary for her convenience; & a right to get so much
firewood off of my farm as will be necessary to Support one fire. The uses
& privileges aforesaid I give to her while she remains unmarried & no
longer. – Also I give to her one third part of my sheets, one quarter of my
Iron Ware, my smallest brass kettle, Six green chairs, one feather bed with
clothing sufficient to furnish it, & one set of Knives & forks. I give
to my sister Susanna Cary, one pair of Sheets. I give unto my brother Daniel
all the rest of my Sheets. – And I appoint my brothers, Daniel Field &
Barzillai Field, Executors of this my last Will & Testament. – In witness
whereof I the said Fobes Field have to this my Will set my hand & Seal this
fifth day of August Eighteen hundred twenty Six –
Fobes Field (seal)
The within written instrument was
signed, Sealed, published & declared by the within named Fobes Field to be
his last Will & Testament in presence of us who at his request & in his
presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto. – Jesse Perkins
August
5. 1826 Ichabod
Howard
William
Hall
Presented for probate on 5 Sept.
1826, and proved by Jesse Perkins and William Hall, two of the witnesses, the
executors therein named having refused, Letters of Administration with the will
annexed was granted to Jesse Perkins of No. Bridgewater.
To the Hon. Wilkes Wood Esq. Judge
of Probate for the Coty. of Plymo.
We the subscribes, being named in the last Will and Testament of Fobes
Field, as Executors thereof, do hereby Signify & declare to your Honor our
refusal of that trust. And we request that Jesse Perkins be appointed Admr.
with the Will annexed on the Estate of sd. Fobes Field.
Sept.
5. 1826 Daniel
Field
Barzillai
Field
Jesse Perkins, of North
Bridgewater, Gentleman, was granted administration with will annexed of the
estate of Fobes Field, late of North Bridgewater, on 5 Sept. 1826, who died
testate naming Daniel Field and Barzillai Field as executors of his estate, but
they both refused.
Howard Carey, Darius Howard and
John May, all of North Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Fobes Field, late of North Bridgewater, on 5 Sept. 1826. The Inventory was
dated 12 Sept. 1826, his real estate valued at $4563.50, and his personal
estate valued at $1448.28. Jesse Perkins, the Administrator with the Will
annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 18 Sept. 1826, and he was directed
to sell all the personal estate of the deceased which was not specifically
devised by the will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 63, p. 10-12, from FHL microfilm
#0550912, Vol. 61, p. 457-458, and Vol. 63, p. 49-50.
Will of Jabez Field of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1800) *
In the name of God
amen. I Jabez Field of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth yeoman, being of
sound disposing mind & memory thanks be to God for the same do this sixth
day of February in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred, make publish
pronounce & declare this my last Will and Testament as followeth, viz
First I will that
all my just debts, funeral charges, & such Legacies as is herein after
willed and bequeathed shall be paid by my Executors herein after named
Item I give and bequeath to my Son William Field one
hundred & eighty Dollars thirty dollars of which sum is now due to me from
him my said Son William which I hold his Note of hand for dated December the
ninth seventeen hundred and ninety seven, the remaining one hundred & fifty
Dollars I have enabled my two Sons (to wit) Fobes Field and Daniel Field to
sign two Notes of hand payable to him my said Son William; one for the sum of
fifty Dollars payable in nine months after my decease; and the other for the Sum
of one hundred Dollars payable in one year after my decease: and I order my
said Executors herein after named to deliver up to my said Son William all the
before mentioned Notes within sixty days after my decease, this together with
what I have heretofore given him I consider to be his full share of my Estate.
–
Item. I give
and bequeath to my Son Barzillai Field one Dollar to be paid him by my
Executors herein after named, this together with what I have heretofore given
him, I consider to be his full share of my Estate. –
Item I give and
bequeath to my Son Bethuel Field one Dollar to be paid him by my executors
herein after named, this together with what I have heretofore given him I
consider to be his full share of my Estate –
Item. I give
and bequeath to my Son Richard Field one Dollar to be paid him by my Executors
herein after named, this together with what I have heretofore given him I
consider to be his full share of my Estate –
Item I give and
bequeath to my Son Ephraim Field, Eighteen Dollars to be paid him by my
Executors herein after named this together with what I have heretofore given
him I consider to be his full share of my Estate. –
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Waldo Field one hundred
& fifty Dollars to be paid him by my Executors herein after mentioned this
together with what I have heretofore given him I consider to be his full share
of my Estate. –
Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Cary the
Wife of Moses Cary one hundred and fifty Dollars to be paid to her by my
Executors herein after mentioned this together with what I have heretofore
given her, I consider to be her full share of my Estate –
And I do hereby ordain constitute & appoint my two Sons
(to wit) Fobes Field and Daniel Field to be joint Executors of this my last
Will and Testament, and I give devise and bequeath to them the said Fobes &
Daniel my said sons their heirs and assigns forever all the rest and residue of
my Estate both real, personal and mixed of what name or nature soever not
herein before willed & disposed of, they paying all my just debts, funeral
Charges, and all Legacies herein willed given & bequeathed, and I do hereby
revoke disallow and render null & void, all other and former Wills made by
me, ratifying & confirming this and this only as & for my last Will
& Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
day & year first above written. –
signed
sealed published pronounced & declared
by
the said Jabez Field the Testator as & for his last
Will
and Testament, in the presence of us
who
by his request and in his presence
and
we in the presence of each other have
hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses his
Charles
Snell Jabez
X Field (seal)
Amasa
Tribou mark
Danl.
Snow
Presented for probate on 7 Jan.
1805 by Fobes Field and Daniel Field, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Daniel Snow Esqr. and Charles Snell, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Fobes Field and Daniel
Field, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
156-158, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Job Field
of
In the Name of God amen The Sixteenth Day of January In the
year of our Lord 1747/8 I Job Field of Bridgwater In the County of Plimouth in
Newengland Yeoman Being very Sick and week in Body But of perfect Mind and
Memory Thanks be given unto God therefor Calling to mind the mortallity of my
Body and Knowing that it is appointed for men once to Dye Do make and ordaine
this my Last will and Testament That is to Say principally and first of all I
give and recommend My Soul into the hands of God that gave it, hoping through
The merits Death and passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ To have full and free
Pardon and forgiveness of all my Sins and to Inherit Everlasting Life: and my
Body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of my
Executor hereafter named Nothing doubting but att the Generall Resurection I
Shall receive the Same againe by the mighty power of God and as Touching Such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased god to Bless me in this Life I Give
Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following mannar and form viz: first my
will is that all my Just Debts and Duties as I do owe in Right or Conscience to
any mannar of Person or Persons what Soever shall be well and truly Contented
and paid in Convenient time after my deceas by my Executor hereafter named –
I Give to my Brother Dainel Field to him and his hairs for
Ever five Shillings Lawfull money of newengland and that he there with be
Contented –
I Give and bequeath unto my Sister mihitabel Manton five
Shillings Lawfull mony of Newengland to her and her hairs for Ever and That She
there with be Contented
I Give and bequeath unto my Sister Abegal field five
shillings Lawfull mony of Newengland to her and her hairs forever and That She
therewith be Contented
I Give and Bequeath unto the Children of Charles Biswick five
Shilling Lawfull mony of Newengland to them and there heirs forever and that
they therewith be Contented and that the Several Sums of mony be paid unto the
above named persons Within one years time after my Decase by my Executor
hereafter named
I Give and Bequeth unto my Brother Joseph Feild whome I
appoints and Likewise Constatute make and ordaine my only and Sole Executor of
this my Last will and testament all the Remainder of my Estate Both real and
Parsonal mony and Movables whatsoever of Right belonging to me to be to sd.
Josepeh field his heirs and assignes forever to be possessed and Enjoyed and I
do hereby uterly Disallow Revoke and disannul all and Every other formar
testaments Wills and Legacies Bequests and Executors by me in any wayes before
this time Named Willed and bequeathed Rattifying and Confirming This and no
other to be my Last will and testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett
my hand and Seal the Day and year above Written –
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the Said
Job Field as his Last Will and Testement in the Presence of us the Subscribars
Akerman Pettengell
Daniel Pettengell
Edward Howard Job Field (seal)
Probated on 4 Apr. 1748, and proved by Ackerman Pettengell,
Daniel Pettingell and Edward Howard, the Witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Field of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the Name of God, Amen, the Eleventh Day of March,
Seventeen Hundred and Fifty Four, I Joseph Field of Bridgwater in the County of
Plimouth in New England Yeoman, being sick and weak in body, but of perfict
mind and Memory Thanks be Given to God, there fore Calling unto mind the
Mortality of my body and knowing that it is Appointed for all men Once to Die
Do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say, principally
and first of all I Give and Recommend my soul into the hands of God that Gave
it, and my Body I Recommend to the Earth, to be Buried in Decent Christain
Burial at the Discretion of my Executor nothing Doubting but at the Generall
Resurrection I shall Receive I shall Receive the same by the mighty power of
God; and as touchg. such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to Bless me in this Life, I Give Demise & Dispose of the same in the
Following manner and form—
Imps.
I Give and Bequeath to Rachell my Dearly beloved wife One third part of the
Improvemt. of all my Real Estate Dureing Life, also One third part
of all my moveable Estate To her & her heirs and assigns forever—
Item, I
Give to my Eldest son John Field a minor Two Fifths of all my Real and
personall Estate that shall Remain after payment of my Just Debts, and my
Children have been brought up I Give it to him his heirs and assign forever—
Item, I
Give to Joseph Field my youngest son, a minor Two Fifths of all my Real and
personall Estate that shall Remain After the payment of my Just Debts, and my
Children have been brought up, I Give it to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item, I
Give to my Daughter Abigail Field One Fifth part of all my Real and personall
Estate that shall Remain after the payment of my Just Debts & my Children
have been brought up. I Give it to her & her heirs & assigns forever.—
Finally I Do Nominate and appoint my Trusty and well Beloved
Frind Abijah Keith of Bridgwater aforesd. to be my Soul Executor of
this my Last Will and Testament & Do hereby Give unto my sd.
Execr. full power (if Occation Require it) to make Sale of so much
of my Lands as my be needful for the Bringing up of my Children or the payment
of any Other of my Just Debts, and I Do hereby utterly Dissalow Revoke and
Disanull all & Every Other former Testaments Wills, Legacies, &
Bequests and Executors by me in any ways before named, Will’d and Bequeathed,
Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other to be my last Will and Testament, in
Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal the Day and year
Abovewritten—
Sign’d, Seal’d, publish’d, and Declar’d }
by the said Joseph Field as his Last }
will and Testament, in the presents of } Joseph Field (seal)
us the Subscribers — }
Nathl. Bratt
Abijah Thayer
Charles Biswick
Presented for probate on 3 June 1754 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by Nathl. Bratt, Abijah Thayer, and
Charles Biswick. Letters of Administration were granted to Abiah Keith, of
Bridgwater yeoman, the Executor, on 3 June 1754.
The Inventory of the Estate of mr. Joseph Feild,
late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 21 May 1754, by Nathl. Bratt,
Simeon Bratt and Ebenezer Packard, and totaled £254.7.3¼, including his real
estate valued at £187. Abiah Keith, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 3 June 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, pp. 289-290, 316-317, from FHL
microfilm #0551540.
Will of Elisabeth Finney of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1794) *
In the name of God Amen — I Elisabeth Finney of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow, being sick
& weak, but of sound disposing mind, and not knowing the day of my death
having a mind to settle my worldly estate, do make & ordain this my Last
will & testament; commending my soul to the everlasting mercy of God, &
my body to a decent funeral, humbly praying for a glorious resurrection thro’
Jesus Christ
Imprimis – I Give to my Daughter Mary Holmes my red cloth
riding hood
Item – I Give to my Son Josiah half of my end of the house
where I now live, reserving a privilege to my Daughter Ruth as hereafter
described, and as much of the house Lot, as with what he purchased heretofore
will make him out half the whole Lot—the Bed Bolster & Bedstead which I
commonly sleep on, and in consideration of his helping me in my Sickness,
&c I Give & bequeath to him all my right in any Lands that are not
otherwise disposed of
Item – I Give to my Daughter Ruth all my houshold furniture
& wearing apparell, not otherwise disposed of, together with the right of
keeping the same in my south west chamber, as long as she lives single, &
of living there too, when convenient for her so to do
Item – I give to my Son Thomas the other half of my end of
the house reserving the privilege to Ruth as aforesaid, with as much of the
house Lot as will make him out half of what I owned before the Sale to Josiah
Lastly – I nominate & appoint my Son Josiah to be the
Executor of this my Last will & testament. And in Testimony &
confirmation whereof I hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twenty sixth day of
September, one thousand seven hundred & ninety four –
Signed, Sealed & declared to be her Elisabeth Finney (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of – Andrew Croswell, Patty Weston,
Hannah Doten
Presented for probate on 11 July 1795 by Josiah Finney, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Andrew Croswell Esqr, Patty
Weston, and Hannah Doten, all the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Josiah Finney, the before named Executor.
Andrew Croswell Esqr., Joseph Croswell, trader,
and Elnathan Holmes junr., Gentleman, all of Plymouth were appointed
to appraise the Estate of Elisabeth Finney, late of Plymouth, widow, on 11 July
1795. The Inventory of the Goods & Estate of Mrs. Elisabeth
Finney, late of Plymouth, totaled £141.10.1½, including her part of the house
and garden valued at £105. Josiah Finney, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 13 Feb. 1796.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 35, pp. 293-294, 465-466, from FHL
microfilm #0550718.
Will of Josiah
Finney of
In the Name of God amen: I Josiah Finney of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth in New: England yeoman Being in a disposing mind &
memory; blessed be God and Calling to mind my own mortality do make this my
Last Will & Testament in manner & form following: In ye
first Place I Comitt my Soul into ye Hands of God that gave it me:
and my Body to the Grave with a decent Christian Buriall att ye
discretion of my Executor; and as to that Worldly Estate that God hath given
me: I dispose of it in this manner
Imprimis: I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Robert
Finney His Heirs & assignes, for Ever all that Seventy acres of Land where
He now dwells also a thirty Eight acre Lott near adjoining to Sd
Seventy acres; and all my meadow & meadowish ground above ye
uppermost dam, att a Place Called Finneys meadows with one Quarter part of my
Right in ye Beach.
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Josiah Finney
one third Part of ye farm or
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son John Finney
His Heirs & assignes for Ever one third Part of my Farm or Homestead where
I Live In Quantity, next to His Brother Josiah with ye South
Westermost End of my dwelling House & Halfe my Barn (only Some Reserves for
Joshua) His Heirs or assignes for Ever; also I give to my Son John my negro man
He Paying twenty Pounds to His Brother Joshua.
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Joshua Finney
His Heirs & assigns for Ever the other third Part of my Farm or Homestead
where I Live In Quantity; also halfe my Right att ye Beach; also my
twenty five acres of upland together with all my meadow & meadowish ground
att a Place Called Small gains; also ye north Eastermost End of my
dwelling House with Halfe my Barn & a Right in my well & Convenience of
a way to Said House from His Land & to Sd well with a Sutable
Conveniency of Land to lay wood near ye door & ye
Priviledge of a way, & in ye well & of Said Land to Continue
So Long as the House Continues & no Longer; also twenty Pounds to be Paid
to Him by His Brother John Finney as aforesd. and my Will is that
all ye Residue of my Land with my meadow & meadowish ground att
Finneys meadow below ye uppermost Farm & all my Cedar Swamps
with my Quarter part of ye Grist: mill and ye dwelling
House belonging to Said mill I do give & Bequeath unto my three Sons
Josiah, John & Joshua to them their Heirs & assignes Respectively (In
Equal Parts) for Ever
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Pheby
Finney ye Sum of fourty five Pounds to be Paid out of my moveable
Estate by my Executor & all ye Residue of my moveable Estate
after all my Just Debts are paid & funerall Charges my mind is That it be
Equally divided between my three Loving daughters (viz) Elisabeth Bradford
Priscilla Marshall & Pheby Finney or their Heirs.
And Lastly I do nominate & appoint my Loving Son John
Finney my Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament Hereby Revoking
& making null & void all other & former Will or Wills or Codicills
by me made & Ratifying & Holding firm & Stable this my Last Will
& Testament & no other. In Confirmation hereof I have hereunto Sett my
Hand & Seal this Second day of January annoque domini: 1723[/24]
Signed Sealed & declared to be ye Last
Will & Testament of Josiah Finney
abovesd before us Wittnesses Josiah Finney (seal)
James Barnaby
Haviland Torrey
Francis Adams
Probated on 2 Jan. 1726[/27], and proved by Haviland Torrey
and Francis Adams.
Letters of administration on the estate of Josiah Finney were
granted on 12 Jan. 1726[/27] to John Finney, son of the deceased.
The inventory was appraised by John Foster, Francis Adams,
and Ebenezer Holmes on 5 Jan. 1726/7, and totaled £189:11:8.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Robert
Finney or Phinney of
I Robert Finney of the Town of Plimouth in the Colony of New
Plimouth in New England being by Gods Providence bound for Canada to Fight
against the French and not knowing what may Happen to me in the voyage And if I
should not Live to Come home againe I do make and ordaine these presents to be
my Last Will and Testament for the Disposall of all my Worldly Matters I have:
Imprs. I do by these presents Revoak frustrate and make voyd and
Null all Wills & Testaments be me formerly made and Declared and appoint this
to be my Last Will and Testament Item I
Give unto my Brother Jonathan Finney twenty shillings in money
Item I Give unto my Brother Jeremiah Finney twenty Shillings
in money.
Item I Give unto my Brother Joshua Finney twenty shillings in
money.
Item I Give unto my Sister Hannah Morton ten pounds in money.
Item I Give unto my Sister Elizabeth Finney five pounds in
money.
All my debts & Legacies being sattisfied and defrayed I
Give and bequeath all my Lands Goods and Chattels & Cattels: vizt
all my Estate both Real and personall of all sorts and finds unto my Brother
Josiah Finney And I do hereby appoint and Authorize him the said Josiah Finney
to be the Whole and Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and to see
that it be faithfully performed In Witness that this is my Last Will and
Testament I the said Robert Finney have hereunto set my hand and seal: this
twenty third day of july one thousand six hundred and ninety 1690
Signed Sealed and Delivered Robert Phinney (seal)
In the presence of us
Thomas Clarke
Eleazer Cushman
Thomas Clarke and Eleazer Cushman the Witnesses here named
made oath before the County Court at Plimouth March 17th 1690/91
that they were present and Saw the above named Robert Phinney Sign & Seal
and heard him Declare this above written to be his last will and Testament and
that to the best of their understanding he was of a disposing mind and memory
when he so did
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
An Inventory of the Estate of Robert Finney late of the Town
of
Joseph Warren
Thos. Faunce
Josiah Finney Executor to the last Will and Testament of
Robert Phinney late of Plimouth Deceased made oath before the County Court at
Plimouth March the 17th 1690/91 that the above written is a true
Inventory of the Estate of sd deceased so far as he knoweth and that
when more shall be discovered to him he will make it known.
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joan Fish of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1744) *
In The Name of God Amen The fifth day of Aprill one thousand
Seven hundred and fortey foure 1744
I Joan Fish of Dartmouth In the Countey of Bristall In The
province of the Massatheusets Bay In New England Widdow Being Weak of Bodey But
of perfect mind and Memorey Thanks Be to God and Calling to mind Its once
Appointed for all men and Women once to Dye I Doe make This my Laste Will and
Testament In manner and Forme As Followeth That Is to Say Firste I Recomend my
Soule to god that gave It and my Bodey to the Earth to Be deasently Buried att
the Descretion of my Executor here after Named and as Touching Sutch Worldly
goods and Estate as It hath pleased god to Bless me With In this Life I give
and Despose of as foloweth
Imprimis: My Will Is that all my Just Depts and Funerall
charges Be first paid and Leaned out of my Estate
Item – I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Mary Potter Teen
Shillings in Bills of Creddit olde Tennure
Item – I give and Bequeath to my Gransun John Wickham Twentey
Shillings old Tenure In Bills of Creddit
Item – I give unto my Daughter Abigal Case the wife of John
Case Twenty Shillings In the old Tennier
Item. I give unto my
Daughter Johannah Fissher wife of John Fisher Twentey Shillings In Bills of
Credit in the old Tennure
Item – I give unto my Son Ebenezer Fish the Som of teen
Shillings in Bills of Creddit olde Teannure
Item I give to my Son John Fish Teen Shillings in the old
Teannure in Bills of Credditt
Item: I give to my Daughter Susannah Boyse the wife of
Benjamin Boyse the Som of Teen Shillings In Bills of Creeditt old Teannure
Besides the Teen pounds that I Lent her when her Sister was Sick
Item – I give and Bequeath to my granson Thomas Phillips the
Som of fortey pounds In Bills of Credditt In the old Teannure – and one flock
Beed and fether pillow and Boulster and a pare of Linnin Sheetes and three
Blanketes and Fulled at the mill and one Coverlid and the Biggest Iron Kettle
and my Little pott
Item I give and Bequeath to my Granson John Fissher Son of
John Fissher the Som of Twentey Shillings in the old Teannure Bills of Creddit
And Farther more My Will and minde Is that these fore going
Leaguseies Be paid and ansured that Is to Say – that all my monuery and
moveabels Estate Except a little Box which I Keep my Writings In I Give to my
Son in Law James Phillips Be Eaqualey Devided Betwixt my three Daughters namly
Mehittabell Corrnill wife of William Cornel Hope Philips wife of James
Phillipes and Elizabeth Huddelstone Wife of Seth Huddelstone
Item – and I give and Bequeath to my grandson Thomas Phillips
all my farming Tooles Belonging to Husbandry
And I Doe ordaine and Constitute My Loving Son Ebenezer Fisch
to Be my Sole Executor of this my Laste Will and Testament and I Doe here By
Revoke and Disanull all other Wills and Bequeaths Here to Fore made Rattifiing
Revoake and Disanull all All other Wills and Bequeathes and this and nother to
be my Last Will and Testament –
Signed Sealed published – her
and Declared By the Said Joan H Fish
Joan Fish to Be her Laste mark
Will and Testament in the
Presents of Us ~~
Fear
Willcox
Jonathan
Wood
Thos
Trafford
Proved by Jonathan Wood and Thomas
Trafford, two of the witnesses, on 10 Dec. 1744, and recorded in the Tenth Book
of Wills Folio 468:469
The Inventory of the Estate of Joan
Fish of Dartmouth, dated 18 Jan. 1744/5, was appraised by Ebenezer Slocum,
Timothy Gifford, and James Allen, and totaled £197.3.0, including a Bond from
Henery Gidley in the amount of £100. Ebenezer Fish, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 8 Nov. 1745.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Joan
Fish, Dartmouth, 1744,” from FHL microfilm #0575139.
Will of John Fish of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1737) *
The last Will and Testament of John Fish
I John Fish of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol in the
province of the Massachusets Bay in New England Yeoman being weakly of body but
of a Sound perfect mind memory & Understanding thanks be given unto God;
therefore Considering the Uncertainty of this my natural life and the Nesessity
of Settling my temporal Estate in order to my great change when it Shall please
the Lord to call me hence do for the preventing future trouble in my family
make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to
say) First and principally I Commend my Soul to God That gave me my first being
hoping through the Sole Merits of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer to
have full & free pardon of all my Sins and to Inheret everlasting life: And
my body I Committ to the Earth therein to be decently buried at the Discretion
of my Executrs herein named. And as to that Temporal Estate
wherewith the Lord hath been pleased to bless me (After all my Just Debts and
funeral Expences are paid & Discharged) I give Devise & Dispose of the
Same as followeth
Imps: I give and bequeath Unto Joan my well
beloved wife the sum of one hundred pounds in Currant money or of Lawful bills
of publick Credit of New England and all the furniture of my house to be wholey
at her own Disposal and also the profits & Improvement of all my Cattle
with all the Rest & Residue of my personal Estate whatsoever for her better
Support & Comfortable maintainance during the time of her natural life.
Item I give and bequeath Unto my son Ebenezer Fish and to his
heirs and assignes forever a Certain Tract of land in Dartmouth aforesaid which
I have already made over to him my Son Ebenezer by a deed of Gift & also
ten Shillings in bills of Credit which is all I intend to bequeath to him of my
Estate –
Item I give and bequeath unto my son John Fish & to his
heirs & Assigns forever all my homested farm land in Dartmouth aforesaid
which I have already made over to him by a deed of gift and also ten Shillings
in bills of Credit the which is all I intend to give him of my Estate.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Potter (wife
of William Potter) her heirs or Assigns the Sum of twenty pounds Currant money
or bills of credit as abovesd to be paid by my Exectrs
after the Decease of my Wife
Item. I give and bequeath Unto my Daughter Abigal Case (the
wife of John Case) her heirs and Assigns the Sum of fifty pounds currant money
or bills of Credit as above said to be paid by Execrs. after the
Decease of my wife
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mehitabel Cornel
(the wife of William Cornel) her heirs & Assigns the Sum of twenty
shillings Currant money or bills of Credit as abovesd to be
paid to her by my Executrs after the Decease of my wife
Item I give and bequeath Unto my Daughter Joanna Fisher (the
wife of John Fisher) her heirs & Assigns the Sum of fifty pounds Currant
money or lawful publick bills of Credit as a fore Said to be paid unto her by
my Executors after the Decease of my wife
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Hope Philips (the
wife of James Philips) her heirs & Assigns the Sum of fifty pounds Currant
money or bills of bills of publick Credit as above said to b paid to her by my
Executors af the Decease of my wife ~~
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Susanna Boyce (the
wife of Benj: Boyce) her heirs and Assigns the sum of fifty pounds Currant
money or Lawful bills of publick Credit as abovesd to be paid
to her by my Execrs after the Decease of my wife
Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth Fish her
heirs and Assigns the Sum of Eighty pounds currant money or lawful bills of
publick Credit as abovesd to be paid to her by my Execrs
after the Decease of my wife I also bequeath unto her my said Daughter
Elizabeth the best bed and furniture at any time when She shall se cause to
take it into her posseson
Item I give and bequeath Unto my Daughter Sarah Arnold (the
wife of Anthony Arnold) her heirs and Assigns the sum of fifty pounds currant
money or Lawful bills of publick Credit as abovesaid to be paid to her by my
Execrs after the Decease of my wife ~~
Item I give and bequeath unto my four grand Children vizt
Sarah William John and Thomas Philips (the Children of my Daughter Alice
Philips Deceased) the sum of fifty pounds Currant money or Lawful bills of
publick Credit Equally to be Divided amongst them, and to be paid unto them by
my Execrs when they arrive to lawful age or on the day of their
Marriage that which shall first happen but in case either of my Said four grand
Children shall depart this life in their minority that then the portion of the
Deceased Shall be Equally divided amongst the Survivours of them. Also further
my will is that after the Decease of me and my wife my Executrs
shall take into their custody ye portions above bequeathed to my
Said grand Children and Improve the Same at Interest for the best advantage of
my Said grand Children rendring them the Interest with the principal at the
time above Expressed ~~
Item. I give and bequeath unto my grandson Thomas Philips and
to his heirs and Assigns forever all my Right and Interest in and to the
Undivided lands in Dartmouth aforesaid and to come into his possession when he
shall attain to lawful age but in case my said grandson Shall Depart this life
in his Minority that then the portion given him Shall Devolve to his Said two
brothers my grandsons Equally to be Divided between them their heirs and
Assigns forever
Item I give and bequeath unto my grandson Joshua Rathbone
(the son of my Dughter Patience Rathbone Deceased) the Sum of fifty pounds in
Currant money or lawful bills of publick Credit as abovesd to
be paid by my executors when he shall attain to Lawfull age, to Receive the
Same, but in case my Said grandson Joshua shall die in his Minority or Leave no
Lawfull Issue to Represent him in the Injoyment of said portion that then the
said fifty pounds shall devolve to my aforesaid four grandchildren Vizt
Sarah William John and Thomas philip or the Survivors of them Equally to be
Divided ~
Item further it is my Will and mind that in Case I have not
herein before given and Devised unto my wife a Sufficiency of my Estate for her
Comfortable Support and Maintainance during the Term of her Natural Life that
then she shall have & Enjoy so much more of my Estate given and bequeathed
to my five Daughters namely Abigal Case, Hope Philips Susanna Boyce Elizabeth
Fish and Sarah Arnold as shall be Sufficient for her Support each of my Said
Daughters bearing an equal proportion thereof. also my will is that whatsoever
of my personal Estate remain at money after the Decease of my wife or
Undisposed of by her that then the Said money to be Equally Divided between my
five Daughters Last named, but my will is that if any of my houshold goods
Remain as above Said then the Said household Goods so remaining to be Equally
Divided amongst four of my said Daughters Namely Abigal Case, Hope Philips
Susanna Boyce and Elizabeth Fish, or cattle so remaining to be as above said
Equally Divided amongst my four Daughters last named ~~
finally Of this my last Will and Testament I doe Nominate
Constitute and Appoint my loving Son Ebenezer Fish of Dartmouth aforesaid Sole
Executor Desiring him to take care and See the Same in Every Respect faithful
and truely fullfilled and performed According to the true Intent and meaning of
the Same. And by these presents I do Revoke make Null & Void all and every
other Testaments and Wills whatsoever by me heretofore made or declared,
Ratifying and Confirming & allowing this and no other to be my Last Will
& Testament
In Wittness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and fixed my
Seal this fourth day of the month called April in the tenth Year of his
Majesties Reign George the Second by the Grace of God King of great Brittain
&c: Annoqe domini 1737
Signed Sealed published pronounced } his mark
and Declared by the said John Fish } John F Fish
this the above written to be his and Seal (seal)
Last Will and Testament
In the presence of
William Ricketson
Benjamin Gifford
Wm. Bowdish
Letters of Administration were granted to Ebenezer Fish, of
Dartmouth, yeoman, on 20 Apr. 1742.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Fish, late of Dartmouth,
dated 8 Mar. 1741/2, was appraised by Ebenezer Slocum, James Allen, and Timothy
Gifford, and totaled £721.1.1, including cash and bonds, but no real estate.
Ebenezer Fish, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19 Apr. 1743.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “John Fish, Dartmouth, 1742,” from
FHL microfilm #0575139.
Will of Edward Fobes
of
In the Name of God amen. The twenty Sixth day of August Anno
Domini. 1736 ~
I Edward Fobes of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in
New-England being Sick & weak in Body, but of perfect Mind & Memory
Thanks be to God therefore Calling to mind the mortality of my Body Do Ordain
& Make this my last Will & Testament in the following manner First I
Give my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it & my Body I Commit to the
Earth to be decently buried at ye Discretion of my Executor
hereafter Mentioned, And as touching my worldly Estate I Dispose thereof as
followeth My just Debts funeral Charge & other Expenses being allowed—
Imprimis I Give to my Hon’d Mother Abigail Fobes
the Improvemt. of ten acres of Land where She shall think best &
of one half of my Dwelling House & a Third part of the Iron mine growing on
my Land All these for her Comfort during her natural life— Also I Give her two
Cows to be at her own Dispose—
Itm I Give my Brother John Fobes to him his Heirs and
assigns forever A Piece of Land joining to his own Land by the Dam Extended to
be Six acres and also Eighteen acres of my Home Land on the West Side joining
to ye Land of Ichabod Wade, and also a Third Part of my Iron Mine,
Likewise my Right in the West Cedar Swamp And in the little Cedar Swamp And
also one half of my Right in Reversion in that Part of ye Estate
which was Set off to my sd Mother in ye Settlement of my
Fathers Estate, I Also Give to my sd Brother One half of my moveable
Estate Excepting particulars hereafter otherwise disposed of obliging my sd
Brother to Pay one half of my Funeral Charges and also one half of my other
just Debts and Expenses, obliging him also to Pay unto Huldah Edson the
Daughter of Captn Josiah Edson of sd Bridgewater the Sum of
Twenty Pounds in Bills of Publick Credit forthwith after my Decease which I do
Give her freely as a Token of my Love~~
Itm I Give to my Brother Josiah Fobes his Heirs and
assigns forever all that Part of my Home Lands which I have not Given to my
Brother John Fobes before mentioned. Also a Third Part of my Iron Mine, I Give
also to my sd Brother Josiah Fobes all my Right in the Buildings and
ye Land whereon they Stand Reserving to my sd Mother as
before Expressed Also my Right in the old Cedar Swamp, (so called) & a
Quarter of a Purchase Right in the Undivided Lands in sd Bridgewater
And also my Right in Reversion in that Part of the Estate which was Set off to
my sd Mother in the Settlement of my Fathers Estate, Also I Give him
my House & my best Saddle, & one Half of my Moveable Estate Excepting
two Cows before mentioned obliging him to Pay to my four Sisters Twenty five
Pounds as hereafter Expressed, Obliging him also to Pay one half of my Funeral
Charges & of my other just Debts & Expenses—
Itm I Give to my Sister Mary Hudson Five Pounds to be
paid by my sd Brother Josiah Fobes within two Years after my
Decease, Itm I Give to my Sister Abigail Snell the Sum of five Pounds to be
paid to her within two Years after my Deceased by my sd Brother
Josiah Fobes—
Itm I Give to my Sister Sarah[?] Fobes the Sum of ten
Pounds to be paid to her within one Year after my Decease by my sd
Brother Josiah Fobes—
Itm I Give to my Sister Silence Fobes five Pounds to
be paid to her by my sd Brother Josiah Fobes within four Years after
my Decease—
And I do Nominate & appoint my Uncle Ephraim Fobes of sd
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared by Edward Fobes seal)
ye sd Edward Fobes to be his Last Will
& Testament In the Presence of us
Robert Washburn
Josiah Edson junr.
Bethiah Keith
Proved on 24 Sept. 1736 by Robert Washburn, Josiah Edson junr.
and Bethiah Keith, the witnesses.
A true Inventory of the Estate both real & personal of
Edward Fobes late of Bridgewater Deceased who dyed Decembr [sic] ye 15th
1736, appraised by Samuel Keith, Josiah Edson, and Nathaniel Willis on 4 Oct.
1736, totaled £1398.13.6, his housing, lands and cedar swamp valued at £1148.
Ephraim Fobes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 May 1737.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ephraim Fobes of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In
the Name of God Amen; This Twentyeth Day of March Anno Domi, 1753, I Ephraim
Fobes of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England Gentleman, though
at present under Some Decays of Body, yet Blessed be God, am of a Disposing
mind And Memory, But Calling to mind the Mortality of Body, and knowing that it
is appointed for all men Once to Dye Do Therefore now proceed to make and
Ordain this my last Will and Testament (Vizt.) Principally and First
of all I Recommend my Soul into the Hands of the Great God Who gave it hoping
through the Merrits, Mediation, and Intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ to
Obtain the Full parden of all my Sins, Acceptance with God, and to Inherit
Eternall Life—
And My Body I commit to the Earth
to be Decently Inter’d at the Discretion of my Executrix hereafter named, not
Doubting but at the Resurrection, I Shall Receive the same again, by the Power
of God Almighty, And Touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith, a Good God has
Blessed me, I Give & Dispose of, in the Following maner, First, my Will is
that all my Just Debts and Funerall Charges be paid in a Conveniant Time after
my Decease by my Excutor out of that part of my Estate which I have herein
Given unto him (2ly) I Give
and Bequeath unto my Son Ephraim Fobes (whome I appoint and make the Sole Execr
of this my last Will and Testament) To him his heirs and Assigns forever, my
Homstead extending from the Town River to the head of the Meadow’s (so called)
Also my Trulling mill with a strip of Land Lying between the Trench and Side
River, Including its Priviledge Reserv’d in a Lease I Gave to Thomas Ames, also
all my land Lying by Capt. Josiah Edson’s Homstead, on both Sides of
the Roade, Also my part of three peices of Meadow which I hold with my Brother
William Fobes in Equall Shares, The First peice lying at aplace called the head
of the Meadow’s Another peice being that part of alott lying at aplace called
Eagles=nest, which my Father and I Bought of Timothy Keith, the Third peice is
alott of Meadow lying in Flaggy So called which I hold in Partnership with my sd.
Brother William, also all my right in the Old Ceder Swamp (so called) Being
part of Two Lotts also all my right in nine acres of Land which I Laid Out,
Bounded Southerly by the Widdow Ames’s Land, and northerly by William Fobes’s
Land in the Westerly part of Bridgwater, Also my Hundred Acres of Land which I
Bought of Jabez Field, lying On the Easterly Side of Nathll.
Reynalds’s Land, Also all the Interest which I have in Severall Purchase Rights
of Undivided Land within the Eight mile (so called) in the Township of said
Bridgwtr, And if there be any Other Interest which I have in any
real Estate not before Disposed of, nither by this Will, I Give and Bequeath
the Same unto my Son Ephraim And I do
hereby Oblige my sd. Son Ephraim to pay out the Severall legacies
which I have hereafter in this Will given to my Daughters as To them Severally
Expressed (3,ly) I Give and
Bequeath unto My Son in Law Jabez Field and also to my Daughter Mary his Wife
to their heirs and Assigns forever my Tract of Land Lying in the Northerly part
of sd. Bridgwater, The Northwesterly Bounds of which is Trurdy Path
(so called) and Bounded westerly by Charles Snell’s Land and So Runing Easterly
to the Extent of Land at the Northerly end of Morison’s Land bounded Westerly
by Nathaniell Snell’s Land, Northerly by Charle’s Snells land, & Easterly
by Robert Haward’s Land, Also I Give unto my said Daughter Mary my Molattoe
Girl named Dina, Further I Give and Bequeath unto said Jabez and Mary my
Quarter part of the Saw=Mill in the Northerly part of said Bridgwater called
Haward’s Saw=Mill (4,ly) I
Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Betty Sixty Six pounds Thirteen Shillings
& four pence in Household Goods to be purchased for her at money price
after my Decease as Soon as she shall Desire them Also thirty three pounds Six
Shillings and Eight pence lawfull Money to be paid unto her in One Year after
my Decease, Also Thirty three pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence more in two
years after My Decease all to be performed by my Execr, (5,ly) I Give and Bequeath Unto my
Son in Law Jonathan Snell and to my Daughter his Wife To them their heirs and
Assigns forever all my Interest in the Ceder Swamp Called Cutting=cove Ceder
Swamp, or West Ceder Swamp, I Give Unto her Twenty Six pounds Thirteen
Shillings and four pence In Quick Stock at Moneys price immediately after my
Decease, and Twenty Six pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence in Lawfull
money within three Years after my Decease by my said Execr. (6,ly)
I
Give and Bequeath unto my Son in Law Josiah Williams Junr, and to my
Daughter Hannah his Wife To them their heirs and Assigns forever Ten Acres of
Land which I Bought of Mr. Ephm. Keith lying On the
Westerly Side of Jonathan Copland’s Wood Lott, Also Nine Acres of Land which I
Laid Out near George Haward’s Land, Also I Give Unto her Thirteen pounds Six
Shillings and Eight pence in Lawfull Money immediatly after my Decease Also Thirteen
pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence in Quick Stock at Moneys price In One Year
after my Decease also thirteen pounds Six Shillings And Eight pence in Quick
Stock at moneys Price in Two Years after my Decease all to be performed by sd.
Execr. Further I Give and
Bequeath unto my said Son Ephraim ally my Out Doore moveables, also my
apparell, Cask, fire Lock two Swords, Bills, Bonds, Notes and Book Accounts
also one fether Bed and I do hereby further Oblige him to Do all that which
will be Incumbent on my Heirs after my Decease towards Maintaining Mereah an
Old Negro Woman which was Father Snell’s
And
Further I Give and Bequeath unto my said Daughters namly, Mary Betty, Martha
and Hannah, all my indoor moveables to be Equally Divided between them, Witness
my hand And Seal the Day and Year aforementioned
Sign’d Sealed, published Pronounced Ephraim Fobes (seal)
And Declared by the sd.
Ephraim
Fobes to be his last Will an Testamt.
In
the presents of us
Josiah Edson Junr.
Thomas Ames
Simeon Haward
Presented for probate on 3 Feb.
1755 by the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Edson jur.
Esqr. and Thomas Ames, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ephraim Fobes of Bridgwater, Yeoman, the
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 381-384, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Ezra Fobes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Ezra Fobes of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman possessing health of
Body & a sound disposing mind (blessed be God for the same) yet sensible of
the uncertainty of both do make & publish this my last Will & Testament
in manner & form following (that is to say) first I give & bequeath
unto my beloved wife Mary Fobes one bed & all the lining & one half the
pew in the meeting house to be at her disposal also the improvement of one
horse three Cows ten Sheep, all the Swine, the provision of all kinds, two
thirds of the young Orchard & two thirds of the Garden, also the brass
Clock together with all the indoor moveables also all the upland wood, one half
of all the buildings & the Chaise, & I do further give & bequeath
unto my Wife all my notes of hand to be at her disposal except such part of a
note against my son Ezra as shall not be paid at the decease of my wife, but,
if any part of said note should remain it is to be given up to said Ezra
according to the true intent of said note.
I do also give &
bequeath unto my eldest daughter Abigail Aldrich twelve dollars & ninety
cents & an equal share of all my Personal Estate this together with what I
have hereto fore given her I consider her share of my Estate payable at my
decease. I do also give & bequeath
unto my daughter Susannah Three Hundred Dollars to be paid to her at her
Marriage but if she should continue unmarried after the decease of her Mother
she shall have the improvement of so much of the easterly part of the house as
shall be necessary for her comfort or convenience together with twenty five
dollars a year during her life provided that is sufficient for her comfortable
support other ways a sum equal to her necessaries expenses also an equal share
of my Personal Property. I do give &
bequeath unto my daughter Mary Howard twelve dollars & ninety cents, also
an equal share of the personal property this together with what I have
heretofore given her I consider her full share.
I do also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Cordana Dunbar twelve
dollars & ninety cents also an equal share of my Personal Property this
together with what I have heretofore given her I consider her full share
I do also give & bequeath unto my four daughters Syrena,
Celia, Armena & Eliza three hundred dollars each to be paid to each of them
when they marry but if they or any of them should continue unmarried after they
arrive at lawful age they shall receive their three hundred dollars each or at
the decease of my wife & if any or either of the above named Syrena, Celia,
Armena & Eliza should remain unmarried after the decease of their mother
they shall have a priviledge in the easterly half of the house sufficient for
their comfort & convenience this I consider with their equal share of my
Personal Property which is to be divided at my decease except such part as is
given to my wife which shall be divided after her decease their full share
which said several sums & Legacies I will & order shall be paid to the
said respective Legatees at the times & in the manner as above, I do
further bequeath & devise to my son Ezra Fobes all the remainder of my
Property not before particularly disposed of what name or nature soever whether
Real, Personal or Mixed by ordering him to pay all my just debts all the
legacies above named appointing him my sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament revoking all former Wills by me made in witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty eighth day of March A.D. Eighteen
hundred & nine~
Signed, Sealed published & declared by the above named
Ezra Fobes to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who at his
request & in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Barney
Leonard Ezra Fobes (seal)
William
Allen
James
Alger 3d.
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1823 by Ezra Fobes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by James Alger 3d, one of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Ezra
Fobes, the before named Executor.
Oliver Keith, yeoman, Benjamin Keith, yeoman, and Barney
Leonard, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Ezra Fobes, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 7 Oct. 1823. The Inventory was not
dated, but totaled $3997.28, including his real estate valued at $2800. Ezra
Fobes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Nov. 1823, and he was
directed to sell at public auction or private sale $360 of the personal estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, pp. 334-337, 401, from FHL
microfilm #0550909.
Will of Freelove Fobes of
Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In
the Name of God amen. This Thirty first day of December in the Year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and three. I Freelove Fobes of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow being advanced in
age yet through divine goodness in a comfortable state of bodily Health &
of sound & disposing Mind & Memory & calling to Mind the frailty of
my Body & the Duty of setting my house in order before death, do now
proceed to make & ordain this my last Will and Testament, and first of all
I commend my immortal soul into the hands of that God who gave it, trusting in
the Merits & Intercession of Jesus Christ my Saviour, for pardon, Grace
& Glory & my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named nothing doubting but that at the
General Resurrection of all the Dead the same shall be raised again by the
mighty power of almighty God, and as I humbly hope to a glorious Immortality –
and with respect to the little remainder of my worldly Interest, I dispose of
it in the following Manner viz –
Imprimis
I give and bequeath unto my six Sons viz Perez, Jason, Ezra, Joseph, John &
Nathan one Dollar apiece to be paid to each of them by my Executor hereafter
named within one year after my decease —
2dly.
I also give and bequeath unto my two Daughters viz. Abigail and Silva Fifty
Dollars each, to be paid to them by my sd. Executor within six
Months after my decease —
3dly.
I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Freelove Eighty three Dollars & sixty
six Cents to be paid to her by my sd. Executor within one year after
my decease. I also give her a Feather bed & the Furniture &
appurtenances belonging thereunto, it being the same Bed, which she now
occupies. I likewise give to her my cloak & that black Gown, which she
bought for me, & my Great Looking Glass also one milch Cow & three
Sheep & the sd. Cow & sheep to be kept for her Summer &
Winter by my sd. Executor at his own Expence during the whole Term
of the natural Life of my sd. Daughter Freelove or so long as she
shall remain a single woman. I also give her the privilege to ride to Meeting
on the Lord’s Days & at other times occasionally, while she shall continue
in her single Capacity, to be provided & found for her by my sd.
Executor at his Expence —
4thly.
I give and bequeath unto my three daughters viz Abigail Silva & Freelove
all my wearing Apparel (saving the Gown before mentioned) & all my
household Furniture & indoor moveables (not before named & otherways
disposed of) to be equally divided among them —
5thly.
I also give to my Grandson Joseph P. Fobes one Dollar to be paid by my Executor
—
6thly
I give & bequeath unto my Son Alpheus & to his Heirs & assigns
fifteen Acres of Land lying in the south precinct at Bridgwater, it being the
same Land, which my Hond. Father Josiah Edson late of Bridgwater
Gentleman deceased, gave to me in his last Will and Testament, I also give him
all the residue of my Estate both real & personal, that may be found, &
not herein or otherways disposed of, after my just debts & charges &
the Legacies aforesaid shall be paid —
Lastly
I hereby nominate & appoint my sd. Son Alpheus sole Executor of
this my last Will and Testament and I order him to pay all my just debts &
charges & the several Legacies before mentioned, out of what I have given
to him, and I likewise order him to provide at his own Expence pasture &
forage sufficient to keep one Cow Winter & Summer for my Daughter Freelove
& to take care of & keep sd. Cow at a convenient place for
her use during her natural Life, or so long as she shall remain a single woman,
& also to let her have the privilege to ride to the House of publick
worship on the Lord’s days & at other times as occasion may require during
the aforesaid Time — And I hereby revoke
disannul & make void all other wills heretofore made by me, & do hereby
ratify & confirm this to be my last Will & Testament in Witness Whereof
I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & year aforesaid —
signed sealed published pronounced
and
declared by the said Freelove Fobes
to be
her last Will and Testament in
presence of
George
Chipman Freelove
Fobes her Mark X (seal)
Jason
Dyer
Joseph
Bassett 2d.
Presented for probate on 5 Aug.
1811 by Alpheus Fobes, the Executor therein named, and proved by George Chipman
and Joseph Bassett 2d, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Alpheus Fobes, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Fobes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1783) *
In the name of God Amen — The ninth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Eighty three, I John Fobes of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New
England yeoman, being advanced in age and under infirmity of body but through
divide Goodness of sound and disposing mind and memory and Calling to mind the
mortality of my body as well as the souls immortality and the Great duty of
Sitting my house in order before death, do now proceed to make and ordain this
my Last will and testament; and first of all I Commend my immortal Soul into
the hands of that God who Gave it, trusting in the merits & Intercession of
Jesus Christ my saviour for pardon Grace & Glory; my body I Commit unto the
dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting
but at the Great Resurrection the same shall be Raised again by the mighty
power of God unto a Glorious immortality; and with Respect to my worldly
Interest which by the blessing of Providence I have in my possession I dispose
of it in the following manner vizt
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Martha
the use & improvement of one half my dwelling house and the use &
improvement of one third part of each of my Other buildings and one third part
of my Cellar & well, with all the necessary accomodations for improving the
premises, also the use of one third part of my Pew in the south meeting house
upon the floor– I also Give unto her the use & improvement of one third
part of my homestead Land & meadows - & one third part of the wood in
my Cedar Swamp during the term that she shall Remain my widow– and I Give unto
her to be Entirely at her dispose my old Chaise & one milk Cow, also one
half of all my household Goods & furniture and my Great Bible
Item — I Give and bequeath unto my Son Edward & to his
heirs & assigns forever all my Right in the Cedar Swamp Lying on the
northerly & westerly Side of the Great pond in the South Precinct of
Bridgwater – also two acres of Land which I Laid out Lying at the south End of
my brother Josiah Fobes’s homestead, also one half my Live Stock and out door
moveables & farming tools & utensills also my Gun which he now hath in
possession, also one half my wearing apparell and one feather Bed with Suitable
furniture – and the Reason I Give him no more at this time is because I have
already Given him about two hundred pounds which with what I have now Given him
is Considered as his full Share in my Estate
Item — I Give and bequeath unto my Grandson John Fobes Ten
Spanish milled Dollars to be paid him by my Executor hereafter named within
twelve months after my decease
Item — I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha all the
Remainder of my Indoor moveables and houshold Furniture not herein before
mentioned, and Otherwise disposed of – I also Give unto her the sum of twenty
pounds Lawful Silver money to be paid unto her by my Executors hereafter named
within two years after my decease
Item — I Give and bequeath unto my Son Libeus and his heirs
& assigns forever all my homestead Lands & Buildings Except the use
& improvement before mentioned and Given to my wife – I also Give him Six
acres of Land Lying in Bridgwater, between the Lands of Benjamin Keith and
Josiah Fobes, also all my Right in the Little Cedar Swamp, so called & my
Pews in the South meeting House, and one half my wearing Apparell and also all
my Other divided and undivided Lands and other Estate both Real and Personal
not herein before mentioned & disposed of
Lastly — I Do hereby nominate and appoint my said wife &
Son Libeus joint and Sole Executor upon this my Last will & testament,
ordering my sd Son Libeus to pay and discharge all the before
mentioned Legacies, and all my just Debts & funeral & other Charges out
of what I have Given to him — In witness whereof I Do hereunto Sett my hand
& Seal the day & year aforesaid
Signed Sealed, Published, pronounced
& declared by the sd. John Fobes to be John Fobes (seal)
his Last will & testament in presence
of
Joseph
Bassett
Joseph
Cowing
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1783 by Martha Fobes and
Libeus Fobes, the Executors therein named, and proved by Joseph Bassett and
James Leach, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Martha Fobes and Libeus Fobes, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 535-537, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Joshua Fobes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the Name of God Amen—I Joshua Fobes of Bridgwater in the
county of Plymouth in New England, Husbandman, calling to mind the mortality of
my body, but being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God; Do make and ordain
this my Last will and testament, in manner following, that is to say, first I
Give my soul to God who gave it, and I bequeath my body to the earth from
whence it was taken, to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors,
nothing doubting but that I shall recieve it again at the resurrection and the
temporal estate which God hath blessed me with, I dispose of in the manner
following – vizt –
First – I will that all my Debts be paid
Item – To Esther my beloved wife, I Give the improvement of
one third part of my Dwelling House, my corn House and Barn, and of all my
Lands; and I Give her the whole of my moveable estate as her own property
Item – I Give the west half of my Dwelling House to my Son
Joshua, and the east half of it to my Son Robert.~
Item – I Give six shillings a piece to my two daughters Ruth
and Abigail and all the rest of my estate I Give to be equally divided between
my sons Daniel, Joshua, Caleb, Robert and Solomon, and I do constitute Esther
my Loving wife, and my son Daniel, my executors of this my Last will and
testament; hereby revoking & disanulling all former wills and testaments by
me made or signed – In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the
seventh day of August in the year of our Lord 1786, and in the eleventh year of
the independence of the united States of America
The abovesaid Joshua Fobes declared,
signed & sealed this as his Last will & Joshua Fobes (seal)
testament in the presence of
Elijah
Richmond
Joshua
Richmond
Isaac
Backus
Bridgwater
Novr 3. 1787. ~
Sir
as
I am not well able to come down to your court, I desire that my Son Daniel
Fobes may be authorised to act as executor of my Late husband’s will without me
– your humble servant
her
Esther
X Fobes
To the Honble Judge of Probate for
Ply- mark
mouth county – Joseph Cushing esqr.
–
Presented for probate on 5 Nov.
1787 by Daniel Fobes, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by Elijah
Richmond and Isaac Backus, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted unto Daniel Fobes, the before named Executor,
(Esther Fobes the other Executor in said will named, having refused the said
trust.)
Thomas Hooper Gentm.,
Amos Howard yeoman, and William Fobes yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed
to appraise the estate of Joshua Fobes, late of Bridgwater Husbandman, on 5
Nov. 1787. The Inventory of the Estate of Joshua Fobes, late of Bridgwater, was
appraised on 23 Nov. 1787, and totaled £542.16.10, including his homestead farm
valued at £442. Danl. Fobes, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 6 Oct. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 254-255, 451-452, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Josiah Fobes
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—on the Sixth day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety three. I Josiah Fobes of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts in New
England Gentleman, being advanced in age, yet through divine goodness, in a
good state of bodily health & of a sound & disposing mind & memory,
and calling to mind the frailty of human nature and the mortality of my own
body, as well as the soul’s immortality and the duty & expediency of
setting my house in order before death, do now proceed to make & ordain
this my last will & testament, and first of all I commend my immortal soul
into the hands of that God who gave it, humbly trusting in his mercy thro’ the
merits of Jesus Christ my saviour for pardon, grace & glory and my body I
commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor,
nothing doubting but that at the general resurrection of all the dead the same
shall be raised again, by the mighty power of almighty God, as I humbly hope
& trust to a glorious immortality, and with respect to my worldly interest
I dispose of it in the following manner vizt
Imprimis—I
Give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife Freelove the easterly front room
& bed room adjoining thereunto in my dwelling house, also the use and
privilege of one half part of the kitchen in sd house & half the
Cellar under the same and the privilege of water at the well & the use
& improvement of one third part of my barn & corn house & a seat in
my Pew in the south meeting house, together with the use & improvement of
the one third part of all my Lands during the whole term of her natural life. I
also give unto her my said wife to be entirely at her dispose two milks cows
& my horse, also all my houshold furniture & indoor moveables, saving
& excepting such particular articles as are herein afterwards mentioned
& otherways disposed of, I also give her Five sheep & one swine
together with all my Corn, Grain, meat & Sauce, hay & Forage, that may
be found on hand at my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my four Grand children vizt Joseph Pryer,
Josiah, Sarah & Silence ten shillings a piece in Lawful silver money, to be
paid to each of them by my Executor hereafter named, within twelve months after
my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Perez Forty shillings of Lawful silver money,
to be paid to him by my said Executor, within two years after my decease this
with the education I have given him is considered as his full share in my
Estate
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Jason & his heirs & assigns about two
acres of land being part of my homestead lying on the south side of the road
and is opposite the front of his dwelling house, bounded, beginning at the
north east corner of my orchard by the high way, From thence southerly by sd
orchard Fence as it now stands to the south east corner of sd orchard, thence
easterly in a parralel line with the stone wall Fence, on the southerly side of
said orchard ‘till it comes to a lot or parcell of Land called the Fifteen
acres, thence northerly in the line of sd Fifteen acres Lot to the high way,
thence westerly by sd high way to the first bounds. I also give him
the privilege of a watering place containing about one quarter of an acre of
Land Situate & being at the north west corner of his the said Jason’s
homestead, and which he now improves, and is bounded on either side by the
Fence as it now stands, and I hereby order him the said Jason to my two
Daughters vizt Abigail & Sylva, the sums of Forty shillings a
piece, to be paid to each of them in Lawful silver money, within twelve months
after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Ezra & his heirs & assigns, one Lot of
Cedar Swamp in the old or great cedar swamp in sd Bridgwater, it
being in common & undivided with the heirs of Mr Joshua Fobes
Late of sd Bridgwater, deceased, this with what I have already done
for him, by giving him his trade, is considered as his full share of my Estate
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Joseph & his heirs & assigns, part of
the Second Lot of Cedar Swamp in the sixth share in the old or great cedar
swamp in sd Bridgewater (so called) it being all my right in sd
lot. Also one quarter part of a purchase right in the undivided Land in sd
Bridgwater. I also give him the said Joseph twenty pounds value in neat cattle,
to be paid & delivered to him by my sd Executor within two years
after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son John Twenty Five pounds value in neat cattle to
be paid & delivered to him by my sd Executor, within two years
after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Nathan Thirty pounds of Lawful Silver money, to
be paid to him within twelve months after my decease by my said Executor
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my two Daughters Abigail & Sylva Forty shillings a
piece, to be paid to each of them I Lawful silver money by my Son Jason within
one year after my decease
Item—I
Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Freelove, the use of my East chamber, in the
Front of my dwelling house & the privilege of passing to and from the same
& to be kept in good repair by my Executor during the term that she shall
continue to live single. I also give her to be entirely at her dispose the
Furniture in sd chamber, consisting of one case of Drawers, one
looking glass, one Feather Bed with its appurtenances & furniture, also one
table, candle stool & half doz chair also one milks Cow & twenty Five
pounds of Lawful silver money to be paid to her within one year after my
decease, by my sd Executor. And I also give her the privilege of
cutting Fire wood For her own use only during the term she shall live single,
and to have her Cow kept in the summer seasons annually by sd
Executor, during the sd term of her single life. Also a Seat in my
Pew in the abovesaid South meeing house, during sd term
Item—I
Give and bequeath unto my Son Alpheus & his heirs & assigns all the
residue of my homestead Lands & buildings, out Lands, Cedar Swamps &
meadows, together with all the remainder of my real & personal estate not
herein before mentioned & otherways disposed of, after my just debts &
charges & the legacies that I have ordered to be paid by my Executor are
discharged (saving & excepting my wearing apparell, which it is my will
shall be equally divided among all my Sons
Lastly—I do hereby nominate &
appoint my Son Alpheus Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament,
ordering him to pay & discharge all my sd debts and the legacies
before mentioned, saving the legacies which I have ordered my son Jason to pay.
And I do hereby revoke, disannul & make utterly void, all other wills,
heretofore made by me, hereby ratifying & confirming this to be my Last
will & testament. In Witness, whereof, I have hereunto, Set my hand &
seal the day & year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced
& declared by ye sd
Josiah Fobes, to be his Josiah Fobes (seal)
Last will & testament in
presence of
Joseph
Bassett
Hartwell
Keith
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 6 Oct.
1794 by Alpheus Fobes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Bassett
& James Leach, two of the witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Martha Fobes
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen—On the seventeenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
Seventeen hundred & ninety three, I Martha Fobes of Bridgwater in the
county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New England widow,
being advanced in age, yet through divine goodness in a comfortable state of
bodily health & of a sound & disposing mind & memory & well
knowing that it is appointed For all living once to die, & considering that
it is expedient to Set my house in order before death, do therefore now proceed
to make & ordain this my last will & testament, and first of all, I
commend my immortal soul into the hands of that God who gave it, with a humble
hope and trust in the merits & intercession of Jesus Christ my saviour For
pardon grace & glory, and my body I commit to the dust, to be decently
buryed at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, in the firm belief
that at the general resurrection of all the dead, the same shall be raised
again by the mighty power of almighty God, and as I hope to a glorious
immortality, and with respect to the little remains of my Estate and worldly
interest, I dispose of it as follows—viz~
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Edward one Spanish mill’d Dollar to be paid to
him by my Executor hereafter named within twelve months after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son Libeus, my large bible & all my other
books, also one Spanish mill’d Dollar to be paid to him by my sd
Executor within twelve months after my decease, and the sd books to
be delivered within one month after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my two grand children viz~. Libeus Fobes
junr & Mehitabel Fobes, two Spanish milled Dollars a piece to be
paid to each of them by my said Executor within Six months after my decease
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Martha my two Beds & the furniture
& my milks cow & all my wearing apparell, together with all the residue
of my Estate not herein before mentioned & otherways disposed of after my
just debts & charges and the Legacies before mentioned are paid
Lastly—I
do hereby nominate & appoint my son in law Mr Eliab Hayward of
said Bridgwater yeoman, Sole Executor upon this my Last will & testament,
ordering him to pay all my just debts & charges & the Legacies
aforesaid, and I do hereby revoke disannul & make utterly void all other
wills heretofore made by me hereby Ratifying & confirming this to be my
Last will & testament—In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal the day and year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced &
declared by the said Martha Fobes,
to be Martha Fobes (seal)
her Last will & testament in
presence of
Amos
Walter
Hayward
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 4 May 1795
by Eliab Hayward, the Executor therein named, and proved by Walter Hayward
& James Leach, two of the witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Timothy Fobes
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God Amen.—I, Timothy Fobes of Bridgwater in ye
County of Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, on this
nineteenth day of June in ye year of our Lord, one thousand, eight
hundred & two, make and publish this my last will & testament in manner
and form following, that is to say, in the first place, I commend my soul to
almighty God, humbly trusting in his mercy thro’ Jesus Christ for pardon,
grace, and a glorious and happy immortality, my body to be decently buried at
the discretion of my Executor here after named.~
I
Give, Devise & bequeath to my son William Fobes my meadow lot in flaggy
meadow, so called, containing five acres, also one undivided half part of all
my homestead farm & buildings, extending from the town river, so called, to
the land of Colo Edward Howard, at beach neck, so called containing
about sixty acres, also, one undivided half part of all my lands lying in the
south precinct in sd Bridgwater at a place called the two mild
field, on both sides of ye highway, leading from mile brook bridge
to Taunton, and containing about forty four acres, also, one undivided half
part of my lot in the old cedar swamp, and one half part of my two rights in
the west swamp, so called, all lying in Bridgwater aforesaid, to have & to
hold, all the above devised lands & tennements, with all the privileges
& appurtenances thereunto belonging, to him ye sd
William Fobes his heirs & assigns forever. –
I
Give & bequeath to my son Avery Fobes, the sum of Six Hundred & fifty
Dollars, forever, to be paid by my Executor out of the Notes of hand which I
hold against ye sd Avery, and such other personal estate,
as I shall hereinafter bequeath to my sd Executor, I also give &
bequeath to the said Avery Fobes one cow, my sword & silver spurs – also
one feather bed & furniture, the said bed to be delivered to him at the
decease of my wife, she to have the improvement of it during her state of
widowhood –
I
Give, Devise & bequeath to my youngest son Timothy Fobes, the other
undivided half part of all ye above described lands & tenements,
(excepting the flaggy meadow lot aforesaid) with the privileges &
appurtenances thereunto belonging, to have & to hold to him the said
Timothy & his heirs forever, provided however, if the said Timothy shall
die without heirs, lawfully begotten of his body, then my will is, that all the
above estate devised to my son Timothy as aforesaid shall go to my son William,
upon his paying to my son Avery the sum of Three Hundred & thirty three
Dollars & thirty three cents
I
Give and bequeath to my son William Fobes, my Scrutoine forever.-
I
Give & bequeath to my son Timothy Fobes my great bible, my Desk, my silver
shoe tree & Stock buckles forever, and my gun forever. .
I
Give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Mary Fobes all the rest &
residue of my houshold furniture (not other wise in this my last will &
testament disposed of) to have & to hold forever, also, all my wearing
apparell, to dispose of as she thinks best. I also, give & bequeath to my sd
wife, the use, occupation & improvement of the one half part of all my real
estate above described, as given to my two sons William & Timothy, and
also, the use, occupation & improvement of the one half part of all my live
stock & farming utensills, so long as she remains my widow, in full
satisfaction of her right of dower or thirds in my estate –
I
Give and bequeath to my two sons, namely William & Timothy, all my live
stock, out door moveables & farming utensills / excepting one cow to my son
Avery as aforesaid / to be equally divided, between them, the said William
& Timothy, to hold forever – and for the full performance of this my last
will & testament in every part & thing, I do hereby constitute &
appoint my son William Fobes sole Executor thereof, whom I order to pay all my
just debts, funeral charges & legacies herein given; and, I do give, devise
& bequeath to the said William Fobes, all the rest & residue of my
estate, of what name or nature, soever, either real, personal or mixed, to have
and to hold, to him the said William his heirs & assigns forever, excepting
the devises, legacies & bequests aforesaid – witness my hand & seal –
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pro-
nounced & declared by ye
sd. Timothy Fobes (seal)
Timothy Fobes the testator,
as & for his last will &
testamt.,
in presence of us the subscribing
witnesses –
Wm.
Baylies
Daniel
Howard ye 4th
Daniel
Howard –
Presented for probate on 15 Nov. 1803
by William Fobes, the Executor therein named, and proved by William Baylies
& Daniel Howard, two of the witnesses. Danl. Howard Esqr.
& James Perkins, yeoman, were the sureties on the bond of William Fobes,
yeoman.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Fobes of
Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In the Name of God Amen,
The 23d. day of June A.D. 1764. I William Fobes of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New: England Yeoman being sick & weak of body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God. therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last will & Testament that is to say Principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body I recommend to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God & as touchg. such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise & dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to Thankfull my dearly beloved wife after the Payment of my Just debts & funeral charges one third part of all my Personal Estate & the improvement of all my household Furniture during her natural life.
Item. I give & bequeath to my wellbeloved Daughter Lusanna Williams one half of my lot of land that lies adjoing. to Jona. Burrs land in Bridgwater & also one half of all my right in the common & undivided Lands in Bridgwr to her her heirs & assigns forever & also one half of my houshold Furniture (last line cut off).
Item. I give & bequeath to my well beloved Daughter Mercy Fobes one half of my lot of land that lies adjoing. to Jona. Burrs land in Bridgwater & one half of my land in the common & undivided lands in Bridgwater I give to her her heirs & assigns forever & also one half of all my household Furniture after her Mothers decease (that is one half that was not given to my wife only for Life.
Item. I give & bequeath to my well beloved son Abner Fobes five shillings to be pd by Exr.
Item I give & bequeath to my well beloved son William Fobes five shillgs to be pd. by Exr.
Item. I give & bequeath to my well beloved Son Timothy Fobes whom I likewise constitute & appoint my sole Executor of this my last will & Testament all my Estate both real & Personal that remains undisposd. of to him his heirs & assigns forever & I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disanul all & every other former Legacies, wills & bequests & Executors by me in any way before named, willed, & bequeathed ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will & Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year above written.
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the sd.
William Fobes as his last will & Testament in Presence of William Fobes (seal)
Ephraim Fobes, Eliab Fobes, & Edward Haward Junr.
Presented for probate on 8 Oct. 1764 by Timothy Fobes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Eliab Fobes and Edward Haward Junr., two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of William Fobes
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. This Sixteenth day of January A
Domini 1793 I William Fobes of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth, yeoman,
being of a sound, disposing mind & memory, & calling to mind that it is
appointed to all men once to die, do proceed to make & ordain this my last
will & testament, In the first place, I recommend my soul into the hands of
God who gave it, hoping thro’ the merits of Christ Jesus to obtain ye
pardon of all my sins & to inherit eternal life, and my body I commit to ye
earth to be decently buried at ye discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, believing that at ye resurrection I shall recieve
the same again by the power of God almighty, & as touching my worldly
Estate, I Give & dispose of it in the following manner vizt. my
will is that all my just debts be paid in convenient time after my decease, by
my Executor, out of my personal Estate
Item. I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife Hannah Fobes
all my Indoor moveables & my wearing apparell, to be disposed of as she
shall think proper, the improvement of two Cows, my horse & Six sheep, Also
the improvement of all my real estate, so long as she shall remain my widow,
and also the one half of my stock of provisions
Item. I Give & bequeath to my Sister Mercy Howard wife of
John Howard, Six pounds lawful money
Item. I Give & bequeath to my nephew Avery Fobes, his
heirs & assigns forever, all my Personal Estate not before disposed of,
& after the decease of my wife, all my Real Estate, & in case my wife
should marry, my will is, that my said nephew should come into the improve of
the same in consequence of such intermarriage
Finally, I constitute & appoint my Nephew Avery Fobes
sole Executor of this my last will & testament. In witness whereof, I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal, the day & year abovesaid
Signed, Sealed, delivered, published
pronounced & declared by the sd Wil- William Fobes (seal)
liam Fobes to be his last will & tes-
tament in presence of
Jona
Crane
Gaius
Conant
Susanna
Crane
Presented for probate on 3 July 1797 by Avery Fobes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jonathan Crane and Susanna Crane, two of
the witnesses. Jonathan Crane Esqr. & Daniel Fobes were sureties
on the bond of Avery Fobes as Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elisha Foord of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the Name of God Amen I Elisha Foord of Marshfield being
weak & under Indisposition of Body But of Perfect Understanding and memory
Praized be God Therefore Calling unto to Mind the Mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make this my last will
& Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give &
recomend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it & my Body to the Earth
to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial By my Executors nothing doubting but at
the General Resurrection I Shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of
God And as touching the worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me with I Give Demise & dispose of the same in the manner and form
following. ~
Imprimis. I Give and Bequeath To Elizabeth Foord my beloved
wife the use and improvement of all my house hold Goods & the One half of
my dwelling house so long as She remains my widdow.
Item. I Give to my son Lemuel Foord all my wearing Apparell
And my Yonguest yoke of Oxen Over & above what I have already Given him by
Deed—
Item I Give to my two sons Elisha Foord & Isaac Foord all
my Real Estate not before disposed of to be Equally divided between them they
being Obliged to allow their Mother an Honourable Maintenance Out of said
Estate dureing her remaining my Widdow—
Item I Give to my three daughters that are Married viz
Patience Sprague Bethiah Turner & Zerviah Howland all my household Goods
after their mother to be Equally divided among them. And I give to my said two
sons viz Elisha & Isaac the three quarters of a Sloop which I do now Own
& all my horn Cattle and my home and all my Buildings & fences &
all my husbandrey tools —
Item I Give to my two daughters that are unmarried viz
Priscilla Foord & Tabitha Foord thirteen pounds Six Shillings & Eight
pence lawfull money a peice to be paid by my two sons viz Elisha & Isaac
whom I do Constitute & apoint to be my Executors to this my last will &
Testament And I do hereby utterly revoke all other & former wills hereby
ratyfieing & Confirming this & no Other to be My last will Testament in
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this fourth day of October
in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & fifty Eight 1758. Signed Sealed & Declared by the said
Foord to be his last will In presence of
John Little Elisha Foord (seal)
Benja. White
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 11 Dec. 1758 by the Execrs,
and proved by Benja. White and Thomas Foster, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Elisha Foord and Isaac Foord, the
Executors, on 11 Dec. 1758.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. Elisha Ford,
late of Marshfield, was appraised on 11 Jan. 1759 by Nehemiah Thomas, Nathl.
Little, and Benjamin White, and totaled £622.12.1, including his real estate
valued at £314.13.4, and ¾ of a Sloop valued at £160. Elisha Foord and Isaac
Ford, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 31 Mar. 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 84-85, 276, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Peleg Foord
of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name
of God, Amen.
The seventeenth day of November A.D. 1762. I Peleg Foord of
Marshfield in the county of Plymouth in New-England gentleman, being aged &
infirm but of sound mind & memory do make this my Last will and Testament.
~~
First, I comend my soul to God that gave it, and my body to
the earth, to a decent burial at the discretion of my executor hereafter-
named; and touching such worldly goods as God hath given me, devise &
dispose of in the manner following, that is to say. ~~
I give to my son Nathaniel Foord all my real estate to him
and his heirs & assigns forever, & all my wearing apparel, & my
sword & gold sleve buttons, & two silver spoons, & my pew in the
meeting house (with this reserve, that my daughters Sarah White Lusannah Kent,
& Abigail Smith shall have Liberty to sit in the said pew if they see
cause). and I also give to my said son two cows & a pair of three
&’vantage red steers, & my whale-boat with her appurtenances, and all
my farming tools & utensils.—
I give to my daughter Sarah White, thirteen pounds, six
shillings & eight pence, to be paid to her by my executor hereafter-named
in two years after my decease.~
I give to my daughter Lusañah Kent, thirteen pounds, six
shillgs. & eight pence, to be paid to her by my executor
hereafter namd. in two years after my decease, & one silver
spoon at my decease.
I give to my daughter Abigail Smith, thirteen pounds, six
shillgs. & eight pence, to be paid to her by my executor
Hereafternamd. in two years after my decease, & one silver spoon
at my decease.
Also I give to my son Nathaniel Foord, and to my daughters
Sarah White, Lusañah Kent, & Abigail Smith, all the remainder of my
personal estate not heretofore disposed off. (after my just debts, funeral
charges, and the settlement of my estate is paid out of them) to be equally
divided between them.
Lastly I appoint my son Nathaniel Foord sole executor of this
my Last will & to pay my funeral charges, just debts, & the settlement
of my estate out of my personal estate as abovesaid. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal the day and year above written,
Signed sealed, published, & declared by the Peleg Foord (seal)
said Peleg Foord to be his Last will & testamt.
in the presence of.—
Paul White
Joseph White
Elizabeth White
Whereas in my Last will and testament dated the . . . . .
I gave to my daughter Abigail Smith . . . . .
Since which she is deceased, and cannot take the same.—
Therefore my mind and will now is, That the same shall be equally divided among
the children which she Left at her decease, and paid to them by my executor,
and that this be taken as part and parcel of my said will. . ~
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
January 23d. AD. 1768. —
Signed and published his
In
presence of Peleg X Foord (seal)
Abijah White mark
Nathan Sprague
Ignatius Sherman
Presented for probate on 14 Jan. 1769 by Nathaniel Foord, the
Executor, the Will proved by Paul White, one of the witnesses, Elizabeth White
and Joseph White being since deceased, and the Codicil proved by Abijah White
esqr. and Ignatius Sherman, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Nathaniel Foord, the Executor on the same day.
The apprizement of the estate of Peleg Foord, late of Marshfield, was taken by Abijah White, Paul White, and Ignatius Sherman on 17 Jan. 1769, and totaled £734.11.8. The Executor gave his oath to the inventory on 21 Jan. 1769.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 181-182, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Andrew Ford of Abington, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God amen I Andrew Ford of Abington In the
County of Plimouth & province of the Massachusets Bay In New-England yeoman
Being of perfect mind and memory – Blessed be god But Calling to mind the
morality of my Body and Knowing that It is appointed for all men once to Dey Do
on this 7enth Day of June Anno Domini one thousand Seven hundred fourty and
nine and In the Twenty Second year of ye reign of our Soveraien
Lorde the Second King of greate Brittaine &c. Do make and ordain this my
Last Will and Tstament, that is to Say principly & first of all I give and
recomend my Soule Into ye hands of God that gave It and my Body I
recomend to ye. Dust to be Deceantly bureid according to the
Discretion of my Executors here after named and as Touching Such worldly Estate
as It hath pleased God to Bless me with In this Life I give and Dispose of It
In manner & form following viz –
Imps. I do Give unto my Beloved wife Allice Ford
all my houshould Stuffe If She Shall See Cause Either to Diesire or Require It,
But In Case She Shall not See Cause So to Do Even to the whole of It I Desire
then yt. She would Bestow wt. thereof She Shall not Want
upon my two Sons viz on my Son Jacob & Andrew Ford but not obliging her
thereto, But only manifesting my Desire that She Should So Do If She Should See
Cause To Do It also I give her the Liberty & priveledge of Living In ye.
Best Roome of Either of my houses that She Shall Chuse or with Either of my
Sons, viz, Jacob & Andrew Ford & also ye. priveledge of
watter att either of ye. Wells belonging to Sd. houses
and I Do hereby oblige my sd. two Sons To find & Kepe for my sd.
Wife a good new milck Cow both winter & Sumer During her Life & also to
give her Six bushels of Inden Corne & one Bushell of Rye yearly Dureing her
Life & to provide her wt. fier wood She Shall want Cut fit for
her fier Brought home to her Door During her Life and I do further oblige my sd.
Two Sons & their heirs to pay unto my Sd. Wife an annuity of Ten
pounds Bills of Credite of ye. old Tenor Dureing her Life and I do
further oblige my Sd. Two Sons to provide & Deliver unto my Sd.
Wife one hundred pounds of good porke one hundred pounds of good Beefe yearly
During her life
Item 2. I Do give unto my Sd. Son Jacob Ford to
him his hairs & assignes for Ever the Notherly half of my farme In Abington
together with all ye. Buildings that are upon It Excepting my
Intrest In that Saw mill that Stands upon Sd half up at Bever Brook
wich is one Eighth parte of Sd. mill with ye. priviledges
thereof
Item 3. I Do Give unto my Sd. Son andrew Ford to
him his heirs & assigns for ever the South half of my Farme in Abington
with all ye. Buildings that are upon It as Dwalling house Barne the
like and also my Intrest in that Saw Mill that Stands on ye.
Northerly parte of my farme together with the priviledggs thereof to him his
heirs and assigns for Ever~~
Item 4. I do give unto ye. Children of my Daughter
marey Richards five Shillings apiece to Each of them by my sd. two
Sons viz unto Joseph Danll. mary & Susanna Richards –
Item 5. I Do give unto my Daughter Hester porter Thirty
ounces of Sillver & also to Each of her Children now Surviving viz unto
Jacob Jn. Noah Adam Porter & unto Hester mary abigail & Hannah Porter
to Each of them Ten ounces of Silver to Be paid unto my Sd.
GrandSons att Such Time as they Shall arrive at ye. age of twenty
& one years By my Sd. Two Sons, viz, Jacob & andrew or their
Their Heirs and also to my Said Grandaughter att the age of Eighteen years to
Each of them Shall become due and I Would have It Known that the Reason that I
Don’t give the whole unto my Sd. Daughter Hester Porter Is Because I
Would Not have It to Come in to My Son In Law Jacob Porters hands that he might
not with Itt fight again st ministers of ye. Gospell –
Item 6 I Do Give unto my two grand Children viz Abijah
& Marcy Reed the Children of my Daughter mary Reed Decd. To Each
of them fifty ounces of Silver to be paid unto ym. By my Said Two
Sons or their Heirs to the Sd. Abijah att ye. age of
Twenty and one years & to sd. Marcy att ye. age of
Eighteen years and if Either of them Should Dey Before he or She Shall arrive
to Sd. age Ye. other Surviveing Shall have the whole that
Both of them Should have I oblige my sd. Sons & their heirs to
pay ye. full of Sd. Legacies to Each Legatee above named
But In Case Sillver Should not be to be gotten then they Shall pay thereto in
bills of Credit & I do give further unto my sd. Two sons all my
Out Door moveables Equel event & Do hereby Constitute my Sd. Two
Sons, viz, Jacob & Andrew to be the Executors of this my Last Will &
Testament ordering them to Recive in all my Debts & also to Discharge all
my Law full debts as also my funeral & I do hereby revoke & make voide
all other former will, made by me In Witnes whereof I have & Do hereunto
Sett my hand & Seal on ye. Day & year above Said –
Signed Sealed published prounounced & Declared
By the Said Andrew Ford as his Last will and Testament in ye
presents of us ye. Subscribers Andrew Ford (seal)
Samuel Brown
Ebenezer Bate junr.
Mary Brown
Presented for probate on 4 June 1750 by ye. Execr.
therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Bate and Mary Brown, Mr. Samul.
Brown being since decd. Letters of Administration were granted to Jacob
and Andrew, Sons of the Said Deceased and Executors, on 4 June 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, p. 146-149, from FHL microfilm
#0551539.
Will of John
Foster of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1739/40) *
I John Foster of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in New
England being in the Seventy fourth year of my Age and at this time in usual
health and of a Disposeing Mind & Memory (Blessed be God for it) Do make
and Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following ~ That is to Say
I Give and bequeath my Soul to God who gave it & Redeemed it with the most
precious blood of his son Jesus C, I Give my body to the Earth to be buried in
hope of a Glorious Resurrection to Eternal Life through my Dear Lord &
Saviour Jesus Christ—
As for my Outward Estate which God in his good providence has
Given me my mind & will is that it be disposed of as followeth.
Imprimis I Give and Bequeath
to my beloved wife Hannah Foster She Resigning her Right of Dower the Sole use
and improvement of my Home State dureing her naturall life or widow Hood (and
no longer) Excepting the Blacksmiths shop & warehouse & wharfe which is
to be Set off beginning at ye Path Ten feet Westward from the Shop ~
I allso give unto my sd. wife my best bed & furniture, my negro
woman and One quarter part of my Houshold Goods with Liberty & choosing her
share. —
Item – I Give and bequeath to my youngest son Seth Foster and
to my Three Daughters viz Hannah Sarah & Mercy the three Remaining parts of
my household Goods & all my moveable & Personall Estate (Excepting what
I Shall hereafter dispose off) To be divided equally among them.
Item – I Give and bequeath To my Eldest son Samuel Foster his
Heirs and assigns forever One half of the Home stall Houses & land
(Excepting the Shop, wharf and warehouse and ye land below the Way
ten feed Westward of the Shop as Above) which he shall have after my wifes
death or second marriage. —
Item – I Give and bequeath to my second son Thomas Foster his
Heirs & Assigns forever the One half of my meadow land at ye.
High Pines within the bounds of Duxborough, and allso all my Wearing Apparell
and allso my Pine Lott of land at Billington Sea on ye Westerly
side.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my Third son Nathll
Foster his Heirs and assigns forever my Blacksmiths shop with the Utensils
thereunto belonging and the Warehouse & wharf & ye land to
be Sett off ten feet Westward of the Shop as above. Allso ye. other
Half of the Homestall Houses & Land which he shall have after my wifes
death or second Marriage. Also my Field & Pasture Lying in Plymo.
Above L;ttletown with the Wood Lott at the head of it: Allso my Sixty Acres of
Land at Gunnen Exchange pond 40 Acres on ye South & 20 Acres on
ye North side of sd. Pond Allso my lott of land on ye
beach with ye Blacksmiths shop that stands on it with ye
Utensils, Allso One half of my Meadow land at High Pines within Nanne and
whatsoever is due to me by Book and I Order him to pay all my debts &
funerall Charges and to provide for & Support his mother Comfortably &
Honourably as long as she Continues my Widdow, or to give her yearly a Certain
sum of money for her support as my son Samuel and he Shall Agree. I allso Order
him to pay to my Grandson Eliphalet Bradford Ten pounds or let him have a good
Cow and allso take Care that sd. Eliphalet be learned the Smiths
Trade or some other and when his time is up Give him two Suits of Apparill one
proper for the Lord, and the other for working days.
Furthermore my Cedar Swamp at South Meadows my sons Thomas
& Nathll. Shall have One half to Thomas his Heirs & Assigns
and the Other half To Natha. His Heirs and Assigns ~
Finally I Nominate and Appoint my two sons Samuel &
Nathaniel To be Joynt Executors Of this my last will & Testament. In
Witness hereof I have Hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Ninth day of January
Anno Dom. 1739/40
Signed Seald & Declared memorandm.
The words (my Negro Girl
this to be my last will Naune
& ) were Enterlined before
& Testement in Presence of Signing
&c
Isaac Lothrop Junr John Foster — (seal)
Thomas Wetherell
Rebecca Wetherell
Probated on 26 Jan. 1741, and proved by Isaac Lothrop Junr.,
Thomas Wetherell, and Rebecca Wetherell, the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Samuel Foster of Kingston, and Nathaniel Foster of
Plymouth, both in ye County of Plymouth Blacksmiths, Joynt
Executors, on 26 Jan. 1741.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 466-468, from FHL microfilm
#0551531.
Will of Mary
Foster of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
I Mary Foster of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth widow
Relict of Thomas Foster Esqr. deceased being in health and of sound
& disposing mind & memory, Do make & ordain this to be my Last will
& testament—First of all I Recommend my Soul to God, trusting in the merits
of Christ for Eternal Life –
– and as to my worldly Estate I dispose of it in manner
Following ~
Imprimis – having already done something for my two Eldest
daughters upon their marriage, I therefore now Give & bequeath twelve
Shillings in Silver money or in value equivalent, to be equally divided between
them; and to my daughter Salome Diman Thirty Shillings of Like money or value
Item – I Give to my daughters Mary & Eunice all my
wearing apparell
Item – I Give to my four Children, Mary, Seth, Philemon &
Eunice in equal parts all the Remainder of my Estate both Real & Personal
to be to them their Heirs & assigns forever; But if any of them should not
survive me, the whole to Go to the Survivors; and my daughter Mary is to have
her Choice of any one Room in my dwelling house as she shall see cause
Lastly, I nominate & appoint my daughter Mary Foster to
be the Sole Executrix to this my Last will & Testament—In Testimony of all
which I the said Mary Foster Do hereby Set my hand & Seal this 27th.
Day of July Anno Domini 1780
Signed Sealed & Declared to be Two Erasures
before Signing
her Last will & Testament in pre-
sence of Mary Foster (seal)
John
Cotton
John
Goddard
Benjamin
Drew
Presented for probate on 12 Dec. 1781 by Mary Foster, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by John Goddard and Benjamin Drew, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Foster, the
before named Executrix.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 239-240, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Samuel A. Frazar, Esq. of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
Be it
known, that I Samuel A. Frazer of Duxbury, Plymo. County, do make
this my last will – viz.
First – I give to my Grand-daughter Elizabeth Frazer Ten
dollars and in consideration of what her Father during his life time received
from my Estate, said sum is in full of all her share of my Estate.
Second. I give to Each
of my daughters who are unmarried viz. Mercy, Sarah, and Lucy, the sum of One
hundred Dollars
Third. After the
payment of my just debts and the above legacies, and the assignment to my widow
of her just dower in my real Estate, and such allowance from my personal Estate
as the Judge of Probate shall see fit to allow her, I do hereby give and devise
all the rest and residue of my Estate, real or personal to be Equally divided
among all my children now living, to have and to hold the same to them
and their heirs and assigns.
I do
hereby appoint my two sons George Frazar and Thomas Frazar joint Executors to
this my will.
And in
testimony of all which I have hereto set my hand and seal. July 20, 1838
Saml. A. Frazar (seal)
Signed,
sealed and published by S. A. Frazar as his will in our presence and we in his
presence did subscribe the same as witnesses.
David
J. Cushing
Bradford
Weston
Micah
A. Soule
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday
of Nov. 1838 by Geo. Frazar and Thomas Frazar, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Bradford Weston, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to George Frazar and Thomas Frazar, the Executors.
Thomas Frazar, of Duxbury, was
appointed as Special Administrator on the Estate of Samuel A. Frazar, late of
Duxbury, Esquire, on 2 Oct. 1838, with George Frazar and Benjamin Alden, of
Duxbury, as sureties.
George Frazar and Thomas Frazar, of
Duxbury, were granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Samuel A. Frazar,
late of Duxbury, Esquire, on 6 Nov. 1838, with Bradford Weston, of Duxbury, and
Joshua Eddy, of Middleborough, as sureties.
George Loring, Zenas Faunce and
Benjamin Alden, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Samuel
A. Frazar, late of Duxbury, on 6 Nov. 1838.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Samuel A. Frazar, late of Duxbury, Esquire, dated 2 Dec. 1838, his real estate
totaled $13,040.19, including his homestead valued at $4600, and several other
parcels of land, and his personal estate totaled $10,463.04, including notes
and certificates. George Frazar and Thomas Frazar gave their oath to the
inventory on 28 Jan. 1839, and Thomas Frazar, the Special Administrator on the
Estate of Samuel A. Frazar, late of Duxbury, gave his oath to the inventory on
25 Feb. 1839.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, pp.
373-374, 527, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 1G, p. 91, and Vol. 81, p.
60-64.
Will of Ebenezer Fuller of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Ebenezer Fuller of Kingston in the county of Plymouth
cordwainer, being under indisposition of body, but of a disposing mind and
memory, blessed be GOD, do make this my last will and testament in manner and
form following. I bequeath my soul to GOD who gave it me, and my body to the
earth with a decent christian burial, in hopes of a blessed resurrection, and
as to the outward estate it has pleased GOD to bless me with, I dispose of the
same in the following manner.
Imprimis. After my just debts are paid, and my funeral charge
discharged, I give and bequeath unto my dear & loving wife Joanna Fuller
the use & improvement of all my estate real & personal, during her
life. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my loving son Josiah Fuller,
& to his heirs & assigns forever, two acres of that lot where my house
is, and half my barn, and half my land at Wancomequa. ~
Item, I give and bequeath to my loving son Ebenezer Fuller,
my dwelling-house and other half of my barn, the remainder of the land where my
house stands, with the other half my land at Wancomequa, to him his heirs &
assigns forever.~
Item, I give and bequeath to my three daughters Rebeccah,
Lois, & Eunice (to be equally divided among them) all my personal estate at
the decease of their mother,
Finally, I do nominate, ordain and apoint my loving son
Josiah Fuller the executor of this my last will & testament, and confirming
this & no other to be my last will & testament. In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand
& seal this twentyninth anno Domini 1755.
Signed, sealed & declared by the abovesd. Ebenezer Fuller (seal)
Ebenr. Fuller to be his last will & testament
before us. John
Adams
Nathan
Perkins
Francis
Adams
Presented for probate on 1 Dec. 1772 by Josiah Fuller, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Adams and Nathan Perkins, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Josiah Fuller, the
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 192, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Ebenezer Fuller of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God Amen—the twelfth day of July Anno Domini
One thousand Seven hundred & Eighty five—I Ebenezer Fuller of Halifax in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of a
perfect & disposing mind and memory, but Calling to mind the mortality of
my body & knowing that it is appointed for men once to die, do make &
Ordain this my Last will & testament – that is to say first of all I Give
& Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it and my body I
Recommend, to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the
discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but at the Resurrection I Shall
Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God—and with Respect to the
worldly Estate with which God has blessed me in this Life, I Give, demise,
& dispose of in the following manner. ~
Imprimis — I Give & bequeath to my Grandson Chipman
Fuller besides what I formerly Gave to his father Ebenezer Fuller deceased my
half of the five & twenty acres of Land which we bought of Samuel Fuller,
Lying on the westerly Side of high way & joining to his homestead—Also I
Give to said Chipman about three acres of Land more, which I bought of sd
Samuel Lying on the East Side of sd. way
Item – I Give to my three Grand-Daughters, namely, Lydia,
Priscilla & Evis Fuller, five shillings each to be paid by my Executor
within One year after my decease ~
Item – I Give to my two Grand-Daughters, Assenath Kimline
& Susannah Wood, besides what I Gave to their father Nathan Fuller a piece
of Land, beginning at the west Corner of the Land which John Tomson Gave to his
Daughter Elisabeth Fuller and from thence South to a Small Cedar standing on
the north Side of the Swamp bridge & from thence Eastward to Souls Cedar
Swamp & from thence westerly on a Strait Line to the bounds first mentioned
Item – I Give & bequeath to my Grandson James Bozworth
& his heirs all my Homestead Land & meadow adjoining to it which I have
not heretofore disposed of—I also Give to said James my bed and all belonging
to it, and all my Houshold Goods & tools – I also Give said James Bozworth
all my Land from the Small Cedar before mentioned, which Lyeth on the west Side
of the way that Goeth to Samuel Smith’s Land, all my Land between said Smith’s
Land & Ephraim Fullers Land ‘till it Comes to the north Side of Swamp whereon
the Bridge it, and what I Give to him & my Other Grand Children, I Give to
them and their Heirs & assigns forever
Item – I Give (besides what I have already Given to my
Daughter Elisabeth Tomson & her Children) to my Grandson Thaddeus Tomson my
best Coat – also to my Grand daughter Elisabeth Tomson my Smallest Chest ~
Item – My will is that all my Estate which I Shall Leave at
my decease, either Real or Personal, not disposed of before, shall belong to my
sd. Grandson James Bozworth and that he shall Recieve all that is
due to me and pay all my just debts & funeral Charges. ~
Lastly – I do appoint James Bozworth of Halifax in sd.
County of Plymouth to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament
and I do hereby revoke & disanul all & every Other former wills
testaments, Legacies, or Executors by me any way before named willed or
bequeathed, Ratifying & Confirming this & no Other to be my Last will
& testament— In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the
day & year above mentioned ~
Signed, Sealed & declared to be his
Last will & testament by the said Ebenezer Fuller (seal)
Ebenezer Fuller in presence of us
Ephm.
Briggs
Ephm.
Fuller
Jacob
Soul
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1786 by James Bozworth, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ephraim Fuller and Jacob Soul, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to James
Bozworth, the before named Executor.
Moses Inglee, Noah Tomson and Ephraim Fuller, all of Halifax,
yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of
Halifax, yeoman, on 4 Dec. 1786. The Inventory of the Estate of Ebenezer
Fuller, late of Halifax, dated 19 Feb. 1787, totaled £104.14.0, including his
real estate valued at £96.8. Jas. Bozworth, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 4 Apr. 1787.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 45-48, 112, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Ebenezer Fuller of Halifax, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In
the name of God Amen.
I Ebenezer Fuller of
Halifax, knowing the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound and perfect
mind blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last
will and testament in manner & form following. and first of all my soul to
God who gave it hoping through the merits of his son Jesus Christ for eternal
life my body to be buried in a Christian manner at the discretion of my
executor and as it respects my worldly Estate, which God has blessed me with, I
give and bequeath in the following manner viz.
first. I give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Abigail Fuller the use and improvement of one third
of all my real Estate during her natural life, also the use and improvement of
all the household furniture during her natural life.
Second. I give and
bequeath to my two daughters Zerviah N. Gammon the wife of Calvin Gammon and
Rebecca Fuller The wife of Ephraim Fuller the sum of one hundred dollar to each
to be paid by my son hereafter named when he arrives at the age of twenty one
years or should I live till he is twenty one years of age the above named
legacies to be paid to my daughter one year after my decease.
Third. I give and
bequeath to my son Ebenezer Fuller Jr. all my Estate both real and personal of
every name and nature by paying the above named legacies and just debts and
funeral Charges
fourth. I hereby
Constitute & appoint Dexter C Thompson Esq. sole executor of this my last
Will and Testament and hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
I witness whereof I
hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of April in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty.
Ebenezer Fuller (seal)
Signed, sealed,
published and declared by the
above named Ebenezer
Fuller to be his last
will and testament
in the presence of us who
have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
in the presence of
the testator.
Thomas
Pope
Calvin
Sturtevant
Harriet
Thompson
The subscriber named as Executor in the above Will declined
the acceptance of that trust.
Dexter
C. Thompson
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of April 1844 by
Dexter C. Thompson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Calvin
Sturtevant, one of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Ebenezer Fuller, of Halifax, petitioned for Administration
with the will annexed of the estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of Halifax,
Yeoman, on the first Tuesday of Apr. 1844, Dexter C. Thompson who was named in
said Will as Executor having declined. Ebenezer Fuller, of Halifax, was granted
Administration with the Will annexed of the estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of
Halifax, on 2 Apr. 1844, with Isaac Fuller and Dexter C. Thompson, both of
Halifax, as sureties.
Dexter C. Thompson, Nathan Fuller and Isaac Fuller, all of
Halifax, were appointed to appraise the estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of
Halifax, on 2 Apr. 1844.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of
Halifax, Gentleman, was not dated, but totaled $3090.00, including his real
estate valued at $2725. Ebenezer Fuller, the Administrator with the Will
annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of May 1844.
Abigail Fuller, the widow of Ebenezer Fuller, late of
Halifax, waived the provision made for her in the last Will & Testament of
the deceased, and claimed her dower in the Real Estate of the deceased on 28
May 1844, and she was allowed $150 out of the personal estate in such articles
as she may select for her necessaries on 28 May 1844.
Jabez P. Thompson and Zadock Thompson, both of Halifax, and Samuel
Thompson of Middleborough were appointed to set off to the widow Abigail Fuller
her dower in the real estate of Ebenezer Fuller, late of Halifax, on 28 May
1844. The division was dated 13 June 1844, and approved on the first Tuesday of
Aug. 1844.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 86, pp. 145-146, 200, 232, 349-352, from FHL microfilm #0555637,
and Vol. 10A, p. 537.
Will of Ezra Fuller of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen,
The nineteenth day of March 1771. Ezra Fuller of Kingston in
the county of Plymouth in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England
yeoman, being in a very low state of health and weak of body, but of a perfect
mind and memory thanks be given to God therefor calling to mind the mortality
of my body and knowing that it is apointed for all once to die do make and
ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, Principally and first
of all I give and recomend my soul into the hands of Almighty GOD that gave it,
and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a decent christian burial
at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the general
resurection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God; and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in
this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following maner and
form. ~~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath to my beloved son Samuel
Fuller, and to his heirs, all my farm whereon I now dwell, with all the
buildings thereon, besides what is hereafter expressed. My will is that my son
Samuel shall pay to my other two sons Consider Fuller and to James Fuller five
pounds apiece at their ariving to the age of twenty one years. Also that my son
Samuel shall pay three pounds apiece to each of my daughters Susannah Fuller
& Molly Fuller, at their ariving to the age of twenty one years. Also my
will is that my son Samuel shall have the improvement of one half of my real
estate from my decease till he arives to the age of twenty one years. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth
Fuller the improvement of the other half my farm that I have not given to my
son Samuel so long as she shall remain my widow, and also a privilege in my
house & cellar convenient for her; also room in my barn to keep a cow, and
room to put hay for her during her widowhood. Also my will is that my wife
Elizabeth Fuller shall have all my indoor movable estate freely to enjoy; also
my will is that my outdoor movables shall be to discharge my funeral charges and
just debts, and if any be left it shall be my son Samuel,s and my wife’s
equally between them. Also I constitute & apoint my wife Elizabeth Fuller
& Robert Cook to be my executors of this my last will & testament. Also
I constitute & apoint Ebenezer Washburn to be guardian to my three youngest
children, Consider Fuller, James Fuller & Molly Fuller, during their
minority. Also I constitute & apoint Robert Cook to be guardian for my son
~ Samuel Fuller and daughter Susanna Fuller during their minority.—
And I do hereby
utterly disalow and disanul all and every other former wills, legacies, &
bequeath, executors, by me in any way before named, willed, bequeathed,
ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twentyeth day of March
anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred & seventy one 1771.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced,
& delivered by the Sd. Ezra Fuller as his Ezra Fuller (seal)
last will & testament in presence of us
the subscribers. Kimbal
Prince
Consider
Fuller
Simeon
Holmes
Presented for probate on 5 Aug. 1771 by Elizabeth Fuller and
Robert Cook, the Executors therein named, and proved by Kimball Prince and
Simeon Holmes, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 20-21, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Deacon John Fuller of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In the name of God Amen, On the 31th day of
December 1761. I John Fuller of Kingston in the County of Plymouth in New
England yeoman Being in perfect health and of a sound, memory, thanks be to
almighty God for it, and calling to remembrance the uncertain Estate of human
Life, and that all flesh must yield to death whenever it shall please God to
call, I do make, constitute, ordain and declare this to be my Last Will and
Testament in manner and form following, and first being sorry from my heart for
all my sins past, humbly desiring forgiveness for the same, I Give and commit
my soul unto almighty God my Saviour and redeemer, and my body to be decently
buried, and for the Settling of my temporal Estate which it has pleased God to
bestow upon me, I order, Give and dispose of the same in manner and form
following. that’s to say, I Will that all my Just debts and funeral charges be
well and truely paid by my two Sons Issacher and Ezra Fuller
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my Beloved Son Issacher
Fuller, besides the Forty Acres, whereon he now liveth, Seventeen Acres of wood
Lott Lying in Plympton at the west end of the Lot, also a piece of meadow
Ground called Watson’s meadow, and all my right of Cedar swamp at Swan hole,
and also about five Acres of meadow in Jones River meadow at the north west
corner I bound it thus to begin at the corner of the ditch next to the Island,
and the Line of division to extend about north east to a Large Clump of
whortleberry Bushes standing in the Easterly range of my Lot of meadow, also
the one half of my right of Cedar swamp in Doten’s Cedar swamp, and the one
half of my right of Pews in the meeting house in Kingston
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Son Ezra Fuller
Seventeen Acres of my wood Lot at the Easterly end, and the remaining part of
my homestead which I have not Given to my son Issacher, and the remaining part
of my Cedar Swamp and meadow, and all my Buildings excepting one third of my
dwelling house, the one half of my pews, included in said Buildings
Item—I Give and Bequeath unto my beloved Son Consider Fuller
all my wearing apparell, and all my out door moveables or personal Estate
Excepting one Cow—
Item—I Give and Bequeath unto my beloved son Eleazer Fuller
one third part of my dwelling house and one Good Feather Bed and furniture and
the remaining part of my wood Lot Lying between Issachers & Ezra Seventeen
Acres above mentioned, Six Acres more or Less.
Item—I Give unto my three daughters, namely, Deborah Prince,
Susanna Dingley, and Hannah Bisbe all my indoor moveables, excepting the Bed
before mentioned, to have an equal share one with the Other—the Cow which I
reserved, I Give to my daughter Hannah Bisbe, Likewise I constitute ordain my
Son Issacher Fuller and Kimball Prince my Son in Law to be my Executors of this
my Last Will and Testament, and I do hereby utterly, disallow and disannull all
and every other former testament Wills, Legacies and Bequests and Executors by
me in any ways before named, willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming
this and no other to be my Last Will and testament, In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal this the twenty second Day of March One thousand
Seven hundred and Sixty four
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced and
declared By the said John Fuller as his Last John
Fuller (seal)
Will and testament in presence of us the
subscribers
Ebenezer
Washburne
his
Eleazer X
Rickard junr
mark
John Faunce ~
Probated on 5 Oct. 1778, presented by Issacher Fuller and
Kimball Prince, and proved by Ebenezer Washburne and Eleazer Rickard junr.
The Inventory of the Estate of Deacon John Fuller, late of
Kingston, was appraised on 9 Oct. 1778 by Ebenezer Washburne, John Faunce, and
William Ripley, and totaled £1221.17.10. including his real estate valued at
£910.13.4. Kimball Prince, the Administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on
1 Feb. 1779.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Lucy
Fuller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen, I Lucy Fuller of Middleborough in the County of Bristol
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this life
& being desirous to dispose of my property according to equity and good
conscience and being of sound & disposing mind & memory and in good
health, blessed be God for the same do hereby make & publish this my last
Will & Testament as follows, viz:
I
do hereby give, devise & bequeath to my son Seth Fuller now of
Middleborough in the County aforesd, Merchant, all the Real Estate
whereof I am seized or of which I may die seized particularly at lot of land
situated in Bridgewater Mortgaged to me by Oliver Conant; and I also devise,
give & bequeath to the said Seth Fuller five shares in the Cohasset Bank in
Taunton and in case the land above mentioned shall be redeemed & the money
arising therefrom shall be loaned upon other security my Will is that the said
Seth shall have the full benefit of all the above mentioned property in
whatever form it may at the time of my death.
And
I hereby give & bequeath to each of my children, to wit, Thomas, Jabez,
Sally & Betsey the sum of One Dollar each & that any hard feelings may
be prevented I do hereby declare the cause of my giving the property above
mentioned to the said Seth Fuller to be because the said property equitably
belongs to the said Seth though now in my hands, it having been bequeathed to
him by his brother Zechariah.
And
I do hereby constitute and appoint the said Seth Fuller to be the Executor of
this my last Will & Testament & direct him to pay the legacies above
mentioned.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this thirteenth day of
August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four,
hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time made.
Lucy Fuller (seal)
Subscribed by the testatrix who
declared the same to be her last Will & Testament in the presence of us,
who subscribed the same in the presence of the testatrix & in the presence
of each other
Philip
Colby
Eliza
S. Colby
H.G.O.
Colby
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of February 1840 by Seth Fuller, the Executor, and proved by Philip
Colby and Eliza S. Colby, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Fuller of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1749) *
In the Name of God Amen this Sixteenth Day of March one
thousand Seven hundred and forty Nine I Nathaniel Fuller of Plimton in the
County of Plimouth in New England mason Being Weke of Body but of Perfect mind
and memory Thanks be given unto almighty god therefore & Cauling to mind
the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
Dye Do mak and ordain this my Last Will and Testement .. viz Princepely and
furst of all I give and Bequeath my Soule unto the hands of god that gave it
hoping that threw the merets of Christ Deth and Suferings to recive the
forgiveness of all my Sins .. and my Body unto The Earth to be Decently Bured
at the Descrition of my Executor hereafter Named and as Touching Such Worldly
Estate as it hath Pleased God to Bless me With in this Life I give and Despose
of the Same in the following manor and form .. Item. I give and bequeath unto
my Well Beloved Wife Martha one feather Bed and furniture During her Natoral
Life—
Item. I give and Bequeath unto my aforesd. Wife
all the rest of my household goods for her own Desposel Except one fether Bedd
and furniture
Item I give and bequeath unto my sd. Wife the
youse and Improvement of my Westerly Dwelling house with all the Preveledges
thereunto belongen So Long as she shall remands my Widdow and also I give unto
my aforesd. Wife one Cow for her own Desposeil. Item. I give and
bequeath unto my well beloved Son Amos Fuller my Eldest Son and unto his heirs
and assigns forever all my homsted Lands and buldings Whare I now Dwell
Excepting my westerly house, I also give and Bequeath unto my sd Son
amos fuller his hairs and assigns forever all my meadow Lying in Dotes medow
Together with part of my Swamp Lying in Dotes Seder Swampe begining at a Small
maple Pole which is the North Corner between Jabez fuller and my Self from
thence near South West to a Rock which is the Corner bounds betwen Josiah
Rickards Swamp and mine, and from thence in the range between said Rickards
Land and my sd Lot untill it Coms to the sforesd Jabez
fuller Swamp and from thence to the Bounds first mentoned I also give and
bequeath unto my aforesd Son Amos fuller and his hairs for Ever all
the remander parte of my Personal and movebel Estate Excepting two fether beeds
and furnyture and two Cows and my wairing apperal and also my Will is that my
aforesaid Son Shall provide Everything nesseary for my aforesd Wife
so Long as She Shall Remain my widow—
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Shurtevant
to her hears and assigns for Ever one fether Bed and furnyture besides what She
hath alredey received out of my Estate. Item. I give and bequeath unto my
Daughter Ruth Cobb her hairs and assigns forever my Lot of Land Lying Near
Jones river meadow Toards the
Item—I give and bequeath unto my Son Barnabus fuller and his
hairs for Ever all my wairing apperal Together with what he hath already
received out of my Estate as may appear upon my Book—
Item I give and bequeath unto my grand Son William Fuller and
his hairs for Ever all my Lot of Land to the South Weste of my homested
Together With the remandering parte of my Seder Swamp ajouning to that parte of
Said Lot I Gave unto my aforesaid Son Amos and also my Will is that my aforesd
Son Amos fuller Shall have Leberty to Cut and Cart of three Cord of Wood Every
year as Long as my wife Shall remane my Widow of the Lot of Land I have given
unto my Grand Son William fuller being for her youce and also my will is that
if my aforesd Granson William Should Dye without Isue that the Said
Lot of Land Which I have given him Shall be Divided amongst my hairs—Item. I
give and bequeath unto my Grandaughter Lydia fuller Daughter to my Son
Nathanail fuller Deceased the fether Bed and furnyture Which I have given to my
aforesd Wife for her improvement During her Natural Life and also my
will is that my aforesaid Son Amos fuller, nor his heairs Shall not make any
Demand upon my Estate for any Labour that he hath Don Sence he was Twenty one
years of age Towards Suporting me or my Famely I also give unto my aforesaid
granson William one Cow—and Lastly I Constitute & appoint my aforesd
Son Amos fuller Sole Executor on this my Last Will and Testement and my Will
further is that my Said Son Amos fuller Should pay all the Just Debts that I
Justly owe unto aney person What so Ever out of the Estate that I have Given
him and I Do hereby uterly Disalow and revocke all other wills By me before
made retifing and Confirming this and no Other to be my Last Will and Testement
in Wittness Wherof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above
Writen
Signed Sealed publeshed pronounced
and Decelared by the Said Nathaniel Nathanil Fuller (seal)
fuller as his Last Will and Testement
in the presents of us the Subscribers
James Harlow
Elkanah Cushman
Josiah Perkins
~~~~~~~~~~~
Presented for probate on 7 May 1750, and proved by Jas
harlow, Elkenah Cushman and Josiah perkens. Letters of Administration were
granted to his son Amos Fuller, the Executor, on 7 May 1750.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Nathaniel
Fuller, Late of Plimton, was appraised on 13 June 1750 by Josiah Perkins, Isaac
Bonney, and Samuel Lucas, but not totaled. His homestead farm and buildings
were valued at £202.13.4. Thomas [sic] Fuller, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 12 July 1750.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Fuller of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God Amen. I Samuel Fuller of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth in the Sate of Massachusetts Yeoman being of sound mind and
memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, considering the uncertainty of
this Mortal life do hereby make and publish this my last will and Testament in
manner and form following viz.
I
give and devise to my beloved sons Samuel Fuller Jr. and Isaac Fuller their
Heirs and assigns forever my Homestead Farm with all the buildings standing
thereon, with all the out land wherever situated to be held by them in equal
Shares, Provided that they jointly pay my beloved daughter Polly Leach the sum
of seventy five dollars, to my beloved daughter Lucy Wood the sum of seventy
five dollars and to my beloved daughter Joannah Eddy seventy five dollars to be
retained in the hands of my Executor for the use of my said daughter Joannah,
as she may stand in need thereof.
I give and bequeath to my beloved
Grandsons, sons of my beloved son Benjamin Fuller Deceased the sum of ten
dollars each.
I
give and bequeath my personal Estate together with my pew in Mr. Pains meeting
house in Halifax to my said sons Samuel and Isaac and to my said daughter
Joanna, Polly and Lucy in equal shares, the share belonging to my said daughter
Joanna Eddy to be held in trust by my said Executor and paid over to her for
her use as he shall judge necessary the above Legacies to be paid by my
Executor in one year after my deceas.
And
I do hereby constitute and appoint my said son Isaac Fuller Executor of this my
last will and Testament revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I the said Samuel Fuller have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and
forty
Signed
sealed and Samuel Fuller (seal)
delivered by the said Samuel
Fuller as his last will and
Testament in the presence
of us who at his request and
in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as
Witnesses
Obadiah Lyon
Chipman Fuller
Alfred Fuller
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of April 1843 by Isaac Fuller, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Obadiah Lyon and Chipman Fuller, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary granted to Isaac Fuller.
Letters Testamentary on the Estate
of Samuel Fuller, late of Halifax, Yeoman, were granted to Isaac Fuller, of
Halifax, on 4 Apr. 1843, with Obadiah Lyon and Chipman Fuller, both of Halifax,
as sureties.
Nathan Fuller, Chipman Fuller, and
Ebenezer Fuller, all of Halifax, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Samuel Fuller, late of Halifax, on 4 Apr. 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Samuel Fuller, late of Halifax, was not dated, but his real estate was valued
at $1675, and his personal estate at $163.77. Isaac Fuller, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on the last Tuesday of May 1843.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, pp.
164-166, 241, from FHL microfilm #0555268, and Vol. 1G, p. 238.
Will of Rebecca Gale of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the name of God Amen I. Rebecca Gale of Plymouth, in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Mass, but lately of Salem in the
County of Essex Widow, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and
ordain this to be my last will and Testament in the first place I commend my
soul to God who gave it and my body to a decent funeral humbly praying for a
glorious resurection through Jesus Christ in the next place after my just debts
are paid I give and bequeath my worldly estate as follows first I give and
bequeath to my Son Daniel Gale a legacy of Eighty five Dollars to be paid him
out of my Estate after my decease
2d. I give and bequeath to my Grandson George Winslow Gale a
legacy of twenty five Dollars to be paid him out of my estate after my decease
3d. I give to my two Grand Daughters Sally Ann and Rebecca
Gale each one of them a legacy of one Dollar to be paid them after my decease
the above three Grand Children are the children of my son George Gale deceased
4th. I give and bequeath to my son Noah Gale a legacy of
twenty five dollars all said legacies are to be paid on demand after my decease
5th. I give and bequeath after my just debts and the above
legacies are paid the whole of my Estate both Real and personal wherever the
same may be found in Plymouth or Salem aforesaid or elsewhere to be equally
divided between my three sons Daniel Gale, John Chase and Stephen Gale Lastly I
nominate and appoint my son Daniel Gale to be sole Executor to this my last
will and testament In testimony whereof I the said Rebecca Gale have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 17th. day of April ADom. one thousand eight hundred and twenty six Signed Sealed and declared to be her last
will and testament in presence of us. –
her
Rebecca X Gale (seal)
mark
David
Harlow
Alethea
Simmons
Sally
Soule
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1842 by
Daniel Gale, the Executor therein named, and proved by David Harlow, one of the
witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto, Sally Soule being now deceased.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Daniel Gale, the Executor.
Daniel Gale, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary on
the Estate of Rebecca Gale, late of Plymouth, widow, on 14 Aug. 1843, with John
Chace and William H. Bradford, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 599-600, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 258.
Will of Joseph Gibbs of Wareham, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be
it remembered that I Joseph Gibbs of Wareham in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, do, on this thirteenth day of
November in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following, to Wit.
In
the first place I give and devise to Nathaniel Hamblen and David Perry both of
Wareham a lot of Woodland Containing about thirty acres lying in Wareham, south
of the half mile line, and bounded Northerly by said line, Easterly by land of
Benjamin Ellis, Southerly by the old Country road and westerly by land of heirs
of Abraham Gibbs, to have and to hold the same to the said Hamblin and Perry
their heirs and assigns forever.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my Nephew Alvin Gibbs one half of my household furniture
excepting, two Beds and Bedding my best Bureau and one half Dozen Common
Chairs, also I give the said Alven the sum of One Hundred Dollars to be paid
him in one year after my decease.
Third. I give and bequeath to
Joseph Gibbs, the son of said Alvin Gibbs if he lives till he becomes twenty
one years old, the sum of fifty dollars to be paid him when he arrives at the
age of twenty one years.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to
widow Rebecca Barrows, if she survives me one year the sum of fifty dollars.
fifth I give and bequeath to my
sister Abigail Fearing One dollar provided she survives me one year.
Sixth I give and bequeath to the
Home Missionary Society the sum of Fifty dollars to be paid in One year after
my decease.
Seventh
I give and devise to my Nephew Stephen Gibbs all my Estate both real and
personal (not before disposed of in this my Will) Wheresoever the same may be
found be found or situate, to have and to hold the same to him his heirs and
assigns forever he the said Stephen paying all my just debts and funeral
Charges and the Legacies aforesaid.
Lastly
I appoint my said Nephew Stephen Gibbs my Executor of this my last Will and
Testament.
In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and Year above
written.
Joseph Gibbs (seal)
Signed
sealed and published by the said Joseph Gibbs, declaring this to be his last
Will and Testament, in presence of us, who at his request were Called as
Witnesses to the same, and in his presence did hereto subscribed our names and
in the presence of each other.
Seth
Miller Jr.
Alpheus
Hinkley
Philander
Keith
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of April 1847 by Stephen Gibbs, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Seth Miller Jr. and Alpheus Hinkley, two of the Witnesses whose names as
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Stephen Gibbs, the
Executor.
Stephen Gibbs, of Wareham, was
granted administration of the estate of Joseph Gibbs, late of Wareham,
Gentleman, on 12 Apr. 1847, with George Gibbs and Benjamin F. Gibbs, both of
Wareham, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p. 154-156, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 1G, p. 465.
Will of Gideon Gifford of Dartmouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
The Last Will & Testament of Gideon Gifford ~~~
In the Name of God Amen I Gideon Gifford of Dartmouth in the
County of bristol In the province of the Massachusets Bay in Newengland yeoman
being at this time very much Indisposed as to bodily health and am afraid I am
Likely to have the finall pox: but through Divine favour am of a sound
Disposing mind perfect memory & under standing as in my Life past praised
be the Lord Therefore: Considering the uncertainty of this my Natural Life Do
for the preventing future Trouble In my family Make & ordain this my Last
Will & Testament that Is to Say Principally & first of all I Recommend
my Soule to God my Most mercifull Creator Whence I had my first being and my
body I Commit to the Earth there In to be Decently buried at the Discretion of
my Executors herein after nominated And as to that temporal Estate Wherewith it
hath pleased the Lord to bless me (after all my Just Debts and funeral Expences
Expences being first paid and Discharges Out of my Estate by my Executors) all
the Rest I Give Devise and Dispose of the Same in Manner as followeth.
Imprimis I Give & bequeath unto my Well beloved Wife
Elizabeth Gifford one third part of all my money & household Goods and a
priviledge Sufficient for her use In my Dwelling house & a priviledge In my
Garden & In ye yard to pass & Repass as she shall have
ocation and also a priviledge to Cut her firewood as much as she shall have
ocation off for her one fire and also the priviledge to Keep one Cow both
Winter & sumer on the farm which I now Live on So Long as it Is to be under
my Improvement If I Should have Lived. But If my sd Wife should be
suddenly Taken away after me It being Expeted that she must have the Small pox
very soon then I Give one quarterpart of my money and household Goods to her
own sisters to be Equally Divided amongst them and the Gifts herein Given unto
my sd wife to seas & to be of none Effect.
Itim I Give & bequeath unto my Well beloved father
Jeremiah Gifford all the money which I have Lent unto him and all that he ows
me for boot betwixt two hors Kind which we Exchanged I also Give unto him my sd
father twenty Spanish Silver milled Dollers to be paid unto him by my Executers
In a Reasonable time after my Deceas out of my money
Itim I Give & bequeath unto my Cuzen Joshua Gifford that
money which he ows me upon Bond. Moreover I Give unto him my sd
Couzen ten Spanish Silver milled Dollers to be paid unto him by my Executors In
a Reasonable time after my Deceas out of my money And I also Give unto him my sd
Couzen two Dollers more to be paid unto him at the same time
Itim I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved Sister
Elizabeth Soule Nine Spanish Silver milled Dollers & three fifth parts of
one Doller to be paid unto her by my Executors In a Reasonable time after my
Deceas out of my money.
Itim I Give and bequeath unto my Well beloved Sister Margret
Potter twelve Spanish Silver Milled Dollers to be paid unto her by my Executors
In a Reasonable time after my Deceas out of my money
Itim My mind & will is and I Do hereby order that my
Executers herein after Named pay unto my sister In Law the widow Elizabeth
Gifford so much money as will make her a Reasonable Satisfaction for Keeping my
sister Sarah Parks
Within sum Reasonable time after my Deceas out of my Estate
Itim I Give & bequeath to my Couzen Deliverance Cornel
widow Eighteen Spanish Silver milled Dollers and to her sisters Eighteen
Spanish Silver milled Dollers a peice all to be paid unto her & them &
Each of them by my Executors here in after named within a Reasonable Time after
my Deceas
Itim My mind & will is that My two brothers Namely Addom
Gifford and David Gifford have my Schow they paying to my Excutors here after
Named Just one half the worth of her
Itim I give & bequeath unto my Well beloved Couzen
Jeremiah Gifford son of Jonathan Gifford Deceased the Sum of one Hundred
Dollors Spanish Silver milled Dollers to be paid unto him by my Executors
within a Reasonable time after my Deceas
Itim I Give & bequeath to my two well beloved Couzens
Gideon Gifford & hannah Gifford Children to my Brother William Gifford
Deceased my small piece or parcel of Salt meadow Lying In acoaksel River off
against the farm Called Robart Kirbyes farm to them their heirs & assigns
for Ever to be Divided between them in manner following that is to Say two
thirds thereof to ye male & one third thereof to the feemale
Itim my mind & Will is & I Do hereby Will & order
that one hundred Dollers of my Estate shall be Left in my Executors (herein
after Named) hands to be by them Disposed off to my father or mother or to my
Sick Sister Sarah Parks and according to their Discretion and after their
Deceases the Remainder of it If any, to be Equally Divided amongst all my
Brothers
Itim all the Remainder and Residue of my Estate be of what
Nature of Cinde soever Rale or parsonal which Is not herein before other ways
Disposed off I give & bequeath unto all my brothers & my Cousens Namely
~ Gideon Gifford & hannah Gifford, Children to my Brother William Gifford
Late Deceased to be Equally Divided between all my Brothers Now Living & my
two sd Cousens they my two sd Couzens to have only as
much as one Brother to be Divided between them In manner following the Son to
have two thirds of their Share and the Daughter to have one third
Itim I give & bequeath unto Eseck Wilburs son three
Dollers to be paid unto him by my Executors In a Reasonable time after my
Deceas
Itim of this my Last will & Testament I do Nominate
Constitute & appoint my two well beloved Brothers Namely John Gifford &
Joseph Gifford to be Joynt Executors to Take Care & see that the Same be
duly & truly fulfilled according to the true Intent & meaning hereof
And by these presents I do Revoke make Null & void all & Every other
Testaments & wills whatsoever by me heretofore mad or Declared Confirming
& allowing this & no other to be my Last will and Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this tenth Day of December In
the thirty third year of his majesties Reign George the Second by the grace of
god King of Great Brittain &c: Annoqe Domini 1759
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared
by the sd Gideon Gifford all this the afore
Written Instrument
to be his Last will & Testament In the presence of
John
Wheeden Mark
& Seal (seal)
Joshua Barker Gideon
+ Gifford ~
His
approved
April 14th 1760
Probated on 14 Apr. 1760, proved by John Weeden and Joshua
Barker, and also by Susannah Joy of Dartmouth who was also present at the
signing of the will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Gideon Gifford, Dartmouth, 1760,”
from FHL microfilm #0575151.
Will of John Gifford of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen The Twety Sixth Day of August AD
one thousand & Forty nine I John Gifford of Rochester in the County of
Plimouth Yeoman – being in an advanced age but of a Disposing mind & Memory
Thanks be Given To God therefor & knowing it is appointed for all Men once
To Die Do Make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testement: That is to Say: I
Give & Recommend my Soule into the Hands of God that gave it and my Body I
Recommend to the Earth To be Buryed in Decent Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executors & as Touching Such Worldly Estate Wherewith it
hath Pleased god To Bless Me in this Life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same
in the Following Manner and form ~
Iprs I Give and Bequeath To My Son Samuel
Gifford his heirs and assigns all My Real Estate Consisting of Housing &
Lands &c. Together With my Cow – Whome I appoint my Sole Executors of this
My Last Will and Testament ~~
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Daughters Ruth Gifford now a
Widdow one Shilling to Be paid her at my Decease By My Said Executors To be in
full of her Portion in My Estate To geather With What She hath already Received
Item. I Give and Bequeath all the Rest of my Personal Estate
after My Just Debts & Funerail Charges are paid out thereof by my Said
Executors To and among my Grand-children Namely Ruben Gifford Katherine Gifford
Wesson Gifford Salvanus Gifford Huldah Gifford Desire Gifford and Joshua
Gifford To be Equally Divided amongst them Excepting my Grandaughters Desire
Allen who is To have no Share thereof haveing Reced. the Same
already – and I Do hereby Disallow Revoke and Disanull all & Every Other
Former Testements, Wills Legacies & Bequests and Executors by me in any
Ways before Named Willed and and Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and
No other To be My Last Will & Testament In Witness Whereof I have hereunto
Sett My hand and Seal the Day and Year above Written –
Signed Sealed Published
his marke
Pronounced & Decelaird By the John X Gifford (seal)
Said John Gifford as his Last Will &
Tesement in the presents of us Subscribers
John Burge
George King
Noah Sprague
Presented for probate on 10 July 1750 by the Executor, and
proved by John Burge and Noah Sprague, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted on 10 July 1750.
Whereas John Gifford of Rochester in the County of Yeoman
Deceasd did on the Sixth day of August Anno Domini 1749 Sign Seal & declare
his will in writeing before sufficient Witnesses in which sd Will
after Gifts & Legacys then made appointed his son Saml Gifford
of Rochester aforesaid Sole Executor of sd. Will & Testament
which sd. will was proved & approved But the Executor aforenamed
Dying also soon after without haveing gifted anything in sd. admn
or towards the Settlement of sd. Estate Administration in therefor
Comitted unto Mary Gifford aforesd. Cum Testamento Annexo of all
& Singuler the Goods Chattles rights & Credits of the sd.
Deceasd faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law and the Direction of
the sd. Will … In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& the Seal of the sd Court of Probate the tenth day of July A.
D. 1750
Jno
Cushing
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. John Gifford late of Rochester,
as shown to us by Mary Gifford widow of Samuel Gifford, was appraised on 6 July
1750 by Timothy Ruggles, Edward Doty, and Benjamin Crocker, not totaled, but
his housing and lands were valued at £173.6.8. Mary Gifford, the
administratrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 11 July 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, p. 340-341, from FHL microfilm
#0551539, Vol. 11, p. 366-367, and Vol. 12, p. 15-16.
Will of Jonathan Gifford of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
The thirty Day of December one thousand Seven hundred and
fifty Six I Jonathan Gifford of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and province
of the Massachusets bay in Newengland house carpenter Being Sick and weak In
boddy but of Sound Disposeing Mind and Memory thanks be to God for the same
there fore Calling to Mind the Mortality of My Boddy and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to Die Do Make and ordain this My Last Will and
testament that is to Say pricipally and first of all I Commit My Boddy to the
Earth to be Decently buried at the Descretion of My Executor hear in after
Named and as touching Such Worldly Estate Whear with it hath plased God to
bless Me in this Life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following
Manner and form
Imprimis My Will is that all My Lawfull Debts and funeral
Charges be first paid and Discharged by My Executor hear in after Named
Item I give and bequeath unto My two Daughters Dele Cornell
and Dinah Potter ten pounds Lawfull Money and to be paid to them by My Executor
hear inafter Named with in two years after my Deceas and to be Eqully Devded
between them; and my Will is and I give to My daugher Dinah Potter my handirons
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Jeremiah Gifford My best
bed well Cloathed all Except Curtains
Item I give and bequeath unto My three Daughters Dele Cornell
Mary Case and Dinah potter all my household Goods that is Not before given away
to be Equally Devided between them
Item I give and bequeath unto Timothy Potter of Dartmouth Son
of My Deceased wife the Sum of Eighteen shillings Lawfull Money and to be paid
to him by my Executor hearin after Named with in three year after My Deceas
Item I give and beuath unto my well beloved Son Jeremiah
Gifford and to his heirs & assigns for Ever all the Rest of my Estate both
Rail and Parsonal not before Given away he fulfilling what I shall and have
hear in ordered him
Item My will is that my Son Jeremiah Gifford Give and Execute
agood Lawfull Deed of a Certain tract of Land in Dartmouth which I Sold to
Joseph Allen
Item I Constitute Make and ordain My well beloved Son
Jeremiah Gifford Soule Executor to this My Last Will and testament and I Do
hearby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disannul all and Every other former
testaments wills Legasies and bequests by Me in any ways before Named Willed
and bequeathed Rattifing and Confirming this and no other to be my Last will
and testament whear of I have hear unto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year
above written
Signed Sealled and Published Jonathan Gifford (seal)
Pronounsed and Declared this
to be his Last Will and testament
In the presents of us the Subscribers
Incras Allen
Gedeon Gifford
James Allen
Proved on 3 May 1757 by Increase Allen and Gideon Gifford,
two of the witnesses to ye within written Instrument.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Jonathan Gifford, Dartmouth, 1757,”
from FHL microfilm #0575151.
Will and Codicil of Elijah H. Goodrich of Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
In the name of God, Amen
I, Elijah H. Goodrich of Hinsdale in the County of Berkshire and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory,
knowing the uncertainty of this life do make this my last Will and testament.
First: I hereby direct
that my just debts and funeral charges shall be paid by my executor herein
named as soon as convenient, after my decease.
Second: I give and
bequeath to my son John Ellsworth Goodrich the sum of ten dollars, he having
received his share of my estate heretofore, & now living in Burlington
Vermont.
Third: I give and
bequeath to my son Chauncey Goodrich, now a missionary in China, the sum of ten
dollars he having heretofore received his allowance from my estate.
Fourth: I give and
bequeath to my son Charles Wesley Goodrich of Hinsdale the sum of ten dollars,
he having heretofore received his portion from my estate.
Fifth: I give and
bequeath to my son Abraham Washburn Goodrich of said Hinsdale the sum of one
hundred dollars.
Sixth: I give and
bequeath to Henry Levins Goodrich my son now living in the town of Russell in
the County of Hampden the sum of twenty five dollars.
Seventh: I give and
bequeath to my son Elijah H. Goodrich Jr. all the residue and remainder of my
estate, both real & personal, wherever the same may be found, he the said
Elijah H. Goodrich Jr to have and to hold the same to himself & his heirs
and assigns forever, hereby constituting him my residuary legatee.
Finally: I hereby
nominate and appoint my son Elijah H. Goodrich Jr. to be the Executor of this
my will & I request that he shall be exempt from giving a surety or
sureties on his bond as such Executor, and I further hereby authorize and
empower my said Executor, if in the performance of his trust, it becomes
necessary or expedient in his opinion to sell at public or private sale any
part of my real estate and to execute and deliver proper and sufficient deed or
deeds to convey the same.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and in the
presence of three witnesses declare this to be my last Will, this fourth day of
October A.D. 1877.
Elijah H. Goodrich
Signed, published & declared by the said Elijah H.
Goodrich, as his last will in presence of us who at his request and in his
presence, and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses hereto the day and year above written.
Darwin
Gleason
Milo
Stowell
Wm
W. Gleason
I, Elijah H. Goodrich of Hinsdale in the County of Berkshire
do make this codicil to my last Will heretofore made and published by me and
dated the fourth day of October A.D. 1877, which will I hereby ratify &
confirm in all respects save as the same may be changed by this instrument. Whereas by said Will I give to my son Abraham
Washburn Goodrich the sum of One hundred Dollars, I hereby revoke said legacy
and I do hereby bequeath to him the sum of five dollars to be paid to him
within one year from my decease.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and in the
presence of three witnesses declare this to be a codicil to my last will this
sixteenth day of January, A.D. 1878.
Elijah H. Goodrich
On this sixteenth day of January A.D. 1878, Elijah H.
Goodrich signed the foregoing instrument in our presence declaring it to be a
codicil to his last will and as witnesses thereof we three do now at his
request in his presence and in the presence of each other hereto subscribe our
names.
Milo
Stowell
Wm.
W. Gleason
Orsemus
Bills.
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1887 by Elijah H. Goodrich 2nd
of Hinsdale, with no sureties on his bond.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol. 117, p. 455-457, from FHL
microfilm #1750452.
Will of William
Goodwin of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
I William Goodwin of
First
– To my Son Simeon S. Goodwin I give and bequeath that he now owes me, in full
of his share of my estate.
Second
– To my sons William Goodwin Junior, Isaac Goodwin, LeBaron Goodwin, Frederick
H. Goodwin, Nathaniel Goodwin 2d and Hersey B. Goodwin, and to my
daughters Mary A. Russell and Jane F. Goodwin and their heirs forever I give
and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate real and personal to be
equally divided between them, and in case either of them should decease before
me without lawful issue, such deceased child’s share shall go to their children
if any, otherwise to the survivors of them the said William, Isaac, LeBaron,
Frederick, Nathaniel, Hersey, Mary Ann and Jane, deducting from the share of
Mary Ann Russell Three hundred and fifth dollars, which I have already advanced
to her in her furniture. —
Third
I appoint my Sons William and Isaac, executors of this will, and recommend to
them and my other children to maintain that harmony that has hitherto subsisted
in the family, and to contribute, according to their respective abilities,
towards the relief of such of the family as may be in want, it not being from
any particular partiality or affection for any individual that I have directed
this mode of distributing my property. And I recommend to them to settle any
dispute that may arise upon the construction of this instrument or of the
division of the property by impartial referees.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of
July One thousand eight hundred and sixteen
William Goodwin (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and
declared by the said
William Goodwin as his last will,
in presence of
us, who have hereunto set our names
at his request
and in his presence— LeBaron Bradford
John
B. Thomas
Nathl.
M. Davis
It is my direction that the
following Codicil be added to my last will and form a part thereof—
First
My Executors shall have the power to make sale of my real estate or such parts
thereof as they may judge expedient and to vest the proceeds in some profitable
funds.
Second
– To my beloved wife Deborah S. Goodwin I give and bequeath the sum of three
dollars a week, to be paid her in quarterly payments at
I
also give and bequeath to her all the personal property that she brought with
her at the time of marriage, that shall be in house at my decease—and is to be
in lieu of dower or any further claim upon my estate.
Third
I appoint John B. Thomas Esq. and Mr. Thomas Russell additional Executors to my
last will and testament.
Fourth
The rest and residue of my Estate whether real or personal I order and direct
shall be divided among my sons Isaac, LeBaron, Frederic Henry, Nathaniel,
Hersey Bradford, and my daughters Mary Ann Russell and Jane Frances, and their
heirs, deducting any advance I have or may make and charge to either of them.
If
at any time before the distribution of my Estate among my children it shall be
the opinion of the Judge and Register of Probate for the time being, together
with my Executors or the major part of them, that either of my children will so
mispend their estate as would probably reduce themselves to poverty, then my
executors shall retain the distributive share of such child, and advance only
such sums as shall be necessary for his or her support and maintenance, from
time to time as they shall judge necessary, and it’s my will that any such
child’s share shall be so far considered as properly vesting in the Executors,
as not to make it liable to the creditors of any such child, nor subject to
transfer as assignment without the consent of the Executors.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of
February One thousand eight hundred and twenty two—1822
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by William Goodwin (seal)
the said William Goodwin as his
last
Will (and Codicil added) in
presence of
us who have hereunto set our names
at his request and in his presence
LeBaron
Bradford
William
Bartlett
Susan
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 17 Oct.
1825 by Isaac Goodwin and Thomas Russell, two of the Executors therein named,
and proved by LeBaron Bradford and John B. Thomas, two of the witnesses to the
will, and by LeBaron Bradford and William Bartlett, two of the witnesses to the
Codicil. John B. Thomas, the other executor named, refused, and administration
was granted to Isaac Goodwin and Thomas Russell.
Rosseter Cotton and Joseph
Bartlett, Esquires, and Nathaniel Goodwin, Gentleman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of William Goodwin Jr. of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1820) *
In the Name of God Amen
I William Goodwin Junior of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Merchant
do make and ordain this as my last Will and testament – Viz –
First To my
Brother Simeon S. Goodwin I give the debt he now owes in full of his share of
my Estate –
Second To
Hannah LeBaron Goodwin Wife of the above named Simeon I give and bequeath the
sum of one thousand Dollars should she survive me –
Third To my
Brother LeBaron Goodwin I give and bequeath to himself his heirs and assigns
six hundred Dollars –
Fourth To
my Brother Nathaniel Goodwin I give and bequeath should he survive me two
hundred Dollars –
Fifth To my
Father William Goodwin Senior of Plymouth I give and bequeath One thousand five
hundred Dollars should he survive me–
Sixth To
Doctor James Thacher should he survive me I give and bequeath five hundred
dollars as a testimony of my gratitude for his kindness and attention to me
when under his instruction –
Seventh
After the payment of the above mentioned legacies I direct all the rest and
residue of my Estate personal and real to be distributed among my Brothers
& Sisters not above mentioned to Wit – Isaac Goodwin, Frederick Henry
Goodwin, Hersey Bradford Goodwin, Mary Ann Russell Wife of Thomas Russell &
Jane Frances Goodwin –
Eight I
appoint Isaac Goodwin, Thomas Russell and Nathaniel Morton Davis to be
Executors of this testament –
In testimony of
all which I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Bristol R. Island this second
day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty
Signed, Sealed, published & declared
by the
said Wm. Goodwin Jr.
as his Last Will, in W. Goodwin Jr. (seal)
presence of us who have hereunto set our
names at his request & in his
presence –
Hersey Bradford
LeBaron Bradford
Abby Bradford
Havana 13th December 1821 – Being of sound mind
& memory I add this Codicil to my last Will and testament.—
1st. I give and bequeath to the Widow Ann Boutelle
the sum of five hundred Dollars –
2d. It is my will and pleasure & I direct
accordingly that before dividing the residue of my Estate among my Brothers and
Sisters as mentioned in the seventh item of the foregoing Will that my
Executors shall reserve such sum as they shall think sufficient to give my said
youngest Brother Hersey Bradford Goodwin a university education at Harvard
College
3d. I give and bequeath to the Reverend James
Kendall of Plymouth seventy five dollars to purchase a suit of Cloths –
And I appoint William Savage to be the Executor of my Last
Will and Codicil so far as relates to my affairs in the Island of Cuba & I
request him to make a speedy settlement & compromise of all my affairs here
and pay over what he may receive to my Executors in America –
Signed, Sealed, published & declared
by the said William Goodwin Junr. W. Goodwin Jr. (seal)
as a codicil to his last Will & testament
in presence of us who have hereunto set
our names at his request & in his presence
& in presence of each other –
John
Warner
John
Mountain
B Bascom
Isaac
Hopkins
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts –
Plymouth Ss.
To Gerardus
Clark Esquire Notary Public of the City of New York in the State of New York
authorised to Administer oaths & take depositions within the said City of
New York –
Whereas
the original Will of William Goodwin Junr. late of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth aforesaid Merchant with a Codicil to said
Will annexed hath been offered for probate to me the Subscriber Judge of the
Court of Probate within and for the said County of Plymouth by Thomas Russell
and others Executors therein named, And whereas Isaac Hopkins a Witness to the
said Codicil lives out of the Commonwealth and is now resident at the City of
New York aforesaid – I do therefore by virtue of a Law of this Commonwealth in
such cases made & provided hereby authorise you to take the deposition of
the said Witness in writing respecting the execution of said Codicil and return
the same to me together with his Warrant as soon as may be –
Given
under my hand and seal of Office at Plymouth in said County of Plymouth this
eighteenth day of February A D 1822
Wilkes Wood J.Prob.
Proved by Isaac Hopkins of the City of New York, one of the
subscribing witnesses to the Codicil of the Will of William Goodwin Junior who
died at the Havana two or three days after the execution of the said Codicil by
deposition on 6 Mar. 1822 before Gerardus Clark, Commissioner & Notary
Public.
Proved at Plymouth on 19 Mar. 1822 by LeBaron Bradford, the
only subscribing witness to the Will within this Commonwealth. The Will and
Codicil were approved.
Isaac Goodwin Esq, of Sterling in the County of Worcester,
Thomas Russell, Gent. and Nathaniel Morton Davis Esq., were granted
Letters of Administration on the estate of William Goodwin Jr., late
of Plymouth, Merchant, on 19 Mar. 1822, with William Davis Esq. and William
Goodwin, Gent., of Plymouth, as sureties.
John M Goodwin Esquire of Bridgwater, Thomas Davis and
William S. Russell Merchants, both of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of William Goodwin, late of Plymouth, Merchant, on 19 Mar. 1822. The
Inventory of the Estate of William Goodwin Junior, late of Plymouth, Merchant,
was appraised on 14 May 1822, and totaled $17,113.58, including $9554.20 in
United States Stock, $4487.54 in Notes of hand, $1900.00 in Plymouth Bank
Shares, and $938.64 in cash on hand. The Executors of the last Will and testament
of William Goodwin Junior severally gave their oaths to the inventory, Isaac
Goodwin Esquire on 17th of May, Nathaniel M. Davis Esquire on 20th
of , and Thomas Russell on the 17th
of June 1822.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 54, p. 360-363, from FHL microfilm
#0550908, Probate Docket #8636, and Vol. 56, p. 45-46.
Will of John Gray
of
The Last Will & Testament of John Gray of
Item. I Give & Bequeath unto my sd Wife my
best Bed & furniture suitable for it. Itm I Give & Bequeath
unto my Son Samuel Gray over & above what I have already Given him by Deed
of Gift (which I do hereby Confirm to him) all my Lands Meadows & Buildings
& all & singular my real Estate whatsoever & wheresoever lying
& being, not heretofore disposed of by Deed of Gift to him the sd
Samuel Gray his Heirs & assigns forever & after ye Decease
of my Wife Joanna Gray—
Itm I Give unto my sd Son Samuel Gray
all my Wearing Cloths my Gun & Sword A Silver Spoon, a Bed & furniture
(which he hath already in Posession) Together with what is due to me by Bond
from my Son in Law John Tincom Hereby ordering him to pay to my Daughter Mercy
the Sum of Thirty pounds, in Money or Bills of Credit. And further it is my
Will that my sd Son Samuel Allow to my Daughters Joanna Fuller &
Mercy Gray their Heirs & assigns the Priviledge of Passing over ye
Land which I have given him to and from ye Land which I have given
them respectively where it shall be most convenient through Gates or Bars which
Priviledge I have given to my sd Daughters by Deed—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my abovesd
Wife during her natural Life One quarter Part of ye Hay which shall
be cut by my Son Samuel on ye Salt Meadow & Sedge Ground I have
given him lying on
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Mercy
Gray over & above what I have already Given her by Deed (which I do hereby
Confirm) a Bed Bolster Bedstead, A Suit of Curtains, Two Pair of Sheets, a Pair
of Blankets, Two Curtains Two Pillows & Curtain Rods, Also two Cows a Chest
of Draws, Two black Chairs, Six Common Chairs a Pair of Tongs & fire
slice[?], a Spit, a Trammel a Small Iron Kettle, an Iron Skillett, & a
Silver Spoon — Itm I Give
& Bequeath all the Remainder of my Personal Estate as followeth viz: One
Third Part thereof to my aforesd Wife forever, one Third Part
thereof to be equally Divided among my three Daughters, viz Anne Tinkcom Joanna
Fuller & Mercy Gray their Heirs or assigns, And all the Remainder thereof I
do Give & Bequeath to my Son Samuel Gray Together with my Pew below in ye
Meeting House in Kingston. And my Will is that my Pew in the Gallery in sd
Meeting House shall be Improved by ye Children of my three
Daughters, viz. Such of them as shall live in this Town from time to time —
Lastly I do hereby Constitute Appoint & ordain my aforesd Son
Samuel Gray Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament and do order him
to pay all my just Debts & funeral Charges out of ye Estate I
have given to him in this my Will, Hereby Revoking all other Wills and
Testaments by me made Allowing & Confirming this only as my last Will and
Testament. In Witness whereof I the sd John Gray have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal this twenty third day of September anno Domini One thousand
Seven hundred and twenty eight 1728
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye sd
John Gray John Gray (Seal)
to be his last Will & Testament In Presence of us
Thos. Croade
— David Sturtevant
Jonathan
Sturtevant
July the 4. 1732
Thomas Croade & David Sturtevant made oath before Isaac Winslow,
Judge of Probate.
July ye 21: 1732
Jonathan Sturtevant made oath before Isaac Winslow, Judge of Probate,
and the letter of administration on the estate of John Gray given to Samuel
Gray the only son of ye sd deceased.
Mr. Samuel Foster, Mr. Joseph Mitchell
& Mr. Seth Chipman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Molly Gray of Plympton, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
In
the name of God Amen
I
Molly Gray of Plympton, County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
widow of William Gray Considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being
of sound mind, and Memory blessed be God for the same, do make & publish
this my last will and testament in manner & form following: that is to say.
I
give my soul to God who Gave it, and my body to the dust to be buried in decent
Christian burial. And as to my Worldly estate 1st.
I give one undivided half of the house and land where I now live to
Elizabeth Robbins the wife of Capt. Lewis Robbins. I also give unto said
Elizabeth my pew in the Meeting House in Plympton, to her, her heirs and assigns
forever
2. I give unto Lewis C. Robbins,
and Sylvester H. Robbins Children of Elizabeth Robbins One share each in the
Old Colony Bank at Plymouth If either of them should die under age, his share
in said Bank to go to the other, his heirs & assigns forever
3 I give and bequeath to Jerusha
Parker one share in the Old Colony bank, to Abigail Parker and Mary Parker
Children of Dr. Daniel Parker late of Norton one share in the Old Colony Bank
in Plymouth in equal divisions to them their and assigns forever.
4 I also give and bequeath to Mrs
Wimar wife of John Wimar all my property not otherwise disposed of, of any kind
including all debts due, notes of hand, all my household furniture and wearing
apparel to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
And I do appoint Elijah Dexter of Plympton my sole Executor, and I do
revoke all wills heretofore made by me and established this my last Will, and
Testament.
I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth
day of June in the year of our lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty
seven. 1837
Molly Gray (seal)
Signed, sealed, published
and declared by the above
named Molly Gray in the
presence of us as witnesses
Elijah
Dexter
Lewis
Bradford
Nathaniel
Morton
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of Dec. 1843 by Elijah Dexter, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Lewis Bradford, one of the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Elijah Dexter, the Executor therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of
widow Molly Gray, late of Plympton, was appraised on 28 Nov. 1843 by Jonathan
Parker, Wm. H. Soul and Isaac Wright, her real estate valued at $255, and her
personal estate valued at $499.20, including four shares in the Old Colony Bank
in Plymouth worth $100 each. Elijah Dexter, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on the first Monday of Dec. 1843, and he was granted license to sell
the personal estate of the deceased on 4 Dec. 1843.
Elijah Dexter, of Plympton, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Molly Gray, late of Plympton,
Singlewoman, on 4 Dec. 1843, with Lewis Bradford, of Plympton, and James Cole,
of Carver, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p. 563-565, from FHL microfilm #0555268,
and Vol. 1G, p. 264.
Will of Aaron F. Green of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1871) *
First. I will and direct that my
Executrix hereinafter named pay out of my estate my just debts & funeral
charges.
Second. I give and bequeath unto Azubah Burley
the Sister of my first wife the privilege of a home at my house during her
natural life, She Supporting herself in the meantime.
Third. I give devise and bequeath unto my
present wife Emily Green all of the remainder of my estate both Real and
personal of every name and nature to be hers forever & at her entire
disposal.
Fourth. I constitute and appoint my wife
Emily Green Executrix of this my last will & testament.
In witness whereof I have set my hand
and Seal this 21st day of Nov. A.D. 1871
Aaron F. Green (seal)
Signed sealed & declared by the said
Aaron F. Green as his last Will & testament in presence of us who in his
presence & the presence of each other have hereunto Subscribed our names.
Ephraim
Dimmick }
Joshua
Wood } Witnesses
Mary
F. Wood }
Presented
for probate by Emily Green, wife of the deceased and named Executrix, on 29
Nov. 1881. Proved by Joshua Wood, of Stafford, on 29 Nov. 1881 before Seth C.
Eaton, Justice of the Peace. C. G. Ellis and O. L. Judd, both of Stafford, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Aaron F. Green, late of Stafford, on 13
Dec. 1881. The inventoruy was valued at $1090.00, including his house and lot
valued at $1000.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford Register of Probate Records Vol. 20, p.
362-364, from FHL microfilm #1320435.
Will of Thomas Gullifer of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name of God Amen. the 2d. day of Septr.
1762. I Thomas Gullifer of the town of Duxborough in the county of Plimouth in
the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New=England Marriner, being sick &
weak of body but of perfect mind & memory (thanks be given to God):
therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last will &
testamt. that is to say, principally & first of all I give &
recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body I recommend
to the earth to be buried in a decent christian burial at the discretion of my
Excr. nothing doubting but at the Genl. Resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, & as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give
demise & dispose of the same in the following manner & form. ~
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my well beloved
wife Ketura Gullifer the improvement of all my estate both real & personal
(after the payment of my just debts,) during her natural life to be used as she
shall see fit, & to be improved by her without any molestation or
disturbance I likewise constitute, make & ordain her the sd.
Ketura Gullifer to be sole Exx. of this my last will &
testament. ~
Item. I give to my welbeloved son John Gullifer the one third
part of all my estate both real & personal as lands, chattles, tenements
& Messuages after the death of the sd. Ketura Gullifer by him
freely to be possessd. & enjoyd. forever, as his own
proper estate of inheritance in fee simple. ~
Item. I give unto my welbeloved son Thomas Gullifer the one
third part of all my estate both real & personal such as lands tenements
Messuages & chattles, after the death of my beloved wife aforesd.
by him freely to be possesd. & enjoyd. forever as his
own proper estate of inheritance in fee simple. –
Item. I give to my welbeloved son Peleg Gullifer another
third part of all my estate both real & pers’nl. lands,
tenements, Messuages & Chattles after the death of my beloved wife by him
freely to be possessd. & enjoyed as his own proper estate of
inheritance in fee simple. Futhermore I do hereby utterly disallow revoke &
disannul all & every other former testament, legacys, wills, bequests,
& Excecutors, by me in any ways named, willed & bequeathed, ratifying
& confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament.
Witness whereof I,ve hereunto set my hand & seal the day & Year above
written.
Signd Seald. publishd.
pronouncd. & declared by sd. Thos.
Gullifer as his last Thomas Gullifer (seal)
will & testamt. in prcence of. Elijah Packard
Yeats
James
X Yeats
Presented for probate on 5 Aug. 1765 by Keturah Gullifer, the
Exx. therein named, and proved by Elijah Packard & the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ketura Gullifer, the Executrix.
Nathaniel Simmons and Ebenezer Chandler, yeomen, both of
Duxborough, were the sureties on the bond of Keturah Gullifer widdow as
Executrix of the last will of Thomas Gullifer, late of Duxborough.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, pp. 246-247, 214, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of John Hacket of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
This twenty second day of november 1763. I John Hacket of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth, yeoman, being in health of body, and
of a sound, disposing mind and memory, thanks be given to God therefor.
Wherefore ~ calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will &
testament. – Principally & first of all, I give and recommend my soul into
the hands of God that gave it, and my body to the earth, to be buried in
decent, christian, burial, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again, by the mighty power of God. and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to give me in this life, I do give
and dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
Imprimis. I give and bequeath unto Priscilla my true &
beloved wife, the improvement of one third of all my real estate, as also the
improvement of one room, that she shall chuse, in the dwelling-house I now live
in, I also give her one cow, and one feather-bed with furnichure as to be
necessary for the keeping of house, during her natural life.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Elijah Hacket, &
his heirs forever, the easterly part of my homestead farm, namely, all that
part that lieth on the easterly side of a division fence I have made across my
said farm, together with all the buildings and fences on the same now standing,
except the improvement of one half of the orchard on the same, which
improvement I reserve for my son Ephraim Hacket for & during the term of
the natural life of Priscilla my aforesaid wife, and furthermore my will is,
and I do order my aforesd. son Elijah to pay out of the same twenty
shillings unto my daughter Hannah Waldan, which twenty shillings as aforesaid I
give unto my said daughter Hannah and her heirs, to be paid her by my sd.
son Elijah, in three years after my decease.
Item, I give & bequeath unto my son Benjamin Hacket,
& to his heirs, my two lots of land lying in Titticut precinct, together
with the buildings & fences on the same now standing, and is the same
whereon the said Benjamin now lives he paying out of the same to my daughter
Alice Finney the sum of two pounds lawful money in three years after my
decease, which two pounds as aforesd. I give & bequeath unto my
daughter Alice, and her heirs forever.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Ephraim Hacket the
westerly end of my homestead farm, all that part which lieth on the westerly
side of a division line, I made across my sd. farm, together with
the dwelling house & barn, & fences now standing, to him & his
heirs forever, as also the improvement of one half the orchard that lieth in my
said son Elijah,s part, during the term of the natural life of Priscilla my aforesd.
wife. and at her decease, then for Elijah to come into the possession of the
same, without any let or hindrance whatsoever. My will is that my sd.
son Ephraim pay out of the above legacy twenty shillings lawful money to my
daughter Elizabeth Richmond & her heirs forever, to be paid her in three
years after my decease. Furthermore my will is, & I do hereby give unto my
sd. son Ephraim all my moveable estate that is not given away, he
paying all my just debts & funeral charges out of the same. Furthermore, my
will is, & I do hereby appoint my sd. son Ephraim Hacket the
executor to this my last will & testament, thus hoping that this my last
will & testament will be kept according to the true intent & meaning
hereof. In witness whereof I the sd. John Hacket have set my hand
& seal, the day & year above-written.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, & declard, John Hacket – (seal)
by the sd. John Hacket to be his last will &
testament in presence of us the subscribers.
Seth Richmond, Joseph Leonard ye 3d.
Eleazer Richmond.
Presented for probate on 4 Jan. 1768 by Ephraim Hacket, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Seth Richmond and Joseph Leonard the
third, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Ephraim
Hacket, the Executor, with Eleazer Richmond and Joseph Leonard the 3d,
all of Middleborough, yeomen, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 4-5, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Samuel
Haight of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1712) *
I Samuell Haight of Flushing in Queens County on Nassaw
Island Yeoman being sick and Weake of body but my understanding Sound and good
and well knowing that it is appointed For all men to dye am Willing to sett my
house in order and Do Make and ordaine this to be my last will and Testament
(that is to Say) touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
Bless me in this life I give Demise and Dispose of the same in the following
Manner and form, First I will and bequeath unto Sarah my well beloved wife all
my Moveable Estate both of Goods and Chattels (Excepting) Such things as I
shall herein after otherwise Dispose of and also my house barn orchard and all
the land that Joyneth unto it that I have in Flushing and one peice of about
thirty acres of wood Land Lying toward the bayside and my Meadow at the round
Meadow and all my other Meadows in the bounds of Flushing (Excepting what
Meadow I shall herein Dispose of unto my son Nicholas for her my wife to Enjoy
without any Manner of Impeachment ofwest untill my Son John Haight shall Marry
or Arrive at Twenty one years of age or which of them shall first happen and
from that time my wife shall have and Enjoy for her own use profitt and
benifitt the Equally half of all the Dwelling house barn orchard and Lands and
Meadows above Mentioned (Excepte as above Excepted) for and Dureing her
Naturall Life, I will and bequeath unto my Son Nicholas Haight and to his
Heires and assignes for Ever, All that of three Twenty acre lotts of Land lying
on the Hills where he Dwells and my four Ten acre Lotts lying under the Hills
Situated as they are recorded in the Town books of Records of Flushing and the
Equall half of that Share of Meadow that I have Lying in ters Neck bounded
Northward by Samuell Lathams Meadow and Southward by Thomas Fords Meadow I also
give unto my Son Nicholas all my weareing Cloathes, I will & bequeath unto
my Son Jonathan Haight and to his heires and assignes for Ever the Equall
Mojety and half part of that Lott of Land that Lyeth within the Township of Rye
in west Chester County it being the Lott in number one in the Purchase Called
Harrisons Purchase; provided he or his heires Executors or administrators do
well and truly Discharge and pay unto Mary Tallman or to her heires and
Executors Lawfull attorney or assignes a Debt of Twenty Seven pounds wherein I
stand bound for the payment thereof with him and if he doe not Discharge and
pay the said Twenty Seven pounds then my Executors herein after named Shall
Sell So Much of from the said Land as Shall Discharge the said Debt and their
Deed shall be Lawfull and good for the Same, I will and bequeath unto my Son
David Haight and to his heires and Assigns for Ever the Equall half of that
Lott of Land that lyeth within the Township of Rye in west Chester County it
being the Lott in number one in the Purchase Called Harrisons Purchase I will
and bequeath unto my Son John Haight and to his heires and assignes for Ever my
Dwelling house barn orchard and all my Lands and Meadows Lying in the Township
of Flushing (Excepting) what is herein otherwise Disposed of the one half for
him to possess and Enjoy at his Marriage Day or at the age of one and Twenty
years and the other half at the Decease Of my wife and if so happen that my Son
John Haight Should Dye without haveing Lawfull Issue, all his part of Land
& Meadow shall be Equally divided amongst all the rest of my Surviveing
Children to them and their heires and assignes for Ever after the Decease of
Wife, I will and bequeath unto my Grand Son James Haight and to his heires and
assignes for Ever my Share of fresh meadow Lying in the uper part of the fresh
Meadows, my will is that my Negro man Luke shall be Sold and the Money that he
is Sold for Shall be Equally divided between my Daughters Hannah Haight and my
Daughter Phebee Haight. I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Titus my
Negro boy that Liveth with her being named Titus I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah
my Negro Boy named Mingo; I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Phebee my Negro
boy named Bristo I will that my
Executors hereafter named Shall Sell and Dispose of two hundred acres of Land
that I have being part of my lot of Land in number Six of Harrisons Purchase
aforesaid in West Chester County to Discharge and Defray a Debt of Thomas
Cardalls that I am bound with him for to pay to Samuell Bayard & Rip Van
Dam and the over plush Money Shall be my Wifes, and the Remaining part of the
said Lot of Land aforesaid be it more or Less my will is that it Shall be
Equally Divided amongst my five Daughters (vizt) Susannah Griffen
and Sarah Titus and Mary Huystead and Hannah Haight and Pheebe Haight to them
and their heires and assignes for Ever my Will is that after the Decease of my
Wife all my Moveable Estate of goods and Chattells shall be Equally Divided amongst
my Daughters abovenamed, my Will is that the four hundred acres of Land that I
have Conditioned with John Harison of East Jersey for in Lieu or Exchange for
my houses and Land in Amboy Shall be Equally Divided between my four Sons (Vizt.)
to Nicholas Haight, Jonathan Haight, David Haight and John Haight to them and
their heires and assignes for Ever, and If said Exchange or Conditions for
Exchange should not be Effected, then my houses and Land at Amboy Shall be
Equally Divided amongst my four Sons above named to them and their heirs and
assignes for Ever, I hereby do Constitute Make and ordaine my beloved wife
Sarah Haight and my Friends Robert Field and William Willis to be my sole
Executors of this my last will and Testament and do fully Impower and Authorize
them to Sell and Convey the said two hundred acres of Land at Rye aforesaid and
of my houses and Lands at Amboy and to give Deeds and Conveyances for the same
and I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanull all and every other and
former Testaments wills and Legaceys bequests & Executors by me in any ways
before this time named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and
no other to be my Last Will and Testament
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Twenty
first Day of the Seventh Month in the yeare of our Lord one thousand Seaven
hundred and Twelve, the words (of Land) and the word money Enterlined before
Signing and Sealing and the words (at Amboy),
his
Marke
Samuel
S R
Haight (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the Said
Samuel Haight to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of,
John Embree
Thomas Hinchman
Thomas Clement
Probated on 21 Oct. 1712, and Letters of Administration were
granted to Robert Field and William Willis, two of the Executors.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Liber 8, p.
134-137.
Will of Joseph Hall of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God Amen I, Joseph Hall of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts being weak and feeble in body but of
sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same do
make and declare this my last Will & Testament in manner and form as
follows.
I give and bequeath all the estate of which I may die seized
after paying my just debts and funeral charges to my Daughter Ann Maria Turner
with the exception of Ten Dollars, which I give and bequeath to my Daughter
Mary Holmes Alden.
And I hereby appoint Thomas Cushman of Bridgewater in County
and State aforesaid, to be the sole executor of this my last Will &
Testament
Joseph Hall (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named
Joseph Hall to be his last Will & Testament this 25 Day of November in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Forty in presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our names in presence of the Testator
Joshua S. Hayward
Stephen C. Hayward
Thomas Cushman
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Jan. 1841, and
proved by Stephen C. Hayward and Thomas Cushman, two of the Witnesses whose
names are subscribed thereto.
Sumner Turner, of Halifax, was granted Letters of
Administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of Joseph Hall, late of
Halifax, Thomas Cushman named as Executor thereof having declined the trust, on
18 Jan. 1841, with Thomas Cushman and Stephen C. Hayward, both of Bridgewater,
as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 2-3, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 10A, p. 510.
Will of Ruth Hall of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
In the name of God,
amen, I Ruth Hall of Kingston in the County of Plymouth, widow, being weak in
body but of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of this mortal
life do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form as
follows: First, I give and bequeath unto
Charles T. Hall and Elisha Hall the land and the buildings thereon, that was
set off to me as my thirds in the estate of Judah Hall, my first Husband. Also
a piece of woodland in Pembroke, about four acres all of which I hold by deed
reference to be had for bounds and description of the property on the record.
Also my share of my father’s property now in the hands of my brother Gideon, if
any there should be after him. I next give to Charles T. Hall, Elisha Hall and
George W. Hall all the land and property I purchased of Asenath Hall’s heirs,
which I hold by deed to be divided between them in equal shares. I also give
them all my furniture, goods, or articles, that may be found belonging to me,
all to be divided in equal shares between my three children. All securities and
money on hand, if any there should be after my debts and expenses are paid, I
give to George W. Hall. I also appoint Robert Holmes Executor of this my last
will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this third day of March in the year of our
Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Ruth Hall (seal)
Signed, sealed
published and declared by the above named Ruth Hall to be her last will and
testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses in the presence of the testator.
Amos
Witherell
Melatiah
Holmes
Anna
Holmes
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1838 by
Robert Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Amos Witherell and
Anna Holmes, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Robert Holmes, the Executor therein named.
Letters of Administration on the estate of Ruth Hall, late of
Kingston, widow, were granted to Robert Holmes, of Kingston, on 9 Apr. 1838,
with Amos Witherell, of Kingston, and Robert Barker, of Pembroke, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of the Widow Ruth Hall, late of
Kingston, was appraised on 16 Apr. 1838 by James N. Sever, Robert Barker, and
Amos Witherell, and totaled $3461.48, including her real estate valued at
$796.68, and $2411.19 in notes of hand and interest.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, pp. 101-102, 136-137, and Vol.
1G, p. 74.
Will of William
Hallock of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, Province of New York (1749) *
In
the Name of God Amen ye forth day of March Anno:quo: 1748/9 I
William Hallack of Brookhaven in Suffolk County and Colony of New York Yeoman
being perfect in health and Memory thanks be to God for the same therefore
calling to mind the mortallity of Man, and knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to Die do make and ordain my last Will and Testament that is to say
principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of
Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend unto the Earth to be buried
in a Christian decent manner according to the discression of my Executors
hereafter Named nothing doubting but to receive the same by the mighty power of
God and as touching such world Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
in this Life, I give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and
form. Imprimis I give and bequeath to Dinah my dearly beloved Wife all my
moveable Estate after my Just Debts and funeral Charges are paid out of the
same by my Extrs. and also my whole Estate both personally and real
during her Widowhood and no Longer Excepting the Lott whereon my Son Jesses
house now stands being about Sixteen rods wide and to extend across the road
Westward the same wedth to the end of my bounds and likewise a lott of ther
same wedth on the other side the length of my bounds to my son William and the
homestead between these two Lotts and hill fronting to Richard and David
equally between them at the Decease or Marriage of their Mother. Item I give
and bequeath unto my sons Jesse William Richard and David after the Decease or
Marriage of their Mother all the remainder of my Lands and meadows equally
except Jesse and his part to be ten pounds the best so Judged by reasonable men
Item I give and bequeath unto my four Daughters Mary Dinah Sarah and Elizabeth
all my moveable Estate equally among them to be divided after the expiration of
the said Widowhood, it is my will that the part which falleth to my Daughter
Mary Long wife to William Long be given to her and her own disposal and not his
for her own use and also that she may Lodg the same in any of her friends hands
for her use, and I do hereby make and ordain my Wife Dinah Hallock and my Son
Jesse Hallock my Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby
utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former Testaments
Wills Legacies Bequests and Executors Whatsoever by me in any ways before named
Willed and bequeathed ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last
Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the
Day and Year above written
William Hallock (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
William Hallock as his last Will and Testament in presents of us the
Subscribers
Samuel Davis
George Davis
Jesse Willits
Probated on 19 Mar. 1765, and proved by Samuel Davis and
George Davis, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Jesse
Hallock, one of the Executors, on 1 June 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Hammond of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Hammond of Rochester In
the County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman under Bodely Infermities but in
the Exersise of My Reason Through Gods goodness Do make this my last will &
Testament and first I Desire To Give my whole Selfe Sole & body to god In
Jesus Criste humbly beging his mercifull acceptance the pardon of my many sins
free & Reconsilation with god through the great Sacrifise that was Given
for the Remesion of Sins. As Touching my outward Estate my will is that my True
& Loving wife Priscilla be honourably Supported at Equal Cost Betwen my two
Sons Nathaniel & Enoch and to Live with that Child She likes Best So long
as She Shall be unmarried which Support Shall be Determined by Endifferent men
So often as it may Alter in Curcumstances that Sum To be Paid at least once a
quarter In Speice Such as may be needful for her Support to which my will is
that my Two Sons Shall ad a fifth Part of that Same to be Paid in monny to
their mother to be at hir Dispose – I Give To my Son Nathaniel al my land that
was formerly Peter olevers also about Thirty acres of Land lying at the Springs
the East Side of the harbor Reffering to the Records for bounds with half Ram
Island in Partnership with the Heirs of Capt. Benjamin Hammond Late
of Rochester Deceased Also my meddow Lying in ansowomick neck and the Island of
land in Said meddow and the one half of all my Sederswamp
I give To My Son Enoch My Dwelling House Excepting my great
Roome and a Privelige in the Seler garret & oven I give To my wife and
Daughter So long as they Live unmarred also I give To my Son Enoch home stead
land and Salt meddow and all the buldings Standing on the Same also all my
meddow and land by Barzilla Hammonds Island That I bought of Constant Dexter
and laid out Excepting my land on which the warehouse now Stands that I Give To
Enoch my Land where the ware house now Stands with my Part of the ware hous
Bote Sain warps Cash &c In Codsiration of Eight Pounds that I owe him if he
Sees Caus to Except of it for Said Monny if he Dont Except of it I
give To my Son Nathl and my Son Enoch for To bring in his Debt to be
Paid by my Estate &c
Also I give To my Son Enoch half my Sedar Swamp and my fourth
part of the Saw mill and my Third part of the Grist mill with the Appurtances
their unto belonging I Give To my Daughter Ruth fourteen Pounds to be Paid by
my Son Nathaniel one half in a year after My Decease and the other half a year
after that uppon his Performing Said Payment he is To have a note given up To
him of twenty Pounds which I have on him
I Give To my Daughter Hannah fourteen Pounds to be Paid by my
Son Enoch the one half in a year after my Deceas and the other half in a year
after that – and I give To my Daughter Ruth teen good Store Sheep
Whereas I have Seventeen Acres & forty Rods Land Laid out
March ye 5th. 1749/50 also Thirty Seven acres & Eight
Rods laid out July the 12th 1755 also twenty acres Laid out Aprl.
25h. 1752 Allso nineteen acres and one halfe laid out March 5th.
1749/50 the Land in these Surveys I give To my Daughters Ruth & Hannah to
be Equally Devided betwen them. I Give To Enoch one fourth of John Coten then
from the forty Eigh acre Devision and all my other Lands not Disposed of before
mentiond both Devided & undevided also I give To Enoch my Silver buckles
& buttons &c
And all my wearing apperril to be Devided between my two Sons
as my wife Thinks Proper all my out Dore movebles & Stok Except the
aforesaid 10 Sheep I gave To Ruth I Assign To Pay my Just Debts Funaral Charges
& Setlement of my Estate To be Paid by my Executors &c. If that Dont
Pay my Debts and Charges &c Then my Executor to Sel land out of the above sd.
four Surveys where She Shall Think best for To Pay the Remainder any Thing To
the Contrary Afore herein Expresed not with standing Allso that my Two Sons Nathl.
& Enoch Shall have no Right to any Estate that fel to my wife by her father
but if they will Clame a Right In said Estate with out Consent of My wife then
they To Pay as much out of my Estate to my two Daughters also is a Excepted
that my Son Nathl have Liberty to Saw boards & Timber in my
Quarter Part of the Saw mill for his own use without Cost for his bulding Nathl.
To Keep the mill In Repair while he Doth it and also that he have Right To
worke in all my Right of Second lot of Ceder Swamp for the bulding of his house
for Shingle Clabords winda frames and laths for his one use &c
And I Do hereby Constitute my Loving wife Priscilla to be my
Executor of this my Last will & Testament In witness where of I have here
unto Set my hand and Seal this first Day of July AD 1758
Signead Sealed & Pronounced
In Presence of Benjamin Hammond (seal)
John Hammond
Aron Barlow
Roger Hammond
Presented for probate on 12 Oct. 1758 by the Excx.
and proved by John Hammond and Aaron Barlow, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Priscilla Hammond of Rochester widdow Executrix
on 12 Oct. 1759.
* Transcribed with
difficulty by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 233-236,
from FHL microfilm #0551543.
Abstract of the Will of Enoch Hammond of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Will of Enoch Hammond, of
To my true & loving wife Drusilla, the whole improvement
of my homestead farm & the buildings, my lot of salt meadow, my third of a
grist mill, one third of the saw mill, and my two Pews in the meeting house,
while she remains my widow, also my silver watch, my gold buttons, my side
saddle, and at her disposal all my indoor moveables or houshold furniture, and
all my personal stock of cattle, horses, sheep & swine, and one third of
the money I may leave on hand or due to me by bonds, notes, or book accounts,
after my Executors have paid all my just debts & funeral charges.
To my son Benjamin all the land & meadow I bought of
Capt. Jabez Hammond with the house & barn, and a part of the remaining
homestead, bounded… Also my salt meadow & island in it on both sides of
north cross way, also one half of the salt meadow I bought of Joseph Wilbur,
also one half of all my cedar swamp, also about 25 acres of swampy land at the
head of Perry’s swamp, also about 15 acres of land near the long cedar swamp by
the land of Simeon Randall, also one half of two sevays of land laid out to me
at the south end of spring swamp, also the beach on the west side at the mouth
of Mattapoiset River, also one half my saw mill, also the privilege of grinding
their meal in my grist mill during the lives of himself & his present wife
Elisabeth, also one half of my two Pews in the meeting house, also my log chain
& one half of all my husbandry utensills or tools, & one half of my
horse tackling, also one third of the profits of all my orchard for 10 years,
one maple desk, one mahogany desk that stands in my great room after his mother
has done with it, also my great bible after his mother has done with it, one
half of my books, all my navigation books, and one half of my wearing apparell.
To my son Thomas one mahogany desk which he has in his
possession, also a note of hand I have on him for money I lent him, also one
Kings arm gun which he has at this time, also $10 to be paid in one year after
my decease.
To my son Nathaniel all the remainder of my homestead which I
have not given to my son Benjamin, bounded…, with the profits of one third of
the orchard, my third of the grist mill after his mother’s decease, one half of
my saw mill, one half of the salt meadow I bought of Joseph Wilbur, about 30
acres of swamp & land which was laid out to him, Capt. Nathaniel Hammond
& Ebenezer Mead, also one half of two Seveys laid out to me at the south
end of Spring swamp, also about 10 acres of land laid out to me near the
northwest part of Perry’s swamp, also all my right in the undivided yet to lay,
also one half of all my cedar swamp, one half of my wearing cloaths, my Love’s
Art of Surveying with all my Surveying tools, one half of the Naval History
& one half a Lisbon Hone, these two in partnership with Capt. Nathaniel
Hammond, also one mahogany desk which stands in my west room, also one half my
two Pews in the meeting house, one half my husbandry tools, one third of the
profits of all my orchard, one half of my books, and one third of all the money
or dues to my estate, after paying my just debts & funeral charges.
To my beloved wife one third of the profits of all my
orchard.
To my son Benjamin my half of all the farm he & I bought
together of Seth Morton & Seth Morton junr.
All the rest of my estate to Benjamin & Nathaniel to be
equally divided.
Executors to be my two sons Benjamin & Nathaniel Hammond.
Witnesses: Enoch Hammond (seal)
Joseph
Davis
Benjamin
Hammond
Joshua
Snow junr.
Abel
Hows
Ashbel
Bail
Presented for probate on 29 Oct.
1800 by Benjamin Hammond & Nathaniel Hammond, the Executors therein named,
and proved by Joshua Snow junr. & Abel Hows, two of the
witnesses.
*
Abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Hammond of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1728) *
In the Name of God, amen this twelfth day of July 1728 &
in the first year of the Reign of our Lord King Georg the Second I Samuel
Hammond of Rochester in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman being of a disposing Mind & memory
& desireous to Set my house in order before I dye do make this my last will
& Testament.
Imprimis I Give my Soul to God & body to the Ground after
my decease In hopes of a glorious Resurrection & as touching such worldly
Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me withall I give & dispose of the
same in the following Manner & Form
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to Mary my dearly Beloved wife
all the Estate that I have both in dores & without wherever it is or may be
found during her Continuing my Widdow & then after her decease to be
disposed of to my Children as hereafter in my will I shall express.
Item I give to my Son Thomas besides what I have allready
given him fifty acres of land & the third part of the tenn acres of Meadow
that I have in the town of Wolls & twenty acres of land in Rochester not
yett Layd out which land I lent to my Brother Nathan Hammond to be to him his
heirs & assignes forever.
Item I give to my Son Jedediah fifty acres of land & the
third part of the ten acre lott of fresh meadow that I have in Wolls aforesd
& the half of my share of land in Rochester not yett layd out to be to him
his heirs & assignes forever.
Item I give to my Son John fifty acres of land & the
third part of my ten acre lot of meadow that I have in Wolls aforesd
& a certain parcell of land lying to the Eastward of my homestead as it
hath already bounded out to be to him to heirs & assignes forever likewise
I give to my son John one half of my land & meadow lying on Briant Island
Item I give to my grandson Arcules Hammond fifty acres of
lands in Wolls aforesd to him his heirs & assignes forever.
Item I give to my grandson Peter Spooner fifty acres of land
lying in Wolls aforesd to him his heirs & assignes forever.
Item I give to my daughter Mariah Clark fifty acres of land
in the town of Wolls aforesd to be to her her heirs & assignes
forever
Item I give to my Son Samuel tenn acres of land whereon he
now lives as it is bounded out already to be to him to his heirs & assigns
forever
Item Give to my Son Josiah the lott of land whereon his house
standeth & as it is now bounded to him togather with the meadow at the foot
of it as it is bounded, & three acres of meadow in Cooks meadow & one
fourth part of a share of Cod or Swamp togather with the one half of all my
undevided land in Rochester & one fether bed which he hath allready in his
improvement which I give to him to his heirs & assignes forever.
Likewise I also Constitute my Son Josiah Hammond & my Son
John Hammond to be Joynt Executors of this my last will & Testament
Item I give to my Son Barnabas three acres of meadow in Cooks
Meadow And the Remaining part of sd Meadow I give to my Son Seth
togather with what I have already given him
Item I give to my grandaughter Abigall Hammond one feather
bed & beding.
Item I give to my grandaugher Elizabeth Spooner fifteen Sheep
when She Shall come to the age of Eaighteen years to be paid to her by my
Executors out of my moveable Estate
Item I give to my grandaughter Rose Spooner fifteen Sheep to
be paid to her by my Executors when She comes to the age of Eaighteen years
Item I give to my Six grandchildren Jeduthan Spooner Benjamin
Spooner John Spooner Thomas Spooner Febe Spooner & mary five Shillings
apeice to be paid to them by my Executors after my Decease
Item I give to my wife my best fether bed & beding to be
att her dispose
Item I give to my two daughters Mariah & Jedidah all my
moveable both within dores & without after my wives decease. My Will is
that my Executors pay my Just debts out of the money that shall be due to me at
my decease as far as that will go and the Remainder if any there be be paid out
of my personal Estate And hereby revoaking & disanull all & every
former Will or Wills Ratifieiong & confirming this & only this to be my
last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto my hand & Seal
the day & year above written.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
& declared By me Samll Hammond Samll Hammond (seal)
as my last will & Testament in
Presence of us
Thomas Clark
Joshua Coggeshall
Nathll Delano
Probated on 20 Sept. 1728, proved by Joshua Coggeshall &
Nathaniel Delano.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 5, p. 475-476, from FHL microfilm
#0550511.
Will of Thomas Hammond of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
Be it
remembered, that I Thomas Hammond of Carver in the County of Plymouth, State of
Massachusetts, Esquire, do make, ordain, and declare this Instrument to be my
last Will and Testament, revoking all others.
Imprimis. All my debts, of which there are but few, are to be
punctually and speedily paid, and the legacies hereinafter bequeathed are to be
discharged as soon as circumstances will permit, and in the manner hereafter
directed.
Item 1st. To my beloved wife Persis Hammond, I
give and bequeath all my household furniture, (except one full bed and bedding)
for her entire disposal; – also the improvement of one third part of my Real
Estate for the term of her natural life; (also the use of my chaise &
harness.)
Item 2d. To my four sons, viz. Thomas Hammond,
William Hammond, George Hammond, and Nehemiah C. Hammond, I give and bequeath
all my Real Estate and personal Estate of what name or nature soever, not
herein otherwise disposed of to be equally divided between them.
Item 3d To my six daughters, viz. Anna W. Shaw,
wife of Earl Shaw, Betsey T. Hammond, Persis C. Hammond, Mary Hammond, Almyra
Hammond, and Melissa Hammond, I give and bequeath to each the sum of Two
hundred dollars to be paid by my Executor, – one half which sums shall become
due in one year after my decease, the other half in three years after.
Item 4th To those of my said daughters who shall
be in an unmarried state at the time of my decease, for their use and
improvement while remaining unmarried I give and bequeath the use of the
westerly front room in my dwelling house, and bed room in the chamber; also the
privilege of using the fire-place, oven, and sink in the porch for their
convenience, with the right of passing through the kitchen; Also one fifth part
of the cellar, – also the free use of the well of water, and sufficient room
for laying wood in the house yard.
It
is also my Will that if any of my said sons shall not live to the age of twenty
one years, that his or their shares shall be equally divided between the
surviving brothers. And also that if any of my said daughters shall decease
while in a state of minority, that her or their said share or legacy be equally
divided between the surviving sisters.
And my will is, that whatever sums shall be found charged on my book
against either of my said daughters for expense for extra schooling, for
furniture, or any other matters, shall be considered as so much paid towards
the said Two hundred dollars.
Lastly, And I do hereby appoint my
oldest son Thomas Hammond to be sole Executor of this my last Will. In witness of all and each of the
things herein contained I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty-first
day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty seven.
Signed, sealed, and declared by the
aforenamed Thomas Hammond to be Thomas Hammond (seal)
his last Will and Testament in
pres-
ence of us, who, in the presence of
the testator, and of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
John
Thomas
Wm.
Thomas
Rosseter
Cotton
Presented for probate on 17 Dec.
1827, and proved by John Thomas and Rosseter Cotton, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Hammond,
yeoman, the Executor, on 17 Dec. 1827.
Capt. Samuel Shaw, Ezra Thompson,
and Jonathan Atwood, all of Carver, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Thomas Hammond, late of Carver, Esquire, on 17 Dec. 1827. The Inventory of the
Estate of Thomas Hammond Esqr., late of Carver, dated 15 Apr. 1828,
totaled $6907.42, including his real estate valued at $5490.16. Thomas Hammond,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19 May 1828.
Samuel Shaw, Ezra Thompson, and
Jonathan Atwood, all of Carver and all Freeholders, were appointed to set off
to Persis Hammond, the widow of Thomas Hammond, one third part of the Real
Estate of her late husband as her dower in the estate on 19 Jan. 1829. The
division was dated 14 Feb. 1929, and approved on 16 Feb. 1829.
John Savery, Daniel Shaw and Alvan
Vaughan, all of Carver and all Freeholders, were appointed to divide the Real
Estate of Thomas Hammond, late of Carver, Esquire, among the heirs named in the
deceased’s last Will and Testament, on 20 Feb. 1837. The division was dated 28
Mar. 1837, and approved on 15 May 1837, the heirs being Thomas Hammond,
Nehemiah C. Hammond, William Hammond, and George W. Hammond.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p.
407-409, Vol. 66, p. 107-108, Vol. 67, p. 100-102, and Vol. 79, p. 155-158.
Will of John Hanks of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the Name of God
Amen the twentieth day of October 1803 ~~
I John Hanks of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth in New
England being weak in Body but of perfect Mind and Memory thanks be given unto
God therefore calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is
appointed for all Men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and
Testament that is to say principally and first of all I give & recommend my
Soul into the Hands of God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to
be buried in a decent christian Burial at the discretion of my Executor or
Executors nothing doubting, but at the general Resurrection; I shall receive
the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly Estate,
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life; I give demise &
dispose of the same in the following Manner and form —
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to Abigail my Dearly beloved Wife the whole of my personal Estate
after my just debts and funeral charges are paid & the whole Improvement of
my real Estate so long as she remains my Widow. Item I give unto my Sister Cloe
and her daughter Rube a right for them to live in the southerly End of my
House. Item I give unto William Joice at my Wife’s decease twenty dollars. Item
I give unto my Sister Cloe all the Real Estate after my Wife’s decease, if
living, if not, to be divided equally between her Children, with her or their
paying the said William Joice twenty Dollars. My Wife with Andrew Sampson whom
I likewise constitute make & ordain my sole Executors of this my Last Will
& Testament & I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all
& every other former Testaments, Wills, Legacies & Bequests &
Executors by me in any Ways before named willed and bequeathed ratifying &
confirming this & no other to be my Last Will & Testament in witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year above
written. —
Signed sealed published & pronounced & declared by
the said John Hanks as his Last Will & testament
in the presence of us the Subscribers –
Joseph
Pearce
Nathaniel
Samson John Hanks (seal)
Elijah
Delano
Presented for probate on 9 April 1804 by Abigail Hanks and
Andrew Samson, the Executors therein named, and proved by Joseph Pearce and
Nathaniel Samson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Abigail Hanks and Andrew Samson, the before
named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 24-25, from FHL microfilm
#0550901.
Will of Deborah Harden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1830) *
I Deborah Harden of
Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, Single woman being weak in body but
sound in mind & memory considering the shortness of human life and the
certainty of death, do make this my last Will & Testament Viz: first of all
I recommend my Soul to God who gave it, my body to the earth to be buried in a
decent manner by my Executor hereafter named & as to my Worldly estate I
dispose of it in manner following that is to say,
Imprimis I give to
my Nephew Cyrus Benson eighty three cents.
I give to my Nephew
Jonathan Benson eighty three cents.
I give to my niece
Betsey Benson eighty three cents.
I give to my niece
Nabby Jones wife of Samuel Jones eighty three cents to be paid to them in one
year after my decease by my Executor.
I give &
bequeath to the daughters of Jonathan Harden and to the daughters of John
Harden all my wearing apparel & household furniture except one third to my
sister Molly.
I give unto my
sister Molly Harden Twenty dollars to paid in one year after my decease and
also one third of my furniture.
Providing there
should be that balance after my just debts are paid and my estate settled and
all the rest of my estate both real and personal, money and notes of hand I
give unto John Harden with whom I now live to him and his heirs forever.
And I do hereby
constitute & appoint Thomas Cushman Sole Executor to this my last Will
& Testament.
In
witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal this sixth day of March
in the Year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty.
her
Deborah X Harden (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published & declared to be the last Will
of the Testator in presence of us who at her request have signed our names as
Witnesses
Samuel Allen
Hiram Dunphe
Lot Whitmarsh
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1834, and proved by Hiram
Dunphe and Lot Whitmarsh, two of the subscribing witnesses. Thomas Cushman, of
Bridgewater, Yeoman, was granted administration of the estate of Deborah Harden
on 1 Apr. 1834.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 76, p. 108-110, from FHL microfilm
#0555263.
Will of Mary Harden of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
In the
name of God, Amen: I, Mary Harden of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth,
being advanced in life, and taking into consideration the uncertainty of life,
do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament and dispose of my
worldly estate, in manner & form following, namely ~
First.
I give & bequeath unto Mira Mitchell, Caroline Mitchell & Louisa
Mitchell, Daughters of Major Theodore Mitchell ten dollars each out of the note
I hold against Major Mitchell, & the remainder of the note to Major
Theodore Mitchell.
2d.
I give & bequeath unto Hannah Pope the amount of a note I hold against Benjn
Pope Esqer.
3d.
I give & bequeath unto Abigail Jones, the wife of Samuel Jones, all my
wearing Apparel.
4th.
I give & bequeath unto the wife of Jonathan Harden of Halifax my bed &
bedding.
5th.
I give & bequeath unto Loisa Mitchell daughter of Major Mitchell, one red
chest.
I also
give & bequeath the remainder of my household furniture to Abigail Jones,
the wife of Samuel Jones.
I lastly
give & bequeath unto Betsey Jones, the daughter of Samuel Jones, my Gold
neck-lace.
I do
hereby appoint Mr Thomas Cushman of Bridgewater, to be sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament.
In
Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this thirty first day
of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty seven.
Mary Harden (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounced & declared, before us
Caleb
Mitchell
Benjamin
P. Pope
Silvanus
Pratt.
The Instrument purporting to be the last Will & Testament
of Mary Harden late of Bridgewater, Singlewoman, was presented for probate on 7
July 1835, and proved by Caleb Mitchell and Benjamin P. Pope, two of the
subscribing witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Cushman
of Bridgewater, Yeoman, on 7 July 1835.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mary Harden, late of
Bridgewater, Singlewoman, was appraised on 16 July 1835 by Benjamin P. Pope,
Melzar Hudson and Winslow Mitchell, and totaled $84.65, which included a
dwelling house valued at $40, plus a note against Benjamin Pope for $32.47, and
a note against Theodore & Winslow Mitchell for $632.55. Thomas Cushman, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1835.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, pp. 366-368, 448-449, from FHL
microfilm #0555264.
Will of John
Hardin of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1718) *
In the Name of God Amen. I John Harden of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman being under Infirmitys of body but of
perfect mind & Memory (thanks be to God for the Same) and Considering the
Uncertaintys of Life Do Make & Appoint this my last Will and Testament in
Manner & form following) Viz. In the first Place I do Give & Bequeath
my soul to God that gave it & my body to the dust to be buried in a
Christian like and decent manner, and as Touching that Small Estate which it
hath pleased God to Bless me withall I do dispose in manner as followeth. Imprs. I Give & Bequeath to
Dear & well beloved wife Hannah Hardin all that my farm or Homestead, in
Bridgwater during her Life and after her decease I give the said Homestead to
my beloved son Samuel Hardin. And I do hereby order my sd. Son
Samuel Hardin to pay to son Nathaniel Hardin A Legacie of Ten pounds in Good
pay at the decease of my Sd. wife. Item I Give and Bequeath to my
Son John Hardin all my Right and Title to or in that Tract of Land whereon my sd
son Liveth —
Item I do give to my daughter Sarah Wood fourty shillings to
be paid her by my sd. Son Samuel Hardin after his Mothers decease.
Item I do Give to my son Peter Harden five pounds to be paid in Good pay soon
after his mothers decease by my sd Son Samuel. Item I do Give all my
movables both within doors & without to be divided amongst my daughters in
a Just & Equall manner after my sd. wifes decease. And further I
do hereby Constitute and appoint my sd. wife to be My Executrix
& my sd. Son Samuel to be my Executor to Execute this my Last
Will & Testmt. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
and Seal this Seventeenth day of May Anno Dom one Thousand seven hundred &
eighteen 1718/.
Signed Sealed & delivered In ye presence of his
James Barker John *
Hardin (seal)
Hannah Barker mark
Francis Barker
Probated on 2 Nov. 1719, and proved by Francis Barker and
Hannah Barker. Letters of Administration granted to Hannah Hardin his relict
widdow and John Hardin his Son Executors therein named.
The Inventory of the moveable goods of John Hardin, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 28 Oct. 1719, and not totaled, but small. Hannah
Hardin and Samuel Hardin, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 2
Nov. 1719.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, p. 191-192, from FHL microfilm
#0550510.
Will of Barnabas
Harlow of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—I Barnabas Harlow being thro’ the
abundant mercy & goodness of God, tho’ weak in body yet of a sound and
perfect understanding and memory do constitute this my last will &
testament, and desire it my be recieved by all as such. First I most humbly
bequeath my soul to God my maker, beseeching his most gracious acceptance of
it, through the all sufficient merits & mediation of my most compassionate
redeemer Jesus Christ, who gave himself to be an atonement for my sins, and is
able to save to the uttermost, all that come unto God by him, seeing he ever
liveth to make intercession for them, and who I trust will not reject me a
returning penitent sinner, when I come to him for mercy, In the hope &
confidence I render up my soul with comfort, humbly beseeching ye
most blessed & gracious God, to prepare me for the time of my dissolution,
and then to take me to himself in that peace & rest & incomparable
felicity which he has prepared for all that love & fear his holy name.
amen, blessed be God. I Give my body to the earth from whence it was taken, in
full assurance of its resurrection from thence at the last day. As for my
burial, I desire it may be decent, without pomp or state, at ye discretion of
my dear wife, and my Executor hereafter named, who, I doubt not will manage it,
with all requisite prudence. As to my worldly Estate, I will and positively
order, that all my debts be paid -
First—I Give to my dear and loving wife, for the term of her
remaining my widow, this house wherein I now dwell, with all the furniture and
the lands & tenements that lie about it, with all my other lands and
improvements elsewhere, and, after her marriage or death, I give the whole of
my said Estate to my three Daughters Drusilla, Polly & Toa [Joa?], to be
equally divided between them, and do constitute my dear & loving wife,
Executrix of this my last will & testament & trustee of my children—In
witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the thirtieth day of May,
in the year of our Lord 1796
Witnesses Barnabas Harlow (seal)
Seth Cushing
Thomas Gannett
Isaac Bartlett
The last will & testament of
Barnabas Harlow, late of Plymton, yeoman, deceased, was presented for probate
on 1 Aug. 1796 by Mary Harlow, the Executrix therein named, and was proved by
Seth Cushing & Isaac Bartlett, two of the witnesses.
Seth Cushing Esqr, Thos
Gannett Gentleman, & Isaac Churchill, yeoman, all of Plymton, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Barnabas Harlow, late of Plymton, yeoman,
on 1 Aug. 1796. The inventory of the Estate of Barnabas Harlow, late of
Plymton, dated 7 Nov. 1796, totaled $1585.23, including his homestead farm,
building & stuff for buildings, was valued at $820, a piece of fresh meadow
at $167, a piece of Turkey Swamp at $13, and $284 in livestock. Mary Harlow,
the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 7 Nov. 1796.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
In
the name of God Amen
I Benjamin Harlow of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth
Shoemaker being infirm in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do
make and ordain this my Last will and testament in order following vizt
– I Give and Recommend my soul into the hand of Almighty God, that Gave it and
my body I Recommend to the Earth to be decently Interred at the discretion of
my Executrix, and touching such worldly Estate which it hath pleased God to
bless me with I will and bequeath in the following manner & form
1st I will & bequeath to my dearly
beloved wife Elisabeth the Improvement of my Estate vizt of
all my Lands, with the buildings thereon & the personal Estate & out
door moveables, together with all my household Goods Debts & moveable
affairs to be freely possessed and Enjoyed by the abovesaid Elisabeth during
her natural Life
Secondly—after the death of the above named Elisabeth Harlow
I will that my Estate as above mentioned be equally divided between my two
daughters vizt, Kesia Atwood & Phebe Shurtliff
3dly I will that all my Lawful Debts be
paid at the Expence of my Executrix hereafter named
Lastly—I do make and Constitute Elisabeth my said wife
Executrix of this my Last will and Testament. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal this Fifteenth day of May One thousand seven
hundred and seventy nine
Signed, Sealed, Published & pronounced by Benjamin Harlow (seal)
the said Benjamin Harlow as his Last will
& testament in the presence of us who in his
presence & in the presence of each other have
have hereunto subscribed our names –
Neheh.
Cobb
Edward
Cole
Elisabeth X Cole
Presented for probate on 1 Nov. 1779 by Elisabeth Harlow, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Cobb and Edward Cole, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elisabeth Harlow, the
before named Executrix.
Nehemiah Cobb of Plymton Gent., Ebenezer Briggs of Middlebo
yeoman, and Edward Cole of Middlebo yeoman were appointed to
appraise the estate of Benjamin Harlow, late of Middlebo yeoman, on
1 Nov. 1779. The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Harlow, late of
Middleborough, dated 22 Nov. 1779, totaled £115.4.4, including his land and
buildings with the appurtenances valued at £80. Elisabeth Harlow, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 3 July 1780.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, pp.
386-387, 534-535, from FHL microfilm #0550713
Will of Gideon Harlow of Duxbury, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853) *
In
the name of God, Amen. I Gideon Harlow of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, considering the uncertainty of
this life & being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and publish
this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at
any time heretofore made.
And
as to my worldly estate, and all the property real, personal or mixed of which
I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time
of my decease, I devise bequeath and dispose thereof in manner following, to
wit;
First. My will is that all my just debts and funeral
charges shall be paid by my Executor herein after named out of my estate as
soon after my decease as by him shall be found convenient.
Second. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Hannah
Sampson wife of Calvin C. Sampson, the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars, to be
safely invested by sd. Calvin C. Sampson in Bank Stock, Rail Road Stock, or put
at interest, and in case she shall not need the same, it is my Will that both
the principal and interest shall be equally divided among their children, and
be paid to them at such times as said Calvin C. shall deem proper and expedient
~ the above named sum being said Hannah’s share in my estate, and on the
receipt of which said Hannah or heirs are expected to relinquish all right she
might have had in the Delano Wood-lot, Brant Rock pasture, a piece of Salt
Marsh at Consider’s point and a piece of Salt Marsh in South River.
Third. I give and bequeath unto my
son John A. Harlow all my Farming tools of every description, two cows and one
yoke of oxen, as his full share in all my estate, with what he has received
previous to this, on the receipt of which said John A. relinquish all right he
or his heirs might have had in the Delano Wood lot, Brant Rock pasture & a
piece of Salt Marsh at Consider’s Point & piece of Salt Marsh in South
River Marsh.
Fourth. I give and devise unto my
two sons Henry Harlow & Gideon T. Harlow their heirs & assigns, my Keen
Wood lot, so called, situated in sd. Duxbury containing twenty acres more or
less and my Wood lot situated nigh Briggs Cushman’s in said Duxbury containing
four acres more or less, to be equally divided between them.
Fifth. I give and devise unto my three daughters
Lydia Harlow, Mary Harlow, & Olive T. Harlow their heirs and assigns, my
two dwelling houses situated in said Duxbury, one of which is now occupied by
Benj. Boylston & Amasa C. Witherell & the other by Mason Simmons with
the lots of land adjoining them and the Horse-pasture so called, situated nigh
Isaac Chandler’s also my Delano Wood-lot situated in sd. Duxbury nigh the land
of Jesse Delano, containing nine acres more or less, Also my Nathaniel C.
Weston land, situated in said Duxbury, containing twelve acres more or less,
that I purchased of Benj. Alden Administrator & also three acres of
Wood-land more or less situated in sd. Duxbury, near Judah Peterson called the
Sprague Lot.
Sixth. All the rest residue and remainder of my Real
Estate, with all the rest & residue of my Personal Estate, the Real Estate
consisting of Branches Island, Salt Meadow &c. &c. or any other that
may be found, I give, devise & bequeath unto my sd. sons Henry Harlow,
Gideon T. Harlow and unto my said daughters Lydia Harlow, Mary Harlow &
Olive T. Harlow their heirs and assigns to be equally divided among them.
Lastly. I hereby appoint my said son Henry Harlow sole Executor of this
my last Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal & publish &
declare this to be my last Will & Testament in the presence of the
witnesses named below this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
Gideon Harlow (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Gideon Harlow as and for his last
Will & Testament in presence of us, & in the presence of each other,
and in his presence and at his request, have subscribed our names as Witnesses
hereto.
Benj.
Alden
Martha
C. Alden
Rebecca
S. Alden
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of Dec. 1853 by Henry Harlow, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Benjamin Alden and Martha C. Alden, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Henry Harlow, the Executor therein named.
Henry Harlow, of Duxbury, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Gideon Harlow, late of Duxbury,
yeoman, on 5 Dec. 1853, with Seth Sprague and Benjamin Alden, both of Duxbury,
as sureties.
Benj. Alden, of Duxbury, Eleazer
Harlow and Seth Weston, of Marshfield, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Gideon Harlow, late of Marshfield, on 27 Dec. 1853.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Gideon Harlow, late of Duxbury, yeoman, dated 20 Jan. 1854, totaled $10,871.95,
including his real estate valued at $5609, and stock, notes of hand, and cash
on hand. Henry Harlow, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the
third Monday of Feb. 1854.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, p. 556-558, from FHL microfilm #0555642,
Vol. 2H, p. 400, and Vol. 96, p. 37-38.
Will of Isaac Harlow 2d of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the name of God amen I, Isaac Harlow the second of that
name in the Town of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth yeoman this
seventeenth day of August, Eighteen hundred and five being in a sound disposing
mind & memory, blessed be God therefor & calling to mind the mortality
of my Body & knowing it is appointed for all men to die think it my duty to
settle my worldly Estate before the day of my death. First of all I commit my
Soul to God who gave it & my Body to the Earth to be decently buried &
the worldly Estate which I may leave I give & dispose of as follows — viz —
I give to my Wife
Susanna all my Real Estate of Lands & Buildings to dispose of as she sees
fit I give my Wife Susanna all my personal Estate to dispose of as she sees
fit, also all my household Furniture & indoor moveables to dispose of as
she sees fit, also all my stock of Cattle & Horse & all my farming
utensils also all the property I die seized of after paying my honest debts –
And I do hereby appoint my Wife Susanna sole Executrix to this my Will, she to
receive my Credits & pay my debts, & I do hereby revoke all other wills
by me made & make them void ratifying this & only this to be my last
Will & Testament Testament in Witness whereof I do hereby or hereunto set
my hand & Seal the day & year here before written —
signed sealed pronounced & delivered
by the aforesaid Isaac Harlow the second to be
his last will & Testament in presence of us
Avery Fobes Isaac Harlow (seal)
Isaac Hooper
Christopher Flinn
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1806 by Susanna Harlow, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Avery Fobes, Isaac Hooper and
Christopher Flinn, all the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Susanna Harlow, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 394, from FHL microfilm
#0550901.
Will of Isaac Harlow of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
Be it
remembered, that I, Isaac Harlow of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in the body, but of sound
mind & memory, do, this sixth day of January Anno Domini One thousand eight
hundred & twenty seven, make and publish this my last Will and Testament,
in manner following, that is to say,
Imprimis, I give to my beloved wife after my decease, the
improvement of all my real Estate so long as she remains my widow, and also all
my personal estate, to be at her own disposal with advising with my Executor
herein after named.
Item, I likewise
give to Polly Harlow, (the wife of my son Silvanus) fifty dollars after my
wife’s decease, and all the property both real and personal, then remaining
shall be divided into five equal shares, one fifth part to each heir; and that
the one fifth part given to the heirs of my son Joseph shall be equally divided
between Sally Harlow (widow of the said Joseph deceased) and her two sons. And lastly I do constitute & ordain my
son Bradford sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament
In testimony whereof
I do hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above written.
Sign’d, seal’d,
publish’d,
pronounce'd, &
declar’d by Isaac Harlow (seal)
the said Isaac
Harlow as
& for his last
Will & Testament, in the presence of us, who at his
request and in his
presence hereunto set our names as witnesses
to the same. Benjn.
Leonard
Saml.
Jones
Nabby
Jones
Presented for probate on 1 May 1827 by Bradford Harlow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Leonard and Samuel Jones, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Bradford Harlow, the before named Executor.
Thomas Covington and Stephen Harlow, of Middleborough, and
Solomon Leonard, of Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Isaac
Harlow, late of Bridgewater, on 16 Nov. 1829. The Inventory of the Estate of
Isaac Harlow, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 18 Nov. 1829, and totaled
$3684.88, including his homestead in Bridgewater containing about 95 acres with
the buildings valued at $2426. Bradford Harlow, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 6 Apr. 1830.
Thomas Covington and Stephen Harlow, of Middleborough, and
Ebenezer Pratt, of Bridgewater, were appointed to divide the Real Estate of
Isaac Harlow, late of Bridgewater, among his children Silvanus Harlow, Lewis
Harlow, the widow and heirs of Joseph Harlow, Timothy Harlow, and Bradford
Harlow, on 6 Apr. 1830. The division was approved on 25 Mar. 1831.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p. 53-55, from FHL microfilm
#0555258, Vol. 69, p. 120-121, and Vol. 70, p. 174-177.
Will of James
Harlow of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1759) *
In the name of God Amen the Third day of Feba. One
Thousand Seven hundred & fifty nine I James Harlow of Plimton in the County
of Plymouth in New England Being Sick and weak of Bodey But of Sound Disposeing
mind and memory Thanks be Given to Almighty God therefore and Caling to mind
the mortallity of my Body Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die
do make And ordain this my last will and Testament and Princapally and first of
all I Recommend My Sole into the hands of God that gave it hopeing & Trusting
that Thro the Death & Suffering of Jesus Christ to Receive the free and
full pardon of all my Sins and to Inherret glory and my body I Recommend unto
the Earth to be Decently buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter
named Beling that at the General Resurrection I Shall Receive the same again by
the mighty Power of God and as Touching Such worldly Estate as it hath Plesed
god to Bless me with in this Life I give & bequeth in the following manner
& forme
Item I Give & bequeth unto my weel beloved wife Mehitebel
for her own Disposal one third part of all my moveable Estate
Item I Give & Bequth unto my three Daughters Viz Mary
Staples hannah Rickard & Perrsis Rickard there heirs & assigns for Ever
thirteen pounds Six Shilling & Eight Pence unto Each of them Includeing
what they have allready Received out of my Estate
Item I Give & bequeth unto my three Granchildren the
Children of my Daughter Abigail Fuller Decd. thirteen pounds Six
Shillings & Eight Pence to be Equally Deveded Betwen Them Includeing what
my said Daughter hath already Recd out of my Estate
Item I Give & Bequeth unto my Daughter Sarah her heirs
and assignes forever thirteen Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Son Barnabas his heirs and
assigns forever Thirteen Pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence To gether with
one gun which was formerly his Grandfather Churchells, and also my will that
the Legacies before mentiond shall be Discharged by my Executor within three
years after my Decease Excepting what I have Given unto my Son Barnabas which
my will is that he shall Receive the same when he shall arrive To the age of
Twenty one years
And also My will is that the Several Legasies before mentiond
Excepting what is Given my Son Barnabas shall be discharged and Paid.
In houshold Goods at Cash Prise and what my moveable Estate falls short of
Paying the aforesaid Legacyes and all my Just Debts my will is that my three
Sons Viz. James William & Abner shall & Pay and Disch the Same in Equal
Portion Between them out of the Estate what I have allreadey Given them by Deed
Lastly I do Constitute my aforesaid Son James Harlow to be my
Sole Executor on this my Last will & Testament and do by these Presets
Renounce all other wills Before by me maid Ratefiing & Confirming this
& no other to be my last will & Testament in Testimony whereof I have
Signed & Sealed the Day & year above Mentiond
Signd Sealed Published & Pronounced and
Declared by the sd James harlow to
be his Last will & Testament in his
the Presence of us James
X Harlow (seal)
Josiah Perkins Marke
Isaac Bowles
Willm. Cushman
Probated on 26 Apr. 1759, and proved by Josiah Perkins and
Isaac Bowles, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to James
Harlow of Plimtown, Laborer, the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 15, p. 282-284.
Will of Capt. Jesse Harlow of
Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God amen. I Jesse Harlow of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth Merchant, being of soud Mind & Memory but considering
the Uncertainty of Life, do make this my last Will and Testament. After
recommending my Soul to its infinitely benevolent creator trusting in the
redemption of Jesus Christ for its immortal Happiness beyond the Grave I
dispose of my Estate in Manner following. —
Imprimis.
I give and devise to my beloved Wife Sarah Harlow in lieu of her dower in my
Estate, the Improvement of one third part of my real Estate, during the Term of
her natural Life—I also give to my said Wife the Sum of four hundred Dollars to
be paid her annually during the term of her natural Life, commencing from the
time of my decease, the same to be paid by my Executors hereafter named.
Item
I give and devise to my Daughter Betsy Torrey, the use & Improvement of the
south westerly Chamber of my dwelling house, with the bed room & Buttery
adjoining thereto, with the privilege of washing and baking in the Kitchen,
& of using the Water in the Well, and an ample sufficiency of fuel, to
support her fire, to be delivered at her door. I also give to my said Daughter,
three hundred Dollars, to be paid her annually during the Term of her natural
Life, commencing from the time of my decease, the same to be paid by my
Executors thereafter named. I make this
kind of provision for my said Daughter, on account of her peculiar situation,
believing it will be enough for her comfortable maintenance & support; but
if from any unforeseen causes, it should prove otherwise, I solemnly enjoin it
upon my Grandchildren & Great Grandchild, or either of them to take
especial Care that my said Daughter be furnished with every think necessary to
make her Life comfortable & happy —
Item
I give and devise to my Grand Children John Torrey jun. & Jesse Harlow
Torrey and my Great Grandchild William Harlow, son of my deceased Granddaughter
Betsy H. Harlow all the rest & residue of my Estate both real &
personal, of what name or nature soever, in equal proportions, they to furnish
my said Daughter with her fuel as aforesaid, and my Will further is, that if
either of them should die before he reaches the age of twenty one Years his
share should accrue to the Survivor or Survivors of him or them —
Item
I constitute & appoint Capt. Robert Roberts & Capt.
Ezra Harlow junr. Executors of this my last Will and Testament &
my Will is, that my said Executors be Trustees of a fund for the purpose of
paying to my said Wife & Daughter their respective annuities, to wit to my
said Wife the aforesaid Sum of four hundred dollars, yearly & every year,
& to my said Daughter the aforesaid Sum of three hundred dollars Yearly
& every Year, and to enable my said Executors to perform this trust, I
hereby order & direct that they take from my personal Estate the Sum of
twelve thousand dollars & place the same Sum in some safe private
Securities, or in some substantial public Funds, according to their best
Judgment & discretion, so that the Interest arising therefrom shall produce
the Sum of seven Hundred Dollars per annum, four hundred Dollars of which said
Sum, my said Executors are directed to pay to my said Wife annually, and the
remaining three hundred Dollars to my said Daughter annually, in Manner as
aforesaid, and my further will is, that on the death of my said Wife, the Sum
of seven thousand Dollars, part of the aforesaid Sum of twelve thousand
Dollars, with the Interest that may be due thereon shall be paid to my said
Grand Children John Torrey junr. & Jesse Harlow Torrey & my
Great-grandchild William Harlow in equal Shares as they shall severally become
of Age, & in case of either of their Deaths to the Survivors or Survivor of
them, and on the Death of my said Daughter, the Sum of five thousand Dollars,
part of the aforesaid Sum of twelve thousand Dollars with the Interest, that
may become due thereon, shall be paid in equal shares to my said Grandchildren
and Great Grandchild aforesaid as they shall become of Age as aforesaid. —
Lastly
I hereby revoke all former & other Will by me at any time heretofore made,
& declare this only to be my last Will & Testament. —
In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty seventh
day of December in the Year of our Lord 1806 —
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced & declared by
the said Jesse Harlow to be his
last and Testament
in the presence of us, who at his
request & in his pres-
ence subscribed as witnesses— Jesse Harlow (seal)
Eliphalet
Holbrook
Jona.
Tufts
Joshua
Thomas
Presented for probate on 22 Sept. 1809
by Robert Roberts, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by Jonathan
Tufts, one of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Robert
Roberts and Ezra Harlow junr.
Eliphalet Holbrook, Ichabod Morton
junr., and William Holmes, all of Plymouth were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Jesse Harlow, late of Plymouth Merchant, on 22 Sept.
1809. The Inventory of the Estate of Capt. Jesse Harlow, late of
Plymouth, dated 3 Dec. 1809, totaled $42,966.48, including his homestead house,
store and lot valued at $3000, training green and barn valued at $1880, a Flake
yard & Fish House valued at $800, and several other parcels of land and
woodland, sundry promissory notes and obligations totaling $17,857.28, bank
stock, and insurance. Robert Roberts and Ezra Harlow, the Executors, gave their
oath to the inventory on 23 Dec. 1809.
Nathaniel Goodwin Esq., Capt.
Richard Holmes, & Mr. Barnabas Otis, all of Plymouth, were
directed to set off to Sarah Harlow, widow of Jesse Harlow, merchant, her share
in his estate as per his will, on 18 Dec. 1809. The division was presented on
17 Mar. 1810, the Probate Judge recommended a revision on 9 Apr. 1810, the
revision was submitted on 18 Apr. 1810, and the revised division was accepted
on 23 Apr. 1810.
William Sampson and John Dexter,
yeomen, and Ebenezer Lothrop junr., Housewright, all of Barnstable,
were appointed to appraise the Real Estate with the Salt Works of Jesse Harlow,
late of Plymouth, that lies in the County of Barnstable on 23 Dec. 1809. The
Real Estate in Barnstable County, dated 1 Jan. 1810, totaled $12,262.13. Robert
Roberts and Ezra Harlow, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 14
May 1810.
Mr. Nathaniel Spooner,
guardian to Jesse H. Torrey, a minor son of the devisee of Capt.
Jesse Harlow, late of Plymouth, made an appeal concerning the assignment of 1/3
part of his estate to his widow, Sarah Harlow, on 11 May 1810. The appeal,
recorded 18 May 1810, purported that the part set off to the widow Sarah Harlow
was more than 1/3 full part because they figured only the actual value of the
real estate, not the rental profits from it, and because much of the rest of
the estate of Jesse Harlow was unproductive, while the part set off to the
widow Sarah Harlow was productive.
Joseph Bartlett 3d,
Merchant, Rosseter Cotton Esquire, and Nathaniel Spooner, Merchant, of
Plymouth, were appointed to divide the Real Estate of Jesse Harlow, late of
Plymouth, Merchant, except that part which has been assigned to his Widow Sarah
Harlow, and divide it into three equal parts or shares and assign one part each
to John Torrey junr. and Jesse Harlow Torrey, Grandchildren, and to
William Harlow, Great Grandchild, of the said deceased, on 8 Jan. 1811. The
division was dated 4 Mar. 1811.
Ebenezer Bacon, Ebenezer Lothrop Esq., and Thomas Sturgis,
Gentlemen, all of Barnstable, were appointed to appraise and set off to the
widow Sarah Harlow a 1/3 part of the estate of Jesse Harlow in Barnstable
County on 20 Mar. 1811. They gave their oath of 23 Mar. 1811, and the division
was recorded 10 June 1811.
The account of Robert Roberts and Ezra Harlow junr,
executors of the will of Capt. Jesse Harlow, deceased, dated 7 Aug.
1811. Value of the remaining estate was $35,325.06, which included promisory
notes & stocks, produce, etc., and mentioned an annuity being paid to the
widow Sarah Harlow, payments to Nathl Spooner, guardian for Jesse H.
Torrey, payments to John Harlow, guardian for Wm. Harlow, and
payments to Joseph Barlett 3d, guardian for John Torrey junr.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, pp. 26-27, 80, 177-179, 198, 301-302, 478-482, 523-525, all from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of John Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In the Name of God amen. I John
Harlow of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Yeoman, being of a sound Mind & Memory blessed be God for the
same considering the Mortality of the Body & that it is appointed unto all
men once to die do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament as
followeth viz —
Item
I give & bequeath to my well beloved Wife Joanna Harlow one third of the
produce raised on my home farm gathered in & secured for her use & also
the East great Room in my Dwelling house & the largest Bedroom & the
Buttery in the Chamber & also a privilege in the Buttery below & in the
Kitchen Chamber & Cellar & oven as she shall need, also Firewood ready
cut suitable for the Fire also the privilege of keeping one swine at a time on
said Land, also the privilege of a Horse with suitable Tackling for her to ride
when she shall see cause, also I give to my said Wife, the use &
Improvement of all my indoor Moveables during her natural Life excepting one
Bed, which my Son Zenas now has in use. I also give her one third part of the
Milk of all the Cows kept & having their support from said Land in lieu of
one third of the Hay growing on said Farm. I also give to my said wife one
hundred Dollars —
I
give and bequeath to my Son Zenas Harlow my Homestead Farm whereon I now dwell
together with one half of my Plain Land, so called, which I hold by Deed from
John Leonard, also my Lot of Cedar Swamp in the south purchase & also one
half of the Debts, that shall be due to me at my Decease, & also all my
Stock of Creatures of every kind & also all my outdoor moveables & one
Bed that he has now in possession, also my Clock after the death of my wife to
him & Heirs forever – my will is that my Son Zenas shall pay to my
Granddaughter Joanna Harlow the daughter of my Son John one hundred Dollars
after my decease and also all my just debts & funeral Charges & my will
is that my Son Zenas make the provision herein given to my said Wife —
I
give and bequeath to my Son John Harlow all the Money that I have let him have
amounting to nine hundred & nine Dollars & also a Note of hand that I
hold against him, amounting to three hundred Dollars & I give to the
Daughter of my Son John my Granddaughter Joanna Harlow one hundred Dollars to
be paid by my Son Zenas after my Decease. ~~
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Joanna Harlow the Wife of Ellis Harlow all
my indoor Moveables after the Death of my Wife, except what I have otherwise
disposed of & also one half of my plain Lot of Land, which I hold by deed
from John Leonard, also one half of the Debts that shall be due to me at my
Decease to her & Heirs forever. —
I
do hereby constitute & appoint my said Son Zenas Harlow & my Son in Law
Ellis Harlow to be Executors of this my last will & Testament, thus hoping
that this my last Will & Testament will be carefully kept & performed
according to the true Intent & Meaning thereof I commit my Soul to God, who
gave it, & my Body to the Dust to decent Burial –
In witness whereof I the said John Harlow have hereunto set my hand
& Seal the twenty first day of February in the Year of our Lord eighteen
hundred & fourteen —
signed sealed & delivered by
the said
John Harlow as his last Will and
Testament in presence of – John Harlow (seal)
John Tinkham
Levi Tinkham 2d
Cornelius Tinkham Junr.
Presented for probate on 1 Aug.
1814 by Zenas Harlow and Ellis Harlow, the Executors therein named, and proved
by John Tinkham Esqr. and Cornelius Tinkham junr., two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Zenas Harlow and Ellis Harlow, the before named Executors.
John Tinkham Esqr,
Silvanus Tillson, Gentleman, and Daniel Wood, Yeoman, all of Middleborough,
were appointed to appraise the estate of John Harlow, late of Middleborough,
yeoman, on 1 Aug. 1814. The Inventory, dated 30 Aug. 1814, totaled $5469.74,
including his homestead lands and buildings valued at $1800, a lot of woodland
valued at $414, and a lot of cedar swamp valued at $200. Zenas Harlow and Ellis
Harlow, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Dec 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p.
436-438, from FHL microfilm #0550903, and Vol. 47, p. 26-27.
Will of Jonathan Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the name of God Amen—I, Jonathan Harlow of Plymouth in New
England, of the Massachusetts Bay, yeoman, being of a Sound and disposing mind,
but Considering the uncertainty of Life do think proper to Settle my worldly
affairs and to make my Last will & testament in the manner following vizt
– first of all I Commend my Soul into the hand of God that Gave it, hoping
thro’ the merits of Jesus Christ, to Recieve the free pardon of all my Sins, my
body I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried by my Executors hereafter
named hoping thro’ the mercy of God to Recieve the same at the General
Resurrection, and as touching my worldly Estate I dispose of it in the manner
following
vizt 1st—I Give & bequeath to my
beloved wife Sarah my Stock and all my moveables, so Long as She Remains my
widow, Likewise the third part of the Income of my Estate or what is Raised out
of my farm –
2nd—I Give to my two Sons Ansel & Jonathan
equally alike all my Real Estate to them & their Heirs forever, also my
Buildings & wearing Cloaths –
3d– I do hereby appoint and ordain my two Sons
above mentioned to be my Executors of this my Last will & testament –
4th– It is my will that my sd. two Sons
Ansel & Jonathan Should pay out of my Estate Eight pounds a piece to each
of my five daughters vizt Sarah–Jedidah–Lucy–Polly & Clarissa to
be paid within the Space of twelve months after my decease
Finally – It is my will that my Executors abovesaid do Settle
& pay all my Lawful debts & funeral Charges: In Testimony whereof I
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twenty Eighth day of March AD 1786 ~
Signed Sealed & declared Jonathan Harlow (seal)
in
presence of
James
Clark
Seth
Clark junr – Ivory Hovey
Presented for probate on 3 Oct. 1786 by Ansel Harlow and
Jonathan Harlow, the Executors therein named, and proved by James Clark and
Ivory Hovey, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ansel Harlow and Jonathan Harlow, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 26-27, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Jonathan
Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it rememberd. that I, Jonathan Harlow of
Middleborough county of Plymouth state of Massachusetts, do on this twenty
second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following Viz
First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Betsey the
improvement of all my Estate both Real and Personal after my just debts &
necessary expenses are paid during her life
Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Mercy three hundred
dollars. likewise one half of my household furniture and one Bed & Bedding
from the other half. also the front East room, Bedroom, Buttery & Porch in
the house I now live in so long as she remains unmarried and chooses to live in
it also the one quarter of the Pew in the new meeting house I purchased with my
son Stephen
Also I give to my daughter Betsey one hundred dollars and the
remainder of my household furniture not hitherto disposed of
And whereas my sons Jonathan and Eleazer have both deceased I
give nothing on their account
To my son Stephen I give the use and improvement of the
remainder of the House not hitherto disposed of so long as he chooses to live
in it, provided he keeps it in good repair and the improvement of one sixth
part of all my Estate both Real and Personal so long as he chooses to improve
the same not hitherto disposed of and after that to his children equally and to
their heirs and assigns forever –
To my sons Lewis, John, Lemuel, Ivory and Branch and to their
heirs and assigns forever I give the residue and remainder of all my Estate
both real and personal to be divided equally between them excepting from the
share of my son Lemuel, it is my will that my Executor take fifty dollars &
deliver it to my daughter Betsey the wife of Eliab Wood. And hereby revoke all
former wills made by me Lastly I
hereby appoint my son Branch sole executor of this my last will and testament
In testimony whereof I hereby set my hand and Seal the day
and year before mentioned.
his
Jonathan X Harlow (seal)
mark
Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the said Jonathan
Harlow as his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and
in whose presence we hereunto set our hands as witnesses to the same
Bradford
Harlow
Levi
Wood
Temperance
Wood
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1832 by Branch Harlow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Bradford Harlow, one of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be it known that I, Joseph Harlow of Plymouth, in the County
of Plymouth, Yeoman, being advanced in life but of sound and perfect mind and
memory, do make publish and declare this Instrument to be my last Will and
Testament, as follows, To Wit.
First. I
give and bequeath to my daughter Cynthia Clark, Wife of Stephen Clark, the sum
of Two Hundred Dollars, one half payable in one year and the other half payable
in two years after my decease.
Second. I
give and devise to my two Grandsons Charles Franklin Harlow and Thomas Clark
Harlow sons of my son Joseph Harlow Junior, all the Real Estate of which I may
die seized and possessed, situated in the town of Middleborough, in said County
of Plymouth, to have and to hold the same to them their heirs and assigns
forever.
Third. I
give and bequeath to my daughter in law Lucy Harlow, the Widow of my Son Hiram
Harlow, deceased, in consideration of the services rendered by her in my
family, and in token of my regard for her the Sum of Fifty Dollars, payable at
my decease, in an annuity of Sixty Dollars a year payable at the expiration of
each and every year thereafter, so long as she shall remain unmarried: and I do
hereby charge my Real Estate with the payment thereof: but this bequest is upon
the express condition that said Lucy shall bring no claim or demand against my
estate for or on account of services she has rendered me, and upon the further
condition that said Lucy remains in my family until my decease.
Fourth. I
give, devise and bequeath to my Sons, Joseph Harlow, Jun. and Thomas Harlow,
all the rest, residue and remainder of the Real Estate and Personal Estate of
which I may die seized and possessed of whatever name or nature and wherever
situate to have and to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever, and I do
appoint them the said Joseph and Thomas, Executors of this Will; and I do
hereby revoke, annul and make void any and all former Wills by me heretofore
made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my Hand and Seal this Twenty third day of February, in the Year One Thousand,
eight Hundred and Forty Two.
Joseph Harlow (seal)
Signed, Sealed published and declared by the above named
Joseph Harlow, as his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us and we at
his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses.
Wm.
R. Sever
Nathaniel
C. Lanman
Jacob
H. Loud
Presented for probate on the second Monday of August, 1845 by
Joseph Harlow Jr. and Thomas Harlow, the Executors therein named, and proved by
William R. Sever and J. H. Loud, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph Harlow and Thomas Harlow, the
Executors therein named.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 353-355, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Josiah
Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen. I Josiah Harlow of Middleborough in the county of
Plymouth, being weak of body, yet of a sound mind & memory (blessed be God
for the same) considering that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make
and ordain this my last will and testament, in manner following—vizt.—
I
Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, the improvement of all my Real
Estate of every kind, during her natural life; also all my Personal Estate of
every kind, including my just dues and demands for her my said wife as her own
property, use and disposal forever, excepting my wearing apparell, which I Give
to my brother Ezra Harlow and my brother in law Josiah Clark equally between
them; and my lightest brown Colt, which I give to my Sister Mary.
I
Give and bequeath to my nephew Ezra Harlow, the son of my brother Ezra Harlow
and to Josiah Burbank, a son to Thomas Burbank of Middleborough, all my Real
Estate, after the decease of my said wife, to be equally divided between them,
to have and to hold, to them, their Heirs and assigns forever.
And
my will is, that my wife shall pay all my just debts and funeral charges out of
that part herein given to her. Thus hoping that this my last will &
testament will be carefully kept and performed. Witness my hand & Seal this
19th day of Novm. 1798.
Signed, Sealed and declared his
in
presence of us Josiah X Harlow (seal)
Nehemh
Bennet mark
Thos
Sturtevant
George
Vaughan
Presented for probate on 7 Jan.
1799 by Sylvanus Tillson of Middleborough, yeoman, (no Executor being named in
said will), and proved by Nemiah Bennet Esqr., Thos
Sturtevant, & Geo. Vaughan, all the witnesses.
Administration with will annexed of
the estate of Josiah Harlow, late of
Nemiah Bennet Esqr, Geo.
Vaughan, Gentleman, and Zebulon Cushman, yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nancy
Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it known to all to whom it may concern, that I Nancy
Harlow of
In
the first place I commend my Soul to God who gave it and my body to a decent
burial and my worldly estate I dispose of as follows Viz:
I
give & bequeath unto my brother Samuel Harlow of
And
lastly I nominate and appoint my brother Samuel Harlow Sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament and dated at
Nancy Harlow (seal)
Signed, sealed & declared to be
her last Will in presence of us witnesses who have all subscribed our names in
her presence and in presence of each other this eighteenth day of January in
the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred & forty.
Joseph
Bradford
John
Davie
Samuel
Ellis
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of April 1840 by Samuel Harlow, the Executor, and proved by Joseph
Bradford and John Davie, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Harlow of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—I Nathaniel Harlow of Plymton in ye
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in
body but of perfect mind & memory, Thanks be given to God therefor, calling
to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do make and ordain this my last will & testament, & desire
it may be recieved by all as such that is to say principally & first of
all, I give & recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it & my
body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial, at the
discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but that at the
general resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God,
and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
in this life, I Give, demise and dispose of the same, in the following manner
and form
Imprimis—I
Give & bequeath to Sarah my well beloved wife the improvement of one third
part of all real & personal estate, for & so long as she shall remain
my widow
Item—I
Give to my two Sons Nathaniel Harlow junr & Levi Harlow & to their heirs & assigns
forever, all my wearing apparell, also half a Pew in the Gallery in the meeting
house in Plymton, together with all my Farming tools & utensils, to be
equally divided between them
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my two Daughters viz.—Patience Harlow & Sarah
Shurtleff, & to their Heirs & assigns forever one Quarter part of a Pew
on the lower floor in the meeting house in said Plymton, and also all my beds,
bedding, linnen, & all other of my houshold furniture, together with all my
Stock of Cattle & Sheep to be equally divided between them
All
the rest and residue of all my estate not before disposed of in this my last
will & testament I Give & bequeath to my two Sons Nathaniel Harlow junr
& Levi Harlow & to their heirs & assigns forever, and my will is,
and I do positively order my two Sons Nathaniel & Levi to pay all my just
debts and funeral charges equally between them
Lastly—I
do constitute, make & ordain my two Faithful & trusty Sons Nathaniel
Harlow junr & Levi
Harlow my Sole Executors of this my Last will and testament, and I do hereby
utterly disallow, revoke & disannull all and every other former will,
testament, Legacies, bequeaths & Executors by me in any way before named,
willed & bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my
Last will & testament—In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal this Fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven
hundred & ninety five-1795
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced & declared
by ye sd Nathaniel Harlow as his
Last will & Nathaniel Harlow (seal)
testament in the presence of us ye subscribers
Ebenezer
Bonney
Elijah
Bisbe junr
Joseph
Wright
Presented for probate on 2 Nov.
1795 by Nathaniel Harlow & Levi Harlow, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Ebenezer Bonney & Elijah Bisbe junr, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Rebecca Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Be it
known that I Rebecca Harlow of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow, being in feeble health but of sound &
disposing mind & memory for which I am thankful do hereby make publish
& declare this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament in manner
following, to wit:
After
the payment of my debts, funeral expenses & charges of settling my Estate I
make the following disposition of all the property & estate, real and
personal which I may have at my decease.
First. I give & bequeath to Jacob H. Loud the Sum of Two Thousand
dollars in trust to & for the following uses & purposes & for none
other, to wit. to apply the interest & income thereof to the support &
maintenance of my sister Susan Dike during her natural life & if the
interest & income thereof should not be sufficient for that purpose, then
to appropriate such part of the principal of said sum to her support &
maintenance as shall seem to my said Trustee to be necessary to her comfort.
And at the decease of my said sister Susan I give & bequeath whatever shall
then remain in the hands of said Trustee or any future Trustee who may be
appointed in his stead, of the principal of said Trust fund & of the income
thereof to the American Bible Society for the uses and purposes of said
Society. Meaning & intending that said Trustee shall receive a reasonable
compensation for his services. And this provision for my said sister Susan is
on the condition that she shall not bring any claim against my Estate for Services.
Second. I give & bequeath to my
sister Mary Jones the sum of one thousand dollars, to her & to her heirs
& assigns forever.
Third. I give & bequeath to my
sister Sarah Packard the sum of one thousand dollars to her & to her heirs
& assigns forever.
Fourth. I give & bequeath to my
brother Anthony Dike the sum of one thousand dollars to him & to his heirs
& assigns forever.
Fifth. I give & bequeath to
Rebecca Harlow Shaw the daughter of Samuel Shaw of said Plymouth my Deposite of
Five Hundred Dollars in the Plymouth Savings Bank with whatever interest may be
due thereon, which has not been withdrawn by me, the same with the accumulation
of interest thereon to be kept in deposite in some Savings Bank until she
arrives at the age of eighteen years & then to be paid to her for her use
& benefit.
Sixth. I give & bequeath to
Ezra Harlow Wait son of Hosea Wait of South Braintree the sum of Five Hundred
Dollars to be paid to him when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years.
Seventh. I give & bequeath to
Mrs. Mary Dike the widow of my late brother Simeon Dike the sum of one hundred
Dollars.
Eighth. I give & bequeath to
Mary Whitmarsh the sum of one hundred dollars.
Ninth. I give & bequeath to my
sister Susan Dike my wearing apparel.
Tenth. I give & bequeath to my
sister Mary Jones all my household furniture & all other articles of
personal property in my house (except money, notes, bonds, Stocks &
Securities for money) to dispose of as she may please as presents to any of my
friends or for her own use except as aforesaid.
I
give & bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate, if any
there be, to the American Tract Society for the uses & purposes of said
Society.
I
nominate & appoint Jacob H. Loud to be the Executer of this will.
I
revoke & annul all former Wills by me heretofore made & declare this
& this only to be my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & Seal this seventh day of
April in the year one thousand eight hundred & fifty two.
Rebecca Harlow (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the said Rebecca Harlow as & for her
last Will & Testament in presence of us, who in her presence & in
presence of each other & at her request have hereto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
John
Harlow
Marcia
A. Gray
Lucy
Harlow
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of January 1853 by Jacob H. Loud, the Executor therein named, and proved
by John Harlow, Marcia A. Gray, and Lucy Harlow, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Rebecca
Harlow, late of Plymouth, widow, was appraised by John Harlow, Allen Danforth,
and S. Sampson, not dated, but totaled $8089.40, no real estate, but stocks,
mortgage bonds, notes, bank shares and bank deposits. Jacob H. Loud, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Jan. 1853.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, p. 34-37, from FHL microfilm
#0555642.
Will of Samuel
Harlow of
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Harlow of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth Cooper being of a Disposing mind & memory blessed be God
& calling to mind my own mortality Do make this my last will &
Testament in Manner & form following Imprimis I Give & Bequeath my Soul
to God that gave it me & my body to the Earth with a decent Christian
burial according to the descretion of my Executor & as to my outward Estate
that it hath pleased God to favour me with I Give in the following order In the
first place I Give & bequeath unto my loving wife hannah Harlow the use
& improvement of all my Estate during her natural life
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving son John Harlow
& to his heirs & assignes forever a small bitt of land where his barn
stands & within his fences.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my loving Son William
Item I Give & Bequeath (upon paying the legacies
hereafter ordered) — my three sons viz. to my loving son John Harlow & to
my loving son Samuel Harlow & to my loving son William Harlow & to
either of their heirs & assignes forever all the remainder of my land
housing meadows & swamp, that I have in Plimouth or Elsewhere.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my three Grandchildren the
sons of my loving son Eleazer Harlow deceased the Sum of twenty pounds to Each
of them to witt twenty pounds to Eliaphas twenty pounds to Lemuel & twenty
pounds to Eleazer to be paid them as they Shall arrive to the age of twenty one
years & if either of them should decease before they come of age then their
parts to be divided Eaqually between the Surviving Brothers of them three &
I order my three Sons John Samuel & William to pay the same as it doth become
due & that their land stands Chargable therefore tell it is paid. Item I
Give my sword unto my loving Son William Harlow.
Item I Give my Gun unto my loving grandson Lemuel Harlow.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving daughter Rebeckah
Tabor the sum of ten pounds to be paid out of my moveable Estate.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my loving Grand daughter the
Children of my son Eleazer five pounds apeice to be paid out of my Moveable
Estate when & as they Come of age to wit to Elizabeth Harlow five pounds
& to Patience Harlow five pounds.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Daughters Hannah
Harlow & Priscilla Harlow all the Remainder of my moveable & Personall
Estate whatsoever & wheresoever it is or may be found & also the leanto
in my dwelling house so long as either of them lives unmarried & moreover
my will is & I do hereby order that my three Sons viz. John Samuel &
William pay all my Just debts & funeral Expences in equall parts &
lastly I do nominate & ordain & appoint my Loving wife Hannah Harlow
Executrix of this my last Will & also my Son John Harlow my Executor &
they are hereby Constituted & ordained Executors of this my last will &
Testament hereby Revoaking disanulling & making void all other & former
will or wills Codocell or Codocells by me heretofore made & allow this
& no other to be my last will & Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Sett my hand & seal this Seventeenth day of February Annoque
Domini one thousand Seven hundred & twenty four five.
Signed Sealed & Declared by the within named Samuel Harlow (seal)
Samuel Harlow to be his last will & Testament
Before us witnesses
Samuel Dunham
Simon Lazell
Francis Adams
Proved on 17 Nov. 1727 by Simon Lazell, and on 2 Feb.
1727[/8] by Samuel Dunham and Francis Adams.
Letters of administration granted on 3 June 1728 to Hannah
Harlow, relict widdow of the deceased, and John Harlow, one of the sons of the
deceased.
The inventory of the estate of Mr. Samuel Harlow of Plimouth,
was taken on 27 Feb. 1727/8 by John Dyer, Stephen Churchel, and Francis Adams,
and included his home land and dwelling, valued at £384 15s.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Samuel Harlow of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In
the Name of God, Amen,
I Samuel Harlow of Plimouth in the county of Plimouth in
New-England mariner, being in good health of body, and of a sound, disposing
mind & memory, and being bound to sea, and not knowing what may befall me,
and considering that it is appointed for all men once to die, Think it needful
to settle my worldly affairs, and for that reason do make this my Last will
& testament, And first of all I recomend my soul to God that gave it, and
my body to a decent burial at the discretion of my executrix herein-named,
hoping for a blessed resurrection to life eternal thro’ the merits &
mediation of the Lord Jesus–Christ, the savior of Lost Men. And as touching my
worldly estate, I give, devise & dispose of the same in manner following.
My will is that all my just debts & funeral charges be first paid out of my
estate as soon as may be after my decease by my executrix hereafternamed.~~
In
the next place I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Harlow, all the
goods, chattles, rights & credits which she brought to me at our
intermarriage, to her & her heirs & assigns forever. I also give to my
said wife in lieu of her dower in my real estate the use & improvement of
the house & Lot where I now dwell in Plimouth aforesaid, to hold to her,
for & during the term of her natural Life. All the Residue & remainder
of my estate both real & personal I give to my children Samuel Harlow,
Josiah Harlow, George Harlow, Mercy Harlow & Jerusha Harlow & their
heirs & assigns in equal shares, to be equally divided between them. And I
do hereby constitute & appoint my said wife sole executrix of this my will,
and I do hereby renounce, revoke & make void all & every other will or
wills by me heretofore made & confirm this & no other to be my Last
will & testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
the twentysixth day of October A.D. 1765.
Signed, sealed & declared by
the said Sam Harlow (seal)
Saml. Harlow to be his
last will & testmt.
in presence of us witnesses. —
Melatiah Lothrop, James Hovey,
Lidia Hovey.
I Samuel Harlow abovenamed do give
to my wife Mary Harlow, one third part of all my personal estate to be at her
own dispose forever, over & above what I have given her in the will above
written. And in every thing else I do confirm the above will, and do order this
codicil to be taken as part & parcel of my said will. Witness my hand &
seal the 30th. day of October 1765.
Signd. sealed &
declared in presence Sam Harlow (seal)
of
Melatiah Lothrop
James
Hovey
Lidia
Hovey
Presented for probate on 4 Aug.
1767 by Mary Harlow, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Melatiah
Lothrop and James Hovey Esqre. Administration were granted to Mary
Harlow, the executrix.
To John Davis of Plymouth in the
County & Commonwealth aforesaid Gentleman
Whereas Samuel Harlow Late of said
Plymouth mariner deced on the twenty sixty day of October Anno Domini 1765 made
his Last will & testament in writing and signed, sealed and delivered the
same before sufficient witnesses by which will (after Gifts and Legacies then
made) he appoint his wife Mary Harlow Sole Executrix of the same will, but she
dying before she had compleated her Excorship, and the same will having been
proved, approved & allowed admon cum testament annexo et de bonis non is
therefore by these presents Committed unto you the said John Davis of all &
Singular the Goods, Chattells Rights & Credits of the said deced, well
& faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law, and the direction of
the said will… In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal of
the Court of Probate at Plymouth in sd County this tenth day of
April in the year of our Lord 1787
Jos. Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 511-512, from FHL microfilm
#0550711, and Vol. 27, p. 511-512.
Will of Samuel Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
I Samuel Harlow of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts,
being of sound mind, but weak in body, do hereby make and publish this my last
Will and Testament in manner and form following, to wit,
First I
give and bequeath to my neice Lydia Tribble, wife of Albert Tribble, my house
and lot on Sandwich Street, and that part of my wood lot at Cooks Pond which
lies between the road and said pond.
I also give
to the said Lydia all my Shares in the Old Colony Rail Road,– and likewise all
my furniture, beds and bedding.
Second– I give and bequeath to my Neice Huldah Harlow One
hundred Dollars –
Third I give and
bequeath to my brother George Harlow my part of a lot of land in Wellingsly so
called, Also my Shop lot on Sandwich Street Also that part of my lot at Cooks
pond not bequeathed to the above Lydia Tribble, and also what remains of my
personal Estate after the bequests herein above made have been paid. – And I
hereby constitute and appoint my brother, George Harlow, sole Executor of this
my last Will and Testament
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day
of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine
Signed and sealed in presence of us who have Samuel Harlow (seal)
hereunto affixed our names in the testators
presence and in the presence of each other
Joseph
Bradford
Winslow
Warren
Henry
Erland
Presented for probate on 30 Jan. 1850 by George Harlow, the
Executor therein named, and after hearing and considering objections made by
Ansel H Harlow in behalf of himself & others, and proved by Joseph
Bradford, Winslow Warren and Henry Erland, the will was approved. Letters
Testamentary were granted to George Harlow, the Executor therein named.
George Harlow, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Samuel Harlow, late of Plymouth, on 30 Jan. 1850, with
Nathaniel E. Harlow and George H. Harlow, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 92, p. 10-12, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 1G, p. 512.
Will of Sarah Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1823) *
In the name of God
Amen I Sarah Harlow of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Widow of Jesse Harlow late of said Plymouth deceased being of
sound disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain this to be my last Will
& Testament. In the first place I commend my Soul to the mercy of God who
gave it and my body to a decent burial.
Secondly,
I order my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid out of my Personal
Estate.
Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my beloved nephew
Roland Edwin Cotton, son of my brother Rosseter Cotton, the whole of my
Dwelling House in which I now live, and Lot of land on which it stands, and
also the whole of my Garden, and Buildings standing on the same, And in case of
the decease of my Nephew Roland E Cotton before myself I give and bequeath the
same premises given to Roland E Cotton aforesaid, to my nephew John Winslow
Cotton son of my Brother Rosseter Cotton, he the said John W Cotton paying to
my niece Lydia Parker daughter of my sister Sophia Parker Two Hundred Dollars.
Fourthly, I give and bequeath to my
sister Sophia Parker one half of my wearing apparel, and the other half of my
wearing apparel to the children of my other sisters, the Children belonging to
my Sisters, each Sister’s children to have one share.
Fifthly, I give and bequeath the
whole of my Household Furniture as follows to wit, to my brother Rosseter
Cotton One share. To my Brother Ward Cotton One Share. To the Children of my
brother John Cotton One Share. To the Children of my sister Hannah Nye One
Share. To the Children of my sister Lucy Jackson One Share. to the Children of
my sister Elizabeth Haskell One Share. To the Children of my brother Josiah
Cotton namely John Cotton and Mary Anne Hedge One Share, and to the daughter of
my sister Sophia Parker One Share.
Lastly
I nominate & appoint my nephew Roland E Cotton above said, to be sole
Executor of this my last Will and Testament, sealed with my seal, and dated
this twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and twenty three.
Signed sealed & declared to be her Sarah Harlow (seal)
last Will & Testament in the
presence of us
Barnabas
Otis
Salisbury
Jackson
Mary
LeBaron ~
Presented for probate on 15 Dec.
1828 by Roland E Cotton of Plymouth, and proved by Barnabas Otis and Salisbury
Jackson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Roland E Cotton on 15 Dec. 1828.
Benjamin M. Watson, Barnabas Otis,
and William M. Jackson, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Sarah Harlow, late of Plymouth, widow, on 15 Dec. 1828. The Inventory, dated
29 Dec. 1828, totaled $2500.55, including her dwelling house, out buildings and
lot valued at $2000. Roland E Cotton, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 19 Jan. 1829.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p.
386-388, from FHL microfilm #0555259, and Vol. 67, p. 52-57.
Will of Seth
Harlow of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I Seth Harlow of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth, Housewright, being sick & weak in body, but of sound
& disposing mind & memory, do make and ordain this to be my last will
& testament – First of all, I commend my soul to the everlasting mercy of
God that gave it, & my body to a decent funeral, humbly praying for a
glorious resurrection though Jesus Christ – in the next place, after my just
debts and funeral expences are paid, I give & dispose of my worldly estate,
as follows, ~
First – I Give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah, the use
& improvement of all my estate both real & personal, for and during the
time she may be my widow, excepting any right of improvement in a house lot
which I have in this will given to my son Benjamin, and a small piece of wood
land, which I have given to my son Seth.–
Second – I Give and bequeath to my son Seth Harlow junr.
four acres of wood land in said
Thirdly.– I give and bequeath to my son Benjamin Harlow, my
shop lot in
Fourthly.– I Give and bequeath to my daughter Elisabeth
Churchill, after my wife’s decease, the use & improvement of my part of the
house in Plymouth aforesaid, in which she has lived since her husband George
Churchill’s decease, to use and improve during the term of her natural life,
and after her improvement shall cease I give & bequeath said part of said
house to my grand children Ebenezer Churchill, Elisabeth Churchill, Branch
Churchill & Sarah Warren Churchill, & to their heirs & assigns,
they to have a right of passing & repassing to & from said house, and
room to lay wood &c. for the use of said house, and to own the land it
stands on, it being my part of the house, which is partly improved by Ephraim
Bartlett’s widow.
Fifthly.– I Give and bequeath to my Daughter, Mercy Harlow,
one half of the house in which I now live & half the land it stands on,
said house fronting the road, and joining John Rogers’s wife’s part of said
house, with ways to improve the same, it being subject to my wife’s improvement
during her widow-hood.–
Sixthly – I Give and bequeath to my Six children, Seth,
Nathaniel, Elisabeth, Sarah, Mercy & Benjamin, & to their heirs &
assigns, to be equally divided between them, all my estate both real &
personal, indoors & out of doors, which I may own, they to come into
improvement after my wife’s improvement shall cease, excepting my said wife’s
improvement, and excepting what is in this said will particularly given to Seth
Harlow junr, Benjamin Harlow, Elisabeth Churchill & her
children, and said Mercy, and all the residue of my estate to be equally
divided between my six children, as aforesaid, when their mother’s improvement
shall cease as aforesaid.
Lastly — I nominate & appoint my said wife Sarah &
son Seth, to be Executors, to this my last will & testament.— In Testimony
of which, I the said Seth Harlow do hereunto set my hand & seal this 16th
day of June, A.D. one thousand, eight hundred & two –
Signed, Sealed & Declared to
be his last will & testament in Seth Harlow (seal)
presence of us
Rosseter
Cotton
Ansel
Holmes
Sarah
Rogers
Presented for probate on 8 Sept. 1802 by Sarah Harlow &
Seth Harlow, the executors therein named, and proved by Rosseter Cotton Esqr.
& Sarah Rogers, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to Sarah Harlow and Seth Harlow, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Seth Harlow, the Executor of the last will and testament of
Seth Harlow, late of Plymouth, notified the court that the personal estate of
the deceased was insufficient to pay his just debts and incidental charges by
$160, and asked for license to sell part of the real estate on 16 Mar. 1824.
License granted.
Ezra Harlow Junr, Ichabod Morton and Bradford
Barnes, all of Plymouth, Gentlemen, were appointed to divide the real estate of
Seth Harlow, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, among his children and heirs, Seth
Harlow, Elizabeth Leonard, Nathaniel Harlow, Sarah Kempton, Mercy Harlow, and
the heirs of Benjamin Harlow, deceased, on 16 Feb. 1824. The division was dated
18 May 1824, and approved on the same day, and it mentioned the children of
Benjamin Harlow as being Benjamin Harlow and Betsey Harlow.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Sylvanus Harlow of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
In
the name of God, amen, I, Sylvanus Harlow, of Halifax, in the County of
Plymouth, being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do
make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form, as
follows, viz.
1. I give and bequeath to my wife Polly Harlow
the improvement of all the property I died seized of, both Real and personal;
while she continues my widow.
2. After my wife’s decease or marriage, I give
and bequeath all my personal estate to my children to be equally divided among
them.
3. I give and bequeath to my son Stephen
Harlow, all my Real Estate, and I hereby appoint the said Stephen Harlow, the
sole executor of this my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of
July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Sylvanus Harlow (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named Sylvanus Harlow to be his last will and testament,
in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in
presence of the testator.
Thos.
Cushman
Freedom
Keith
Calvin
Holmes
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1847 by Stephen Harlow, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Thomas Cushman and Calvin Holmes, two of the witnesses.
Letters Testamentary were granted
to Stephen Harlow, of Bridgewater, the Executor, with Columbus Harlow, of
Halifax, and Bradford Harlow, of Middleborough, as sureties, on 5 Oct. 1847.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Sylvanus Harlow, late of Halifax, yeoman, was appraised on 30 Oct. 1847 by
Thomas Cushman, Ebenezer Hall, and Bradford Harlow, his homestead farm and
buildings valued at $900, and his personal estate valued at $564.00, including
$172 in Securities. Stephen Harlow, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on the first Tuesday of July 1848.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p.
392-394, from FHL microfilm #0555639, Vol. 2H, p. 131, and Vol. 90, p. 257.
Will of William
Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God amen, I William Harlow of Middleborough in the county of
Plymouth in the commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman, being very sick and under
great decays of my body but of a sound and disposing mind & memory, blessed
be God for the same, wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die, do make & ordain this
to be my Last will & testament, to remain firm and inviolable
forever—principally & first of all, I Give my soul to God that gave it
& my body to the dust, to be buried in a christian decent burial at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but that I shall
receive the same again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God,
and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased almighty God to
bless me with, I do dispose of the same as followeth viz~
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to my
eldest son Ezra Harlow forty shillings to be paid by my Executor out of my
Estate at my decease, which with what I have heretofore given him is his full
proportion of my Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath to my
Daughter Hannah the wife of Josiah Clark my silver cup and all the property
that I have given her the possession of, also three silver teaspoons & half
my copper tea kettle
Item—I Give and bequeath to my
Daughter Mary Harlow one good cow & five good sheep, my case of draws &
Large round table, three good beds with under beds, bedsteads & furniture
suitable for them, & one silver table spoon, and also other indoor
moveables & furniture sufficient with the afore enumerated articles to make
her equal to what my said Daughter Hannah hath had, and also three silver tea
spoons, one half my Copper tea kettle and half my slays and also all of the
property which I have already given her the possession of including the one
half of my Late wifes wearing apparell
Item—I Give and bequeath to my son
Josiah Harlow one feather Bed, under Bed & Bedstead and half my wearing
apparell
Item—I Give and bequeath to all of
my before named children together with my son Ephraim Harlow my Pew in the
meeting house
Item—I Give to my son Ephraim
Harlow & to his heirs & assigns forever all of the remaining part and
residue of all my Estate both real & personal, furthermore my will is and I
do hereby order that my sons Josiah & Ephraim & Daughter Hannah Clark
in equal proportion enable my Executor to pay all of my just debts funeral
charges & the forty shillings which I by this will have given to my son
Ezra
Lastly—my will is, and I do hereby
appoint my son Ephraim Harlow sole Executor to this my Last will &
testament, and I do hereby revoke & disannull all former wills made by me,
thus hoping that this my Last will & testament will be kept and performed
according to the true intent and meaning of it. I the said William Harlow have
hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of January in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety three
Signed, Sealed, published,
pronounced
& declared by the said William
Harlow William Harlow (seal)
to be his Last will & testament
in
presence of us
Saml Perry
Joseph
Clark 2d
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 26 Jan.
1793 by Ephraim Harlow, the Executor, and proved by Isaac Thomson Esqr. & Joseph Clark ye 2d, two of the witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Zenas Harlow of Middleborough, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Zenas Harlow of Middleboro’ in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being well in body and of Sound mind and
perfect memory but Calling to mind the mortality of the body, do this
Eighteenth day of November A. D. One thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Five,
make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following Viz.
1st. I give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Lydia, all my Household Furniture, except my Clock
and One hundred Dollars to be paid by my Executor herein after named in One
year after my decease, to her her heirs and assigns forever. And I also give
her the use and improvement of the East Front Room with the Chamber which is
immediately over it, and largest Bedroom with such Privileges in the Kitchen,
Buttery, Oven, and Cellar in my dwelling house, and in my Pew in the Meeting
house at the four corners as she shall need Also five wood Sufficient for her
fire delivered at the door and cut off fit for the fire. Also a horse and
Carriage to use at her pleasure.
Also One third part
of all the Produce of my Farm, gathered & secured excepting that she shall
have one third part of the milk of all the Cows kept on said Farm in lieu of
one third part of the Hay and Fodder, during her natural life – and whereas she
will receive one third part of all the meat fattened on said Farm, she is to
receive her third part of the Produce after the meat is fatted.
2d. I give to my Two
Daughters, Louis Harlow and Hepzibah B. Harlow my Wood Lot which lies on the
plain in said Middleborough and is bounded of the South by land owned by said
Town of Middleborough, on the East by Ellis Harlow’s land, on the West by Melzar
Tribou and others.– and north by Alexander Hacket and others, and also One
Hundred Dollars each to be paid in cash by Executor hereafter named in one year
after my decease to have and to hold, to them the said Louis and Hepzibah B.
their heirs and assigns forever. Also I give to them my Two said Daughters
after the decease of my said Wife, all her Rights and Privileges in my Dwelling
house as above described, so long as they remain Single and in Case that either
of them should marry or decease the other shall hold the same as if both were
present, only it is to be understood that they are not to use said rights and
Privileges in the Dwelling House by tenants, but only by themselves.
3d. I give to my Daughter Lucy
the Wife of Hiram Harlow One hundred dollars to be paid by my Executor in one
year after my decease.
4th. I give to my Daughter
Lydia the Wife of Albert Barrows Forty Dollars to be paid in One year after my
decease.
5th. I give my Pew in the
Meeting House excepting only the privilege above bequeathed to my Wife, and all
the money, Notes and Securities Which I leave at my decease to my Five
Children, to be equally divided between them.
6th.
I give and bequeath to my son Lewis Harlow, all the rest and residue of my
estate both Real and Personal Wherever the same may be found, to have and to
hold to him the said Lewis, his Heirs and assigns forever her to Pay all my
Debts and Funeral Charges.
And
lastly I do constitute and appoint my said Son Lewis, Sole Executor of this my
Last Will and Testament, and hoping the same may be kept.
I have hereunto Set my hand and
Seal the day and year above Written
Zenas Harlow (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published and
declared by the
said Zenas Harlow as his last Will
and Testament
in presence of us who at his
request and in his
presence have hereunto Set our
names as Witnessed.
Priscilla
Tinkham
Hannah
Harlow
William
Nelson
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of August 1847 by
Lewis Harlow, the Executor therein named, and proved by Hannah Harlow, one of
the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Lewis Harlow, the Executor.
Lewis Harlow, of Middleborough, was granted administration of
the estate of Zenas Harlow, late of Middleborough, on 3 Aug. 1847, with Albert
Barrows, of Wareham, and Ichabod F. Atwood, of Middleborough, as sureties. No
inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate
Vol. 89, p. 290-291, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol. 1G, p. 469.
Will of Arthur
Harris of
In
the Name of God Amen the Twentiseveanth Day of March 1750 I Arthur Harris of
Bridgwater in the
Imprimas I give and Bequeath to Bethiah my derly Beloved Wife
whome I Likesiwe Constitute make and ordain my Sole Executor of this my Last
Will and Testement all my quick Stock and moveabel Effects She paying the
Legases hereafter mented
Item I give and Bequeath to Benjamian Harris my Eldest son
Five pounds In old Tenor I allow to be paid to him by my sd Executox
together with a pair of pestils and the rest of his Trooping furnyture –
Item I give and Bequeath to Silas Harris my Second Son a
Twenty acer Lot of Land Lying on the north side of Satuckit River Bounded
westerly By the Lands of David Hille and Easterly By the Lands of Eleazer
Washburne also ten acres Lying on ye plain on ye north
side of the Roade a Little Easterly from the East meating House in sd
Bridgwater to him and his hairs and Assigns for Ever as a perfect and absolute
Estate of Inheritance Excepting a Resarve of fier Wood for one fier off from
the sd Twenty acres Lot to my Widow as Long as She Remains –
Item I give and Bequeath unto Luce my Eldest Daughter one
fether Bed and furnyture when she arrives to Lawfull age
I
Give To My Two youngest Sons William and Caleb Harris a Lot of meadow at poor
meadow So Called and upland on the north Side of the way at the Head of the
meadow Lying a Little Easterly from Thomas [can’t read]s Saw mill in Said
Bridgwater to Be Equely Devided Betwen them as to quantity and qualety To Be By
them and their heirs and assigns peceably and quietyly possessed for Ever
Execepting the use and Improvement of the meadow to my widow during her Life
Item I give and Bequeath to my two
youngest Daughters Bethiah and Mehitibel five pounds a peace to be paid to them
in old tenor value when thay shall arive to Lawfull age – I Likewise order and
Direct that one half of My Dwelling house be for the use and Improvement of my
Widow During her widowhood also all my Bills Bonds and Books Debts and all
other utencials after my Just Debts and funaral Charges are paid I Give to my sd
Executrx to be by her freely possesed and Enjoyed I Do hereby utterly Disallow
revocke and Disanulle all and Every other former Testements wills Legaces and
Bequeaths & Executors by me in any ways Before named Willed and Bequeathed
Ratifing and Confirming this and nother to be my Last will and Testement in
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above
written
Signed Sealed and published
prounounced and
Declared By the said Arthur Harris
as
his Last Will and Testement in the
presents
of
us the Subscribers Arther Harris (seal)
Thomas Whitman
Samuel Whitman
Benjamin Whitman
Probated on 4 June 1750, and proved
by Thomas Whitman and Benjamin Whitman, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Arthur Harris of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1812) *
In the Name of God amen. I
Arthur Harris of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman, do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner & Form following
I give
& bequeath unto my Wife Celia the use & Improvement of one third part
of my Real Estate during her natural Life. —
I give
and bequeath unto my Daughter Sally Washburn one hundred Dollars to be paid her
by my Executor in one Year after my decease —
I give
& bequeath unto my Daughter Deborah Hall one hundred Dollars to be paid her
in one Year after my Decease by my Executor
I give
& devise unto my Daughter Celia three hundred Dollars to be paid her by my
Executor hereafter named in one Year after my decease —
All the
Rest & Residue of my Estate I give & devise unto my Son Azor, on
Condition that he pay all the foregoing Legacies, pay all my just debts &
funeral Charges, & do now appoint him sole Executor of this my last Will
& Testament, made this fifteenth day of January in the Year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred and Twelve ~~
Signed sealed published & declared by the said
Arthur Harris to be his last Will & Testament
in our Hearing, who at his request have put Arthur Harris (seal)
our Names hereto in his presence & in the
presence of each other as witnesses ~
Nahum
Mitchell
Zenas
Washburn
Elijah
Pratt –
Presented for probate on 6 April 1813 by Azor Harris, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zenas Washburn and Elijah Pratt, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Azor Harris, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 514-515, from FHL microfilm
#0550903.
Will of Azor Harris of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1868) *
I Azor Harris of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth,
do make & ordain this my last will & testament.
1. I give to my wife Sarah Harris all my personal estate,
including all Household Furniture, farming tools, Saving’s Bank Book, all
choses in Action & all articles of personal property of every kind &
Sort. To have & to hold the the same, to her own use & disposal forever
as her own absolute property.
2. I give devise & bequeath to my wife the said Sarah the
use income & improvement of my Homestead farm whereon I now live for &
during her life, subject to the Power of sale herein contained.
3. I give, devise & bequeath to my son Arthur Harris, my
homestead farm subject to the life estate of my wife therein as above provided;
to have & to hold the same to him his heirs & assigns forever.
4. I give to my grand children Mary Chilton Wilbur, Azor
Harris Latham, & Galen Allen Latham, children of my deceased daughter
Esther Latham, to each of said grand children the sum of ten dollars.
5. I appoint my said son Arthur Harris Executor of this will,
& for the purpose of enabling him to pay debts, legacies & expenses, I
hereby authorise & require him to sell & convey my woodland situate in
Bridgewater, consisting of three separate parcels, laying above Sandy Hill,
& on the Southerly side of the Plymouth Road, & out of the proceeds of
such sale, to pay the above legacies, my debts, funeral expenses, & the
Costs of Administration, & to pay over the balance of such proceeds, if
any, to my wife for her own use, & if the sd proceeds be
insufficient therefor, then I authorize my Executor to sell & convey so
much of my Homestead aforesaid, unless my son chooses to pay the required
balance out of his own funds, as will raise the required balance to pay said
legacies, debts, expenses & costs. But if my son should desire to keep said
Woodlands, then I give devise & bequeath the same to him to hold in fee
simple upon condition that he pay, out of his own means, the above legacies my
debts, funeral expenses & the Costs of Administration & the sum of
twenty five dollars to my wife for her use. The Provisions herein for my wife
are intended to be in lieu of her dower & Homestead in my estate. And if
any portion of my homestead farm be sold for the purpose of paying debts,
legacies & expenses as aforesaid. It is my intention that my wife should
not have any life estate in such portion so sold.
In witness whereof I the said Azor Harris have hereto set my
hand this twenty second day of August in the year One thousand eight hundred
& sixty eight.
Azor Harris
Signed published & declared by the said Azor Harris as
& for his last will & testament in the presence of us who at his
request & in his presence have hereto set our hands as witnesses.
Williams
Latham
Benj.
T. Crooker
Hosea
Kingman
Presented for probate on the second Monday of July 1873 by
Arthur Harris, of East Bridgewater, the Executor. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Arthur Harris on 14 July 1873, with Robert C. Keith and Simeon C.
Keith, of East Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p. 593-594, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 133, p. 120.
Will of Benjamin Harris of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
I Benjamin Harris of
the City of Boston now residing in East Bridgewater my native place,
considering my present infirm and feeble state of health, and the state of my
affairs, do now make and ordain this my last will & testament in manner and
form following, viz
I
give and bequeath unto my wife Sarah Fifty Dollars in money and so much of the
Furniture as she may choose, in addition to her Dower in my Real Estate.
I
give and devise unto my three brothers William, Samuel and John, one hundred
Dollars each.
I
give and bequeath unto Deborah Hall daughter of my eldest Brother Arthur Harris
deceased One Thousand Dollars to be paid and delivered to her by my Executor,
herein after named at his discretion, whom I constitute Trustee of the same, to
see that it be appropriated to her best advantage and benefit.
I
give and devise unto Azor Harris son of Arthur aforesaid, my Silver-watch, and
the two acres of Wood-land that came to me from my Father, and also Fifty
Dollars in money, to have and to hold the said Land to him his heirs and
assigns forever.
I
give and bequeath unto William Harris Jr. son of my brother William, my
Fowling-piece and also One hundred Dollars in money.
I
give and bequeath unto Celia Whitman daughter of Arthur Harris aforesaid, One
hundred Dollars.
I
give and bequeath unto Alice Chamberlain daughter of my brother William
aforesaid One hundred Dollars
I
give and bequeath unto Samuel Harris, Lucy Harris, and Lydia Harris, children
of my brother John Harris, One hundred Dollars each.
I
give and bequeath unto Nancy Mitchell, daughter of Bela Mitchell deceased One
thousand Dollars.
I
give and bequeath unto the old Religious Society in East Bridgewater to which I
formerly belonged and over which the Revd. John A Williams is now
Pastor the sum of Four thousand Dollars, to be placed at interest, and the
interest appropriated from time to time towards paying the Minister’s salary,
to be under the care and direction of the Parish Committee for the time being;
but the principal always to remain entire.
I
give and bequeath unto my friend Cushing Mitchell the sum of two hundred
dollars, and also all the rest and residue of my Estate after all my just debts
shall be paid, and all the Legacies herein given shall be paid and discharged.
And
I do now constitute and appoint Cushing Mitchell aforesaid, to be sole Executor
of this my last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord, One
Thousand eight hundred and twenty seven.
Signed sealed published
and declared by the said Benjamin Harris (seal)
Testator, to be his last Will
and Testament, in presence of us
and of each other who have hereunto at his request put our names as Witnesses
Nahum
Mitchell
Jonah
Edson
Horatio
G Bates.
Presented for probate on 2 Sept.
1828, and proved by Nahum Mitchell and Jonah Edson, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Cushing Mitchell
of Boston, County of Suffolk, Merchant, the Executor named in said will, on 2
Sept. 1828.
George W Otis, Charles Leighton and
Melzar Dunbar, all of Boston, County of Suffolk, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Benjamin Harris, late of East Bridgewater Esqr., on 2
Sept. 1828. The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Harris of East Bridgewater
was dated 24 Sept. 1828, and consisted of $13,250 in Real Estate in the City of
Boston, and $794.50 in personal estate in the City of Boston. Cushing Mitchell,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Oct. 1828.
Silvanus L Mitchell, Charles
Mitchell, and George Mitchell, all of East Bridgewater, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Benjamin Harris, late of East Bridgewater, on 7 Oct.
1828. The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Harris of East Bridgewater, dated
7 Oct. 1828, totaled $253.75, his real estate consisting of only 2 acres of
wood land valued at $20. Cushing Mitchell, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 7 Oct. 1828, and he was directed to sell the personal estate of
the deceased at Publick Auction.
Reuben Vose, Melzar Dunbar, and
Robert Orr, all of Boston in the County of Suffolk, disinterested Freeholders,
were appointed to set off from the Real Estate of Benjamin Harris, late of East
Bridgewater, to his widow Sarah Harris, her dower in the estate on 4 Aug. 1829.
The division was dated 28 Sept. 1829, and approved on 1 June 1830.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, pp.
239-241, 324-326, from FHL microfilm #0555259, and Vol. 69, p. 268-270.
Will of William
Harris of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I William Harris of East Bridgewater
in the
William Harris (seal)
Signed, Sealed Published & Declared by the said William
Harris to be his
last Will and Testament in our hearing who at his Request
have put
our names hereto in his Presence & in the Presence of
each other as
witnesses
Azor Harris
Silvanus Rogers
Alvan Cole.
Probated on 5 Aug. 1831, and proved by Azor Harris and Alvan
Cole, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to William Harris
of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Micah Haskell of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God amen. I Micah Haskell of Rochester in the
County of Plymouth Taylor considering the Uncertainty of Mortal Life &
being of sound & perfect mind & memory (blessed be almighty God for the
same) do make & publish this my last Will & Testament, in form
following, viz.
Imprimis.
First I give & bequeath unto Nathaniel Clapp of Rochester & County
aforesaid a certain Note which I hold against him for about seven Dollars &
I also give unto the said Nathaniel Clapp all the moveable property, which is
now in his possession –
Item.
2d. I give and bequeath unto Zebulon Haskell of Rochester &
County aforesaid (son of Seth Haskell late of Rochester deceased) three hundred
Dollars to be paid to him (by my Executor hereafter named) within fifteen
Months after my decease – & I also give unto the said Zebulon Haskell all
my wearing Apparel –
Item
3d. I also give unto Job Haskell of Rochester & County aforesaid
(son of Seth Haskell late of Rochester deceased) twenty five Dollars to be paid
him by my Executor within twelve months after my decease. –
Item
4th. I also give and bequeath unto Nathaniel Haskell of Hardwick in
the County of Worcester one hundred fifty Dollars to be paid within twelve
months after my decease (by my Executor) –
Item
5th. I give and bequeath unto Samuel Haskell of Brookfield in the
County of Worcester, one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid him by my
Executor within twelve months after my decease –
Item
6th. I also give unto Roger Haskell of Oakham in the County of
Worcester one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid him within twelve months
after my decease (by my Executor –
Item
7th. I also give unto Zebulon Haskell of Middleborough in the County
of Plymouth one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid him (by my Executor)
within twelve months after my decease. –
Item
8th. I also give unto Elisha Haskell of Middleborough in the County
of Plymouth one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid him by my Executor
within twelve Months after my decease –
Item
9. I also give unto Lydia Hammond (wife of Benjamin Hammond of Rochester
aforesaid & Daughter of Seth Haskell late of Rochester deceased) ten
Dollars to be paid her within twelve Months after my decease –
Item.
10. I also give unto Abiah Peckings (wife of Benjamin Peckings of Rochester
& Daughter of Seth Haskell late of Rochester deceased) ten Dollars to be
paid her by my Executor within twelve months after my decease –
Item
lastly I give unto Micah Haskell Ruggles (Son of Elisha Ruggles Esqr
of Rochester aforesaid) all the rest & residue and remainder of my property
(after paying all my just debts & Expences of settling my Estate) to be
paid him by my Executor when he shall come to the Age of twenty one Years –
And
I hereby appoint Nathaniel Clapp of Rochester & County of Plymouth Executor
of this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me
made –
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal the twenty eighth day of July in the Year of our Lord
one Thousand eight hundred & seven –
signed sealed published &
declared by the above named Micah Haskell
to be his last will and Testament
in presence of us, who at his request & in his
presence have hereunto subscribed
our Names as Witnesses to the same
Joseph
Luce Micah Haskell (seal)
Samuel
W Luce
Caty
White
Corey
Taber
I
Micah Haskell of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Taylor do this twenty
eighth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred &
seven make & publish this Codicil to my last Will & Testament in manner
following viz whereas in my last Will & Testament I have given &
bequeathed to Micah H. Ruggles (son of Elisha Ruggles Esqr.) all the
property which I am possessed of after paying out the several Legacies, as
given in my said last Will & Testament I do therefore Order & declare,
that my Will is, that the Executor put the amount given to the said Micah H
Ruggles out at Interest, untill he shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years,
when I order & it is my Will it then be paid him both principal and
Interest. – and also it is my Will, that should the said Micah H. Ruggles die
before he shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years, then it is my Will, that
the amount given him, be given to Henry Ruggles, James Ruggles & William
Ruggles (all Sons of Elisha Ruggles Esqr. & Brothers to the said
Micah H. Ruggles) to be equally divided between them. & paid them by my
Executor, when they shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years. & Lastly
it is my desire that this my present Codicil be annexed to and made a part of
my last Will & Testament to all Intents & purposes –
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty eighth day
of July in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & seven
signed sealed published and
declared by the above
named Micah Haskell as a Codicil to
be annexed Micah Haskell (seal)
to his last Will and Testament in
presence of
Joseph
Luce
Samuel
W. Luce
Caty
White
Corey
Taber
Presented for probate on 15 Aug.
1807 by Nathaniel Clapp, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Luce
and Corey Taber, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Nathaniel Clapp, the before named Executor.
Abraham Holmes Esqr.,
Elisha Ruggles Esqr. and Capt. Calvin Mitchell Gentleman,
all of Rochester, were appointed to appraise the estate of Micah Haskell, late
of Rochester, Taylor, on 15 Aug. 1807. The Inventory, not dated, totaled
$1868.13, including several Notes of Hand and Bonds, but no real estate. The
appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 28 Sept. 1807, and Nathl.
Clap, Executor to the Will of Micah Haskell gave his oath to the inventory on
15 Oct. 1807.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, pp.
150-151, 191-192, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of William Haskins of Scituate, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1798) *
In the name of God amen, I William Haskins of the Town of
Scituate in the County of Plymouth in New-England Calker being weak of Body,
but of perfect Mind & memory thanks be given unto God, calling unto mind
the mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
die, I do make & ordain this my last will and Testament, that is to say
principally & first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of
almighty God that gave it & my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried
in decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting,
but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty
Power of God & as touching such worldly Estate, wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this Life with I give demise & dispose of the same in
the following Manner & form—
First I give to my Son Lemuel Haskins, whom I likewise
constitute, make and ordain the sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament, all my whole Estate both Real & personal Estate except such
Legacies as I shall hereafter order to be paid after my decease, I also order
that my said Executor shall pay all my just & honest debts —
Also
I give to my Son William Haskins ten Dollars to be paid as aforesaid –
Also
I give to my Daughter Hannah Hall five Dollars to be paid as aforesaid –
Also
I give to my Daughter Bathsheba Sylvester two Dollars besides what she had when
she was married, to be paid as aforesaid. —
Also
I give to my Granddaughter Zilpha Bryant Hall five Dollars to be paid as
aforesaid –
Also
I give to my Daughter Luanna Sprague fifty five Dollars & the Bed she now
improves with the Furniture that now belongs to it & also two sheets and
one new Bed quilt, & she is not to bring in any account against my Estate
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and Seal this third day of April in the Year one thousand seven
hundred & ninety eight. Signed and
sealed published, pronounced & declared by the sd. William
Haskins as his last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who in his
presence & in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our Names
William
Briggs
Thomas
Church Wm Haskins (seal)
Silas
Stetson
Presented for probate on 1 June
1807 by Lemuel Haskins, the Executor therein named, and proved by William
Briggs, Thomas Church and Silas Stetson, all the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Lemuel Haskins, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
108-109, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Anthony Eames Hatch of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
In the name of God;
Amen, I anthony Eames Hatch of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Cordwainer, being aged and infirm in body, but
of sound and disposing mind and Memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same,
and considering the uncertainty of this Mortal life, do make and publish this
my last will and Testament, resigning my spirit to God, who gave it, in hopes
of a glorious resurection to immortal life by a Redeemer; and my body to a
decent burial at the discretion of my Executors, hereinafter named, and as
touching the worldly property, which God has been pleased to bless me with, I
give and bequeath in the manner following, that is to say, First I give and bequeath unto my beloved
wife Bethiah Hatch (in lieu of her Dower in my estate) the use and improvement
of all my part of the dwelling house in which I now live, so long as she shall
remain my widow, or shall wish to occupy the same, Also I give and bequeath
unto my said wife, one hundred dollars annually to be paid to her quarterly by
my sons, Abijah Hatch, Elisha Hatch and the Heirs of my son Anthony Hatch
deceased, as follows said Abijah – one quarter part, said Elisha – one half,
and said Heirs of my said son Anthony one quarter part and to pay to her more in
the same proportion if necessary for her comfortable support. Also I give and
bequeath unto my said wife, all my household Furniture of every kind, and all
the provision that shall be in my possession at my decease. Also I give and
bequeath unto my said wife eight cords of wood annually, one half hard wood, to
be furnished by my said sons and by the heirs of my said Son Anthony deceased
in the same proportion as above named; to be cut ready for the fire and put
into the wood house in the month of October annually. Said wood to be furnished
for her as above named, so long as she shall remain my widow, or shall occupy
& reside in my dwelling house and no longer. Also I give and bequeath unto
my said wife one barrel of flour annually, and so much meal and sauce annually,
as she may wish for her consumption, to be furnished and provided for her by my
said sons, and by the heirs of my deceased son in the same proportion as above
named so long as she shall remain my widow, and to be delivered to her in such
quantities as she may wish. Also I give and bequeath unto my said wife my
Clock, Also I give and devise unto my said wife her heirs and assigns my pew in
the Methodist Episcopal Meeting house in Marshfield.
2d. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Bethia
Conant eighty dollars in addition to what I delivered her at her marriage and
since.
3d. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Mercy
Rogers, thirty two dollars in addition to what I have heretofore given her
4th I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Grace
Sherman fifty nine dollars in addition to what I have heretofore given her
5th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter, Celia
Ramsdell one hundred and eleven dollars in addition to what she has already
received.
6th. I give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Laura Hatch
forty nine dollars in addition to what I have already given her
7th. I give and bequeath unto my son Calvin Hatch five
dollars if he or his heirs shall call for it within five years from my decease
8th. I give and bequeath unto my grandson Anthony Hatch my
best suit of clothes
All the above legacies to be paid by my said Sons Abijah
Hatch, Elisha Hatch, and the heirs of my said son Anthony Hatch, deceased, in
the before named proportion, that is to say, the said Abijah one quarter part
said Elisha one half part and the heirs of my said son Anthony deceased one
quarter part in six months after my decease.
9th. I give and devise all the rest residue and remainder of
all my real and Personal estate to my said Sons Abijah Hatch, Elisha Hatch and
the heirs of my son Anthony Hatch deceased, their heirs and assigns forever as
follows to the said Abijah his heirs and assigns one quarter part thereof; to
said Elisha Hatch his heirs and assigns one half part thereof, and to the heirs
of my son Anthony deceased their heirs and assigns one quarter part thereof.
They the said Abijah Hatch, Elisha Hatch, and the said heirs of my son Anthony
to pay the above Legacies, and all my just and honest debts & the expense
of my last sickness and funeral Charges, as follows said Abijah one quarter
part, said Elisha one half part, and said heirs of my said son Anthony deceased,
one quarter part.
And if either of my said Children shall present any account
against my Estate or any other person for him or her, he or she shall forfeit
all that I have given him or her in this my last will and Testament.
Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Son Abijah
Hatch, and John Ford of said Marshfield joint Executors of this my last will
and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this ninth
day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Forty two.
Anthony E. Hatch (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the said Anthony
Eames Hatch to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his
request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses to
the same.
Benjamin
Hatch
Israel
Hatch
Sally
Ewell
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of Nov. 1842 by
Abijah Hatch and John Ford, the Executors therein named, and proved by Benjamin
Hatch and Israel Hatch, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Abijah Hatch and John Ford, the Executors therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of Anthony E. Hatch, late of
Marshfield, was appraised by Edward P. Little, Joel Hatch, and Wales R. Clift,
on 8 Nov. 1842, his real estate valued at $2361.50, and his personal estate at
$302.31. Abijah Hatch and John Ford, the
Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on the last Tuesday of Nov. 1842,
and they were given license to sell the personal estate of the deceased on 29
Nov. 1842.
Abijah Hatch and John Ford, both of Marshfield, were granted
administration of the estate of Anthony E. Hatch, late of Marshfield, yeoman,
on 29 Nov. 1842, with William Ford and Nahum Packard, both of Marshfield, as
sureties. Joel Hatch, Edward P. Little, and Wales R. Clift, all of Marshfield,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Anthony E. Hatch, late of Marshfield,
on 4 Oct. 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 581-585, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 225.
Will of Thomas Hathaway of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1742) *
this fifth Day of April Anno domini Seventeen Hundreds and
forty Two I Thomas Hathaway of Dartmouth In the County of Bristol In the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman Being weak of Body but
of Perfect Mind and Memory do make And ordain This my Last Will and Testament:
And as Touching Such Worldly Estate Where with it Hath Pleasd God To
Bless me in this Life I Give Devise and Despose of the Same in the following
Manner and form (viz)
Imprimis: My Will Is that all My Just Debts and funeral
Charges Should be first paid out of my Real Estate as Here after Mentioned
Item: I Give To My three Sons (viz) Antipass Hathaway Thomas
Hathaway and Jethro Hathaway and To their Heirs and Assigns for Ever all my
Right in the Islands in Dartmouth before Said Together with a Certain pece of
Land lying Between the friends Meeting House in Acoshenet viledge and the
parting ways So Called To be Eaqualy devided Among them: Besides what I have
Alredy Given To Each of them By deed of Gift Before the date of this my will
Item: I Give and Bequeath To my Said Son Antipass Hathaway
And to his Heirs And Assigns for Ever All that my Salt Marsh Meadow and upland
Adjoyning at or on the Easterly Side Scontient Neck and Nere the Lower End of
Said Neck Adjoyning To the Tinkams Meadow and land Together with All that My
Lott of upland Meadowish Ground Lying on The west Side of Said Neck Below
Winchagansett So Called Together with all that my Tract of Ceder Swamp Lying at
A place Called Hoppomock Accepting Two poyntes of Said Swamp which I Shall in
this my will other ways Despose of
Item I Give and Bequeath To My Said Son Thomas Hathaway and
To his Heirs And Assigns for Ever All That part of Said Tract of Ceder Swamp
Above Mentioned Lying to the Northward of the Line Here After Exprest (viz)
Begining at the Southerly Side of A Little Swamp (Being a Branch of Said Ceder
Swamp Runing Northward of A Certain place Called Blyes House) thence Westerly
Throgh the Swamp to the Nerest upland it Being all That part of Said Swamp
Lying to the Northward of Said line Runing Westerly as Afore Said which Arme of
Swamp leads up to Aarons Casse So Called or Country Road
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Said Son Jethro Hathaway Above
Named and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever All that part of that my Lot of
Ceder Swamp first Mentioned Lying to the Eastward of the line Here After
Exprest (viz) Begining at the Going in to Said Swamp at the place Called Blyes
House Thence Southerly Throgh the Swamp or Poynt there of to the Nerest upland
Item – I Give To My Daughter Apphia Mott five pounds Bills of
Credit of the Old Tenner or any oz Either of the Colonyes Besides what I have
Alredy Given her
Item I Give To my Daughter Elizabeth Clerk five pounds Good
Bills as a Bove Said Besides what I have Alredy Given her
Item I Give To my Daughter Mary Kimton five pounds Good Bills
as Above Said Besides what I have Alredy Given her
Item I Give To my Daughter Hipzibah Wing five Pounds Good
Bills As Above Said
Item I Give To my Son Jethro Hathaway Above Named Thirty
Pounds Good Bills of Credat of the old Tenner As Above Said Three Sons (Viz)
Antipass Thomas & Jethro Above Named and
Item I Give To my four Daughters Above Named That is To Say
Apphiah Elezebeth Mary and Hipzibah All my Moveable Estate Both in door and out
To Be Eaqualy devided Among Them
Item My Will Is That all My Land Meadow And Ceder Swamp
within The Town Ship of Dartmouth Afore Said Whether divided or undivided Not
Before in this my Will other ways desposed of: or By deeds of Gift: Should be
sold by my Executor here after Named And Just Debts Legacies and funeral
Charges first paid out of the Same And the overpluss To Be Eaqualy Divided To
and Among my three Sons and four Daughters Above Named
Item I Likewise Constitute Make and ordain My Said Son Thomas
Hathaway Sole Executor of This My Last Will and Testament And I Do here By
Utterly Disalow Revoke and Disannul all other or former Wills Legacies or
Bequests By me in any wise before Named (Accept By Deed of Gift) Rattifing and
Confirming This and No other To be my last will and Testament In Witness where of I have here unto Set
my Hand and Seal The Day and Year first Above Written
Signd Seald Publishd
Pronouncd and Declaird
By the Said Thomas Hathaway
As His Last Will and Testament
In Presents of
Jacob Taber Thomas Hathaway (seal)
Bartholomew West
Bartholomew Taber
Proved on 3 May 1748 by Bartholomew West and Bartholomew
Taber, two of the Witnesses.
Stephen West Jur, Thomas Pope and Jonathan Hathaway gave
their oath that they would take a just apprizement of the Inventory both
personal and Real of Thomas Hathaway on 30 Mar. 1748.
The Inventory of all ye Estate of Thomas Hathaway
Yeoman late of Dartmouth, dated 1 Apr. 1748, totaled £511.19.06. Thomas
Hathway, the Executor of the Last Will and Testament of his father Thomas
Hathway, late of Dartmouth, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 May 1748.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas Hathaway, Dartmouth, 1748,”
from FHL microfilm #0576791.
Will of Ebenezer Haward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of God Amen –the fourteenth day of May in the
year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred & Eighty four–I Ebenezer Haward of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New
England, yeoman, being advanced in age yet through Divine Goodness of sound and
disposing mind and memory, & Calling to mind the frailty & mortality of
my body, as well as the Souls immortality and the duty of Setting my House in
order before death Do now proceed to make and ordain this my Last will &
testament that is to say principally and first of all, I Commend my immortal
Soul into the hands of that God who Gave it, trusting in the merits and
intercession of Jesus Christ my Saviour for pardon Grace and Glory, and my body
I Commit unto the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection of all the
dead the same shall be Raised again by the mighty power of God to a Glorious
immortality, and as touching my worldly Interest which it hath pleased God to
bless me with, I Dispose of it in the following manner – vizt
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife
Katherine (to be Entirely at her dispose) all my Houshold Goods and furniture
Except Such as are hereafter mentioned & Otherways disposed, I also Give
her all my books of Divinity and all my Other books, Except books of Accompt,
and I also Give her all my wearing apparell and one milk Cow to be at her
dispose as aforesaid, I also Give unto her my sd. wife the use and
improvement of one third part of my Dwelling House & the use of one third
part of my Barn & Corn House, and I also Give her the use and improvement
of one third part of all my Lands in Bridgwater, Otherways it is my will that
my said wife shall have the Lawful Interest of Fifty pounds Lawful money
annually paid to her in the Room of the use & improvement of the aforesaid
Lands as she shall Choose during the whole term of her natural Life, and to be
paid to her by my daughter Mehitable; I also Give to my said wife all my money
that I shall have & on hand at my decease
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Silence two
thirds of a Pew in the Congregational meeting House in the west Precinct of sd
Bridgwater it being on the Left hand of the pulpit stairs as we Go up into sd
pulpit & is adjoining to sd stairs being all my Right in sd
Pew – I also Give her the one half of a Pew in Easton meeting House which I
bought of Colo. Abiel Mitchel of said Easton –
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mehitable and to
her Heirs and assigns, all my Lands and Buildings in the South Precinct of
Bridgwater aforesaid (being the Homestead where I now Live) Reserving the use
and improvement of one third part of the same to my wife during the term of her
natural Life, Reserving also so much of sd Lands and buildings as
will be Sufficient to pay and discharge all my just debts and funeral Charges ~
Item – my will is that all my just debts and funeral &
other charges be paid by my Executor hereafter named, and that the same be paid
out of what I have Reserved of my Homestead Lands and buildings for that
purpose, and I do hereby order and impower my said Executor to make Sale of so
much of my said Lands and buildings as shall be Sufficient to pay said Debts
and funeral Charges ~
Lastly – I Do hereby nominate and appoint Mr.
Libeus Fobes of said Bridgwater yeoman, Sole Executor upon this my Last will
& testament, ordering him to pay all my just debts & funeral &
other Charges, and I do hereby Revoke disannul and make utterly void all other
wills that have at any time heretofore been made by me–In Testimony whereof I
do hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year aforesaid ~
Signed Sealed, Published pronounced and
declared by the said Ebenezer Haward to be Ebenezer Haward (seal)
his Last Will & testament in presence of
Alpheus
Fobes
Israel
H. Buker
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 1 May 1786 by Libeus Fobes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Alpheus Fobes and James Leach, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Libeus
Fobes, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 526-528, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will and Codicil of Edward Haward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In
the Name of God, amen. –
On the twentysecond day of December one thousand, seven
hundred and sixty four, I Edward Haward of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth
gentleman, being of a sound and disposing mind and memory, proceed to make this
my Last will and testament, In the first
place I give and recomend my soul into the hands of God who gave it trusting in
the mercy of God through Christ for pardon, grace and glory, and my body I
comit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter named, and as to my worldly interest, I dispose of in the following
manner, viz. ~
First, My will is that my son Edward pay all my debts and
funeral charges in convenient-time after my decease, whom I nominate and apoint
sole executor of this my Last will & testament.
Secondly. With regard to my wife Mary who by divine
providence hath Loss’d the genuine use and exercise of her reason &
understanding, I order and direct my said son Edward to provide for her
comfortable and honourable suport during Life, and to be at the cost of a
decent funeral for her when she shall decease.–
Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my son James ten pounds
Lawful money, and one half of my wearing –aparel, also two of my silver-spoons,
which together with what I have given him heretofore is his part of my estate.
Fourthly, I give unto my daughters namely Sarah Ripley &
Jane Haward their heirs and assigns forever, my five acres of meadow lying in
the east precinct in Bridgwater, at a place called Snell’s-meadow, to be
equally divided between them. Further, I give unto each of them a feather-bed,
bolster, pillows, under-bed, bedstead, cord, one coverlet, one blanket, &
four pair of sheets to each bed. Further, I give unto each of them one cow
apiece. Further, I give unto my said daughter Jane two of my silver spoons.
Fifthly, I give unto the heirs of my daughter Mary deced,
namely Henry, Elijah, Mary, Martha & Abigail, a dollar a piece besides what
I gave their mother.
Sixthly, I give unto my grandaughter Jane Ripley in
consideration of her service with me, my best bed and furniture in the north
chamber of my dwelling-house, and half a dozen flat-backd. chairs in
said chamber, also one cow and thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence
to be delivered and paid at my decease, the said thirteen pounds, six shillings
& eight pence to be paid in houshold goods necessary for keeping house. –
Seventhly. I further give unto my daughters Sarah & Jane
four of my largest pewter platters equally between them. –
Eighthly, My will is that since my said wife is now bereaved
of the genuine exercise of her reason as aforesaid, and she continues so till
death that her apparel go to my said daughters Sarah and Jane to be equally
divided between them.
Ninthly, My will is that none of the Legacies
before-mentioned be paid by my executor till after the decease of my wife,
excepting that to my said grandaughter Jane.
Tenthly, I give and bequeath unto my said son Edward all my
other personal estate of what name or nature soever excepting what is before
mentioned. And he is hereby enjoined to provide and do for his mother as
aforesaid, and to pay all my debts and funeral charges to provide for my
servant Tom out of what I have herein given him.
In
witness and confirmation hereof, I have hereunto set my hand seal, the day and
year aforesaid. ~
Signed, sealed, pronounced,
published,
& declared by the said Edward
Haward, Edward Haward (seal)
as his Last will & testament in
presence
of us the subscribers,
Josiah
Edson
Ephraim
Fobes
Isaac
Lathrop
Whereas the said Sarah Ripley named
as a Legatee in the foregoing will and testament, has Lately deceased, I the
above-named Edward Haward do therefore hereby give and bequeath the several
articles mentioned in the said will & testament as given to the said Sarah
unto the children of said Sarah, namely Solomon, Jane & Bethiah their heirs
and assigns forever, to be divided in equal shares between them. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twelfth day of September anno Domini 1768.
Signed, sealed & delivered Edward Haward (seal)
in
presence of
Robert Haward
Josiah Edson
Libeus Fobes
Presented for probate on 5 Aug.
1771 by Edward Haward, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Edson
and Ephraim Fobes, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to Edward Haward, the Executor, with Josiah Edson, of Bridgwater, esquire, as
surety.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 1-3, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will and Codicil of Ephraim Haward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen This 21st Day of August
1749, I Ephraim Haward of Bridgewater in the County of Plimouth in N. England
Husbandman being Weak and infirm of body but thanks be to God–of perfect minde
and memory Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to Dy Do make and ordain this my Last will and
Testament That is to say principally and first of all I recommend my Soul into
the hands of him that Gave it and my body to the Earth by a Christen decent
funaral at the Descretion of my Executors nothing Doughting but that at ye
General Resurection I Shall receive the Same again by the mighty power of God
and as touching that worldly Estate Which it hath pleased God to bless me with
I give Demise and Dispose of it in mañor and form following ~~~~~~
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to my Beloved Wife Mary My
Tenants, all my quick Stock and moveables within Doors and Without to Dispose
of as She Sees fit together with the improvement of one half of my Dwelling
house and Ten Acres of my home Land Where She is pleased to Take them during
her Natural Life ~~~~
Item I give to my Son Ephraim all my Right and Titele in and
to those Lands he now Lives upon together with alot of fifty acres on the other
side of the River in Easton, the half of which Track of Land I have given him a
deed of alredy and half aswamp Lot of medow adjoyning to Joseph Haywards Lying
upon Cutting Cover River Eight acres of pine Swamp on the South Side of the
Neck Whear he lives half my Right in the Cedar Swamp half my purchase Right in
the undivided Lands in Bridgwater half a right in the greate Ceder Swamp Lying
Southward of Edward Hayward Esqr in Easton and Two Sixteenth of my
Iron Works in the North precinct in Bridgwater—
Item: I give - to my Son Daniel all my Right and Titele in
and to the Lands Where he now Dwells together with one hundred acres more in
the Northwest Corner of Bridgwater of the half of which Lands I have alredy
given him adeed four acres of Cedar Swamp Lying Northeast from and Near to
Edward Hayward Esqr. in
Item I give to my Son David my grist mill and all my interest
in the Saw mill to gether with the Lands adjoyning as also half my house and
Lands where I now Live Whereof I have already given him adeed a Lott of medow
in flaggy[?] meadow Ten acres of Land upon The Beach Neack Near To Joseph
Algers fifty acres in Easton near the Living that belongd to Zachariah Briggs
three quarters of a purchase Right of undivided Lands in Easton half my Right
in the Ceder Swamp in Bridgwater two Sixteenths of my forge in the North
precente in Said Town together with Seventeen acres and an half of Land on the
East Side of the Roade upon Salsbury plain ~~~
Item — I Give to my Daughter Susanna Jacobs the Sum of three
hundred pounds in money to be paid her by my Executors hearafter named with in
a year after my Decease —
Item, I give to the Children of my Daughter Martha Williams
Deceast fifty acres of Land in
Item, I give to my Daughter Silence Burr Sixty acres of Land
Lying in Bridgwater Joyning to the Land Which I Sold to my Son Ephram and Ten
acres of it improved wich I value at three hundred pounds —
Item I give to my Daughter Mary Peirce the Sum of Three
hundred pounds in mony to be paid her within the term of a year after my Deace
By My Executors~~
I give to my grandaughters Silence Haward and Jane Dean the
Children of my Elder Daughter Jane Washburn Deceasd the Sum of one hundred and
fifty pounds to Each in Money to be paid them within ayear after my Decease by
my Executors~~
Item I give to my granson David Haward junr, the
one half of my Dwelling house after my Wives Decease & one half of my
homsted Land the other half whereas I have already given to his father to
gether with five acres of Swamp Land Lying upon Cutting Cover kiner So
Called~~~
Finally – I Constitute and appoint my beloved Wife and my Son
David to be the Executors of this my Last Will and Testament and bequeath to
them all my money due to me upon bond or otherwise to pay my Just Debts my
funeral Charges & the above mentioned Legacies Withal, and I do hereby
utterly disallow Revoke and disanull all and Every Other former Testaments Will
Legesses bequest and Executors by me anyways before Named Willed and bequeathd
ratifeying and Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testement in
Witness Whereof I have herunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above
written
Signed Sealed published Ephraim Howard (seal)
and Declaired in presence of
Danl. Perkins
Thomas Ames
Richd Perkins
A shedule or Codicil to Lieut Hawards will
be it knoan to all men by these presents that Whereas I Ephraim Haward of
Bridgwater in ye County of Plimouth in N. England Husbandman have
made and declaired my Last Will and Testament in Wirting bearing date August ye
21st 1749 I the Said Ephraim Haward do by these presents
ratify and Confirm ye Same onely that Imay be prevent the
misunderstanding of Several passages in It my Will and meaining then Was and
now is that ye Legecies which I have orderd my Executors to pay in
money to Several of the heirs to Whom I have bequeathd Certain Sums of money is
to be understood of What was then Called the old Tenor that of Land I gave
adeed of gift of to my Son & Daughter William Joyntly to gether with the
other Ten or Twelve acres mentioned in that bequest was the Whole of the Legacy
that I Designd for the heirs of my Daughter William it being in proportion to
what I had given my other Daughters and Whearas I may have some Small remainder
of Estate not mentioned in my Will I would have it under Stood that it is my
will that my Executors thairin mentioned Should have it to help pay the
legacies Charges and debts Which I have obligaged them to discharge and my
meining is that this Schedule be D judge apart and parcel of my Last Will and
Testament and accordingly Except it be faithfully affirmed of Witness my hand
this 7 day of Apr. 1750
Signed Sealed Published
& Declared
In the presents of
Danll. Perkins Ephraim Howard (seal)
Thomas Ames
Richard Perkins
Plim&c Septr-3-1750 this Will With the Shedule
or Codicil hereto annexd being presented by the Executors thairin
Named for probate the Said Thomas Ames and Richard Perkins Made Oath that they
Saw the Said Ephram Haward Sign Seal and Deliver and heard him Declare this
Instrument with the Codocil Annexd to be his Last Will and Testament and that
they together with Dainial Perkins in his presence Subscribed as Witnesses to ye
Will & Codicil & that according to the best of their Judgement he was
then of sound minde – Before
me Jno Cushing
Judge
of probate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of George Haydon of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I George Haydon of Plimouth in the county of Plimouth
marriner, being sensible of the certainty of death & uncertain of the time
thereof & having a mind to dispose of my estate &c, do make this my
last will & testament hereby revoking all my other & former wills. First & principally I resign my soul into
the hands of my merciful creator, trusting in the merits of Christ for pardon
& eternal salvation, and my body to the dust to be decently buried
according to the discretion of those that may be entrusted therewith, with
respect to my estate after my just debts and the charge of burial is paid I
dispose of it in manner following, viz,
Item, I give to my friend Lewis Bartlet a minor son of Mr.
John Bartlet of Plimouth in the county of Plimouth aforesaid inn-holder (at my
decease, & after paying my just debts & funeral charge as abovesaid)
all my estate both real & personal in Plimouth or elsewhere, to him the
said Lewis Bartlet & to his heirs & executors admins. & assigns
forever to his or their use & behoof. ~
Further, I do appoint Mr. John Bartlet of Plimouth
aforesaid, executor to this my last will & testament. In testimony of all
which I have hereunto set my hand & seal at Plimouth January 2d.
in the third year of the reign. of our sovereign Lord George the third of
Great-Brittain, &c. annoque Domini 1763. ~
Signed, sealed, delivered & declared George Haydon (seal)
In
presence of
Nathaniel Torrey
Samuel Nichols Nelson
Ephraim Spooner
Presented for probate on 18 May 1767 by John Bartlet of
Plimouth inn-holder, and proved by Ephraim Spooner and Samll.
Nichols Nelson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
unto John Bartlet the Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 477, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Abner Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Abner Hayward of the town of
Bridgwater, in the county of Plymouth, being in a weak state of bodily health,
but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be give unto God, calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make and ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say,
principally & first of all, I Give & recommend my soul into the hand of
almighty God, that gave it, & my body I recommend to the earth to be buried
in decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor nothing doubting,
but at the resurrection I shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of
God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless
me in this life, I Give demise, and dispose of the same, in the following
manner and form, that is to say.
First – I do not Give
to Grace my well beloved wife, any thing in this my last will & testament,
having before marriage given her a Security of a certain part of my Estate, as
will thereby appear
Also – To my well
beloved Son Abner Hayward, I do not give any thing in this my last will &
testament, having already given him what I proposed for him
Thirdly – I Give to
my well beloved daughter Susanna Hayward, all & every part of my Estate
that I have not already disposed of, and I do also constitute and appoint my
son in law, Capt. Edward Hayward to be sole Executor of this my last
will & testament, and I do hereby Utterly disallow, revoke & disannul
all & every Other former testaments, wills legacies, bequests and
Executors, by me in any wise, before named, willed and bequeathed, Ratifying
& confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament. In
Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twelfth day of
July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Eight
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced & declared his
by the said Abner Hayward, as his last will & tes- Abner
X Hayward (seal)
tament in the presence of us, who in his presence mark
& in the presence of each other have here to
Subscribed our names – Lydia Kinsley – Daniel Stone, Elijah Howard
Presented for probate on 6 June 1796 by Edward Hayward, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Lydia Kinsley and Elijah Howard, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Edward Hayward, Gentleman, of Bridgwater, the before named Executor, with
Benjamin Parris of Pembroke, yeoman, and Elijah Hayward of Easton, County of
Bristol, Esqr., as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 35, p. 525-527, from FHL microfilm
#0550718.
Will of Azariah
Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In The Name of God Amen.— I Azariah Hayward of the town of
Bridgwater, yeoman, being sick and weak in body, but of perfect mind &
memory, thanks be given unto God, calling unto mind the mortality of my body,
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain
this my last will & testament, that is to say, principally & first of
all, I give & recommend my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave
it, and my body, I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian
burial, at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God;
and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
with, in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same, in the following
manner and form.—
Item.—First, I Give and bequeath to my two sons Seth Hayward
and Azariah Hayward, all my wearing apparell, to be divided between them. –
Item. – Also, I Constitute my son Davis Hayward Executor of
this my last will & testament, and I give to him & my Daughter Lydia
Hayward, I give all my other lands, Messuages & tenements, by them freely
to possessed & enjoyed, with their giving to my loving Sister Bethiah
Hayward, a new black Silk gown, and paying my lawful debts.— I do hereby
utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all and every other former testaments,
wills, legacies bequeathed & Executors by me in any wise before named,
willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be
my last will & testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
& seal, this twenty sixth day of January one thousand, eighten & two
Signed Sealed Published, Pronoun- his
ced & declared by ye sd Azariah
Hayward Azariah X Hayward (seal)
as his last will & testament in ye presence mark
of us, who in his presence, & in ye presence
of each other have hereby subscribed our
names – Isaac
Harlow
Sarah
Conant
Freelove
Whitman
Presented for probate on 6 Apr. 1802 by Davis Hayward, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Harlow & Freelove Whitman, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin
Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1732) *
In the name of God Amen the fourth Day of November-1732. I
Benjamin Hayward of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in New-England being
very Sick & weak of Body though of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be given
to God therefore Calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body & knowing that it
is Appointed for all Men once to dy do Make & Ordain this my last Will
& Testament that is to Say Principally & first of all I Commit my Soul
into the hands of God who gave it & my Body I Commit to the Grave to be
decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors & the Worldly Goods which
God hath Given to me I Dispose of in the following manner viz.—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my well beloved Wife
Sarah Hayward ye. one half of the Improvemt. of my
Homestead or home Living during her natural Life & two Cows & two
Feather beds & ye. East End of the House & all the Houshold
Goods during her natural Life as aforesd—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Son Benjamin Hayward
all that my Tract of Land where ye Benjamin Hayward junr.
House now standeth with the meadow adjoining to it & half a Right of Cedar
Swamp lying in Pimpkin Bridge Swamp so called—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Hayward
fifty Pounds in Bills of Credit and She hath already had fifty one Pounds—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Son Hezekiah Hayward
all my home stead or home living after his Mothers Decease And it is to be
Understood that my sd. Son Hezekiah is to Improve the One half of sd.
Homestead after my Decease and I also Give to my said Son Hezekiah twenty &
two acres of Land which I bought of Lieutenant Hudson lying upon the River
& adjoining to ye. Land of Ebenezer Hayward on the one side
& John Hooper on the other side & all my Right in the Pine Swamp
lying near Richard Jennings his House in which Swamp Lieut. Hudson
has a Right & also two Parcells of Meadow lying on Satuckett River ye.
one lyeth on the South West Side of ye. River Which Lot I bought of
Joseph Washburn ye 2d & ye Other Lot lyeth
on the Northerly Side of ye River & in a Neck between Satuckett
River & poor Meadow River which Meadow I bought of Jonathan Washburn &
also the Seventh Part of a Purchase Right in Cowissett Cedar Swamp & ye
one half of a Saw Mill lying near my House & all ye. moveable
Estate within Door & without Money & all Excepting fifty Pound which I
Willed away to my Daughter Sarah & fourty Pound which I Willed to my Son
Jacob—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Son Jacob Hayward all
that Tract of Land which I bought of Isaac Hayward lying in the Neck below
Eleazer Aldens & also all my Right of Meadow lying with Lieut.
Hudson on Herring Brook which I bought of Ichabod Standish & ye
one half of my Cedar Swamp lying in Pimpkin Bridge Swamp so called & also
fourty Pounds in Bills of Credit –
And I do hereby Appoint my Son Hezekiah Sole Executor of this
my last Will and Testament hereby Revoking all other Wills & I do declare
this & none other to be my last Will & Testament And in Witness whereof
I the sd Benjamn Hayward have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal ye Day & Year abovewritten
Signed Sealed Published & Prounced by ye. sd
Benjamn Hayward to be his last Will &
Testament Benjamin Hayward (seal)
In Presence of us
Ephraim Lenard
Zechariah Whitman
Seth Michell
Proved by Zechariah Whitman and Seth Michell on 4 Feb.
1733[/34], and by Ephraim Lenard on 6 Mar. 1733/34. Letters of Administration
were granted to Hezekiah Hayward, the Sole Executor, on 6 Mar. 1733[/34].
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 7, p. 1-2, from FHL microfilm
#0550513.
Will of Betsey Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1856) *
Know all
men by these presents, that I, Betsey Hayward, of Bridgewater, in the County of
Plymouth, and state of Massachusetts, single woman, being of sound disposing
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First: I
give to my brother Seth Hayward five dollars.
Secondly:
I give to Bethiah Hayward, all of my wearing apparel, and all of my house hold
furniture of every description.
Thirdly:
I give and bequeath to my brother Luther Hayward, all of my real and personal
estate, not herein otherwise disposed of, of every description, after paying my
debts and funeral expenses.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and published and
declared this to be my last Will and Testament, in the presence of the
Witnesses named below, this sixteenth day of July, in the year one thousand
eight hundred and fifty six.
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Betsey Hayward, as and for her last
Will and Testament, in presence of us, who in her presence and in the presence
of each other, and at her request have hereunto subscribed our names as
Witnesses.
Solomon Hayward.
Samuel G. Winsor. Betsey Hayward (seal)
Rhoda Harden.
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of July, 1857, by
Luther Hayward, the residuary Legatee, and proved by Solomon Hayward and Rhoda
Harden, two of the witnesses. Letters testamentary were granted to Luther
Hayward, residuary legatee, for the faithful discharge of said trust.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 99, p. 310-311, from FHL microfilm
#0555644.
Will of Cornelius Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1812) *
Be it remembered that I
Cornelius Hayward of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman being infirm
in Body but of sound Mind and Memory, do this seventh day of December Anno
Domini one Thousand eight hundred & twelve make & publish this my last
Will & Testament in Manner following that is to say –
Imprimis.
I give to my Brother John Hayward one hundred & seventy five Dollars to be
paid by my Executor as is herein after directed. –
Item. I
give to the Heirs of my Brother Silvanus Hayward deceased one hundred &
seventy five Dollars –
Item I
give to my Sister Jemima the Wife of David Snow one hundred & seventy five
Dollars –
Item I
give to my Sister Hannah Wife of Thomas Hayward one hundred & seventy five
Dollars, this & the other Legacies above mentioned are to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named in two years after my Decease
Item I
give to my sister Tabitha a right in my house & a comfortable maintenance
out of my Estate during her Life –
Item I
give to my Niece Experience Hayward one undivided half of my Dwelling house;
one half of my Homestead, all my Household Goods, one half of my Pew in the Revd.
Dr. Reed’s Meeting house — and my Clock. —
Item. I
bequeath to my Nephew Jacob Hayward, one half of my House my out Houses, one
half of my Homestead all my out Lands, farming Tools wearing apparel, Oxen Cows
sheep & Horse. I also give to him all the Debts which may be owing to me at
my decease, he paying all the just debts which I may owe & the above
Legacies as above described. I also give to my Nephew Jacob Hayward, all my
Estate Real & personal not herein before bequeathed & devised, wherever
the same may be found, to hold to him his Heirs & assigns forever &
lastly I do constitute & ordain my Nephew Jacob Hayward sole Executor of
this my last Will & Testament — In
Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year above
written —
Cornelius Hayward (seal)
Signed sealed published pronounced & declared by the said
Cornelius Hayward as & for his last Will & Testament
in
the presence of us who at his request & in his presence
hereunto set our Names as Witnesses to the same
Hector
Orr
Daniel
Hayward Junr.
Preston
Packard –
Presented for probate on 6 April 1813 by Jacob Hayward, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel Hayward Junr. and
Preston Packard, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Jacob Hayward, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 515-516, from FHL microfilm
#0550903.
Will of Edward Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1801) *
In the Name of God amen
I Edward Hayward of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman being of a
sound disposing Mind, do make & ordain this to be my last will and
Testament. and in the first place I recommend my Soul to God, who gave it &
my Body to be buried with decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my
Executor hereafter named and with respect to my worldly Estate I dispose of the
same in Manner following viz —
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife Jenny Hayward the whole of my
household Furniture and one half of my quick Stock to be at her disposal. Also
the Improvement of one half of my real Estate during her natural Life–
Item I
give and bequeath to my Nephew Calvin Hayward the whole of my real and personal
Estate not already disposed of, he to enter into possession of one half of my
real Estate at my decease & the other half at the decease of my Wife to him
his Heirs and assigns forever.—And I hereby order the said Calvin Hayward to
pay all my just Debts, funeral Expences & Costs of settling my Estate –
Item I
do hereby constitute and appoint Edward Mitchell the third my Wife’s Brother
sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament.—ratifying and confirming
this to be my last Will and Testament – In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twenty-fourth day of October in the Year of our Lord
one Thousand eight hundred & one—
signed sealed published & declared by
the said Edward Hayward to be his last
Will and Testament in presence of us. Edward Hayward (seal)
Beza Hayward
Hezekiah Hayward
Peter Conant 2d.
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1818 by Edward Mitchell Junr.
the Executor therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward Esqr and
Peter Conant 2d., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Hezekiah
Hayward being now deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Edward
Mitchell junr., the before named Executor.
Silvanus Pratt, yeoman, Abram Washburn and Thomas Alden,
yeomen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Edward
Hayward, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 5 Oct. 1818. The Inventory of the
Estate of Edward Hayward, late of Bridgwater, not dated, totaled $4127.85,
including his real estate valued at $2974. Edward Mitchell junr.,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Feb. 1819.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, p. 480-481, from FHL microfilm
#0550905, and Vol. 50, p. 41-42.
Will of Elijah Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the Name of God amen. I Elijah Hayward of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth Yeoman, being of a sound & disposing Mind do make
this my last Will & Testament, recommending my Soul to God who gave it
& my Body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named
& with respect to my Estate both real & personal, I dispose of the same
in manner following, viz
Imprimis
I give & bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife Mary Hayward one third part
of my personal Estate after payment of my Debts & Charges of settling my
Estate, to be hers forever. I also give her the Improvement of one third part
of my real Estate during her natural Life, except my Cedar swamp, called
Pinquin Bridge Swamp, & my Interest in the great River Mills; and also the
Improvement of all my real & personal Estate hereafter mentioned, being
given to my Children, each Child’s Share to be holden by her severally during
his Minority, provided however that should my Wife marry again her right not
only of one third part of my real Estate above-mentioned, the Improvement
whereof I have given to her, but each Child’s Share, which may be in her hands,
whereof I have given her the Improvement shall immediately terminate, & the
same shall immediately vest in my Children in the same manner as though she
were deceased –
Item I
order my Executors hereafter named to sell & convey by good &
sufficient Deeds my Cedar Swamp called Pinquin Bridge Swamp being the same
Swamp that I purchased of Nicholas Whitman, also all my right and Interest in
the Great River Mills, so called, situated at the south westerly Corner of my
Homestead & to appropriate the Monies arising from said Sales for the
payment of my Debts & settlement of my Estate. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my five Sons Elijah Hayward, Edson Hayward, Erastus
Hayward, Edward Hayward & Bela Hayward all my Estate both real &
personal not already disposed of to be equally divided between them, & to
come into possession of the same as they shall severally arrive to the Age of
twenty one Years or sooner should their Mother before that time either marry or
decease, excepting however one third part of the real Estate whereof the
Improvement is given to my Wife during her Life & continuing my Widow; each
Child’s Share thereof to remain in the possession & Improvement of their
Mother during her Life, provided she continues my Widow otherways upon her
decease or marrying again the same shall vest immediately in my Children
severally –
Item I
do hereby constitute & appoint Benjamin Pope of said Bridgwater Gentleman
& my oldest Son Elijah Hayward joint Executors of this my last Will &
Testament – ratifying & confirming this to be my last Will & Testament
& disallowing of any other - & in Testimony of all which, I have
hereunto set my hand & Seal the twentieth day of April in the Year of our
Lord one Thousand eight hundred & five.–
Signed, sealed, published & declared
by the said Elijah Hayward to be
his last Will & Testament in presence of
Beza
Hayward Elijah Hayward (seal)
John
Hooper
John
Harden
Presented for probate on 23 Nov. 1815 by Benjamin Pope and
Elijah Hayward, the Executors therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward Esqr.,
one of the witnesses thereto subscribed, John Hooper and John Harden being
since deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Benjamin Pope and
Elijah Hayward, the before named Executors.
To the Hon Joshua Thomas Esquire Judge of Probate of Wills
&c for the County of Plymouth –
This is to signify to your Honour that I have thought proper
to wave, and I do hereby wave the provision made for me in the Will of my last
Husband Elijah Hayward late of Bridgwater in said County deceased and claim my
Dower of his Estate; I therefore pray that your Honour would order the same to
be assigns and set off to me as the Law in such cases directs Dated at
Bridgwater aforesaid the twenty third day of November in the Year of our Lord
one Thousand eight hundred & fifteen –
Mary Hayward
Nathaniel Pratt, Gentleman, Silvanus Pratt and Howe Keith,
Yeomen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Elijah
Hayward, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 23 Nov. 1815. The Inventory of the
Estate of Elijah Hayward, late of Bridgwater, Yeoman, not dated, totaled
$4239.18, including his real estate, valued at $3552. The appraisers gave their
oath to the inventory on 2 Nov. 1815, and Benjamin Pope and Elijah Hayward, the
Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 4 Dec. 1815.
Nathaniel Pratt, Gentleman, Silvanus Pratt and Howe Keith,
yeomen, all of Bridgwater and all Freeholders, were appointed to set off to the
Widow Mary Hayward her Dower in the Real Estate of Elijah Hayward, late of
Bridgwater, yeoman, on 4 Dec. 1815. The division was dated 16 Feb. 1816, and
approved on 3 Feb. 1817.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 47, pp. 356-357, 358, 383-385, from
FHL microfilm #0550904, and Vol. 48, p. 349-351.
Will of Elisha
This this twentieth day of may Anno domini 1703 I Elisha
Hayward of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in New-England Husbandman
being at pesent in some Measure in helth & of sound mind & memory
praises be Rendered to God for the same yet Calling to mind the unsertainty of
my Life on Earth & Desirous to settle that out ward Estate that the Lord
hath blesed me with & minding that after my Deceas the same shall be
Imployed & bestowed as herein shall be Exprest Doe therefore make and
ordain & Declare this to be my Last will & Testament as followeth that
is to say—first & principally I commit & commend my soul to God that
Gave it & my body to Decent buriall when it shall pleas god to take me
hence & touching my sd outward & worly Estate I hereby order
and dispose of the same as followeth — — — —
Impr I Give & bequeath to my well beloved
brother Joseph Hayward my tw ten acre Lots of Land Lying in Bridgewater aforesd
& are in or adjoyning to a swamp Called center swamp & is in or on the
Easterly side of the sd swamp to hold the sd two Lots to
him sd Joseph Hayward his heirs & assigns for Ever I also Give
to the sd Joseph my Great bible —
Item I Give & bequeath unto my kinsman Thomas Hayward son
of the sd Joseph that my 50 acre Lot of Land in sd
bridgewater Lying at ye River on the Esterly side of the neck Called
Johns bridge neck according as the sd Lot is bounded forth Together
with my 20 acre Lot adjoyning to the sd 50 acres sd 20
acres abuting on the town River & was some Times the Lot of Richard Jenings
— —
farther I Give to the sd Thomas hayward my 10 acre
Lot of Land Lying in the neck on ye southerly side of the Great
swamp adjoyning to the Land of my brother Edward Mitchell I furder Give to my sd
kinsman Thomas Hayward my seven acres of Land Lying to the south East of the sd
Land of Edward Mitchell Extending to the Land of Joseph Aldon on the Easterly
side of the Great hill —
Item I Give & bequeath unto my two kinsmen Namely to
Thomas the son of my brother John Hayward & to Thomas the son of my brother
Nathaniel Howard my 30 acres of Land Lying between ye Land of John
Packard & the Land of Richard Jenings. I further Give to two kinsmen Last
mentioned my Lot of one & twenty acres of Land Laid out to me at the head
of the sd 30 acres I further
give to my sd two kinsman my piece or parcell of meadow Lying
between the two Last mentioned parcells of Land & the Land of Richard
Jenings — —
Item I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved sister Mary
the wife of Edward Mitchell the sum of ten pounds in silver mony Item all the Rest & Residue of my Lands
that shall Remain undisposed of at my Decease I hereby Give & bequeath the
same to my brother Joseph Hayward abovesd & to my brother in Law
Edward Mitchell Equally between them all the above given Lands which are
scituate & being within the Township of Bridgwater in the County of
plymouth aforesd with Every of their Rites members &
appurtinances to belong & to appertain to the severall & Respective
Legatees as above Exprest and to their severall heirs & assignes
forever Item further I Give unto my sd
brothers Joseph Hayward & Edward Mitchell all my goods Chatils &
Credits which I shall Leave undisposed of at the time of my Decease to be then
Equally parted between them my sd brother & brother in Law Lastly I do nominate & apoint my sd
brothers namely Joseph Hayward & Edward Mitchell to be Joynt Executors in
this my Last Will & Testament. By these pesents Nullifying & makeing
void any former will or wills by me made Either verball or writen & this
onely to be taken for my Last will & Testament In CoTestimony whereof &
in full Confirmation of the same I the sd Elisha Hayward have here
unto set my hand & seal on the day & Year first above Writon
Elisha Hayward (seal)
Signed Sealed & Declared by the sd
Elisha hawyard to be his Last will &
Testament In pesents of us Witnesses
Samuell Sprague
Nathan Sprague
John Sprague
Jams Sprague
Memorand: That on the 22 day of September 1710 John Sprague
& James Sprague made Oath that they saw the above named Elisha Hayward Sign
& seal this Instrument & herd him Declare it to be his Last will &
Testament & that he was then of Disposing mind & memory to the best of
their Judgments & that their father Samuel Sprague & brother Nathan
Sprague Signed with them at the same Time as witnesses to the same before me
Nathll Thomas J. of Probate
An Inventory of the Estate of Elisha Hayward of the Town of
Bridgewater who deceased August 6: 1710, was appraised by Isaac Johnson &
John feild on Sept. the 4 1710, not totaled, sworn to by the executors, Ensign
Edward Mitchell & Joseph Hayward, on 22 Sept. 1710.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elisha Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In The Name of God Amen. The Twenty Eight Day of September
One thousand Seven hundred & forty Eight I Elisha Haward of Bridgewarter In
the County of plimouth In New England Being Weake In body But of perfect mind
the Mortality of my Body and know that It Is appointed for all men once to Dy
Do make and ordaine this my Last will and Testament that Is To Say principly
and first of all I give and Recomend my Soul into the hands of god that gave it
and my Body I Recommend To the Earth to be buriead in a Decent Christian burial
at the Discreation of my Executor nothing Doughting but at the genaral
Resurrection I Shall Receive ye. Same again by ye.
Mighity power of God and as Touching Such Worly Estate Whair With It hath
plesed god to bles me In this Life I give Demise and Dispose of the Same In The
following Manner and form
I give and Bequeath to Abigail my Well beloved Wife all ye.
hous hold Stuff and goods that was her own before marriage for Ever and To my
other Estate I give her ye. Improvement of the Best fier Room In my
house and half ye. Cellor fire wood Cut fit for the fire So much as
She Shall Need while She Lives in Said house and to be Delivered at Said house
and Eight Bushels of Indin Corn Two bushels of Rye Ten pounds of flax yearly
and Every year to Be Delivered to hier While She Remains my Widdow and the use
of a good Milck Cow and the use of half my houshold stuff Excepting What was my
Second Wifes the Improvement of these things as Well as the sd.
House I give To her as Long as she Remans my Widdow and No Longer
Item I give to my Well beloved Son Elisha Hayward the Seventh
part of four Lots formely Laid out to Occuts purches In the West Ceder Swamp So
Called In Bridgewater and Twenty five pounds Lawful mony to Be paid to him out
of my Estate within Seven years after my my youngest Son Ezra Hayward Comes of
age he haveing all Redy Recved the other part of his portion
Item I give to my Well Beloved Son Abner Hayward Whome I
Likewise Consitute make and ordaine my Sole Executer of this my Last Will and
Testement Seven acers and a half of Land part of it Lying Betwen his home Lands
and the Land of Samuel Hartwell and part of it Joyns to the Land Which Belongs
to the heirs of John Lothrop Deceast and the Seventh part of four Lots formerly
Laid out to Orcutts purcheas in the west Ceder Swampe So Called in Bridgewater
and the one half of my part of the purchas Rite With In the Eight mile to
gether with Sixteen acers of Land to Lay out on the Pine Grants and all my part
in Willis Shair in the sd West Ceder Swamp by him his heirs and
assigns freely to Be possest and Enioyed he having all Redy Received the other
part of his portion
Item I give to my Well beloved Son Ezra Hayward all my home
Lands and Living With the Buildings thairon to gether with Seven Acers and half
of Land Lying In a place known by the Name of Woolf trap field and Joyns to the
home Lands of Isaac Willis and the home Lands of Samuel Edson With all my Lands
on the Esterly Side of the Town River be their more or Less Being Cheifly
Within fence and Joyning to the Home Lands of John Willis and Butting up on
Said River and also thirty acers of Land Joyning to the hom Lands of Joseph
Washburn and upon the four mile Line Running from Said Line Southerly Till it
makes thirty acers With all my Ceder Swampy undisposed of by this my Last will
and Testement and one half of my purches Right with in the Eight mile So Called
Being of undivided Land, To gether With my Cart and Wheals and all my husbandry
tools of What Sort So Ever with all my horse kind and four oxen and two Cows he
performing my Will to my well Beloved Wife Abigail as is Exprest in this my
Last will and Testament and paying to my Son Elisha Hayward the Twenty five
pound according to this my Will as afore sd. Shall freely posses and
Enioy the Several percels of Land Buldings and Chattles to him and his heirs
and assigns for Ever
Item I give to my well Beloved Daughter Experence the wife of
Benja. Cortis one heifer one Bed and fifteen pounds old Tener which
her husband owes me She having Rced part of her portion –
Item I give to my well Beloved Daughter Hannah ye.
Wife of John Snow one Loomb and Warping Bloocks She having Re’d part of her
portion Before now
Item Give to my well Beloved Daughter Tabitha the wife of
Jacob Hayward Junr. one heifer and a warping Slay She having Rec,d
part of her portion Before Now –
Item I give to my well Beloved Daughter Bethia the Wife of
Thomas Willis one Cow She having Red. part of her portion Before Now
Item Give to my well Beloved Daughter Naomy the Wife of
Joseph Alger Junr. one Loomb & two Weavers Slays She having Recd.
part of her portion Before now
Item I give to my five Daughters Experence ye.
Wife of Benjamin Cuttiss, Hannah the wife of John Snow Tabitha the wife of
Jacob Hayward Jnr. Bethia the wife of Thomas Willis and Naomy the
wife of Joseph Alger Junr. thirty acers of Land to be Equely Divided
Betwen them sd. thirty four acers Lies at the Southerly End at the
thirty acers which I have given to my Son Ezra Hayward by this my Last Will and
Testment and is apart of the Same Lote Like Wise I give all my moveabl Estate
which is Not mentined In these preasents to my Said five Daughters to Be Equely
Divided among them Excepting my hay which I Reserve for my Stock of Cattle to
feed on In ye. Winter and my Corn and my Swine and one Beast for
Beaf and all my flax I Reserve for the use and Support of my Dearly Beloved
wife and famely So Long as it will Last them and I Do herby Utterly Dissalow
Revoke Dissanul all and Every Other Former Testements Wills Leagacies and
Bequests and Executors by Me In any Ways Before Named Willed and Bequeath’d
Ratifing and Confirming This and No Other To Be my Last will and Testament In
Witness Where of I have here unto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above
Written Signed Sealed
Published pronounced and Declared by the Said
Elisha Haywerd as his Last Will and Testement
In the presents of us the Subscribers Elisha Hayward (seal)
Isaac Willis
Stoughton Willis
John Willis
Presented for probate on 7 Nov. 1748 by the Execr.
therein named and proved by Isaac Willis and John Willis, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Abner Hayward of Bridgewater, yeoman,
the Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, p. 40-43, from FHL microfilm
#0551539.
Will of Grace Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God Amen. – I Grace Hayward of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, Spinster, being in a weak
state of body & calling to mind the uncertainty of life, but being of sound
mind & memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in
manner & form following vizt –
First – I Give & bequeath unto my sister Hannah Dailie,
one half my wearing apparell, & to my Niece Desiah Hervey, the wife of
Oliver Hervey, the other half, to be equally divided between them
2d – I Give & bequeath unto my Cousin Josiah
Turner, a Note which I have against him
3d – I Give & bequeath unto my Niece Molly
Lothrop, a Note which I have against her husband Daniel Lothrop.–
4th.– I Give & bequeath unto Grace Turner, the
daughter of William Turner my great bible.–
5th.– I Give & bequeath unto Charity Bryant, a
Note I have against Elijah Packard for Fifty Dollars
6th– I Give & bequeath unto Daniel Bryant Nine
Dollars
Lastly.– after my just debts & funeral charges are paid,
the residue & remainder of my estate, I Give, one half to my Sister Dailie,
the other half to be equally divided amongst the children of my brother Abiezer
Turner deceased, & the children of my Sister Desiar Turner deceased.— And I
do hereby constitute & appoint Dr~. Philip Bryant Sole Executor
of this my last will & testament – and, I do hereby revoke all former wills
or testament by me made. —In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal, this third day of June Anno Domini, Eighteen Hundred & two.
Signed, Sealed & Published by her
ye. sd. Grace Hayward, to be her last
Grace X Hayward (seal)
will & testament in presence of us, mark
who have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses
John
Willis
Nathan
Randall
Ebenezer
Packard
Presented for probate on 12 July 1802 by Philip Bryant, ye.
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Randall and Ebenezer Packard, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Philip Bryant, ye. before named Executor.
Danl Manly junr, yeoman, Mark Perkins and
Asaph Hayward, Gentlemen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Grace Hayward, late of Bridgwater, Spinster, on 12 July 1802. The
inventory, dated 15 July 1802, totaled $751.55, including $447.70 in notes of
hand, but no real estate. Philip Bryant, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 Aug. 1802.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, pp. 131-132, 146-147, from FHL
microfilm #0550720.
Will of Hannah Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Hannah Hayward of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Single woman,
being weak and infirm in body but of Sound mind, memory & understanding and
Contemplating the uncertainty of human Life in General, and of my own in
particular, do make and publish this my Last Will and testament in manner and
form following to wit—In the first place I Commit my immortal Soul to the God
that first Gave it existence, humbly presuming upon the pardon of my Sins and
an entrance into eternal Life and blessedness thro’ the mediation &
atonement of our blessed Redeemer – my body I Commit to its native Earth to be
buried in a decent and becoming manner at the discretion of my Executor herein
after named ~
Also – I Give and bequeath to my dear brother Thomas Hayward
the Sum of Six pounds Lawful Silver money. ~
Also – I Give and bequeath to my dear Sister Joanna Snow the
widow of David Snow Late of said Bridgwater deceased, the Sum of Six pounds
Lawful Silver money – together with one Quarter part of my wearing Apparell,
and one Quarter part of all my houshold furniture, after the decease of my
Sister Sarah Hayward herein after mentioned
Also– I Give and bequeath to my dear Sister Sarah Hayward the
sum of Six pounds Lawful Silver money–together with my Cow, and my right in the
three Sheep which I now own and possess jointly with the said Sarah –and I
further Give and bequeath to the said Sarah Hayward the full and Sole use and
improvement of all my houshold furniture of what nature or kind Soever during
her natural Life.~
Also – I Give and bequeath to the five Children of my brother
Benjamin Hayward Late of said Bridgwater deceased, herein after mentioned the
sum of ten pounds – to wit, Sarah Snell the wife of Issachar Snell, Joseph
Hayward Mary Snell the wife of Zebedee Snell, Benjamin Hayward & Cary
Hayward the said Sum of ten pounds so Given and bequeathed to the said five
Children of my said deceased brother, to be equally divided between them. ~
Also – I Give and bequeath to Samuel Dunbar junr.
of said Bridgewater my beloved nephew, the sum of Forty Shillings. ~
Also – I Give and bequeath to Mehitabel Copeland the wife of
Jonathan Copeland junr, and to Melatiah Howard the wife of Jesse
Howard the sum of four pounds Lawful money–together with one Quarter part of my
wearing apparell, and one quarter part of all my houshold furniture after the
decease of my Sister Sarah Hayward, the said sum of four pounds, together with
the said apparell and furniture so Given and bequeathed to the said Mehitabel
and Melatiah, to be equally divided between them.~
Also – I Give and bequeath to Sarah Snow the daughter of
Elijah Snow Six Shillings Lawful money.–
Also – I Give and bequeath to Joseph Snow the Sum of Six
pounds Lawful money, together with my Right to and property in a pew in the
meeting house of the west precinct in said Bridgewater – Said pew being upon
the Lower floor in the South East Corner of said meeting House, and my right to
and property in the same being one Quarter part thereof–to have and to hold the
said Quarter part of said pew, to him his Heirs and assigns forever.~
Also – I Give and bequeath to Hannah Snow the wife of Daniel
Snow the sum of fifteen pounds Lawful Silver money–together with one half of my
wearing apparell, and one half of all my Houshold furniture after the decease
of my sister Sarah Hayward before mentioned
Also – I Give and bequeath to my dear Nephew Daniel Hayward
the sum of fifteen pounds Lawful money.~
And – Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint the above
named Joseph Snow Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament, to act and
do Respecting the same and the Estate that I shall die Seized and possessed of,
all that an Executor by Law ought and is empowered to act, do and perform — and
further my Will is, that if their should be any Goods, effects or monies
Remaining after the payment of all my just debts, funeral Expences, and the
Legacies herein before Given and bequeathed, then my Will is that the said
Remainder, Residue or Surplusage of Goods, effects or moneys shall be and
Remain, and I do hereby Give and bequeath the same to the above named Joseph
Snow, Hannah Snow, and Daniel Hayward, to be equally divided between them — In
witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this twenty first day of
September in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and Eighty four
Signed Sealed, published and declared by the
above named Hannah Hayward, as and for her
her Last Will & testament, in the presence of Hannah X Hayward (seal)
us who have hereunto Subscribed our names mark
as witnesses thereto in the presence of sd.
testator
and in the presence of each Other. –
Edward
Howard
John
Davis –
Benjamin
Marshall
Presented for probate on 7 March 1785 by Joseph Snow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Davis and on the 16th day
of April next following by Benjamin Marshall, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Joseph Snow, the before
named Executor.
Edward Howard Esqr,
Daniel Howard yeoman and Benjamin Marshall yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Hannah Hayward, late of Bridgwater, Single
woman, on 7 Mar. 1785. The Inventory of the Estate of Hannah Hayward, late of
Bridgwater, dated 4 Apr. 1785, totaled £195.6.2, no real estate, but included
bonds & notes valued at £137. Joseph Snow, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 2 May 1785.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, pp.
241-243, 273-274, from FHL microfilm #0550715.
Will of Hezekiah Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the name of God
Amen – On the fifth day of May Anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred and
seventy three - I Hezekiah Hayward of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth,
yeoman, being in health, and of a sound and disposing mind and memory, proceed
now to make this my Last will and testament. In the first place, I Give and
recommend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it, trusting in his mercy
through Jesus Christ for pardon, grace and glory, and my body I commit to the
earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter named
and as to my worldly Interest I dispose of it in the following manner vizt–
my will is that all my just debts & funeral charges should be discharged by
my executors in convenient time after my decease, out of that part of my estate
which I have given them
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife the
improvement of one half of my real estate which I have given deeds of, to my
Sons and reserved the same therein. also the improvement of all my Indoor
moveables or Houshold Goods, during the time she shall continue my widow. and
one third of my Houshold Goods to be intirely at her dispose
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Elijah, besides what I
have given him by Deed, a Bed & bedding, Six red chairs, when my wife shall
have done with them and one Quarter of my apparell at my decease
Item – I Give unto my Son Hezekiah one bed & bedding
allso my Desk & one fire lock, also one half of my Quick Stock, & one
half of all my farming tools & implements & one Quarter of my Apparell
all this besides what I have given him by deed
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my Son Ziba, besides what I
have given him by deed one Bed & Bedding, a fire Lock and Sword, one
Quarter of my apparell & my best tea table.~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Edward, besides what I
have given him by deed, my Largest brass kettle, one quarter of my apparell
also one half of my Quick stock, and one half of all my husbandry tools and
Implements.
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Huldah wife to
Calvin Peirce, twenty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence, to be
paid in twelve months after my decease by my executors, further I Give unto her
all my other houshold Goods or indoor moveables not before disposed of
Item – I Give unto my said Sons Hezekiah and Edward all
demands that I have on any persons whomsoever by book, bond or note, also all
my Cash, also my meat tubs & Cyder barrels to be equally divided between
them
Item – I Give unto my said five Children all my books to be
equally divided between them
Item – I do hereby nominate and appoint my said sons Hezekiah
& Edward Sole executors of this my Last will & testament. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal, the day & year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced
& declared by the said Hezekiah Hay- Hezekiah Hayward (seal)
ward as his Last will & testament
in presence of us
Josiah
Edson
Seth
Alden
Joshua
Alden
Presented for probate on 6 Sept. 1790 by Hezekiah Hayward and
Edward Hayward, the Executors therein named, and proved by Joshua Alden, one of
the witnesses thereto subscribed, Josiah Edson and Seth Alden being deceased.
Letters of Administration were granted to Hezekiah Hayward and Edward Hayward,
the before named executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 261-263, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Jacob Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God amen February 28th 1778, I,
Jacob Hayward of Bridgwater, in the County of Plymouth Husbandman, being now of
a disposing mind & memory, yet calling to mind the mortality of my body
& knowing that tis appointed unto all men once to die, do make & Ordain
this my Last Will & testament, that is principally & first of all, I
recommend my Soul into the hands of God who Gave it and my body I recommend to
the Earth to be buried with a Christian decent burial at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named, in hope of a Glorious resurrection and as to my
worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me, I Give & dispose
of the same in the following manner & form
1st—Tis my Will that all my debts & funeral
charges be well & truly paid in convenient time after my decease ~
2d—I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife
Martha, the South room & chamber over it in the house where I now dwell,
the use of the Well, kitchin & Cellar as much as she shall think necessary,
two Cows & the keeping of them, through the year, a sufficiency of fire
wood at the door, twelve pounds of Flax yearly and the use of an horse when she
think it needful. I further add Nine Bushells of Indian Corn, three Bushells of
Rye, and a Quarter of Beef provided for her yearly ~
3d—I Give & bequeath to my well beloved Son
Jacob Hayward, besides what I have allready Given him One half my pew in the
South meeting House of Bridgwater, the Other half of said pew to my son
Benjamin, to them, heirs & assigns forever ~
4—I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Benjamin
Hayward, all my homestead Buildings, utensills, all my Out Lands, and all my
Stock of Cattle, not above disposed off, to him, his Heirs and assigns forever
5—I Give & bequeath to my well beloved daughter Martha
Allen, besides what I have already Given her, Five shillings & no more ~
6—Finally I constitute & appoint my well beloved Son
Benjamin, Sole Executor of this my Last Will & testament, confirming this
& no other to be my Last will & testament as Witness my hand the day
& year above written
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced & Jacob Hayward (seal)
declared by me Jacob Hayward as my Last
Will & testament in presence of ~
Seth
Pratt
Job
Pratt
Calvin
Edson
Presented for probate on 7 Sept. 1778 by Benjamin Hayward,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Seth Pratt and Job Pratt, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Benjamin Sole [sic], the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Deacon Jacob Hayward, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 28 Sept. 1778 by Seth Pratt, Job Pratt, and
Zeckariah Whitman, and totaled £1688.7.~, including his real estate valued at
£990. Benjamin Howard [sic], the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5
Oct. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 48-49, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Joseph
Hayward of
In The Name of God Amen. The Nineteenth day of June In the
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Eighteen. I Joseph Hayward of
the Town of Bridgwater In the County of Plymouth In New England Yeoman – being
of perfect mind and memory praised be God therefore Calling to mind the
Mortality of my body and knowing that it is Appointed for all men Once to dye
do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament. That is to Say principally
and first of all I Give and bequeath my Soul into the hand of God who Gave it,
and my body to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the
discretion of my Executors Nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I
Shall receive the Same again by the Mighty power of God. And as Touching such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give
demise and dispose of the Same in the following Manner & form. Impr.
I Give and Bequeath unto Hannah my wellbeloved wife the Use and Improvement of
my housing and Lands whereon I dwell Containing about Twenty Six Acres and
about Sixty acres Toward Small Gain in The Swamp during her Life, or so Long as
she remains my Widdow: Also I Give her all My money Houshold Goods and debts
whatsoever and wheresoever with Such a part of my Stock as she shall desire for
her Use while She Lives which Shall also be at her dispose after her decease
all Excepting my books. Item I Give and bequeath Unto my Eldest Son Joseph
Hayward all that Tract of Land Lying On Cowisel River Whereon he hath built
Containing about One hundred & Ten Acres with fifteen Acres On the
Southeast Corner of the Neck Whereon he Lives. Together with Fifty Three Acres
of Land Above West meadow One Lot in the Meadow and An Acre adjoyning on the
West side a Lot of Meadow in Coasters Kitchin, And Two Thirds of a half a Share
in Cutting-Cove Cedar Swamp and half a purchase Right In the Undivided Lands in
Bridgwater all which I Give to him and his heirs forever. —
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Second Son Thomas Hayward all
the Housing and HomeLands before mentioned after his Mothers decease; And
Imediately after my decease Twenty Acres at Matfield and a purchase Right in
the meadow Lands a Share & a Quarter in the Old Cedar Swamp and a Third
part of half a Share in the West Swamp, And a half purchase right In the
Undivided Lands in Bridgwater All which I Give to him and his heirs for ever
Item I have Given by deed to my Third Son Edward Hayward
Sundry Lands In Taunton North Purchase both divided and Undivided which being
what I Intend for him I do hereby Confirm to him and his heirs forever. Item I have Given by deed to my Youngest Son
Peter Hayward about Twenty Two Acres of Land Lying On Matfield River and a
purchase Right in Taticut Lands And divers Lands In Taunton North purchase both
divided & Undivided which being what I Intend for him I do hereby Confirm
to him and his heirs forever. Item I have Given by deed to my four daughters
Mary Eames Hannah Byram Susanah Hayward and Abigail Hayward all my right and
title in the Estate of Peter Town of Cambridge decd. to be Equally
divided amongst them Only with this proviso that they shall pay out thereof the
Sum of Twenty pounds to my Grandaughter Alice Algar the Only Surviving daughter
of My Eldest daughter Alice Algar decd. Upon Condition that She Live
with my wife her Grandmother til She Arrive to Eighteen Years of Age or til her
Grandmothers decease but in Case her father take her away before then my Will
is that She shall have but Twenty shillings and the remainder of Said Twenty
pounds to be Equally divided between them. Item I Give and bequeath my Books to
all my Children perticulerly my Great Bible with Annotations I Give to my Son
Edward Hayward and the rest of them after my wifes decease to be Equally
divided among the rest of my Children. Item all my Unwilled Estate whatsoever I
Give and bequeath to my Son Thomas Hayward Before named and to his Heirs for
Ever. Finally I do nominate and Appoint and Ordain Hannah my well beloved wife
Sole Executrix of this My Last Will and Testament and my Two sons Thomas
Hayward & Edward Hayward to be helpfull to her as need may require and I do
hereby Utterly disallow Revoak and disanull all Other Wills Legacys &
Bequests & Executors whatsoever by me made & devised or Named & Do
Rattifie Establish & Confirm this and no Other to be my Last Will and
Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seale the day and
Year Above written. Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared by the
Said Joseph Hayward as his Last Will and Testament In the presence of us the
Subscribers. Joseph Hayward (seal)
Nathaniel Brett
Seth Brett
Willm. Brett Jur.
Probated on 17 July 1718, and proved by Nathaniel Brett and
Seth Brett, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Hannah
Hayward, the Executrix.
The Inventory of the goods and moveable Estate of Joseph
Hayward of Bridgewater, who died on 20 June 1718, was appraised by Nathaniel
Brett, Isaac Johnson, and John Field on 16 July 1718, not totaled, but included
£95.9.10 in money, bonds, book debts & money scails. Hannah Hayward, the
relict widdow & Executrix of Joseph Hayward, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the Name of God Amen the Sixth day of July 1751,
I Joseph Hayward of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth In
the province of the Massachusetts bay in NewEngland, being weak of Body but of
perfect mind & Memory, thanks be to God therefor calling to mind the
mortality of my body do Make & Ordain this my Last Will & Testament,-
first of all I Give my soule into the hands of God that Gave it, and my body I
recommend to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Execrs.
hereafter named and as Touching my Worldly Estate I dispose thereof in the following
manner, my Just Debts funerall charges and other expences being first Paid ~
Imprs. I Give to Mehetable my dearly beloved wife
a Cow to be at her dispose, & I give to my sd. wife & Daughter Hannah Hayward & to my
Daughter Sarah Hayward Joyntly togather the Improvement of my Hom Farm &
buildings standing thereon, and I also Give the Improvemt of one
halfe of my Pasture called the Sheep Pasture to them, & also the Improvemt.
one halfe of my land lying between the Road that Leads from Lieut.
John Johnson’s to Esqr. Willis and the Center Swamp to them, that is
to say during the time of my sd. wife her Naturall Life, and I also
give to my said wife the Improvement of all my indoore moveables, that is to
say, my Brass and Iron, Puter Earthen & Wooden utencells belonging to me,
during her said Naturall Life –
Item, I Give to my above named Daughters Hannah Hayward &
Sary Hayward after the decease of my said wife so much of my Indoore moveables
as to make them even with what their Sister Namely Mehetable Edson, Janna Snow
& Melatiah Dunbar had of my Estate at their Marrage.
Item, I Give to my four Daughters & to the Children of my
Daughters Melatiah Dunbar, (deced) as followeth that is to say, to Mehetable
Edson, Jonna Snow & the above named Hannah Hayward, Sary Hayward & the
Children of my said Daughter Melatiah in equall shares to them all my Land at
aplace called Matfield & also a Twenty Acre Lot of Land lying at aplace
called Motsshop neck Adjoyning on the southside of Land which Formerly belonged
to Benony Hayward, and also Twenty acres of land lying on the Westerly side of
the Bare Swamp, that is to say to the Children of my abovesaid Daughter
Maletiah Dunbar One equall share wth. my Other Daughters
abovementioned & also my Indoore moveables, after the decease of my wife,
and after the above Named Hannah & Sarah have had their Parts Sett out to
them as abovesaid the rest of sd. Indoore moveables to be equally
Divided between my four Daughters above named, and the Children of my said
Daughter Melatiah Dunbar that is to say the said Children of my said Daughter
Melatiah Dunbar that is to Say the said Children to have One equall Share,
Item, I Give my Two Sons Thomas Hayward & Benjamin
Hayward, whom I Likewise Constitute & appoint my Sole Execrs. of
this my Last Will & Testamt. to them, to them I Give my
apparell, and also I give the Improvement of One halfe of My Hom Farm and the
Improvement of the Buildings that is to say One halfe of them, and also the
Improvement of One halfe of my Sheep pasture so called, and the Improvement of
halfe the Land belonging to me lying between the road that leads from Lieut.
John Jones to Esqr. Willis’s & Centerswamp, & I also Give my
said Sons all my out doore moveables, that is to say my Cart Plows with all my
Team Tackling and Other utencells for Farming worke & also I give to my
Sons abovenamed all my Neat Stock of Cattle & Other Cretors except the
three Cows allready disposed off, & so many fat if any be as shall be
thought Necessary for the Support of the Family for that present Year
Item, I also Give to my Children above named after the
decease of their Mother, viz. Thomas Hayward, Benjamin Hayward, Mehetable
Edson, Jonna Snow, Hannah Hayward, Sarah Hayward, and the Children of Melatiah
Dunbar to them in equall shares all my Hom farm & buildings thereon and my
Sheep Pasture so called & the Peice of land above mentioned Lying between
the road that leads from Liut. John Jones, to Esqr.
Willis’s & Centerswamp that is to say the abovesd. Melatiah’s
Children to have One share wth. the rest above named and Furthermore
I by these Presents Testifie and say that the within Mentioned Tracts &
parcells of Land to the with named Children & GrandChildren as within
mentioned to them &to each of them and to their Respective Heirs I Give,
and also to their Assigns respectively forever Willed & Bequeathed
Ratifying & Confirming this &no other to be my last Will &
Testament—
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the
day & Year above writen
Signed, Sealed Published
Pronounced & Declared by the Joseph Hayward (seal)
sd. Joseph Hayward as his last Will
& Testament, In the Presence of us the
Subscribers
Daniel
Johnson
Josiah
Edson junr.
James
Johnson
Presented for probate on 9 May 1758 by the Execrs.
therein named, and proved by Danl. Johnson and James Johnson, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Hayward and
Benjamin Hayward, the Execrs. in the same Will named, on 9 May A.D.
1758.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 498-500, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Luther Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1854) *
Know all
men by these presents, that I, Luther Hayward, of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of sound disposing mind and
memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First. I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Bethiah Hayward, all of my household
furniture, my wearing apparel and all my Personal Estate of every description.
I also
give her all of my Real Estate of every description to her disposal, after
paying my just debts.
Lastly,
I ordain and appoint my wife Bethiah Hayward, as Executrix of this my last Will
and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and published and
declare this to be my last Will and Testament, in the presence of the witnesses
named below, this eleventh day of December, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and fifty four.
Luther Hayward (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared by the said Luther Hayward, as and for his last Will and
Testament, in presence of us who, in his presence, and in the presence of each
other and at his request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Solomon
Hayward
Samuel
G. Winsor
Lewis
Bryant
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July, 1859, by
Bethiah Hayward, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Solomon Hayward and
Samuel G. Winsor, two of the witnesses. Letter of Administration with the Will
annexed was granted to Elbridge Keith, the Executrix therein named having
declined the trust.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 101, p. 270-271, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Nathaniel
Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1734) *
In the Name of God Amen. The Seventeenth Day of January -
1733/4. I Nathaniel Hayward of Bridgewater in ye. County of Plymouth
in New-England Husbandman being weak in Body but of perfect Mind & Memory
Thanks be given to God: Therefore Calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body and
Knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to dy, do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament that is to say, Principally and First of all I
Give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it, and my Body I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Manner at ye
discretion of my Executor: And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless Me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of ye.
same in ye following Manner & form
First I Give & bequeath to Elizabeth my dearly beloved
Wife the East End of my House that Room where I now dwell with the Chamber over
it the back room & Cellar during her Life Also a Bed & Furniture a
bible & a third part of all my other Books, also the Meat Corn & flax
that shall be left a my Decease & so much of all other houshold Goods as
shall be necessary for her Support during her Life~~
2.ly. I Give to my Son Josiah Hayward whom I likewise
Constitute Make & Ordain my Sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament Seven acres of Land besides what he has alread. Seussed to him, it
being a Part of his Homestead—
3.ly. I Give to my Son Nathaniel Hayward Twenty Seven Acres
of Land where he now dwells and order him to pay Twenty Pounds in good Pay to
his Sisters Sarah Latham & Mary Kingman that is ten Pounds to Each of them
—
4.ly as for my Son Isaac Hayward I have already Given him his
Part of my Estate or Land equal to his Brethren before Mentioned in ye
Tract of Land welrance from Fras: Cary —
5.ly I Give to my Son Timothy Hayward all my Homestead after
my Decease, and he is to Provide for his Mother what is necessary for her
Support during her Widowhood, and in particular he is to keep a Cow for her use
—
6.ly I Give to my Daughter Mercy Dunbar ten Pounds to be paid
her out of my Estate~
7.ly. I Give to my three other Daughters Namely Elizabeth
Susanna and Bethiah that Piece of Land which I have lying between Lieuts.
Ephraim Cary & Ebenezer Hill, butting upon the South Side of the high way
& running into the Swamp. But if my son Timothy can & shall Pay to my sd.
Three Daughters last Mentioned thirty Pounds that is ten Pounds to Each of
them, then I Give ye. sd. Piece of Land to him, and each
Tract of Land which I have given to my Children as above mentioned I Give to
them & to their Heirs forever 8.ly
And all my Wearing Cloaths after my Decease I Give to my four Sons to be
divided equally amongst them —
9.ly I further Give to my Son Timothy My Iron Chains Cart
Irons & Plough Irons ~
10.ly I further Give to my Daughters Elizabeth Susanna &
Bethiah after their Mothers Decease to Each of them a Bed & Bedding, and if
either of them remain unmarried after their Mothers Decease, I Give them the
house Room which she had till they are Married —
Lastly after ye. Payment of Debts & funeral
Charges what Moveables remain Undisposed of I Give to my six Daughters to be
equally divided amongst them—And I do hereby utterly Revoke and Disanull all
other Wills or Testaments, Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be
my last Will & Testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& seal the Day & Year above written —
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared
by ye. sd. Nathaniel Hayward as his
last Will
and Testament In ye Presence of Us ye
Subscribers Nathaniel Hayward (seal)
Elisha Hayward, Jonathan Whitman Nathl Willis
Proved on 5 Aug. 1734 by Elisha Hayward, Jonathan Whitman,
and Nathaniel Willis, the witnesses. Letters of Administration on the estate of
Nathaniel Hayward, late of Bridgewater, were granted to Josiah Hayward, one of
the sons of the deceased, on 20 Aug. 1734.
The Inventory of all ye Estate both real &
personal that Mr. Nathaniel Hayward late of Bridgewater died seized of
was appraised by Daniel Hudson, Ephraim Cary, and Joseph Edson on 19 Aug. 1734,
not totaled, but his Homestead Land & Buildings were valued at £330, 7
acres of land at Josiah Haywards was valued at £70, 27 acres of land at
Nathaniel Haywards was valued at £90, and 4 acres of land at Ebenezer Hills
shop was valued at £30. Josiah Hayward, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 19 Sept. 1734.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 7, pp. 53-54, 64-65, from FHL
microfilm #0550513.
Will of Nathaniel Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the name of God
Amen—I Nathaniel Hayward, yeoman Labouring under distress of body but of a
sound mind and memory, blessed be God for it and being Sensible that it is
appointed for all men to die, I do by these presents appoint this my Last will
& testament, and First I Return my Soul to God that Gave it whenever he
shall please to call for it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be
decently buried by my Executors hereafter mentioned hoping for a Glorious
Resurrection To Life eternal through the merits of Christ my redeemer and
touching the temporal Estate which God hath blessed me with in this Life, my
Just debts and Funeral Charges being first paid by my Executrix hereafter
named, I Give and dispose of in the manner following vizt.
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my true and Loving wife
Hannah Hayward my homestead Land and buildings Lying in the township of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth, so Long as she remains my widow and no
Longer, also four acres of Land Lying on the Easterly side of the high way
bounded on the north side by the Land of the widow Leach, and on the south Side
by the Land of John Miller ~
I Give and bequeath unto my Son Nathaniel Five Shillings ~
I Give to my two Sons, Enos and Calvin my desk in equal
Shares and to each a barrel of Cyder
I Give and bequeath to my Son Barzilla and daughter Mary
Dwier thirty weight of hay Seed, and it is my desire that my Son Dwier should
Send the Gun and accoutirements to my Son Philip
I Give and bequeath to my two daughters Dorcas Bryant and
Rebecca Hayward, a Chest with two draws, and the trimming that was purchased
for it also a blue bed quilt in equal Shares –
I bequeath to my Son Philip, the Gun before mentioned &
two Sheep
I Give and bequeath to my Sons vizt. Oliver,
Libeus, Rufus and Isaac two Sheep each—and to the Rest of my Estate, a Cow, a
Calf & Sheep and other personal Estate not herein disposed – I Give to my
well beloved wife for her own, and it is my will that after her decease the
Real Estate should be equally divided between my Five Sons Phillip, Oliver,
Libeus, Rufus and Isaac
I acknowledge this to be my Last will and Testament – In
witness whereof I the said Nathaniel Hayward have hereunto Sett my hand and
Seal this Eighth day of November Annoq Domini 1780
Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said
Nathaniel Hayward to be his Last will Nathaniel Hayward (seal)
and Testament in presence of
Ephraim
Tomson
Nathaniel
Tomson
Ezra
Tomson
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1780 by Hannah Hayward,
Administrator cum testamento annexo, no Executor being named in said will, and
proved by Ezra Tomson, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration Cum Testamento Annexo were granted to Hannah Hayward.
Ebenezer Tomson of Halifax Esqr., Judah Wood of
Halifax, yeoman, and Jonathan Benson of Bridgwater, yeoman, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Nathaniel Hayward, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 4 Dec.
1780. The Inventory, dated 27 Dec. 1780, totaled £58.18.3, his real estate valued
at only £10. Hannah Hayward, the administratrix, gave her oath to the inventory
on 5 Mar. 1781, and she notified the court that she apprended the estate to be
insolvent to pay its debts. Ebenezer Tomson of Halifax Esqr. and Jonathan
Benson of Bridgwater, yeoman, were appointed to examine the claims against the
estate on 5 Mar. 1781. The adjusted claims totaled £18.5.0¾.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 29-31, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Peter Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The twentyeighth day of August 1756. I Peter Hayward of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in New:England yeoman, being in a weak
& low state of bodily health but of sound mind & Memory (thanks be give
unto God,) therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last
will & testament, that is to say, principally & first of all I give
& recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body I
recomend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the
discression of my Exr. hereafter named Nothing doubting I shall
receive the same again at the General resurrection by the mighty power of God,
and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
in this life, I give demise & dispose of the same in the following Manner
& form. ~~
Imprs. I give & bequeath to Abigail my dearly
beloved wife the improvemt. of one moiety or half part of all my
lands & buildings in Bridgwr. for & during the term &
space of nine years next after my decease, & at the expiration of said nine
years she shall have the improvement of only one third part of my lands in
Bridgwater & one half of my buildings as long as she shall continue my
widdow.~ Also I give to my said wife two cows, two beds with all the furniture
belongg. to ‘em & one half of the rest of my houshold stuff (not
herein otherwise disposd. off,) to be at her dispose forever.
Item I give to my well belovd. son Jonathan (whom
I likewise constitute make & ordain my sole Exr. of this my last
will & testament) all my lands & buildings in Bridgwater aforesaid
(reserving only the improvemt. to my wife as is above expressed)
also all that part of my largest half of land in Easton that lies northerly of
an east & west line extended from the Mine=bed near the head of the
seventy=Acre=lot. Also my lot of Cedarswamp lying in Easton aforesd.
& in the swamp near Edwd. Haward Esqr. I say I give
all my said lands to my sd. Son Jona. & to his heirs
& assigns forever. Also I give to my said son Jona. all my
husbandry tools & my youngest Mare & oldest Yoke of Oxen & one cow
& one bed. ~
Item. I give to my two, wellbeloved daughters Abigail &
Hannah all my lands lying in Easton both divided & undivided (that are not
herein otherwise disposed off,) to be equally divided between them, I say I
give it to them their heirs & assigns forever. Also I give to my sd.
daughters all my houshold goods (not herein otherwise disposed off,) to be
equally divided between them, also I give to each of my sd.
daughters one cow & one bed. –
Also it is my will that my son Jona. provide for
my wife a sufficiency of fire wood cut fit for the fire & deliverd.
at my now, dwelling house So long as she shall continue to live there. ~
And it is also my will that all my estate (not herein
otherwise disposd. off,) be equally divided between my aforesaid
wife & three Childn. And I do utterly disallow, revoke &
disannul all & every other former testaments, wills, legacies &
bequests & Executors by me in any ways before named, willed &
bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will
& testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & seal the
day & Year first aforewritten.
Signed sealed, published, pronounced, Peter Hayward (seal)
& declared by the said Peter Hayward
as his last will & testament, in prcence
of us the Subsrs. – Daniel Littelfield, Nathan
Hartwel, Shepard Fisk.
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1765 by Jonathan Hayward, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel Littlefield and Shepard Fisk, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jona. Hayward, the before named Exr.
The Inventory of the estate of Peter Hayward, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 27 Sept. 1765 by Shepard Fisk, Benjamin Hayward,
and Issachar Snell, and totaled £1587.13.10, including his homestead containing
84¼ acres including the buildings valued at £337.6.8, 183 acres in one tract
lying in Easton valued at £609.2.0, and several other parcels of land. Jonathan
Hayward, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Oct. 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 277-280, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Sarah Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1790) *
In the name of God
Amen – The 13th day of December Anno Domini 1790 I Sarah Hayward of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, single
woman, advancing in years and calling to mind my mortality do make and ordain
this my Last will & testament in the following manner, first I commend my
soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body to the earth, to be buried,
in decent christian burial, and my worldly estate I give and bequeath, as
follows
Imprimis – I Give
& bequeath to my Loving sister Joanna Snow, widow, her heirs or assigns the
sum of six pounds to be paid by my Executor, also one third part of all my
houshold goods books & wearing apparell
Item – I give to the
heirs of my brother Thomas Hayward deceased vizt, Amos, Eliab &
Robert Hayward, to each of them respectively their heirs or assigns, the sum of
two pounds a piece to be paid by my Executor
Item – I Give to the
heirs of my brother Benjamin Hayward deceased, as follows vizt – to
Daniel Hayward his heirs or assigns the sum of thirty pounds, also two third
parts of all the surplus or remainder of my estate whatsoever after the payment
of my just debts, funeral expences & the several Legacies herein mentioned
by my Executor, to Joseph, Benjamin & Cary Hayward, Sarah Snell & Mary
Snell being the other heirs of my deceased brother Benjamin aforesaid, to each
of them respectively their heirs or assigns the sum of two pounds a piece to be
paid by my Executor – further I give to Sarah Snell & Mary Snell aforesaid
& to Bethiah now wife to Daniel Hayward aforesaid their heirs or assigns
one third part of all my houshold goods, Books & wearing apparell to be
equally divided between them
Item – I Give to the heirs of my Sister Melatiah Dunbar
deceased – vizt, Samuel Dunbar, Mehitabel Copeland, Melatiah Howard
& Hannah Snow, to each of them respectively their heirs or assigns, the sum
of two pounds a piece to be paid by my Executor, also I further give to
Mehitabel Copeland, Melatiah Howard & Hannah Snow aforesaid their heirs or
assigns one third part of all my houshold goods Books & wearing apparell to
be equally divided between them
Item – I Give to
Sarah Lathrop now wife to Jacob Lathrop of said Bridgwater, the sum of twenty
shillings, also to Bethiah Keith, Daughter to Edward Keith the sum of twenty
shillings to be paid by my Executor
Item – I Give and
devise to Joseph Snow, his heirs or assigns the sum of six pounds also all my
right in a Pew in the old meeting house, in the west Precinct in Bridgwater
being situated on the floor at the easterly corner of said house – I do also
hereby constitute & appoint the said Joseph Snow sole Executor of this my
Last will & testament, and do further give unto the said Joseph Snow, his
heirs or assigns one third part of all the surplus or remainder of my Estate
after the payment of my just debts, funeral expences & the several Legacies
herein mentioned — In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal,
the day & year first above written ~
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and declared
by the testator as his [sic] Last will & testament Sarah Hayward (seal)
in presence of us –
Joel
Edson
David
Snow
Josiah
Richards
Presented for probate on 6 Jan. 1794 by Joseph Snow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joel Edson, David Snow, and Josiah
Richards, all the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to Joseph Snow, the before named Executor.
Josiah Richards, Jona. Kingman and Isaac Whitman,
all of Bridgwater, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of Sarah Hayward,
late of Bridgwater, single woman, on 6 Jan. 1794. The Inventory, dated 9 Jan.
1794, totaled £203.19.4, no real estate. Jos. Snow, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 3 Mar. 1794.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 518-519, from FHL microfilm
#0550717, and Vol. 35, p. 23.
Will of Seth Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen September 3d 1778 I Seth
Hayward of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth, husbandman being now a
disposing mind & memory, yet calling to mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make & ordain
this my Last Will and testament, that is principally and first of all, I
recommend my soul into the hands of that God who gave it, and my Body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried with christian decent Burial, at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named, in hope of rising again at the Last
day, and as to my worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life I Give & dispose of the same in the following manner & form
1st—Tis my Will that all my debts & funeral
charges be well & truly paid in convenient time after my decease
2d—I Give & Bequeath unto my well Beloved wife
Tabitha a third of the improvement of all my buildings & Lands, one horse
& my Chair for her use, and the use of two Cows and five sheep ~
3d—I Give and Bequeath to my well beloved Son
Azariah Hayward besides what I have Given him by deed of Gift all that Land, of
which I have Given him a Lease, excepting the wood upon it which is designed
for my home fire, to be taken off in fifteen years, all this to him, his heirs
and assigns forever –
4th—I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved Son
Solomon all my Interest not above disposed of to him his heirs & assigns
forever, excepting my two pews in the meeting house, that in the Gallery I Give
to my Son Azariah, that below I Give to my Son Solomon, to be improved by my
whole family while unmarried, my wearing apparel I Give to my two Sons to be
equally divided between them– tis my will that my two beloved daughters Bethia
& Charity, have the priviledge to dwell in my house while they remain
unmarried ~
5—Tis my Will that my two daughters, should equally share in
one third of all my Indoor moveable Estate
6—I order my Son Solomon to pay his two Sisters, by name
Bethiah & Charity Hayward, one Quarter of his whole Legacy ~
7—I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved Grand daughters,
Freelove & Lydia Whitman thirteen pounds six shillings & Eight pence to
each, at the rate of Corn, Indian Corn three shillings per Bushell, to be paid
when they arrive at the age of Eighteen years, if either or both of them die
before this age, no Legacy to be paid, on the account of the deceased
Finally—I constitute and appoint my well beloved Son Solomon,
Sole Executor of this my Last Will and testament and order him to pay all the
Legacies therein specified, confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and
Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day
& year above written
Signed,
Sealed, published, pronounced & declared by me Seth Hayward (seal)
Seth
Hayward as my Last Will & testament in
presence
of us
Seth
Pratt
Job
Pratt
Benjamin
Hayward
Presented for probate on 5 Oct.
1778 by Solomon Hayward, the Executor therein named, and proved by Job Pratt
and Benjamin Hayward, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Solomon Hayward, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Seth
Hayward, late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 27 Oct. 1778 by Seth Pratt,
Hezekiah Hooper and Job Pratt, and totaled £3094.2.6, including his real estate
which totaled £1602.10, and a large amount of livestock.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 105-106, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Silas Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In the
name of God Amen, I Silas Hayward of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth,
suffering under some indisposition of body, but through the blessing of God
being of sound mind and memory, do this twenty fourth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, make and ordain
this my last will and testament, in manner and form following that is to say, I
give unto my brothers Solomon, Martin, Joseph, Nahum, Seth, Almarine, Lewis
& Luther and to my sisters Betsey & Levina, one Dollar to each of them
– I also give and bequeath unto my mother the whole of my estate both real and
personal, to her disposal, not otherwise disposed of,– If I should live until
my mother’s decease, I order my whole estate to be equally divided, between my
two brothers Seth & Luther and my sister Betsey, each of them to have one
third of my estate not otherwise disposed of,
And I do now constitute ordain and appoint my brother Solomon
Hayward sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament—
In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first named.
Silas Hayward (seal)
Signed sealed, published and declared by the testator as his
last will and testament in presence of us, who in his presence and in presence
of each other hereunto set our names as witnesses at his request
Solomon
Hayward
Alvin
Hayward
Betsey
Hayward
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Feb. 1852 by
Solomon Hayward, the Executor therein named, and proved by Solomon Hayward, one
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 94, p. 67-68, from FHL microfilm
#0555641.
Will of Solomon
Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonweatlh of Massachusetts
(1829) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Solomon
Hayward of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth being advanced in years and
suffering under some indisposition of body, but through the blessing of God
being of sound mind & memory do this sixteenth day of February in the Year
of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty nine, make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament in manner & form following, that is to say,
I
give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife Zeruiah the use & improvement
of one third part of all my lands and buildings during her life and I do also
give her one third part of all my personal estate to be at her disposal among
my children.
I
give unto my six Sons following Viz: Solomon, Martin, Joseph, Nahum, Almarine
and Lewis twenty five dollars to each of them to be paid in one year after my
decease.
I
give to my other three sons, viz: Silas, Seth & Luther and to my two
daughters Betsey & Levina all the rest of my Estate not above dispose of,
my three sons last named to have three quarters equally and my two daughters to
have the other quarter equally.
And
I do now constitute, ordain & appoint my son Solomon Sole Executor of this
my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year
first named.
Solomon Hayward (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the testator as his last Will & Testament in the presence of
us, who in his presence & in presence of each other hereunto set our names
as witnesses at his request.
Simeon
Pratt
Seth
Pratt
Henry
W. Pratt
Presented for probate on 3 Dec.
1832, and proved by Simeon Pratt and Henry W. Pratt, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration given to Solomon Hayward of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Solomon Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1866) *
I Solomon Hayward of Bridgewater do make and declare this my
last will and testament.
1. I give to my grandchildren William Washburn and Edward
Washburn sons of my deceased daughter Mary Washburn wife of Rotheus Washburn to
each of said grandchildren the sum of five dollars.
2– I give to my great grandchildren Josephine White Henry
White and Elmer White children of my deceased grandchild Mary White wife of
Hiram White & grandchildren of my deceased daughter the said Mary Washburn
to each of said great grand-children the sum of five dollars
3d I give devise & bequeath all the
rest residue and remainder of my estate real personal & mixed of whatever
kind & wherever situate to Chloe Benson widow of Nahum Benson deceased who
has long been a faithful servant & housekeeper in my family & is now
living in my house – to have & to hold the same to said Chloe Benson her
heirs and assigns forever.
4. I appoint Williams Latham of Bridgewater Executor of this
will In witness whereof I the said Solomon Hayward have hereto set my hand this
ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty
six.
Solomon Hayward
Signed, published & declared by the said Solomon Hayward
as and for his last will & testament in the presence of us who at his
request and in his presence have hereto set our names as witnesses.
Williams
Latham Francis
Winsor
Albion
K. Washburn Nahum
Benson
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of Sept. 1867 by
Williams Latham, of Bridgewater, with Galen Latham and Benjamin Ward, of East
Bridgewater, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Williams Latham
on 23 Sept. 1867.
Spencer Leonard, Benjamin Harden, and Sylvanus T. Pope, all
of Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the estate of Solomon Hayward, late
of Bridgewater, on 23 Sept. 1867. The Inventory totaled $2921.67, including his
real estate valued at $1970. Williams Latham, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 12 Apr. 1869.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 12-13, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, Vol. 124, p. 95, and Vol. 109, p. 331.
Will of Thomas
Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1740) *
In the Name of God Amen the Eighteenth day of July A.D. 1740,
I Thomas Hayward of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in the Province of sd.
Massachusets bay in New England Husbandman, being Now weak in body but of
perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to the Great God, yet Calling to mind
ye. Mortallity of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all
men Once to die do make and ordain this My last will and Testament, that it to
Say, Principally and first of all, I Give and Recommend my Soul into ye.
hand of that God who Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried
with decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named,
Nothing doubting but at ye. Generall Resurrection I Shall Receive
the Same Again by the power of Allmighty God, and as Touching Such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased god to bless me in this life, I give demise
and dispose of ye. same in ye following manner
& form that is to Say.
1 1st, It is My Will
That all my Debts & funerall Charges be well and Truly paid in Convenient
time after my decease—
2 2ndy I
Give and bequeath unto my Wellbeloved wife Bethia One third part of the
Improvement of my home farme; & One third part of the Improvement of all my
Moveable Estate, dureing her Naturall life together with the Improvement of the
old part of ye house in which I now dwell.
3 3ly I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved son
Seth Hayward all my home farme, together with One yoke of Oxen, two Cows, Eight
Sheep, One horse and all my Utensils upon sd. farme proper for
husbandry, and allso One half of a Right in sd. Old Cedar Swamp vizt
Three quarters of a priviledge Right in the Undivided land, together with My
Gunn, Sword and Ammunition, and allso One pair of Andirons, tongs, Slue, &
two pair of Tramels, excepting that part of ye. house ye.
improvement of which I have given to my wife dureing her Naturall life, the
improvement of which I give to my four daughters, as long as they, or either of
them Stands in need of it, after thiere mothers decease.
4 4ly. I
Give and bequeath unto my wellbeloved daughter Alice & to her son Thomas
Cushman ten Acres of land lying On the North Side of ye Great River
below Richard Geningses, together with all other land which I have On that side
ye. River below said Jeningses.—
5 5ly. I Give
and bequeath unto my Well beloved daughters, Bethia and Mary, all my land lying
On ye. Southerly side of ye. land that was formerly James
Barrells.—
6 6ly. I
Give and bequeath unto my wellbeloved daughter, Phebe that Tract of land which
I bought of Japhet Pratt junr. being in Bridgwater.—
7 7ly. The
Other part of My Estate not dispos’d off, I give to My well beloved wife
Bethia, to be disposed of after my decease, as She see Cause among my
Children.—
Finally, I appoint and Ordain my well beloved wife Bethia
Sole Executrix of this my last will and Testement & do hereby utterly
disallow and Revoke all other wills before this time by me made, holding
Ratyfying and Confirming this and no other to be my last will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal The
day and year above written. ~ Signed Sealed published pronounc’d and Deliverd
by the said Thomas Hayward as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us
the Subscribers.
Richard Davenport
Enoch Leonard Thomas Hayward (seal)
Nathaniel Hayward
Presented for probate on 8 June 1741 by Bethia Hayward, the
Executrix, and proved by Richard Davenporte, Enoch Leonard and Nathll.
Hayward, the witnesses.
No inventory was recorded for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 367-369, from FHL microfilm
#0551531.
Will of Timothy
Hayward of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1750) *
In The Name of God Amen The Twenty fifth Day of May Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and fifty I Timothy Hayward of Bridgwater in
the County of plimo. in New England Yeoman Being of a Sound and
Disposing Mind and Memory Thanks be to God for it and Calling to mind the
Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all Men Once to die
Do Ordain and make this my Last Will and Testament. first of all I give and
recomend my Soul Into the Hands of the great God who gave it hoping thro.
ye. Merits and Satisfaction of Jesus Christ to obtaine the full and
free pardon of all my Sins and finaly to Inherit Everlasting Life. and my Body
I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executrix
& Executor herafter Named Nothing Doubting but at the Resurrection I Shall
receive the Same again by the power of God Almighty and Touching Such Worldly
Estate Wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I give and
Dispose of the Same In the following manner (viz) first of all my will is that
my funeral Charges to gether with all my Just Debts be paid in a Convenient
Time after my decease In the next place I Give and bequeath unto my well
beloved Wife Jael the whole Inmroument of my present Homstead while She Shall
Continue my Widdow and the Improument of My Farm in the East prect.
till my son Timothy Shall arive To the age of Twenty One Years also I give unto
my Said Wife all my Indoor Moveables Excepting those which my first Wife brot
to be in Tirelly at her dispose also I Give unto her my Horse Two Cows Ten
Sheep and Two Swine and all my Corn meat and other provisions and I Do hereby
nominate and appoint my Sd. Wife Executrix and Mr. Seth
Alden Executors of this my Last Will and Testament and My Will Is that my Said
wife Should pay my faneral Charges and Other Debts out of My Quick Stock ~~~
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Timothy his heirs and
assigns for Ever My Farm Lying in the East prect. also I give unto
him My best Sute of apparrell hereby oblidging him to pay to my Son Ebenezer
Fifty pounds Lawfull money When Said Ebenr. Shall arive to twenty
One Years of age
Item I Give and bequeath unto my Said Son Ebenezer his heirs
and assigns for Eever My Tract of Lands Lying near my Brother Nathll.
Hayward Junr. also I Give unto him the Remainder of my apparrell that is
besides what I gave to my Said Son Timothy
Further I Give unto my Said Sons Timothy & Ebenezer my
Cart & Wheeals plows yokes Chains and all my husbandry Tools To be Equaly
divided between them and also I give unto them the aforesaid Indoor Moveables
of my first Wifes Equely between them
I give and bequeath unto my Son Daniel his heirs and assigns
forever my present Homstead upon this Condition Which Is That if The Child
Wherewith My wife Is Now pregnant Should be a Daughter Then I Oblidge my Said
Son Danll. to pay out Legacy as here after Expressed viz to my
Daughter Mary Thirteen pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence Lawfull Money and
also the Same Sum to her that is unborn when they Shall be Eighteen Years of
age or at Marriage butt if the unborn Child Shall be a Son then I give unto my
Said Son Danll. the One half of my present homestead and to pay out
to my Said Daughter Mary Six pounds Thirteen Shilling and four pence Lawfull
Mony
Item I give and bequeath unto My Said Daughter Mary the Sume
of Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence Lawfull Mony to be paid unto
her as I have Orderd in and by this Will
Item I Give and bequeath unto the Said unborn Child if a Son
The One half of my present homested he paying to My Said Daughter Mary Six
pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawful Mony and if a Daughter then I
Give her thirteen pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence Lawfull Mony to be paid
by my Said Son Danll. as aforesaid
And Further my Will is that in Case thair Should be any Quick
Stock Left besides What I have already Disposed of after My Debts are paid I
give and bequeath the Same unto all my Children afore Mentioned to be Equely
Divided between them
In Testimony Whereof I have here unto Set my hand and Seal
the Day and Year afore Said
Signed Sealed Deliverd pronounced Timothy Hayward (seal)
published and Declaird by the sd. Timothy Hayward
to be his Last
Will and Testament in presence of us the Subscribers—
Hezekiah Hayward
David Conant Junr.
Josiah Edson Jur.
Presented for probate on 11 July 1750 by the Executors
therein named, and proved by David Conant and Josiah Edson Jur. Esqr.,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Jael Hayward,
widow, and Seth Alden, Yeoman, both of Bridgwater, on 11 July 1750.
Josiah Edson Esqr., Edward Mitchell, and David
Conant, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the estate of Timothy
Hayward, late of Bridgewater, on 11 July 1750. The Inventory of the Estate of
Timothy Hayward, dated 16 July 1750, totaled £465.3.8, including his homestead
valued at £160, his farm in the East Prect. valued at £160, and his
land by Nathll. Haywards valued at £24. Seth Alden and Jael Haward,
the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 30 July 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 50-51, 114-115, from FHL
microfilm #0551539.
Will of Zeruiah Hayward of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Zeruiah Hayward of Bridgewater in said County of
Plymouth being advanced in years and suffering under some indisposition of
body, but being of sound mind, do this fourth day of October in the year of our
lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two, make and ordain this my last
will and testament, in manner and form following that is to say, I give and
bequeath unto my Daughter, Betsey, all my wearing apparel. I also give to her
two undivided fifths of all my personal Estate. The remainder, three fifths of
my personal estate, I give to my three sons Silas, Seth & Luther, to be
equally divided between them.
And
I do now Constitute ordain and appoint my son Solomon Sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first mentioned.
Zeruiah Hayward (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, and
declared by the testatrix as her last will and Testament, in the presence of
us, who at in her presence, and in presence of each other hereunto set our
names as witnesses at her request.
Alvin Hayward
Lewis Bryant Jr.
Chloe Benson
Presented for probate on the last
Tuesday of May, 1844, by Solomon Hayward, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Alvin Hayward and Lewis Bryant Jun., the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p.
208-209, from FHL microfilm #0555637.
Will of Daniel Hearsey of Abington, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
Know
all Men that I Daniel Hearsey of Abington in the County of Plymouth, Yeoman,
being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make this my last Will and
Testament in manner as follows
1st To my wife Hannah Hearsey I give and bequeath
all my household furniture – the improvement of one half of the house, and such
privileges in the yards, Barn and out-buildings as she may require – together
with fifty dollars per year, in semiannual payments as is hereafter expressed –
and so much fire wood prepared for her fire as she may require for her comfort
and convenience – all the above except the furniture to continue so long as she
may remain my widow.
2d. To my son Isaac Hearsey I give and bequeath five
hundred dollars in cash provided he exhibit no account against my estate – and
not otherwise.
3d. All the rest and residue of my Real and
Personal estate of every name and description, my Will is, shall be equally
divided between my sons Isaac Hearsey and Daniel Hearsey Jr.
And
my said sons Isaac and Daniel to pay to my wife the said sum of fifty dollars
in equal semiannual payments – and also to furnish and prepare and furnish a
sufficient quantity of fire wood for her at proper times and seasons so long as
she may continue my widow – and no longer.
And
my Will is that all my real estate which may come into the hands and possession
of my said sons, after the payment of all my debts and the legacy to my son
Isaac, and charges of administration shall stand holden and pledged for the
said semiannual payments to my wife – so that she may in case of failure of
said payments have a lien upon all the said Real Estate for the faithful
payment of the same.
My
said sons Isaac and Daniel to pay all debts that may be due at the time of my
decease.
4th.
And I hereby appoint my brother Avery Hearsey and my son Isaac Hearsey joint
Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made.
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of
August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Daniel Hearsey (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Daniel Hearsey to be his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his
presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Avery
Hersey
Charlotte
Hersey
Charles
H. Blaney
Presented for probate on 29 Nov.
1836 by Avery Hersey and Isaac Hersey, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Charlotte Hersey and Charles H. Blaney, two of the subscribing witnesses.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Avery Hersey and Isaac Hersey, the
Executors.
Avery Hersey and Isaac Hersey, of
Abington, were granted Administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of
Daniel Hersey, late of Abington, Yeoman, on 29 Nov. 1836, with Joseph Wilkes
and Jared Whitman, both of Abington, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Daniel Hearsey, late of Abington, Yeoman, was appraised on 9 Dec. 1836 by Jared
Whitman, John Wilkes and Joseph Wilkes, and totaled $5141.35, including his
real estate valued at $3898.25, and his personal estate valued at $1243.10.
Avery Hersey and Isaac Hersey, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory
on the first Tuesday of Apr. 1837.
Jared Whitman, John Wilkes and
Joseph Wilkes, all of Abington and all Freeholders, were appointed to divide
the Real Estate of Daniel Hersey, late of Abington, Yeoman, between his heirs
on 4 Apr. 1837. The division was of the Real Estate of Daniel Hersey between
his sons Isaac Hersey and Daniel Hersey was approved on 3 Oct. 1837, with Avery
Hersey signing as Guardian to Daniel Hersey.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
493-494, from FHL microfilm #0555264, Vol. 1G, p. 19, and Vol. 79, pp. 88,
423-426.
Will of Daniel Hersey of Abington, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Know all men by these presents, that I Daniel Hersey of
Abington in the County of Plymouth – being of sound mind and memory do make
this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows.
To
my Wife Betsey Hearsey I give and bequeath all my real and personal Estate of
every name and nature – the same to be at her disposal with the following
restrictions and limitations – viz. should she die without heirs of her Body
during the life of my Mother Hannah Hearsey – then the remainder to my mother
during her life – with remainder to my Brother Isaac Hearsey and his heirs –
but should my wife survive my mother and die without issue then the remainder
to my Brother and his Heirs. – should my wife for any reason see cause to sell
and dispose of any or all my real or personal Estate she shall be at perfect
liberty so to do. – And I have the fullest confidence that she will so manage
my said Estate as to comply so far as she may – with the disposition as above
made.
And I hereby appoint my wife Betsey
Hersey – sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all
former will by me made. —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day
of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Daniel Hearsey (seal)
signed,
sealed, and declared by
the
said Daniel Hersey to be his
last
will and Testament in presence
of
us who at his request and in his
presence
have hereunto subscribed our
names
as Witnesses to the same
Avery
Hersey
Charlott
Hersey
David
Gurney 2d.
Presented for probate on the last
Tuesday of Aug. 1843 by Betsey Hersey, the Executrix therein named, and proved
by Avery Hersey and Charlotte Hersey, two of the witnesses therein subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Betsey Hersey, the Executrix therein
named.
Isaac Hersey of Abington was
granted Administration with the Will annexed of the estate of Daniel Hersey,
late of Abington, Yeoman, on 10 Jan. 1844, Betsey Hersey, the Executrix therein
named having since deceased without completing the settlement of the Estate,
with Avery Hersey and Jared Whitman, both of Abington, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Daniel Hersey, late of Abington, Yeoman, was appraised by John Wilkes, Joseph
Wilkes, and Albert Dyer on 12 Jan. 1844, his real estate totaled $831.10, and
his personal estate totaled $117.15. Isaac Hersey, the Administrator with the
Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 13 Feb. 1844.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p. 425-426, from FHL microfilm #0555268,
Vol. 10A, p. 531, and Vol. 86, p. 87-88.
Will of Thomas
Heyland of Scituate, Plymouth Colony (1682/3) *
The
Last will and testament of Thomas Heyland Senir
In the name of god amen: ye fourteenth day of
February in ye year of ye Lord one thousand six hundred
eighty and two : I Thomas Heyland senir, of ye Town of
Scituate in ye Jurisdiction of New Plymouth in New England yeoman
being weak in body but of sound & perfect memory, god be praised for ye
same) and knowing ye uncertainty of this life on earth & being
Desirous to settle things in order, Do make this my last Will & Testament
in maner & forme following –
That is to say first and principally I Commend my Soul to
almighty god my creator & redeemer hopeing that I shall receive full pardon
and free remission of all my sins, & be saved by the precious Death &
meritts of my blessed saviour & Redeemer Jesus Christ, & my body to ye
earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in such decent manner &
Christian maner as to my Executor hereafter named shall be thought
meet & Convenient. And as touching such worldly estate as ye
lord in mercy hath lent me, my will & meaning is ye same shall
be imployed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will is expressed. And first I
do hereby revoke, renounce frustrate and make void, all Wills by me formerly
made, and Declare and appoint this my last Will & testament. Item I give
and bequeath to my Son Thomas Heyland a Debt of seventeen pounds in money Due
to me from Nathaniel Tilden Also my will & meaning is that my said Son
Thomas shall Immediately after my Decease posses & injoy to his sole proper
use and behoofe, all my Greenfield lands, with all ye housing upon
or near to ye sd land & to me apertaining and my
peice of swamp, and all other my right & previledges & appurtenances to
my said seat of land apertaining and two lotts of land lying between Israell
Chittingtons & Henry Chittingtons with all ye meadow belonging
to ye sd two lotts, untill his son my Grand child Thomas
Heyland shall Compleat the twenty third year of his age, and my will is yt
then ye said lands & other ye premises shall descend
to my said Grandchild Thomas Heyland & ye heirs male of his body
lawfully begotten to have & hold them for ever, and in case ye sd
Grandchild Thomas Heyland shall Decease before ye twenty third year
of his age be Compleated & without Issue male as aforesaid, or after ye
sd terme appointed without issue male as aforesd then the
sd lands and all other ye premises shall Descend to his
younger brother my grandchild John Heyland & ye heirs male
lawfully begotten of his body and for Defect of such heirs male as aforesd,
shall returne to ye heirs female of ye body of my
grandchild Thomas Heyland lawfully begotten, And in case of failture of such
Issue of my grandchild Thomas Heyland then to ye heirs female of ye
afore mentioned John Heyland, lawfully begotten as aforesaid: Also I give and
bequeath to my son Thomas Heyland all that land & every parcell thereof he
injoyeth by from or under me and whereof he hath had yet no legall assurance
from me to injoy the said land & every parcell thereof During ye
whole terme of his naturall life, as also twenty acres of land which I
purchased of mr Hatherly lying beyond ye Sweet Swamp, and
after his Decease to his son my Grand child John Heyland and the heirs male of
his body lawfully begotten and for Defect of such heirs male, to ye
heirs male of his Brother Thomas above said of his body lawfully begotten, and
for want of such heirs male of my grandchild Thomas Heyland to returne to ye
heirs female of ye aforesaid John Heyland and for want of such heirs
female of ye said John Heyland, to ye heirs female of his
brother Thomas aforesd: Also I give to my son Thomas Heyland aforesd
two ten acre lotts of land ye one laying between ye
widdow Dedsons and Samuell Hollbrooks on ye right hand, and ye
other upon ye left hand, against ye land of Samuell
Holbrooks, towards Benjamin Percies, lying forty rods square, and twenty acres
of land lying at rounding, towards the Towne, and three quarters of a share
(which is my whole right) in ye undevided Conehasset Land. To injoy
to his owne Sole proper use & behoofe immediately after my Decease, &
thence forth during ye whole Terme of his naturall life, and then my
will is, ye said parcels of land shall goe to his two sons aforesd.
to be equally Devided between them, part & part like, and to ye
heirs male of their bodies lawfully begotten, and in case of Decease without
heirs or such heirs, my will and meaning is, That ye Heirship of
these parcells of land, Last mentioned– & of all & any others, by me
bequeathed to my two forementioned Grandchildren Thomas Heyland & John
Heyland shall be regulated & stated by & according to what is above
expressed of that kinds Respecting my two sd grandchildren; Moreover
I give to my son Tho. Heyland & to his two aforementioned sons after him,
to be equally Devided between them part & part like All my rights in ye
undevided lands in Scituate, as I am an antient Planter Coming in by order and
all that is wanting, to make up my accommodations, that by order of Court of
right belongs to me, Also I give & bequeath to my two aforementioned
grandchildren Thomas Heyland and John Heyland, two other Committe lotts the one
of seaven acres, ye other of Ten acres, to each Share & share
alike, furthermore by this my last Will and Testament I Do Constitute and
appoint my afforementioned Grandchild Thomas Heyland Sole heir of my seat of
land which lyeth it Waldern in old England against Waldern down towards
Heiffield, and my will is that my son Thomas Heyland shall have to his own use
& behoofe annually During ye time of his life, one third of ye
Rent for ye sd seat, and in like manner one third of ye
Rent shall annually be reserved to my sd grandchild Thomas Heyland
after ye twenty third year of his age expired, in like maner the
other third of ye Rent of ye sd seat, to be
annually divided by even portions, between my four Daughters, Elyzabeth James,
Sarah Turner, Mary Bryant and Deborah Tickner, During ye terme of
their naturall lives, and after their decease the whole Rent to remaine to
himself my sd grandchild Thomas Heyland, and in case of Defect of
Such heirs as above said ye Directions for heirship above given to
be attended; Item I give my house at Tenterden in Kent to my son Thomas Heyland
during ye terme of his naturall life, and after his Decease to my
grandchild his younger son John Heyland, and his heirs in maner as above
expressed for ever, Item I give & bequeath by this my last will and
Testament unto my grandchild Philip James son of Francis James of Hingham
Twenty pounds in Currant silver money of new England to be paid by Executor
hereafter named, and my will & meaning is that the sd Philip James
shall therefor annually allow to his mother my Daughter Elyzabeth James, twenty
shillings in like money as aforesd During ye whole terme
of her naturall life Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Turner Ten
pounds in Currant silver money of new England to be paid by my Executor
hereafter named, Item To my Daughter Mary Bryant I give and bequeath by this my
Last Will & Testament ye sum of fifteen pounds of Currant silver
money of New England to be paid by ye Executor to this my
Will, Item to Issabell Witherell some time wife to my son Samuell Heyland and
now to Samuell Witherell, I give & bequeath forty shillings of Currant
silver money of new England to be paid by my executor hereafter
named, Item to my Daughter Deborah Tickner I give & bequeath ye
sum of five pounds of Currant silver money of New England to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named. Item I give & bequeath to my
grandchild Benjamin Briant Son of my Daughter Mary Briant a parcell of land
Conteyning twenty acres being part upland & part Swamp, lying in Scituate
Township near to ye place Comonly called, and known by ye
name of New found marsh, and joynning upon one side & one end upon land of
John Turner Senir, togeather with all my Right in Long marsh by
virtue of any grant or grants or by any other way or means whatsoever to have
and to hold to him ye said Benjamin his heirs and assignes for ever,
and to be in his fathers posession during his non age, Item I give to my
foresaid grandchild Benjamin Bryant ye sum of fifteen pounds of Currant
silver money of New England, to be improved in purchasing more medow to be laid
to ye aforesaid land, which money is to be paid by my Executor
hereafter named, Also I give & bequeath to my Grandchild Elyzabeth Briant ye
Sum of seventeen pounds, of Currant silver money of New England to be paid by
my Executor hereafter named, and my will and meaning is that all
these money Legacies, shall be Discharged and paid to ye severall
persons respectively or such as have ye Care of, or are to reseive
for any of them bona fide, according to ye true intent & meaning
of this my last Will & Testament, and within ye space of three
monthes after my decease at ye furthest, furthermore I Do Declare
& Constitute and appoint my son Thomas Heyland sole Executor of
this my last will & Testament, Item To my grandchild Joseph Studson I give
and bequeath the sum of five pounds in Currant silver money of New England to
be paid by my Executor as aforesaid, as also ye seat where on his
father lives now, which seat I reserved for my Daughter Studsons heirs before
marriage as appears by ye Towne Record. These words (begotten to,
is) interlined before Signing and sealing, these words (I give and bequeath)
& these five pounds) hemd in Before signing & Sealing:
This Instrument was Declared by ye above sd Thomas Heiland
Thomas Heyland to be his last Will & Testament (seal)
the Day of ye Date above written in presence of us
Witnesses & signed & sealed at ye same
time Thomas Heiland
Job Randall, Joseph
Hinchman;
An Inventory of ye goods and estate of Thomas
Hilland Deceased of Scituate Taken by us whose names are hereunto Subscribed
this third Day of May 1683 –
Total £361.18.00. Isaak
Buck Senir
John
Allin
on the oath of Thomas Hiland Junir
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, Book 2, p. 33-35.
Will of Deborah Hicks of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1712) *
Deborah Hicks Widdow Late Wife of Thomas Hicks Deced being
weake of body but well in understanding and Memory Blessed be God for it I
think it Convenient to Settle and Dispose of what Estate my Deced husband Left
me in order thereunto I doe Make Constitute and appoint this to be my Last Will
and Testament in manner and form following, First I give and bequeath unto my
welbeloved Friends Benjamin Field and Elizabeth his Wife Fifteen pounds with my
youngest Son Stephenson Hicks to bring him up, Item I give & bequeath all
the Remaineing part of my Estate to be Equally divided Amongst my eight
Children hereafter named that is to say Abigall, Deborah, Mary, Elizabeth,
Hannah, Martha, Whits Stephenson Hicks, also my Daughter Martha, I bequeath to
my Loveing Friend Martha Thorne and my Daughter Hannah I bequeath to my Dear
Cousins Robert and Phebe Field Desireing them to bring up my Dear Children in
the way of truth and fear of God, Further I doe ordaine Constitute and appoint
my welbeloved Friends John Rodman Robert Field, Francis Doughty and Samuel Bown
to be Executors to order and Dispose of my Children and their portions
according to their Discretion to the best advantage for the use of my Children
Lastly In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal
this fourteenth Day of the fourth Month one thousand Seaven hundred and Twelve
Deborah Hicks (seal)
Signed Sealed and declared this to be her Last Will and
Testament in the presence of us
James Scriven James Jackson, John X Holyer
Presented on 24 July 1712, and Administration was granted to
Robert Field and Francis Doughty, two of the Executors in the within will
named, John Rodman and Samuell Bown two other Executors in the said Will named
having renounced their rights of Executorship, on 21 Oct. 1712.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 8, p. 133-134.
Will of Jacob Hicks of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1764) *
In
the twenty ninth Day of October in the Year of our Lord Christ Seventeen
hundred Sixty four I Jacob Hicks of Hempsted in Queens County on Nassau Island
and in the Province of New York Yeoman Do make this my last Will and Testament
first I give the use of all my Land and Meadow to my Wife and to my son Charles
Hicks equally between them as long as my Wife shall remain my Widow and at the
Marriage or Death of my Wife I give all my Land and Meadow to my Son Charles
Hicks and to his heirs and assigns forever if my son Charles will pay the sum
of three hundred and fifty Pounds New York Money to my son James Hicks in four
Equill Payments the first to be paid to him at the Age of twenty one Year Old
and so be paid every year yearly till the whole is paid and my son Charles
shall also pay the sum of Fifty Pound to my Daughter Elizabeth Johnse in one
years time after the Death of my Wife but in Case my Son Charles shall refuse
to pay the above mentioned Legacys then I Do hereby Order and impower my
Executors hereafter named Or the Surviver of them to sell as much of my Land Or
Meadows which I have above given to my son Charles as will pay the above
mentioned four hundred Pounds and to pay it as abovesd I give my Negroe boy called Will to My son
Charles I give to my Daughter Hannah Seaman the sum of twenty Pound out of my
moveable Estate, I give to my two Daughters Abigil Hicks and Mary Hicks the sum
of two hundred Pound and eight Cows and Calfs to be equally divided between
them two and be paid to each of them on their Mariage Day. I give the use of
all the remaining part of my moveable Estate not yet Disposed of after my just
Debts and funeral Charges are paid equal between my Wife and my son Charles as
long as my Wife shall remain my widow and in Case my wife shall see case to
marry then I give to her the sum of One hundred pounds and the best Bed and
furneture that I have in My House, but this with all priveledges above given to
her I give her in lue of her thirds and Dowry and not otherways and at the
Marriage or Deth of my Wife I give to my son Charles two of the best Horses
that I shall have and my Waggons Plowes and Harrows and the remaining part of
my moveable Estate not yet Disposed of which I have given my Wife and Charles
the use of I give it at the Marriage or Death of my Wife to be Equilly Devided
to my three Daughters Viz Hannah Seaman Abegil Hicks and Mary Hicks and in Case
my son James Hicks should happen to Die before he shall come to lawfull age and
leave no Issue my will is that the three hundred and fifty Pound that I have
Ordered my son Charles to pay to my son James shall be paid to all my Daughters
thir Shares shall be equal and alike and if he refuses to pay it to them then I
order My Executors to sell as much of Land or Meadow as will pay it and to pay
it to them and in case my son Charles Hicks shall Die before he comes to full
age and leaves no Issue then I give all My Land and Meadow that I have above
given to him to my son James Hicks to him and to his heirs and assigns for Ever
if he will pay the sum of three hundred and fifty pounds to be equilly Devided
to all my Daughters or else I do hereby or my Executors here after named or the
Surviver of them to sell as much of my Land or Meadow as will pay it and to
sell and pay it as abovesaid and lastly I hereby appoint make and Constitute my
brother John Hicks and my Son in Law David Seaman my Executors of this my last
will and Testament and I do hereby revoke disanul and make Void all and every
other Will before this time by me Willed or made ratafying and alowing this and
no other to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness hereof I the said Jacob
Hicks have hereunto Set to my hand and Seal the Day and Year above written
Jacob Hicks (seal)
Signed
Sealed and Declared to be my last Will and Testament in presence of Joseph
Prior, Silas Hicks, Patrick Mott
Presented for probate on 25 March 1769, and proved by Joseph
Prior and Silas Hicks, of said County Yeomen. Letters of Administration were
granted to John Hicks and David Seaman, the Executors, on 22 May 1769.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from New York County Probate, Wills Vol. 27, p. 37-40, copied from
original Libor 27, p. 36-38.
Will of John Hicks
of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1672) *
The
Testamt. of Jno. Hicks late of
Hempstead,
Justice of ye Peace. ~
The Last Will & Testamt of Jno.
Hicks of Hempstead being weak in Body, but sound in Understanding & Memory.
In the first Place Committing my Soule to God in Christ my Redeemer, & in
The next place I dispose of my Estate as followeth. //
First
I doe make my Sonn Thomas Hicks Executor. of all my Estate, Housing,
Land, Moveables, & Immoveables, Debts & Creditt, upon this Condition,
paying these Legacyes following. //
Forasmuch
as there was an Agreemt heretofore between mee & my Wife upon
our Enking into Marriage of certaine Revenues thereby to bee pd to
my wife dureing ye time of her Widdow-hood, if it pleasd God to take
mee away first, Shee now being desireous to relinquish those Condiĉons;
& that former Agreemt. (upon a Considerable Sume propounded by
her selfe For her own Satisfaction; My Will is that my Sonn Thomas pay to my
Wife Rachel Hicks one hundred pounds in Neat Cattle according to Wheat at five
shillings pr Bushell; & ye Bed & Bedding that
shee usually Lyeth on, with all its furniture, & one Brass-Kettle, & ye
Lesser Iron Pott, besides her own wearing Cloaths, and what Goods my said Wife
brought wth her to mee. Also I give to every one of my Daughter
Hannah Havilands Children, a yearling Colt or a two yeare old Heyfer to each of
them as ye Executor shall see meet, to pay either in Heyfers or
Colts. //
Also
I give to my Daughter Hannah one hundred pounds to bee paid two third parts in
Neat Cattle, & one third part in Horse kinde; Also I give to my Son Thomas
his Children, to each of them a Yearling Colt, or two yeare old Heyfers, which
of them the Executor. shall see Cause to pay to them. //
Also
I give to my Son in Law Josyas Starr one Mare come two yeare old, one Heyfer
come three yeare old; And for ye Confirmaĉon of this my said
Will in all ye aforemenĉoned Particulars I doe hereunto sett my
Hand & Seale this 29th of Aprill Anno Dom 1672.—
Also in Testimony of her John Hickes
Resignaĉon of ye
former Rachell Hickes
Agreemt &
Satisfaction wth (seals)
this Rachell Hicks doth
hereto subscribe her Hand ye
Day & Date abovesaid .//
Witnesses
Jonah Fordham
Richd.
Valentine .//
This
Will proved in ye Cort of Sessions at Jamaica –
June
ye 14th. Enterd by
Cedr. of Court by mee –
Anthony
Waters Clark.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 1, p. 164-165.
Will of Thomas Hicks Jr. of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1712) *
I Thomas Hicks Junr. of Flushing in Queens County
&c. being weake and Indisposed in body but of perfect Memory for which I
Bless God for it, But Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Life which is
mortall and Transitory and that it behoofeth all man to Set in order all
worldly Concern Soo that after Death noo trouble or Controversys may afterwards
arise Concerting the same, am willing at this time to make my Last Will and
Testament in manner hereafter following; First and principally I Recommend my
Soule to God that gave it and my body to the Earth of which it was taken and
framed to be Desently Intered at the Discretion of those my relations that may
Survive, And as touching my outward Estate that God of his goodness hath
Indowed me with, I give bestow and bequeath in manner and form following. Item
I give and bequeath unto my welbeloved Wife Deborah Hicks the use and benefit
of my homestead were I now live (to wit) that part that was James Clement
togeather with Ten Acres of wood Land at the North East Corner of my hundred
acres Dureing her widdowhood with all houseing and orchard thereunto with the
use and benefit of the meadow that I bought of Francis Doughty with the use of
my whole plantation untill my Son Thomas Comes of age Item I give and bequeath
unto my Son Thomas Hicks all the Lands and plantation that I bought of Richard
Chew with all the hundred acres I bought of John Hirshman Excepting Ten acres
Lying at the North East Corner which I will to my Son Augustin as also all the
Meadow that was formerly James Clemet together with all houseing orchard and
other the Immunitys thereunto belonging for him the Said Thomas Hicks to have
& to hold and to his heires and assignes for Ever, Item I give and bequeath
unto my Son Augustine Hickes all my Said Homestead that was James Clements
after my Said Wifes Death or marriage togeather with Tenn Acres of wood land
out of my hundred acres Lying at the north East Corner of said Land with all
the meadow that was Francis Doughtys together with all houseing on lands and
Immunityes thereunto belonging for him the said Augustine to have & to hold
and to his heires and assignes for Ever, Item I will and bequeath to my
Whitehead Hicks all the Ten acre Lotts bought and purchased by my Father in Law
Daniel Whitehead Deced Situate and Lying upon the Southside of the hills for
him to have and to hold and to his heires and assignes for Ever, Item my will
is that my Son Thomas Hickes Shall pay to my Said Son Whitehead Hicks Twenty
five pounds Current Money when the said Whitehead Comes of age, as also I will
that my Son Augustine Shall Likewise pay to my Son Whitehead Ten pounds Current
moneys when he Comes of age, Item My will is That If my Wife should happen to
be with Child and if a son then I will that my Said Son Thomas Shall pay him
Twenty five pounds and my Son Augustine Shall Make it up one hundred pounds but
if a Daughter Then to have Equall with the rest of her Sisters, Item my will is
that after Debts is paid that my Wife Shall have and Enjoye the one Equall
third part of all my Moveable Estate, Item my will is that my Son Thomas Hicks
shall pay his Brother Stephenson Hicks one hundred pounds Current Money to be
paid In Manner following (that is to Say) one yeare after he Comes of age, He
the said Thomas Shall pay for the use of his Brother Stephenson Twenty pounds
untill the said Sume of one hundred pounds in Completed Item I give and
bequeath to my six Daughters (to wit) Abigall Deborah Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah
and Martha Hickes the Equall two thirds of all Moveable Estate to be Equally
divided amongst them, I Doe ordaine nominate and appointed my welbeloved Wife
Deborah Hicks my Sole Executrix of this my Last will requesting my Loveing
Friends (to wit) my Brother Jacob Hicks, Thomas Willet junr. and
James Jackson as overseers Desireing them to see this my will performed
according to the true Intent and Meaning hereof revoaking and Disanulling all
former wills by me heretofore Made and Declared this to be and Remaine my last
will and Testament and in Confirmation whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my
hand and affixed my Seal this thirtyeth Day of aprill Annoq Dm. one thousand
Seven hundred and Twelve,
Thomas Hicks (seal)
Signed Sealed publisht and Declared this to be my last will
and Testament in the presence of us,
James Clement, Francis Doughty, John Ryder.
To Robert Field, Francis Doughty and Jacob Hicks Greeting
Whereas Thomas Hicks Junior Late of Flushing in Queens County Deced by his Last
Will and Testament in writeing beareing Date the thirtyeth Day of Aprill one
thousand Seven hundred and Twelve, among other things therein contained did
appoint his then Wife Deborah Hicks Sole Executrix of this Said Will and Jacob
Hicks Thomas Willet Junr. and James Jackson as overseers of his said
Will, Which Said Deborah Hicks the Executrix as aforesaid is Since Likewise
Deced before haveing proved the said Will or taken upon her the Burthen and
Execution thereof, and the said Thomas Willet Junr. and James
Jackson, two of the said overseers as aforesaid have refused to take upon them
the Execution of the said Will, and Whereas the Said Deborah Hicks the
Executrix before named haveing before her Death Likewise Made her Last Will and
Testament in writeing and thereof appointed John Rodman and the aforesaid
Robert Field and Francis Doughty and one Samuell Bown to be Executors of her
Said Will which said John Rodman and Samuel Bown by a Deed or writeing under
their hands and Seals being Dated the Sixteenth Day of october Instant haveing
refused to take upon them the Burthen of the Said Executorship and Execution of
the Said Will of the Said Deborah Hicks They the said Robert Field and Francis
Doughty two of the Executors as aforesaid upon application by them made unto me
have prayed that administration of the Estate of the Said Thomas Hicks
togeather with his Said Last Will and Testament annexed may be granted to them
and the Said Jacob Hicks (the other Insted named in the said Will of the said
Thomas Hicks as aforesaid) In trust for the Children of the Said Thomas and
Deborah Hicks Deced, And Whereas the Said Thomas Hicks haveing while
he lived and at the time of his Death Goods rights and Creditts in divers
places within this province by Means Whereof the full Disposition of all and
Singular the goods rights and Creditts of the Said Thomas Hicks Deced … may be
well and Faithfully administred and Converted and Disposed of to the uses in
the said Will of the Said Thomas Hicks Mentioned Have Cause the Said Will to be
annexed to these presents and do grant unto you the Said Robert Field Francis
Doughty and Jacob Hicks … to Administer the Goods Chattells and Creditts of the
Said Thomas Hicks Deced and Faithfully to Dispose of them … In Testimony
whereof I have Caused the prerogative Seale to be hereunto affixed at New York
this One and Twentieth Day of October Anno Dm. one thousand Seaven hundred and
Twelve.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 8, p. 130-133.
Will of Thomas Hicks
of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1727) *
In
the Name of God Amen Thomas Hicks of Flushing in Queens County on Nassau Island
in the Colony of New York Gent. being now at this present Time in good Health
and of sound Mind and Memory thanks be given to Almighty God for the same
therefore Calling to mind the Mortality of Mans Nature and that it is appointed
for all Men once to die do make and declare this to be my last will and
Testament that is to say
Principally
and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it
hoping thrõ the Death Merits and Passion of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ to
have full pardon of all my Sins pase quo to inherit Everlasting Life after
Death my Body I commit to the Earth to be buried in a christian like and decent
Manner at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but
at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power
of God and touching such worldly affairs as it hath pleased God to Bless me in
this Life I give devise & dispose of the same in Manner and form Following
Viz.
Imprimis
It is my will and Desire that my funeral Charges and just Debts be honestly and
faithfully paid & satisfied.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Grandson Thomas Hicks eldest Son and Heir of my Son
Thomas Hicks deceased the Sum of five Shillings Current Money of New York to be
paid him by my Executor hereafter named within three Months after my decease
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Isaac Hicks my great History Book which is called
Speed’s Chronicles of England
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Hicks my Silver Tankard
Item
I give and bequeath to my son Stephen Hicks all my Houses Lands and Meadows
scituate lying and being in the Bounds of Flushing in Queens County aforesaid
or else where in any part of the said County of Queens County which I have not
as yet already parted with (my Right on the great Plains in the Township of
Hempstead only Excepted) To have and to hold the aforesaid Houses Lands Meadow
Grounds and Premisses with all any every of the Appurtenancs.
(Except as before Excepted) unto him the said Stephen Hicks his heirs and
assigns for Ever
Likewise
I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Son Stephen the Bed & furniture whereon
he now lies Also all the Remainder of my Books the two Hatchells and likewise
all my wearing apparel
Item
I give and bequeath to my six Sons (Viz) John, Jacob Isaac, Benjamin William
and Stephen All my Right on the Great Plains in the Township of Hempstead in
Queens County aforesaid (which I have already Reserved) To have and to hold the
aforesaid Right of Plains and Premisses with all and every of the Appurtenances
unto them the said John Jacob Isaac Benjamin William and Stephen and to each of
their heirs and Assigns for Ever to be equally divided amongst them Share and
Share alike
Item
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Phoebe Simmons the Sum of one hundred
pounds lawful Money of New York to be paid to her or her Assigns within two
years after my decease By my Executor hereafter named
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Charity Hicks the Sum of two hundred and
fifty pounds Current Money above said to be paid to her or her Assigns within
two years after my decease as aforesaid by My Executor abovesaid
I
likewise give to my said Daughter Charity the Bed and Furniture whereon she now
lies and also my Chest of Drawers
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Rushea the Sum of one hundred pounds
Current Money abovesaid to be paid to her or her Assignes within two years
after my decease by my Executor aforesd.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary Hicks the Daughter of William
Hicks my Silver Tumbler
Item
It is my Will and desire that as for the Remainder of my Houshold Goods within
Doors (Cash Bills Bonds Books Accounts and other Reckonings which is or may be
due or payable to me by any Person or Persons whatsoever Excepted I give and
bequeath the same to My four Daughters and my grand Daughter (Viz) Phoebe
Elizabeth Charity Mary and Sarah Evertt to be equally divided amongst them
Share and Share alike,
And
it is further my desire that my two Sons Benjamin and Stephen be present at the
Division of the Goods abovesaid and to see that the same be done equally
without partiality
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Stephen Hicks all the Money which is or shall
be due or payable to me by any Person or Persons whatsoever at the time of my
decease as also the Moneys which I shall have in my Possession or in the Hands
or Possession of any Person or Persons in trust for me at the time of my
decease as aforesaid
Likewise
all my Negroes and Indian Slaves Horses with their Kind Neat Cattle Sheep Hoggs
Waggon Plows Harrows and all other Utencils belonging to my Farm to be and
remain to my Said Son Stephen for Ever
Item
it is (Sic origine) will and desire that my two Sons (Vizt) Benjamin
and Stephen be aiding and assisting to their Sister Charity in such Things and
at her Request as may be serviceable to her in her affairs
And
Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Son Stephen Hicks my
whole and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament And I do hereby
disallow disannull and make void all and every other former will or wills by me
at any time heretofore by me made or Executed allowing this and no other to be
my last will and Testament
In
witness whereof I have put to my Hand and Seal this fifteenth day of May in the
thirteenth year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord George by the Grace of God
over Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith Sca.
And in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and twenty seven
Tho. Hicks (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared to the said
Thomas Hicks to be his last Will and Testament
Cornelius
Van Wyck, John Washburn, T. Whitehead
Letters of Administration granted to Stephen Hicks, the
Executor, on 28 Jan. 1741.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 14, p. 154-157, copied from
original Liber 14, p. 182-186.
Will of Eleazer Hill of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In the name of God
Amen – I Eleazer Hill of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being of
sound mind & memory, but being under bodily infirmities, & calling to
mind that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do make this my Last will
& testament, and in the first place through the merits of a gracious
mediator, do recommend my soul to the mercies of God who gave it & my body
to be buried with decent Christian burial – and with respect to my worldly
Goods & Chattells, I order that my just debts & funeral Charges be
first paid, after which I Give & bequeath the remainder in manner following
– vizt. ~
First – I do Give
& bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna Hall the Improvement, during her Life,
of one third part of my real estate, she committing no waste therein – and also
one third part of my Personal Estate after my debts & funeral Charges are
paid, said third part of my personal estate to be hers forever
Secondly – I Give
& bequeath all my Estate both real & personal to my two nephews Jacob
Hill & Eleazer Hill, Sons of my brother Jacob Hill, to be equally divided
between them, except the above provision made for my wife, out of the personal
Estate & also to my said two nephews Jacob & Eleazer the reversion of
that part of my estate real, the improvement of which is given to my wife,
during her Life
Thirdly – I do
hereby Constitute & appoint, Beza Hayward Esquire Executor of this my Last
will & Testament, and I do hereby disallow of all wills by me heretofore
made, declaring, publishing & ordaining this to be my Last will &
testament – In Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & Seal this
twenty fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
& ninety one ~
Signed, sealed, published & declared by Eleazer Hill (seal)
the said Eleazer Hill to be his Last will
& testament, in presence of
Ephraim
Cary junr
Silvanus
Hayward
Bradford
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 16 Sept. 1791 by Beza Hayward esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Ephraim Cary junr,
Sylvanus Hayward and Bradford Mitchell, the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Beza Hayward esqr, the
before named executor.
To the Hoñble Joseph Cushing esqr. Judge of
Probate of wills in & for the County of Plymouth—Richard Perkins esqr.
attorney to Anna Hill, widow of Eleazer Hill Late of Bridgwater deceased, doth
hereby refuse to accept what is given her in the will, and prays her Dower by
Law
Richd.
Perkins Attorney to Anna Hill
Ephraim Cary junr. yeoman, Cushing Mitchell and Thomas
Hayward, Gentlemen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Eleazer Hill, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 16 Sept. 1791. The Inventory of
the estate of Eleazer Hill, late of Bridgwater, dated 29 Sept. 1791, totaled
£627.19.7, including his 45 acres of land and buildings thereon valued at £345.
Beza Hayward of Bridgwater, esqr., the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 19 Oct. 1791.
John Whitman junr, Cushing Mitchell and Thos.
Hayward, all of Bridgwater, Gentlemen, were appointed to set off to Anna Hill,
widow of Eleazer Hill, late of Bridgwater, one moiety of the personal estate of
the deceased, and her dower of thirds in the Real Estate of her husband, and to
divide the balance of the real and personal estate between Jacob Hill junr.
and Eleazer Hill, on 19 Oct. 1791. The division was dated 10 Nov. 1791, and
approved on 12 Apr. 1792.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, pp. 432-433, 462-463, from FHL
microfilm #0550716, and Vol. 33, p. 6-8.
Will of John Holman Jr. of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the
Name of God Amen; the Thirty first day of March 1755, I John Holman Junr.
of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in His Majesty’s Province of the
Massachusets bay in New England Gentleman, being very sick & weak in Body,
but of perfect mind & Memory thanks be Given to God, therefore calling unto
Mind the Mortality of May Body & Knowing that it is Appointed Knowing that
it is Appointed for all men Once to Dye do make & ordain this my Last Will
& Testament, that is to say Principally & first of all I give and
recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, & my Body I recommend
to the Earth to be Buried in decent christain Burial at the Discretion of my
Executorix, Nothing doubting but at the Generall resurrection I shall receive
the same again by the mighty power of God of God, and as Touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Demise &
Dispose of the same in the following manner & form ~
Imps. I Give & Bequeath to Ann, my Beloved
wife whom I Likewise Constitute make & Ordain my sol Execrx. of
this my Last Will & Testamt. All my Houshold Goods Free &
Clear forever, and also the use & Improvment of all my improved Lands &
Quick Stock & out doore Moveables untill my Son William arrives to the age
of Twenty one years and then at his Arival to full Age I Order & Direct my
sd. Execrx. to Deliver unto him the said William the One
half of all the Quick Stock & our Doore moveables, then in Being & the
Other half to her self During her Widdowhood Togather with the use &
Improvment of One half of all my Buildings & One third part of the
Improvment of all my improved Lands for & so Long as She shall live my
Widdow she paying all my Just Debts and Funerall charges & Bring up my
Children ~
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Beloved son William Holman
that part of my Homstead which lyeth upon the River Begining where Mattfield
River runs into Satucket River which is the Bounds Between Thomas Wade’s land
& this, & then Bounded by said Wade’s land runing Easterly untill it
comes to Davide Conant’s lands & then by said Conant’s Land to the high
way, and Bounded by the High way to the Roade that Leads to Plimouth & then
Turning & runing Southerly Bounded by sd. roade to Isarel Hill’s
House Lott, & then Bounded East of sd. Hill’s Lott to the Swamp
& then through the Swamp Northerly to Joseph Latham’s land, & then
Bounded by the lands of Joseph Latham westerly to the river, & so by the
river Down Stream to the Bounds first mentioned togather with all my Buildings
thereon, Also Seven Acres & a half of land which I Bought of Noah Washburn
which Lyeth between Joseph Latham’s land & sd. Noah Washburn’s
land, also alott of Cederswamp Lying Below Pimkins Bridge in the Township of
Halifax which I Bought of Capt. John Loring’s To him & his heirs
& Assigns forever as a Good, perfect & aboselute Estate of Inheritants
in Fee simple to be by him & his peaceable & Quietly Possessed &
Enjoyed ~
Item I Give and Bequeath to my four Daughter vizt.
Sarah the wife of James Keith, & Ann, Abigail & Jane Holman Two peices
or parcels of Land Lying in Bridgwater One peice whereof lyeth on the Southerly
Side of the roade That Leads to Plimouth Bounded by said road & Bounded
upon the High way that Leads from my House to David Connett’s and then Bounded
upon the Southerly Side partly upon the lands of David Connett & partly
upon the land of Seth Mitchell untill it comes to the abovesd.
Plimouth roade Also My Lands that Lyeth at (aplace Know by) the name of Spring
Meadow both Meadow Land and upland all That Adjoyns thereto all which Lands to
be Equally Divided between them as to Quantity & Quality Excepting Sarah
the wife of James Keith to whome I have Formerly Given the sum of Twenty six
pounds thirteen shillings, & my Will is That Ann, Abigail & Jane each
of them take the said sum or vallue of Twenty six pounds Thirteen shillings in
said Lands, & Then Sarah with them Divide equally as abovesaid To them
& there Heirs & Assigns forever as a Good & Absolute Estate of
Inheritence in Fee simple to be by them peaceably & Quietly possessed &
Enjoyed And I do Hereby uterly Disalow, revoke & Disanull all & every
Other Former Testament In Witness whereof I have Hereunto Sett my hand &
Seal the day and Year above written ~
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced John Holman Junr. (seal)
& Declared by the sd. John Holman Jur.
As his Last Will & Testament In the
presence of us the Subscribers.
Thomas Whitman
John Orcutt
Beriah Hill
Presented for probate on 2 June 1755 by the Execx.
therein named, and proved by Thomas Whitman and John Orcutt, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to the Widdow Ann Holman of
Bridgwater, the Executrix, on 2 June 1855, with Thomas Witman and John Orcut,
Yeoman, all of Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
To James Keith of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth
aforesd. Yeoman Greeting
Whereas John Holmes Junr. Late of Bridgwater
aforesd. Gentleman deceased, on the 31st day of March
Anno. Domi, 1755, did Sign, Seal & publish his Last Will and Testament in
writing before Sufficiant Witnesses in which said Will after Gifts and Legacies
therein made appointed his wife Anna Holman (who was then in full Life Sole
Executrix of the Same Will and Testament, and which Will was Proved approved
approved & allowed, but the said Ann also Soon after dying, and before the
Executing of the said Will and Setling thesd, Estate Agreable
thereto, Administration Cum Testamento Annexo is Hereby Comitted unto you the
said James Keith of all and Singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the
aforesaid Testator Faithfully to Dispose of the same according to Law and the
Directions of the said Testament…In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and the seal of the said Court of Probate Dated at Plimouth this Seventh
day of March Anno, Domi, 1757.
Jno.
Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 527-529, from FHL microfilm
#0551540, and Vol. 14, p. 234½.
Will of Abigail Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God amen I trust agreeably to his will
believing my days to be nearly numbered & hoping for Salvation in the Mercy
& Merits of the Saviour of Man; & fully possessing my Senses I Abigail
Holmes of Plymouth do thus dispose of my property —
Firstly
after my Debts & funeral Expences are discharged I give to my Daughter
Abigail Holmes all my Estate both Real & personal of all kinds &
wherever found – viz my House & the Lands adjoining, my wood Lot near Cooks
pond, & my moveable & wearing Apparel —
Secondly
I give my Daughter Hannah Eaton a Right jointly with Abigail to live in &
occupy the Easterly part of my House, so long as she remains single, reserving
to the two Westerly Rooms a right to use & occupy the Kitchen for House
keeping. —
Thirdly
I hereby direct my Executor in six Months after my decease to pay my sons
Lemuel Holmes, Joseph Holmes & my Daughters Martha Bartlett Priscilla
Rickard & Lydia Keen, as a Token of my Affection, each one Dollars in full
of all that I can give them —
Fourthly
‘Tis my Will & I hereby appoint Ellis Holmes of Plymouth the Executor of
this my last will & Testament — In
Testimony of all which I hereto set my Name & Seal August thirteenth
eighteen hundred & seven —
signed & sealed &
acknowledged to be her last Will
in presence of —
Zah. Bartlett Abigail Holmes (seal)
Chandler Holmes
Ichd. Shaw junr.
Presented for probate on 12 Jan.
1808 by Ellis Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Zacheus
Bartlett Esqr. and Ichabod Shaw junr., two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
450, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Abijah T. Holmes of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1861) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Abijah T. Holmes of West Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory,
but, knowing the uncertainty of this life, do, this first day of January, in
the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one, make and publish
this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:
I give
and bequeath to my two daughters Lusania and Wealthy, all the household
furniture now in my possession, which was the property of their mother, my
former wife, to have and to hold the same in equal shares to them and their
heirs and assigns forever.
To my
Son John A. I give and bequeath the sum of five dollars to be paid to him upon
his arriving at the age of twenty one years.
All the
rest of my property real and personal of which I shall die seized and possessed
I give devise and bequeath to my wife Susanna to have and to hold to her and
her heirs and assigns forever, upon condition however that in case she shall
during her life see fit to sell and dispose of the property given to her, she
shall then pay over to my said daughters, Lusania the sum of one hundred
dollars, and to my said daughter Wealthy the sum of one hundred dollars. And if
she shall not so sell the same during her life, that then the same shall upon
her decease be sold and out of the proceeds thereof there shall be paid to my
said two daughters the said sums respectively;
I also
will and direct that my said daughters Lusania and Wealthy shall until their
marriage if they desire continue to reside with my wife and other children, in
the house where I now dwell, if the same shall not be sold by my wife.
In
making the provision herein before mentioned to my beloved wife, I have trusted
that during her life and upon her decease she will suitably provide for my
remaining children Edwin, & Susan A., for whom I have made no provision;
Lastly.
I hereby appoint my friend Sumner A. Hayward of North Bridgewater to be sole
Executor of this my last Will and Testament and that he shall not be required
to give bond.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of
January, A.D. 1861.
Abijah T. Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed
and declared by the above named Abijah T. Holmes to be his last Will and
Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presince have
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Franklin
Keith
Samuel
French
Sumner
A. Hayward
Sumner A. Hayward, of North Bridgewater, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Abijah T. Holmes, late of West Bridgewater, on 28
Oct. 1862, with Ambrose Hayward and Franklin Keith, both of North Bridgewater,
as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 104, p. 201-202, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 83.
Will of Abner Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the name of God amen, I Abner Holmes of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth Housewright being weak & infirm in Body but of sound
mind & memory do this fifteenth day of April in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & thirteen make and publish this my last will &
Testament in manner following that is to say.
I
give to my beloved Wife Sarah Holmes all my Estate both Real & personal and
wherever to be found, after my just debts are paid, to have & to hold the
same to her, her Heirs & Assigns forever. This I do because my Estate is
small, & doubt not but she will make a good use of it. I would gladly give
to all my dear Children, if I had it to give, I here call them all by name to
let them know, I am not wanting in affection to them, viz. Ansel Holmes,
Patience Harlow, Huldah Holmes, Sally Bradford, Lydia Holmes, Peleg Holms
Bathsheba Nelson Holmes, George Holmes and William Holmes Son of my deceased
son Abner Holmes, whom I commend to the blessed God who gave them to me. Lastly
I do constitute & appoint Martin Parris Esquire of Kingston, sole Executor
to this my last will & Testament —
In Testimony whereof I do hereunto
set my hand & Seal the day & Year above written –
signed sealed published pronounced
& declared
by the said Abner Holmes as &
for his last
Will & Testament, in the
presence of us, who at
his request & in his presence
hereunto set our
Names as Witnesses to the same.— Abner Holmes (seal)
Ezekiel
Bonney
Lydia
Everson
Deborah
Bonney
Presented for probate on 26 Mar.
1814 by Martin Parris Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved
by Ezekiel Bonney, Lydia Everson, and Deborah Everson [sic], the witnesses.
John Faunce, George Russell Esqr.
And Caleb Bates, Mariner, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Abner Holmes, late of Kingston, Housewright, on 26 Mar. 1814. The
Inventory of the Estate of Abner Holmes, late of Kingston, was dated 30 Apr.
1814, and totaled $697.00, his homestead in Kingston containing one acre with
the buildings thereon valued at $500. Martin Parris Esqr., the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 28 May 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp.
315-316, 380-381, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will and Codicil of Amasa Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
Be it
known, that I, Amasa Holmes, of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, yeoman,
being in feeble health, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, after
commending my spirit to God, desiring to direct the disposition of such estate
as I may leave at my decease, do hereby make, publish and declare this
Instrument to be my last Will and Testament, in manner following, viz: —
First, I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Betsey Holmes all my household furniture,
with the exception of two beds and bedding which I shall hereafter dispose of:
and I also give her what ever provisions and other articles may be on hand in
the house at my decease. I also give her the use and improvement of the
southerly half of my dwelling house for and during the term of her natural
life, with necessary privileges around the same. I also give her in money and
other articles as she may require for her comfort and support through life,
such an amount as she may demand, not exceeding two hundred dollars in any one
year, the same to be paid equally by my four sons, hereafter named as residuary
devisees and legatees in this will. The provision here in made for her, is in
lieu of dower, and any other allowance from my estate.
Second,
I give and bequeath in trust to my son Charles T. Holmes, for the use and
benefit of my daughter Ellen B. Holmes, the sum of one thousand dollars,
leaving it to the discretion of my said trustee to pay over to her such part of
the interest and income thereof, and also such part of the principal, as her
necessities and comfort may seem to require from time to time. And this bequest
for her uses and benefit is made on condition that my said daughter makes no
claim against my estate for services and no charge is to be made against her
for board. I also give her one bed and bedding.
Third. I
give and bequeath in trust to my son Isaac B. Holmes, for the use and benefit
of my son George W. Holmes the sum of one thousand dollars, leaving it to the
discretion of my said trustee to pay over to him such part of the interest and
income there of, and also such part of the principal as his necessities and
comfort may from time to time seem to require. And this bequest for his use and
benefit is made on condition that my said son makes no claim against my estate
for services, and no charge is to be made against him for board or other things
furnished him, or paid for him by me. I also give him one bed and bedding.
Fourth.
I give and bequeath in trust to my son Amasa Holmes for the use and benefit of
Nathan Richmond who has been a faithful servant in my family, the sum of two
hundred dollars on condition that said Nathan makes no claim against my estate
for services, leaving it to the discretion of said trustee to pay over to said
Nathan from time to time such portions of the principal and interest of said
sum as said trustee may think his comfort and benefit requires.
In
relation to the three last bequests, it is my will, that in case either of the
persons therein named as trustees should refuse to accept the said trust, or
should die before completing the same, or should from any cause become
incapacitated for the discharge thereof, the Judge of Probate for said County
should appoint a Trustee in the place of the Trustee so declining, dying or
becoming incapacitated, as aforesaid, with the same powers and discretion
herein given to said original trustees. And in case the said Ellen, George, or
Nathan should die leaving any part of the trust fund herein given for their
respective benefit unexpended, then I give and bequeath the balance of said
trust fund in either case, to my four sons herein after named, as residuary legatees
to them their heirs and assigns. In case of the appointment of a new trustee as
aforesaid, it is my desire that the Judge of Probate, in making a new
appointment, should give preference to one of my residuary legatees.
Fifth. I
give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Abby T. Holmes, child of my deceased
son, Temple Holmes the sum of five hundred
dollars, And I direct my Executors hereafter named to pay over to her from time
to time the interest of said sum, but to retain the principal thereof to be
paid to her whenever in the opinion of the Judge of Probate for said County, it
shall be most for the interest and advantage of said Abby. And in case said
Abby should die leaving a child or children before having received said
bequest, then and in that case I give the same, with any interest that may be
due thereon, to her child or children then living, otherwise the same is to
become a part of the residuum of my estate, and to be divided equally between
my said four sons hereafter named as residuary legatees, their heirs and
assigns forever.
Sixth, I
give and bequeath to my three grandsons Sidney T. Holmes, Frederick L. Holmes
and Harrison Holmes, Ten dollars each, and I direct my Executors to deposit the
same in the Plymouth Institution for Savings in their respective names.
Seventh,
I give and devise to my son Isaac B. Holmes a portion of my homestead farm
bounded and described as follows to wit, beginning at the ditch in Otis Nichols
range, thence by the said ditch and fences North seventy five degrees West
seventeen rods and four links to the road, passing in front of his his house,
thence North sixty one degrees West fifty four rods to the wall which now
separates the meadow from the pasture, thence South fifty degrees West to the
pond, and thence by the pond and land of said Nichols to the bound first
mentioned including two islands. The foregoing is to be valued at twenty four
hundred and twenty five dollars, for the purposes hereafter mentioned. To have
and to hold the same to him the said Isaac B. Holmes his heirs and assigns
forever, the same to be chargeable with the payment of his portion of my debts,
and the legacies given in this will.
Eighth.
I give and devise to my son Charles T. Holmes a portion of my homestead farm
bounded and described as follows: viz. beginning by the ditch at Isaac N.
Holmes share, as above described, being said Isaac’s Easterly corner in Otis
Nichols range, thence northeasterly by said ditch thirteen rods, thence North
five degrees west three rods and five links to a corner, thence North sixty
five degrees west twenty three rods to the easterly side of the road leading to
the mill thence North Easterly by said road four rods, thence from the opposite
or westerly side of the road Northeasterly seventeen rods to the ditch thence
northerly and westerly by the ditch to Charles Bartletts lands, thence through
the swamp in the line of Charles Bartlett’s land to the pond, thence by the
pond to the share above devised to Isaac, and by his share to the first bounds,
with the buildings thereon, subject to his mothers improvement of the Southerly
half of the house as is above mentioned, Also a lot of Woodland about eleven
acres, called Grandmother’s wood lot, and was assigned to me in the division of
her estate. The foregoing is to be valued at twenty two hundred dollars, for
the purposes hereafter mentioned. To have and to hold the same to him the said
Charles T. Holmes, his heirs and assigns forever, the same to be chargeable
with the payment of his portion of my debts, and the legacies given in this
will.
Ninth. I
give and devise to my son Amasa Holmes all the residue of my homestead farm,
lying northerly of the share above given to my son Charles, and this is to be
valued at thirteen hundred and seventy five dollars for the purposes hereafter
mentioned. To have and to hold the same to him, the said Amasa Holmes, his
heirs and assigns forever, the same to be chargeable with the payment of his
portion of my debts, and the legacies given in this will.
Tenth. I
give and devise to my son Caleb B. Holmes my undivided half part of Barnes
Point, so called, which I own in common and undivided with my son Amasa. Also a
piece of pasture and meadow land at the point near Nathan Holmes and is the
same assigned me in the division of my mothers estate. I also relinquish to him
a mortgage which I hold of certain lands in the State of Maine, with the debt
secured thereby. All the foregoing is to be valued at Eleven hundred and fifty
dollars for the purposes hereafter mentioned. To have and to hold the same to
him, the said Caleb B. Holmes, his heirs and assigns forever, the same to be
chargeable with the payment of his portion of my debts, and the legacies given
in this will.
Lastly,
I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my real
and personal estate to my four sons, Amasa Holmes, Caleb B. Holmes, Charles T.
Holmes, and Isaac B. Holmes, their respective heirs and assigns in such
proportions that with the valuations of the respective devises herein before
made to them, shall give to each of my said four sons an equal share of my
estate. And in case there shall be no residuum of my estate, or the same shall
be insufficient for this purpose, after the payment of my debts and the
foregoing legacies, I require, and upon this condition I have made the
foregoing devises to them, that each one who shall have received more than an
equal share, according to the foregoing valuation shall pay to those who shall
have received less than an equal share, such sum as shall be necessary to give
to each of my said four sons an equal share of my estate.
And I do
hereby constitute and appoint my said four sons, Amasa Holmes, Caleb B. Holmes,
Charles T. Holmes and Isaac B. Holmes, joint Executors of this my last will and
testament.
And I do
hereby declare this instrument written upon two sheets of Paper, to be my last
will and testament, and do revoke any other or former will by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand this seventh day of March, in the
year one thousand eight hundred and forty six.
Amasa Holmes
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Amasa
Holmes, as and for his last Will and Testament, in presence of us, who, at his
request and in his presence and in presence of each other have hereto set our
hands as witnesses.
Jacob
H. Loud
Jno.
B. Thomas
Alexr.
Jackson
Be it
known, that I, Amasa Holmes the testator within named, being desirous of making
some alteration in my will do hereby make publish and declare this instrument
to be a codicil to my said last Will and Testament, herein before written.
I do
hereby revoke, annul, and make void all the devises and bequests made to my son
Caleb B. Holmes his heirs and assigns by me in the foregoing will, and every
benefit and provision made for him therein, and I give devise and bequeath to
my son Amasa Holmes, his heirs and assigns all the Estate, both Real and
Personal and mixed, whether specific or a part of the residuum of my estate
which in my foregoing will I devised and bequeathed to my said son Caleb B.
Holmes, his heirs and assigns, to have and to hold the same to him the said
Amasa Holmes, his heirs and assigns with all the privileges and appurtenances
thereof, and subject to the same liabilities, charges, burdens, restrictions
and limitations as were imposed therein by said will in trust nevertheless to
and for the following uses and purposes and for none other, to wit, to suffer
and permit my said son Caleb B. Holmes to occupy and improve the real estate
devised in trust aforesaid, for and so long as he can personally occupy and
improve the same, and no longer, and to pay over the interest and income of the
personal estate devised in trust as aforesaid and any part of the principal, at
his discretion from time to time so long as the said Caleb b. Holmes can
personally enjoy the same, and no longer, and in case any event shall happen,
by which my said son Caleb B. Holmes cannot occupy and improve the said real
estate personally or enjoy the income and interest of said personal estate,
then and in that case I direct my said trustee to retain the possession of said
real estate and the rents thereof, and the interest and income of said personal
estate in his hands until the same can be personally enjoyed by my said son
Caleb B. Holmes, it being my purpose, will and intention that the above portion
of my estate shall be for his personal comfort and use and be in no way liable
for the present debts of my said son Caleb B. Holmes. And if any of said trust
estate shall be in the hands of said trustee or any other trustee unexpended at
the decease of my said son Caleb, then I give, devise, and bequeath said
residue of said trust estate to the children of my said son Caleb their heirs
and assigns forever, or to such persons as my said son Caleb may by last Will,
duly executed, devise and bequeath the same, And I authorize and empower said
Trustee to sell and convey all and any part of the real estate devised in trust
as aforesaid, with the consent of said Caleb, at his discretion And I authorize
the Judge of Probate to appoint new trustees, whenever necessary, to carry out
the intentions of my will, and this Codicil, with the same powers and under the
same restrictions and limitations as are imposed on the Trustees herein named.
I hereby
ratify and confirm the foregoing will, except so far as altered by this
codicil, and I declare this to be a part of my last will and testament. In
testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand this twelfth day of September, in
the year eighteen hundred and forty six
his
Amasa X
Holmes
mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Amasa
Holmes as a codicil to his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who
at his request and in his presence have hereto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
Alexr.
Jackson
T.
E. Clarke
Amasa
Bartlett
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December 1846 by
the Executors therein named, the will proved by John B. Thomas, Jacob H. Loud,
and Alexander Jackson, the witnesses, and the codicil proved by Alexander
Jackson and Amasa Bartlett, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Amasa Holmes, Caleb B. Holmes, Charles T. Holmes, and Isaac B.
Holmes, the executors therein named.
Vol. 88, p. 653-656
Amasa Holmes, of Plymouth, was appointed as Trustee for the
estate of Caleb B. Holmes on 7 Dec. 1846, with Charles T. Holmes and Isaac
Holmes, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Vol. 1G, p. 458
Edward Bartlett and Francis J. Goddard, both of Plymouth,
were sureties on the bond of Amasa Holmes, Caleb B. Holmes, Charles T. Holmes,
and Isaac B. Holmes, executors of the estate of Amasa Holmes, late of Plymouth,
yeoman, on 7 Dec. 1846.
Vol. 144, p. 54:
Charles T. Holmes of Plymouth, was appointed as Trustee for
the estate of Ellen Holmes, of Plymouth, on 11 Jan. 1875, with Caleb B. Holmes
and Amasa Holmes, of Plymouth, as sureties.
Vol. 144, p. 57:
Ephraim T. Paty, of Plymouth, was appointed as Trustee for
the estate of George W. Holmes, of Plymouth, in lieu of Isaac B. Holmes, who
has failed to accept the appointment, on 22 May 1876, with Amasa Holmes and
Caleb B. Holmes as sureties.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 88, pp. 559-566, 653-656, from FHL
microfilm #0555638, Vol. 1G, p. 458, and Vol. 144, pp. 54, 57.
Will of Asaph Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
I Asaph Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housewright do make and publish this my last Will
& Testament in manner following, viz:
I give, devise and bequeath to my wife Sally Curtis Holmes,
all the estate, whether, Real, Personal or mixed, whereof I may die seized or
possessed, to her and her heirs forever.
I appoint my said wife Sally Curtis Holmes, sole executrix of
this my Will.
In witness whereof, I, the said Asaph Holmes, have hereunto
set my Hand and Seal this seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Asaph Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Asaph Holmes, to be his last will & Testament in the presence of us, who at
his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
Lucy
L. Johnson
Francis
Johnson
Joseph
Sampson
Presented for probate on the third Monday of May 1845 by
Sally C Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Francis Johnson, one
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 336-337, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Augustus Holmes of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1899) *
Be it known to all persons, That I, Augustus Holmes of the
Town of Stafford in the County of Tolland in the State of Connecticut, being of
lawful age, of sound and disposing mind, memory and judgement, and under no
improper influence or restraint, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be
my last will and testament, hereby revoking all previous wills and codicils by
me made. I give, devise and bequeath my estate and property, real and personal,
as follows, that is to say:
After the payment of all my just debts and suitable graves
stones erected at my grave I give, devise and bequeath all of my estate both
real and personal to my wife Laura A. Holmes.
I appoint Laura A.
Holmes of the Town of Stafford, County of Tolland and State of Connecticut
executrix of this my last will and testament and without surety on her bond.
In witness whereof I
have signed, sealed, published and declared this instrument as my last will and
testament at Somers on the 18th day of December, A. D. 1899.
Augustus Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Augustus
Holmes as and for his last will and testament, in presence of us who in his
presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses, on the 18th day of December 1899
Nathaniel
A Patten }
Charles
S. Fuller } Witnesses
Minnie
C. Fuller }
Presented for probate by Laura A. Holmes, his only heir at
law, who listed his other heirs as Martha Cushman of Hartford, CT, a sister,
Marcia A. Anderson of Rockville, CT, a sister, Eleanor Richmond of Cromwell,
CT, a sister, Almira Patten of Stafford Springs, CT, a sister, Mary E. Hayes of
Rockville, CT, a sister, Frank Eaton of Bolton, CT, a nephew, Josie Eaton of
Stafford Springs, CT, a niece, Alva Eaton of Worcester, MA, a nephew, and
Wilbur Holmes of West Stafford, CT, a nephew, and proved by Nathaniel A. Patten
and Charles S. Fuller on 10 Mar. 1900 at Somers before Silas H. Perry, Justice
of the Peace.
Dwight H. Glazier and Marcius A. Cady were appointed to
appraise the estate of Augustus Holmes, late of Stafford, on 22 Mar. 1900. His
real estate totaled $1900, and his personal estate totaled $444.00. Laura A.
Holmes, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 14 Apr. 1900.
Laura A. Holmes, of Stafford, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the Estate of Augustus Holmes, late of Stafford, on 22 Mar.
1900.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 26, p. 210-213, from FHL microfilm #1319757,
and Vol. 27, p. 9.
Will of Barnabas Holmes of Marion, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1854) *
In
the name of God Amen / I Barnabas Holmes
of Marion in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, being at this time
of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will
and Testament.
First. I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife
Sylvia all my household furniture and also the privilege of a residence in one
third of the dwelling house on my homestead during the time she may survive me.
I
do also give and bequeath to my daughters Jane Holmes and Mary Luce the wife of
Edwin Luce and their heirs to be held equally between them the said Jane and
Mary and to be disposed of at their best discretion all the Real Estate now in
my possession which descended to me from my late mother Bethiah Holmes and
which is particularly described in a deed of Seth Hiller to Joanna & Dolly
Hathaway, reserving hereby from said lot to be applied to the payment in part
of my just debts & charges all the wood & timber now standing on the
North West corner of said land where it adjoins to my homestead farm. The lot
on which said wood & timber is reserved is that portion lying West of the
Swamp Meadow lot and extends from said Meadow and of the width of the same
Westerly to the Will Parlow place so called now owned by Ebenezer Holmes, and
said Wood and timber is to be removed in a reasonable time after my decease.
And
I do also provide that my daughter Jane if she remain single and have need
thereof shall have the privilege of a home in my homestead dwelling house so
long as she shall need the same.
All
the remainder of my estate both real & personal of whatever name or nature
of which I shall die seized, I do hereby give and bequeath to my son Barnabas
Holmes Jr. and his heirs to his own proper use and disposal, with the proviso,
that he the said son Barnabas shall pay all my just debts & funeral
charges, and shall also provide or procure suitable and comfortable food
clothing shelter &c. for the satisfactory and comfortable support of my
wife Sylvia so long as she shall survive me and in order to this end I do
hereby provide that no part of the homestead farm proper shall be disposed of
or sold so long as she the said Sylvia shall survive me without her consenting
to such sale by signing the deed or deeds by which they may be conveyed.
And
I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Barnabas Holmes Jr. the Executor of
this my last Will and Testament.
Signed
and sealed at Marion this seventh day of July in the year eighteen hundred and
fifty four.
Barnabas Holmes (seal)
7 July, 1854, Then Barnabas Holmes
above named did in our presence sign the foregoing Instrument acknowledge the
same to be his last Will and Testament.
Peleg Blankinship A. J. Hadley W. N. Ellis
Presented for probate on the first
Wednesday of May 1855 by Barnabas Holmes Jr., the Executor therein named, and
proved by Peleg Blankinship and W. N. Ellis, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 97, p.
178-180, from FHL microfilm #0555643.
Will of Barsheba Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name of God Amen I Barsheba Holmes of Hallifax in the
County of Plimouth in New England widdow of William Holmes of Hallifax Deceased
being Infirm In Body but of a Sound and disposeing mind and memory and being
Sensable of the uncerntaty of my Life and Desirous to Set my house in ordr.
before I goe hence Do make & Declare this To be my Last will &
Testament And first I Return my Soul To God that gave it when Ever he Shall
Plese to Call for it and my Bodey I Recommend To the Earth to be Decently Buried
by my Executor here after mentioned. & Touching the Temporel Estate
wherewith God hath Blessed me weth in this Life I give Devise and Dispose of in
the maner following Viz
Imprs. I Give & Bequeth unto my son Wm.
Holmes 1 Cow
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Son Simeon Holmes Eight
Shillings To be Paid him by my son William Holmes
Item I Give and Bequeth unto my Son Hezekiah Holmes Eight
shillings to be Paid by my Son William Holmes
Item I Give & bequeth unto the Children of my Daughter
Lydia Tilden Decd. Eight Shillings To be Paid by my son William
Holmes
Item I Give and Bequeth unto my Daughter Hannah Bears the
wife of Joseph Bears My Red Cloth Clok & one pound Six Shillings &
Eight pence Due to me from her
Item I Give and Bequeth unto my Daughter Zilpha Holmes my
feather Beed and bedstead beed Cord and under beed and Suit of Curtins &
one Coverlead upon Sd. Beed which is made of all wool one Small Iron
Pott one Tramel and one Warming Pan & one half the wevers Loom and half
Tackling belonging to Sd Loom & half Tackling belonging To Said
Loom and a flot bed & a bed Blankett
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Three Daughter Hannah Bears
the wife of Joseph Bears Jane Holmes the wife of Capt. Ephram Holmes
& Zilpha Holmes all my Wearing Apparrel and all my other movebals not yet
Disposed of in this Will To be Equally Devided betwixt Them three
Lastly I Do appoint Noah Cushing of Hallifax in the County of
Plimouth yeoman To be my Sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament In
witness whereof I the Said Bathsheaba Holmes have here unto Set my hand and
Seal this Twenty fifth Day of Decr. Annoque Domini 1762
Signed. Seald. & Declared by the Said Barsheaba Holmes
To be hir Last will & Testament I Presence
her
of Joseph
Studson Bathseba X Holmes
Barns
Brigs mark
Nathan
Hartwell
Presented for probate on 4 Apr. 1763 by Noah Cushing of
Hallfax, the Executor, and proved by Barnabas Briggs and Nathan Hartwell, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 436-437, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Bartlett Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1860) *
Know all
men by these Presents, that I, Bartlett Holmes of Plymouth in the County of
Plymouth, and State of Massachusetts, being of sound disposing mind and memory,
do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First. I
give and bequeath to my daughter Eunice F. Whitmore, the Northerly half of my
homestead, commencing on the Sandwich road, running Southwesterly through the
centre of the dwelling-house and through the center of the lots of land, to the
land of Ichabod Morton and Joseph Allen.
Also two
wood lots, the first & second described in a deed from Isaac L. Hedge and
others, recorded with the records of deeds for the County of Plymouth, book
210, folio 253 and 254.
Second,
I give and bequeath to my wife Betsey Holmes, the improvement of the other half
of the homestead and all other property both real and personal during her
natural life.
Each
party my wife Betsey & my daughter Eunice are to occupy the front
stair-way, in the dwelling-house, the cellar, the barn and other out-buildings
in common.
Third. I
ordain and appoint my Son-in-law Samuel O. Whitmore as Executor of this my last
Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and
declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of the witnesses
named below this 29th day of August in the year of Our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty.
Bartlett Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Bartlett Holmes, as and for his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and in the
presence of each other and at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
George
Bramhall
Bartlett
Holmes Jr.
Levi
P. Morton
Samuel O. Whitmore, of Plymouth, was granted letters
testamentary on the estate of Bartlett Holmes, late of Plymouth, on 2 July
1861, with Jacob H. Loud and George Bramhall, both of Plymouth as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 103, p. 240-241, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 2.
Will of Benjamin Holmes of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
Be
it Remembered that I, Benjamin Holmes of Carver in the County of Plymouth,
Yeoman, make and declare this instrument to be my last Will and Testament –
I
give, devise and bequeath to my wife Maria L. T. Holmes the use and improvement
of all my estate real and personal, during her natural life – And if the use
and improvement of the same be insufficient for her comfortable support, I
authorise her to sell the whole or such part thereof as may be necessary for
the purpose –
The
household furniture that may remain at the decease of my wife, I give to my
three daughters.
All
the rest and residue of my estate, real and personal, that may remain at the
decease of my wife, I give, devise and bequeath to my two sons Oliver Holmes
and Ichabod I. Holmes, and to my daughters Maria Snow, Hannah Chase and Rebecca
Griffin and their heirs forever, to be equally divided between them — Any
account I have or may have charged on book, or any note I may hold against them
or either of them or the husbands of my said daughters, to be considered as
part of his or her share, and to be deducted accordingly.
I
appoint my wife Maria L. T. Holmes Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of
September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
his
Benjamin +
Holmes (seal)
mark
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Benjamin Holmes to be his last Will
and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence and at his request, in
presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Jno B Thomas
Mary H Thomas
Hannah S. Thomas
Presented for probate on 8 Aug.
1836, and proved by John B. Thomas and Hannah S. Thomas, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Maria L. T. Holmes the
Executor.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
343-344, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Beulah S. Holmes of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
Be it remembered that I Beulah S. Holmes of Marshfield,
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being at this time of
sound disposing mind and memory (thanks be to the Almighty for the favor,) yet
duly considering the uncertainty of my existence in this life, do think proper
to make this my last will & testament in manner & form following.
1st. Item, Viz: Firstly it is my mind & will
that all my just & legal debts, and funeral expenses be paid, also the
expenses arising from the settlement of my estate.
2d Item, I give & bequeath to the
Trustees of the Baptist Society of which I am now a member, or to their
successors in Office: two hundred dollars, to be kept by said Trustees or their
Successors as a fund forever, the interest or income thereof to be annually
appropriated for the keeping in repair, and in good condition the Cemetery (or
burying place) where my late Husband & Son ar interred situated on the farm
now owned & occupied by Ambrose Magoun in said Marshfield.
3d Item. I give & bequeath to my only
sister Celia Magoun (wife of the said Ambrose Magoun) the rest & residue of
my estate, both real & personal and of whatsoever name or nature, or
wherever to be found, to her the said Celia her heirs and assigns forever, and
I do grant her the liberty to do with it & dispose of it, as she may think
best & proper, excepting & reserving to my & our brother Aaron S.
Sherman (should he be living at my decease) a comfortable support & maintenance
(or so much as he may need) during his natural life.
Item 4th & last} I nominate and appoint Moses F.
Rogers of Lynn sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament.
In
witness whereof I the said Beulah S. Holmes have hereunto set my hand &
seal this 5th day of December in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred & seventy seven.
Beulah S. Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the said Beulah S. Holmes, to be her last will & Testament, in
the presence of us, who in her presence, & in the presence of each other
have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto, the day and date being first
above written.
Eben
Perkins
Clara
Perkins
S.
F. Marchant
Moses F. Rogers of Lynn, County of
Essex, was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Beulah S. Holmes, late
of Marshfield, on 24 Feb. 1879, with Ambrose Magoun, Celia M. Magoun, both of
Marshfield, and Ebenezer T. Fogg, of South Scituate, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p.
81-82, from FHL microfilm #0556649, and Vol. 149, p. 46.
Will of Bradford Holmes of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1858) *
To whom
it may concern,_________ I, Bradford Holmes of Duxbury, in the County of
Plymouth, Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make
and publish this my last Will and Testament as follows, viz:
First, I
hereby constitute and appoint my wife Nancy Holmes, Executrix of this my will,
enjoining upon her to cause me to be respectably buried, and a suitable
head-stone to be placed at my grave.
Second.
I give and bequeath unto the sd. Nancy Holmes, my wife, all the property I may
die seized of, both real and personal, to be disposed of as she chooses.
In
witness whereof, I the sd, Bradford Holmes, have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this twenty eighth day of January, A.D, eighteen hundred and fifty eight. 1858.
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the sd Bradford Holmes, to be his last Will
and Testament, in presence of us, the subscribers, who, in his presence &
in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses.
Ralph
Partridge Bradford Holmes (seal)
Asa
Brewster
Nathaniel
Ellis
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1858 by
Nancy Holmes, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Ralph Partridge, one
of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph F. Wadsworth, the
Executor therein named having declined the trust.
This may
certify that whereas my last husband, Bradford Holmes, made a Will, giving me
all the Estate which he died possessed of, both Real and Personal, I do hereby
waive the provisions in said will and take my thirds of sd. Estate.
And, as
it would be inconvenient for me to administer on sd. estate, I would nominate
Joseph F. Wadsworth to that trust.
Duxbury, April 10th 1858 Nancy Holmes
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 100, p. 161-162, from FHL microfilm
#0555644.
Will of Caleb B. Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1869) *
Be it known that I Caleb B. Holmes, of Plymouth in the County
of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being desirous of directing
the disposal of such estate as I may leave at my decease, do make, publish and
declare this instrument to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form as
follows to wit:
I give devise and bequeath to my wife Lucy B. Holmes the use,
income and improvement of all the estate real and personal which I may leave at
my decease, for and during the term of her natural life; and for the purpose of
affording her a comfortable support for herself & to enable her to educate
& bring up my younger children who may be left under her care in case the
income of my estate shall be insufficient for that purpose I authorize and
empower her to use any portion of the principal which she may deem necessary,
with power to sell and convey all or any portion of my real estate and give
deeds thereof to the purchaser, without any liability to be held to render any
account of her appropriation of the proceeds of the sale of any of my property
which she may find it necessary to use for the purposes aforesaid.
At the decease of my said wife, I give, devise and bequeath
all and whatever shall then remain of my estate real and personal unexpended in
the support of my wife and children to my ten children, Susan E. Paty, Harrison
Holmes, Lucy B. Cole, Ella P. Peterson, Caleb B. Holmes Junior, Julia W.
Holmes, Annie S. Holmes, George F. Holmes, Alice C. Holmes, & William B.
Holmes in equal shares to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever, and to
the children of any deceased child by right of representation.
I nominate and appoint my said wife Lucy B. Holmes to be the
Executrix of this Will and I revoke any will by me heretofore made, and I
request and direct that my said Executrix shall not be required to furnish any
sureties or any bond for the execution of said trust.
In witness whereof I have subscribed my name to this
instrument this twenty seventh day of July in the year one thousand eight
hundred and sixty nine.
Caleb B. Holmes
Subscribed, published and declared by the within named Caleb
B. Holmes as & for his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who at
his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Jacob
H. Loud
Wm
T. Davis
Dan.
J. Robbins
To the Honorable the Judge of the Probate Court in and for
the County of Plymouth.
It being inconvenient for me to discharge the duty of
executrix of the last will and testament of Caleb B. Holmes, my husband late of
Plymouth in said County of Plymouth deceased I do hereby signify and declare to
your Honor my refusal of that trust.
Dated at Plymouth the seventeenth day of July A.D. 1878
Lucy
B. Holmes
Ephraim T. Paty, of Plymouth, was appointed as administrator
with will annexed of the estate of Caleb B. Holmes, who deceased on 21 June
1878, on 9 Sept. 1878, with George D. Dyer and Peter Holmes, of Plymouth, as
sureties. The heirs in the petition were listed on 19 July 1878 as his widow
Lucy B. Holmes, Susan Elisabeth Paty, wife of Ephraim T. Paty of Plymouth,
Harrison Holmes of Plymouth, Caleb B. Holmes Jr. of Plymouth, Julia Wilson
Holmes of Plymouth, George Francis Holmes of Plymouth, William Blanchard
Holmes, a minor, of Plymouth, Lucy Bartlett Cole, wife of Jabez B. Cole of So.
Boston, Ella Prior Peterson, wife of John Henry Peterson of So. Boston, Anna
Slater Blaine, wife of Chas. F. Blaine of Plymouth, and Alice Clayton Holmes, a
minor, of Plymouth.
To the Honorable the Judge of the Probate Court in and for
the County of Plymouth,
Respectfully represents Ephraim T. Paty that it is
inconvenient for him any longer to serve as administrator with the will annexed
of Caleb B. Holmes late of Plymouth deceased, he therefore respectfully resigns
said trust, and asks to have his resignation accepted.
October 2, 1880 Ephraim
T. Paty
Resignation accepted 11 Oct. 1880.
Lucy B. Holmes, of Plymouth, was appointed as administratrix
with will annexed of the estate not already administered of Caleb B. Holmes,
late of Plymouth, on 11 Oct. 1880, with Thomas B. Bartlett and Edwin Jackson as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 551-552, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, Vol. 142, p. 569, Vol. 151, p. 12, Vol. 143, p. 484-485, Vol 151, p.
340, and Probate Docket #10346.
Will of Cyrus Holmes of Hanover, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
Know all
men by these presents, that I, Cyrus Holmes of Hanover in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being sick & weak in body, but
of sound mind, memory & understanding and considering the certainty of
death, & the uncertainty of the time thereof; and to the end I may be
better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me
hence, do therefore make & declare this my last Will & testament, in
manner following—
And
first & principally I commit my soul into the hand of my Creator who gave
it & my body to the earth to be interred at the direction of my Executrix
herein after named.
And as
to such worldly estate wherewith I am entrusted, I dispose of the same as
follows.—
I give
& bequeath to each of my beloved children Cyrus Collamore Holmes, Luther
Wright Holmes, Sophia Ann Holmes, & Thomas Bartlett Holmes, the sum of five
dollars each –
I give
& bequeath to my beloved wife, Sophia Ann Holmes, all the remainder of my
estate, real, personal or mixed, wherever the same may be, a of whatever the
same may consist, to her & her heirs forever— hereby requesting, &
urgently enjoining on her the said Sophia Ann, the prudent & judicious
management of the same for the support of herself & my children before
named – I having entrusted it so wholly to her that it might be managed with
less expense, & be more conductive to her & their support–
Lastly,
I hereby appoint my said wife, the said Sophia Ann Holmes, sole executrix of
this my last Will & testament, hereby empowering her to pay the legacies
above made & all legal demands against my estate.
In
witness whereof, I, the said Cyrus Holmes, have to this, my last Will &
Testament, set my hand & seal, this eighth day of August in the year of our
Lord Eighteen hundred & forty-nine–
Cyrus Holmes (seal)
Signed
Sealed, published & declared by the said Cyrus Holmes as his last Will
& Testament, in the presence of us, who at his request & in his
presence, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Alexander
Wood, Warren Wright+ Robert Eels.+
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of Aug. 1849 by
Sophia Ann Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Warren Wright and
Robert Eels, two of the witnesses.
Will of David S. Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1880) *
Know all men by these presents that I David S. Holmes of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of
a sound disposing mind and memory do make publish and declare this instrument
as and for my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills be me
made.
First. I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses
be paid out of my estate.
Second. I give to my beloved wife Esther Holmes the use
income and improvement of all my estate during her natural life.
Third. I give and bequeath to my daughters Fanny S. Cox,
Phebe Augusta Swift, Flora A. Bartlett, Lucy Jane Swift and Isabel Finney each
the sum of three dollars and to my grand-daughter Amy Swift the sum of three
dollars.
Fourth. All the rest residue and remainder of my estate real,
personal and mixed I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Georgia A. Holmes
to have and to hold to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my said daughter Georgie A.
Holmes executrix of this my last will and testament and request that she may be
exempt from giving a surety or sureties on her bond as such executrix.
In
testimony of all which I hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of the
witnesses hereinafter named this second day of November in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty.
David S. Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named David S. Holmes as and for his last will and
testament in our presence, and we in his presence and at his request and in the
presence of each other hereto subscribe our names as witnesses.
Daniel
E. Damon
Samuel
T. Ryder
Ann
E. Harlow
Georgie A. Holmes, of Plymouth, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of David S. Holmes, late of
Plymouth, on 14 Feb. 1881.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p.
536, from FHL microfilm #0556649, and Vol. 134, p. 204.
Will of Deborah Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1839) *
In the name of God Amen. I Deborah Holmes of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth widow being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and
declare this instrument to be my last will and Testament, as follows viz.
I
do hereby constitute and appoint John Perkins of Plymouth to be sole Executor
of this my will and after the payment of all my debts and charges I give,
devise and bequeath to him the said John Perkins and in case of his refusal to
accept this trust to such other person as the Judge of Probate shall appoint
for the sole use and benefit of my son Samuel N. Holmes 2d. during
the term of his life and if the said Samuel at his decease should leave a wife
then to the sole use and benefit of such wife while she remains the widow of
said Samuel, all the Estate Real and personal of which I may die seized and
possessed.
And
at the expiration of said trust by the death of said Samuel and his said wife
or her intermarriage, which ever may first happen I give devise and bequeath,
the estate so devised in trust as aforesaid to the children of said Samuel
their heirs and assigns forever.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of
January in the Year Eighteen hundred and thirty nine
Deborah Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed and published and delivered by the said Deborah Holmes as her last will
and testament in the presence of us who in her presence and in the presence of
each other and at her request have hereunto set our names as witnesses
Finney
Leach
Thomas
B. Sherman
David
B. Bartlett
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Aug. 1843 by John Perkins, the executor therein named, and proved by
Thomas B. Sherman and David B. Bartlett, two of the witnesses. Letters
Testamentary were granted to John Perkins.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p.
334-335, from FHL microfilm #0555268.
Will of Ebenezer Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
In the
name of God, Amen: I Ebenezer Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth,
being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, Blessed be
Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament,
in manner and form following, that is to say.~
First. I
give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Sally Holmes, the improvement of all my
property (she remaining to be my widow) during her natural life – excepting
that I do herein appoint, that no more wood be expended, than ten cords of wood
annually for her own fire. The wood to be five cords of pine and five cords of
oak.
I do
also give and bequeath to my youngest son Ezra I. H. Holmes two thirds of all
my homestead and of my enclosed land – two thirds of the house and barn and all
the appurtenances and privileges belonging to the above grant – Also two thirds
of a piece of land unenclosed, near the Iron Works, through which I have a road
to pass and repass.
I also
give and bequeath to my son Nathaniel Holmes one third, that is, the remaining
third of all the bequests which I have above bequeathed to my son Ezra. I do
also give and bequeath to my sons Ezra and Nathaniel above named, all my
personal estate in the same manner as above named, that is, I do give to my
youngest son Ezra two thirds of my tenement and barn, of my Oxen, horse and
stock of every kind – And I do give and bequeath to my son Nathaniel one third
of all my personal estate, that is, one third of all that of which I have
bequeathed to my son Ezra, one third of the house, of the barn, of the Team and
of all the appurtenances and privileges belonging to the same. I do also give
and bequeath the remainder of my real estate, that is to say, one wood lot
containing twelve acres, more or less, to be divided among my seven remaining
children, i.e. Mary Tribble, Maria Bearse, Rebecca Hodges, David Holmes,
Charlotte, Sally and Jerusha Holmes, to be divided equally among the seven. And
Lastly, as to all my estate, real and personal, goods and chattels, of what
kind and nature soever, I give and bequeath the same to my beloved wife Sally
Holmes, as already herein named, whom I hereby appoint sole Executrix of this
my last Will and Testament – and hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of April in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six
Ebenezer Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Ebenezer Holmes to be his
last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our
names as Witnesses in the presence of the testator.
Benjamin
Whitmore
Lemuel
Cobb
Albert
O. Whitmore
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1837 by
Sally Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Whitmore and
Lemuel Cobb, two of the witnesses.
To the
Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth.
The
subscriber named as Executor to the last Will and Testament of Ebenezer Holmes
late of Plymouth in said County, deceased, on account of her health, feels it
to be best for her to relinquish said trust, which she hereby does.—and she
would suggest Mr Ellis Whiting as a suitable person to be appointed
to settle said estate.
Plymouth
July 1st 1938 Sally Holmes
The
undersigned heirs at law of Ebenezer Holmes deceased, ascent to the appointment
of Mr Ellis Whiting as above.
Nathaniel
Hodges Jr
David
Holmes
James
Tribble
Calvin
Bearce
Ellis Whiting, Administrator with
Will annexed on the Estate of Ebenezer Holmes, late of Plymouth, yeoman, was
granted license to sell his live stock and teams at public or private sale for
the interest of all concerned on 14 Aug. 1837.
Ellis Whiting, of Plymouth, was
granted administration with will annexed of the estate of Ebenezer Holmes, late
of Plymouth, yeoman, as requested by Sally Holmes, the person named as
Executor, who declined, on 14 Aug. 1837, with David Holmes and Benjamin
Whitmore, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
The Inventory of the estate of
Ebenezer Holmes, late of Plymouth, was appraised by Lemuel Leach, Stephen
Doten, and William Burgess, not dated, his real estate valued at $1442.00, and
his personal estate totaled $156.00. Ellis Whiting, the Administrator with Will
annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 15 Jan. 1838.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p.
354-356, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 10A, p. 488, and Vol. 80, p. 7.
Will of Eleazer
Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen, I Eleazer Holmes of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth,
yeoman, being sensible the certainty of death & uncertain of the time when
I shall be summoned thereby, being desirous of disposing of my worldly
substance, do make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner
following. First & principally, I resign my soul to God who gave it hoping
for eternal salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ. I resign my body to
the dust, to be decently buried according to the discretion of my Executors
hereafter named. My worldly estate, I dispose of in the following manner—viz
Imprimis.
I Give to my Son Eleazer Holmes junr. my dwelling house in
Item.
I Give to my daughter Jane Davee widow, the free use & improvement of the
southerly front room in the house I live in and the chamber over it, with free
liberty to make such use of the kitchen & cellar belonging to said house as
she may need, all to be used by her, free from all rent & expence for any
repairs, during her life time
Item.
Also give my said son, all that is due to me on book and on any obligation
whatsoever, in consideration whereof, & the lands &c. I have given him
as above, I hereby order him to pay to each of my three daughters viz~
Jane Davee, Betsey Doten, the wife of Stephen Doten junr. &
Mercy Bartlett the wife of William Bartlett junr. Forty five dollars
a piece, to be paid within Six months after my decease, if not then paid, to be
on Interest ‘till paid
Item.
All the remainder & residue of my Estate both real & personal,
whatsoever, wheresoever it may be found, I Give to my three Daughters above
named to them their heirs & assigns forever, to be equally divided amongst
them, including one of the three Schooners that is owned by me & my said
Brother Ichabod Holmes, that is the one that may fall to me or my heirs in the
division that they may make with my said brother Ichabod, to which Vessell
& her appurtenances my said son Eleazer to relinquish all title or claim on
condition or for the reason that I have given him the lands &c. as
abovesaid
Lastly.
I hereby nominate and appoint my said son Eleazer Holmes junr. &
Stephen Doten junr. to be Executors to this my last will &
testament. In Testimony of all which, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal at
Plymouth this Fifth day of May Anno Domini 1797 – N.B. the interlines between
the nineteenth & twenty lines, and between ye twenty fourth & twenty
fifth lines was made before signing & sealing these presents
Signed, Sealed & delivered
& declared
by the said Eleazer Holmes to be
his Eleazer Holmes (seal)
last will & testament in
presence of
Thomas
Withrell
Ezra
Ephraim
Spooner
I
Eleazer Holmes of Plymouth above named, do make the following as a Codicill, to
my will above written, that is, the legacy, & all the estate real &
personal, that I gave to my daughter Betsey Doten the wife of Mr
Stephen Doten junr. by the above will, she being deceased since my
making the above will, I hereby give to her children to be equally divided
between them, to belong to them & their heirs & assigns forever. In
Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & seal at
Signed, Sealed & delivered
& declared to the
be a codicil to the last will &
testament
mark of X Eleazr (seal)
of the said Eleazer Holmes by him
in Holmes
presence of
Ephraim
Spooner
Nathl
Spooner
Presented for probate on 28 Feb.
1798 by Eleazer Holmes & Stephen Doten junr, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Thomas Wethrell, Ezra Burbank, Ephraim Spooner Esqr.
& Nathaniel Spooner, four of the witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Eleazer Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the Name of God Amen I Eleazer Holmes of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth Gentleman being sick & weak in body but of sound and
disposing mind & memory do make & ordain this to be my last will and
Testament, first of all I commend my Soul to the everlasting mercy of God who
gave it and my body to a decent funeral, humbly praying for a glorious
Resurrection through Jesus Christ. In the next place after my just debts &
funeral Expences are paid; I give and dispose of my worldly Estate as follows–
first I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Elizabeth the
use and Improvement of the whole of my Estate both real and personal both
indoors & out of doors in Plymouth aforesaid and elsewhere for her to use
and improve untill my youngest Child Jane Avery is eighteen Years of Age, for
the express purpose of keeping my Family together and supporting herself and
all my Children, as comfortably as the Income of my Estate will admit, of which
I direct her to do with the Income of my said Estate, only excepting as is
hereafter excepted out of her Improvement –
2dly. I give and bequeath to my Son Eleazer Holmes
junr. one undivided third part of my Estate both real and personal
in Plymouth aforesaid and elsewhere, he not to come into the possession &
Improvement of it untill my said Daughter Jane Avery is eighteen years of age
unless unless he should marry, and if he should marry, I direct & order
said third part of my Estate to be put into his immediate possession after his
Marriage
3dly. I give and bequeath to my three Daughters
Esther Holmes Mary Holmes and Jane Avery Holmes one undivided third part of my
Estate both real and personal, both indoors & out of doors in Plymouth
aforesaid and elsewhere, which third part of my Estate is to be equally divided
between them my said three daughters excepting the sole use and Improvement of
said Third part of my Estate to my Wife for the support of herself and my
Children to live together till my youngest Child Jane Avery is eighteen years
of age, when said third part of my Estate is to be divided between my said
three Daughters as aforesaid, unless either of my said Daughters should marry
before my said Daughter Jane Avery is eighteen years of age and should either
of my said Daughters marry before that times, I direct and order that they or
either of them that marry shall have their share of said third assigned them at
the time of their Marriage —
4thly I give and bequeath after my said youngest
Daughter Jane Avery is eighteen years of age the sole use & Improvement of
the other third part of my Estate both real & personal to my beloved wife
Elizabeth for her to use and improve for her own benefit for & during the
Term of her natural Life, and after her decease said third part of my Estate
real and personal to be equally divided between my said four Children
5thly Should any part of my personal Estate be
spent or worn out for the benefit or support of my Family before my said
Daughter Jane is eighteen years of age, or they marry my wife is not to be
answerable to my Children for their part thereof, and after my youngest
daughter is eighteen years of age, if my said wife needs the third part of my
personal Estate, which will be assigned her to live upon, she may spend it for
that purpose —
6thly. and lastly I nominate & appoint my
beloved Wife Elizabeth and my Friend Rosseter Cotton Esqr of said
Plymouth to be Executors to this my last Will and Testament, in Testimony of
which I the said Eleazer Holmes have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 13th.
Day of December AD one thousand
eight hundred & four. ~
Signed sealed & declared to be his last Will &
Testament in presence of us –
Nathl
Goodwin
Barnabas
Otis Eleazer Holmes (seal)
James
Collins
R.
Cotton
Presented for probate on 28 Dec.
1804 by Elizabeth Holmes and Rosseter Cotton Esqr, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Barnabas Otis, James Collins and Rosseter Cotton
Esqr., three of the witnesses.
Josiah Cotton Esqr.,
Ichabod Morton junr. Gentleman, and Richard Holmes, Yeoman, all of
Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Eleazer Holmes, late of
Plymouth, Gentleman, on 28 Dec. 1804. The inventory was appraised in February
& March 1805, his personal inventory totaled $1685.10, and his real estate
totaled $5279.99. Elizabeth Holmes and Rosseter Cotton Esqr., the
Executor, gave their oath to the inventory on 26 June 1806.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
139-146, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Elisha
Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1745) *
In the Name of God Amen, Elisha Holmes of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth in the New England Yeoman, Labouring under the Infirmitys of
Old Age, but of Sound and Disposing Memory thanks be Given to Almighty God for
the Same, but Calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to Die do Make and ordain this my Last Will and
Testament, Imprimas I will and Bequeath
my Soule unto God who Gave it me and My Body to the Dust to be Decently Buried
at the Descretion of my Execr. Hereafter named nothing Douting but
at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power
of God, and as Touching Such worldly Estat where with it hath pleased God to
bless me in this Life, I dispose of the same in the Following manner
I
will and Bequeath unto My Loveing wife Susana Holmes the use of all my Estate
both Real and Personal in the Township of Plimouth and Elsewhere after My Just
Debts and Funeral Charges is first paid out of My Moveable Estate all which
Improvement I do Give my well beloved wife, So long as she shall Remain my
widow (but if in case shall marry again then my will is that she Shall have all
my Meadow in the town of Barnstable and all my Stock Cattle of all Sorts in
Plimouth or Elsewher and also thirty pounds in other Moveable Estate to be at
her Disposal and her heirs and assigns forever—
My will is that all the Resedue of My Estate both Real and
personal Lying within the Township of Plimouth and Else where not Given away in
this present will shall be Divided to and amongst My Eight Children now Living
and the Children of my son Elnathan Holmes Decd. in the Following
maner Vizt. one ninth part thereof to My son Elisha Holmes, one
ninth part to my son Joseph Holmes, one ninth part to My son Jabez Holmes, one
ninth part to the Children of my son Elnathan Holmes, Decd. one ninth part to my son John Holmes one ninth
part to my Daughter Marcy the wife of Edward Stevens, one ninth part to my
Daughter Elizabeth the wife of Elkanah Morton, one ninth part to My Daughter
Sarah Blackmer, (the wife of John Blackmer) and one ninth part to my Daughter Rebecca
(the wife of Andrew Croswell, all which Estate as abovesaid I do Give to them
and Each of there Heirs and assigns forever—
(Lastly)
I nominate and appoint my Loveing Friend Nathl. Bartlett the sole
Execr. of this My Last Will & Testamt. Hereby
Revokeing all other and former Wills either written or Verble, by me Heretofore
Made or Done or orderd to be Done, Hereby Ratifying this my last and Testamt.
to Remain Firm and Inviolable In Witness
Whereof I the above named Elisha Holmes have Hereun to set my hand & Seal
21st day of March Anno. Domi. 1745. his
Josiah Morton Elisha + Holmes (seal)
Josiah Morton Jur. mark
Thomas Clarke
Presented for probate on 3 Dec. 1753 by the Execr.
who renounces the Executorship, and proved by Josiah Morton and Josiah Morton
Jur., the sd Thos. Clarke since decd.
Elisha Holmes and John Blackmer, Yeomen, were appointed as Administrators Cum
Testamento Annexo on the Estate of Elisha Holmes, late of Plimouth, Yeoman Decd.,
with John Bartlett, Inholder, and Perez Tillson, Marcht., all of
Plimouth, as sureties, on 6 Dec. 1753.
The Inventory of the Estate of Elisha Holmes late of Plimo.,
was appraised by Joseph Bartlett, Benjamin Rider, and Joseph Warren on 1 Jan.
1754, and totaled £518.2.0, including his homestead buildings, orchard and land
valued at £418.13.4, a piece of land at Warrens Lot valued at £36.5.4, and his
salt meadow at Sandy Neck in Barnstable valued at £6.13.4. Elisha Holmes and
John Blackmer, the Administrators, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Jan.
1754.
Leut. Joseph Bartlett, Benjamin Rider, Joseph Warren, and
Nathaniel Bartlett, all of Plymouth, and John Wadsworth, of Duxbury, were
appointed to divide the real estate of Elisha Holmes, late of Plymouth, into
nine equal parts, and assign one ninth part each to Elisha Holmes, the eldest
son, to Joseph Holmes, to Jabez Holmes, to the children of Elnathan Holmes,
deceased, to the legal representatives of John Holmes, deceased, to Marey the
wife of Edward Stephens, to Elizabeth the wife of Elkanah Morton, to Susan
Blackmer the wife of John Blackmer, and to Rebecca the wife of Rev. Mr. Andrew
Croswell, on 18 [sic] Mar. 1754. The division was dated 13 [sic] Mar. 1754,
sworn to on 30 Mar. 1754, and was approved by the court on 6 Mar. [sic] 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 13, pp. 184-186, 243-247, from FHL
microfilm #0551540.
Will of Elisha Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
In The name
of God Amen
I,
Elisha Holmes of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth in New England yeoman,
being of a sound and disposing mind, but considering the uncertainty of Life,
do think proper to settle my worldly affairs, & to make my Last will and
testament in manner Following vizt~
First of all, I recommend my soul to the everlasting mercy of
God through Christ, and my body to a decent burial, humbly hoping for a
Glorious resurrection thro’ the merits of my redeemer~and as to my worldly
Estate, I dispose thereof as Follows
1st—I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife Mary
all my moveable Estate after my Funeral charges & Other Just debts are paid
out of the same, also the improvement of one half of my Real Estate during her
widowhood
2d—I Give to my three surviving sons-vizr
Elisha, Bartlett & Ellis all my Real Estate, to be equally divided between
them, they paying to my three surviving daughters viz. Sarah, Betty & Mary
Ten pounds L.m. to each of them also to the heirs of my deceased son
Samuell Ten pounds & to the heirs of my decd son Nathaniel Ten
pounds. Likewise to the heirs of my deceased daughter Susannah Ten pounds &
to the heirs of my deceased daughter Jerusha Ten pounds, and it is my will that
the abovesaid Legacies as above mentioned be paid within the space of three
months after my decease
3d—It is my will that my three surviving sons
above mentioned should be the sole Executors of this my Last will &
Testament, Likewise it is my will that my three sons above mentioned should
have my wearing apparell-in Testimony & confirmation of which I the said
Elisha Holmes do hereunto set my hand & seal this nineteenth day of May A D
One thousand seven hundred & seventy nine
Signed Sealed & declared to be his Last Elisha
Holmes (seal)
will & testament in presence of~~
Ivory
Hovey
John
Blackmer
Sarah
Blackmer
Probated on 7 July 1779, presented by Elisha Holmes, Bartlett
Holmes & Ellis Holmes, the Executors therein named, and proved by Ivory
Hovey and John Blackmer, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Eliza K. Holmes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1875) *
Know all men by these presents that I Eliza K. Holmes widow
of the late George W. Holmes of Bridgewater, in the County of Plymouth, and
State of Massachusetts being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make
and publish this my last will and testament.
First, I hereby constitute and appoint Col. Isaac F.
Kingsbury of Chestnut Hill, Newton, Massachusetts, to be sole executor of this
my last Will and Testament, directing him my said Executor to pay all my just
debts and funeral charges.
Second, I give and bequeath to the three children of my last
husband viz: Laura D. Kingsbury of Chestnut Hill, and Charles Henry Holmes and
Ellen M. Holmes of Boston, the house, outbuildings and land appertaining
thereto, for which reference is here made to a deed given me by Hosea Kingman
Administrator on the estate of my last husband dated October 24th
1874, to have and to hold to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
Third. I also give and bequeath to the three children
aforesaid, all the furniture, bedding &c which was in the house when I came
to reside in it, also so much of my wearing apparel as they may desire to have.
Fourth, I also give and devise to the three children above
mentioned a certain parcel of wood and pasture land being opposite the house
described and specified in the deed above mentioned subject to a mortgage to my
parents Nathan Robbins & wife.
Fifth. I have also invested in the Provident Institution for
Savings, Boston five hundred eighty four dollars thirty six cents earned by me
before my marriage, which sum with my accumulations thereon, I desire to have
expended for the support of my parents, during the life of each of them should
they survive me, reserving from the above money unless absolutely needed for
the comfort of my parents, fifty dollars to be paid to my brother Nathan K.
Robbins of the city of New York, after the decease of my parents; the residue
if any of this fund, to be equally divided among the children of my late
husband.
Sixth. The furniture of the parlor including the carpet which
was purchased by me before my marriage I desire should be given to the daughter
Ellen M. Holmes of Boston. I also give to her “Mack’s Domestic Sewing Machine.
Seventh. I give to my brother Nathan K. Robbins one dozen
silver teaspoons, marked M. K. to be given to his daughter Flora Ella La Forge
on the death of her father. I also give to her one dozen silver tea knives and
forks.
Eighth. I give and bequeath to my cousin Mrs Lucy Angelina
Mudge wife of Alfred Mudge now of Boston Massachusetts, my old mahogany table
with round top.
Ninth. The residue of all my furniture, housekeeping articles
and wearing apparel I give and bequeath to Mrs Mary Blanchard wife of Joseph K.
Blanchard of Boston, Massachusetts, Mrs Emily C. Knight, wife of Samuel W.
Knight of Lawrence Massachusetts, Mrs James G. Woodward of Kellogg, Iowa, and
Mrs Lucy C. Hutchings of Westford Massachusetts, who are the daughters of my
mother; the same to be equally divided between them,
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day
of June A D 1875
Eliza K. Holmes (seal)
Signed sealed, published and
declared as her last will by the said Eliza K. Holmes, in the presence of us,
who in her presence, and in the presence of each other and at her request, have
hereto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Thomas
Russell
Francis
M. Bennett
Albe
C. Clarke
Boston
Jan. 22. 1880.
Whereas in my only Will of June A D. 1875 I
provided for my parents Nathan Robbins and wife, also my step daughter Ellen M.
Holmes of Boston since died the money left for them in said will of June A D.
1875 I wish paid to Albert G. Boyden Dr Lewis Hopkins of Bridgewater Mass. Also
Mrs Hannah Mitchell of Halifax Mass. holding notes of borrowed money against my
husband at the time of his death the estate settled up 75 cts on a dollar I
wish the balance made up to them in full.
I wish Laura D Holmes Kingsbury of Chestnut
Hill, Newton Mass. to have the remainder towards educating her children, my
wearing apparel I wish sent to the Home Missionary. I wish cousin Mary S.
Kinsman to have the Mack Domestic Sewing Machine.
If Col. I. F. Kingsbury is not
living at the time of my death I desire Henry R. Reynolds to be my sole
Executor of my will.
Witnesses
H.
R. S. Rowe Eliza K. Holmes
Martha
M. Rowe
Alice
M. Bradley
Isaac F. Kingsbury of Newton, County of Middlesex, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Eliza K. Holmes, late of
Bridgewater, on 27 Sept. 1880, with Isaac Kingsbury and Benjamin W. Kingsbury,
both of Norton, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p. 460-462, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 149, p. 223.
Will of Ellis
Holmes of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Ellis Holmes of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being weak in body
but of sound mind and memory being desirous to set my house in order before I
die do make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament and dispose of
my worldly substance which God has bless in the following manner (viz)
Impremise. I give and bequeath to my wife Lucy Holmes the improvement of one
third of all my real and personal estate during her natural life and the
improvement of the remaining two thirds untill my son Ellis C. Holmes shall
become twenty one years of age if she remains my widow if not she is to have
the improvement of her thirds only.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my son Ellis C. Holmes Four twentieths of the Saw Mill
standing near my house on the condition that he shall live in and labour as he
is able for the benifit of my family untill he is twenty one years of age in
the same manner as if he was under me on the fulfillment of which condition I
give said four twentieths of the sd Saw Mill to him and his heirs
and assigns forever, but if he does not fulfill said condition the said four
twentieths of said Saw Mill shall be divided amongst my Children as I shall and
hereafter order the remainder of my property to be divided amongst them, and
for the permanent settlement of my Estate.
I
give and bequeath to my three sons (viz) Ellis C. Holmes and Martin Holmes and
winslow Holmes six tenths of all my Real and Personal Estate (excepting the
said four twentieths of the sd Saw Mill I have given to my said son
Ellis C. Holmes if he fulfill the above said condition and including if he does
not) to be equally divided betwixt them.
I
give and bequeath to my four Daughters (viz) Martha C. Holmes, Lucy Holmes,
Sally Holmes and Mary Holmes four tenths of all my Real Estate and Personal
Estate (excepting the said four twentieths of the Saw Mill I have given to my
son Ellis C. Holmes if he does fulfill the condition for which it is given and
including said four twentieths of said Saw Mill if he does not) to be equally
divided betwixt them and what I give to my Children I give to them and their
heirs and assigns forever, reserving in all and each share severally the right
or tights of improvement which I have given to my wife Lucy Holmes And my will further is that each of my heirs
shall have a right and shares in my Dwelling house in the same manner and
proportion that I have given them my Estate excepting that my son Ellis shall
have no then two tenths thereof. And my will further is that when my son Ellis
C. Holmes shall arrive to the age of twenty one years my Estate shall be
divided and the six tenths that I have given to my three sons Ellis C. Holmes,
Martin Holmes and winslow Holmes of my Estate, shall be divided into three
equal and seperate share and the four tenths of my sd Estate that I
have given to my four Daughters (viz) Martha C. Holmes, Lucy Holmes, Sally
Holmes and Mary Holmes shall be divided into four equal and seperate shares
remembering to sett off to my wife Lucy Holmes her thirds before the division
of said shares above directed.
And my will further, is that
whenever the division directed is made my Daughter Martha C. Holmes shall come
into the possession of her share and that each and every of my other Children
(or heirs) shall come into possession of their shares as they shall arrive at
the age of twenty one years old, and that my wife Lucy Holmes shall still have
and hold the improvement of the remaining shares untill they and each of my
remaining heirs arrive to the age of twenty one years and give up the
improvement to each as they arrive at that age if she remains my widow but not
to have the improvement of the shares if she does not so remain.
And lastly, I do constitute and
ordain Capt. Timothy Wood of Hallifax aforesaid sole Executor of
this my last will and testament. And in testamony of this my aforesaid, I the
said Ellis Holmes have hereunto set my hand and seal day and date afore written
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced,
and Declared by the sd
Ellis Holmes as Ellis Holmes (seal)
and for his last will &
testament in presence
of us who at his request and in his
presence
hereunto set our names as witnesses
to the same.
Nathaniel Morton
John Fuller
Morrill Robinson
Probated on 1 Mar. 1825, and proved
by John Fuller, one of the witnesses.
Timothy Wood, the Executor named in
the will, refused on 11 Feb. 1825, it being too inconvenient for him.
Timothy Wood, Gent., Obadiah Lyon,
Esquire, & Isaac Thompson, yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ellis
Holmes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen. I Ellis
Holmes of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Yeoman, being of sound and disposing mind and memory,
considering the uncertainty of this life, & Knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die do this fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty five make & ordain this my last Will
& testament that is to say First of all I give & recommend my soul to
God that gave it & my body to the dust to be buried in decent christian
burial nothing doubting but at the resurrection I shall receive the same again
by the mighty power of God. And as to the worldly estate with which God has
blessed me in this life having already given to my Son Howland Holmes all my my
[sic] real &
personal estate by deed on conditions therein named & as he is to pay to my
heirs the sum of three hundred & nineteen dollars after my decease besides
what he has already paid to my son Samuel & has given Security for the
payment of the Same dated March 20, 1820, now therefore I dispose of the said
sum of three hundred and nineteen dollars which remains due on said security in
the following manner, viz.
1.
I give and bequeath to my wife Abigail One hundred dollars thereof,
& to her heirs & assigns forever.
2.
I give & bequeath to the rightful heirs of my Son Ellis Holmes,
deceased, viz to his children, one hundred & ninety one dollars thereof
& to their heirs & assigns forever.
3.
I give & bequeath to my Son Howland Holmes one dollar thereof.
4.
I give & bequeath to my Son Samuel Holmes, besides what I have
already given him, one dollar thereof.
5.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Jerusha Cornish twenty one dollars
thereof & to her heirs & assigns forever.
5.[sic] I give and
bequeath to my daughter Mary Bassett one dollar thereof.
7.
I give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Ann Brett, child of my daughter
Betsey Brett, deceased, one dollar thereof.
8.
I give and bequeath to my three grand-daughters, children of my daughter
Susanna Hall—viz. Malinda Hall, Ann Mari Hall & Mary Hall, three dollars
thereof, one dollar to each.
The
payment of the abovesaid sums & legacies of money to be well & truly
made by my said Son Howland Holmes by & under the direction of the Executor
of this my last will & testament.
And
lastly I do appoint Timothy Wood Jr. of
In
witness whereof I the Said Ellis Holmes have hereunto set my hand & seal
day & date above written.
Signed,
Sealed, published and
declared by the above Said Ellis
Holmes to be his last Will and Ellis Holmes (seal)
Testament in presence of us the
subscribers as witnesses in the
pres-
sence of the testator
Isaiah
Ripley 2d
Noah
Bosworth
Frances
Bosworth
Probated on 3 Jan. 1826, and proved
by Isaiah Ripley Jr., one of the witnesses.
Ebenr Wood, Gent.,
Timothy Wood, Yeoman, & Saml. S. Sturtevant, Gent., all of
Finding no property whereof to make
an Inventory, I return this Warrant not executed.
August 1, 1826 Timothy Wood Junr.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ellis Holmes of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1872) *
Know all men by these presents, that I Ellis Holmes of East
Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being
in feeble health, far advanced in years, and of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament for the final
disposition of my estate.
First, I give to my grand-daughter Louisa B. Howard wife of
William A. Howard for her sole and separate use five hundred dollars as her
full share of my property.
Second. I give to Relief Hersey a member of my family, if
living at my decease, three hundred dollars, to be paid her by my Executor out
of any part of my estate.
Third. After the payment of my debts and the above named
legacies, I give to my children, Ellis W. Holmes, Andrew B. Holmes, Louisa B.
Sampson, Mary Rider wife of Samuel L. Rider, and Elizabeth Holmes for their
separate use, all the rest and residue of my estate, Real and Personal, of
whatever description to be divided in equal shares between them; and in case
either of said children shall die without issue before my own decease, such
estate to be divided in equal shares among the survivors or their legal representatives.
Fourth, I hereby constitute my son Ellis W. Holmes sole
Executor of this will, directing him to pay my just debts and funeral charges
out of any portion of my estate, remaining at my decease.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal, and
publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in presence of the
witnesses hereinafter named, this twenty second day of February in the year
eighteen hundred and seventy two.
Ellis Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Ellis
Holmes as and for his last will and testament in presence of us, who in his
presence, and in presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses. Heman Keith
Saml.
A. Orr
Moses
Bates
Ellis W. Holmes, of East Bridgewater, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Ellis Holmes, late of East Bridgewater, on 13 May
1872, with Charles W. Harris and Moses Bates, of Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p. 364, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 133, p. 47.
Will of Ephraim Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the Name of God amen—upon the second day of July in the
year of our Lord-one thousand seven hundred and Seventy Eight I Ephraim Holmes
of Kingston in the county of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England, yeoman, upon good and serious considerations, and being under
some decays of nature, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given unto God
for the same, and therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this
to be my Last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all, I
do Give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it any my body I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent and Christian manner at the discretion
of my Executor herein after named, nothing doubting but at the Great and
General Resurrection I shall Recieve the same again by the almighty power of
God, and as touching such worldly Goods and temporal Estate, wherewith God has
been pleased to bless me in this Life with, I Give, demise and dispose of the
same in the following manner and form
Imprimis—my will is that all my Just debts and funeral
charges be defrayed and paid out of my personal Estate
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my Eldest Son Ephraim Holmes
all my right and title and Interest that I have in the 125th Lot in
Marshfield upper Lands, only excepting the Cedar Swamp, that is included within
the said 125th Lot, that is my part of the Cedar swamp, I do Give
and bequeath unto my son Levi Holmes, and this abovesaid 125th Lot
that is Given as abovesaid, I do Give and bequeath to my two said Sons Ephraim
Holmes and Levi Holmes their heirs and assigns forever
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Ephraim Holmes
and Levi Holmes and my daughter Sarah Carver the wife of David Carver all the
Residue and Remainder of all my Real and and Personal Estate whatsoever it is
and wheresoever it may be found, equally alike to be divided amongst them all
according to the appraisement that shall be made of it, and further my will is
that my daughter Sarah Carver has had of me some moveable Goods in my Life
time, that I Gave her, and my will is that what I Gave her in my Life time
shall be appraised, and that is to be as a part of her Share of her Legacy in
my Estate as abovesaid, according to the appraisement–and whereas I have
heretofore Given unto my two said Sons Ephraim Holmes and Levi Holmes each of
them a deed of a Certain piece of Land being two pieces in the whole as their
deeds will Sett forth, and I Likewise have Given unto my said daughter Sarah
Carver the Sum of twenty pounds in moveable Goods, and my will is that my sd.
daughter Sarah is to have all the Residue and Remainder of my moveable Goods or
Personal Estate after my Just debts and funeral Charges be paid out of it
according to the appraisement, She must have her Share in my Other out Lands so
as to make her Share one third part out of my Estate equal to each of my said
Sons—and my will is that my Son Ephraim Holmes and my daughter Sarah Carver
shall have my dwelling house equally between them – and my will is that my son
Levi shall have my Corn house and my will is that my daughter shall have a
convenient way to my house and conveniency about my house, and my will is that
all these abovesaid Legacies shall be appraised and my said daughter is to have
one whole share or third part of my Estate equal to one of my Sons, and my will
is that my son Ephraim Holmes shall have half my Barn and my Son Levi half my
Barn, and my will is that all and each of these Legacies above Given is to Go
and to be for the use of each of the heirs as abovesaid to each of them their
heirs and assigns forever
Item—I Do hereby Constitute and appoint my trusty friend
Peter West of Kingston aforesaid to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will
and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow Revoke and disannull all and
every other and former wills testaments Legacies and bequests and Executors by
me in any ways before named, willed and bequested, Ratifying and confirming
this and no other to be my Last will and testament—In witness whereof I the
said Ephraim Holmes have hereunto Set to my hand and Seal the day and year
above written
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
and declared by the said Ephraim Holmes Ephraim Holmes (seal)
to be his Last will and testament in
presence of us the Subscribers
Elisha
Brewster
Sarah
Daws
John
Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1780 by Peter West, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elisha Brewster and John Wadsworth, two
of the witnesses.
Jedediah Holmes, yeoman, Noah Symmons, Gentm. and
Elijah Chandler, yeoman, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Ephraim Holmes, late of Kingston, on 4 Dec. 1780. The inventory was dated 27
Dec. 1790, and totaled £692.6.~, including his dwelling house and homestead
valued at £249.15, and several other parcels of land. Peter West, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Jan. 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 25-28, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Ephraim Bartlett Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1859) *
In the name of God Amen. I Ephraim Bartlett Holmes of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being of sound
disposing mind and memory do this fourth day of June A.D. eighteen hundred and
fifty nine make publish and declare this instrument as and for my last Will and
Testament.
First. After the payment of all my just debts and incidental
charges, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Lydia Sampson Holmes so
long as she shall remain my widow all the income of my whole estate, Real,
Personal or mixed that I now possess or may hereafter come into my possession,
to and for her sole use and benefit.
Second. At the decease of my wife Lydia Sampson Holmes, I
give devise and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Bartlett Holmes all my estate
Real, Personal or mixed that I now possess or may hereafter possess or to which
I may be the lawful heir and thereby entitled to her own sole use and benefit
to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
Provided nevertheless that should my said daughter decease
leaving no issue, then all my property Real Personal or mixed that I now
possess or may be hereafter entitled to, I give, devise and bequeath to the
lawful heirs of my said wife Lydia Sampson Holmes to them their heirs and
assigns forever.
Third. In case of the decease of my daughter before the
decease of my said wife she leaving no issue, then it is my will that at the
decease of my said wife all my estate Real, Personal or mixed or to which I may
be hereafter entitled shall go to the heirs of my said wife, to them their
heirs and assigns forever.
Fourth. The meaning and intent of this my last will and
testament is, that in no case whatsoever and under no circumstances that may
hereafter occur, shall my estate or any portion thereof that I now possess or
may hereafter possess, or after my decease my heirs through me shall be legally
entitled to descend to my family heirs (as in case of the decease of myself, my
wife, and daughter leaving no issue) but shall descend to the heirs of my wife
Lydia Sampson Holmes to them their heirs and assigns forever.
Fifth. I hereby constitute my beloved wife sole executrix of
this my last will and testament.
In
testimony whereof I the said Ephraim Bartlett Holmes have hereunto set my hand
and seal the day and date above written.
Ephraim B. Holmes (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by the said Ephraim Bartlett Holmes as and for his last will and
testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and in
the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Samuel
H. Doten
Charles
Whitten
Josiah
W. Churchill
Lydia S. Holmes of Plymouth, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Ephraim B. Holmes, late of
Plymouth, on 14 Oct. 1878, with Lydia B. Holmes and Wm. R. Drew, of Plymouth,
as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p.
555-557, from FHL microfilm #0556649, and Vol. 149, p. 6.
Will of Francis Holmes of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the
Name of God amen I Francis Holmes being of a sound disposing Mind & Memory
do constitute this my last will & Testament, & desire it may be
received by all as such. First I give my Soul to God my Maker & my Body to
the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named, & as to my worldly Estate my Will is that all my just debts &
funeral Charges be truly paid by my Executor hereafter named —
1st.
I give unto wife Lydia all my personal Estate for her Improvement so long as
she remains my widow, with the Improvement of the whole of my Real Estate
excluding my farming Tools & one Yoke of Oxen & four Feather Beds with
the Furniture to each Bed —
2dly.
I give unto my Son Francis all my Real Estate with the Buildings &
appurtenances thereunto belonging that lie to the eastward of the Highway that
leads from Plympton unto Halifax also all my Bog meadow that lies on Colchester
Brook also a Yoke of Oxen with all my farming Tools also a Feather Bed &
Furniture —
3dly.
I give unto my Son Peleg my Cedar Swamp in Halifax in Turkey Swamp so called
also five acres of Land that I bought of Dependence Sturtevant adjoining Holmes
Sears’ Land —
4thly.
I give unto my Son Eleazer four acres of Land adjoining that five acres that I
gave unto my Son Peleg —
5thly.
I give unto my Son Sampson all my Land that lies to westward of the Road that
leads to Halifax, that I have not above disposed of also one feather Bed with
Furniture —
6thly.
I give unto two my Daughters Sarah & Ruth C. one Feather Bed &
Furniture unto each one of them, my will is that these two daughters shall have
the privilege of living in the House with the privilege of a Fire, so long as
they live a single Life, my will is that my two Daughters have all the
Household Goods that are at my wife’s decease.—
I do appoint & constitute my wife Lydia sole Executor on
this my last will & Testament—
In Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & Seal —
Dated Plympton November 26th. 1810 ~
Isaac
Churchill Francis Holmes (seal)
Seth
Churchill
Isaac
Churchill junr.
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1812 by Lydia Holmes, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Isaac Churchill, Seth Churchill and
Isaac Churchill junr., all the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 155-156, from FHL microfilm
#0550903.
Will of Howland Holmes of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853) *
In the name of God
Amen. I Howland Holmes of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and State of
Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of life, and being of sound and
perfect mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament,
as follows.
Second. I give and bequeath to my daughters Lydia Worcester, Huldah
Hastings, Susannah Copeland, Wealthy Morse, Hannah O. Hartwell and Minerva A.
Keith, and to my sons Howland Holmes, John Holmes & Calvin Holmes, ten
dollars each ~ the above legacies to be paid in one year from my decease.
First. I give and bequeath to my Granddaughters Margaret
Andrews and Rebecca Andrews Five dollars each.
Third. I give and bequeath to my wife Hannah Holmes, the
residue of my Estate ~ Beds, Bedding, Household Furniture & wearing
apparel.
Fourth. I hereby appoint my wife Hannah Holmes my sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the
fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
three.
Howland Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed,
published and declared by the above~ named Howland Holmes to be his last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Thos.
Cushman
John L.
Washburn
Noah
Cushman
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of April 1854 by
Hannah Holmes, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Thomas Cushman and
Noah Cushman, two of the witnesses.
Will of Ichabod Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the
name of God amen I Ichabod Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth Yeoman,
being sensible of the certainty of Death & uncertain of the time of its
approach to me, & being desirous of disposing or distributing of my Estate
among my Children before my decease do make this my last will and Testament in
manner following viz. —
First
& principally I resign my Soul to God who gave it trusting in the Merits of
his Son Jesus Christ for pardon & eternal Salvation, & my Body to the
Dust to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named;
After my just Debts & funeral charges are paid, I give my Estate to my
eight children in manner following– viz —
I give
to my three Sons, Ellis, Chandler, & Samuel part of the Land that I own on
the easterly side of the country Road, near my Dwelling house in said Plymouth
to the northward of the Land of Benjamin Barnes, untill it comes to the Lane
leading from the country road down into the Sea, reserving the Land leading
through my Land, as it is now fenced, & also reserving two House Lots, to
contain about a quarter of an acre each, to the southward of my Son Ellis’
dwelling house, they to join on the Country Road and to extend easterly, having
a proper Front, to be sold by my Executors –
I give
to my Daughter Esther Shaw the Wife of Ichabod Shaw junr. two Lots
of Woodland, one Lot containing about six Acres is about a Mile from my House
adjoining to the Land of Barnabas Hedge junr. Esqr. The
other Lot containing about five acres, which I bought of Lemuel Morton, is
about a mile & an half from my House ~ These Lands I give to my said
Daughter by reason that I did not give her any household Goods when she was
married as I did to all my other Daughters & also for her peculiar
attention to her mother, when she was sick & for her attendance on me
since.—
I give
to my three Sons above named Ellis, Chandler & Samuel to whom I gave my
Fish Yard, the fish house standing thereon, & all my Trucks and other
articles used in drawing up & curing Fish said Samuel’s Share in the Land
abovesaid & also in the Trucks &c above mentioned that I have used in
my Fishyard and also all the Interest he may be entitled to by this Will I
hereby direct shall be subjected to the payment of the Sum of three hundred
Dollars thereon which I hired of Ichabod Shaw Junr. (as appears by
my Note of hand) & paid to or for said Samuel, he to pay the Interest
thereof from that time untill it is paid
It
is always to be understood, that I give to my said Son Samuel the use &
Improvement only of all the property given him by this Will, during his Natural
Life, to be under the Care & direction of my Executors hereafter named,
they to deliver it to him at their discretion – And at his decease, the same to
descend to his children, to be equally divided among them. —
All the
remainder & Residue of my Estate both real & personal it is my Will
& I hereby direct shall be divided equally among my eight Children viz
Ellis Holmes, Chandler Holmes, Samuel Holmes, Rebecca Bradford, Deborah Barnes
Esther Shaw, Remember Harlow and Mary Spooner, deducting from two of the above
Shares as below, viz, from the Share of Rebecca Bradford one hundred &
fifty Dollars, being half the Sum, I paid the late Company of Ichabod &
Eleazer Holmes for her Husband Nathaniel Bradford – and from the Share of
Remember Harlow the Sum of ninety Dollars being what her late Husband Samuel
Harlow deceased requested me to pay to Ansel Harlow for him, which Sum I paid
accordingly –
Furthermore,
notwithstanding the above – my two Carts & one Waggon & two Ploughs,
& one Iron tooth Harrow, & all my Interest in my Teams both oxen &
Horse I hereby give to my Sons Ellis & Chandler in the following Manner viz
Three quarters of the Value thereof to said Ellis, & the other quarter of
them to said Chandler, & to their Heirs.—
Lastly I
hereby nominate & appoint my Son Ellis Holmes & my Son-in-Law Nathaniel
Spooner Executors of this my last Will & Testament —
In
Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & Seal at Plymouth this
fifteenth day of october Anno Domini 1813. —
signed sealed & delivered &
declared
by the said Ichabod Holmes to be
his last
Will & Testament in presence of
us.~~ Ichabod Holmes (seal)
Ephraim
Spooner
Thomas
Spooner
Sally
Spooner
Presented for probate on 15 Apr. 1817 by Ellis Holmes and
Nathaniel Spooner Esqr., the Executors therein named, and proved by
Ephraim Spooner Esqr. and Thomas Spooner, two of the witnesses.
Rosseter Cotton Esqr., Solomon Churchill and
Ichabod Morton, yeoman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate
of Ichabod Holmes, late of Plymouth, yeoman, on 15 Apr. 1817. The inventory was
dated 29 Apr. 1817, and totaled $5755.23, his real estate included several
parcels of land including his dwelling house and store valued at $1250, and his
Flakeyard adjoining the sea shore with two fish houses valued at $1350. Ellis
Holmes and Nathaniel Spooner Esqr., the Executors, gave their oath
to the inventory on 13 May 1817.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp. 429-431, 465-466, from FHL
microfilm #0550905.
Will of Isaac
Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1738) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Isaac Holmes of Kingston in ye
County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman being of a disposing Mind & Memory
blessed be God and knowing that it is appointed for all once to dy to Make and
Ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner following in the first Place
I Give & Bequeath my Soul to God that gave it Me & my Body to the Grave
with a Christian Burial in hopes of a blessed Resurrection at last: And as to
the Outward Estate it hath pleased God to favour Me with I Give & Dispose
of ye Same in the following Manner—Imprims. I Give &
Bequeath unto my dear & loving Wife Mary Holmes (After my just Debts are
paid & my funeral Charge discharged) My Mind is that my Wife have ye
one half of my moveable Estate to be at her Dispose and the Use of my real
Estate till my Son Isaac Holmes come to the Age of twenty one Years and then my
Will is and I do hereby Give & Bequeath unto my loving Son Isaac Holmes the
Whole of my real Estate & do hereby make it ye Condition hereof
upon which he holds ye Same that my sd Son Provide for
his dear Mother all things need full & necessary that She stands in need of
so long as She remains my Widow. And moreover my Mind is yt my Son
have all my Farming Tools and Utensils—Itm my Mind is that
there be a Computation of what my Daughters have had before this Will comes in
force & then my Will is and I do hereby Give & bequeath ye
Remainder of my Estate unto my four Daughters (viz) Hannah Everson, Mary
Phillips, Zerviah Chandler, & Susanna Holmes to be equally divided among
them that the Part of Each may be equal —
And finally my Will is that my dear & loving Wife Mary
Holmes be ye Executrix of this my last Will & Testament And do
hereby Constitute & ordain her ye Sole Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament Hereby Ratifying & Making void all other & former
Wills by Me made & Confirming this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament as Witness my Hand & Seal this thirtieth Day of March anno Domi
1738. his
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye Abovesd
Isaac Holmes Isaac W Holmes
to be his last Will & Testamt before us — mark
J. Stacey – Joseph Bridgham
Francis Adams
Proved on 3 May 1738 by Joseph Stacey, Joseph Bridgham and
Francis Adams, the witnesses.
Mr. Francis Adams, & Mr. Judah
Hall, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Holmes of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1742) *
In the Name of God Amen I Isaac Holmes of Rochester in the
County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets bay in New England
Yeoman of perfect mind and Memory (thanks be given to God) Calling to mind the
Mortallity of my Body and knowing it is appointed for all Men Once to die do
make and Ordain this as my Last will and Testament That is to say principally
and first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that Gave
it and my body I recommend to the Earth to be decently Buried in a Christian
manner at the Discretion of my Executors — hereaftermentioned nothing doubting
but at the Generall resurrection I Shall receive again the same by the Mighty
power of God and as Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it pleased God to
bless me with in this life I Give Demise & dispose of the Same in the
following form and manner – Imprimis my Will & desire is that all my Just
debts and funeral Charges Shall be paid out of my personall Estate at ye.
Discretion of my Executor hereaftermentiond.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my Dearly beloved wife Sarah Holmes
My Great Bible Dureing the time of her widowhood & no longer and at ye.
Expiration of the Same I Give the Aforesaid Great Bible to my Daughter Anna and
her heirs of her body lawfully begotten forever
Item. And I allso Give to my said wife Sarah Holmes the best
Bed and Furniture being hers allready by Vertue of my Honrd. Fathers
last will and testament together with the Sole improvement of all my real and
personal Estate untill the Several periods hereafter Expressed be Expired in
Order to the bringing up of my Children (Excepting those that are of age
allready) and when they arrive to the age of twenty One Years or their marriage
day She Shall deliver them their several portions in my real Estate hereafter
Given them respectively herein provided She remain my widdow till that time And
in case She shall see Cause to Marry again before My said Children come to ye.
Age of twenty One years it is my will and desire that She Enjoy the improvement
of One third part of my Real & personal Estate for her use and Benyfit
dureing the time of her Natural life and for my Children on the marriage of
their mother to choose Guardians for themselves when they Shall come to ye.
age of fourteen years to take care of the Improvement of their sd.
portions in order for their bringing up till ye. age of twenty One
years And further my will is that Each of my daughters Shall be Equally
Chargeable with the Comfortable Support of their mother dureing the time of her
widowhood in Case She Stands in Need.
Item I Give &
bequeath To my Eldest daughter Anna Holmes and her heirs of her body lawfully
begotten & Assigns forever One quarter part of my homestead Farm in my
Estimation Bounded as followeth (the Buildings Excepted) viz Begining at the
Southwest Corner thereof thence runing North nineteen Degrees west to a Cedar
Stake betwixt my Brother Josiah Holmes land & myne thence runing the same
point of Compass to the roade as it Now runs then bounded in the Land formerly
my Honrd. Fathers Now in the possession of Peter Crapoo Senr.
to the Little pond so Called Thence Begining again at the Southwest Corner
aforesaid and runing Easterly by the Stone wall between my brother Josiah
Holmes and my Selfe Seventeen rods And thence North Nineteen Degrees west to
the Little pond aforesd. together with my part of the Row of Apple
Trees standing West of Josiah Holmes’ house and likewise one Quarter part of
all my Buildings with ye. appurtenances thereto belonging ~
Item I Give & bequeath to my Second
daughter Abigail Holmes & her heirs of her body lawfully begotten and
assigns forever One quarter part of my Homestead farm in my Estimation bounded
as followeth viz begining at ye. South East Corner of Anna Holmes.
part aforesd. thence Easterly by the Stone Wall aforesaid Seventeen
rods thence North Nineteen degrees west to the little pond Aforesd.
and likewise One third part of my Orchard, that Joyns to Josiah Holmes Orchard
with ye. Appurtenances therto belonging together with one quarter
part of all my Buildings ~ Item I Give
and bequeath to my Third daughter Mercy Holmes and her heirs of her body
lawfully begotten and assigns forever One quarter part of my Homestead Farm in
my Estimation bounded as followeth viz begining at ye. South East
Corner of Abigail Holmess. part thence Easterly in the Line of
Josiah Holmess. land till it comes to ye. South East
Corner of my Inclosure thence as my Fence now stands by the Swamp side till it
comes to ye. North End of a Stone Wall thence North twenty three
degrees west to the Little pond aforesaid Together with One third part of my
Orchard that Joyns to Josiah Holmess. orchard and likewise one One
quarter part of all my Buildings with the Appurtenances therto belonging.
Item I Give and bequeath to my fourth
daughter Sarah Holmes and her heirs of her body lawfully begotten and assigns
forever One quarter part of my Homestead farme in my Estimation bounded as
followeth, viz on the West part by Mercy Holmess. part on the South
part by Josiah Holmess. land on the East by Jonathan Snows land and
on the North by the little pond aforesaid together with the other third part of
my Orchard that Joyns to Josiah Holmess. Orchard together with the
free passage to and from said Orchard where it is most Convenient and least
hurt full to any Other of my Children, and allso that Gore of land that I
bought of Peter Crapoo Senr. lying on the west side and adjoyning to
that part I Give to my Eldest daughter Anna Holmes and likewise One quarter
part of all my Buildings with the appurtenances thereunto belonging
Item, I Give and bequeath to my Four daughters Anna Abigail
Mercy & Sarah Holmes all my Other Estate Not yet Mentioned viz Forty Acres
of Land lying & being in partnership with Joseph Clarke lying in the Gore
adjoyning to Dartmouth Line and all my right Title & privilige in the Cedar
Swamp being Allso in Partnership with Joseph Clarke aforesd. lying
to the Northward of the House formerly William Griffiths and allso all My right
Title and privilige in the Spruce Swamp lying in the Long pond Swamp so Called
and allso my Sixth part of a Lott of Salt Meadow adjoyning to ye.
Sedge Cove so Called and lying on the East Side of Winnasantick river in the
Township of Warham to them and their heirs lawfully begotten and Assigns
forever to be Equally Divided between my said Four Daughters aforementioned
Item, I Give and bequeath to my four Daughters abovementioned
Anna Abigail Mercy and Sarah Holmes and to their heirs of their body lawfully
begotten & assigns forever all the rest of my Estate both Real and Personal
wheresoever and in Whatsoever place it May be found and not before Disposed of
after my said Wifes Decease or Intermarriage —
Lastly I Constitute Appoint & Make and Ordain my Dearly beloved wife
Sarah Holmes the Sole Executrix of this my last will and testament and do
hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and make void all and Every other former Wills
& Testaments Legacys bequests and Executors by me in any ways before this
and no other to be my last will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this thirteenth
day of December in the Sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George
the Second Annoque Domini 1742.
Signed Sealed Published & Declared
by the sd. Isaac Holmes to be his Last
Will and Testament In Presence
of us the Subscribers. Isaac Holmes (seal)
Edward Pell
Elias Miller
Thomas Whitredge
Presented for probate on 21 May 1746 by Sarah, the Executrix,
and proved by Edward Pell, Elias Miller, and Thomas Whitridge, the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted unto his widow Sarah Holmes of
Rochester, Executrix, on 21 May 1746.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real and personal of Isaac Holmes,
late of Rochester, yeoman, not dated, appraised by Caleb Blackwell, Isaac
Freeman, and Noah Sprague, totaled £1289.12.0, including his real estate
containing his homestead, Cedar Swamp, Spruce Swamp, Gore Lott, and Sale Meadow
valued at £900. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 14 Apr.
1746, and Sarah Holmes, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 21 May
1746.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, pp. 210-214, 215-216, from FHL
microfilm #0551535.
Will of Isaac
Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1756) *
I
Isaa Holmes, being bound on the Exedition at Crown=point and calling to mind my
Danger; and How Lyable I am to be Taken a way by Death Do Make this My last
Will and Testament; and Principally and first of all I Give & Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that Gave it and my body to the Earth from whence it
came; and as to my Worldly Estate it is my Will That my Dear and loving wife
Shall have it all in her hands after my Just Debts are first paid To bring up
my Children till they come to Such an age as they may be put Out to Trades; and
then it is my Will she Should have the Improvment of halfe my real Estate so
long As she Remains My Widow
Item
I Give to my Two Sons Isaac & Benjamin my Real Estate, Equally between them
to be Divided between them After their Mothers decease or marrage;
Item I Give to my Daughter
all my Personall Estate After my Debts are paid out of it if there be
any Left—
And Lastly I appoint my Dear Wife
Mary to be my Sole Execr. of this my Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have Set my hand &
Seal this Third of May 1756,
Signed, Sealed Declared & Isaac Holmes (seal)
Published this to be his last
Will and Testament, In presence
of
Samuel
Foster
Samuell
Adderton
Thomas
Additon
Presented for probate on 1 Nov.
1756 by the Executrix, and proved by Saml. Foster and Samuell
Additon, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to the
widow Mary Holmes, Executrix, on 1 Nov. 1756.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Isaac Holmes late of Kingston, appraised on 20 Apr. 1757 by Saml.
Foster, Ephraim Holmes, and John Wadsworth, totaled £134.17.0, including his
real estate, upland, meadow and buildings valued at £110. Mary Holmes, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 19 July 1757.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 14,
pp. 182-183, 290, from FHL microfilm #0551542.
Will of James Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In
the Name of God amen I James Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in
New England Yeoman being of a sound Mind but considering the Uncertainty of
Life, do think proper to settle my worldly Estate; & to make my last Will
& Testament in Manner following – viz first of all I commend my Soul to the
everlasting Mercy of God through Christ, & my Body to a decent Burial
humbly hoping for a glorious Resurrection through the Merits of my Redeemer
& as to my worldly Estate I dispose of in the following Manner —
1st
I give & bequeath to my Wife Anne the Improvement of one third of all my
Real Estate while she remains my Widow, also all the Household Furniture for
her to dispose of as she pleases to her Daughters —
2d.
I give to my four Daughter viz Remember, Sarah, Anne & Lucy fifty Dollars
to each of them — I give to my Grandson
Thomas the Son of Rufus Holmes deceased an Hundred Dollars,– I give to my
Granddaughter Pamela the Daughter of my Son Robert Holmes deceased twenty
Dollars — I give to my two Sons
Zephaniah and Zacheus all my Real & personal Estate wherever it may be
found that is not disposed of as above.
It is my will that my two Sons
Zephaniah & Zacheus pay unto my four Daughters the above Legacies & to
my two Grandchildren their Legacies if they live to come of Age It is my will
that my two Sons pay all my just debts & receive all debts due to me, it is
my will that my two Sons pay my funeral charges, it is my Will that my two sons
Zephaniah & Zacheus be the sole Executors of this my last will &
Testament in Testimony & confirmation of which I the said James Holmes do
hereunto set my hand & Seal this twentieth day of February AD 1806 —
signed sealed & declared to be
his last Will &
Testament in presence of —
Abner
Bartlett James Holmes (seal)
Reuben
Harlow
Anne
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 2 Aug.
1808 by Zephaniah Holmes and Zacheus Holmes, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Abner Bartlett Esqr. and Reuben Harlow, two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
383, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Jeremiah
Holmes Jr., of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen—I Jeremiah Holmes junr of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth declare being of sound & disposing mind do make &
order this to be my last will & testament—first of all, I commend my soul
to the everlasting mercy of God that gave it, and my body to a decent funeral humbly
praying & hoping for a glorious resurrection through Jesus Christ
In
the next place, I order my Executors to discharge my just debts & funeral
expences, and the remainder of my estate, I dispose of as follows—
First—I
Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Nancy, all her mothers wearing apparell
& all my Silver Spoons, Rings & Jewells & all my glass ware &
one looking glass & a Case of draws & one large table & six chairs
& one brass kettle & a Cow in the care of Nathaniel Harlow & one
note against the said Harlow & six sheep that is lett out to John Kempton
& one good Bed & Bedstead with bolster, two pillows, a pair of sheets,
& two coverlids & the Curtains & a copper warming pan & one
Note against Timothy Nye and.—and I Give & bequeath unto my three Sons
Thomas Holmes & Jeremiah Holmes & William Holmes the remainder of my
estate, to be equally divided between my three sons ~
Lastly—I nominate & appoint
Deacon John Bishop & Rosseter Cotton Esqr of
Signed Sealed & declared to be
my
last will & testament in
presence Jeremiah Holmes junr (seal)
of Billey
Saunders
Mary
Boilston
Hannah
Stevens
The will of Jeremiah Holmes junr,
of Plymouth, dealer, was presented for probate on 22 Oct. 1799 by John Bishop
& Rosseter Cotton Esqr., the Executors therein named, and proved
by Mary Boilston & Hannah Stevens, two of the witnesses thereto.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Settlement of the Estate of John Holmes of
These presents witnesseth ye mutual agreement made
and Agreed upon ye 29th day of September Anno
Domini 1700 Betweene John Holmes of Plimouth in ye County of
Plimouth in New England Eldest Son of John Holmes Late of Plimouth aforesd
deceased Intestate of ye one part and Patience Holms Relict and
widdow of ye sd deceased in behalf of her self and Such
of her Children as are in their minority And John Dotey and George Bonum junr
of Plimouth aforesd Gardians for and in ye Behalf of
Richard Holmes Son of sd Deceased that is to say sd
Widdow in Behalf of patience Mehetabel Sarah & George being minors And
Nathanael Ebenezer Thomas & Joseph Holmes Desire ye wife of John
Churchell being of full age & In behalf of themselves All of ye
other part Witnesseth That as a full and
finall Settlement of ye sd Estate of sd
Deceased The sd John Holmes doth hereby bind and oblige himself his
heirs Executors & Administrators to pay or Cause to be paid unto ye
said Widdow in full for her Dower or Right of Thirds of and in all ye
Housing and lands of ye sd deceased The full Sum of
twenty five Shillings in money yearly & Every year for & during ye
whole time or term of her Naturall Life And also to pay unto Every of ye
said Children that is to say to Nathanael Ebenezer Thomas and Joseph desire ye
Wife of John Churchel Richard Patience Mehetabel Sarah and George Each of them
ye Sum of five pounds money Which shall be in full for their parts
and Severall Respective portions of ye sd Housing and
Lands which to ye sd Deceased while he lived and at ye
time of his death did appertayne And ye said Patience Holmes Relict
& Widdow of ye sd Deceased In Consideration of ye
sd yearly Sum to her Secured to be Annually paid as aforesd
Doth hereby absolutely Grant Remise Release and for Ever quitt Claime unto ye
sd John Holmes his heirs and Assigns for Ever All her Right of Dower
& power of thirds that she ye sd Widdow hath or ought
to Have of in or unto ye sd Housing & Lands with ye
Appurtenances To have and to Hold ye sd Released and
hereby Granted, Promises unto him ye sd John Holmes his
Heirs and Assigns to his & their sole proper use benifit & behoofe for
Ever And ye above named Children & their sd Mother
& Gardiens in behalf of Such of them as are minors doth Severally &
absolutely Grant Remise Release & for Ever quitt Claym unto ye sd
John Holmes his heirs and Assigns for Ever All their & Either of their
Severall & Respective Rights that they or any of them have or of Right
ought to have or that they or their Severall Heirs hereafter may have or Claym
of in or unto ye said Housing and Lands with ye
Appurtenances To Have & to hold ye sd Released &
hereby Granted premisses unto him ye sd John Holmes his
heirs & Assigns to his & their sole proper use benifit and behoofe for
Ever Without any Matter of Chalenge Claym or demand of us ye sd
and above named Sons & Daughters of ye sd Deceased or
Either of us our or Either of our Severall heirs & Assigns for Ever. In
witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & Seals on ye day
& year first above written
Witness Samuel Sprague The
X mark of
Jael
Bradford Patience
Holmes (seal)
The
B mark of
George
Bonum (seal)
in
behalf of sd Richard
The
mark X of patience
Holmes
widdow in behalf
of
her above named children (seal)
that
are minors
Thomas Holmes (seal)
Nathanael Holmes (seal)
Ebenezer Holmes (seal)
Joseph Holmes (seal)
Desire
Churchell
her
d mark (seal)
John Churchell –
John Holmes (seal)
Memorandum that on ye 29th day of Sept
1701 Before me ye Subscriber judge of Probate personally appeared ye
parties who are above named And have hereunto Sealed & Subscribed And
acknowledged ye Agreement above written to be their act & Deed
William
Bradford
Entered & Recorded
October 21th 1701 Saml
Sprague Register.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Holmes of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1730) *
Know All Men by these Presents that I Jno Holmes
of the Town of
Imprimis. I Give & Bequeath Unto my well beloved Wife
Elizabeth Holmes the whole Use & Improvement of my Dwelling House, Barn
& Out Houses, & also ye Use, Improvement and Income of that
Lot of Land whereon my Dwelling House now Standeth being in Number ye
20th of ye five & twenty acre Lots in the Purchase
Called ye 26 men’s purchase, During her Widowhood.
Item. I Give & Bequeath Unto my Eldest Son Ephraim Holmes
all that my Lot of Land Containing by Estimation 25 Acres being in Number ye
20th of ye five & twenty Acre Lots Aforesd.,
Together with ye Buildings & fences thereon, The Same to belong
Unto him his Heirs & assigns forever always Reserving Unto his Mother the
Use & Improvement thereof During her widowhood as aforesaid. — — —
Item. I Give & Bequeath Unto my Son Jno Holmes
and his Heirs & assigns forever, all that my Parcell of Land Containing
about ten acres more or less, being the Head of the Eighteenth of ye
five & twenty acre Lots; and also all that my parcel of Land Containing
about twelve acres be it more or Less which I lately bought of Jabez Vaughen;
Excepting a small parcel thereof wch I lately sold to Jacob Tomson
Item. I Give & Bequeath Unto my loving Wife Elizabeth
Holmes one Bed & Bedding & my will is that all my flax shall be for ye
Use of ye family.
Item. I Give unto my two sons all my wearing Cloaths.
Item. I Give & Bequeath Unto my two Daughters Sarah
Holmes & Betty Holmes all my moveable Estate whatsoever both within Doors
& without Doors, Excepting what I have herein before particularly Given
away & Disposed of; and also I Give Unto my said two Daughters all the
debts Due to me, The Same to be Equally Divided between them, my Just Debts
& funeral charges being first paid out of the Same; Always Reserving Unto
my wife the Use & Improvement of all my moveables During her widowhood, She
making Good ye Same or ye Value thereof to my Sd
Daughters when they arrive to ye age of Eighteen years.— And my Will
is that my Loving Wife Elizabeth Holmes Shall be Executrix of this my last Will
and Testament.— Thus hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept
& performed according to the true Intent & meaning thereof, I Commit my
Body to the Dust & my Soul to GOD yt. gave it — — In Witness whereof I the aforesd.
Jno. Holmes have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this fourteenth Day
of february, one thousand Seven hundred twenty nine, thirty. —
Signed, Sealed & Declared by ye Memo
the Interline between
abovenamed Jno Holmes to
be his the
20th & 21st Lines was inter-
last will & Testament lined
before Signing and
In ye Presence of us — Sealing
Jabez Vaughan Jno Holmes (seal)
Isaac Tinkham
Jacob Tomson
Probated on 5 Mar. 1729/30, and proved by Jabez Vaughan,
Isaac Tinkham, & Jacob Tomson.
Mr. Jabez Vaughan, Mr. Isaac Tinkham, and Mr. Jacob Tomson
were appointed to appraise the estate of John Holmes, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, pp. 700-701, 752-753, from FHL
microfilm #0550511.
Will of John
Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1747) *
In the Name of God Amen, I John Holmes of
I Give and Bequeath unto my Dear & Loveing Wife the use
& Improvement of all my Real Estate Dure Life or Widdow Whood also the use
of my Personal Estate (other then What I Have or Shall otherwise Dispose of.~~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto My Loveing Sons, Peleg Holmes
and Josiah Holmes, In Equal Halves all that my Housen and Lands (only Reserving
the use of the Fireroom & the New Bedroome in the Linto for my Two Two
Daughters, Sarah & Marcy, untill they are marryed) To Have & To Injoy,
after their Mothers Decease or Marriage again They Paying To their Brother John
Holmes Twenty Pounds a Peice, Within one year after He Comes of age or after My
Decease.
Item I Give & Bequeeth unto my Loveing Son John Holmes
Forty Pounds Money To Be Paid by my Two Sons as is above Expressed In old Tenor
as the money then Passes in one year after He Comes of age, also all my Wareing
Cloaths or Apperel at my Decease, moreover my Mind is that my Two Sons Peleg
& Josiah May not Charge my Estate With any Deat already Contracted by bond
or any otherwise
Item. I Give & Bequeeth unto my Two Loveing Daughters
Sarah & Marcy the use of the Fireroom & New Bedroom In the Leanto So
Called as they Remain unmarried Also one Bead & Furnature a Piece
Item I Give & Bequeeth unto my three Daughters, Mary
Sturtavant, Sary Holmes Marcy Holmes, all my Personell Estate that Shall Remain
after their Mothers Death or Second Marriage, but if my Loveing Wife Should
Marry again then I Give Her my Best Bead & furniture
I Do Hereby Constitute & ordain my Loveing sons Peleg
& Josiah Executors of this My Last Will and Testament, Hereby makeing Null
and Void all other Will or Wills by me Heretofore made & Confirming this
& No other To be My Last Will & Testament. In Witness, Whereof I Have
Hereunto Set my Hand & Seal Janry 26th A.D. 1746/7
Signed Sealed & Delivered by the abovesd
John Holmes To be His Last Will & Testiment
Before us
Gershom
Bradford John Holmes (seal)
Richard
Adams --------------------------
Frances
Adams
Presented for probate on Febry 6 1748 by the
Executors therein named, and proved by Frances Adams and Richard Adams.
John Faunce, Joseph Mitchel, and John Fuller, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Holmes of Freetown, Bristol County, and Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1795) *
This
seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and
Ninety five, I John Holmes of Freetown in the County Bristol in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housewright calling to mind the mortality of my
Body, knowing that it is appointed once for all men to die, being in perfect
memory, I make & constitute this to be my last will and Testament – In the
first place I give and bequeath my Soul into the hand of God that gave it, and
commit my Body to the dust, to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion
of my Executor and as touching my worldly Interest, I give devise and dispose
of it in manner following. In the first place I give to my sons James John,
William & Church all my wearing apparel and Carpenter’s Tools to be equally
divided between them.
Item I give to my Son Israel’s
Children which are named, Joseph Susanna and Margaret thirty Dollars to be
equally divided between them to be paid by my sons James & Church —
Item I give to my three Daughters
Sarah Joannah & Deborah all my indoor moveables after my Wife’s decease –
Item I give my Sons James &
Church all my live stock & Credit and for which and and other
considerations, they have covenanted to pay all my just debts & funeral
Charges, likewise I ordain and constitute my Son James to be my only & sole
Executor to this my last Will and Testament and by these presents do disallow
& revoke all former Wills, Testaments or Legacies & Executors whatever
and ratify and confirm this to be my last Will & Testament, in Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal
Signed sealed published pronounced
and declared by said John Holmes
to be his last Will and Testament
in
in presence of us –
William
White John Holmes (seal)
Mercy
White
Joseph
White
Presented for probate on 16 Nov.
1804, where he was called John Holmes late of Middleborough, Housewright, by
John Millard the Executor therein named, and proved by William White Senr.
and Joseph White, two of the witnesses.
Joseph LeBaron, Jacob Shaw and Eli
Atwood, all of Middleborough, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of
John Holmes, late of Middleborough, yeoman, on 9 Aug. 1804. The inventory was
dated 4 Sept. 1804, and totaled $137.49, no real estate, but included cash due
on a Note on James Holmes and Church Holmes for $27.97. John Millard, Executor
of the Will of John Holmes, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 Nov. 1804.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
104-106, from FHL microfilm #0550901. If James Holmes, the Executor actually
named in the will, refused to take the responsibility to administer upon the
estate of his father, it was not recorded in the probate books.
Will of John Holmes of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1841) *
In the name of God Amen. I John Holmes of Pembroke, being
weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed by Almighty God
for the same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and
form following viz.
First—I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Peggy Holmes
the use and improvement of all my real and personal estate, after paying all my
just and honest debts, during her natural life. And all property left after the
decease of my wife to be equally divided between my beloved children Mary
Simmons, William Holmes, John Holmes jur, Joseph Holmes and Samuel Holmes or
their respective heirs.
And lastly, I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Peggy Holmes
sole Executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former
wills by me made
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
first day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
forty one. 1841.
John Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
John Holmes, to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us
Danl.
Phillips
Jabez
Lapham
Joseph
Ewell
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1841 by
Peggy Holmes, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Jabez Lapham and
Joseph Ewell, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 421-422, from FHL microfilm
#0555267.
Will of John Holmes of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1870) *
Know
all men by these presents that I, John Holmes of Duxbury in the County of
Plymouth and State of Massachusetts mariner, being of sound disposing mind and
memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First. I give and devise to my
beloved wife Rebecca R. Holmes all my Real estate & personal estate of
every description.
Second, I ordain and appoint
Rebecca R. Holmes as executor of my last will and testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament in presence of Witnesses named below this
30 day of April in the year of our Lord 1870.
John Holmes (seal)
Signed sealed and published and
declared by the said John Holmes as and for his last will and testament in
presence of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other, and at his
request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
David
L. Peterson
Hiram
T. Delano
Helen
F. Delano
Rebecca R. Holmes, of Duxbury, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of John Holmes, late of Duxbury, on
14 Feb. 1876, with J. W. Teele and David L. Peterson, of Duxbury, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p.
573, from FHL microfilm #0556648, and Vol. 134, p. 42.
Will of Jonathan Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In the Name of God Amen—upon the tenth day of September in
the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy two, I Jonathan
Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New-England yeoman upon Good and Serious Considerations,
and being under Some Decays of nature, and therefore calling unto mind the
mortality of my body, but being now of perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given
unto God for the same and therefore knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do make and ordain this to be my Last will and Testament, that is
to say principally and first of all I Do Give and Recommend my Soul into the
hands of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in
a decent and Christian manner at the discretion of my Executor herein after
named, nothing doubting but at the Great and General Resurrection I Shall
Recieve the same again by the almighty power of God, and as touching such
worldly Goods and temporal Estate that God has been pleased to bless me in this
Life with–I Give Demise and dispose of the same in the manner and form
following~
Imprimis—my will is that all my just debts and funeral
Charges be defrayed and paid out of my Estate
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my eldest Son Jonathan
Holmes the Sum of Five Shillings together with what he has already Recieved
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Second Son Robert Holmes
that tract or parcell of Land that Lyeth adjoining to that Fifteen acres of
Land that I heretofore have Sold him by a Certain Deed of Sale that I have
Given him; and Likewise the one half of my Fifteen acres of Cedar Swamp Lying
in the Majors purchase Cedar Swamp together with the one half of my Right in
the Pew that I have in the meeting House, and these aforesaid premises I do
Give to my said Son Robert Holmes his Heirs and assigns forever.
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my youngest Son Jedediah
Holmes all the Residue and Remainder of all my Real and Personal Estate
whatsoever it is and wheresoever it may be found to him his Heirs and assigns
forever, but my said Son Jedediah Holmes is hereby obliged to pay out a Legacy
to my Daughter Abigail Barre the sum of four pounds Lawful money, and said Son
Jedediah Holmes is Likewise obliged to pay a Legacy out to my Daughter Mary
Morton the Sum of Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and eight pence Lawful money or
to their Heirs and assigns—and Likewise my will is that my said Son Jedediah
Holmes Shall take the whole Care, find and provide maintain and Support me in
my old age with a Comfortable Support or maintenance during my natural Life at
his own Charge and Expence, and Likewise my wife Rebeccah Holmes in Like manner
while she shall Remain my widow and no Longer
Item—I Do hereby Constitute and appoint my trusty and Dutiful
Son Jedediah Holmes to be my Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament
and I do hereby utterly disallow, Revoke and disannul all and every other and
former wills testaments and bequests Legacies and Executors by me made in any
before named willed and bequested, Ratifying and Confirming this and no other
to be my Last will and testament—In Witness whereof I the said Jonathan Holmes
have hereunto Set to my hand and Seal the Day and year above written ~
Signed, Sealed, Published Pronounced and
declared by the said Jonathan Holmes to be
his Last will and testament in the presence Jonathan Holmes (seal)
of us the Subscribers. ~
Elnathan
Fish
John
Johnson
John
Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 3 Sept. 1787 by Jedediah Holmes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elnathan Fish and John Johnson, two of
the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Jedediah Holmes, of
Kingston, yeoman, with Elnathan Fish of Pembroke, yeoman, and John Johnson, of
Kingston, yeoman, as sureties. Rebeccah Holmes, widow of Jonathan Holmes, late
of Kingston, relinquished her right of dower in the estate of her husband
Jonathan Holmes, on 3 Sept. 1787.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 202-204, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Jonathan Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In
the Name of God amen I Jonathan Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth
Yeoman, being under bodily Infirmities, but of perfect Mind and Memory, Thanks
be given to God for it. Calling unto mind the Mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make & ordain this
my last will & Testament, that is to say, principally & first of all, I
give & recommend my Soul into the Hands of almighty God that gave it, &
my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial, at
the Discretion of my Heirs & Executors nothing doubting, but at the General
Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God. — And
as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life, I give, demise & dispose of in the following Manner & Form
that is to say.
First
I give & bequeath to my Brother Simeon Holmes one Dollar —
I
give & bequeath to my Brother Francis Holmes one Dollar —
I
give & bequeath to my Brother Josiah Holmes one Dollar —
I
give & bequeath to my Brother Silvester Holmes one Dollar —
I
give & bequeath to my Sister Elizabeth Holmes one Dollar — also I give to
my Sister Elizabeth Holmes one half of my Sheep —
I
give and bequeath to the Children of my Sister Susannah Cushman deceased late
Wife of Ebenezer Cushman as follows —
I
give to Silvester Cushman one Dollar —
I
give to Ebenezer Cushman junr. one Dollar —
I
give to Robert Cushman one Dollar —
I
give to Harvey Cushman one Dollar —
I
give to Lydia Bisbe wife to Reuben Bisbe one Dollar —
I
give to Ruth Holmes wife to Barza Holmes one Dollar —
I
give to Susanna Cushman one Dollar —
I
give to Elizabeth Cushman one Dollar — also I give to Elizabeth Cushman the one
half of my sheep —
I
give & bequeath to my Brother John Holmes all my personal Estate of every
kind, excepting my Money & sheep for him to have & dispose of at his
pleasure.— Also I give to my Brother John Holmes the Improvement of the whole
of my Real Estate during his natural Life — and at his decease
I
give & bequeath to my Kinsman Joshua Holmes junr. Son to my
Brother Silvester Holmes all my Real Estate of every kind lying in this or any
other Towns without any Reservation whatever —
Finally
after paying my Legacies just debts & funeral Charges, I give and bequeath
unto Barza Holmes Son to my Brother Josiah Holmes, all the Money that I shall
die seized of —
And
I do hereby constitute make & ordain Mr John Faunce of Kingston
the sole Executor of this my last will and Testament —
And
I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all & every other former
Testaments, wills, Legacies Bequests & Executor by me in any wise before
named willed & bequeathed ratifying & confirming this & no other to
be my last will and Testament —
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this sixteenth day of
January in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & seven – 1807.
Signed sealed published pronounced
& declared
by the said Jonathan Holmes as his
last Will
& Testament, in the presence of
us, who in his
presence & in the presence of
each other have Jonathan Holmes (seal)
subscribed our Names —
John
Prince
Jehiel
Washburn
Ebenezer
Washburn
Presented for probate on 25 Aug.
1808 by John Faunce, the Executor therein named, and proved by John Prince,
Jehiel Washburn and Ebenezer Washburn, all the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Ebenezer Washburn Esqr.,
Judah Washburn and John Prince, Gentleman, all of Kingston, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Jonathan Holmes, late of Kingston, yeoman, on 25 Aug.
1808. The Inventory was dated 2 Jan. 1809, and totaled $3225.67, including his
real estate valued at $2185, and $478.06 in money on hand. John Faunce, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Jan. 1808 [sic].
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, pp.
384-385, 242-243, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Joseph
Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1733) *
In ye Name of God Amen. I Joseph Holmes Senr
of the Town of
Imprims I Give & Bequeath unto my dear &
loving Wife Mary Holmes the Whole use Benefit & Income of all my Estate
whatsoever & wheresoever after my just Debts are Paid & my Funeral
Charges Discharged, so long as She shall remain my Widow, and if She Marry
again then my Mind is that She shall have her Thirds as by Law—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my loving Son John
Holmes one Shilling I having formerly given him half my former
Itm I Give unto my dear & loving Children
Joseph Holmes Ephraim Holmes Mary Dingley Sarah Bearse & Abigail Turner to
Each of ym one Shilling apiece they having had their Portions
already—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my loving Sons
Jonathan Holmes & Micah Holmes, & to my loving Daughter Keziah Holmes
All that of my Estate whatsoever that shall remain at my loving Wifes Death
after her Funeral Charge is paid, or in Case She Marry again what will then be
coming when her Thirds is taken out, and those thirds at her Decease all to be
equally divided betwn them to wit Jonathn Micah &
Kezia and to Each of their Heirs and assigns forever—And lastly I do nominate
ordain & appt my Dear & Loving Wife Mary Holmes my Sole
Executrix of this my last Will & Testamt hereby Revoking &
Making void all other & former Will or Wills by me heretofore Made and
Confirming this & no other to be my last Will & Testament—In Witness
hereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal this Second day of June Anno Domini
1733—
Signed Sealed Declared & Pronounced by ye Joseph Holmes (seal)
aforesd Joseph Holmes to be his last Will and
Testament Before us—
Benoni Delano
John Brewster
Francis Adams
Proved on 10 Aug. 1733 by Benoni Delano, John Brewster, &
Francis Adams.
Letters of Administration given on 28 Aug. 1733 to Mary
Holmes, the Relict widow and Executrix of the estate of Joseph Holmes, late of
The inventory of the estate of Joseph Holmes, of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph
Holmes of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1756) *
In the
Name of God Amen, I Joseph Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plimouth in
NewEngland, being of Perfect mind and memory, tho’ weak in body, and
apprehensive, that my Disolution is @ hand Have this twenty Second Day of
Aprill Anno, Domi, 1756, Ordaind this my Last Will and Testament, Hereby
Revoking, and Disalowing all former Wills and Testaments, Hereby Revoking and
Disanulling all former Wills by me made, I Desire to Comitt My Soul to God
thro’ a Glorious Redemer in Hopes of Obtaining Everlasting Life thro’ His name,
and I do Committ my body to the Earth Desireing it may have a decent Buriall
thro’ the care of my Executors, and as for that worldly Estate with which God
in his God in his Good Providence has blessed me, my Will is that it Should be
Disposed of in manner following, Viz,
Imprs. To my Dear and well=beloved wife I give the
Improvment of One Third of my whole Estate both real and Personall, during her
naturall Life, and also the Improvement of the Best of it so far and so Long as
will be consistant with the Disposition which I here made of my Estate both
Real and Personall to my Children as hereafter Mentioned.
Item I Give to my son Joseph one halfe of my home place which
I have both in Possession and Reversion except that part of it which I have
Particulerly Given to my Son Melatiah as hereafter mentioned, and also an Acre
& half of Meadow which lyes near to John Meglathlins, and also one third
part of my Ceader Swamp which was Formerly within the Bounds of Plimton now in
Halifax, and also my Interest in the Forge and in the Pond-Our, and all my Part
of the Sawmill, he Paying my Debts, and also the Severall Legacies which shall
be hereafter mentioned, Viz One Third part of the Legacies which are hereafter
mentioned to be paid to his Younger Brother and his Sisters,
Item, I Give to my Son Lemuell the other half part of My Home
place except as before, that part of it which I have Particulerly Bequeathed to
his Brother Melatiah, and also one One third part of the Ceaderswamp aforesaid,
all which he Shall Enter into the Possession of as Soon as he shall arrive @ ye.
Age of Twenty one Years except his mother’s thirds as aforesd. he
paying the Third part of the Legacies hereafter Mentioned
Item I Give to my Son Melatiah all the Meadow from the Cart
way over the River @ the uper end of the neck between the River and the upland
Down to the new bridge near the School House, and also a peice of meadow a bove
the cart way which Goes to Pembrooke Viz, all the Meadow between Ephraim
Holmes’s meadow and the Cart way, and also the other third part of the
Ceaderswamp Aforesaid All which he shall Possess when he shall arrive @ the age
of Twenty one Years, Except his Mothers thirds, he Paying a third part of the
Legacies hereafter mentioned, also I give him a Lott of Land containing About
Ninety Acres Lying near to Jonathan Crockers’, And it is my Will, that what I
have Given to my Sons as Mentioned above should not be understood as
Prejudicing my Hond. Mother, but that she Should fully enjoy all the
Priviledge which belongs to her in the Estate abovesd.
Item I Give unto my Son, John Thirty and Seven pounds and ten
Shillings, to be paid to him by his Brothers Joseph Lemuell, and Melatiah when
he shall arrive @ the Age of Twenty One Years.
Item I Give to my Son Thomas the Like Sum of Thirty &
Seven pounds and ten Shillings to be Paid to him when he Shall arrive @ the Age
Aforesaid, by his Brothers Aforesd.
Item it is my Will that my moveable Estate Should be Equally
Divided to my four Daughters Except what I have already Given to their Mother,
and also what each of them Viz Lydia, Rebecca, Susanna & Anna, Shall
receive Seven pounds, and ten Shillings, from their three Brethern Aforesaid,
which Legacy with her part of the Moveables Aforesd. each of them
shall Receive as Soon as she shall arrive @ the Age of Twenty and One Years Viz
as soon as she shall be Give in Marrage, And it is my Will That if either or any
of the Legatees should Die before the time that their Legacies become payable,
that then the Surviveing Legatees Shall Enjoy his, her or their Legacies, And
also That if either of my three Sons to whom to whom I have Given my Real
Estate should Dye without Issue that then the Survivers Should Possess his Part
or Portion, and I do Hereby appoint my Dear and well beloved wife Execrx.
and My Son Joseph Execr. of this my Last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the
day of the date Abovesaid
Signed Sealed & Delivered Joseph Holmes (seal)
In
Presence of
John Barce Junr.
Jonathan Holmes Jur.
William Rand
Presented for Probate on 21 July 1756 by the Execrs.,
and proved by Mr. William Rand, John Barce Junr. and
Jonathan Holmes Jur., the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to his widow Rebecca Holmes, and his son Joseph Holmes, the Executors,
on 21 July 1756.
An Inventory of the Estate both real and personall that Mr.
Joseph Holmes late of Kingston died seized of, appraised on 22 Nov. 1756 by Robt.
Bradford, Saml. Ring, and James Everson, not totaled, but his real
estate totaled £797.12.10. Rebecca Holmes and Joseph Holmes, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 6 Dec. 1756.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 14, pp. 132-135, 207, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Josiah Holmes of Rochester/Mattapoisett, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1851) *
Know all
men by these presents, that I, Josiah Holmes, of Rochester in the County of
Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, do
make, declare and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First. I
give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Betsey all the Estate, both real and
personal, that she may have received or inherited from the estate of her
parents or relatives, to be to her disposal forever.
I also
give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Betsey, a good and honorable support, out
of my Estate, during her natural life. This I do in lieu of dower.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my two Sons, Josiah and Jonathan K. two thirds of all my
Estate both real and personal, in equal shares between them, on condition that
they contribute and pay, or cause to be paid, two thirds of the expense
necessary for the support of my beloved Wife Betsey.
Third. I
give and bequeath to my two daughters, Lydia, Wife of Lemuel Le Baron, and
Sophronia S, Wife of William E. Sparrow, the other portion or the one third
part of all my Estate both Real and Personal, to be divided in equal shares
between them, on condition that they contribute and pay, or cause to be paid,
one third of the expense necessary for the support of my beloved Wife Betsey.
In the
division of my Real Estate between my children, it is my Will, that the whole
be appraised and set off into shares, according to the disposition that I have
hereby made. And in the divisions of the several lots of land and buildings,
that they bid for choice, and whatever may be paid for choice of lots or
buildings, shall be divided in the same manner and proportion as my other
personal property or estate.
And
I hereby nominate and appoint my Son Josiah, and my Son-in-law Lemuel Le Baron,
Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and decree this
to be my last Will and Testament, this first day of March, in the year one
thousand, eight hundred and fifty one.
In the presence of Josiah Holmes (seal)
A. B.
Hammond
Saml.
Sturtevant Jr.
Benj. F.
Barstow
Presented for probate on the second Monday of January 1860 by
Josiah Holmes and Lemuel Le Baron, the Executors therein named, and proved by
A. B. Hammond and Saml. Sturtevant Jr., two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Holmes, late of
Mattapoisett, was appraised by Saml. Sturtevant Jr., Ansel Weeks,
and Barnabas Hiller on 6 Dec. 1860, and totaled $19,545.85, including his real
estate valued at $8841, and many notes at interest from various people and bank
shares. Josiah Holmes and Lemuel LeBaron, the Executors, gave their oath to the
inventory on the second Monday of Jan. 1860.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p. 3-6, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Josiah Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Know all
men that I, Josiah Holmes, of Kingston, in the County of Plymouth, Esquire, do
make and publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
First. I
give and bequeath unto my son William Francis Holmes, and also to my daughter
Angeline Holmes, the sum of twenty five dollars each, to be paid to them or
their Guardian within one year after my decease
Second.
I give, devise and bequeath unto my son John F. Holmes, all my real and
personal estate to have and to hold the same to the said John F. his heirs and
assigns forever absolutely and in fee, he to pay the legacies herein given, and
all my just debts and expenses.
Third.
And as to my other children and grand-children not named herein, I have omitted
them all by design.
Lastly,
I appoint my said Son John F. Holmes, the Executor of this my last Will and
Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand & seal, this second day of
October, in the year eighteen hundred & fifty two.
Josiah Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Josiah Holmes to be his last
Will and Testament, in presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence
of each other and at his request, have hereto subscribed our names as Witnesses
the day and year last above written.
James
Cushman
Henry
T. Cook
Joseph
S. Beal
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of October 1860 by John F. Holmes, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Joseph S. Beal and Henry T. Cook, two of the witnesses.
Joseph S. Beal and Henry T. Cook,
of Kingston, were sureties on the bond of John F. Holmes as Executor of the
estate of Josiah Holmes, late of Kingston, Esquire, on 2 Oct. 1860.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p.
358-359, from FHL microfilm #0555645, and Vol. 2 I, p. 154.
Will of Levi
Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen—I Levi Holmes of
Imprimis—I
Give to my beloved wife, the use & improvement of all my estate, after my
just debts & funeral charges are paid, both real & personal (excepting
a pair of oxen & ten acres of Land, hereafter disposed of to my oldest Son,
at his arriving at twenty one years of age) so long as she remains my widow
& no longer
Item—I
bequeath to my oldest son Bradford Holmes ten acres of Land off of my homestead
adjoining the Land that Ephraim Chandler late of said Kingston, deceased
purchased of the heirs of William Rand deceased, together with a pair of oxen,
both which he is to recieve at the time he arrives at the age of twenty one
years, to him, his heirs or assigns
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my children after named vizr—Sarah Holmes,
Bradford Holmes, Lydia Holmes, Mercy Holmes, Levi Holmes, Lucy Holmes,
Sylvester Holmes & Charlotte Holmes, all the residue of my estate both real
& personal, or to those of them that are living after the expiration of my
wife’s widowhood, to be equally divided betwixt them, to them, their heirs or
assigns. and I order my Executor, after named to sell at public vendue, so much
of my real estate, as is necessary to pay my just debts, funeral & other
charges—and
Lastly—I do constitute &
appoint my kindsman Jedediah Holmes of said Kingston Sole Executor of this my
last will & testament.—In witness whereof I do hereunto Set my hand &
Seal, the day & year above written
Signed Sealed Published, Pronounced
& declared
by ye sd Levi
Holmes as & for his last will & testa- Levi Holmes (seal)
ment in ye presence of us, who at
his request & in
his presence hereunto Set our names
as witnesses
to the same
Joseph
Holmes
Joseph
Maglathla
Tilden
Holmes
Presented for probate on 21 May
1795 by Jedediah Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph
Maglathla & Tilden Holmes, two of the witnesses.
Joseph Holmes, Noah Simmons &
Levi Bradford, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Melatiah Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Melatiah Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth
& State of Massachusetts, yeoman, considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same,
do make and publish this my last Will & Testament in manner and form
following (that is to say) – I first give to my three sons William, John &
Melatiah two dollars apiece to each of them together with what they have
already had before. Next I give and
bequeath unto my three daughters in the following manner, first, a piece of
meadow lying near Thomas Holmes adjoining the road by the bridge. Also a wood
lot of about fifteen acres lying in Pembroke on berting[?] plain so called.
Also half of a pew in the Congregational Meeting House in Kingston, and all the
furniture in the house that belongd to me. The above named property I give to
Elizabeth Sampson, Susannah Delano, and Prudence Chandler, to be divided in
equal shares between them; and if any of these three daughters should bring in
any accompt against the Estate it shall be taken out of their shares. Likewise
all securities that I hold against any person is to be divided between my three
daughters in equal shares as the above property is: And I here appoint my
youngest son Melatiah Holmes sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the eleventh day
of August in the year of our Lord A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
twenty-six
Signed, sealed, published
and declared by the above Melatiah Holmes (seal)
named Melatiah Holmes
to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who
have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, in presence of
the testator. Robert
Holmes
Robert
Howland – Charles Simmons
Presented for probate on 19 Mar. 1827 by Melatiah Holmes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Robert Holmes, Robert Howland, and
Charles Simmons, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 63, p. 407-408, from FHL microfilm
#0550912.
Will of Melatiah Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1860) *
Kingston
July 12th 1860.
Known to
all men by these Presents, That I, Melatiah Holmes, of the Town of Kingston, of
the County of Plymouth, of the State of Massachusetts, do give and bequeath,
(in this my last Will and Testament,) to my wife Sarah, my whole estate whether
real or Personal, whatever it may consist of, whether of house-hold goods or
money appropriated by her, or whatever I may inherit from my relatives, after
paying my funeral expenses, and all other incidental expenses, to be fully at
her disposal, for her maintenance and comfort during her life, and after her
decease and the payment of all legal demands against my estate.
I give
whatever may remain of my property, to her friends or relatives, as she may
direct in her last Will and Testament, after paying her funeral charges and all
other expenses.
And I do
appoint James W. Holmes, my Executor to this my last Will and Testament.
Melatiah Holmes (seal)
Signed
and sealed in presence of
William
James Brewster
Annie
M. Holmes
Luna
Holmes
James W. Holmes, of Kingston, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Melatiah Holmes, late of Kingston, on 29 Oct.
1861, with Elisha Mclauthlin and John F. Hall, both of Kingston, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 103, p. 377-378, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 21.
Will of Nancy Holmes of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1862) *
To whom
it may concern, I Nancy Holmes of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Massachusetts do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament as follows viz:
First. I hereby appoint Nathaniel Cushing of Duxbury sole
Executor of this my last will.
Second. I give and bequeath unto Harriet Barden my mahogany
desk and small looking-glass.
Third. I give & bequeath unto Ellis Holmes my mahogany
card table, six yellow chairs, and gilt framed looking-glass also my red and
green English Carpet and my figured China tea-sett.
Fourth. I give & bequeath unto Henry Holmes my mahogany
work-stand and featherbed that I have loaned him.
Fifth. I give and bequeath unto George Holmes and Betsey
Thomas my silver spoons marked H. four table & six tea spoons.
Sixth. I give and bequeath unto Jerusha Leach my white
china tea sett.
Seventh. I give & bequeath unto Nathaniel E. Cushing my
pew in the M.E. Church, Bible & tracts.
Eighth. I give and bequeath unto Mary K. Cushing my silver
spoons marked N.H. three table and one dessert spoon, also my large looking
glass and sewing machine.
Ninth. I give & bequeath unto Hannah J. Cushing all my
household furniture, beds, carpets, crockery &c. &c. not otherwise
disposed of.
Tenth. I give unto my sisters Hannah J. Cushing and Jerusha
Gibbs & to my niece Mary K. Cushing my clothes and bedding to be divided
between them.
Eleventh. I give & bequeath unto Hannah J. Cushing in
addition to the above two hundred dollars.
Twelfth. I give & bequeath unto Jerusha Gibbs in addition
to the above one hundred dollars.
Thirteenth. I give & bequeath to Thomas
Harlow, Ellis Harlows grandson seventy five dollars.
Fourteenth. The remainder of my property I
wish to be equally divided between my sisters Hannah J. Cushing and Jerusha
Gibbs and my niece Mary K. Cushing.
Fifteenth. I have a perfect recollection of all my kindred none
of whom I wish to inherit any of my property except those mentioned in this my
last will. In witness whereof I the said
Nancy Holmes have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty third day of July
A.D. 1862.
Nancy Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published & declared by the said Nancy
Holmes to be her last Will & Testament in presence of us the subscribers
who in her presence & at her request and in presence of each other have
signed our names as witnesses.
Jonathan
Y. Gross
Cynthia
Gross
Ralph
Partridge
Nathaniel Cushing, of Duxbury, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Nancy Holmes, late of Duxbury, on 8 Oct. 1866,
with Peleg Cook and Joshua Cushing, of Duxbury, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 381-382, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 14.
Will of Nancy B. Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
Know all persons by these presents, that I Nancy B. Holmes of
Kingston in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow,
being of a sound disposing mind and memory, do make publish and declare this
instrument as and for my last will and testament.
First. I give and bequeath to Mary Ward (Holmes) Leonard wife
of James A. Leonard of Highlands in the State of Kansas five hundred dollars.
Second. I give and bequeath all my household furniture and
housekeeping goods to Cynthia D. Holmes wife of Frank H. Holmes of said
Kingston.
Third. I give and bequeath to the trustees and corporation of
the Kingston Evergreen Cemetery in said Kingston, or in case for any reason
they decline to receive it to such proper person as the Judge of Probate may
appoint, the sum of three hundred dollars in trust to apply the income thereof
to the preservation and repair of the lot in said cemetery where I shall be
buried, and after said lot shall be properly cared for from year to year to
apply any surplus of said income to general repairs in said cemetery.
Fourth. All the rest residue and remainder of my estate real,
personal and mixed which I shall be possessed of or in any way entitled to at
the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath to my brother Sprague S.
Stetson of Lakeville in the County of Plymouth, but in trust nevertheless and
for the following purposes, that is to say, to take care of, invest and
reinvest the same as to him seems expedient and pay the income thereof
annually, and semi-annually if convenient, to my beloved son Mendall Holmes during
the term of his natural life and I hereby authorize and empower said trustee or
his successor in said trust at any time or times after ten years from the date
of this will when it shall seem to said trustee or his said successor that the
circumstances or best interests of my said son require or justify it, to pay
over and convey to my said son any parts or the whole of said trust fund
leaving it wholly to the discretion of the trustee to act as he shall think
best in this respect desiring him to deal very kindly by my boy, and at the
decease of my said son I direct my said trustee or his successor in said trust
to pay over and divide what shall then remain of said trust estate to and
equally among such children of my said son as shall be born to him of other
wives than the first wife to whom he was married in the year eighteen hundred
and seventy three (as I am informed) it being my will that no part of my estate
shall ever go to his said first wife or to any issue of hers. Should my said
son die without leaving any child or children by any other wife than his said
first wife to whom he was married in the year eighteen hundred and seventy
three or about that time and without leaving issue of any such child or
children of his, then I direct said trustee or his successor in said trust to
pay to the aforesaid Mary Ward (Holmes) Leonard wife of James A. Leonard, if
living, and in case of her decease to her children equally among them, the sum
of four thousand dollars or such part thereof as shall then remain of said
trust fund if less at that time.
And the residue of said trust estate, if any, and provided my
brother Charles Stetson shall then be living, I direct shall continue to be
held in trust during his life and that the income thereof shall be paid
annually and semi-annually when it can be to my said brother Charles Stetson
during his life, and after his decease and after all payments as herein before
provided for I give all that shall remain of said trust estate to the children
of my said brother Sprague S. Stetson and direct the trustee under this will to
divide the same among them.
Lastly. I appoint my said brother Sprague S. Stetson executor
of this my last will and testament, and request that he be exempt from giving
sureties on his bonds as Executor & Trustee. And in case of the death,
declination, resignation or failure of my said brother to accept either of said
trusts, I appoint Thomas Weston Jr. of Newton executor and trustee in his
place.
In testimony of all
which I hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of the witnesses named
below this twenty eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and seventy seven.
Nancy B. Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Nancy B. Holmes as and for her last will and testament in our presence and we
in her presence and at her request and in the presence of each other have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
D.
E. Damon
Ada
A. Montague
Mercy
A. Pope
Sprague S. Stetson, of Lakeville, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Nancy B. Holmes, late of Kingston, on 26 Aug.
1878, and was exempt from giving surety or sureties on his bond pursuant to
said will and statute.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 533-535, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 133, p. 520.
Will of Nathaniel
Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1711) *
The Last Will & Testament of Nathaniel Holmes of the Town
& County of Plimouth within the Province of the
Signed Sealed & declared to be his the
marke of
last Will & Testament in presence of Nathaniel
W Holmes (seal)
Manasseth Morton
John Faunce Junr
Thomas Faunce
August the 3d 1727 Manasseth Morton & Thomas
Faunce made oath that they saw the above named Nathaniel Holmes Signe Seal
& heard him declare the above written Instrument to be his last Will &
Testament & that at the same time they to gather with John Faunce Jur.
Set to their hands as witnesses & that also according to the best of their
observation he then was of a sound & disposeing mind & memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
September 22d 1727 John Faunce Jur.
made oath that he saw the above named Nathaniel Holmes Sign Seal & heard
him declare the above written Instrument to be his last Will & Testament…
The inventory of the Estate of Nathaniel Holmes of Plimouth
was appraised by John Dyer, Thomas Morton, and Eleazer Churchell on 18 Aug.
1727.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, p. 522-525,
from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Nathaniel
Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1734) *
In the Name of God Amen! I Nathaniel Holmes of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth in New-England, Mariner, being of a disposing Mind &
Memory Blessed be God Calling to Mind my own Mortality Knowing that it’s
appointed for all once to dy do Make & ordain this my last Will &
Testament in Manner following I Give & Bequeath My Soul to God that gave it
Me & my Body to ye Grave with a decent Christian Burial in hopes
of a blessed Resurrection: And as to the outward & temporal Estate that
hath pleased God to favour Me withall I Dispose of ye Same in the
following Order & Form - Imprimis I Give & Bequeath unto my dear &
loving Wife Eleanor Holmes the Whole use & Improvement of all my Estate
real & personal during her natural Life
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my two Sons Joseph
Holmes & Benjamin Holmes their Heirs & assigns forever All my Housing
& Lands whatsoever & wheresoever (Excepting what is herein Disposed of)
to be equally divided between them at my Wifes Decease—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my three Daughters viz:
Mercy Tinkcom Patience Holmes & Melatiah Holmes all my Personal Estate
within Doors & without (Except what Money shall be left at my Wifes
Decease) to be equally Divided between them after my Wifes decease. And what
money shall be left at my Wifes Decease after all just Debts paid & all
Charges I Give twenty Pounds to my Daughter Patience Holmes & ye
use of ye Great Chamber in my Dwelling House during her natural
Life: And then ye Remainder of my Money shall be equally Divided to
my five Children - my two Sons & three Daughters. And I do Give in Charge
to my loving Son Joseph Holmes the Care of my loving Daughter Patience Holmes
& her Estate to be Improved for her Good & Comfort. And I do nominate
appoint & Ordain my loving Son Joseph Holmes the Sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament Hereby Revoking & Making void all other &
former Will or Wills Codicil or Codicils by me heretofore made & Confirming
this & no other to be my last Will & Testament- In Witness whereof I
the sd Nathaniel Holmes have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Day of Annoq. Dom. 1734
Signed Sealed Declared & Pronounced
by ye abovesd Nathl. Holmes
to be Nathaniel Holmes (seal)
his last Will & Testamt. before us
Edward Sears - Francis Holmes
Mary M Adams her Mark
Proved on 18 May 1737 by Edward Sears, Francis Holmes &
Mary Adams, the witnesses.
Mr. Benjamin Holmes, of Plymouth, the only
surviving son, was granted administration with will annexed of the estate of Mr.
Nathaniel Holmes, whose will in 1734 appointed his son Joseph Holmes as Sole
Executor, but the Executor has since deceased without completing the execution
of the estate, and Benjamin Holmes, the only surviving son of the said
Nathaniel Holmes, deceased, is made administrator, on 30 Jan. 1737.
Benjamin Holmes of Plimouth, yeoman, upon the death of his
Brother Joseph who was Exer. of the Testament of his father Nathll.
Holmes of Plimouth, was appointed admr. cum Testamento to sd.
Nathaniel, by the Judge of Probate, but so it hapned that by the providence of
God Benjamin was and still Continues to be Exercised with the falling Sickness
and other disorders which have Greatly affected him in his Intellectual
Faculties, Especially his memory which renders him uncapable of the trust
aforesaid reposed in him, therefore he prays that some suitable person may be
appointed to Compleat both the administrations aforesaid, dated 24 May 1745.
Mr. Samuel Nelson, of Plimouth, yeoman, was
appointed as administrator of the estate of Mr. Nathaniel Holmes,
late of Plimouth, whose will in 1734 appointed his son Joseph Holmes as Sole
Executor of his estate, but the Executor also died soon after accepting that
trust without completing the Execution, and administration was granted to
Benjamin Holmes, the only surviving son of the deceased, on 13 Jan. 1737, but
by the providence of God Benjamin has been and still continues to be exercised
with the Falling Sickness and other disorders which have greatly affected his
intellectual facilities, especially his memory, which has rendered him
uncapable of that trust, and Benjamin Holmes having moved that some suitable
person might be appointed to complete the aforesaid administration, therefore
administration with will annexed is granted to Samuel Nelson on 24 May 1745.
Thomas Holmes, Consider Howland, and James Hovey, all of
Plimouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Nathll. Holmes,
late of Plimouth, yeoman, on 20 Sept. 1745. The Inventory of the Estate of
Nathaniel Holmes, late of Plimouth, was not dated, but totaled £895.12.0. Mr.
Samuel Nelson, the administrator on the Estate of Nathll. Holmes,
gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Dec. 1745.
Elenor Holmes of Plimouth, widdow Relict of Nathll.
Holmes, late of Plimouth, gave a receipt to Dea Samuel Nelson, admr.
Cum Testamento annexo of the Estate of her sd. Husband, on 22 Dec.
1746 for £182.13.8 for her share of the estate, witnessed by Mercy Tinkham and
James Hovey.
Theophilus Cotton of Plimouth, mariner, was appointed by John
Cushing Esqr, judge for the probate of wills for the county of
Plimouth as administrator de bonis non on the estate of Nathaniel Holmes late
of Plimouth on 30 Oct. 1765.
The Inventory of the estate of Nathaniel Holmes, late of Plimo,
decd, was appraised on 29 Oct. 1765 by Theo. Cotton, Pelham Winslow,
and Ebenezer Nelson, and totaled only £50, which consisted of his house &
homestead valued at £46, and 2 fifteen acre lots valued at £4. The
Administrator de bonis non on the said estate gave his oath to the inventory on
29 Oct. 1765.
Theo. Cotton, Pelham Winslow, and Ebenezer Nelson were
appointed to divide the real estate into three equal parts for the
Representatives of Mercy Tinkham, Patience Holmes and Melatiah Holmes, each one
part. The division was dated 29 Oct. 1765, and approved on 30 Oct. 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1746) *
In the Name of God Amen __ I Nathaniel Holmes of Plimouth in
the County of Plimouth & Province of the Massachusets bay in New England
Seafareingman Apprehending My Selfe drawing Nigh to Death being in a low State
of Body but blessed be God of a sound and Disposeing Mind Do make and Ordain
this my last Will and Testament –-
I Commit my immortal Spirit into the Hands of God my Creator
Redeemer & Sanctifyer Trusting in the alone Merrits of the Lord Jesus
Christ for the pardon of my Sins & Eternal Salvation And my body I Commit
to the earth to be decently Buried by my Executor hereafter Named in hope of a
Resurrection To immortal life at the last day through the blessed Jesus the
First fruits of them that Sleep in him
And as to the disposal of such Temporal Estate as God hath
been pleased to give me My will is as followeth—
In the First place I Give & bequeath To my son Ephraim
Holmes my Home Stall consisting of about Six acres of land with my Dwelling
house Standing thereon and all the Improvements & appurtenances thereof to
him his heirs & assigns forever—
Also I
Give and bequeath to my other Children both sons & Daughters and to their
heirs and Assigns forever all the rest of my Estate both Real & personal
(Excepting Such personal Estate as is hereafter bequeathed or appropriated) to
be equally divided among them viz The Children of my son Nathaniel Holmes
lately Deceased my Son James Holmes the Children of my Son Barnabas Holmes
Deceasd my Son Zephaniah Holmes and my Daughters Bathsheba Delano and Joanna
Cook – the Same with what I formerly gave them to be their full Portion.
Also I
Give and bequeath to my son Ephraim all the money That is due to me of the
fishing Voyage the summer past with Ebenezer Rider in the Schooner Sea Flower—
And I do
hereby Constitute my said son Ephraim Sole Executor of this my last Testament,
And my Will is that all my Just debt and Funeral Charges be paid by my said
Executor out of my aforesaid bequeathment unto him – And I do hereby revoke and
disanull all wills and Testaments by me heretofore made~
And In
witness of this my last Testament I have hereunto Set My hand & Seal this
Sixth day of November 1746
Signed Sealed Published & Declared
as the last will & Testament of the his
said Nathll. Holmes in presence of us Nathaniel M Holmes (seal)
Thomas
Frink mark
Joseph
Bartlett Junr.
Ichabod
Bartlett
Probated on 18 Dec. 1746, and proved by Mr. Thomas Frink,
Joseph Bartlet Junr. and Ichabod Bartlet.
The inventory of the estate of Mr. Nathaniel Holmes, late of
Plimouth, deceased, taken by Stephen Churchell, John Harlow, and Joseph
Bartlett, dated 29 Dec. 1746, totaled £137.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, p. 339-340, 376, from FHL
microfilm #0551535.
Will of Nathaniel
Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
I Nathaniel Holmes, of Plymouth, in the County, yeoman, being
sick of body, but of sound memory, thanks be to God for the same, I do make and
declare this for my last will & testament, in manner and form following,
that is to say — First I would that all my debts which I of right, I owe, to
any person, be paid within a convenient time, after my decease, by my Executor
hereafter named. And—
I do give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Chloe
Holmes, all my estate, both real & personal, after my just debts are paid,
during her natural life; and, after her decease, I do give & bequeath unto
my son Ebenezer Holmes one half of my Estate; and the other half, I do give and
bequeath to my three daughters, in equal shares, that is to say, one sixth part
to Elisabeth Nichols wife of Eleazer Nichols, and one sixth part to Rebecca
Howard, wife of Ezra Howard, & the other sixth part to Patience
Holmes.—In Witness whereof, I have set my hand and seal this 12th of
November 1801.—NB. And, I do make, Willard Sears & Thomas Morton junr.
Executors to this will.
Signed, in the presence of
William
Holmes ye 2d Nathaniel Holmes (seal)
Samuel
Holmes
Thomas
Morton jr.
Presented for probate on 8 Feb.
1802 by Willard Sears & Thos. Morton jr., the Executors therein
named, and proved by William Holmes ye 2d. & Samuel
Holmes, two of the witnesses.
Ezekl Morton &
Stephen Doten jr. Gentlemen, & John Swift, yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Peter Holmes of Charlestown and Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1866) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Peter Holmes of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being in good bodily health and of sound and
disposing mind and memory, calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of human
life, and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs and directing how the
estate with which it has pleased God to bless me shall be disposed of after my
decease while I have strength and capacity so to do, do make and publish this
my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making null and void all other
last wills and testaments by me heretofore made.
And first, I commend my immortal
being to him who gave it, and my body to the earth to be buried with little
expense or ostentation by my executor hereinafter named.
And as to my worldly goods and
estate, and all the property real personal and mixed, of which I shall die
seized and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my
decease, I devise, bequeath and dispose thereof in the manner following, to wit.
First. My will is that all my just
debts and funeral expenses shall by my Executor hereinafter named be paid out
of my estate as soon after my decease as shall by him be found convenient.
Second. I give devise and bequeath
to my wife Sarah Holmes all my household furniture, beds and bedding, except
what belonged to my first wife; and in the event of the decease of my said wife
before my decease, I give and bequeath said furniture beds and bedding to my
daughter Mary E. Holmes and the daughter of my said wife Martha W. Reed, to be
divided equally between them. It is also my will that in addition to the
foregoing bequest to my wife, my executor hereinafter named shall after my
decease, faithfully fulfil the terms and provisions then remaining unperformed
of a certain contract made and executed by and between me and my said wife
before our marriage viz: on the 2d day of December A.D. 1857,
and that is this my last will and testament shall in no way contravene or
defeat the provisions of said contract.
Third. I give and bequeath to my
daughter Mary E. Holmes one thousand dollars to be paid to her in money, and
also the furniture, china ware, and silver ware marked E. C. H. all of which
were her own mothers’ at her decease.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to
Martha W. Reed aforesaid the sum of five hundred dollars to be paid to her in
money.
Fifth. I give to my Executor
hereinafter named the sum of Six thousand dollars to be held by him in trust
for the following purposes to wit, first–to invest, manage and appropriate the
same and the income thereof for the payment of one hundred and eighty dollars
semi-annually according to and in fulfilment of the contract aforesaid made
between me and my said wife before our marriage, and the expenses thereof
during the time she may remain my widow—and also I give to my said Executor the
further sum of ten thousand dollars to be held by him in trust for the
following purposes to wit – first to invest, manage and appropriate the same
and the income thereof for the payment of the sum of three hundred dollars
semiannually to my said wife during the time she shall remain my widow, and
after paying the expenses of such trust, I give and bequeath one third of the
residue of the aforesaid Six thousand dollars and ten thousand dollars which
shall remain unappropriated to my said wife as aforesaid, to each of my two
sons, Stephen C. Holmes and Frederick E. Holmes, and I give and bequeath one
third of the residue aforesaid of the said sixteen thousand dollars which shall
remain unappropriated as aforesaid, to my executor hereinafter named to be held
by him in trust for the following purposes, to wit. first to invest, manage and
appropriate the same and the income thereof in the following manner, viz. to
pay to said Mary E. Holmes the income, rents, issues and profits thereof after
paying the expenses of such trust annually during her natural life, and at her
decease to convey and transfer said property to her children if she leaves a
child or children at her decease, but if she leaves no child at her decease
then to convey and transfer said property as she the said Mary E. shall direct
by her last will and testament; and in the absence of any will and testament
being left by her directing to whom the said property shall be transferred,
then to her heirs and assigns forever.
Sixth. The rest and residue of my
estate, real, personal and mixed of which I shall die seized and possessed or
to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease, I give devise and
bequeath as follows to wit, one third part thereof to each of my two sons
aforesaid their heirs and assigns forever, and one third part thereof to my
executor hereinafter named to be held by him in trust for the following
purposes, to wit: first to invest, manage and appropriate the same and the
income thereof in the following manner, viz. to pay to the said Mary E. Holmes
the income, rents, issues and profits thereof after paying the expenses of such
trust annually during her natural life, and at her decease to convey and
transfer said property to her children if she leaves a child or children at her
decease, but if she leaves no child at her decease then to convey and transfer
said property as she the said Mary E. shall direct by her last will and
testament, and in the absence of any will and testament being left by her directing
to whom the said property shall be transferred then to her heirs and assigns
forever.
Lastly. I do nominate and appoint
Thomas L. Wakefield of Dedham in the County of Norfolk to be the executor of
this my last will and testament, and Trustee for the purposed aforesaid, and
authorize him to sell and convey and convert into money so much of my estate
real and personal as may be requisite to pay the aforesaid bequests, for
reinvestment and for the fulfilment of the aforesaid trusts.
In
testimony whereof I the said Peter Holmes have hereunto set my hand and seal,
and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in presence of
the witnesses, named below this tenth day of July in the year eighteen hundred
and sixty six.
Peter Holmes (seal)
Signed Sealed, published and
declared by the said Peter Holmes as and for his last will and testament in
presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence of each other and at
his request have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
James
M. Barker
Alphonso
J. Robinson
Geo.
Wm Esterbrook
Thomas L. Wakefield of Dedham, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Peter Holmes, late of Plymouth,
on 8 Nov. 1880, with William Hunt of Boston and Stephen C. Holmes and Mary E.
Holmes, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Thomas L. Wakefield, of Dedham, was confirmed as Trustee for
the benefit of Mary E. Holmes by the will of Peter Holmes, late of Plymouth, on
8 Nov. 1880, with William Hunt, of Boston, and Stephen C. Holmes and Mary E.
Holmes, of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p. 476-478, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, Vol. 149, p. 214, and Vol. 150, p. 51.
Will of Phebe Holmes of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I Phœbe Holmes of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth, in the
Massachusetts-Bay in New England widow, knowing it to be apointed for all men
once to die and being at present under death-threat’ning circumstances, (tho’
thro’ the goods of God, in perfect mind and memory,) do apoint and ordain this
to be my last will and testament. And first of all, I bequeath my soul into the
hands of God that gave it, hoping thro’ the merits of Jesus Christ to receive
the free pardon of all my sins, and my body I recommend to the earth to be
decently buried after my decease by my executor hereafter named, believing by
the mighty power of God to receive the same at the general resurrection, and as
to my worldly estate wherewith God hath endowed me withall, I give and dispose off
in manner following. ~~
1. I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan a lot of land
joining to the long-pond, which fell to me in division of the estate of my honrd.
father John Churchel deced. Also one fifth part of my movable estate that shall
be left undisposed off when my debts are paid.
2. I give to my three grand-children viz Phœbe, Susanna,
& William Parsons, one fifth part of my movable estate, which shall be left
undisposed off when my debts are paid. –
3. I give to my daughter Desire the wife of John Swift of
Sandwich, one fifth part of my movable estate that shall be left undisposed off
after my debts are paid. –
4. I give to my son Elkanah a piece of land which I purchased
of mr Jonathan Bartlett containing about twelve acres, with the barn
and all the privileges belonging to it. Likewise one fifth part of my movable
estate that shall be left undisposed off after my debts are paid. Also all the
corn and grain that shall be raised on the farm this present year. Also one bed
and furniture. ~~
5. I give to my daughter Jane, maiden, that part of my
dwelling house which I bought of my son Jonathan Holmes, and that quarter of an
acre of land adjoining also I give to my said daughter one bed and furniture,
likewise one fifth part of my movable estate which shall be left undisposed off
when my debts are paid, and if any other estate of mine can be found not
mentioned here, it is my will that it shall be divided into five equal parts as
above expressed. ~~
Finally,
I do hereby apoint and ordain my abovesaid son Elkanah executor of this my last
will and testament. — In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
and seal this third day of September anno Domini one thousand seven hundred
& seventytwo. ~~ her
Signed sealed & delivered in
presence Phœbe X
Holmes (seal)
of
John Blackmer mark
Joseph
Sylvester
Seth
Holmes
Presented for probate on 5 Oct.
1772 by Elkanah Holmes, the executor, and proved by John Blackmer and Seth
Holmes, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p.
194, from FHL microfilm #0550712.
Will of Phebe Holmes of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the name of God amen, I Phebe Holmes of Carver in the
County of Plymouth Single woman, being weak in body but of sound and perfect
mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this
my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say,
First, I give and bequeath to my sister Polly Holmes all my
wearing apparel –
Second, I give and bequeath to my Brother, Walter Holmes and
to my Sister Zilphia, wife of Thomas Hefford, and to the oldest surviving child
of my Brother Cornelius Holmes deceased One dollar each, which sums together
with my just Debts & Funeral Charges and also Five dollars for the purpose
of repairing the Fence around the burial Ground near the south Meeting house in
said Carver all which sums and legacies I hereby order and direct my executor
whom I shall hereafter name to pay within one year after my decease from the
proceeds of the sale of my Personal Estate and my half the Dwelling House in
which I now live, and if the same shall be found insufficient to be made out
from my Real Estate —
Third and lastly, as to my Real Estate situate in said Carver
consisting of one half the Robert Barrows lot of Woodland laying on the first
Swamp so called, also one half of a Pine Lot laying on the westerly side of
Plymouth Road towards Swan hole, also all my Real Estate wheresoever it may be
found together with any remnants of Personal Estate if any shall remain after
the payment of the above sums and legacies as aforesaid I give and devise to
the good people of Carver of the order or denomination of Congregationalists,
who are or shall hereafter become Proprietors of the Central Meeting house in
said Carver and to those of the order of Open Communion Calvinists Baptists if
such order of Baptists are found residing in said Carver who are or shall
hereafter become proprietors in said Central Meeting House, for the support of
the preaching of the Gospel exclusively in said religious denominations, to be
conducted and used by them as a permanent fund, in aid of supporting the
preaching of the Gospel amongst them, I will that after my decease that all my
lands and Estate as last described shall immediately come into the possession
of those persons of the said Congregational order who are or shall be as
aforesaid Proprietors of said Central Meeting House, To be conducted used and
occupied by them or their Agent or Committee for their sole benefit as
aforesaid, until there shall be an association of persons formed of the
description of Baptists aforesaid, and then if ever such association shall be
formed in said Town of Carver who shall be Proprietors of said Central Meeting
house as aforesaid, and then the said land and Estate shall be conducted by a
Joint Committee of said Congregational Association, and said open Communion
Baptists association of persons for their mutual benefit in support of the
preaching of the Gospel in said dominations forever,
And I do hereby appoint Alvin Vaughan of Carver to be sole
Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills
be me made,
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and twenty six ~~
Phebe Holmes (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared
by the abovenamed Phebe Holmes to be her last Will &
Testament
in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence
have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same—
Zebedee
Chandler
Isaac L.
Dunham
Thomas
Hammond
Samuel
Shaw Jun.
Note the words “the sale of” in line 16, from top 1st
Page, and the words “Congregationalists” in line 27 from top, and also the
words “as aforesaid” in line 5, from the bottom, were interlined before the
signing and sealing hereof.
Probated on 16 Feb. 1829, and proved by Zebedee Chandler and
Samuel Shaw Jun, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Alvan Vaughan of Carver on 16 Feb. 1829.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 459-461, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Polly
Holmes of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
Be it remembered that I Polly Holmes of Carver in the County
of Plymouth, Housekeeper, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and
being now of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the
same, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following (that is to say)
First I give and devise (or bequeath) to my beloved brother
Walter Holmes now resident within the State of New York and Zilphia my beloved
sister wife of Thomas Hefford now resident in the State of Vermont, all my
dwelling house and house lot situate in Carver in the County of Plymouth, Also
all my several lots of woodland and Swamp including all my Real Estate to be
equally divided between them my said brother Walter Holmes and my said sister
Zilphia Hefford or their heirs or assigns to be holden by them forever after my
decease.
2d I further give and bequeath to the heirs of my
brother Cornelius Holmes, deceased, and to my sister Phoebe Holmes one dollar
each to be paid them out of my personal estate by my Executor within six months
after my decease, (provided they shall appear to receive the same at his hands.
And
lastly as to all the rest, residue or remainder of my personal estate, goods
and chattels of what kind so ever that remain after my just debts and funeral
charges shall be paid I give and bequeath to my forementioned brother Walter
Holmes and my said sister Zilphia Hefford to be equally divided between them or
their heirs.
And
I do hereby appoint Thomas Hammond of Carver in the
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty second day
of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.
her
Polly + Holmes (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named
Polly Holmes to be her last Will
and Testament in the presence of us
who at her request and in her
presence have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses to the same
James
Tisdale
Thomas
Hammond jr
Mary
Hammond
Probated on 9 Aug. 1830, proved by
Thomas Hammond Junior and Mary Hammond, two of the witnesses.
Alvan Vaughan, Benjamin Ward and
Lothrop Barnes, all of Carver, were appointed to appraise the estate of Polly
Holmes, late of Carver, Housekeeper, on 21 May 1830. The Inventory was dated 31
May 1830, the real estate totaled $100.00, and the personal estate totaled
$39.91. Thomas Hammond, the administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on 15
Nov. 1830.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1820) *
In
the name of God amen I Richard Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman, being now sick but of sound and
disposing mind & memory do make & ordain this to be my last will and
Testament –
First of all I commend my Soul to
the Mercy of God that gave it & my Body to a decent funeral humbly praying
for a glorious Resurrection through Jesus Christ. –
In the next place, I bequeath &
dispose of my worldly Estate as follows. —
First
I reserve out of my personal Estate the Sum of three thousand Dollars & the
Note I have on Benjamin Bramhall for one hundred & fifty Dollars to be kept
in my Executors hands hereafter named for the purposes hereafter
particularized. —
2d.
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Leonard the Wife of William
Leonard the Interest & Income of twelve hundred & fifty Dollars of the
above Sum & the Income of the above note on Benjamin Bramhall to be paid
her annually during the Life of the said William Leonard & at his decease
the principal of said two Sums to be paid her being fourteen hundred Dollars in
the whole to be paid by my executors hereafter named as her Portion of my
Estate. —
3d.
I give and bequeath to my two sons Richard Holmes 3d and Thomas
Cooper Holmes the Sum of one hundred Dollars to each one of them to be paid
them out of the above Sum – and Whereas I have a Note on my son Thomas C.
Holmes for the sum of eight hundred & fifty Dollars, my said son is not to
be accountable to my Executors or Heirs for but four hundred & fifty
Dollars of said Sum or Note. —
4th.
I give & bequeath to each one of the Children of my Daughter Polly Bradford
deceased late Wife of Thomas Bradford, I bequeath to each of said Children the
Sum of one hundred Dollars out of the above Sum; said Legacy to be paid to each
one of said Children as they arrive at the Age of twenty one years by my
Executors hereafter named. —
5th.
I give & bequeath to my two Daughters Sarah Holmes & Jane Holmes to
each one of them the Sum of one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid to each
of them in Money or Goods in my House, such as they choose at the
appraisement.—
6th.
after my just Debts are paid I give and bequeath all my real Estate in
Plymouth, Kingston or elsewhere, & all my personal Estate except what is
given as within & above to be equally divided between my seven Children
hereafter named viz my two sons Richard Holmes 3d. Thomas C Holmes,
Experience Brewster the Wife of Spencer Brewster, Nancy Lowden the Wife of
Isaac Lowden, Elizabeth Carver Widow, Sarah Holmes & Jane Holmes to be
equally divided between them excepting four hundred Dollars to be deducted from
said Elizabeth Carver’s share & added to the other six shares of my last
named Children — I also give and
bequeath these last named seven Children, what residue may remain after the
within Legacies are paid out of the reserved three thousand Dollars, and my two
Sons are to be accountable to my Estate for what they owe me except the four
hundred Dollars I have given Thomas – and if my Children bring any accounts
against my Estate for Services done it is to come out of they’r share of my
Estate –
Lastly
I nominate & appoint my said two Sons Richard Holmes 3d and
Thomas C Holmes Executors to this my last will & testament.—
In
Testimony of all which I the said Richard Holmes have hereunto set my hand
& Seal this 19th. day of October A.D one thousand eight hundred
& twenty 1820
Signed sealed & declared to be
his
Last Will & Testament in
presence of us
Rosseter
Cotton Richard Holmes (seal)
Nathan
Hayward
Geo.
Bacon
Presented for probate on 20 Nov.
1820 by Richard Holmes 2d. and Thomas C Holmes, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Rosseter Cotton and Nathan Hayward Esqr.,
two of the witnesses.
Rosseter Cotton Esqr.,
George Bacon, Mariner, and Henry Jackson, Blacksmith, all of Plymouth, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Richard Holmes, late of Plymouth, Yeoman,
on 20 Nov. 1820. The inventory was dated 28 Dec. 1820, and totaled $5942.86,
his real estate totaled $5386, including his homestead valued at $1600, and
several other parcels of land. Richard Holmes and Thomas C Holmes, the
Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 16 Apr. 1821.
Rosseter Cotton Esqr., Henry
Jackson, Blacksmith, and George Bacon, Mariner, all of Plymouth, were appointed
to divide the real estate of Richard Holmes, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, among
seven of his children, namely Richard Holmes Jr., the elder son, Thomas Cooper
Holmes, Experience Brewster, the wife of Spencer Brewster, Nancy Lowden, the
wife of Isaac Lowden, Elizabeth Carver, widow, Sarah Holmes and Jane Holmes,
according to the last will and Testament of the said deceased, on 18 Dec. 1820.
The division was dated 13 Feb. 1821, and approved on 19 Feb. 1821.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, pp.
168-170, 362-366, 370-374, from FHL microfilm #0550907.
Will of Richard Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1841) *
Be it known that I Richard Holmes of Plymouth, in the County
of Plymouth, yeoman, do make publish and declare this Instrument to be my last
will and Testament in manner as follows Viz.
I nominate and appoint my son Richard W. Holmes to be the
sole Executor of this my last will and as it may be for the interest of my
family that my debts should be paid from & by the sale of portions of my
Real Estate notwithstanding my personal Estate may be sufficient for that
purpose, I do authorise and empower my said Executor to pay my debts by a sale
at his discretion of any part of my real or personal estate (excepting the
portions of my house herein after given to my wife during her widowhood) at public
or private sale without the necessity of a license or formality of sale by
order of law and I do empower him to execute deeds thereof.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Holmes the use
and improvement of the three back chambers, in my dwelling house where I now
reside with the necessary rights of way to and from the same & all
privileges in and around said house necessary to her convenient occupation of
said rooms for and during all the time she may remain my widow and any sale of
my Real Estate by my Executor pursuant to the provision above mentioned shall
be with this reservation to my wife for and during the term aforesaid.
After the payment of all my just debts and charges I give and
bequeath to my said wife the use income and improvement of all my remaining
estate real and personal for and during all the time she shall remain my widow
meaning & intending that my said Executor shall manage the same at his
discretion for her use and benefit during said term
At the decease or marriage of my said wife, which ever event
may first happen, I give devise & bequeath to my three children the said
Richard W. Holmes, Ephraim B. Holmes & Mary D. Scudder the wife of Alonzo
Scudder & to their heirs & assigns forever all the rest residue &
remainder of all the Estate of which I may die seized and possessed. In Witness
of which I have hereunto set my hand & seal this thirty first day of May
one thousand eight hundred & forty one.
Richard Holmes (seal)
Signed sealed published & declared by the said Richard
Holmes as his last will & Testament in the presence of us who at his
request and in his presence and the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses — John B. Thomas
J.
H. Loud
Isaac
B. Rich
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Aug. 1841 by
Richard W. Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by John B. Thomas and
Jacob H. Loud, two of the witnesses.
Ephraim B. Holmes, of Plymouth, was granted administration de
bonis non with will annexed of the estate of Richard Holmes, late of Plymouth,
on 1 Apr. 1862, with William R. Drew and George F. Weston, of Plymouth, as
sureties, the executor named being now deceased.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 308-310, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 114, p. 58.
Will of Robert Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the name of God amen I Robert Holmes of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth Yeoman considering the Uncertainty of this mortal Life &
being of sound mind & memory bless be God for the same do make &
publish this my last will and Testament in manner & form following. (that
is to say)
I
first give to my two Sons namely Robert & Samuel the whole of my real
Estate together with all my out door Moveables to be divided equally between
them, reserving only the use & Improvement of the southerly Chamber in my
House for my Daughter Charlotte during her remaining unmarried. I also give my
two Sons above mentioned all monies due me in equal Shares & order them to
pay all my just Debts equally between them. & do further order that they
shall provide an honourable Support for my beloved Wife during her Widowhood —
I
next give to my eldest Daughter Mary twenty Dollars to be paid her in twelve
months after my decease by her two Brothers above mentioned in equal
proportions —
Next
I give unto my Youngest Daughter Charlotte fifty Dollars to be paid her in
twelve months after my decease by her two Brothers above mentioned, in equal
proportions, I also give unto my Daughter Charlotte one half my indoor
moveables together with the Improvement of the Chamber above mentioned with a
right to pass to & from the same —
I
further give to my Son Samuel the other half my indoor Moveables.—
I
do hereby appoint my two Sons above mentioned joint Executors of this my last
Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.—
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighth day of
November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & ten AD
1810.—
Signed sealed published &
declared by the
within named Robert Holmes to be
his last
Will & Testament in the
presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our Names
as Wit-
nesses in the presence of the
Testator Robert Holmes (seal)
Charles
Holmes
Wm.
Holmes
Amos
Witherell Junr.
Presented for probate on 5 Dec.
1817 by Robert Holmes and Samuel Holmes, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Charles Holmes Esqr. and Amos Witherell junr.,
two of the witnesses. No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, p.
153-154, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Robert Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Robert Holmes of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth, yeoman considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and
being of sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and
publish this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows that is
to say.
I first give to my two sons, viz: Ira Holmes and Robert W
Holmes the homestead farm on which I live. I next give to my three sons Ira
Holmes, Robert W. Holmes and Samuel Holmes a lot of cedar swamp lying in
Halifax, this to be divided in equal shares.
I next give to my daughter Lydia Thomas a wood lot lying in Pembroke
near Charles Stetson’s which was bought of Ephraim Tubbs containing between
nine and ten acres. I next give to
Robert and Samuel Holmes the lot I bought of Lewis Holmes in Pembroke; two thirds
to Samuel and one third to Robert W. Holmes, to be divided in that
proportion. I next give a lot which I
bought of Charles Holmes and John Hall about eight acres to Ira Holmes and
Robert W. Holmes for the purpose of paying my debts, and if that should not be
sufficient I obligate my son Ira Holmes to pay the rest. I also give my sister Charlotte Holmes the
North front room to improve during her life, with the privilege of using the
oven. I also obligate Ira Holmes and
Robert W. Holmes to see that she has a comfortable support during her
life. I give to Robert W. Holmes my
clock. I also give him my farming
utensils and stock on the farm. I also
give the indoor moveables to Robert & Samuel Holmes equally between
them. I also give Samuel Holmes a piece
of salt meadow in Duxbury four fifths of which belong to me called the gotom
meadow.
I also appoint my son Ira Holmes Executor of this my last
will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
two.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the within named
Robert Holmes to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Robert Holmes (seal)
Peleg Bryant
John Hall
Francis Simmons
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1852 by Ira
Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Peleg Bryant, John Hall and
Francis Simmons, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p. 531-533, from FHL microfilm
#0555641.
Will of Samuel
Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen. I Samuel Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth,
Yeoman, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind
and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will
and Testament in manner and form following that is to say I first give to my
brother Robert Holmes, that half of the farm together with the buildings
thereon which my father gave me, Also some woodland in Pembroke which I own
with him, Also some Swamp in Hanson and in Halifax which I own in half with
him.
I
next give to my sister Charlotte Holmes all the Notes and securities that I
have on hand belonging to me at my decease. I likewise give her all the
household furniture that belongs to me and articles in the cellar together with
my provision that may be on hand, Also three barrels of Corn and two Cows.
I
next give to Oliver Whitten’s two children Addison and Amanda twenty five
dollars each to be paid to them by my brother Robert Holmes when they become
twenty one Years of Age.
All
money or accounts that may be found due me or on hand I give to my sister
Charlotte.
I
also obligate my brother Robert to pay all debts that may come against my
estate after my decease.
I
do hereby appoint my brother Robert Holmes, Executor of this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighth day of March
in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty. A.D. 1830.
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the within named Samuel Holmes to be his last Will and Testament in
presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the
presence of the Testator. Samuel Holmes (seal)
Amos
Withrell
Melatiah
Holmes
Thomas
Johnson
Probated on 15 Nov. 1830, and
proved by Amos Withrell, Melatiah Holmes and Thomas Johnson, the witnesses.
Letters of administration given to Robert Holmes of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel D. Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1861) *
Be it
known that I, Samuel D. Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Master mariner, being in feeble health but of
sound mind, do make, publish and declare this Instrument to be my last Will and
Testament in manner & form following, to wit:
I revoke
all former Wills by me heretofore made. I give & bequeath to my nurse Mrs.
Miriam A. Atwood, for her kind attentions to me all my household furniture,
beds, bedding & all movables in my dwelling house.
I give
to her husband Jesse R. Atwood the privilege of living in my dwelling-house for
six months after my decease & until my estate shall be settled by a sale
thereof, or my Son Joseph J. Holmes shall appear to take possession thereof he
the said Jesse R. Atwood paying rent at the rate of forty two dollars per annum
for such time as he may occupy the same after my decease.
I give,
devise & bequeath all the rest, residue & remainder of my estate real
& personal which shall remain after the payments of my debts & the
expenses of settling my estate to my Son Joseph J. Holmes if he shall be living
at my decease & appear to claim the same, to have & to hold to him his
heirs and assigns forever having entire confidence that he will make a
distribution of a portion thereof to and among my grandchildren at his
discretion.
But in
case my said Son Joseph J. Holmes should not survive me, or should die without
claiming said estate or making any conveyance thereof by deed or devise thereof
by Will, then & in that case I give, devise & bequeath the same to my
grandchildren as follows to wit, three undivided fourth parts thereof to my
grand children William D. Simmons, Ferdinand A. Simmons, Frank H. Simmons,
& Ella S. Simmons children of my late daughter Harriet in equal shares; and
the remaining one fourth part thereof to my grandchildren Elizabeth M.
Bradford, Joseph J. Bradford, Johnson Bradford, William B. Bradford and Betsey
Bradford children of my late daughter Betsey M. in equal shares. But it is
expressly understood that my said Grandchildren are to take nothing by this Will
if my Son Joseph J. Holmes survives me & appears to claim said estate or
conveys the same by deed or devises the same by Will.
I
nominate & appoint Jacob H. Loud Executor of this Will.
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand this fourteenth day of October in the
year one thousand eight hundred & sixty one.
Samuel D. Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the above named Samuel D. Holmes as &
for his last Will & Testament in presence of us, who at his request, in his
presence & in the presence of each other have hereto set our names as
witnesses.
David
Turner
Nelson
Thomas\
Sarah
J. Merritt
Jacob H. Loud, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Samuel D. Holmes, late of Plymouth, on 2 Dec. 1861, with
Timothy Gordon and George G. Dyer as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 103, p. 407-408, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 32.
Will of Sarah Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
In the
name of God, Amen: I Sarah Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Widow, do make, ordain & declare this
Instrument to be my last Will & Testament.
Imprimis
– It is my Will that all my just debts and the charges of my funeral be paid
& discharged by my Executrix, herein-after named and appointed out of my
Estate, as soon as may conveniently be after my decease.
Item
— I give and devise to my dearly beloved daughter, Huldah Holmes, her heirs
& assigns forever all my Estate, real & personal, of whatsoever name or
nature which may remain after deducting the above named debts & charges.
Item
— I appoint and make the said Huldah Holmes Executrix of this my last Will and
Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of
June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty nine
Sarah Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared, by the above named Sarah Holmes to be her last Will &
Testament, in presence of us, who, in the presence of the Testator and of each
other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses.
Elkanah
Cushman
Margaret
Cushman
Hosea
Brewster –
Presented for probate on 13 Apr.
1835 by Huldah Holmes, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Elkanah
Cushman, one of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p.
133-134, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Sarah Holmes of Charlestown and Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1866) *
Know all men by these presents that I Sarah Holmes of
Charlestown in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, wife
of Peter Holmes of said place, being in good health and of sound and disposing
mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament, hereby
revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First. My will is that all my just debts and funeral expenses
shall by my executor hereinafter named be paid out of my estate as soon after
my decease as shall by him be found convenient.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son William C. B. Reed one
Dollar.
Third. I give and bequeath all my real estate situated in
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth aforesaid, and all my
furniture, fixtures, beds, bedding, horses, carriages, and other property
belonging with, used, employed or connected with said real estate to my husband
Peter Holmes to be held by him for and during his natural life, and after his
decease I give and bequeath said furniture, beds and bedding to my daughter
Martha W. Reed and Mary E. Holmes the daughter of my said husband to be divided
between them in equal proportions; and said real estate, fixtures, horses,
carriages and other property belonging with, used, employed and connected with
said real estate to my executor hereinafter named to be held by him in trust
for the following purposes to wit, first to invest, manage, sell and reinvest
and appropriate the same and the income thereof in the following manner viz. to
pay to said Martha W. Reed and Mary E. Holmes after paying the expenses of said
trust, the income, rents, issues and profits thereof annually, during their
natural lives, in equal proportions, and at the decease of either of them or
both of them, to convey and transfer one half part of said estate or property
to the children of either of them at her decease if she leaves children, but if
she or either of them leaves no child at her decease, then to convey and
transfer such one half part of said estate and property to such person or
persons as the said Martha W. or the said Mary E. shall direct by her last will
and testament; and in the absence of any will and testament being left by
either or both of them directing to whom her or their respective share of said
property shall be transferred, then to her or their respective heirs and
assigns forever.
Fourth. The rest and residue of my estate real personal and
mixed of which I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I shall be
entitled at the time of my decease, I give, devise, and bequeath unto my
daughter Martha W. Reed.
Lastly. I do nominate and appoint Thomas L. Wakefield of
Dedham in the County of Norfolk to be the Executor of this my last will and
testament, and Trustee for the purposes aforesaid; and authorize him to sell
and convey and convert into money and reinvest or otherwise the real estate and
other property to be held by him in trust as aforesaid, and do all things
relating thereto requisite to a faithful fulfilment of the aforesaid trust.
In
testimony whereof I the said Sarah Holmes have hereunto set my hand and seal
and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in presence of
the witnesses named below, this tenth day of July in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and Sixty Six.
Sarah Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Sarah Holmes as and for her last will and testament in
presence of us, who in her presence and in the presence of each other and at
her request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
James
M. Barker
Alphonso
J. Robinson
Geo.
Wm Estabrook
I Peter Holmes husband of the
aforesaid Sarah Holmes who has made and executed the foregoing will, hereby
consent to her making and executing the same in the manner and form in her said
will specified.
Witness
my hand and seal this tenth day of July A.D. 1866.
In presence of Peter Holmes (seal)
James M. Barker
A. J. Robinson
Geo. Wm Estabrook
Thomas L. Wakefield, of Dedham, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Sarah Holmes, late of Plymouth,
on 12 May 1879, with Peter Holmes and Ephraim T. Paty, both of Plymouth, as
sureties.
Thomas L. Wakefield, of Dedham, was
confirmed as Trustee for the benefit of Martha W. Hadlock late Martha W. Reed
and Mary E. Holmes by the will of Sarah Holmes, late of Plymouth, on 8 Nov.
1880 with William Hunt of Boston and Ephraim T. Paty of Plymouth as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p.
144-146, from FHL microfilm #0556649, Vol. 149, p. 89, and Vol. 150, p. 52.
Will of Sarah Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1868) *
I Sarah Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, make
publish and declare the following to be my last Will & Testament
First: I give devise and bequeath to Ephraim B. Holmes of
said Plymouth, all the property and estate of every description, of which I may
die seized and possessed, or to which I may be in any way, entitled, or which I
have the right to dispose of by Will to have and to hold the same to him and
his heirs and assigns forever:
Second I appoint said Ephraim B. Holmes Executor of this
Will=
In witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this twenty fourth day of February, eighteen hundred and sixty eight
Sarah Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared to be her last Will,
by said, Sarah Holmes in presence of us, who in her presence, and at her
request and in presence, of each other have here-unto set our names as
Witnesses
Jno.
J. Russell
James
Collins
Almira
W. Sears
Ephraim B. Holmes, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Sarah Holmes, late of Plymouth, on 11 May 1868, with A. Mason
and Thomas Diman, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 141-142, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 314.
Will of Seth
Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the Name of God, & I trust agreeably to his will, I Seth Holmes of
Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth, husbandman, being of sound mind, &
believing myself near death, after commending my soul to God, do thus dispose
of what I may leave behind –
Imprimis. After my just debts, and
funeral expences are discharged, ‘tis my will, that my widow shall hold &
enjoy one third part of all my possessions, both real & personal, so long
as she shall remain my widow.–
Item—I
Give to my sons, Seth Holmes, Stephen Holmes Amasa Holmes, Caleb Holmes &
Nathan Holmes in equal shares, all my real estate, after the above deductions,
and all my personal estate without doors, to them in fee – but upon the
following conditions; that is to say, that they pay, or cause to be paid, by
the Executors of this my will, to the children of my daughter Deborah Bartlett,
or to her, two hundred dollars in equal shares.~
Item—That
they pay or cause to paid by my Executors two hundred dollars to the children
of my daughter Polly Bartlett in equal shares. .
Item.
That they pay, or cause paid by the Executors of this will, two hundred dollars
to the children of my daughter Rebecca Bartlett in equal shares. .
Item—That
they pay or cause paid by my Executors to the children of my daughter Silvina
Bartlett, two hundred dollars in equal shares. .
Item—That
they pay, or cause paid to my daughter Jerusha, by my Executors, two hundred
dollars, as hereafter directed
Also—That
they pay, or cause paid, by my Executors, to Polly Holmes, the daughter of my
son Jesse Holmes decd two hundred dollars, when she comes of age.
Tis
further my will, that after the decease of my widow, all the indoor moveables
should be equally divided among my daughters, as above named, including my
granddaughter Polly Holmes, should she come of age.
Tis
also my will, that the two thirds of the above legacies be paid in one year
from my decease, & ye rest at their mother’s decease –
Tis
also my will, that my sons Seth & Stephen Holmes be trustees of what is
herein given to my daughter Deborah, or her children, to pay her as she may
need, or them when of age.—Be it remembered that ‘tis the true intentions of
this my will, that the foregoing legacies, payable to the children of my
daughters Polly Bartlett, Rebecca Bartlett, Silvina Bartlett, should be paid to
the said Polly, Rebecca & Silvina in person.
And
I do hereby appoint my sons Seth Holmes and Stephen Holmes Executors to this my
will.—In Testimony that this is my last will & testament I hereunto Set my
hand & Seal February 15th 1804:~
Signed & Delivered
in
presence – Seth Holmes (seal)
Branch Blackmer
Zackeus Bartlett
Sarah Blackmer
Presented for probate on 22 Feb.
1804 by Seth Holmes and Stephen Holmes, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Branch Blackmer & Zackeus Bartlett, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Seth Holmes and Stephen Holmes, the before named
Executors.
Branch Blackmer, Gentleman, Abner Bartlett Esqr.
and Andrew Bartlett, Gentleman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Seth Holmes, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, on 22 Feb. 1804. The Inventory
of the Estate of Seth Holmes, late of Plymouth was not dated, but totaled
$6733.02, including his extensive real estate holdings valued at $5923, of
which his homestead estate was valued at $2700. The appraisers gave their oath
to the inventory on 12 Mar. 1805, and Seth and Stephen Holmes, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 13 Mar. 1805.
Ichabod Morton junr., Abner Bartlett Esqr.,
and Solomon Finney, all of Plymouth, were appointed to set off one third of the
real estate of Seth Holmes, late of Plymouth, to his widow Mary Holmes, as her
dower in the estate of her late husband on 2 Mar. 1804. The division was
recorded on 14 Aug. 1810, and approved on 18 Aug. 1810.
John Gray, of Kingston, Esqr., John Cornish and
Thomas Morton junr., both of Plymouth, Gentlemen, were appointed to
divide the balance of the real estate of Seth Holmes, late of Plymouth, Yeoman,
into four equal shares, saving unto the widow of the deceased her thirds, and
to assign to Seth Holmes, Stephen Holmes, Amasa Holmes, and Nathan Holmes each
one share, the said Seth, Stephen, Amasa and Nathan having jointly purchased of
their brother Caleb Holmes his share therein being one fifth part, on 25 Mar. 1805.
The division was dated 18 Apr. 1805, and approved on 30 Apr. 1805.
Ichabod Morton, Yeoman, William Clark, Gentleman, and John
Blackmer Jr., Yeoman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to divide that part of
the real estate of Seth Holmes, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, which was assigned to
his widow, Mary Holmes, as her right of dower, among his devisees, Stephen
Holmes, Amasa Holmes, Nathan Holmes, and the heirs of Seth Holmes deceased, on
16 May 1825. The division was approved on 17 Oct. 1825, and it mentioned Branch
Holmes, for himself and all the other heirs of his father Seth, decd.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silvanus Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1820) *
In the
name of God Amen, I Silvanus Holmes of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts housewright being of sound and disposing mind and
memory do make and ordain this to be my last will & testament – In the
first place I commend my soul to the mercy of God, who gave it and my body to a
decent burial humbly praying for a glorious resurrection through Jesus Christ –
In the first place after my just debts are paid I dispose of my worldly Estate
as follows – viz ~~~
First I give and bequeath to Ansel Holmes a minor Son of my
Nephew Ansel Holmes deceased my dwelling house, shop and lot of land southerly
of the training Green lying adjoining on the southerly side of the old
homestead of Seth Harlow deceased – Also I bequeath said Ansel all my working
tools – I give and bequeath to Patty Holmes daughter of my said nephew Ansel
Holmes deceased all the real Estate I own, which descended to me from my Father
& Mother deceased except what I have above given to Ansel Holmes.
I give and bequeath to my relation Susan Churchill wife of
Nathaniel Churchill the use and improvement of all my part of a dwelling house
and lot of land near Hobshole opposite Willard Sears homestead on the westerly
side of Sandwich road for her to improve during her natural live and at her
decease I bequeath my part of said house and lot of land to said Susan
Churchills Children to be equally divided between them –
I give
and bequeath to Rebecca Morton Wife of Freeman Morton all my household
furniture beds & beding to be hers – All the above named persons all of
Plymouth aforesaid – I nominate and appoint Benjamin Barnes Executor to this my
last Will and testament, signed sealed and declared to be my last will &
testament in presence of us this 16th day of November AD. one
thousand eight hundred & twenty.
the part of two lines in the bequeath to
his
Rebecca Morton was scratched out before signing Silvanus X Holmes (seal)
Rosseter
Cotton mark
Silvanus
Paty
Nathaniel
Harlow
To the Hon. Wilkes Wood Esqr. the Judge of the
probate of Wills &c in & for the County of Plymouth—
Sir I am appointed Executor of the last Will & Testament
of Silvanus Holmes late of Plymouth in said County deceased as it is not
convenient for me to accept said Trust I do refuse the same & wish your
Honour to appoint an Administrator in my Stead –
Plymo.
Feby. 19th. 1821 Benja.
Barnes –
Presented for probate on 17 Oct. 1821 by one of the friends
of the deceased, the Executor therein named having refused, and proved by
Rosseter Cotton Esqr. and Silvanus Paty, two of the witnesses,
administration with will annexed granted to Benjamin Drew of Plymouth,
Gentleman, on 17 Oct. 1821.
The Inventory of the Estate of Sylvanus Holmes, late of
Plymouth, was appraised by Seth Harlow, Ichabod Davie, and Bradford Barnes on
19 Aug. 1822, and totaled $412.20, his real estate valued at $371.25, including
his dwelling house and lot valued at $300. Benjamin Drew, the Administrator
with will annexed gave his oath to the inventory on 16 Sept. 1822.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 54, p. 189-190, from FHL microfilm
#0550908, Vol. 53, p. 328, and Vol. 56, pp. 331, 205.
Will of Stephen Holmes Jr. of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
In the name of God, I Stephen Holmes Junior of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mariner, being in
feeble state of health but of sound mind & memory do make & declare
this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament, Viz:
I
give, devise and bequeath all my Estate Real and Personal to my beloved Wife
Sarah S. Holmes her heirs and assigns forever.
To
my father Stephen Holmes and to my brothers & sisters I make no pecuniary
bequest as what property I possess I derived from my wife and I desire to leave
all to her for her maintenance & support
And
I do hereby nominate & appoint my said wife Sarah S. Holmes sole Executrix
of this my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this sixteenth day of
December in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
Stephen Holmes Jr. (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
above named Stephen Holmes Jr to be his last Will & Testament in presence
of us who at his request & in his presence & in presence of each other
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Israel
Clark
Charles
Peterson
Cromwell
Holmes
Presented for probate on 20 Jan.
1834, and proved by Israel Clark, Charles Peterson and Cromwell Holmes, the
witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Sarah S. Holmes, of Plymouth,
widow, on 20 Jan. 1834.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 76, p.
32-34, from FHL microfilm #0555263.
Will of Thomas
Holmes of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1733) *
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Holmes of ye Town
of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New-England being weak of Body
but of a sound & perfect Mind & Memory Praise be to Almighty God for it
Do Make & Ordain this my present last Will & Testament in Manner &
form following that is to Say First & Principally I Commit & Commend my
Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body to the Earth to be decently
buried at ye Discretion of my Executrix hereafter named And as for
my Worldly Estate I Give & Dispose thereof as followeth – First I Will that
all my Debts and Funeral Charges shall be paid & discharged – Itm
I Give to my beloved Wife Mary Holmes that part of Lands that fell to me which
was my Brother Benjamin Holmes and that piece of meadow that I bought of James
Cobb to her & her Heirs and Assigns forever And also all my Moveable Estate
within doors & without to her & her Heirs & assigns forever And the
Improvemt of all my Estate so long as She remains my Widow Itm I Give to my Daughter
Experience Holmes my Homestead and also that piece of Land that I bought of
David Miller together with all the Buildings thereon to her & her Heirs
& assigns forever And I do by this my last Will & Testament Ordain
appoint & Constitute my Wife Mary Holmes sole Executrix of this my last
Will & Testament as Witness hereof I the sd Thomas Holmes have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Eighth day of September in ye
Year of Our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & thirty three—
Signed Sealed Published & Thomas Holmes (seal)
Deliverd In Presence of us
Ebenezer Finney
Jane Finney
James Cob
Plymo. Decr. 20:1733 – Ebenezer Finney
Jane Finney & James Cob appeared & made oath that they Saw Thomas
Holmes abovenamed Sign Seal & heard him declare ye Abovewritten
to be his last Will & Testament And that they at the Same time in the
Presence of ye Testator Set to their hands as Witnesses, And that he
at ye Same time according to the best of their Observation was of
Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate —
The Inventory of the real & personal Estate of Thomas
Holmes, late of Middleborough, was appraised by John Bennett, James Soul, and
Francis Miller on 27 Feb. 1733/34, not totaled, but his Homestead being about
40 acres was valued at £400, land he bought of David Miller was valued at £50,
land he bought of Benjamin Holmes was valued at £50, and 10 acres of meadow in
the Upper Meadow valued at £40. Mary Holmes, the Executrix, gave her oath to
the inventory on 15 Mar. 1733/34, and on 26 Apr. 1734 necessaries were set out
to Mary Holmes, widow of Thomas Holmes, in the amount of £37.01.0.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas C. Holmes of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Be it
remembered that I Thomas C. Holmes of Kingston in the County of Plymouth,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory but
in consideration of the uncertainty of life do think it best to dispose of my
estate both Real and Personal and do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in the following manner.
First. I give and bequeath to my wife Sarah W. Holmes the use
and improvement during her natural life of the following Real Estate, viz. One
undivided half of that part of my homestead lying above the road or highway
& between the said highway and the piece of land that I sold to the owners
of the Furnace with one divided half of the House and buildings thereon, except
so much thereof as is hereafter described and given to my son Thomas C. Holmes
Jr. for a shop lot, I also give to my wife the one undivided half of all the
household Furniture, Beds, Bedding and other articles contained in the House. I
also give and bequeath to my aforesaid wife the use and improvement during her
life of one undivided half of a certain lot of woodland known as the Cotton lot
being the same lot the descended to me from my uncle Thomas Cooper.
2nd I give and bequeath to my daughter
Sarah D. Holmes one half of that portion of my homestead lying above the
highway & between the said highway and the land that I sold to the owners
of the Furnace with one undivided half of the House and buildings thereon,
excepting so much thereof as is hereafter described & conveyed to my son
Thomas C. Holmes Jr. for a shop lot, I also give to my said daughter Sarah one
undivided half of all the household furniture, Beds Bedding and other articles
in the said house I also give and
bequeath to my said daughter Sarah one undivided half of a certain lot of
woodland known as the Cotton lot being the same that descended to me from my
uncle Thomas Cooper.
Thirdly. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas C. Holmes Jr.
the lot upon which his shop stands bounded as follows~~ beginning at apoint
Easterly from said shop on the highway and running in a paralel line with the
South easterly side of said building & Six feet distant from the same and
running in said line until it intersects a line drawn paralel with the
Northwesterly side of said shop & six feet distant from the same & then
running in said line ten feet until it comes to a stake & from thence in a
N. Westerly direction about feet to a
post in the fence on Smelt brook lane said post being the sixth post from the
Northerly corner of said shop & from thence by said land and the highway to
the bounds first mentioned. I also give & bequeath to my son Thomas C.
Holmes Jr. all the land lying below the highway and adjoining & bounded on
the Northwesterly side by his house lot and on the North & Easterly by the
Old Colony Rail Road and on the Southerly side by the land of B. Delano &
on the Westerly side by the highway. I also give to my said son Thomas a
certain piece of wood land & old field lying above and adjoining the piece
of land that I sold to David Lucas & on the North westerly side of the road
leading to Smelt pond & is the same that descended to me from my uncle
Thomas Cooper. I also give to my said Son Thomas a certain piece of wood land
lying on the southerly side of the Smelt pond road containing about 18 acres
& bounded as follows Westerly & Northerly by said Road & Northerly
& Easterly by the land of B. Delano & otherwise by the land of the
heirs of Hezekiah Ripley and land of Joseph Ripley.
Fourthly. I give & bequeath to my son Richard Holmes all
the land I own in the Nook both Salt Meadow and pasture land also a certain lot
of woodland near Smelt pond containing 30 acres more or less, being the same
lot purchased by my uncle Thomas Cooper of Le Baron. I also give to my said son
Richard all my right and interest in & to the land lying on the South side
of the Smelt pond land & above and adjoining the land I sold to the owners
of the Furnace. I also give to my said Son Richard one undivided half of a
certain 4 acre lot of wood land owned in common with Isaac Brewster.
Fifthly. I give & bequeath to my wife Sarah W. Holmes the
sum of Three Thousand dollars the same to be paid to her by my executor within
six months from the proving of my will.
Sixthly. It is my will & I do order that the remainder of
my personal property of whatever nature shall be equally divided between my
three children, viz. Sarah D. Holmes, Thomas C. Holmes & Richard Holmes and
I do further order that if any of my afore named children shall fetch any bills
or demands against my estate, that the amount of such demand shall be deducted
from such child’s share of my aforenamed personal estate.
Finally. I hereby constitute and appoint my son Thomas C.
Holmes Jr. my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of
December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty two.
Thomas C. Holmes (seal)
Signed,
sealed published and declared by the within named Thomas C. Holmes to be his
last Will & testament in presence of us who at his request & in his
presence & in presence of each other have hereunto set our names as
witnesses to the same – the words “my” & “thereof” being interlined before
signing.
Isaac
Brewster
Thos.
Cushman
Edwin
Cushman
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1853 by Thomas C. Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Isaac Brewster, one of the witnesses.
Will of William Holmes of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonweath of Massachusetts (1852) *
Know all men by these presents, that I William Holmes of
Chiltonville, town of Plymouth, County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts;
Yeoman being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my
last will and testament.
First. I give and bequeath to my daughter Betsey
Swift one dollar, and to my grandson William H. Nye one dollar.
Second. I give and devise to my beloved wife Sarah
Holmes all my personal property and the improvement of all my Real Estate as
long as she shall remain unmarried and my widow, after which my Real Estate
shall descend to my legal heirs at law.
Third. I ordain and appoint my wife Sarah Holmes as
Executrix of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof,
I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare this to be my
last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named below this 11th
day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
William Holmes (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said William
Holmes and for his last will and testament in presence of us who in his
presence, and in the presence of each other and at his request have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
George
Bramhall Jr.
Ephraim
Finney 2d
Susan
Finney
To the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth,
The undersigned who is named in the Will of William
Holmes late of Plymouth in said County, deceased, as
Executor thereof, hereby declines accepting said trust.
Plymouth Dec. 1, 1852
Sarah Holmes
To the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth.
I
request that Mr. Ephraim Finney 2d may be
appointed Admr with the
Will annexed on the
Estate of William Holmes late of
Plymouth
in said County decd.
Plymouth Dec 1, 1852 Sarah Holmes
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1852 by
Sarah Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by George Bramhall Jr. and
Ephraim Finney 2d, two of the witnesses.
Ephraim Finney 2d was granted Administration with
Will annexed of the estate of William Holmes, late of Plymouth, yeoman, on 6
Dec. 1852, with George Bramhall Jun., of Plymouth, and Thomas S. Nye, of
Wareham, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 94, p. 545-546, and Probate Docket
#10611.
Will of William Holmes of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1859) *
Be it
remembered, that I, William Holmes, of Marshfield, in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being at this time of sound, disposing mind
and memory, (thanks be to the Almighty for the favor,) yet duly considering the
uncertainty of my existence in this life, do think proper to make this my last
Will and Testament, in manner and form following, viz:
Item 1st.
It is my mind and Will, that my Executor hereafter named, cause all my just
debts, and the expenses arising from the settlement of my Estate to be paid
within one year from my decease.
Item 2d I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Susan
Holmes, the use & improvement of all my Estate (both Real & Personal)
which remains after paying all my just debts to her during her natural life,
she providing and maintaining from said improvement, (during their minority,)
the children which I may leave that are not of lawful age, and should the
improvement of my Estate prove insufficient therefor she is at liberty, and I
hereby authorize the disposing of so much of the Estate as may be required to
support and maintain herself and said minor child or children, as to carry out
my mind and Will as herein expressed & intended & no farther.
Item 3d I give & bequeath to each of my surviving
children, an equal share of all that may remain of my estate, after the
improvement by said Wife as aforesaid, shall have ceased, to them, and each of
them, their heirs and assigns forever.
Item 4th And lastly I nominate and appoint my Son
Albert Holmes, sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I, the said William Holmes, have this 5th day of
December, one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine, (1859) hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed my seal.
William Holmes (seal)
In
presence of us, who by his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of
each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses, the date above written.
George
Leonard
Wales
Rogers
Zenas
T. Ewell
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of June 1860 by
Albert Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by George Leonard and
Wales Rogers, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Holmes, late of
Marshfield, not dated, was appraised by Wales Rogers, Nathl.
Jennings, and George Leonard, his homestead of 20 acres of land with the
buildings valued at $1000, and his personal estate totaled $242.91. Albert
Holmes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of
June 1860.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p. 209-210, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Henry Homes of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In the
name of God, Amen, I Henry Homes, now of Middleborough, in the County of
Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, being of sound and
disposing mind, and memory, but considering my frailty and mortality, do make
and ordain this writing to be my last will and testament, and do hereby revoke
all preceding wills and testaments by me executed.
First, I
commit my immortal soul to him who created it, trusting in the atonement made
for the sins of a lost world by the Lord Jesus Christ, and renouncing all
dependence upon my own works for justification before God.
My body
I commit to the earth, there to rest, in hope of a glorious resurrection
In
regard to the temporal estate, which a kind Providence still commits to my
trust, I dispose of it in the following manner
I order
and direct, that all my just debts, and funeral expenses be paid by my
executrix, hereinafter named, as soon as conveniently may be after my decease;
and I then give the sum of ten thousand dollars as a legacy to my wife Isabella
Homes, to be paid her in full from my estates real and personal, before the
payment of the other legacies hereinafter mentioned.
I give
and bequeath to my Children as follows; to my son Henry A. Homes the sum of One
Thousand Dollars, – to my daughter Miranda S. Homes, wife of George F. Homes,
of Boston, the sum of six hundred dollars, – to my son William Homes, the sum
of Six hundred dollars, – to my son Frederic B. Homes, the sum of One Thousand
dollars, – to my son Francis Homes, the sum of Two thousand dollars, – and to
my daughter Mary L. Homes, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars.
As to my
daughters, Elisabeth Washburn, wife of Philander Washburn, of said
Middleborough, and Dorcas F. Bigelow, wife of the Rev. Asahel Bigelow, of
Walpole, in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth aforesaid, – it is my will
that they receive no more from my estate, I having advanced to each of my said
daughters the sum of Twenty two hundred and fifty dollars.
I give
and bequeath to my sister Rebeca Homes, the sum of One hundred and eight
dollars per. Annum, and to my brother John Homes the sum of seventy two dollars
per annum, during their natural lives, to be paid them by my Executrix, in such
manner and at such times, as shall best suit their mutual convenience.
I give
and bequeath unto my brother Nathaniel B. Homes, the sum of two hundred and
fifty dollars.
These
legacies are to be paid as aforesaid, after payment of my debts, funeral
expenses, and the aforesaid legacy, of ten thousand dollars to my wife; – and
are to be paid pro rata, if after payment of said debts, expenses and legacy of
ten thousand dollars, there should not be sufficient in my estate to pay all
the last named legacies in full.
All the
rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, real and personal, (my debts,
legacies and funeral expenses thereout paid,) I give and devise unto my beloved
wife, Isabella Homes, to have and to hold the same to her, her heirs and
assigns forever.
And I do
hereby appoint my said wife, Isabella Homes, the Sole Executrix of this my last
will and testament.
And I do
hereby authorize and empower my said Executrix to sell, dispose of, and convey,
any and all of my real Estate, in such manner, and at such prices, as she may
see fit; – and her deed thereof shall be effectual to pass such real estate to
purchasers in the most ample manner, and wholly free and exempt them from all
liability as to the application of the purchase money.
And in
Case, upon full investigation of my affairs, my estates should be ascertained,
after payment of all debts and funeral expenses, to be of the value of twenty
five thousand dollars, – In such event, I do further give an annuity of twenty
five dollars to my brother John Homes, and the like amount to my sister Rebecca
Homes, to be paid to each of them by my said Executrix during the natural life
of each, in addition to the sum to be given them respectively as aforesaid: and
I do also, in the event as aforesaid, bequeath to my brother Nathaniel B.
Holmes, a legacy of one hundred dollars, in addition to the sum herein before
given to him.
And
whereas it may be, in the inscrutable ways of an all wise Providence, that I
shall survive my beloved wife, and I am desirous of providing for such an
emergency, I do, therefore, in such event, order, decree, and will, as follows:
First, I
appoint my son in law, George F. Homes of Boston the Executor of this my last
will and testament: –
Second,
I give, devise, and bequeath, all my estate, real and personal, unto the said
George F. Homes, his heirs and assigns, to hold upon the following trusts: —
first, to pay all my debts and funeral expenses as soon as
conveniently may be, after my decease: –
second, to pay the legacies herein before made to my
children and brother Nathaniel B. as soon as my said Executor and trustee shall
find the same convenient:
third, to invest, immediately after my decease, in such
manner as said trustee shall deem best, the sum of Four Thousand dollars, the
net income of which, said trustee shall pay, – five twelfths thereof to my
brother John Homes, and seven twelfths thereof to sister Rebecca Homes, during
the natural life of each, – said payments to be at least as often as
semi-annual: –
fourth, to pay the residue of my estate and the proceeds
thereof to my six children hereinbefore first named, and to the lawful issue of
any of them deceased, by right of representation, at such times and in such
manner as the said trustee shall think proper, in equal shares:
fifth, upon the death of either the said John Homes, or the
said Rebecca Homes, to pay the proportion of the income, to which the deceased
brother or sister shall be entitled as aforesaid, to my six children herein
before first mentioned, and to the lawful issue of any of them deceased, by
right of representation, in equal shares: –
Sixth, Upon the death of both said John Homes and Rebecca
Homes, to pay the said sum, to be invested as aforesaid, to my children, and to
the lawful issue of any of them deceased, by right of representation, in equal
shares: –
And I do
hereby empower, and authorise the said George F. Homes, for any of the above
purposes, to sell and convey in fee simple all or any of my real estate, at
such times, and in such manner, and upon such terms, as he shall judge prudent;
and his deed thereof shall be effectual to pass such real estate to purchasers,
in the most ample manner, and wholly free and exempt them from all liability as
to the application of the purchase money.
In
testimony whereof, I, the said Henry Homes have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this twenty fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty five
Henry Homes (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Henry Homes, the testator, as and
for his last will and testament (he being then of sound and disposing mind and
memory) in presence of us, who at his request, and in his presence, and in the
presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed out names as witnesses, seven
words on the second page being interlined, before execution.
Ebenr
Nelson
Alfred
Wood, Jr.
Sidney
Tucker
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December 1845 by
Isabella Homes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Nelson,
Alfred Wood Jr. and Sidney Tucker, the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 459-463, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Elizabeth
Hooper of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1742) *
In the Name of God, amen, March 9: 1742. I Elizabeth Hooper
of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusets bay
in New England, widdow being now of perfect Disposeing mind and Memory thanks
be Given to the Great God, yet calling to mind the Mortallity of My body, and
knowing that it is Appointed for all men Once to die, do make and ordain this
my last will & Testamt. i.e. principally and first of all I Give
and recommend my Soul into the hands of that God who gave it and my body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried with Christian Decent burial at the
Discretion of my Executor hereafter named Nothing Doubting but at the
Resurrection I Shall receive the same again by the power of allmighty God and
as touching Such worldly Estate Wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this life, I Give Demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and
form that is to say.
1. It is my will that all my Debts and funeral Charges be
well & timely paid in Convenient time after my Decease
2. I Give and bequeath unto my Well beloved son John Hooper
One Yoake of Stears, now About three years old, a Colt mare about two years
old, a Gun that was his Fathers, and the best Suit of Cloaths that was his
Fathers, and his Fathers Great Coat, and his Fathers Sadle, and all my Meat
Tubbs, to be deliverd to him, at twenty years of age.
3. I Give and bequeath unto my Well beloved son Winslow
Hooper One suit of Cloaths, that was his fathers, One heifer that is now About
two year old and ten pounds in money or Good passable bills of Creditt of the
old Currencey, and half a Cross cut saw, and half a Logg Chain, with all the
Iron Utensils that belong to the farm, and a great Iron pot, all to be Deliverd
to him att the age of twenty years
4. I Give and bequeath To my Well beloved son Hezekiah Hooper
Sixty pounds in money or Good passable bills of Creditt of the old Currencey to
be paid to him at the Age of twenty One years –
5. I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved son Joseph Hooper
Sixty pounds in money or Good passable bills of Creditt of the old Currencey to
be paid to him at the age of twenty one years.
6. I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved Daughter Rebecca
Hooper, all that household Stuff which I had when first married to John Hooper
Deceas’d, with two hitchels a pair of Andirons a pr. of Worsted
Combes to be deliverd to her at the age of Eighteen years.
7. I Give and bequeath unto my Wellbeloved son Benjamin
Hooper all the Remaining part of my Moveable Estate Not above disposed of, with
thirty pounds in money, of the old Currencey & the Intiest of One hundred
& twenty pounds, old Currencey, till he arives to ye. Age of
twelve years, all that Remains of which I Now Give him his Education being paid
for to be deliverd paid to him at ye. age of twenty One years –
Finally I appoint and ordain my well beloved brother Joseph
Packard, Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament & I do hereby
utterly disallow and revoke all other wills before this time by me made
holding, Ratyfieing & Confirming this & no other to be my last will
& testament in Witness Where of I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
day & year above written –
Signed Sealed published pronounced & Declared by the sd.
Elizabeth Hooper as her last will & Testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers –
Daniel Hutson Elizabeth Hooper (seal)
Isaac Lazell
William Hudson
Probated on 13 July 1744, and proved by Daniel Hudson and
William Hudson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Joseph Packard, of Bridgwater, Yeoman, the Executor, on 13 July 1744.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mrs. Elizabeth Hooper widdow,
Late of Bridgwater, was appraised by Daniel Hudson, Josiah Hayward, and William
Hooper on 20 July 1744, but not totaled, no real estate. Joseph Packard, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Aug. 1744.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 9, pp. 257-259, 327-328, from FHL
microfilm #0551533.
Will of Hezekiah Hooper of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the name of God amen. I
Hezekiah Hooper of Bridgwater in the the County of Plymouth Gentleman being of
a sound & disposing Mind and Memory do make this my last will &
Testament, & in the first place I recommend my Soul to the hands of God,
who gave it, trusting in the Merits of his Son Jesus Christ, & my Body I
recommend to be buried with decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my
Executors hereafter named – and with respect to my worldly Estate both Real
& personal I dispose of the same in Manner following – viz —
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Hannah Hooper fifteen Dollars for the
purpose of procuring mourning Apparel, her Support after my Decease being
already provided for by obligations & writings signed previous to Marriage
–
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Conant the Wife of Benjamin Conant
three fourth parts of all my household Furniture, excepting my Clock, Desk
& three Silver Table Spoons, also I give her two hundred & two Dollars
& fifty Cents to be indorsed in part payment of the principal of a Note
signed by Benjamin Conant payable to me, I also give her all the Real Estate I
own, possess or am seized of in the Town of Turner; I also give her one Silver
Table Spoon, the above Bequests to her, her Heirs & Assigns forever. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my two Sons, Winslow Hooper & Joseph Hooper all my
Estate both Real & personal not already disposed of, except my right &
Interest in the Dwelling house in which I live, my Clock & Desk &
remaining fourth part of my household Furniture, to be equal divided between
them to be to them their Heirs & assigns forever, they paying all my just
debts funeral Charges & Legacies. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Joseph Hooper my right, Title & Interest in
the Dwelling house in which I live, my clock, Desk & remaining fourth part
of my household Furniture, to him his Heirs & assigns forever. —
Item I
further give to my Daughter Elizabeth Conant all the Interest that has accrued
or shall accrue at my decease on the aforementioned Note of hand signed by
Benjamin Conant —
Item I
do hereby constitute & appoint my two Sons Winslow Hooper & Joseph
Hooper joint Executors of this my last Will & Testament —
Ratifying
& confirming this to be my last Will & Testament & disallowing all
Wills by me heretofore made, in confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & Seal the nineteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred and five —
Signed sealed published & declared by the said Hezekiah
Hooper
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us Hezekiah Hooper (seal)
Beza
Hayward
John H
Mitchell
Caleb
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 6 April 1813 by Winslow Hooper and
Joseph Hooper, the Executors therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward Esqr.
and Caleb Mitchell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Winslow Hooper and Joseph Hooper, the before
named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 513-514, from FHL microfilm
#0550903.
Will of James Hooper of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of God
Amen this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty four, I James Hooper of Bridgwater in the County of
Plymouth being somewhat poorly in body, knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will & testament I being
in perfect mind and memory, that is to say principally and first of all I Give
and Recommend my Soul into the hands of almighty God that Gave it and my body I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried at the discretion of my executor, believing
at the Resurrection I shall Recieve it again by the mighty power of God and as
touching my worldly Estate wherewith God has been pleased to bless me in this
Life, I Give and dispose of in the following manner & form
I Give and bequeath to my beloved Son Levi Hooper, twenty two
acres of Land which I bought of David Orcutt, Lying between the Lands, Gershom
Conant and Elijah Snow, and all my tools and utensills for Carpentry or Joinery
or foot wheel making business, and my wearing apparell, even to my Sleeve
buttons and Shoe buckles.~
I Give to my beloved Son James Hooper my Homestead which I
bought of John Woods with all my out door moveables – I Give to my beloved
Daughter Abiel Pratt my Bed & Bedstead & Bed-Cloathing & Six Sheep,
as touching the Remainder of my Estate not yet disposed of, my will is that all
my just Debts should be paid out of the same by my Executor, that is to say, a
piece of Land Lying in tickticutt of nine or ten acres, and two Lots of Cedar
Swamp which I bought of Timothy Edson & Joseph Carver, together with my Quick
stock Goods or Chattells–and furthermore after my debts are paid & all
necessary Charges arising to my Executor for Settling sd. Estate
shall be paid, my will is that the Remainder of sd Estate shall be
equally divided to my two daughters that is to Abiel Pratt & Molly
Perkins–and I do hereby Constitute make & ordain James Hooper junr.
my Son, my Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament and I do hereby
utterly disallow Revoke & disannul all & every Other testament, wills,
Legacies & bequests & Executors by me in any ways before named willed
& bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other to be my Last will
& testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the
day and year above written –.
Signed Sealed published, pronounced and
declared by sd. James Hooper as his Last will
& James Hooper (seal)
testament in the presence of us
Asa
Washburn
Seth
Keith
Joseph
Ames junr
Presented for probate on 6 Sept.
1784 by James Hooper, the Executor therein named, and proved by Asa Washburn
and Seth Keith, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted unto James Hooper, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 192-193, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of John
Hooper of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1741) *
In the Name of God Amen, The thirty first day of July 1741.
I Jno. Hooper of Bridgwater in the County of
Plymouth in the province of the Massachusets bay in New England being weak
feeble in body but of a sound disposeing mind & Memory Thanks be given to
the God. Calling to mind, the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men Once to die, do make and Ordain this my last Will &
Testamt. that is to say principally and first of all I Give and
Recommend my Soul unto ye hands of that God who Gave it and my body
& Recommend to ye Earth to be buried with Christian decent
burial at ye Discretion of my Executrix here after named Nothing
doubting but at ye Generall Resurrection I Shall Receive ye
same again by the Allmighty power of God And as touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise &
dispose of ye Same in ye following manner and form that
is to Say—
1 1st. It
is my Will that all my debts & funerall Charges be well & truly paid in
Convenient time after my decease.—
2 2ly. I
give & bequeath unto my Well beloved wife Elizabeth, all my moveable Estate
of Every sort both within Doors & without also ye improvement of
my home farme, dureing her widowhood, all ye improvement of it till
my Son John Comes to ye age of One & twenty years, and all ye.
improvement of that Estate I have below given to my well beloved Son Winslow,
till he comes to ye age of One & twenty years together with a
Certain Moletto Servant, by name Betty Burton till her time of Service is
Expird.
3 3ly. I
give & bequeath to my Well beloved Son John, all my home farme where I now
dwell & half a Six Acre lott, not far from ye Great River, which
I bought of Benja Pratt of Bridgwater together with that parcell of
land part meadow part upland which I bought of Daniel Allden of Bridgwater
lying upon ye South side of Great river which is not far from Deacon
Alldens~ Tis further my will I order and appoint that my well beloved son John
pay the following legacies One hundred pounds to my well beloved Son Hezekiah,
One hundred pounds to my well beloved Son Joseph, One hundred pounds to my
wellbeloved Son Benjamin as they Successively Arrive at ye age of
One & twenty years.
4 4ly. I
give and bequeath to my Well beloved Son Winslow all that tract of land which I
bought of John Ripley deceasd, not far from South brook, and half a Six Acre
Lott not far from ye Great river which I bought of Benja
Pratt of Bridgwater together with all that meadow and meadowland which I bought
of Joseph Latham of Bridgwater lying upon Sacoqoutucket[?] River Not far from
Webber pond and tis further my Will I Order & Appoint that my well beloved
Son Winslow, pay to my daughter Rebecca hereaftermentioned One hundred pound
when She Comes to ye Age of Eighteen years—
5 5ly. I
give & bequeath to my well beloved Son Hezekiah One hundred pounds
6 6ly. I
give & bequeath to my well beloved Son Joseph One hundred pounds
7 7ly. I
give & bequeath to my well beloved Son Benjamin One hundred pounds.
8ly I give & Bequeath to my Well beloved
Daughter Rebecca One hundred pounds.
Finally I Constitute & Appoint my Well beloved wife
Elisabeth Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament and do hereby
Ratyfie hold & Confirm this and no other to be my last Will and Testament
and disallow all other wills before this time by me made In Witness whereof I
have here unto set my hand and Seal ye. day & Year above
written.
Signd Sealed Publishd pronouncd John Hooper (seal)
& Declard by the sd. Jno. Hooper as
his last Will & Testaments in the
presence of us the Subscribers
Daniel Hudson
Hezekiah Hayward
William Hudson
Proved on 25 Jan. 1741[/42] by Daniel Hudson, Hezekiah
Hayward and William Hudson, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Elizabeth Hooper of Bridgwater, widdow Executrix, on 25 Jan.
1741[/42].
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 8, p. 476-477, from FHL microfilm
#0551531.
Will of Susan
C. Hooper of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Know
all men by these presents that I Susan C. Hooper of
I
give and bequeath unto my Mother Mary Hooper and to her heirs and assigns, all
the money and securities for money due to me of which I shall die possessed,
after the payment of my just debts and funeral charges.
I
give and bequeath unto my sisters Mary T. Hooper & Sarah C. Hooper and to
their heirs, and assigns all my wearing apparel and household furniture, to be
divided equally between them.
I
hereby constitute and appoint my sister Sarah C. Hooper my Executrix to this my
last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of
July one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Signed,
sealed published and declared by the said Susan C. Hooper to be her last will
and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers, who in her presence and at
her request have subscribed the same as witnesses thereto.
Artemas
Hale
Mercy
H. Ames Susan C. Hooper (seal)
Deborah
S. Rider
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of October 1839 by
Sarah C. Hooper, the Executor, and proved by Artemas Hale and Mercy H. Ames,
two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Hooper of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In the name of God Amen the fifth day of Feby.
1759 I Thomas Hooper of Bridgwater In the County of Plymouth in New England
yeoman being now of a Disposeing minde and memory haveimg the use of my Reason
& understanding, Thank be Given To the Great God but Calling to minde the
Mortallity of my Bodey and Knowing that it is apointed unto all men once To Die
do make & ordain this my last will and Testament that is To Say princapally
and first of all I give & Recommend my Soule into the hand of that God who
Gave it, and my bodey I Recommend To the Earth to be buried with Decent
Cristian Burial at the Discresion of my Executor hereafter named Nothing
Doubting but at the Resurrection I Shall Receve ye same a gain by
the Power of Almighty God and as Touching Such worldly Estate where with it
hath Pleased God To bless me in this Life I Give I give & Dispose of the
Same in the following manner & forme
1st. Tis my Will that All My Debts and Funeral
Charges be well and Truly Paid in Convenant Time after my Decease
2dly. I Give & Bequeth unto my well beloved
wife Sarah one of My best beds with all the furniture belonging to it 1 Chest
of Draws and a Plain Chest & Two Cows to her her hers & Asignes for
Ever as also the use & Improvement of the Easterly lower Room in my
Dwelling house one third of the Celler and Such indore houshold Stuff as is
Nesesary for her own use as also the use & Improvement of a Third part of
my home farme and fire wood at the Door to be Provided for hir by my Executor
here after named and all This during her Natural life
3dly. I Give and Bequeth unto my well beloved Son
Thomas Hooper all my home farme Excepting Twelve Acres and all my other lands
Excepting that which I bought of Deacon Jacob Howard and all my movable Estate
of Every Sort & kinde both within Doors and without not above Desposed of
to him his heirs and Assignes for Ever and order him to Pay the Several Legecys
hereafter Spcified
4thly. I Give and Bequeth unto my well beloved Son
John Hooper all that Meddow or Trackt of Land which I bought of Deacon Jacob
Howard of Bridgwater and Twelve acres on the west end of my home farme adjoing
To the land of Daniel Hudson and Eight Pounds Lawfull monny so Much of his
wages as a Solder all this To him his heirs & Asigns for Ever
5thly. I Give and bequeth unto my wellbeloved
Daughter Anna Wallis twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence To
be Paid in houshold Goods or in the nesesarys of Life
6thly. I Give & bequeth unto my weal beloved
Sarah lech five Shillings & no more
7thly. I Give and bequeth unto my well beloved
Daughter Mary Hooper Thirty Pounds to be Paid in houshold Goods or in the
nesesarys of life
8thly. I Give & bequeth unto my well beloved
Daughter Jerusha Hooper Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four Pence to
be Paid in houshold Goods or in the Nesaserys of life
finely Tis My will and I Do hereby Constitute and appoint my
Well beloved Son Thomas Hooper Sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament the Several Legeses in this will mentioned to be by him Paid and I Do
hereby Ratifie & Confirm this & no other to be my last will &
Testament and Disallowing all other will before this Time by me made in witness
where of I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day & year above
mentioned
Signed Sealed Published Prounances & Declared his
by the Sd Thomas Hooper as his last Thos. X hooper
will & Testament in Presens of us mark
Daniel Hudson
James Hooper
Nathl. Hayward
Presented for probate on 4 June 1759 by the Executor within
named, and proved by James Hooper and Nathaniel Howard. Letters of
Administration were granted to his Son Thomas Hooper, the Executor, on 4 June
1759, with James Hooper and Nathl. Howard, both of Bridgwater, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 268-270, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Barnabas Horton of Southold, East Riding, Yorkshire, Long Island (1680) *
May the tenth one thousand six hundd. Eighty – I
Barnabas Horton of Southold in the East Rydeing of yorkshire upon Long Island
Calleing to Remembrance the uncertainty of this temporall Life and finding
sundry Distemprs Dayly Growing upon me Doe now make this my Last
Will and testament and thereby Dispose of my Earthly Estate in manner Following
And first of all I Give unto my Eldest sonne Joseph Horton tenn sheepe Kinde,
(To what he Formerly had) for his full porĉon Also I Give to my Daughter
Sarah Concklings Sonne Vizt. Joseph Conckling five Sheepe kind for
her full porĉon. Alsoe I Give to my third Daughter Mary Budd five sheepe
as her full porĉon. Alsoe I Give and Bequeath to Caleb Horton my third
sonne one Horse Kinde and the one halfe of all my Right in Occabanck after my
Wives Decease to what he hath in possession all Canchang[?] for his full porĉon
Alsoe I Give to Joshua Horton my fourth sonne all the House Lands meadows
Orchard and Common of pasture, which was mine and is now in his possession, and
the one Halfe of all my Meadow and Upland within the Bounds of Occubanke and
all my meadow att Oyster ponds, and One Horse Kinde for his porĉon Alsoe I
Give and Bequeath to my youngest sonne Jonathan Horton all my Dwelling Houses
Barne out Houses Home lotts Earable Lands meadows Allotments and Whatsoever
Else of Right Belong to my possession, which is Neither Before nor after in
this my Last Will and Testament Bequeathed or Disposed off, with this proviso
and Exception that the New House Remaine Solly to my Wife and for her use
During her Life, alsoe that she have the use of the Barne and Out Houseing as
need shall Require, alsoe that she have the third Bushell of all that Graine
which arriseth and Groweth yearely upon my Lands paid her by my Sonne Jonathan
and Alsoe that he winter and Summer her fouer Cowes Constantly; Butt the
Encrease shall be his, and further I Give to my Son Jonathan two Bullocks also
I Give and Bequeath unto my youngest Daughter Mercy Youngs three Cowes and one
Heafer. Butt if there be not soe many Left Undisposed off that then she have
the worth of those that Shall be found Wanting paid to her in some other Good
pay that shall be Equivelent to them) alsoe a Featherbed with Boulster and
pillows one Coverlett, two Blanketts and fouer pair of sheets And alsoe, one
Greate brasse Kettle one Iron pott and Fouer pewter Dishes. Finally I Give unto
my Well Beloved Wife Mary Horton all the Restt of my Estate Undisposed of and
Doe make and Ordaine her Sole Executrix of this my Last will and Testament For
the full Confirmaĉon Whereof I the abovesaid Barnabas Horton doe Hereunto
Sett my Hand and Seale the Day and yeare First above Written
Signed and Sealed in Barnabas Horton (seal)
prsence of us Jonas
Houldsworth Richard R B Benjamin
his
Marke
Memorandum that the words Enterlined in the 14 Line was Done
Before the signeing and sealing Hereof, and are to be Understood as is Expresed
in ye Margent (Vizt.).
It is to be Understood that my Sonne Jonathan possess and
Improve the one Halfe of all my Right within the bounds of Occubank During the
time of my Wives Natural Life Butt att her Death it is to become my sonne
Calebs for him to Enjoye for Ever Hereafter.
Presented for probate on 4 March 1681, and Mary Horton, his
Widdow and Relict, was appointed his Sole Executrix on 18 Nov. 1681.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Wills Vol. 2, p. 417-418, copied from
original Libor 2, p. 242-243.
Will of James Horton of Southold, Suffolk County, Province of New York (1758) *
In the Name of God Amen James Horton of Southold in the
County of Suffolk & Collony of New York Yeoman being infirm of Body but of
perfect mind & memory thanks be given unto God therefor calling to mind the
uncertainty of this Life and that it is appointed for all Men once to Die do
make ordain constitute & appoint this to be my last Will & Testament in
manner & form following first I bequeath my Soul to God, who gave it and my
Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in descent Christian burial at the
discretion of my Executrix & Executors here in after named nothing doubting
but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of God and as to my Worldly Estate with which it hath pleased God to
bless me with after my funeral Charges and just Debts first paid I dispose of
in the following manner & form Imprimis I give will & bequeath unto my
well beloved Wife Anne the use of my now dwelling House & Barn and
priviledges of ways & water as shall be needful for her during her Life or
as long as she remain my widow and also one fourth of the Grain that shall be
raised off my Land yearly she being at one fourth of the Charge during the Term
abovesaid and also sufficency of wood yearly by my two eldest Sons I also give
her all my moveable Goods & Chattels Except what is herein given to dispose
of to my daughter Abigail So as She may have Equal to what I given to my Eldest
Daughter 2dly I give will & bequeath unto my Eldest Son James my house
& Land where my son Barnabas now dwelleth and one right in the manner I
purchast of Major Smith and allso that Lott of Land in Hogneck lying between Mr.
Budds Land & my medow and the meadow down the neck that part joying to Buds
meadow & to run as far Westward as far as the gutter that runs out of ye
broad Swamp a slip of Land I purchast of Ezra Reeve joyning to Land I gave him
before and one half a Right at Shelter Island and two Lotts of upland at the
foot of Brushes hill joyning to Cories Land and one horse & one yoak of
Oxen the Said land & medow I give to him and to his heirs & assigns for
Ever I also give ye fourth part of the Grain raised off my Land with
the privaledges of house & barn with his mother he being at fourth part of
Charg and he is to cut & Cart half the Wood during the Term abovesaid for
his Mother I also give him half my husbandry implements and 3dly I give and
will unto my Second Son Barnabas all my other Land & medow in the Township
with the housing I I now dwell & Barn and one right at Shelter Island all
Said Land & medow accomodations after his Mother hath done with them I give
to my Son Barnabas and to his heirs & assigns for Ever and also that Land
& medow I willed to my son James if he dye without issue and also half my
Husbandry impliments 4thly I give and Will unto my 3d son Silas the
Land & medow at Goshen I purchas’d of Hobart Thompson with all the housing
appertaining also twenty Acres I purchast of Mr. Everit adjoyning to
the West ward part of said Land running within twenty rod of George Tompsons
bounds in the Swamp all which Land & medow I give to him & to his heirs
and assigns for Ever and one hors & one yoak of Oxen and twenty pound york
money to be paid Six months after my Disceas 5thly I give and will unto my 4th.
Son Esra thirty pounds current money of this Collony 6 ly I give & will
unto my fifth Son Thomas one hundred & forty Acres Joyning to Silas his
Land which I give to him and to his heirs & assigns for Ever and one hors
& one pair of Oxen & twenty pounds current mony to be paid in Six
months after my disceas 7thly I give & Will unto my youngest son Jonathan
the remaining part of my Land at Goshen which I purchast of Mr.
Everit joyning to Thomass Land which is about one hundred & forty Acres I
give to him & to his heirs & assigns for ever I give him also one hors
& one yoak of Oxen one gun & Sword and twenty pounds york money to be
paid in Six months after my Discease by my Son Barnabas and its my will that if
Either of my four-youngest sons dye before they have Children then the rest
that Survive shall have his Estate Equally divided among them moreover I order
my son Barnbas to pay to my youngest sons their twenty pound Each in Lew of
half Lott at Shelter-Island not before disposed Lastly I do ordain constitute
& appoint my well beloved Wife Executrix & my sons James & Barnabas
Executors to this my last Will & Testament to se it duly executed &
performed that Every clause & thing herein contained may construed
according to the true intent and meaning thereof whatsoever may seem doubtful
& ambiguous and I do hereby utterly disalow revoke & disanul all &
every other Wills Testaments by me before made named willed & bequeathed
ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 29 day of
November 1758
James Horton (seal)
Signed sealed published pronounced & declared by the said
James Horton as his last Will & Testament
Lazarus Horton, Joseph Cleveland, Mary Cleveland
Presented for probate on 24 Nov. 1767, and proved by Joseph
Cleveland, Cooper, and Mary Cleveland, spinster, both of Southold. Letters of
Administration were granted to Barnabas Horton, one of the Executors in the
said Will named, on 6 April 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Wills Vol. 26, p. 267-270, copied from
original Libor 26, p. 231-233.
Will of Hannah
Hoskins of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
Know
all men, by these presents, that, I Hannah Hoskins of the town of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth in New England (widow of Nathan Hoskins of said
Middlebo, deced) being weak of body yet of a sound & disposing
memory & understanding, blessed be God, for the same, yet knowing the
mortality of my body, and that it is appointed for all once to die, do make
& ordain this my last will & testament to be firm & inviolable
forever.—
Imprimis.— I Give & bequeath to
Micah Cole, Son of my Sister Lydia Cole deceased; my Bed that is filled with
hens feathers, & the bedding thereto belonging; and also, all the money,
that I die seized of, & all debts due to me—
Item—I Give & bequeath to my
Niece, Hannah Cole, daughter of my brother Robert Cole, and my Niece, Hannah
Cole, daughter of my brother Abiel Cole, all the other estate of all
denominations, that I die seized of, to be equally divided between them, after
my just debts and funeral charges are first paid out of the same. and my will
is, that if either of my said nieces should decease without heir or heirs, that
then, the survivor shall have the whole, and if both of them should decease
without heirs, then my will is, that my Sister Phebe, wife of Joseph Phinney,
or her heirs shall have the whole of what is given to them
Item—my
will is, and I hereby constitute & appoint Jonathan Phinney of said
Middleborough, Executor to this my last will & testament; thus hoping that
this my last will & testament will be kept & performed according to the
true intent & meaning thereof, I commit my soul into the hands of God who
gave it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial. In witness whereof I the
aforesaid Hannah Hoskins have hereunto Set my hand & seal; this eighth day
of September, one thousand, seven hundred & eighty. – the words “or her
heirs” was interlined before signing, also the words “of said Middlebo”
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced &
De- her
clared, by the said Hannah Hoskins, Hannah O Hoskins
as her last will & testament in
the mark
presence of us –
Jacob
Bennet
Elkanah
Bennet
Hope
Bennet junr
Presented for probate on 6 Mar.
1801 by Jonathan Phinney, the Executor therein named, and proved by Elkanah
Bennet, one of the witnesses.
Saml. Pickens, yeoman,
Ebenezer Briggs ye third Gentleman, & Jos. Smith, yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathan Hoskins of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
Know all men by these presents that I Nathan Hoskins of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New England, being weak of
body yet of a sound and disposing memory and understanding Blessed be God for
the same, yet knowing the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all
men once to die do make and Ordain this my Last Will & testament to be firm
and Inviolable forever ~
Imprimis—I Give and Bequeath to my well beloved wife Hannah
Hoskins all my indoor moveables, that are not dispose of at my decease,
Excepting my wearing Apparel; and allso I Give and bequeath to her my said wife
the use and improvement of One third part of all my Reall Estate, and One third
part of all my Out door moveables during her natural Life ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Brother William Hoskins One
fourth part of all my wearing Apparel, and also, Six shillings to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Brother, Abial Hoskins One
fourth part of all my wearing Apparel, and also Six Shillings, to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Brother Shadrack Hoskins One
fourth part of all my wearing Apparell, and also Six Shillings to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named ~
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Brother George Hoskins One
fourth part of all my wearing Apparell, and also Six Shillings to be paid by my
Executor hereafter named ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my sister Abigail Caswell the
wife of Elkanah Caswell Six shillings to be paid by my Executor hereafter named
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Sister Sarah Booth, widow of
Benjamin Booth decd. Six Shillings to be paid by my Executor
hereafter named
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Sister Lydia, the wife of Seth
Richmond, six shillings to be paid by my Executor hereafter named ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to the two children of my Sister
Anna decd. the former wife of Jacob Smith, Six shillings to be
Equally divided between them and to be paid by my Executor hereafter named
Item—I Give and bequeath to Daniell Perry of Middleborough
aforesaid his heirs and assigns forever all my Lands and Buildings, and all my
Estate of all denominations that I have not or do not otherways dispose of he
paying all my Just debts and funeral charges, and the above Legacies, and allso
procuring and Sitting Good decent Grave Stones to my Grave and my wives after
our Burial
Item—I hereby constitute and appoint, the abovesaid Daniel
Perry to be Sole Executor to this my Last Will and testament, hereby revoking
and disannulling all Other and former Wills and testaments made and signed by
me, Ratifying and confirming this and no other as my Last and testament, thus
hoping that this my Last Will and testament will be kept & performed,
according to the true intent and meaning thereof, I commit my Soul into the
hands of God who Gave it and my Body to the dust, to a decent Burial. In Witness
whereof I the aforesaid Nathan Hoskins have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal,
this thirteenth day of May One thousand seven hundred Seventy & Six
Signed, Sealed, pronounced and declared by Nathan Hoskins (seal)
the said Nathan Hoskins as his Last Will &
testament in presence of us ~
Jacob Bennett
Nehemiah Bennett
Jacob Bennett junr
~
Presented for probate on 6 July 1778 by Daniell Perry, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Bennett and Jacob Bennett junr.,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Daniel Perry, the before named Executor, with Jacob Bennett, of
Middleborough, yeoman, and Thomas Savory of Plympton, yeoman, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 51-53, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of James Hovey
Esqr., of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1761) *
In the Name of God Amen – I, James Hovey of Plymouth in the
county of Plymouth in New England Esqr. being at this time on a Sick
Bed but through Gods Goodness of a sound and disposing mind & memory &
desirous of Setting my House in Order before I die, do make and ordain this my
Last Will and Testament In the first place I Recommend my Soul into the hands
of almighty God & my body to a Decent burial at the discretion of my
Executrix hereafter named and as to my temporal Estate I dispose of the same in
the Following manner and form vizt.
Imprimis – I give to my well beloved wife Lydia Hovey all my
Personal Estate whatsoever without Exception – I also Give to my said wife the
improvement of all my Real Estate without impeachment of waste during her
natural Life and after her decease I Give to my brother John Hovey and his
heirs and assigns three Seventh parts of my Real Estate
Item – I Give to my Nephew Thomas Hovey the son of my brother
Ebenezer One Seventh part of my Real Estate to him his heirs & assigns
Forever
Item – The Remaining three Seventh parts of my Real Estate I
Give to my Nephew Francis Adams, to him his heirs and assigns Forever
Finally – I constitute my wife Lydia Hovey Executrix of this
my Last Will and Testament – In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& Seal this First day of January Anno Domini 1761
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Published
& Declared by said James Hovey to
be his Last Will and Testament in Jas. Hovey (seal)
presence of us
Edward
Winslow
Sarah
Shurtliff
Elizabeth
Hearsey
Presented for probate by Francis Adams, one of the Legatees,
on 3 Sept. 1781, and proved by Edward Winslow Esqr., one of the
witnesses, and administration was granted to Isaac Lothrop Esqr. and
Ephraim Spooner administrators cum testament annexo on 3 Sept. 1781.
Isaac Lothrop Esqr. and Ephraim Spooner, Gentm.,
both of Plymouth, were granted administration of the estate of James Hovey,
late of Plymouth, Esqr., on 11 Apr. 1781.
Whereas Administration on the Estate of James Hovey late of
Plymouth, Esqr., was on 11 Apr. 1781 granted to Isaac Lothrop Esqr.
and Ephraim Spooner, Gentm., and whereas on 3 Sept. 1781 the last
will and testament of the said James Hovey was presented for probate by Francis
Adams of Kingston, Cooper, one of the Legatees in said Will, which Will having
been proved, approved and allowed, therefore the said Administration is hereby
revoked and disannulled and made void on 3 Oct. 1781.
Whereas James Hovey late of Plymouth, Esqr.,
deceased, did on 1 Jan. 1761 make his will in writing, by which he appointed
his wife Lydia Hovey as Sole Executrix, but she dying before the Testator,
therefore administration cum testamento annexo was granted to Isaac Lothrop and
Ephraim Spooner, both of Plymouth, on 3 Oct. 1781, with Wm. Watson
and Nathl. Lothrop as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of James Hovey late of Plymouth
Esqr., was appraised by William Watson, Sylva. Bartlett, and James Doten on 12
Apr. 1781, and totaled £1030.6.2, including his real estate valued at £664.17.
The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 26 July 1781.
William Watson Esqr., James Doten, Gentleman, and
Sylvanus Bartlitt, yeoman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to set off to Mrs.
Margarett Hovey, the widow of James Hovey, late of Plymouth, one third part of
the Real Estate as her right of dower, on 18 Apr. 1781.
Thomas Hovey of Cambridge, County of Middlesex, Gentleman,
for £9.10 paid to me by Joshua Thomas Esqr. and Ephraim Spooner,
trader, both of Plymouth, do hereby Remise, Release and forever Quit all my
Right, Title and Interest in all the Personal Estate which my Uncle James Hovey
Esqr., late of Plymouth, dyed seized, on 7 Feb. 1784.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 28, p. 201-202 [Will], Vol. 27, p.
63 [First Administration], Vol. 28, p. 202-203 [Revoking of Administration],
Vol. 27, p. 486-487 [Second Administration], Vol. 28, p. 184-187 [Inventory],
Vol. 28, p. 188-189 [Widow’s Dower], Vol. 28, p. 375-376 [Quit Claim by Thomas
Hovey].
Will of Olive Hovey of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the Name of God amen I Olive Hovey of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth in New England Widow being of a sound Mind but considering
the Uncertainty of Life, do think proper to settle my worldly Estate, & do
make my last Will and Testament in Manner following viz, first of all I commend
my Soul to the everlasting Mercy of God through Christ & my body to a
decent Burial, humbly hoping for a glorious Resurrection through the merits of
my Redeemer, & as to my worldly Estate I dispose of in the following Manner—
1st. I give
and bequeath to my two Daughters viz Olive Pope & Anna Bartlett all my Real
and personal Estate wherever it may be found together with all my wearing
Apparel of all kinds – tis my Will that my two Daughters viz. Olive & Anna
be at the Expence of my funeral
2 tis my will that my
two Daughters pay unto my three Sons Dominicus & Ivory & Samuel two
Dollars to each of them after my decease –
Signed sealed and declared to be my last will & Testament
this thirteenth day of June ADomini
1804—
in presence of
Francis
Bartlett Olive Hovey (seal)
Mary
Meravillk
Mary
Blackmer
Presented for probate on 13 June
1805 by Abner Bartlett of Plymouth Esqr., and proved by Francis
Bartlett and Mary Blackmer, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. As no
Executor or Executrix was named, the Administration of the Estate with the Will
annexed was granted to Abner Bartlett Esqr.
The Inventory of the Estate of the
Widow Olive Hovey late of Plymouth, not dated, was appraised by John Bartlett,
Josiah Cornish, and Branch Blackmer, and totaled $442.80, no real estate, but
included $316.68 in notes of hand and other securities. The appraisers gave
their oath to the inventory on 6 Mar. 1811, and Abner Bartlett Esqr.,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 14 May 1811. The accounting of
the estate by Abner Bartlett, dated 14 May 1811, included $6.00 paid to
Dominicus, Samuel and Ivory Hovey, half the furniture paid to Olive Pope, and
the other half the furniture paid to his late wife.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
232-233, from FHL microfilm #0550901, and Vol. 43, p. 444.
Will of Barnabas Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the Name of God
amen I Barnabas Howard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Esquire being
weak in Body but of sound Mind do this scond day of November in the year of our
Lord one Thousand eight hundred & thirteen make & publish this my last
will & Testament in manner following that is to say –
Imprimis
I give to my beloved Wife the use & Improvement of one third of all my
Household Goods & also one third of all my Land for & during her
natural Life –
Item
I give & bequeath to my three Sons Oliver Howard Jones Howard & Gideon
Howard, one Dollar each to be paid to them in one Year after my decease –
Item
I give & bequeath to my seven Grand Children the Children of my Daughter
Damaris French deceased one Dollar to be equally divided among them. –
Item
I give & bequeath to my two Grandchildren the Children of my Daughter
Mehitabel Wales deceased one Dollar to be divided betwixt them. –
Item
I give & bequeath to my two Grandchildren the Children of my Daughter Lois
Keith, deceased, one Dollar to be equally divided between them –
Item
I give & bequeath to my Granddaughter Mary Holbrook the wife of John
Holbrook one Dollar –
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter in Law Silence Howard one Hundred Dollars to
be paid her in one Year after my Decease. –
Item
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Vesta Howard the Wife of Daniel Howard junr.
Esqr. all my Estate both Real & personal which may remain after
my just debts funeral Charges Expences of settling my Estate & the Legacies
above are paid, to be to her & her Heirs & assigns forever –
And
lastly I do constitute & appoint the aforesaid Daniel Howard Junr.
Esqr sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament – In
Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal the day & Year first
above written —
Signed sealed pronounced &
declared by the said Barnabas Howard
his
as & for his last will &
Testament in the presence of us who at his Barnabas X Howard (seal)
request & in his presence
hereunto set our Names as Witnesses to the same
Mark
Ichabod
Howard
Robert
Howard
John
May
Presented for probate on 6 Dec.
1813 by Daniel Howard Junr. Esqr., the Executor therein named,
and proved by Ichabod Howard, Robert Howard and John May, the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Daniel Howard Junr.
the before named Executor.
Caleb Howard Esqr.,
Daniel Ames, Yeoman, and Thomas Packard, Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Barnabas Howard, late of Bridgwater, on 5
Dec. 1814 [sic-1813]. The Inventory of the Estate of Barnabas Howard Esqr.,
late of Bridgwater, was dated 1 Jan. 1814, totaled $2720.13, including his real
estate valued at $1733.50. Daniel Howard Junr. Esqr., the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Mar. 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp.
168-169, 278-279, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Damaris Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Damaris Howard of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, in the State of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
widow & relict of Daniel Howard of the town, county & State aforesaid
Esqr. being of perfect mind & memory, & calling to mind the
mortality of my body do make & ordain this my last will & testament and
first, I would recommend my soul to God who gave it, & my body I bequeath
to the earth to be interred in decent christian burial, at the discretion of my
Executors of this my last will & testament, hereafter to be named,
expecting to recieve ye. same again at the resurrection of the just
by the mighty power of God & the temporal estate which God is pleased to
favour me with in my natural life I would dispose of in manner & form
following vizt. my just debts my funeral charges & the charges
of settling my estate shall be paid out of my estate by the executors of this
my last will & testament, and I do Give & bequeath to my Son Capt
Barnabas Howard of said Bridgwater my Desk which was his father’s desk, and the
rest of my estate not already disposed of in this my said will & testament,
I do give & bequeath to my two Daughters Mary Cary the wife of Colo.
Simeon Cary of Bridgwater aforesaid & to Silence Hayden the wife of Major
Josiah Hayden of said Bridgwater to be equally divided between them my said two
daughters, & I do constitute & ordain my Son in law Colo.
Simeon Cary aforesaid & my Son Captain Barnabas Howard aforesaid, to be the
Executors of this my last will & testament, & I do utterly disallow
& revoke all other former wills, testament, Legacies, bequeathments &
Executors by me before made willed, bequeathed & named, ratifying and
confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament. In Testimony thereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & affixed my Seal this seventeenth day of November Anno Domini one
thousand seven hundred & Eighty. –
Signed, Sealed, Published & declared to
be ye last will & testament of sd.
Damaris Damaris Howard (seal)
Howard in ye presence of us
Robert
Howard
Recompence
Cary
Benjamin
Webb
Presented for probate on 2 Nov. 1794 by Simeon Cary and
Barnabas Howard, the Executors therein named, and proved by Robert Howard, one
of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Recompence Cary and Benjamin Webb being
deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Simeon Cary and Barnabas
Howard, the before named Executors.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 35, p. 337-339, from FHL microfilm
#0550718.
Will of Daniel Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1777) *
Know all men by these presents that I Daniel Howard of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in New England Esqr. do make
this my Last will, that is in the first place, I recommend and Give my soul to
God the most high that Gave it, and my body to be buried at the discretion of
my Executor, and as to my worldly interest, in the first place I Give to my
well beloved wife Damaris Howard all my household furniture and two cows, and
one third part of the improvement of the south part of my farm where I now
dwell during her natural Life, but the household furniture and cows to be her
own to improve or dispose of as she pleases, and the cows to kept winter and
summer on her part of the farm by my Executor, and he to find fire wood for her
at the door for her fit for the fire, and my Executor to pay my wife Forty
shillings a year during her Life if she demands it
I Give to my Son
Barnabas Howard and to his heirs all my homestead farm and all my farming tools
and all my wearing cloaths, and my part of the saw mill at home and One third
part of four acres of Cedar swamp in Easton, and half a Lot of Cedar swamp in
Braintree, and One third part of about three Thousand acres of Land that I own
in the Town of Winslow in the county of Lincoln
I
give to my daughter Mary Cary and Silence Hayden and their heirs and assigns
about One hundred and ten acres of Land Lying in the north west corner of
Bridgwater, together with Five acres joyning to it that I bought of Samuel Ston
of Easton, Lying in Easton, and my part of a saw mill standing near said Land,
and two thirds of four acres of Cedar swamp Lying in Easton, and two thirds of
about three thousand acres of Land Lying in the Town of Winslow in the county
of Lincoln, to be equally divided between them, that is Mary Cary and Silence
Hayden and their heirs, and the money and securities for money, that I may die
seized of, my will is that it be equally divided between my three children
Barnabas, Mary and Silence after my funeral charges and Just debts are paid,
and if there be any other Estate that belongs to me, my will is that it be
equally divided between my three children, and if any charge of cost should
hereafter happen or be for the Lothing my Eastern Land, or to defend any Land
that I may die seized of, or to make Good any that I have sold, my will is that
my three children pay their equal part of said charge, and I do appoint my Son
Barnabas my Executor to this my Last will and testament – Dated this sixth day
of March Anno Domini 1777
Signed Sealed and delivered in
Presence of ~ Daniel Howard (seal)
Robert Howard Junr,
Zackariah Howard
Edmund Littlefield junr
– Robert Howard 4th
Presented for probate on 3 May 1779
by Barnabas Howard, the Executor therein named, and proved by Zackariah Howard
and Robert Howard ye 4th, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Barnabas Howard, the before named
Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Daniel Howard Esqr., late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 14 Oct.
1779 by Zebedee Soul, Robert Howard, and Jesse Perkins, and totaled
£36,164.7.1, including his real estate valued at £33,304.0. The appraisers gave
their oath to the inventory on 15 Nov. 1779, and Barnabas Howard, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 3 July 1780.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, pp.
273-274, 533-534, from FHL microfilm #0550713.
Will of David
Howard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1751) *
In The Name of God Amen the Twenty Ninth Day of April in the
Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty and one: I – David Howard
of Bridgwater in the
Imprs. I Will that my Funeral Charges and just
Debts Be paid By My Executor Hereafter named … Item … I Give To My Beloved Wife
Elisabeth all the Previledges and advantages mentioned in a Contract Made with
Her Before Marriage .. Item .. I Give and Bequeath to my Son David Howard Whom
I Make Executor of this My Last Will and Testament His Heirs and assigns
Forever all my Homested Excepting four acres of Land which I Hereafter Give to
my Son Eliakim and the Buildings thereon Standing First allowing my Beloved
wife the Previledges Contracted for therein also one half of about Fifty five
acres of Land Lying Southerly from George Haward and is Bounded partly By West
Meadow also one Half of my Right in the undivided Land within the Eight Mile
Grant in Bridgwater also one Half of Twenty one acres of Land where my Meadow
is in Cutting Cove Swamp also one Half of Fifteen acres of Land Pitch’d in said
Swamp, also one third part of all my Cedor Swamp in Bridgwater, also one third
part of ninteen acres of pine swamp near the Old Neck so Called, also one Half
of my Pew in the Meeting House also my Case of Bottles, also one Half of my
Wairing apparel, also one quarter part of a Hundred acres of Land near David
Dunbars paying my Daughter Phebe Howard Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings
and Four pence Lawfull Money within Two years after my Decease also one quarter
part more of said Hundred acres of Land paying my Daughter Bethiah Howard
Twenty Six Pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawfull money within Five
years after My Decease –
Item. I Give and Bequeath to My Son Simeon Howard When he
Shall arrive at the age of Twenty and one years and to His heirs and assigns
forever all my Lands in Tanton north Purchase Being about one Hundred and
Twenty acres Beside a quarter of a Right in the Ceder Swamp that was Josiah
Keiths also one purchas Right and a quarter and a thirty Second part of a Right
in the undivided Land in said Tanton North purchase also one third part of all
my Ceder Swamp in Bridgewater also one third part of ninteen acres of Pine
Swamp near the old Neck in Bridgwater also ye Income of My part of
the Saw Mill and part of the Income of My Grist Mill after My Decease Till Such
Time as my Son Eliakim Howard Shall arrive at the age of Twenty one Years as
Shall Hereafter Be Expressed also one Cow one yoke of oxen My Colt and Logg
Chain one Half of My Shop Tools one Honed ax my Best Saddle and Ten Sheep one
Half of my Farming Tooles one Flock Bed and Covering for the Same Half My
Wearing apparrel and my Surveying Instruments –
Item. I Give and Bequeath to my Son Eliakim Howard when he
Shall arrive at the age of Twenty and one Years and to his heirs and assigns
forever my Grist Mill and Saw mill and all My Lands thereto adjoyning he
fulfilling the Remaining part of the Contract with My Beloved Wife Elizabeth as
the Corn She is to Have Yerly Also my Lott in Flagg Meadow and Four acres of
Land Being Part of My Homested and is Bounded is Southerly By the Land of Capt.
Howard and Easterly By the Land of Jonathan Snell and to Run So Far North By
said Snells Land as to Have a watering place At the Brook Below Bulls Hole
Damms also Twenty pounds worth of Board or other Materials Suitable To Buld a
House with to be Be paid By My Executor when the said Eliakim Shall arrive at
the Age of Twenty and one Years also one Half of about fifty five acres of Land
Lying Southerly From George Howards and Bounded Partly By West Meadow also one
Half of My Right in the undivided Land within the Eight Mile Grant in
Bridgewater also one Half of Twenty one acres of Land where My Meadow is in
Cutting Cove Swamp also one Half Fifteen acres of Land Pitched in Said Swamp
also one third part of My Cedar Swamp in Bridgwater also one third Part of
Nineteen acres of My Pine Swamp neor the old Neck also one Half of My Pew in
the Meeting House also Two acres and an half of Land Lying where the Souther
most path Goes, through The Birch Swamp South Westward From West Meddows also
one Cow one quarter Part of a Hundred acres of Land near David Dunbars paying
my Daughter Mary Haward Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and Four pence
Lawfull Money when She Shall arive at the age of Twenty and one Years also one
quarter part More of said Hundred acres of Land paying my Daughter Katharine
Howard twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and Four pence Lawfull money when
She Shall arrive at the age of Twenty and one years –
Item I Give to My
Daughter Phebe Howard one quarter part of all my Pewter Brass Iron Copper and
Tin Household utensils one half of My Other Household utensils not Before
Disposed of also Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and Four pence Lawful
monney to be payd By My Son David Howard within Two Years after my Decease But
in Case He should Fail of paying it By that Time then in such Case I Give to My
Daughter Phebe and to Her Heirs and assigns one quarter part of a Hundred acres
of of Land Near David Dunbers.
Item – I Give to My Daughter Bethiah Howard one quarter part
of all my Pewter Brass Iron Copper and Tin utensiels also the Remaining half of
all My other Household utensiels not Before disposed of also Twenty Six Pounds
Thirteen Shillings and Four pence Lawfull money to be paid By My Son David
Howard within Five years after my Decease But in Case he should Fail of paying
it By that Time then in Such Case I Give To My said Daughter Bethiah and To her
heirs and assigns one quarter part of a Hundred Acres of Land nere David
Dunbers – Item – I Give To My Daughter Mary Howard and To Heirs and assigns
forever one quarter part of all my Pewter Brass Iron Copper and Ten utensiels
also one Half of Seventeen acres of Land Lying on the westerly and Southerly
Side of the Land that My Father gave Sister Burr also one Half of My Interest
in the Forge to Be Sold By her Guardian if he Shall Judge it needful also one
Half of the Silver that fell to me on the Division of my Fathers Leonards
Estate also one Cow: When She Shall arive at the age of Eighteen years also
Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and Four pence Lawfull Money to be paid By
my Son Eliakim when She Shall arrive at the age of Twenty and one years But in
Case he Should Fail paying it By that Time then in Such Case I give to my
Daughter Mary and to her Heirs and assigns Forever one quarter part of a
Hundred acres of Land nere David Dunbers –
Item: I Give to My Daughter Katharine Howard and to her heirs
and assigns Forever one quarter part of all my Pewter Brass Iron Copper and Ten
utensiles also one half of Seventeen acres of Land Lying on the Westerly and
Southerly Sides of the Lands my Father gave to Sister Burr also one half of my
Interest in the forge to Be Sold By Her Guardian if he Shall Judge it needful
also one Cow when She Shall arive at the age of Eighteen years also one Half of
the Silver that fell to me one the Division of Father Leonards Estate also
Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence Lawfull money to Be paid to
her By my Son Eliakim when She Shall arive at the age of Twenty one years But
in Case He Should fail of paying it By that time then in Such Case I Give my Daughter
Katharine and to her Heirs and assigns forever one quarter part of a Hundred
acres of Land near to David Dunbers: Item: I Leave all my Live Stock in the
hands of my Executor for him to Improve to his own advantage he Delivering out
to Each of my Sons and Each of My Daughters His and Her particular Parts
thereof as Heretofore Expressed: Further it is my Will that my Son David Take
the Charge of of my part of the Saw mill and my Grist Mill Till Such Time as my
Son Eliakim Shall arrive at ye age of Twenty one Years and after he
has paid himself for Tending and Repairing and Set out to my Beloved Wife
Elizabeth the Corn I Covenanted to Deliver her the Remaining part of the Income
of Both Mills is to Be paid to My Brouther Danil Howard and By Him
is to Be Laid out in Cheearing and Subsduring the Land I Give To my Son Simeon
and at the Expiration of the Time To Leave the Grist Mill in as Good Repair as
at my Decease the Charge thereof to Be out of the Income – Further it is my
Will that in Case the Providence of God Should so order that Either of my Sons
Should die Before he arives at the age of Twenty one years then in Such Case I
Give the one Hhalf of the Deceased Portion or portions to my Surviving Son or
Sons and to there Heirs and assigns forever and the other Half to be Equaly
Divided Betwext my four Daughters here to fore named and to there Heirs and
assigns forever and in Case the Providance of God so order that one or more of
my Daughters Should Die before the Time of Pay Ment of the Twenty Six pounds
thirteen Shilling and Four Pence which is to Redeem one quarter part of a
Hundred acres of Land Near David Dunbers then in Such Case my Will is that if
the Money Be Timly paid To ye Surviving Brouther, and Sisters or
There Representatives they Shall Discharge the payment and he Whose Right it is
to Redeem said Land Shall Enjoy possess as as Heretofor Expressed He to Have an
Equal Share of the Money provided the Dead Leave no Heir or Her Body if She
doth then the Money To Go to said Heirs – Further I Do Hereby appoint My
Brouther Daniel Howard Guardian To my Son Simeon and Eliakim and To My Daughter
Bethiah Mary and Katharine and it is my Will that the Said Guardian Receive of
my Executor that part of the Income of my mills that I have given to my Son Simeon
and Yearly Layiant the Same on the Land that I have given him in Taunton North
Purchase Either in Subduring Said Land or Building upon it or Both as he Shall
think Fit, paying Himself for his Trouble out of the Same and in Case the
Guardian Should Judge it most to their advantage to Sell it and put the Money
To Interest for them then I Do hereby Impower him to Sell the Same in Either of
these Casses and give a Conveyance of the Same as Guardian. Further: to Enable
my Executor to Pay my Funeral Charges and Just Debts I Give to him and his
heirs and assigns forever thirty one acres of Land and meadow at Salsberrough
plain Seventeen acres of Land nere Ephraim Williss, and Ten acres of
Land at the Beach neck nere Joseph Algors and fourteen acres adjoyning to Danll
Littlefields Homestead To Be Set of from that Hundred acres of Land that I have
given To my Sons David and Eliakim Conditionally By a North and South Line –
also all other my Estate Both Real and personal not Before Disposed of
Excepting my Books them to Be Equally Divided Excepting my Book of Accompt
which I give to my David also give him the Improvement of the land that I have
given to my son Eliakim till he arrives at the age of twenty & one years
but not to make An [can’t read] of ye [can’t read] also my
apprentices time he fulfilling their Indentures and also my [can’t read] it is
my Will yt my son David Cut what timber is necessary for fireing
[can’t read] on ye lands that I have given my son Eliakim and I do
Hereby Ratify and Confirm this to Be my Last Will and Testament in Witness
whereof I Have Hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above written
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and Declared By the Said
David Howard to be his Last Will and Testament In Presence of us
Ephraim Keith David Howard (seal)
Ichabod Keith
Ebenzer Willis
Probated on 10 July 1751, and proved by Ephraim Keith and
Ichabod Keith, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James
Howard Jr., of
I James Howard Junr—of Plimouth in the County of
Plimouth Mariner being bound to Sea do make my last will and Testament as
followeth that is to say Conserning my Worldly Estate Both Real & personal
I do give and dispose of the same To my son Thomas Howard a minor to be
possessed by him at his arrival to the age of Twenty one years, The same being
left in the Hands of my Execx. hereafter named To the End, that with
the same he Should be brought up and if my said son Should dye before he
arrives to the age of twenty one years, then what of my said Estate remains
unexpended upon him I Give to my Sister in Law Experience Branch to her and her
heirs forever, and I do hereby desire my mother in Law Mrs. Lydia
Branch to take the Charge of my said Child and I do appoint her Executrix of
this my Will, Witness my hand & Seal the 10th day of Novr-
A.D. 1748
Signed Sealed Published &c James Howard junr. (seal)
In Presence of
Thomas Spooner
Thomas Spooner jur.
Silvanus Morton
Presented for probate on 20 July 1749 by the Executrix
therein named, and proved by Thomas Spooner and Thomas Spooner junr.
The Inventory of the Estate of James Howard jur.,
late of Plimouth, was taken by Silvanus Bramhall, John Torrey, and Ebenezer
Spooner on 27 Sept. 1749, and totaled only £119.13.9 new tenour, no real
estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name & fear of God the eleventh day of June in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine, I John Howard of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts bay,
being in perfect mind and memory & thanks to God for & considering the
uncertainty of Life & that all must die, do make this my Last will &
testament that is, to give my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave it,
and my body to the earth in a decent manner to be buried at the discretion of
my Executor, nothing doubting but that I shall recieve the same again by the
mighty power of God, & as what I possess I mean to dispose of in the
following manner to wit
To
Abigail Howard my wife I give to improve if she out lives me during her
widowhood the one half of my House, Barn and corn house & cellar to be
improved by her, and one third of my improvement, as Long as she remains my
widow & to have two Cows kept and to have at her command one half of the
indoor moveables during her widowhood, except the guns & desk & my
wearing apparell
And
to Ichabod Howard, I Give his boarding since he was 21 years old to the present
day, and to give him five pounds towards building a house in materials for that
purpose, also what I have helped him otherways in building of shops
And
to John & Alfred Howard my sons I Give my home place to be divided between
them the meadow on Salisbury River the Land over the rive west, one third to be
give to Adam Howard or the value of it. I also appoint John Howard my Executor,
the Cedar swamps to John & Alfred Howards, also my right in the saw mill
To
Adam Howard I Give an equal right with John & Alfred in the pasture that
was Brother Adam Howard’s, when paid for also Adam to have a right with John
& Alfred in the widow Mary’s half of Adam Howards Estate deceased, when she
is done with it
To
my Daughter Perkins I Give ten shillings
To
Kezia Howard my Daughter I Give one half of my indoor moveables except the guns
& desk, the other half when their parents have done with them to be
divided between Abigail Perkins & Kezia Howard. Kezia Howard to have a Cow,
also if she lives to want it to be furnished convenient things to keep house
with
Sibell
Howard my Grand child I order to have her maintenance ‘till she arrives to
eighteen and if she lives to mature age to give her a yearling heifer and four
shillings
what
stock out door moveables farming tools and guns I give to John & Alfred
Howards that I may be possessed of the desk I give to Alfred Howard
This
I acknowlege to be my Last will & testament & do confirm the same to be
my mind & will in health & possession of my rational powers—In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal on the day and year above
written
signed, sealed & declared by
the said
John Howard as his Last will and John Howard — (seal)
testament in the presence of us the
subscribers
Jesse
Perkins
Nathaniel
Snell
Robert
Howard junr
Presented for probate on 7 Jan. 1793
by John Howard, the executor, and proved by Jesse Perkins & Nathl
Snell, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the name of God
amen I Jonathan Howard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymomouth Gentleman
being of sound disposing Mind & Memory thanks be to God for the same, do
this thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
& seven, make; publish; pronounce & declare this my last Will and
Testament as followeth – viz
Imprimis
I will that all my just debts funeral charges & such Legacies as are herein
after willed & given shall be paid by my Executors herein after named –
Item.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth one Feather Bed Bedstead & Bed
Furniture the same that she usually occupies, also one Cow & one third part
of all my household Furniture & indoor moveables (excepting such particular
Articles as are herein after otherwise given) one Silver Table Spoon &
twenty five Dollars in Money, which money shall be paid her in one year after
my decease, this with the provision which I have heretofore made for her
Support I consider to be her full Share of my Estate —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Phebe the Wife of Daniel Manly one Feather
bed, Bedstead & Bed Furniture also twenty five Dollars the Money to be paid
her in one year after my decease —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Susanna the Wife of Josiah Lothrop junr.
one Feather Bed, Bedstead & Bed furniture also twenty five Dollars, the
Money to be paid in one year after my decease —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Rowene the Wife of Charles Lothrop one
Feather Bed Bedstead & Bed Furniture, also forty Dollars, the Money to be
paid in one year after my decease.
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Galen my Silver Tankard —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Salmon my Clock —
Item
I give & bequeath to my two Sons Galen & Salmon one Feather Bed,
Bedstead & Bed Furniture equally between them —
And
it is my Will that the Beds & Bed Furniture which I have given to my three
daughters last named & the Bed & Furniture which I have given to my two
Sons shall be equally divided for quality, as some of them are of a better
quality than others —
Item
I give & bequeath to my three Sons viz Jonathan, Galen & Salmon all my
wearing apparel to be equally divided between them —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Jonathan one Yoke of Oxen of a full Midelling
Size & Flesh & one good draft chain to be delivered him in three Months
after my decease —
Item
I give & bequeath to my three daughters viz Phebe the Wife of Daniel Manly
Susanna the Wife of Josiah Lothrop junr. & Rowene the Wife of
Charles Lothrop two thirds of all my household Furniture & indoor moveables
first dividing & setting off to my Daughter Elizabeth, one third part,
which I have herein before given her, & the residue not herein before
specially willed & given, to be equally divided between them —
And
I do hereby ordain constitute & appoint my two Sons Galen Howard and Salmon
Howard to be joint Executors of this my last will & Testament —
And
to enable my two Sons Galen & Salmon my said Executors to pay all my just
debts, funeral Charges & all such Legacies as are herein before willed
& given –
I
give & bequeath to them my said Sons Galen Howard & Salmon Howard their
Heirs & assigns forever, one eighth part of the Saw Mill standing in the
west precinct in said Bridgwater, commonly called & known by the Name of
the Town Mill, also my Pew in the Congregational Meeting house in the west
precinct in said Bridgwater together with with all my quick stock farming
utensils not herein before specially given including all the rest & residue
of my Estate (not herein before willed & given) of what name or Nature
soever to be equally divided between them, they paying all my just debts
funeral Charges & all such Legacies as are herein before willed & given
—
And
I do hereby revoke disannul & render void all other & former Wills
ratifying & confirming this & this only as & for my last will &
Testament. In Witness whereof I the said Jonathan Howard the Testator have
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & Year first above written —
signed sealed published pronounced
& declared
by the said Jonathan Howard the
Testator as
& for his last Will &
Testament in the presence
of us who by his request & in
his presence & we Jonathan Howard (seal)
in the presence of each other have
hereunto
subscribed our Names as witness –
Barnabas
Dunbar
Fisk
Ames
Danl.
Snow –
Presented for probate on 5 June
1809 by Galen Howard and Salmon Howard, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Fisk Ames and Daniel Snow Esqrs, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Galen Howard and Salmon
Howard, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
538-539, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Joseph Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In the name of God amen – I Joseph Howard of Bridgwater in
the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, being of
sound mind and memory, blessed be almighty God therefor, do this fourteenth day
of July anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred ninety one make & ordain
this my Last will & testament, in the following manner vizt.
Imprimis – I commend my soul into the hand of almighty God my
Creator hoping to recieve the pardon of all my sins & salvation thro’ the
merits of Jesus Christ my redeemer, and my body to the earth to be decently
Interred according to the discretion of my executrix hereafter named, in hopes
of a glorious resurrection unto Life eternal,
Relative to my worldly Interest my will is, that all my just debts &
funeral charges be well & truly paid in convenient time after my decease,
by my executrix herein after named
Also – I Give my beloved wife Sarah the improvement of all my
real estate during her natural Life, and the use & improvement of all my
Indoor moveables during her natural Life, and I Give to her free disposal of
all the remainder of my personal estate of all kinds, including my Pew in the
meeting house in the south parish in Braintree
Also – I Give to my son Silas or his heirs, all my real
estate at the decease of my beloved wife aforesaid
Also – my will is, that at the decease of my beloved wife,
all my indoor moveables be given to my four Daughters vizt Mercy
Jones – Phebe Wales avis Thayer & Theodora Edson equally to them or their
heirs share & share alike
Also – I Give, and my will is that my executrix shall pay to
Josiah and Jonathan Hayward & Bettsey Brown children of my son Jonathan
deceased, five shillings Lawful money each, as soon as convenient after my
decease, and I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Sarah, to be my sole executrix
to this my Last will & testament – In testimony whereof I do hereunto set
my hand and seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed & delivered by me the sd
Joseph Howard, to be my Last will & tes- Joseph Howard (seal)
tament, in presence of
Barnabas
Curtis
Peres
Southworth
Jesse
Perkins
Presented for probate on 7 May 1792 by Sarah Howard, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Barnabas Curtis and Jesse Perkins, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Sarah Howard, the before named executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 46-47, from FHL microfilm
#0550717.
Will of Nathan Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1799) *
In the Name of God Amen.
– I Nathan Howard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, Esqr. do this
Fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred
& ninety nine, make & publish this my Last will & testament, in
manner following, that is to say, first of all, I commend my soul to almighty
God, who gave it, humbly trusting in his mercy, thro’ the merits of Jesus
Christ for pardon, grace and a glorious & happy immortality; my body to be
decently buried at the discretion of my Executor, herein after named, and as to
my worldly interest I dispose of it, as follows – vizt.
I Give, Devise &
bequeath to my Son Nathan Howard junr. all the farm & lands
whereon he now lives, containing about Sixty Four acres in Juniper swamp, so
called, being the first I laid out at that place, also, my meadow lot on the
northerly side of flaggy meadow, so called, also, my three acres & a half
of land which I purchased of Nathan Willis, near cranbury meadow, so called,
also one acre & a quarter of cedar swamp, on the south-westerly part of my
lot of cedar swamp at the gore, so called, to be six rods wide at the westerly
end, to extend easterly (a parrallel line with the south line of said lot) so
far, as to include & comprehend, one acre & a quarter, to have & to
hold all the above described pieces & parcells of lands, to him the said
Nathan Howard junr. his heirs & assigns forever. I also give and
bequeath to the said Nathan Dr. Watts’s works & all my wearing apparell
forever. ~
I Give, Devise & bequeath to my son
Thaddeus Six acres of land, at the north easterly corner of my homestead farm,
bounded, easterly & northerly by the high way, southerly by the stone wall,
which stands to the northward of where the School house stood, and to extend
westerly to include six acres, a parellel line with the highway, also four
acres on the easterly side of the high way, bounded southerly by Doctr.
Perkins’s land, easterly by Jonathan Copeland’s land, westerly by the high way,
and to extend northerly, so far as to include four acres, the northerly line to
be parrallel with Dr Perkins’s range, also four acres at the northerly end of
the old field, so called, near Peres Williams’s, also my ten acres of land at
the wolf trap (so called) also my five acres of meadow on the river, near John
Hayward’s, also my three acres & a half of meadow on the town river, near
Capt. Jona. Howard’s, also, all my right in the saw mill,
and also, one eighth part of the purchase right, originally Thomas Whitman’s in
the township of Bridgwater, to have & to hold all the above described
estate to him the said Thaddeus, his heirs and assigns forever; I also give
& bequeath to the said Thaddeus my Yoke of oxen, Cart & wheels, my Cart
rope & my Bailey’s Dictionary forever, also my Desk & Pew in the
meeting house forever –
I Give, devise
& bequeath to my son Gamaliel Howard my ten acres of land on the westerly
side of the high way where he now lives, also, all my lands on the easterly
side of the way, excepting the four acres at the southerly end herein
bequeathed to my son Thaddeus, the remainder to the said Gamaliel being about
eleven acres & lying opposite to his dwelling house, to have & to hold,
to him the said Gamaliel, his heirs & assigns forever. I give &
bequeath to the said Gamaliel my Silver hilted sword, my law book, also, one
quarter part of the original purchase right of Nathaniel Willis, in the
township of Bridgwater to hold forever
I
Give, devise, & bequeath to my son Bezaleal Howard, my three lots in the
little cedar swamp, so called, in said Bridgwater being the 7th, 13th,
& 14th Lots in number, to have & to hold, to him the said
Bezaleal, his heirs & assigns forever. ~
I
Give & bequeath to my daughter Sarah Packard, the sole use occupation &
improvement of my great chamber over my keeping room & a seat in my Pew in
the meeting house, so long as she remains a feme sole & unmarried — I also
give & bequeath to the said Sarah one Cow, my high case of drawers, two
feather beds, bedsteads & furniture belonging to the same, my brass kettle,
frying pan, five pewter platters, six pewter porringers, & warming pan, and
all my pewter plates, also one dozen of chairs, one chest, one table, also, one
half part of all the rest & residue of my household furniture, excepting my
desk, clock, meat tubs & barrels, and what is herein given to my son
Artemas to her the said Sarah to hold forever; also my gold sleeve buttons, to
her the said Sarah forever, and my fire shovell & tongs forever.–
I Give & bequeath
to my daughter Jane Burr; the other half part of my houshold furniture,
excepting as above excepted forever
I Give, devise &
bequeath to my two daughters, namely, Sarah Packard & Jane Burr, my two
acres & half of medow at Snells meadow, so called, in said Bridgwater, to
have & to hold in equal shares forever.
I Give, devise &
bequeath to my Son Jonathan Howard 2d. all my homestead lands &
buildings (excepting the six acres at the north easterly corner, to my son
Thaddeus as aforesaid) also my tan yard with the buildings appurtenant thereto,
to him the said Jonathan, his hairs & assigns, to have & to hold
forever. I also give & bequeath to the said Jonathan, my great bible, my
eight day clock & my great Steel yards forever, also one third part of the
original right of Francis Sprague in the township of Bridgwater, to have &
to hold forever. I also give, devise & bequeath to the said Jonathan, all
the remainder of my lands at the old field near Peres Williams’s, being about
eleven acres, also, all my lands adjoining on the southerly side of dead meadow
brook, so called, being about fourteen acres to have & to hold both the
said pieces of land to him the said Jonathan, his heirs & assigns forever.
–
I
Give, devise & bequeath to my three sons, namely, Jonathan, Gamaliel &
Thaddeus, all the rest & residue of my lot of cedar swamp at the gore
(excepting what is herein given to my son Nathan) also, all my wood lot
adjoining Deacon Snell’s homestead farm, containing about thirty acres, also,
all my wood lot on the easterly side of the way leading from the powder house
to said Snell’s, containing about thirty acres, to have & to hold, to them,
the said Jonathan, Gamaliel & Thaddeus, their heirs & assigns, in equal
shares forever. –
I Give, devise & bequeath to my two sons, namely, Jonathan &
Gamalial, my two lots of meadow in Flaggy meadow, so called, also my twelve
acre lot in Juniper swamp, so called, to have & to hold to them, the said
Jonathan & Gamaliel, their heirs & assigns, in equal shares forever
I
Give, devise & bequeath to my two sons, namely, Jonathan & Thaddeus,
all my lands adjoining on the northerly side of dead meadow brook, so called,
being about fourteen acres, to have and to hold, to them, the said Jonathan
& Thaddeus, in equal shares forever.–
I
Give & bequeath to my four sons, namely, Nathan, Jonathan, Gamaliel &
Thaddeus, all my fire arms & farming utensills, (except my Cart &
wheels) in equal shares forever.–
I
Give & bequeath to my three Sons, namely, Jonathan, Gamaliel &
Thaddeus, all my meat tubs, barrells & Casks, in equal shares forever.
And
my will is, that my two sons, namely, Jonathan & Gamaliel, in consideration
of what I have herein given & bequeathed to them, shall, each of them pay
to my daughter, Sarah Packard, four dollars & fifty cents, yearly &
every year, so long, as she remains a Feme sole & un-married. ~
I
Give and bequeath to my Son Artemas Howard, one Feather bed, bedstead &
furniture belonging to the same, forever, and also, one silver spoon forever.
And whereas the said Artemas is incapable of providing for himself, &
manage property with that prudence & economy which is necessary for his
subsistence; therefore my will is, that my son Jonathan shall take the said
Artemas, under his care & direction, and provide for him (with his own
assistance) a comfortable support, in sickness & in health, according to
his condition, so long as he shall live. And I do hereby ordain, constitute
& appoint the said Jonathan Howard 2d. Sole Executor of this my
last will & testament; whom I order & direct to pay & satisfy (out
of such personal estate as I shall leave at my decease, not in this will
disposed of) all my just debts & funeral expences, and to erect grave stones
at my grave, and after the payment of all my just debts & funeral charges,
& erecting grave stones, as aforesaid & discharging all the legacies
& bequests aforesaid; I Give, devise & bequeath, all the rest &
residue of my estate, real personal or mixed, of what name or nature soever, to
him, the said Jonathan Howard 2d. his heirs & assigns, to have
& to hold forever. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal, the day & year, first above written. –
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronoun-
ced & declared, by the said
Nathan How- Nathan Howard (seal)
ard, the testator, as & for his
last will &
testament, in presence of us
Timothy
Fobes
Samuel
Edson 3d.
Daniel
Howard 3d
Daniel
Howard
Presented for probate on 28 Oct.
1800 by Jonathan Howard ye 2d, the Executor therein
named, and proved by Timothy Fobes and Daniel Howard Esqr, two of ye.
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jonathan Howard ye 2d, yeoman, the before named Executor,
with Daniel Howard, Esqr. and Timothy Fobes, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 37, p.
335-338, from FHL microfilm #0550719.
Will of Parnel Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
In the
name of God amen I Parnel Howard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth widow,
being of sound disposing Mind & Memory, but weak & infirm in Body &
considering the uncertainty of Life & certainty of Death, do make &
publish this my last will & Testament in manner following.—
Imprimis
I give to my three Sons, Thomas, George & Sidney one Dollar each –
Item I
give to my Daughter Abigail the Wife of Solomon Reed one young Cow, I reserve
however the use & Improvement of said Cow untill November next for my
unmarried Daughters.—
Item
whereas by the will of my late Husband deceased, Thomas Howard my Son had a
large Share of his Estate provided & upon Condition that the said Thomas
supported our minor Children, and whereas I have supported said minor Children
& charged the said Thomas for the same, – I therefore give my Son Franklin
whatever may be obtained of the said Thomas for & on account of my
supporting him, & which I have ordered to be charged amounting to five
hundred & fifty six Dollars & twenty five Cents.—
Item as
I have also supported my Daughters Betsey & Patty & as my Son Thomas is
indebted to me for the same, which I have directed to be charged & which
charge amounts to the Sum of nine hundred & three Dollars & twenty
eight Cents, I hereby give that Sum or whatever may be obtained of the said
Thomas for their Support to my Daughters Parney, Betsey and Patty to be equally
divided between them—
Item
Whereas I have boarded the Children of Asa Whitman & clothed them I have
ordered to be charged against the said Asa the Sum of two hundred & eighty
nine Dollars, & I give the aforesaid Sum, or whatever may be obtained, of
the said Whitman to Deborah Whitman, Patty Bartlett, Susanna Bartlett &
Jane Bartlett my Grand children– & I give the one half of the same to the
said Deborah & the other Moiety to the said Patty, Jane & Susanna &
I order & direct my Executor to pay the same to each of my said Grandchildren
& the Interest on the same when they may respectively arrive to the Age of
eighteen years.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughters Abigail the Wife of Solomon Reed Parney,
Betsey & Patty all the Residue & Remainder of my Estate (not
specifically given as above) of what name or nature soever & wherever found
to be equally divided between them ~~
I hereby
appoint David Bartlett sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made— In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal this twenty eighth day of May, in the Year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred & nineteen. —
Signed sealed published pronounced by the Parnel Howard (seal)
Said Parnel Howard as her last will & Testament
in the presence of us who by her Request &
in her presence & the presence of each other have
hereunto set our Names as Witnesses —
Jonathan
Snell
Nahum
Leonard
Damon
Kingman
Presented for probate on 2 Aug. 1819 by David Bartlett, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nahum Leonard and Damon Kingman, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
David Bartlett, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p. 279-281, from FHL microfilm
#0550906.
Will of Robert Howard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
The name of God Amen ~,
The
twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred &
Sixty Eight, I Robert Howard of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth being in
perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God therefor calling unto mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye
Do make and Ordain this my Last will and testament, that is to say principally
and first of all I Give and recommend my soul into the hand of God that Gave it
and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent manner at the
discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the Resurrection I shall
Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this Life, I Give and demise
and dispose of the same in the following manner and form
Imprimis—I Give unto Abigail Howard
my wife, one third part of the whole of my improvement of my homestead during
her Life, and the south half of my house and the milk Room in the north west
corner of the house with half the Cellar and half the Barn & Corn house
during her Life, I Give unto her two Cows and my mare, and one third part of my
Indoor moveables to be at her disposing as she shall think fit Excepting my
Desk and Gun and wearing apparell ~
Item—I Give unto my Son John Howard
whom I constitute and appoint Executor of this my Last will and testament, I
Give unto him the south half of the Lower meadow on Salisbury plain River, with
the south half of all my homestead extending so far eastward as to the meadow
fence on the west Side of the meadow on trout Brook, I also Give unto him one
third part of my Right in the saw mill, and one third part of all my Cedar
swamps, and I order you to pay to your Brother Daniel Howard when he comes of
age the sum of thirty pounds in such materials as he shall call upon you for
his Building and at such a price as he can buy for his money
Item—I Give unto my Son Robert
Howard, the north half of my Lower meadow on Salisbury plain River, and the
north half my homestead Extending so far Eastward as to the meadow fence, on
the west side of the meadow on trout brook, I also Give unto him one third part
of all my right in the Saw mill, and One third part of all my Cedar swamps, and
I order you to pay to your Brother Daniel Howard thirty pounds in such
materials as he shall call upon you for suitable for his Building him a house
and at such a price as he can buy for money – I also order you to find your
mother fire wood at the Door, Cut suitable for her fire during her Life
Item—I Give unto my son Adam
Howard, all the Land where he Liveth and the north half of my meadow on
Salisbury plain River in Stoughton ~
Item—I Give to my son Daniel Howard
all the East End of all my homestead Extending so far westward as to the meadow
fence on the west side of the meadow on trout Brook I also Give unto him One
third part of my Right in the Saw-mill, and one third part of all my Cedar
swamps, I Give unto him one Cow and one mare Colt of three years old and the
south half of my meadow in Stoughton and my Right in Pine timber bought of Capt.
Curtis, I Give unto him my Desk & Gun and one Quarter of a pew in the
meeting house in the front Gallery
Item—I Give unto my daughter Martha
Edson, the one half of all my Lands in Easton, and one third part of all my
Indoor moveables after her mother’s decease Excepting my Desk & Gun and
wearing Apparell ~
Item—I Give unto my daughter Betty
Howard, one third part of all my Indoor moveables Excepting my Desk and Gun and
wearing Apparell, I Give unto her one Cow, and the one half of all my Lands in
Easton—the Remainder of my out door moveables, and my wearing Apparell I Give
to my four sons to be equally divided between them –
and I do utterly disallow Revoke
and disannull all and every Other former testament, will, Legacies, and
Bequests, and Executor by me in any wayes before named, willed and Bequeathed,
Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last will and testament—In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year above
written
Signed, Sealed, published,
pronounced
and declared by the said Robert
Howard Robert Howard (seal)
as his Last will and testament in
the
presence of us the subscribers ~
Daniel
Howard
Jabez
Field
Charles
Snell ~
Presented for probate on 6 Sept.
1779 by John Howard, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jabez Field, one
of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Daniel Howard and Charles Snell being
since deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to John Howard, the
before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Robert Howard, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 21 Sept. 1779 by Barnabas
Howard, John Staples Craft, and Jesse Perkins, and totaled £29,210.18, his real
estate valued at £23,220, including his homestead farm and buildings valued at
£18,000, his Lansford farm valued at £5850, his Easton lot valued at £3400, and
his Stoughton meadow lot valued at £700. John Howard, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 9 Apr. 1780.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p.
351-353, from FHL microfilm #0550713.
Will of Robert Howard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the Name of God
amen the eight day of March in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred
& five, I Robert Howard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman
enjoying a comfortable State of Health & of sound Mind & Memory Thanks
be given to God: Therefore calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament, that is to say principally & first of all, I
give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it & my Body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my
Executors, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection, I shall receive
the same again by the mighty power of God – and touching such worldly Estate,
wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give demise &
dispose of in the following Manner & form.
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my wife Abigail Howard, the Improvement of one third
part of my Homestead farm with the Improve ment of half my Dwelling house
reserving however out of said half) a privilege for my Daughter Silva Howard to
live with her) with half my Barn & half my Corn house & half the Cellar
for & during the term of her natural Life. I also give her two Cows, six
sheep all my indoor moveables & Household Furniture (except my Clock, Desk
wearing Apparel & Looms & Implements of Weaving) with all the notes of
hand & Securities for Money that I may have at the time of my decease, to
be at her disposal, as she shall think proper. I also hereby enjoin on &
order my Son Robert Howard to find his Mother at all times so long as she shall
remain my widow with a sufficiency of firewood drawn to the door of her House
& cut suitable for her Fire —
Item I
give to my Son Zechariah Howard ten Dollars to be paid him in one Year after my
decease, also the one half of my wearing apparel —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son Robert Howard (whom I constitute and appoint
Executor of this my last Will & Testament) all my Homestead farm also my
right in the Saw Mill with the appurtenances thereunto belonging also the
easterly half of my Pew in the Meeting house in the North precinct of
Bridgwater, to him his Heirs & Assigns forever, I also give him all my
farming tools & Implements of Husbandry, Clock, Desk & the one half of
my wearing Apparel —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Silva Howard one Hundred Dollars to be paid
her in one year after my decease, I also give her one Horse & one Cow, I
also give her the privilege of living in the House with her Mother &
setting at her fire so long as she the said Silva remains single &
unmarried, I also give her after her Mother’s decease, the use &
Improvement of the North room in my House & the Chamber over the same, also
the North Bedroom & one of the Butteries or Milk rooms with a privilege in
the Kitchen, to wash and bake, also a part of the Cellar, and a right in the
orchard to take as many apples & have as much Cyder as she needs for her
own Consumption I also give her my Looms & weaving Implements. I also
enjoin it upon my Son Robert to find her the said Silva a Sufficiency of fire
wood cut & drawn to the Door of the house to keep one fire so long as she
remains single & unmarried —
Item I
give to my Daughter Hannah Silvester, one hundred Dollars to be paid her in one
Year after my decease —
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Sturtevant the Land with all the
Buildings thereon which I purchased of her Husband Ephraim Sturtevant whereon
they now live, I also give her one hundred Dollars to be her in one year after
my decease –
Item I
give to my Daughter Lucinda Cheeseman one hundred Dollars to be paid her in one
year after my decease —
And
furthermore I give to my four Daughters before named in equal shares the
westerly half of my pew in the north meeting house in Bridgwater —
And I
hereby order & enjoin it upon my Son Robert Howard to pay the five before
mentioned Legacies or Sums of Money, to wit, one of ten Dollars & four of
one hundred Dollars each & all my just debts & funeral Expences &
Costs & Charges of settling my Estate out of his own proper Estate —
The
Residue & remainder of all my Estate which I may have at the time of my
decease I give to my Son Robert Howard —
And I do
hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
Testaments, Wills, Legacies & bequests & Executors by me in any ways
before named willed & bequeathed ratifying & Confirming this & no
other to be my last Will & Testament –
In witness whereof I the said Robert Howard have hereunto set my hand
and Seal the day & year first above written —
signed sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said Robert Howard
as his last will & Testament in the pres-
ence of us the subscribers ~ Robert Howard (seal)
Daniel
Howard junr.
Darius
Howard
Damaris
Howard
Presented for probate on 7 March 1808 by Robert Howard, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel Howard junr Esqr.
and Darius Howard, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Robert Howard, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p. 258-260, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Azor Howe of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1841) *
In the name of God Amen I Azor Howe of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth, being advanced in years and suffering under some
indisposition of body, but through the blessing of God being of sound mind and
memory, do this twenty eighth day of February in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and forty one, make and ordain this my last will and
Testament, in manner following that is to say, I give and bequeath unto my well
beloved wife Ruth to her disposal my dwelling house barn wood house and hogs
house, together with all my personal property of every description including my
pension.
And I do now constitute ordain and appoint Capt.
Jabez Harden my sole executor of this my last will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year first named.
Azor Howe (seal)
Signed, Sealed
published and declared by the Testator as his last Will and Testament, in the
presence of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other hereunto set
our names as Witnesses at his request
Solomon
Hayward
Benjamin
Bryant
Ophir
Howe
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of May 1842 by
Jabez Harden, the Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Bryant and
Ophir Howe, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 238-240, from FHL microfilm
#0555267.
Will of Sarah Howes
of
I Sarah Howes the Relict of Capt Thomas Howes of
yarmouth in New Plymouth Deceased being weake in body but of perfect
understanding & memory Do this 26 Day of february 1682/3 make this my Last
will & Testament as followeth, first my Soul I bequeath to god that gave it
me, and my body to the grave in Decent buriall and for my two young Children my
will is that my Son Jonathan shall have forty shillings to be improved for his
teaching to read write and Cipher & yt in Convenient time he be
at ye Discretion of ye overseers to my Late husbands
will, put to learne some Sutable Trade, & my will is yt my Daughter
Sarah Do live with her Sister Rebecka and that she shall have twenty shillings
to be improved for her more perfecting in reading & also my will is yt
Elyzabeth Sparrow yt now Dwells with me shall have twenty shillings
of my Estate, and yt after my Just Debts be paid that then what
remains of my Estate shall be equally Devided to my fower Children viz: Thomas,
Jonathan, Rebeckah and Sarah; Lastly my will is & I Do request my Loveing
Bretheren Jeremiah Howes and Jonathan Baings whome I Do appoint Constitute
impower to be executors to this my will; in witnes whereof I have
here set my hand & Seal ye Day & year above written. The
mark of
Signed sealed in presence of Sarah
Howes ð (seal)
John
Thacher
Jonathan
Russell
It was also ye will of ye above said
Sarah Howes Widdow yt her two Daughters Rebeckah & Sarah should
have her Aparrell equally Devided betwixt them two, though I mist them to enter
it in ye will above written John Thacher
on ye oath of Mr John Thacher
acknowledged in Court
Attested pr be Nathaniell Morton Secretary
Mr Jonathan Russell above mentioned made oath also
to ye prbate of this fore mentioned Will this 3 of Aprill
1683
Before
me Tho. Hinckley Gov,r
An Inventory of ye estate Mrs Sarah
Howes ye Relict of Capt Thomas Howes both Deceased taken
this 17 of March 82/3 by us—
[Totaled £195.02.11, including oxen, cows and cattle, but no
real estate]
Joseph
Howes
Garsham
Hall
on
ye oath of Mr Jerimiah Howes
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Abraham
Howland of Pembroke, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1747) *
In the Name of God amen, The fifteenth day of June anno
Domini, One thousand seven hundred & forty seven I Abraham Howland of
Pembrooke in the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets bay in
NewEngland Yeoman, being of perfect Mind & memory, Thanks be to god for the
same Calling to mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it is Appointed
for all men once to die; Do make & ordain this my last will &
Testament, that is to say Principally and first of all, I give & recomend
My Soul into the hands of God that gave it hopeing through the Merits death and
Passion of my Lord Death & Passion of my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ,
to have (all & free Pardon and forgiveness of all my Sins, & to inherit
Everlasting life, and by body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buried, at
the discretion of my Executrix hereafter Named trusting that at the
Resurrection I Shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of God. And as
for such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I Give demise
& dispose of the Same in the following manner & form —
First, I will that my Just debts and funeral Charges be paid
& discharged by my Executrix hereafter Named. —
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Son Rouse Howland (besides
that which I have already given him by Deed of Gift, which I do hereby ratyfie
& Confirm to him) five Shillings, old tenour to be paid in some Convenient
time after my decease by my Executrix hereafter named.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Abraham Howland
(besides What I have already Given him by Deed of Gift, which I also hereby
ratyfie & Confirm unto him) five Shillings old tenour to be paid him in
some convenient time after my decease by my Executrix hereafter named.
I Give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Howland, & his
heirs my Dwelling house Barne and fifty acres of land more or less, About the sd.
House and Barne with all the priviliges & Appurtenances thereunto
belonging, bounded as follows, viz, Westerly by the Land formerly Isaac Thomass.
deceasd, Southerly by the land Given by me to my son Rouse Howland, Easterly
partly by Mequon Pond so called and partly by the land of Josiah Foster and
Northerly by the land I have given to my son Abraham Howland My said son Samuel
Howland paying Yearly to Ann Howland his Mother dureing her Natural life,
Sixteen Bushels of Indian Corne Four Bushels of Rye, and two Bushels of Wheat,
also half the Flax raised on the place, yearly ready dressed, also a third part
of the Cyder that is made yearly, he finding barrels to put it in, and as many
Apples & Pares, as his said Mother Shall have Occation for. Also tis my
Will that my said son Samuel find his mother her fire wood at the Door and
Summer and winter for her Two Cows & ten sheep and if She sees cause to buy
her and horse, to keep him also for her both summer & Winter, and to find
her Yearly as Much Beef and Porke as She shall have Occation for. And I do
hereby (notwithstanding the Beforementioned bequest made to my son Samuel)
Except and reserve a Liveing in the house Aforesd. To my wife Ann
Howland dureing her Natural life, that is to say, such a part of it, as She
shall see cause to make use of, And it is my Mind & will also, that my son
Joseph Howland Shall have a liveing in my now dwelling house as long as He
Shall live if he sees cause, But not to put any Tenant in to it under him —
Furthermore it is my Mind & Will, That Benjamin Hill
formerly my Servant Shall also have a liveing in my sd. Dwelling
house (if he sees cause) dureing life, but no Liberty to put any Tenant into it
in his Stead or room –
Item I Give and bequeath unto my said son Joseph Howland ten
Shillings lawfull money to be paid in some Convenient time after my decease by
my Executrix hereafter Named. —
Item, I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Benjamin Howland,
forty Shillings, old tenour, to be paid in some convenient time after my
decease by my Executrix hereafter Named —
Item I Give unto my Daughter Sarah Dawes the sum of ten
shillings in Lawfull money, to be paid by my Executrix in some Convenient time
after my decease —
Item I Give to my daughter Elizabeth Bonney the sum of ten
Shillings lawfull Money to be paid by my Executrix in Some convenient time
after my death.
Item I Give unto my Grand Daughter Mary Mitchel the sum of
five Shillings lawfull money to be paid her by my Executrix —
Item I Give unto my Grandson Jonathan Mitchel, the sum of
five Shillings lawfull money to be paid by my Executrix —
Item, I Give unto my Grandson Howland Beals the sum of ten
shillings lawful money to be paid by my Executrix afternamed in some Convenient
time after my decease. —
Item I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife Ann
Howland all my Cedar Swamp Excepting that which I have by Deed given to my son
Rouse, together with all the remainder of my Estate not disposed of in this
will both within Doors & without; all my Goods, Stock, Debts, and whatever
else it be that I Shall dye seized of to be by my said wife im proved and
Disposed of, when where & to whomsoever She shall think fit & proper;
She first paying my Just debts and all the Legacies by me given in this my Last
will —
Finally I do hereby Ordain Constitute and appoint my well
beloved wife Ann Howland full & Sole Executrix of this my last will and
Testament and I do hereby revoke disanul & make void all former Wills &
Testaments by me heretofore made, declareing this Only to be my Last will &
Testament. In Witness Whereof I the said
Abraham Howland to this my last will and Testament have Set My hand & Seal
the day & year first above written —
Pronounced & Declared by the
said Abraham Howland to be
his Last will & Testament in Abraham Howland (seal)
the presence of us the Subscribers
Nehemiah Cushing
D. Lewis
Elisabeth Lewis
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1747 by the Execrx.
therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Cushing, Mr. Daniel Lewis
& Elisabeth Lewis, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ann Howland of Pembrooke, Widdow Executrix, on 3 Aug. 1747, with Daniel Lewis
Clerk and Nehemiah Cushing Gent., all of Pembrooke, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, p. 468-471, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Thomas
Howland of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1739) *
In the Name of God Amen. The first Day of October in the Year
of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty nine I Thomas Howland of
Plimouth in the County of Plimouth Gentm, being Weak and of an
Infirm Body, but of a Perfect, Sound and Disposeing Minde and Memory, Thanks be
given to God therefor Calling unto minde ye Mortallity of my Body,
and knowing yt it is Appointed for all men once to Dye, do make and
Ordain this my last Will and Testament That is to Say ~~
Imprimiss,
First and Principally I give my Soul into the Hands of God who gave it, and for
my Body I Commend it to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian and Decent Manner
at the Discreation of my Execrs. hereafter named; And as Touching
such Worldly Estate, where with it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life, I
give, Divise, Bequeath and Dispose the Same in Manner and form following vizt—
My
Will is that all my Just Debts and Funerall Charges be well and Truly payed
I
give unto my Dear and beloved Wife Joanna Howland The whole and Sole Use and
Improvement of my whole Estate both Reall and Personall, Dureing the Term of
her Natural Life
I
give Unto my Son Consider Howland all the Right Title and Interest that I have
unto a Garden Lott yt is in his Improvement and Inclousier, and
Lyeth adjoyning to my Garden, on ye Easterly Side thereof, and on ye
Backside of the House Wherein Capt Charles Dyre and my Brother Nathll
Howland now Dwell, To him, and his Heirs forever~ I give unto him and his Heirs
for ever Two thirds of the Land that I have which lyeth on sd North
Side of New Street so Called and is Bounded on ye North by ye
Land of Thomas Holmes and James Hovey, on ye West and South West on
ye Main Street, or Road, and on ye East End by the Bay or
Harbour. (Excepting one House Lott, which I have hereafter Disposed off, He to
have the Lands on the Northerly Side thereof, I do further Give unto my Son
Consider, one halfe of the Land that I have at Rocky-Nook to him and his Heirs
forever—
Item.
I Give unto him and his Heirs forever, one half of the Land that I have at a
Place Called Nicks Rocks; I further give unto him all the Land that
I have a aplace Called the fresh Lake, and about Twenty Acres yt I
have at Cobbs Hill. I Also give unto him the one Halfe of my Right
in a Ceader Swamp lying in Plimton neer to Nathl Jacksons, all the
afore granted, and given Premises I give unto my sd Son Consider, to
Him, and his Heirs forever. to his and their only proper Use and behoof forever
always Excepting and Reserveing the whole and Sole use and Improvement of the
Same to my Wife Joanna Howland Dureing her Naturall Life. I further give to my
sd Son all the Land, or Marshey Ground that I have that Lyeth below
the Bank from the place Called the Brickills to Deacon Woods Lands ~
I
give unto my Son Thomas Howland to him and his Heirs forever, my Dwelling House
where in I now Dwell, with the Garden, and Also all the Land that I have on the
Southerly Side of The New Street (Except what I shall here after Dispose off)
to him and his Heirs forever I give to him and his Heirs forever the one halfe
the Land I have at Rocky Nook; and one halfe the Land I have at Nicks
Rocks, I also give to him and his Heirs forever all the Rights and Interests
that I have in ye Majors Purchase in And whereas I Sometime also
gave unto my sd Son Thomas a Deed of halfe that Land Commonly Called
my Meadow ground and he has severall times Since Advanced Considerable Sums of
Money, for me (the sd Meadow ground Lyeth between the Land of Collo.
Lothrop Esqr. and the Land that belongs to the Heirs of Nicholas
Drew late of Plimouth Deceased.) I do now give unto my son Thomas, the other
halfe of sd Land or Meadow Ground to him, and his Heirs for ever; in
Consideration Where of I do oblige him my sd Son to pay unto my sd
Son Joseph Howland the Sum of Eighty Pounds in good Bills of Publick Creditt
within the Space of two years after the Decease of my selfe, and Wife; and I do
further Oblige him my sd Son to pay to me or my Wife, the Sum of Two
Hundred Pounds with what he hath already Paid when ever the Same Shall be
Demanded, either by me, or my sd Wife. All the aforegiven, and
Granted Premises I do give unto my sd Son Thomas to him and his
Heirs for Ever. to his and their alone Proper Use, & Behoof for ever.
Always Excepting and Reserveing the whole and Sole Use and Improvement of the
Same to my Wife Joanna Dureing her Naturall Life, I also give to my Son Thomas
halfe the Lott, whereon the Barn now Stands with halfe the Barn, sd
Lott being fifty five feet Front and ninety five foot Back, to him and his
Heirs forever
I
give unto my Son Joseph Howland, to him and his Heirs forever, halfe the Lott
whereon the Barn now Stands with halfe the Barn, sd Lott being Fifty
five feet Front and ninety feet back, I also give to him and his Heirs forever
one Third part of the Land I have Lyeing on ye North side of the new
Street so Called, Bounded On the North by the Land of Thomas Holmes, and James
Hovey, on the West by the Main Street or Road, on ye South by sd
New Street, and ye East End by the Bay The Other two Thirds I have
already given to my Son Consider Howland; I also give unto him, and his Heirs
forever my Wood Lott, being about Forty Acres, and Lyes Adjoyning to ye
Land of Samuell King and so on ye Road to Middlebourough, I also
give to him and his Heirs forever, one halfe of my Ceader Swamp that I have in
Plimton Lying neer to the Land of Nathl Jackson All the above given
and Granted Premises, I give unto him my sd Son Joseph Howland, to
Him, and his Heirs forever Always Excepting and Reserveing the whole Use &
Improvemt. of the Same to my Wife Joanna Dureing her Naturall Life
And
whereas I formerly gave to my Daughter Experience Lothrop the Wife of Mr
Benja. Lothrop a House Lott, I do now give to her the Sum of Ten
Pounds, to be paid her by my sd Son Thomas within a Year after my
Deacease.
I
give to my Daughter Elizabeth Howland to her & her Heirs forever, one House
lott vizt Sixty feet Front, and ninety Feet Back lying on ye
Main Street neer to James Hovey, to be Taken out of the Land that I have given
to my Son Consider, I further give to my sd Daughter Twenty Pounds
to be paid her by her Brother Consider at the Deacease of their Mother, To her
and her Heirs forever.
I
give to my Daughter Hannah Dyre the Wife of William Dyre one House Lott being
Sixty feet Front & Ninety feet Back Lyeing on the North Side of the New
Street; and it lyeth between Deacon John Atwoods and Timothy Mortons
Land, to Her, and her Heirs for Ever—
I
give to my Daughter Joanna Howland one House lott being Ninety feet Back &
Sixty feet Front and it Lyeth on the North Side of the New Street, Adjoyning to
the Land that belongs to the Heirs of Ephraim Cole late of Plimouth Deaceased.
I further give to my sd Daughter, Twenty Pounds to be paid her by my
Son Thomas at the Deacease of their Mother To her & her Heirs forever—
I give to my Grand Son Southworth
Howland the one Halfe of my Brick Shopp with halfe the Land it Stands on, to
him, and his Heirs forever, when he Shall arrive at the age of Twenty one
Years, ~ And the other halfe of sd Shopp and the Land it Stands on,
I give and Bequeath unto my Two Sons Thomas and Joseph, to be Equally Divided
between them; I give to them & their Heirs forever—
I
give to my three Sons vizt. Consider, Thomas and Joseph, all my
Right in the Common Land, Equally to be Divided between them after my Deacease,
and the Deacease of my Wife, ~ I do further give unto them, my sd
Three Sons, all the Right, title and Interest that I have unto any Lands, or
Meadows that I have in the Town of Plimouth, or else where (which is not
heretofore Disposed off, in this my last Will and Testament.) Equally to be
Divided between them, To them and their Heirs forever.
I
give unto my Beloved Wife Joanna Howland all my In Door Moveables to her only
Use and behoof forever and also I give unto her my sd Wife the whole
of My Moveable Estate, I give unto my sd Wife the whole of my
Personall Estate, To her and her Heirs forever—
I
give unto my Two Daughters Elisabeth Howland and Joanna Howland the Improvement
of one Roome in my Dwelling House that Shall be Convenient for them as Long as
theay shall Remain Unmarried
I
give unto my Wife Joanna Howland and to my two sons Consider Howland, and
Thomas Howland all the Debts that are Due to me from any Person, or Persons
whatsoever, and I do Oblige them my sd Wife & my two Sons
Consider and Thomas to pay my Funerall Charges and all my Just Debts that are
Due from me to any Person, or Persons ~ whatsoever.
Futhermore.
It is my minde & Will, that if my sd Son Consider Howland shall
endeavor to make Void and to Break this my last Will, either by Petition to the
Govournour and Councill, or by Bringing of an Action at the Common Law, or by
any other Ways and Means whatsoever; then it is my Will that he be Entirely
Cutt off, and Forfeit any Right, or Title to any of the aforementioned
Premisses that I have Given him. (Excepting the Garden Lott, that is Adjoyning
to my Garden, on the Easterly Sides and lyes on ye Back side of that
House wherein Charles Dyre and my Brother Nathl Howland now Dwells).
And in Case he doth Endeavor to break my sd Will as aforesd;
then I give and bequeath what I have heretofore given Him in this my sd
Will, to my two Sons Thomas and Joseph to them, And their Heirs forever—
Finally
I Constitute and appoint my Wife Joanna Howland, and my two sons Consider
Howland and Thomas Howland, Joynt Executors of this my last Will and Testament
Revoaking all others by me heretofore made. In Wittness whereof I have hereunto
set my Hand and Seal the Day first mentioned.
Thomas Howland (seal)
Signd, Seald,
published, Pronouncd & Declared
by the sd Thomas Howland
to
be his last Will & Testament
In Preasance of
Isaac Lothrop
Mellitiah Lothrop
Edward Winslow
Probated on 29 Dec. 1739, and
proved by Isaac Lothrop Esqr, Messrs Mellitiah Lothrop
and Edward Winslow, the Witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Joanna Howland and Thomas Howland, the Widow and Son of the deceased, two of
the Executors, on 29 Dec. 1739.
Necessarys set off to Mrs
Joanna Howland widow of Thomas Howland of Plymouth, Deceas’d, on 18 Apr. 1741
totaled £45.19.9.
The Inventory of the Goods,
Chattles and Estate both Real and Personall of Mr. Thomas Howland
late of Plymo., Deceased, was appraised by James Warren, Isaac
Lothrop junr. and Nathll. Thomas, but not dated, totaled
£1413.15.9, including his homestead land and building valued at £960. Joanna
Howland, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 17 Apr. 1741. Debts
demanded of the estate totaled £693.1.2.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 8, pp.
135-140, 313-317, from FHL microfilm #0551531.
Will of Daniel Hudson of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen June 2d. Day in the
Fifteenth year of His Majesties Reign Annoque Domini 1749.– I Daniel Hudson of
Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England Gentleman Calling To Mind
the appointment of God for all men once to Die in which my own frailty and
Mortality is Comprehended and Being now of a perfect mind and memory Do
therefore proced To make my Last Will and Testement in the First place I
committ my Soul to God the Great Author & Giver of it and My Body to the
Dust to Be bured in a Christain Manner at the Discretion of my Executor
hereafter named in Hope through Christ of a Glorious Resuretion and Concerning
the Things which the Infinite God hath Hath Ben Pleased to Bless Me With all
appertaining to the pressent Life Do Dispose of them in the following manner
viz. Impimis, my Will is that my funeral Charges and all Other Lawfull Debts in
a proper and Conveneant Time Time after my Decease Be Discharged
I Give and Bequeath unto my well Beloved Wife Abigail the one
third of the improvment of my Homsted agreable To the Obligation I Give Her
Before Marrage –
I Give unto My Daughter Mary the Wife of Isaac Lazell the
Best of my Beds that is to say one of them with the Bedstead Cord and under Bed
one Coverlad one Blankett and Two Sheets and all my Pewter Brass Iron Potts
Kittles Skillets pudden pan Fier Tongs and Shovel and one Trammel also I Give
unto my Said Daughter Mary Her Heirs and assigns forever a Certain peice of
Land which I Have in Community with Hezekiah Hayward Lying By the Land of
Joshua Willis junr.— Item: I Give unto my son Daniel His Heirs and
assigns forever all my Lands where his Dwelling House now Standing and all my
Lands to the North and East of of Thomas Hoopers Land also I give and Bequeath
unto my Said Son Daniell One Half of My Right in the ceder Swamp and also a
piece of Land Lying at the South End of Thomas Hoopers Land also I Give unto my
Son Daniel the Second Choice of my Beds that is one of them with the Bed Sted
and Cord one Coverlad one Blanket Two Sheets and under Bed Belonging To it and
also one Equal Half of My Wearing Cloath’s –
Item. I Give unto My Son William whome I make the Soule
Executor of this my Last Will and Testement to Him His Heirs and assigns
forever my Home place that is the Tract of Land where my Dwelling House now
Stands With the Buldings on it and twelve acres of Land which I Bought of
Timothy Washburn also one Half of my Right in the Ceder Swamp also I give unto
my Said Son William the one Half of my Wearing Cloathes and all my other Estate
whether Real or Personal Which I have not Before Mentioned or Disposed of – In
Testimony whereof I have Hereunto Set My Hand and Seal the Day and year
aforesaid —
Signed Sealed published pronounced
Delivered & Decelaird By the Said Daniel David [sic] Hudson (seal)
Hudson as His Last Will and Testement
In the Presents of us –
Jonathan Cary
Moses Orcutt
Josiah Edson jur.
Benja. Willis junr.
Samuel Kinsley
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1751 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Josiah Edson jur. and Benja. Willis
junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to William Hudson, of Bridgewater, the Executor, on 1 Apr. 1751.
Josiah Edson junr. Esqr. and Benja.
Willis Gentm. both of Bridgewater, were sureties on the bond of
William Hudson yeoman, of Bridgewater, as Executor of the estate of Daniel
Hudson, late of Bridgewater, Gentm, deceased.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 299-301, 378, from FHL
microfilm #0551539, the probate court clerk copied the signature of Daniel
Hudson as David Hudson.
Will of Daniel Hudson of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen~ on the Twelfth Day of March Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Three I Daniel Hudson of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman being of a Sound & Disposing
Mind & Memory Proceed to make this my Last Will and Testament In the first
Place I Give & Recommend my Soul Into the hands of God that Gave it,
Trusting in his Mercy Through Jesus Christ for Pardon Grace & Glory &
my body I Commit To the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of my
Executors hereafter named & with Reguard to my Worldly Interest I Dispose
of it in the Following Manner, Viz. ~
Imprimis My Will is that all my Just Debts & Funeral
Charges be paid in Convenient Time after my Decease ~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Well beloved Wife Mary One
Third Part of the Improvement of my Homested Including A Priviledge in my
Buildings Also a Cow to be kept for her Also an Horse to be provided for her
whenever She Shall have an Occasion for it, Also Fire Wood Delivered at her
Door ready cut also the Improvement of all my Indoor Moveables all these for
her to Improve During the Time She Shall continue my Widow ~
Item with Regard to my son Daniel I in a Former Will Gave him
One hundred Pounds besides what I had Done for him before Since which he has
Receiv’d Forty One Pounds five Shillings which I Designed towards his Portion
of my Estate & he Gave Receipts for the Same & I do now Give him Fifty
Eight Pounds fifteen Shillings the Remainder of the Said Hundred Pounds Also I
Give unto him One Third Part of my Quick Stock ~
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Two Daughters Namely Abigail
Howard & Reliance Billings besides what I have heretofore Given them all my
Indoor Moveables (not Otherwise Disposed of) After my Wifes Improvement of them
to be Equally Divided between them ~
Item I Give unto Nathan Alden son to my Daughter Mary
Deceased One Pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence ~
Item – I Give & Bequeath to my son Nathan his Heirs &
Assigns forever the Westerly Part of my Homestead Bounded as followeth begining
at a Stake & Stones in the North East Corner of the Laurel Swamp about five
Rods to the South Ward of Plymouth Road from thence Running North Thirty
Degrees East to an Elm Tree Marked & keeping the Same Point to Robbins Pond
So Called then by Said Pond westerly ‘till it comes to the Lands that was
Samuel James’s then by Those Lands to the High way so Crossing the High-way Then
by Reuben Halls Land unto the Said Laurel Swamp then by Said Swamp to the first
Bounds excluding the High way I further give him his Heirs & Assigns The
Ten Acres of Land I bought of Alice Hearsie Also a Peice of Meadow Land lying
by Said Pond & the Herring River that runs into Sd. Pond
boundeth as Followeth Begining at a Pitch Pine Tree marked Standing near said
Pond from thence runing west five degrees South two Rods to the Pond Then
begining again at Sd. Pitch Pine Tree and Runing east five degrees
North five Rods to a White Oak Marked on four Sides then North Sixty Eight
Degrees East Eighteen Rods to Sapling white Oak marked then North two Degrees
west to the Sd. River there being a Stake & Stones in this last
line Then by the River & Pond ‘till it comes to the end of the first line
run from the Sd. Pitch Pine Also a Peice of Wood Land lying on the
easterly Side of Pinguin Bridg So called Bounded as Followeth Beginning at a
White Oak Tree marked with B. H in the Line between the Town of Bridgwater
& Hallifax from thence in the Sd. Line North Seven Degrees &
an half east forty Rods to a Stake & Stones then west five Degrees North
twenty Seven Rods to a White Oak Marked then South Ninteen Degrees east ten
Rods to an Hornbine Tree marked Then South four Degrees east Thirty Eight Rods
to a Pitch Pine marked Then east Eight Degrees North Sixteen Rods to a Stake
& Stones in the Said Town Line then in Said Line about four Rods to the
first Bounds Also the one half of my Cedar Swamp ~
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Son John his Heirs &
Assigns forever the Easterly Part of my Homestead Bounded as Follows Begining
at the Stake & Stones first Mentioned in the Sd. Nathans Part of
Sd. Homestead & then Runing by Said Nathans Part to the Sd.
Pond then Bounded by Sd. Pond Easterly ‘till it comes to a Peice of
Meadow given to Sd. Nathan then by the Sd. Meadow ‘till
it comes to the River then up the River to the line between ye Sd.
Town of Bridgwater & Hallifax Then Southerly in Sd. line to a Stake
& Stones then west five Degrees north Sixty Seven Rods to a White Oak
marked Then by John Hooper line to the Laurel Swamp aforesd. then by
Sd. Swamp to the first bounds mentioned Also one half of my Cedar
Swamp ~
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Said Sons Nathan &
John my Pew in the Meeting House Also my Stable by the Meeting House Also my
Desk Also the other two third of my Quick Stock Also all my other personal
Estate excepting my Apparel to be equally devided between them ~
Item I give unto my Said three Sons Daniel Nathan & John
my Apparel to be equally devided between them ~
Item I do hereby enjoyn my Said Sons Nathan & John to pay
out all the aforesd. Legacies Debts & Funeral Charges equally
between them ~
Item I Do hearby Nominate and Appoint my Said Sons Nathan
& John Sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament In witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the Day & Year aforesaid ~
Sign’d Seal’d & delivered
Pronounced Published & declared
by the Sd. Daniel Hudson as his
last Will & Testament before us
Josiah Edson Daniel Hudson (seal)
Thomas Washburn
Caleb Cary
Presented for probate on 19 Sept. 1775 by the Executors, and
proved by Josiah Edson Junr. and Thomas Washburn, two of the
witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Hudson, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 28 Sept. 1775 by Ephraim Cary, Nathan Alden, and
David Kingman, and totaled £1016.11.11, his buildings and lands given to Nathan
Hudson appraised at £450, and his buildings and lands given to John Hudson
appraised at £450, and his buildings and lands given to John Hudson appraised
at £442.10. Nathan Hudson and John Hudson, the Executors, gave their oath to
the inventory on 1 Jan. 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, pp. 25-27, 59, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of John Hudson of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
In the name of God
amen. I John Hudson of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Commonwealth of
Massachusetts yeoman calling to mind the Uncertainty of human Life do make
& ordain this my last Will & Testament in the following Manner. viz.
1st. I
give & bequeath to Bethiah my beloved Wife one third of the Improvement of
my real Estate during her natural Life also one hundred Dollars & my
household Furniture (except my desk and two Cranes) to be disposed of as she
thinks proper, also one Cow & the Use of a suitable Horse & Carriage,
when she wishes to use them, also my Library. –
2dly. I
give & bequeath to my Sons Otis & Daniel, to each, fifty Dollars. –
3dly. I
give & bequeath to my several Daughters the following Sums, to Mary ten
Dollars, to Mehitabel five Dollars, to Abigail one Dollar, to Susanna one
hundred & fifty Dollars to Bethiah one hundred & Seventy Dollars also
the right to live in my house with the comfortable use of a Fire, with a right
to sit in my Pew, and the use of a good Cow well kept so long as she lives
unmarried also two sheep well kept during said Term also three Bushels of
Indian Corn & two of Rye annually during said Term. –
4thly. I
give & bequeath to my Sons my wearing Apparel to be equally divided between
them –
5thly. I
give and bequeath to my Son Melzar the Residue & remainder of my Estate
both real & personal to him his Heirs and Assigns forever, he paying my
just Debts & funeral Charges I also
appoint him the sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament & hereby
revoke all former Wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & Seal, this twenty first day of May Anno Domini one thousand eight
hundred & eighteen
Signed
sealed published and declared
by
the said John Hudson to be his last
Will
and Testament in the presence of
us
who have hereunto subscribed our
Names
as Witnesses in presence of the Testator John Hudson (seal)
Nathan
Alden
Isaac
Alden 3d.
Lydia
Keith –
Presented for probate on 17 Jan.
1820 by Melzar Hudson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Alden
Esqr. and Isaac Alden 3d. two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Melzar Otis [sic], the
before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
Melzar Hudson, yeoman, of
Bridgwater, was granted administration of the estate of John Hudson, late of
Bridgwater, on 17 Jan. 1820, with Nathan Alden, Esqr. and Isaac
Alden 3d, Gentleman, both of Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p.
479-480, from FHL microfilm #0550906, and Probate Docket #11006.
Will and Codicil of Nathan Hudson of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1828) *
In the name of God,
Amen, I Nathan Hudson of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, Yeoman,
being advanced in age & considering the uncertainty of life do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament and dispose of my worldly estate as
follows, namely.
1. I give &
bequeath to my beloved wife Ann the use & improvement of all my Real &
personal estate during her life.
2d. After
the decease of my said Wife, provided my daughter Betsey Briggs, wife of
William Briggs shall then be living, it is my Will that she shall have the
income, use & profits of all my real & personal estate and for that
purpose I do hereby appoint Azor Harris of said East Bridgewater and my
grandson Theophilus Parsons Briggs son of said Betsey trustees of all my said
Estate, after the decease of my said wife, & during the life of my said
daughter, to manage, use and improve the same to the best advantage, &
apply, appropriate and pay over the income & profits thereof, for the use
and benefit of my said daughter during her life.
3d.
After the decease of my said wife & daughter both, it is my will
that all my estate then remaining (except two legacies hereafter named) shall
go to my two grand children, Theophilus Parsons Briggs, & James Henry
Briggs, children of my said daughter, or their legal representatives, equally
to be divided between them; – And I accordingly devise & bequeath the same
to them, their heirs & assigns forever, to have & hold the same as
aforesaid in fee after the decease of my said wife and daughter. And if either
of my aforesaid grand children shall then have deceased leaving children, they,
their said children, shall take as representatives the share of such deceased
parent – but if such deceased shall leave no children then & in that case
the said estate shall go to the survivor. And in case that both my aforesaid
grand children shall have deceased, at the time of the decease of my said wife
and daughter, then the said estate shall go to my other two grand children,
William Briggs & Nathan Hudson Briggs, children of my said daughter, to
them, their heirs & assigns forever.
4th.
I give & bequeath to my grandson William Briggs aforesaid, son of my
said daughter, twenty five dollars to be paid to him in one year after the
decease of my said wife and daughter.
5th. – I give and bequeath to my aforenamed
grand child Nathan Hudson Briggs, fifty dollars, also my watch, to be paid
& delivered to him in one year after the decease of my said wife &
daughter.
6th I do
hereby appoint the said Azor Harris & the said Theophilus Parsons Briggs to
be Executors of this my last will and Testament, as well as Trustees as
aforesaid. And I do hereby empower them & enjoin upon them to pay all my
just debts & funeral charges, and for that purpose I do hereby authorise
them to sell & dispose of, either by sale at auction or private contract,
such personal or real estate, as they, consulting my said wife & daughter,
if either be living, may deem most beneficial to the interest & estate I
may have. And in case that my son in law William Briggs should die leaving my
said wife & my said daughter both, alive, or either of them, as the case
may be, then & in such case, the said Azor Harri’s authority, as trustee as
aforesaid shall cease and be void, & they, my said wife & daughter, or
either of them, if one only is living, shall have all the authority I have
hereby given to said Harris, as trustee as aforesaid. And I hereby in such case
authorise my said wife & daughter, or either of them, as the case may, to
do all I have authorised the said Harris to do, as trustee as aforesaid in
manner aforesaid jointly with said Theophilus & to sell in manner aforesaid
any such estate as may be necessary to make them, or either of them, as the
case may be, comfortable, & apply the proceeds to their use & benefit
& to the use & benefit of my said grand children provided the personal
estate and income of the real estate shall be insufficient for that purpose.
It is
also my will and direction that the said Harri’s authority, as Executor, as
aforesaid, shall continue no longer than during the minority of the said
Theophilus & that after said Theophilus comes of age, he shall be the sole
Executor of this my last will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of
September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty
eight.
Nathan Hudson (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the above named Nathan Hudson to
be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who have hereunto at
his request subscribed our names as witnesses in his presence & in the
presence of each other.
Barthw
Brown
Charles
Rogers
Betsey
Brown.
I,
Nathan Hudson of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman, do this
first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred &
twenty nine make and publish this Codicil to my last Will & Testament in
manner following, viz, instead of twenty five dollars given and bequeathed to
my grandson William Briggs, therein named in the fourth bequest in my said last
will & Testament, I give & bequeath him, the said William grandson
aforesaid one dollar only – And instead of fifty dollars therein given & bequeathed
to my grandson Nathan Hudson Briggs as mentioned & bequeathed in the fifth
bequest of said last Will and testament, I give & bequeath said Nathan
Hudson Briggs twenty five dollars only — And it is my will & desire that
these alterations shall be so made in the fourth & fifth bequest as
mentioned in my said last Will & Testament. And I desire that this Codicil
be annexed to & made part of my last will & Testament
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this first day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty nine
Nathan Hudson (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the above named Nathan Hudson to be his
Codicil to his last will & Testament in the presence of us, who at his
request, & in his presence have hereunto set our names as witnesses to the
same.
Barthw
Brown
Charles
Rogers
Betsey
Brown
Presented for probate on 6 Oct. 1835, and proved by
Bartholomew Brown, Charles Rogers and Betsey Brown, the subscribing witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Theophilus P. Briggs of Boston in the
County of Suffolk, the Executor, on 6 Oct. 1835.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p. 457-461, from FHL microfilm
#0555264.
Will of William
Hudson of
In the Name of God amen ye 26th day of
September in the Year of our Lord – 1728 I William Hudson of Bridgewater in ye
County of Plymouth in New England Mason being very sick & weak of body tho
of perfect Mind & Memory Thanks be given to God there for Calling to Mind ye
Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dy
do Make & Ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner & form
following—
Viz: First of all I Give my Soul into ye hands of
God that gave it me hoping through ye merits & Passion of my
Saviour Jesus Christ to inherit Eternal Life and as to my Body I Commit it to
the Earth to be decently buried at ye Discretion of my Execrs
hereafter named And as touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of ye Same in
manner & form following—
1. My Will is that all my Debts be truly & lawfully paid
by my Executors that I do owe to any & every Person whatsoever—
2. I Give unto my beloved Wife Experience Hudson whom I
appoint together with Joseph Byram of ye Same Town my sole Executrix
& Executr of this my last Will & Testament all the whole of
my worldly Estate both real & personal & to her Heirs & assignes to
be Injoyed by them forever—And I do hereby Revoke & Disanull all other
& former Wills & Testaments Bequeathed made by me in time past & do
hereby declare this & none Other to be my last Will & Testament and
Witness whereof I the sd William Hudson have hereunto Set my hand
and Seal the day & Year first above written – Three Words blotted out in
the Will before Signing—
William Hudson (seal)
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced & Declared by
the sd William
her her
Susanna X
Perkins Martha X Perkins
mark mark
Probated on 2 Dec. 1728, and proved by Ephraim Lenard &
Susanna Perkins. Letters of administration on the estate of William Hudson,
late of
The Inventory of the Estate of William Hudson, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William
Hudson of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I William Hudson of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, Brick layer, being of a sound and disposing mind, do
make this my last will & testament, and in the first place, I recommend my
soul to God who gave it, and my body to the earth From whence it was taken, to
be buried, with decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, and with regard to my worldly goods & estate, I dispose of
the same in manner following — viz~
Imprimis—I
Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Barzillai Hudson & Asa Hudson my wood
land, lying on the south side of the high way, leading from my dwelling house
to Daniel Willis’s in the west Parish in said Bridgwater, to pay the Notes of
hand they hold against me, & also, to pay a legacy of Ten pounds to said
Barzillai & Five pounds to said Asa, and if said land shall not be
appraised for enough to pay said notes & said legacies, then so much land
to be Set off by appraisement at the northerly end of my Homestead to said
Barzillai & Asa, as shall make up the deficiency; and if the said Barzillai
and Asa shall refuse to comply with the terms aforesaid, I order my Executor to
sell said land & to pay said notes & legacies
Item—I
Give and bequeath unto my three sons William Hudson Edward Hudson & Eli
Hudson three Feather beds with common furniture for lodging, to be equally
divided between them
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my Son William aforesaid a Note of hand for Forty two
pounds nineteen shillings which I have against him
Item—I
Give & bequeath unto my two Sons William & Eli aforesaid my wearing
apparell, to be equally divided between them
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my two Daughters, Silence Soule wife of Ebenezer Soule
and Mary Soule wife of Asaph Soule, in addition to Forty two pounds, which each
have already recieved, all my hollow Iron ware, except a large kettle set in
brick, also all my Pewter, and also two looking glasses, the whole to be
equally divided between them
Item.
I order my Executor to dispose of my quick stock,
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my Son Eli aforesaid, all the remainder of my estate,
both real & personal, not already disposed of ~
Item=
I do constitute and appoint my said Son Eli Hudson Sole Executor of this my
last will & testament, and I do hereby ratify and confirm this to be my
last will & testament, disallowing all other wills by me heretofore made.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal, the sixth day of
May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety four
Signed Sealed Published &
declared by
the said William Hudson to be his
last William Hudson (seal)
will & testament in presence of
us
Nathan
Hayward – [deceased]
Beza
Hayward
Abigail
Hayward
September
the twenty ninth in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred &
ninety six the above named William Hudson Sealed published & declared the
above & within instrument to be his last deed & testament in presence
of us
Joseph
Alden
Daniel
Alden
Presented for probate on 2 Jan.
1797 by Eli Hudson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward Esqr.
& Daniel Alden, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
The Inventory of the real & personal estate of William
Hudson, late of Bridgwater, Bricklayer, was appraised by Oliver Alden, William
Mitchell, and Enoch Perkins on 14 Mar. 1797, and totaled $728.34, including his
real estate valued at $596.14. Eli Hudson, the Executor of the estate, gave his
oath to the inventory on 24 Oct. 1797.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Hunt
of Westchester, Westchester County, Province of New York (1760) *
In the Name of God Amen I Joshua Hunt Senior of the Borough
Town of Westchester in the County of Westchester and Province of New York being
indisposed in Body but of sound and Disposing mind and memory thanks be to God
to make my last Will and Testament in Manner following first and Principally I
commit my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body to the Earth to
be decently buried by my Executors herein named hoping for Pardon of all my
Sins through the merits of my blessed Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, and as
touching my Worldly Estate I give and Dispose of it as followeth, First I Will
that all my Just Debts and funeral Charges be duely paid and satisfied within
some convenient time after my Decease, Secondly I give to my Grand Son Joshua
Hunt Son of John Hunt and to his heirs the sum of ten Shillings, Thirdly I give
to my Son Caled Hunt and to his heirs the sum of five Pounds Currency, Forthly
I give to my Son Joshua Hunt and to his heirs the sum of five Pounds Currency,
Fifthly I give to my Son Israel Hunt and to his heirs the sum of three Pounds
Currency, Sixthly I give to my Daughter Merriam Oakly the sum of five Pounds
Currency, Seventhly I give to my Daughter Mary Hunt and to her heirs the sum of
twenty Pounds Currency Eighthly I give to my Wife Marcy Hunt the sum of one
hundred Pounds Currency also one Feather Bed & furniture thereunto
belonging which Legacy shall be a full and perpetual bar to her of her Dower in
my Estate, Ninthly I give to my Son Enoc Hunt and to his heir and assigns for
ever all my Estate both Real and Personall whatsoever and wheresoever provided
he doth pay and satisfie all my Just debts and the above Legacys within some
convenient time after my Decease, Lastly
I nominate and appoint my Son Enoc Hunt and Benjamin Palmer Executors of this
my last Will and Testament hereby making Void all former Wills by me made
Declaring this Only to be my last Will and Testament, In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this twenty forth day of July in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and Sixty.
Joshua Hunt (seal)
Sign’d Seal’d Published and Declared by the aid Joshua Hunt
as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed our
names as Witnesses thereof in his presence,
Philip Palmer
William Doty
Miles Oakby
Probated on 25 March 1762, and proved by William Doty, Blacksmith,
and Miles Oakby, Weaver, both of the Borough Town of West Chester. Letters of
Administration granted to Enoch Hunt and Bejamin Palmer, the Executors, on 15
Apr. 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 23, p. 310-311, copied from
original Liber 23, p. 299-300.
Will of Lot Hunt of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1815) *
In
the name of God Amen I Lot Hunt of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life,
& being of sound, perfect mind & memory, blessed be Almighty God for
the same do make & publish this my last will & Testament, in manner
& form following (that is to say),
First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Abigail Hunt the use and
improvement of one third part of all my real Estate together with the whole of
the household furniture that she had and brought with her when I married her.
Secondly I will that after all just debts & charges shall have been paid
that my Estate be divided into five shares.
I
give and bequeath unto my only son Samuel Hunt two full shares.
I
also do give and bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Brewster one full share.
I
also do give unto my Daughter Jane Prior one full share.
I
also do give and bequeath unto my three Grandchildren (by my son Ziba Hunt
deceased) viz Ziba Hunt, Henry Hunt and Mary Hunt one full share, to be equally
divided between them when they shall be of lawful age. I also will that my son
Samuel Hunt shall have the use & improvement of the above named
Grandchildren’s shares until they shall respectively come of lawful age, and
that he shall at his own expense, take proper care of and educate my above
named Grandchild Ziba Hunt until he is twenty years of age, I also will that my
son Samuel Hunt shall have all my wearing apparel, any thing herein contained
to the contrary notwithstanding. And furthermore it is my express will that the
use & improvement of the one third part of my real Estate given to my wife
as abovesaid shall remain unto her so long as she shall remain my widow &
no longer.
And
I do hereby nominate & appoint my son Samuel Hunt sole Executor of this my
last will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty sixth day of May in
the year of our Lord 1815.
Signed, Sealed, published &
declared by the
above named Lot Hunt to be his last
will & Testament, in presence
of us
who at his request & in his
presence Lot Hunt (seal)
have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses to the same
Jonathan
Harlow
Melzar
Brewster
Studley
Samson
Presented for probate on 21 Oct.
1822 by Samuel Hunt, the Executor therein named, and proved by Melzar Brewster
and Studley Sampson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Samuel Hunt, the before named Executor.
Studley Sampson, Gent,
Avery Richards, Chaisemaker, and Seth Sprague Jr, Trader, all of Duxbury, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Lot Hunt, late of Duxbury, yeoman, on 1
Oct. 1822. The Inventory of the Estate of Lot Hunt, late of Duxbury was not
dated, but his real estate was valued at $1270.00, and his personal estate
totaled $543.63. Samuel Hunt, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
18 Nov. 1822.
Plymouth Ss November 21st. 1822 To Samuel Hunt, Executor of the
last Will & Testament of Lot Hunt late of Duxbury in said County yeoman
deceased — Greeting
You are hereby directed to sell
personal Estate of said deceased at public Auction or private sale as will most
benefit all persons interested after the same shall have been appraised,
excepting such parts thereof as are specially devised in his last Will &
Testament & account with me for the proceeds of the same –
Wilkes Wood J Prob ~
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, pp. 158-160, 328-329, 185, from
FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of Henrietta Huntley of Andes, Delaware County, New York (1877) *
I Henrietta Huntley of the town of Andes County of Delaware
& State of New York being of sound mind & memory do make ordain publish
& declare this to be my last Will and Testament that is to say. First –
After all my lawful debts are paid & discharged I give devise &
bequeath unto my son Anthony H. Huntley his heirs & assigns all that tract
or parcel of land situated in the town of Andes County of Delaware & State
of New York Bounds described as follows on the H W by the Delaware River on the
South West by lands owned by Samuel Davis on the South by lands of lot No 7, on
the East by lands occupied by M. R Squires on Lot No 12, generally known as Lot
No 2 in Great Lot No 6, Hardenburgh Patent, to have & to hold the premises
above described to the said Anthony H Huntley his heirs & assigns
forever. Second – I give and devise to
my son James A Huntley the following personal property to wit, one feather bed
straw tuck together with quilt comforter sheets pillows & other necessary
appurtenances to it also one square stand. Third I give & devise to my son
Anthony H Huntley the following personal property to wit, one Bed & Beading
also one wash stand. Fourth, to my daughter Susan Jane Conklin one Bed &
the necessary bedding all of my carpets & the remainder of the Bedding that
I may have left at my decease, and lastly to my son Anthony H Huntley all the
hereditaments & appurtenances belonging to or in any wise appertaining to
the real estate above mentioned together with all the rest residue &
remainder of my personal estate goods and chattels of what nature or kind
soever. Likewise I make constitute and appoint my son Anthony H Huntley &
Isaac E. Haumer of the town of Andes Delaware County & State of New York to
be executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former
Wills by me made.
In Witness Where of I have hereunto subscribed my name &
affixed my seal the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred & seventy seven
her
Henrietta x
Huntley (seal)
mark
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof subscribed by Henrietta Huntley in the presence of us & each of us,
she at the time of making such subscription acknowledged that she made the same
& declared the said instrument so subscribed by her to be her last Will and
Testament. Whereupon we then & there at her request & in her presence
& the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Isaac E. Haumer residing
at Union Grove N.Y
Samuel Davis residing
at Union Grove N.Y
I Isaac E. Haumer of the town of Andes Del Co N.Y one of the
Executors named and appointed in & by the Last Will and Testament of
Henrietta Huntley late of the town of Andes in the County of Delaware deceased
do hereby renounce the said appointment & all right & claim to letters
testamentary on the said last Will and Testament or to act as Executor thereof
Dated May 28, 1888 Isaac
E. Haumar (seal)
State of New York }
County of Delaware }
On
this 28th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred &
eighty eight before me the subscribed personally came Isaac E Haumer to me
known to be the same person described in & who executed the foregoing
renunciation & acknowledged that he executed the same
Daniel
T. Arbuckle Surrogate
Anthony H. Huntley was granted Letters Testamentary on the
estate of Henrietta Huntley, late of Andes, on 28 May 1888.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Wills Vol. M, p. 215, from FHL microfilm
#0833513, and Letters Testamentary Vol. I, p. 287.
Will of Moses Inglee of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1801) *
In
the Name of God amen I Moses Inglee of the Town of Halifax in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being weak in Body but of
sound & perfect Mind & Memory, blessed by almighty God for the same, do
make & publish this my last will & Testament in Manner following that
is to say —
First
my will is that my Just debts & Funeral charges be paid out of my personal
Estate if sufficient if not to be paid as hereafter expressed —
2dly.
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Anna Inglee one third of all my
personal Estate & the Improvement of one third of my Real Estate so long as
she remains my Widow in the Manner following by cutting Timber for Repairing
Buildings & Fences and Fire Wood sufficient for one Fire. —
3dly.
I give & bequeath unto my eldest Son Solomon Inglee Ten Dollars. I give
& bequeath unto my four Sons Ebenezer Inglee, Moses Inglee Lemuel Ingles
& Jesse Inglee the Sum of two Dollars a piece, also relinquishing all debts
due from any or either of my Sons by Note Bond or Book account. —
4th.
I give and bequeath unto my Youngest Son Robert Inglee all my Real Estate by
his paying all Legaises mentioned in this my last will & Testament &
all my just debts if there is not sufficient personal Estate to pay the same
also reserving a privilege in the House for my daughter Olive Inglee to live in
so long as she shall live a single Life —
5th.
I give & bequeath unto my Grandson Bela Bosworth fifteen Dollars to be paid
to him when he shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years, but if he shall die
before that time then the fifteen Dollars shall be paid to my two Daughters
equally divided between them unless either of them die without Issue then the
above Sum to be paid to the surviving one –
6th.
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Waterman Fifteen Dollars in Addition
to what she received at the time of her Marriage —
7th
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Olive Inglee Sixty seven Dollars, I also
give & bequeath unto my Daughter Olive a privilege of living in my house so
long as she shall live a single Life –
8th.
It is my Will that all the above Legacies be paid out of my personal Estate if
there is sufficient, if not, to be paid by my Son Robert as above mentioned
within six Months after my decease except my Grandson Bela’s — And I do hereby
appoint Adam Tomson sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made –
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal this twenty fifth day of December in the Year of our
Lord one Thousand eight hundred & One —
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above
named Moses Inglee to be his last
Will & Testament
in the presence of us, who have
hereunto subscribed our
names as Witnesses in presence of
the Testator –
Josiah
Tomson Moses Inglee (seal)
Freeman
Waterman
Joanna
Waterman
Presented for probate on 1 June
1809 by Adam Tomson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Tomson,
Freeman Waterman and Joanna Waterman, all the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Adam Tomson, the before named
Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Moses Inglee, late of Halifax, dated 21 Apr. 1809, was appraised by Timothy
Wood, Jacob Soule, and Richard Bosworth, and totaled $3136.08, including his
real estate valued at $2367. Adam Tomson, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 1 May 1809.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
464-465, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Abraham
Jackson of
In the Name of God Amen. I Abraham Jackson of Plimouth In the
County of Plimouth in New-England being weak & Infirm of Body but (through
the goodness of God) of Sound & Disposeing minde & memory do make &
ordaine this my Last Will and Testament as followeth. Impr. I Comitt
my soul to God that Gave it relying upon his free Grace in the Lord Jesus
Christ for Eternal Salvation and my Body to the dust to be decently Buried
according to the discretion of my Executr. hereafter named and
Appointed hopeing for a Glorious Resurrection to Life & Imortality through
Jesus Christ the first fruits from the Dead and as to what Temporal Estate it
hath pleased God to Bless me with (my Just Debts & funerall Charges being
first duly paid & Discharged) I Dispose of the Same as followeth. That is
to Say.
I Give to my eldest son Abraham Jackson all my Wearing
apparrell whatsoever both Wollen & Linen. Item I Give and Bequeath all the
Rest of my Whole Estate Both reall & personal whatsoever and wheresoever to
my five Childrean viz Abraham Jackson Nathaniel Jackson Eliezer Jackson John
Jackson & Lidia Hall to be Equally Divided amongst them and to be Enjoyed
by them & theirs heirs for ever. Item I Constitute and appoint my Son
Eliezer Jackson Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament and do
hereby Revoke disanull and make void all former Wills & Testaments &
Ratafy & Confirm this & no other to be my Last Will and Testament. And
in Testimony hereof have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal this Sixteenth Day of
January Anno Domini One Thousand Seven hundread and Seven 1707/8
Signed Sealed & Declared To be his
Last Will & Testament – Abraham O Jackson
In presence of us his
marke
Nathaniel Thomas Junr
Ephraim Little Junr
Mary Thomas
Probated on 22 Dec. 1714, and proved by Nathaniel Thomas Junr
Esqr, Mr. Ephraim Little, & Mrs. Mary
Thomas, the witnesses.
The inventory of the Estate of Abraham Jackson Senr,
of Plimouth, was appraised by Charles Church, Haviland Torrey, and Francis
Adams, on 8 Oct. 1714, but was not totaled.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Abraham Jackson of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In the Name of God Amen Abraham Jackson of the Town of
Plymouth and the County aforesaid In New England yeoman Labouring under Many
Infirmatyes of Boddy which as simtoms of aproaching mortallity but of Perfect
& Disposeing memory Thanks be given To almighty God for the Same but
Calling to minde the mortallity of my boddy Knowing that it is appointed for
all men once To Die Do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament.
first I Will & bequeth my Sole To God that Gave it me
& my body to the Dust To be Decently buried at the Decrisation of my
Executor hereafter named Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I
Shall Receve the Same again by the mighety Power of God
Item I will & Bequeth unto my Loving wife Bethiah Jackson
one Third Part of My Moveable Estate after my Just Debts & funeral Charges
are Paid out of them and also one Third Part of the Improvement of my Real
Estate So Long as she shall Remain my widdow all This I give To my Loving wife
so Long as she shall Remain my widdow
Item I Give & Bequeth unto my Loving Son Isaac Jackson
all my home stead where I now Dwell with all the Buldings thereon and also all
my Lands & meddow adjoning to said homstead all Lying in the Town Ship of
Plymouth I also give To my son all my Lands & Meddow & Sedar Swamp
which I have Lying in the Township of Plimtown I also Give To my sd.
son one Third part of my moveable Estate My Just Debts and funeral Charges
& my Loving wifes Tirds being Paid out all the above Said home stead &
buldings & Lands Medow & Cedar Swamp & movable Estate I Give To my
Loving son Isaac Jackson & unto his heirs and assignes forever all ways
Provided that he his heirs Executors or administrators Shall Pay Such Legasies
and fulfil What I shall Appoint him hereafter in this Presen will
Item I Give & Bequeth unto my Loving Daughter Mary
Jackson the One Third part of my Movable Estate my Just debts & funeral
Charges & my wifes Thirds being first paid out of them All This I give To
my sd. Daughter To her heirs and assignes for Ever
Item I will & Bequeth unto my Loving Daughter Margret
Jackson the one Third Part of my movable Estate my Just Debts being &
funeral Charges & my wifes Thirds Being first Paid out of them I also give
To my sd Daughter Twenty Pounds Lawfull Monny Including ye.
movebals which I have given her in This will & if the Movables which I have
in this will Given To my Said Daughter Do not Amount To Twenty Pounds Lawfull
monny I Do order and apoint that My Loving Son Isaac shall make it up Twenty
Pounds Lawfull monny whe he Shall arrive at the age of Twenty one years or his
his heirs Executors or Administrators all This I Give To my sd
Daughter and To her heirs and assignes for Ever
I also order & appoint My Loving Son Isaac Jackson To
mantain my Loving Daughter Mary Jackson Dureing her natural Life he or his
heirs or adminitrators
Lastly I Nomanate & Appoint My Loving Nibour James Robens
to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will & Testament hereby Revoceing
all other and former wills Either written or Verbal by me hereto fore made or
Done hereby Ratifieing & Confirming this my Last will To Remain firm &
in Testimony where of I the above said Abraham Jackson have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this Twenty fifth Day of october in the year of our Lord 1760
Signed. Sealed and Declared by the his
Said Abraham Jackson To be his Abraham XI Jackson (seal)
Last will & Testament in Presenc mark
of us
Samll Lucas
Joseph Lucas
Edward Doten
Presented for probate on 6 Apr. 1761 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Saml. Lucas and Edward Doten, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James Robens of Plimtown,
Inholder, the Executor in the same will named, on 6 Apr. 1761.
The Inventory of the Estate of Abra. Jackson, late
of Plimouth, was appraised on 20 Jan. 1761 by Samuel Barrows, Samuel Lucas, and
Eleazer Crouther, and totaled £271.10.0, including his real estate valued at
£200. James Robins, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Apr.
1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 88-90, 297, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will and Codicil of Daniel Jackson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1828) *
Be it remembered that I Daniel Jackson of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Merchant being of sound
and perfect mind and memory, do make constitute and publish this my last Will
& Testament in the following manner and form, to wit, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Rebecca Jackson in lieu of her dower in my Estate, the use and improvement of
my Mansion House & Appurtenances in Plymouth, and also the Furniture therein,
during her natural life.
I
further give unto my said Wife as aforesaid the rents and profits that may be
derived from my Estate in Court Street and in Somerset Court in the City of
Boston, and the profits of my Stocks in Plymouth Bank, and in New England Bank,
Suffolk Bank & Boston Marine Insurance Company in the City of Boston so far
as the said rents and profits may be necessary for her maintenance in the
manner most agreeable to her wishes, and in case any circumstance should render
the said rents and profits insufficient for the maintenance of my said Wife
such deficiency is to be made up by the sale of any of my Bank or Insurance
Stocks in Plymouth or Boston, or either of my said Estate in Boston or all of
them, by the Executors herein after appointed, as my said Wife shall direct to
defray the expenses of her maintenance in the manner suited to her wishes.
I
do will and direct that the debts and expenses to which my Estate shall be
justly chargeable shall be paid out of that part of my Personal Estate which is
not above specially reserved for the maintenance of my wife.
With
a view to as equal a Distribution of my Estate among my children as is
practicable and under a consideration of all the circumstances I give and
bequeath to my son Daniel Jackson Junr. the amount of a Note of hand
which I hold against him for Eleven hundred & seventy five dollars, dated
September 5. 1820.
I
also give and bequeath to my son Abraham Jackson a piece of land containing
about 1¾ Acres situated between the Rope walk lot lot owned by Thomas &
William Jackson and the harbour of Plymouth and is known by the name of Whites
field.
I
also give and bequeath to my son Thomas T. Jackson the amount of a Note of hand
that I hold against him for eighteen hundred & ninety nine & 71/100
dollars, dated January 27. 1822~
I
also give and bequeath to my son Isaac C Jackson the amount of a Note of hand
that I hold against him for eighteen hundred & ninety nine & 71/100
dollars, dated Jany. 27. 1822.
I
also give and bequeath to my son William M Jackson the amount of a certain Note
of hand that I hold against him for Eight hundred dollars, dated June 30. 1823.
I
also give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Robbins the wife of Josiah
Robbins the amount of my account of Cash advanced her to purchase her
furniture.
The
above above gifts to my sons Daniel, Abraham, Thomas Isaac, & William are
on the express provision and condition that each of them respectively
relinquish all claim for any debt against my Estate except as Executors for
settling said Estate and to each of my said sons I relinquish the amount of my
Account against them and should any claim for debts be presented against my
Estate for allowance by either of my said Sons, then such of my said Sons shall
be required to pay so much of his or their notes above described as will cancel
his or their respective demands against my Estate.
The
remainder of my Real & Personal Estate and also the surpluss of Rents and
Profits of Stocks, & Stock & Estates that are herein particularly
reserved for the improvement and maintenances of my wife during her life, and
which she may not have expended at her death I give and bequeath six seventh
parts thereof to be equally divided between my aforesaid sons Daniel, Abraham,
Thomas, Isaac & William & my daughter Rebecca Robbins or their
respective heirs, and the remaining seventh part thereof, I hereby will and
direct to be placed in the care of trustees whom I shall for that purpose
herein after appoint, and who are hereby directed to expend or pay over to my
son Jacob Jackson, as they the said Trustees may think best, for the support
and maintenance of my said son Jacob & his family during my said son’s
life, and to him or them only the profits & income that shall annually be
derived from the said seventh parts of my said Estates & property, And the
said Trustees may also pay over and deliver up to my said son Jacob the
principal of said share or seventh part of my said Real & Personal Estate
if in their opinion such surrender to him will be useful to my said son, but
should the said seventh part of said property or any part thereof remain in the
care of Trustees at the decease of my said son Jacob then the profits and
income thereof (and if said Trustees think it best the principal also) is by
said trustees to be applied to the maintenance and education of my said son
Jacob’s Child or Children, until the youngest of said Children shall have
attained the age of twenty one years,
but should my said son Jacob decease whilst the said seventh part of my
property remains in the care of Trustees or any part thereof and he leave no
child, or having left a child or children, and such or such child or children
having died before arriving to twenty one years of age, then the said Trustees
are to pay over the annual profits and income thereof to the Widow of my said
son Jacob if she be then his Widow and as long as she shall remain his Widow.
But should my should my said son Jacob’s child or children have arrived at
Twenty one years of age after the decease of their Father and their Mother
having also died or married again, then the said Trustees are to surrender unto
said child or children what may yet remain in their trust of said seventh part
of said property, to be equally divided among them.
But
should my said son Jacob have died, and his children also without having become
possessed of the said seventh part of said property, by reason of the foregoing
provisions of said trust, and the wife or widow of my said son having also died
or married again, then the said property in trust is to be equally divided
among my other six children or their heirs.
And
I do constitute and appoint my two sons Daniel Jackson Junr. &
Abraham Jackson Trustees to receive the care of the above said seventh part of
my Estate and dispose of the same conformable to the provisions herein, with
full power to sell & convey a part or the whole of the said share of my
said Real & Personal Estate in their trust if the general benefit should
appear to require such sale, and the proceeds thereof if not expended for nor
given up to my son Jacob or his child or children said Trustees are to invest
in some safe stock, for promoting the object of the foregoing provisions
respecting said property –
Should
the place of either of the above named trustees be vacated such vacancy is to
be filled by my son Isaac C Jackson and a successive vacancy by my son William
M Jackson whom for that purpose I appoint with like powers & duties as the
Trustees first named.
I
do constitute and appoint my two sons Abraham Jackson & Isaac C. Jackson to
be joint Executors of this my last Will & Testament, with power to cause my
Estate to be divided into shares conformable to the within provisions and
fairly drawn for by lots, which shall be done in presence of at best two
disinterested persons, and the shares or lots so drawn is to have the effect of
a Division of my Estate, and assigned to each of my Children conformably
thereto
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of
March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & twenty eight
Daniel Jackson (seal)
Signed sealed published & declared by the within named Daniel
Jackson to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us who at his
request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to
the same
Thomas
Jackson Senr.
Wm.
Jackson
Jas.
Bartlett Junr.
I
Daniel Jackson of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, retaining my intellectual faculties unimpaired, do make &
publish this Codicil to my last Will & Testament (dated March 25. 1828) in
the following manner.
Whereas
I have in and by my aforesaid last Will & Testament specially provided
& reserved all my Insurance & Bank Stocks in Plymouth & in Boston
for the maintenance of my Wife, I do now further provide and direct, that in
case a sale of any of my said Stocks shall by the abovementioned provision
become necessary, those of my Stocks that are in Boston shall first be disposed
of for that purpose, and the Stock which I now own in Plymouth Bank, if the
same shall not have been expended in the lifetime of my wife for her
maintenance, or so much thereof as may remain at her decease, I give and
bequeath to my sons Abraham Jackson & William M Jackson and to my daughter
Rebecca Robbins and their heirs, to each one third part thereof And it is my desire that this my present
codicil be annexed to and made a part of my last Will & Testament to all
intents and purposes. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand & seal this first day of July in the year of
our Lord eighteen hundred & twenty eight
Daniel Jackson (seal)
Signed
sealed published & declared by the above named
Daniel
Jackson as a Codicil to be annexed to his last Will & Testament
in
presence of us who at his request & in his presence have hereun-
to
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same –
Thomas
Jackson Junr
Rosseter
Cotton
James
Bartlett Junr.
Presented for probate on 16 Nov.
1829, and proved by Thomas Jackson Junr. & William Jackson, two
of the witnesses to said Will, and Thomas Jackson Junr. &
Rosseter Cotton, two of the witnesses to said Codicil. Letters of
Administration were granted to Abraham Jackson and Isaac C Jackson of Plymouth,
Merchants, the Executors, on 16 Nov. 1829.
William Jackson, Esqr.,
Henry Jackson, and James Bartlett Jur, all of Plymouth, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Daniel Jackson, late of Plymouth, Gentleman, on 16 Nov.
1829. The Inventory of the Estate both Real & Personal of Daniel Jackson,
late of Plymouth, dated 2 Dec. 1829, totaled $23,041.45, including his real
estate valued at $22,772,25. Abraham Jackson and Isaac C Jackson, the
Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 12 Apr. 1830.
The Division of the Real Estate of
Daniel Jackson, listed his heirs as Jacob Jackson, William M Jackson, Thomas T
Jackson, Isaac C Jackson, Rebecca Robbins, Abraham Jackson, and Daniel Jackson,
dated 11 Dec. 1829, and approved on 12 Apr. 1830.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 67, p.
387-392, from FHL microfilm #0555259, and Vol. 69, p. 139-143.
Will of Eleazer
Jackson of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1736) *
Being Persuaded that it is appointed for all men once to die
& not knowing how Soon it may please God to take me out of the World being
yet of a Sound Mind & having the free use of my rational Powers though I am
weak of Body I Make this my last Will & Testament and first of all I
Bequeath my Soul & Commit it into the Hands of God who gave it & my
Body to the Earth to be decently buried, and as for what worldly Goods &
Estate God hath Endowed me with I dispose of it in the manner following—
First of all I Give to my dear Wife Hannah Jackson all my
whole Estate both real & personal the Improvement of it as long as She
shall Continue my Widow and the personal Estate which I shall have, She may
have by this my last Will free Liberty & full Power to Sell in Case of
Sickness or Want by Poverty and to Dispose of it for her Comfort - Relief and
Enjoy my House & Lands & all ye Profits of them during the
term of her Widowhood as abovesd—
Itm after ye Decease of my Wife or at her
marriage I Give to my three Sons Ransom Jackson, Benjamin Jackson, &
Ephraim Jackson the Whole of my real Estate both Houses & Lands both Upland
Meadows Swamps & Cedar Swamps being & lying in Plimton or Plymouth to
be equally divided between Each of them. And also the Beds which shall remain
at the Decease or ye marriage of my sd Wife to be equally
divided between my Sons only my Eldest Son Ransom Jackson to have his first
Choice of ye Beds.
Itm further what other Personal Estate shall remain after ye
Decease or at ye Marriage of my Wife I Give to my Daughters to be
equally Divided amongst them (namely) to Joanna Harlow, Mercy Fuller, Hannah
Pummery, Mary Cushman, Abigail Chandler, Deborah Brewster, Content Weston, and
also the Children of my Daughter Susanna deceased To Have their Mothers Part
divided equally amongst them out of My personal Estate. And for the faithfull
Performance of this my last Will & Testament I appoint my Eldest Son Ransom
Jackson Executor and by this my last Will. I Declare all former Wills to be
void and that ye Disposition made in Manner abovesd is
made according to my full Intent In Confirmation of which I have hereunto Set
my Hand & Seal this twenty Sixth Day of June one thousand Seven hundred
& thirty Six—1736
In Presence of Us Eleazer Jackson (seal)
Ebenezer Ransom
Elizabeth Kempton
Othniel Campbell
Proved on 24 Sept. 1736 by Ebenezer Ransom, Elizabeth
Kempton, and Mr. Othniel Campbell, the witnesses.
Mr. Joseph Lucas, Mr. Samuel Shaw &
Mr. Ebenezer Ransom, all of Plimton, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Eleazer Jackson, late of Plimton, on 24 Sept. 1736. The Inventory of
all the Estate both real & personal of Eleazer Jackson, late of Plimton,
Gentm, dated 27 Dec. 1736, was not totaled, but his Homestead
dwelling house, barn & land adjoining was valued at £240, a Cedar Swamp
valued at £17, and some other lands. Ransom Jackson, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 27 Dec. 1736.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James Jackson of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1735) *
In the name of God amen I James Jackson of Flushing in Queens
County within the Province of New York Yeoman being Sick and weak but of sound
and perfect mind and memory Praise be therefore given to Almighty God Do make
& Ordain this my Present Last Will and Testament in manner and form
following (that is to say) first and Principally I commend my Soul into the
hands of Almighty God hopeing through the merrits of my Saviour Jesus Christ to
have full Pardon and forgiveness of all my Sins and to inherit Everlasting Life
and my Body I Committ to the Earth to be Decently buried at the Discretion of
my Executors hereafter named and as touch the Disposition of all such Temporal
Estate as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I give and Dispose thereof as
follows, First I Will and Order that all
the Debts which I do owe unto any Person or Persons and my funerall Charges
shall be well and truly satisfyed and Paid,
Item I give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Abigail the sum of
two hundred and fifty Pounds Lawfull money of New York to be paid by my
Executors hereafter named at some reasonable time after my Decease the same
being for her subsistance and support during her Life and also a Negroe Girl
Slave Called Sylvia and after the Decease of my said Wife I Will and bequeath
one hundred Pounds of the afore recited money unto my sons William, Joseph,
Richard, Robert, Samuel, Steven, Benjamin, Thomas, James and John to be equally
divided amongst them share and share alike and to their heirs and assigns for
ever and the aforesaid Negroe Girl Slave Called Sylvia I give unto my Daughters
Rebecca Seamans, Charity Dingey, Elizabeth Field, Hannah Hicks, Martha Jackson,
Phebe Randal & Jemima Hicks to be equally divided after being sold between
them share and share alike and to their heirs and assigns for ever, Item my Will is and I do Order that all and
singular my lands Messuages and Tenements wheresoever the same may be found
shall be sold to the best Advantage after my Decease by my Executors hereafter
named at their discretion and the moneys ariseing from such sale shall be
applied shall be applyed and paid in manner and form following that is to say
the before mentioned bequeathed two hundred and fifth Pounds unto my said Wife
Abigail for the uses aforesaid, Item I
give and bequeath unto Jacob Steven and John Townsend the Sons of Nathaniel
Townsend to each of them the sum of fifteen Pounds New York Money and to their
heirs & assigns forever and the sume of one hundred and fifty five Pounds I
give and bequeath unto my Daughters Sarah, Rebeccah, Charity, Elizabeth,
Hannah, Martha, Pheby, and Jemimah aforesaid to be equally divided between them
and to their heirs and assigns forever. I also further give and bequeath unto
my said Daughters and to their heirs and assigns forever all and singular my
moveables of what kind or nature soever they be or wheresoever to be found to
be equally shared and Divided between them but it is the True intent and
meaning hereof that before such division thereof be made my Daughter Sarah Clements
to whom I have formerly given a negroe Woman Shall have the sum of Sixty Pounds
short what the Rest of my said Daughters have and that before such Division my
Daughter Martha shall have my Negro Girl called Nanny to her and her heirs and
assigns forever, Item I do Will and Ordain that the Residue and Remaining part
of the moneys which shall arise from the Sale of my Messuages Lands and
Tenements aforesaid shall be applyed as follows, that is to say I give and
bequeath unto my Sons Joseph, Richard, Robert and Samuel and to their heirs and
Assigns for ever Each the sum of fifty Pounds New York money and unto Steven
and Benjamin and their heirs and assigns each the Sum of Seventy Pounds and
what moneys there shall be then Remaining shall be equally divided Share and
Share alike unto all my said Male Children that is to say William, Joseph,
Richard, Robert, Samuel, Stephen, Benjamin, Thomas, James and John and to their
heirs & assigns forever, And my Son James for whom I am Counter Security to
James Burling for one hundred Pound Bond and having paid the Interest thereof
several years which said Bond and the money therein due with the interest if
paid at any time and Discharged by my Executors and thereby Acquitting my said
Son James from payin the same the said James shall then have so much short of
his share in the Division with the Rest of my said Sons, And I do hereby revoke
Disannull and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me at any time made
and do also hereby nominate & appoint Richard Jackson, Samuel Jackson and
Henry Hicks to be the Executors of this my Last Will & Testament, In
Testimony whereof I the said James Jackson have hereunto set my hand and Seal
the twenty Seventh day of September in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred
and thirty five.
James Jackson (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the said
James Jackson as his Last Will and Testament (severall razours being first
herein made) in presence of Gabriel Luff, John Doughty, William Mott.
Probated on 21 Oct. 1735, and Letters of Administration were
granted to Richard Jackson and Henry Hicks, two of the Executors, with the
power reserved to Samuel Jackson.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 12, p. 336-339, copied from
original Liber 12, p. 362-365.
Will of Nathaniel
Jackson of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1743) *
The Last Will and Testament of Nathaniel Jackson Senr.
of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in New England yeoman. I Nathaniel
Jackson being Aged and weak in body but of sound and Disposeing mind &
Memory Do make & appoint these presents to be my Last Will and Testament in
Manner and form following: I Commend my Soul to god that gave it & my body
to a Decent Funeral hopeing for a Joyfull Resurrection through Jesus Christ ~~
And as to my worldly Estate after my Just Debts & funerall Charges (with
the Legacies in this will Mendiond are paid and Discharged by my Executor
hereafter in these Presents mention’d I Give and Bequeath as follows —
Imprimis To my Eldest son Nathaniel Jackson all the Land with
the Appurtenances That I bought of Isaac Doten and one half of my pasture near
the house where Eleazer King now lives all in Plymo. aforesd.
with One half of my land in Hallifax or Middleboro. near to Tomsons,
and half my Right in the Grist mill & half my Right in the Saw Mill there,
all to him his heirs & Assigns forever, I allso give him Three Eighths of
the new Scooner & built ye. last winter whereof John Kempton is
now Master, and ye. Bed I lye upon with the Furniture belonging to
it —
2 I Give and Bequeath
to my son Samuel Jackson all my Right and Intrest in Plimton in the County
aforesd: viz, Housing Land Meadow & Swamps with the
Appurtenances to him his heirs and assigns forever and allso One Bed & the
Beding belonging to it and the Saw mill on the Premises in Plymton aforesd.
I Say all my Right there but what Jno. Rickard and I owed together
in the first Great Lot —
3. I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Ruth Turner wife to
David Turner of Plymouth aforesaid One hundred pounds in bills of the old
tenour to be paid within a year after my decease, And one bed and Furniture
thereof —
4 I Give to John Jones
and Sarah Jones Children of my daughter Ann Deceas’d Ten pounds apeice in bills
of the old tenour to be paid within a year after my Death —
5. I Give and bequeath unto Joseph Treble son of my said
Daughter Ann The Land I bought of James Shurtleff lying by Little pond so
Called in Plymo. aforesd. not far from the sd.
Pasture near Eleazer Kings and all my Remaining Right in the First Great Lott
That mr. John Rickard Deceasd & I owned together in the
propriety of Plymouth and Plymton aforesd. with the Appurtenances,
to him his heirs and Assigns forever—
6. I Give to John Treble son of my sd. Daughter
twenty shillings old tenour—
7 I Give &
Bequeath to Joseph Jackson son of my son Joseph Jackson Deceasd the house I
built with ye land where my Father formerly lived vizt.
all my Right on that side ye. Street near to or adjoyning on Spring
hill so called in Plymouth aforesd. with the Appurtenances thereof I
intend all on the East side of ye. Street only to the sd.
Joseph Jackson my Grandson, To him his heirs and assigns forever—
8. I Give to Lois Jackson Daughter to my sd. Son
Joseph Deceasd, The sum of five pounds Old tenour—
9 I Give to Nicholas
Spinks my Great Grand Child twenty shillings old tenour, And finally all the
Rest and Residue of my Estate whatsoever, & Wheresoever both Real &
personal, I Give & bequeath to my son Thomas Jackson whom I do make and
Constitute Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament (to Receive Debts
& pay all Debts and Legacies out of his part) by these presents — Hereby Revokeing and disanulling all former
wills by me made & Confirming this to be my Last will and Testament Only.
And in Testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty ninth
day of April One thousand seven hundred & forty three —
Signed Sealed & Declared
To be his last will & Nathaniel Jackson (seal)
Testamt. In presence of
Josiah Cotton
Josiah Carver
Benja. Jackson
Kezia Adams
Probated on 14 July 1743, and proved by Josiah Cotton Esqr,
Jonah Carver and Kezia Adams. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas
Jackson of Plymo., yeoman, the Executor, on 14 July 1743. No
inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 110-112, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Nathanial
Jackson of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1746) *
In the Name of God Amen I Nathaniel Jackson of Plimouth in
the County of Plimouth in New England being weak of body but of a sound and
Disposeing Mind & Memory Do make and Ordain this to be my last will &
Testament hereby revokeing and Disanulling all other wills by me heretofore
made First of all I recomend my immortall Soul to God that Gave it, And my body
to a Decent burial according to the Discretion of my Execrs.
hereafter named— And as to my Worldly Estate I dispose & Order in manner
following— That all my Just debts & funeral Charges be paid and discharged
out of my Personal Estate, and then— Imprimis, I Grant & bequeath to my
loving wife Rebecca Jackson The use Benyfit & profitt of my Homestead being
about forty Acres of land partly wood land & partly Cleard in Plimouth
aforesaid with a Dwelling house thereon, Namely all the sd. House
Execpt what is hereafter in this will Granted unto my son Lemuel Jackson, as
allso the use of my Household Stuff, and the profitt that might belong to me by
Vertue of the use & Improvement of my Schooner, that is the Vessels part,
Except one Eighth, all dureing her Naturall life if She remain my widdow.— And
the Cattle & Horse kine I bequeath to her & her disposall, and hereby
allow her allso the Liberty and benyfit of provideing a Hand to make Fish or go
to Sea with my son Lemuel if She see cause. But if She marry again to have and
Enjoy the said Houshold Stuff dureing her life and the Cattle and Horse as
aforesaid—
Item. I will and bequeath to my Son Lemuel the present use
& Improvement of part of my Dwelling house, viz The Kitchin or Leantoo, and
a little Bed room with privilige in the Great Cellar Half Cellar & Chamber,
& After ye. decease or Marriage of my sd. wife the
whole of sd. House & Homestead to him his Heirs and Assigns
forever— I allso Give him at my Decease One Eighth part of my Schooner if there
remain so much after my Just Debts & Charges are paid out of the Moveable
Estate – And if he Sees Cause to prevent Selling of the Schooner he paying
Debts, he may so do by paying the same out of his own Estate and take the
Schooner to himselfe— all this to him, Provided he pay to his Brother Nathaniel
Jackson the sum of One hundred pounds in bills of Creditt or other pay to his
Aue plause not roone then money at Thirty Shillings pr. ounce, and
to his Six Sisters viz Lydia Abigail, Hannah, Rebecca Elizabeth & Mary the
Sum of Twenty pounds Each in like like bills or pay within two years after my
said wifes decease or Mariage or to then Surviveor or Surviveors of them, which
said sums I Give to them & their Heirs forever. The said Six Daughter of
Surviveors of them are allso to have what Houshold Stuff their mother leaves at
her decease. all the rest of my Estate to be equally divided amongst my said
Children Execpt Lemuel. And finally I appoint my said wife & Son Lemuel to
be Execrs. of this my last will and Testament- And in witness &
Confirmation of the previcsses I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 16th
day of July Anno Domini 1746 ~
Signed Sealed Published & Declared his
to be his last will and Testament Nathaniel D Jackson (seal)
In presence of
mark
Josiah Cotton
Thomas Jackson
Hannah Cotton
Probated on 16 Sept. 1746, and proved by Josiah Cotton Esqr,
Thomas Jackson, and Hannah Cotton, the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to the Executors Rebecca Jackson, widdow, and Lemuel Jackson,
Fisherman, both of Plimouth, on 16 Sept. 1746.
Thomas Foster, Joseph Bartlett junr. and Thomas Holmes, all
of Plimouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathaniel Jackson, late
of Plimouth, on 17 Sept. 1746. The Inventory was dated 28 Oct. 1746, and
totaled £425.1.3, including his Schooner Canoe & Appurtenances valued at
£165, and his Homestead & buildings thereon valued at £187.10. Lemuel
Jackson, one of the Executors, gave his oath to the inventory on 17 Dec. 1746.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, p. 310-313, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Samuel
Jackson of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1745) *
In the name of God, Amen, the Fifteenth day of June 1745. I
Samuel Jackson of Plimton in the County of Plimouth New England, Inholder being
in Good health of body and of Sound disposeing mind and memory but Considering
the uncertainty of human life do make & ordain this my Last will &
Testament in manner and form following —
Principally and First of all I Commit my Soul into the Hands
of God Relying alone on his mercy thro: Jesus Christ for the pardon of my Sin
and Aue plause with him: My body I Commit to ye. Earth to be
decently Inter’d at the Discretion of my Executor herein after named And for my
Temporal Goods & Estate, I will that they be disposed off in the following
manner—
Imprimis I will and order that all my Just Debts &
funeral Charges Be well and truly paid by my Executor with all Convenient Speed
Next after my Decease —
Item, I Give Demise and bequeath all my Estate Both Real
& personal whatsoever and wheresoever the Same is or may be found to my
Beloved wife Hannah dureing her Widdowhood~ and then to my well beloved Kinsman
Jabez Mendall his Heirs and assigns~
Item, I Doe hereby Nominate Consitute and appoint my Beloved
Kinsman Jabez Mendall to be the Sole Executor of this my Last Will and
Testament hereby Revokeing & making Null & void all former and other
wills made by me at any time heretofore And Ratyfieing & Confirming this
and no other to be my Last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set My hand and Seal the Day &
year above written —
Signed Sealed & Declared by the
Said Samuel Jackson to be his
Last Will & Testament— Samuel Jackson (seal)
Consider Howland
Gideon White
Joseph Bridgham
Probated on 17 Dec. 1745, and proved by Consider Howland,
Gideon White and Joseph Bridgham, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Jabez Mendall of Plimton, the Executor, on 19 Dec. 1745. No
inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, p. 68-70, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will and Codicil of Samuel Jackson of Jerusalem, Hempstead, Queens County, New York (1778) *
I Samuel Jackson,– Senr. of Jerusalem in
the Township of Hempsted in Queens County in the Colony of New York on the
Twenty Sixth Day of July in the year of Our Lord and Saviour Christ, one
thousand seven hundred and Seventy Eight. being weak and infirm of Body but of
perfect memory and of a sound Disposing mind, Calling to mind the mortality of
my Body Do therefore make and ordain this my last Will & Testament.
Imprimis. I will that all my Just and Lawful Debts be paid
out of my Moveable Estate. Item I give unto my wife Mary Jackson in Lieu &
Stead of her right of Dower, the Sum of Two hundred pounds New York Money to be
paid unto my said Wife her Heirs and assigns within one year after my Decease,
also one Horse & Riding Chair & one negro Girl named Catherine. Item I
will that the Horse & riding Chair above mentioned be such that my above
named Wife may Chuse. Item I give unto my said Wife Mary Jackson so long as She
my said Wife Continues My Widow & not otherways, the Sum of Forty Pounds
new York Money yearly and every year during the time above said, & the use
of one half of my Dwelling House were I now live, with half of the Cellar under
the same. Item I will that the above mentioned Horse which my said wife my
Chuse be kept with Grass Hay & Grain & Firewood Cut & Carted to the
Door for the use of my above said Wife during her Widowhood as abovesaid, Item
I give unto my Daughter Ruth Jackson the Sum of three hundred pounds New York
Money, one hundred pound to be paid unto my said Daughter Ruth her Heirs and
assigns within one year after my Decease and & the Sum of Two hundred
pounds the residue of the above Sum of three hundred pounds to be paid unto my
said Daughter Her heirs and assigns within two years from thence next
Following, Item I give unto my Daughter Mary the Sum of Two hundred & fifty
pounds New York money, One hundred pounds there of to be paid unto my said
Daughter her Heirs & Assigns within one year after my Decease, & the
residue of said two hundred and Fifty pounds within two years from thence next
Following, Item I give unto my Daughter Jemima the Sum of One hundred and Fifty
pounds New York Money over and above what I have already given her before this
time to be paid unto my said Daughter Jemima her Heirs & Assigns within two
years After my Decease, Item I give unto my Daughters Letiticia & Martha
the sum of Three hundred & Forty Six pounds New York money to be equally
divided between my said last named Daughters their Heirs and assigns and to be
paid unto them their Heirs and assigns within two years after my Decease, Item
I give unto my Wife Mary Jackson, and my Daughters Ruth & Mary all my
Household Goods within Doors Including all the Cloth both Linnen and Woollen to
be equally divided between them their Heirs and assigns. Item I Will that my
said Wife Mary Jackson make up the yarn not made into Cloth and the Cloth not
made into Cloaths that may be left at my Decease for the use of my Children that
may then be at home with her as she my said wife may think proper.–
Item I will that my Daughters Ruth and Mary Live with my said
Wife or their Brothers Townsend & Thomas Jackson, so long as they my said
Daughters Continue unmarried, Item I give unto my Grandson Samuel Jackson one
Horse of the Value of Twenty pounds and a Saddle & Bridle to be Delivered
to my said Grand Son when he arives to Sixteen years years of age. Item I give
and bequeath unto my son Richard Jack & his Heirs and assigns over and
above what I have already given him in money and otherways the equal half of
the Lands which I purchased of Joseph Lockwood & Thomas and Elnathan
Hanford at or near Cold Spring in the Township of Oysterbay, in the County and
Collony aforesaid to be taken on the North side of the said Tract of Land above
mentioned, Item I give and bequeath unto my sons Townsend Jackson & Thomas
Jackson their Heirs and assigns all the residue and remainder of my Estate both
Lands meadows moveable of all kinds whatsoever to be equally divided between
them their Heirs and Assigns always, Excepting so much xxx of my Lands &
Meadows and moveables necessary to be sold to pay and Discharge all my Just
& Lawfull Debts and all the Sums of Money which I have herein above given
or Legacies to my other Children above said that is not herein above mentioned,
and lastly I do Constitute appoint and ordain my Son Townsend Jackson &
Thomas Jackson & My Nephew George Hewlet Executors of this my last Will and
Testament, hereby Authorising & Impower them & the Surviviors or
Survivor of them to perform and fulfill the same and every part thereof by
giving proper Deeds of Conveyance for the Land & in order which they may
Judge proper to be Sold for the payment of my Debts & Legacies herein above
given by me as abovesaid & otherways to fullfil the same.– In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the Day & year herein first
Above Written. –
Samuel Jackson (seal)
Published pronounced & Delivered by the said Samuel
Jackson as his last Will and Testament, in the Presence of us the Subscribers,
who in his Presence & in the Presence of each other Subscribed our Names as
Witnesses, the word (their) between the Sixteen & Seventeen Lines also the
word (York) between the third and fourth lines all the words (& aboved)
between the 28th 29 lines first Interlind as also the Letters (O
& C) in the first Line. – Wm Jones, Richd
Jackson, Jacob Jackson.—
I Samuel Jackson Senior of Jerusalem in the Township of
Hempsted in Queens County in the Colony of New York Do this Seventeenth Day of
February in the year of Our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty make and
publish this my Codicil to my last Will & Testament in Manner following,
That is to Say: Whereas I have in and by my last Will & Testament given and
bequeathed unto my son Richard Jackson his Heirs and assigns the equal half of
the Lands which I purchased of Joseph Lockwood & Thomas & Elnathan
Handford at or near Cold Spring in the Township of Oysterbay in the County
& Collony abovesaid to be taken on the north Side of the said Tract of
Land; Now I Do hereby revoke the said Devise and Bequest to My said Son Richard
And do hereby give and Devise the same Lands so given and Bequeathed to my said
Son Richard in & by my last Will and Testament unto my Grand Son Samuel
Jackson the son of my Son Richard and to his Heirs and Assigns forever; Item I
hereby release acquit & Discharge my said Son Richard of and from all Debts
and Demands which I may have against him on account of Monies I have paid for
or Lent or advanced to him or otherwise howsoever: Item I give & give and
bequeath unto my my wife Mary over and above what I have Given her in & by
my last Will and Testament One Cow to be chosen by her out of My Cows and also
as much fruit yearly as She may want for her own use during her Widowhood and
also the Privilege of planting & Sowing in my Garden such Things as she may
think proper yearly & every year during her Widowhood; Item I give to my
Daughter Ruth over and above what I have given to her in & By my said last
Will & Testament one good Cow and my will is that my Sons Townsend Jackson
and Thomas Jackson and their Heirs find and provide Grass and Hay for one Cow
for my said Daughter Ruth as long as She continues unmarried, and also Grass
and Hay for one Cow for my said Wife Mary during her Widowhood, Item Whereas I
have in and by my last Will and Testament given my Daughter Mary one third part
of All My household Goods within Doors including all the Cloth both Linnen and
Woolen and my said Daughter Mary being since Married and I expect to give xxx
her immediately Part of the said Household Goods I do there fore Revoke the
said Gift of the said Household Goods to my said Daughter Mary and do hereby
give the said Household Goods to My said Wife Mary and my Daughter Ruth equally
to be Divided between them; Item I give and bequeath unto each of my Daughters
Ruth, Jemima, Letitia, Mary and Martha the Sum of Fifty pounds New York Money
each over and above the Legacies given to them in and by my last Will &
Testament to be paid to them respectively by my Sons Townsend Jackson &
Thomas Jackson or their Heirs within three years after my Decease, and I hereby
Charge all the Estate given to my said sons Townsend & Thomas in & by
my said last Will and Testament with the payment of the said Several Sums of
Fifty Pounds to each of my said Daughters, And I hereby Autherize and empower
the Executors named & Appointed in & by my said last Will &
Testament and the Survivors and Survivor of them to Sell so much of the Estate
given to my Sons Townsend & Thomas in & by my said last Will &
Testament either real or personal at their Discretion as may be necessary to
pay the Several Legacies in my Said last Will & Testament and in this
Codicil mentioned; Item I also give to my said Daughter Mary the further Sum of
Ten pounds New York Money to be paid to her with the said Sum of Fifty Pounds
above Mentioned, and lastly it is my Desire that this present Codicil be
annexed to and made part of my last Will and Testament to all intents and
purposes, and I hereby Confirm every Part of my said last Will and Testament
not altered by this present Codicil. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the Day and year first Above written. –
Samuel Jackson (seal)
Signed Sealed & published by the said Samuel Jackson the
Testator as a Codicil to be annexed to his Will in the Presence of us who
Subscribe our names as Witnesses at his Request in his Presence and in the
Presence of each Other. – John Jackson Junr. Jacob Jackson, Samuel
Jones.—
Presented for probate on 29 Nov. 1780, and proved by Jacob
Jackson of Queens County, yeoman, and John Jackson Junr. of Queens
County, yeoman. Letters of Administration were granted to Townsend Jackson,
Thomas Jackson and George Hewlett, the Executors in the said will named, on 6
Dec. 1780.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 34, p. 33-38, copied from original
Libor 34, p. 25-28.
Will of Samuel Jackson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the name of God Amen I Samuel Jackson of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Merchant being advanced in Years but of sound
& disposing Mind & Memory do make & ordain this my last Will and
Testament. —
In the first place it is my Will that my Executor shall pay
all my just debts and funeral charges —
I secondly will and bequeath to my beloved Wife Experience
for & during the Term of her natural Life my Dwelling House in which I now
reside & the out Houses & yard thereto belonging & one third of the
Wood lands for the purpose of supplying her with sufficient fire-wood for her
own use – also one third of the reasonable rent of all my improved Lands &
Tenements to be ascertained & established by the Judgment of those who
shall be appointed to appraise & divide my real Estate —
Thirdly I give to my Son Samuel ten dollars to be paid him in
one month after my decease by my Executor —
Fourthly the rest and residue of my Estate both real &
personal of which I shall die the owner, I give and bequeath to my Children
& Grandchildren to be divided into nine equal Parts & distributed as
follows – to my Son Thomas one ninth part, to the Children of my Son Samuel,
one ninth part, to my daughter Experience Cotton one ninth part, to my daughter
Mary Russell one ninth part to my daughter Elizabeth Brooks one ninth part, to
the Children of my daughter Deborah Crombie deceased one ninth part to my Son
George one ninth part, to my daughter Naomy Crombie one ninth part, to my
daughter Hannah Bartlett one ninth part. The portions hereby given to the
Children of my daughter Deborah deceased to be equally divided among them and
the portion given to the Children of my Son Samuel to be equally divided among
them & to be paid & delivered respectively to each, as they shall
arrive to the Age of twenty one years, unless the Grand daughters shall any of
them marry before they arrive to that age, in which case it shall be paid &
delivered to them at the time of Marriage – It is further my will, that the
portions assigned to my Grand daughters shall be in Money & shall be loaned
on lawful Interest by my Executors till the Grand daughters aforesaid are capable
to take the same; on good & sufficient security and the yearly Interest, if
necessary, applied to the Education of said Grand daughters, at the Discretion
of my Executors, & if not necessary for that purpose, then to be added
yearly to the principal & paid together with it to said Grand-daughters,
when they become capable to take the same by this Will. –
It is also my Will that the Executors appointed in this Will
take the best care of the Real & personal Estate, which shall according to
this Will be assigned to my Grandsons; so that the same be not wasted, &
the Interest of personal Estate & Rents of the Real Estate shall be yearly
collected & put on Interest and prudently managed for them till they
respectively arrive to the Age of twenty one years. And if either of my Grand
children die before they are capable by this Will to take their portions, then
my Will is that the portion of such Grandchild be equally divided among the
surviving Brothers & sisters. –
The Real Estate thus bequeathed to be held by the several
persons to whom it shall be assigned according to this Will in fee simple
except what regards the limited survivorship of the Grand children above
described. Finally I hereby appoint my Son Thomas Jackson and my Son-in-Law
Zacheus Bartlett Executors of this my last will and Testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my Name this twenty sixth day of March in
the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & three –
subscribed to &
declared to be his last Will
and Testament in
presence of us –
Benja.
Warren
David
Bacon
Jno.
D Dunbar Samuel Jackson
Wm.
Dunbar
Presented for probate on 4 April
1805 by Thomas Jackson and Zaccheus Bartlett, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Benjamin Warren and John D. Dunbar, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Jackson and
Zacheus Bartlett Esqr. the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate and
Effect of Mr Samuel Jackson, late of Plymouth, was appraised on 5
Oct. 1805 by Nathaniel Goodwin, Joseph Bartlett, and Charles Jackson, and
totaled $27,705.43, including his real estate valued at $24,181, which
consisted of several parcels of property, houses, wharves, building yards, a
brick mansion house, farm land, etc. Zacheus Bartlett Esqr. and Mr
Thomas Jackson, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 23 Dec.
1805.
Nathaniel Goodwin Esqr.,
Joseph Bartlett ye 3d, and William Goodwin, Gentlemen,
all of Plymouth, were appointed to divide the estate of Samuel Jackson into
nine equal parts and set off to Thomas Jackson, Experience the wife of Abraham
Haskell, Mary Russell, Elizabeth the wife of Samuel Brooks, George Jackson,
Naomi the wife of Calvin Crombie, and Hannah the wife of Zacheus Bartlett Esqr.
each one share, the Children of his Son Samuel Jackson one share, and the
Children and Heirs of his daughter Deborah Crombie deceased one share, on 18
Dec. 1805. The division was dated 7 Jan. 1806.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp.
192-194, 336-349, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Thomas Jackson Jr. of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Be
it Remembered that I Thomas Jackson Jr of Plymouth in the County of
Plymouth, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound & perfect
mind & memory, but in consideration of the imperfect state of my health, do
think it best to dispose of my estate, both real & personal, and do make
and publish this my last Will and Testament thereof in the following manner.
I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Jackson, the use and improvement of
my dwelling house and lot of land in this town where I now live, during her
natural life, the same being in common with that which descended to my niece
Frances L. Maynard from her late father William Jackson Esqr. – I
also give and bequeath to her all of my household furniture, provisions and
clothing of every description.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew Leavit T. Jackson of Brunswick in Maine, all of
my undivided right in the lot of land that I bought of Job Cobb and others in
this town, bounded Eastwardly by Main street, Westwardly by School street,
Northwardly by the house lot formerly belonging to Timothy Goodwin and
Southwardly by the lot appertaining to the house wherein I dwell – I also give
and bequeath to him all of my undivided right in the lot at the water side
formerly called the building lot, with the stores thereon, and any goods of
mine therein: Also all of my right in the Long Wharf in this town.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew, David B. Jackson, of Illinois, Five hundred
dollars in money, to be paid to him by my Executor.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Frances L. Maynard all that part of my wood lot
lying back of the pond, called Billington Sea & Eastward of the brook
running into the pond, beginning at the pond & at the brook – thence
Southerly by the brook to a large pine tree – thence South to Stephen’s line –
thence Northeast to the corner of the lot that descended to said Frances from
her late father – thence North by her said lot to the pond – thence by the pond
to the first mentioned bound. I also give and bequeath to her two hundred
dollars in money to be paid to her by my Executor.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Rebecca Robbins, the wife of Josiah Robbins, that
part of my wood lot lying back of Billington sea & westward of the brook,
beginning at a Maple tree & heap of stones by the pond, a corner of a lot
belonging to said Rebecca & Isaac C. Jackson – thence by the pond to the
brook – thence by the brook until it comes near a swamp – thence crossing the
brook to a large pine tree – thence South to the line of Stephens’ lot thence
S.West to the line of the lot of said Rebecca & Isaac C. Jackson – thence
by that line to the first mentioned bound. I also give and bequeath to her two
hundred dollars in money to be paid to her by my Executor.
I
give and bequeath to my sister Priscilla Cotton, the wife of Rosseter Cotton
Esq. Ten shares of Stock in Plymouth Bank – I also give and bequeath to her my
wood lot at Owl Swamp, which I bought of Lydia Jackson 2d, and which
joins the land of her husband Rosseter Cotton Esqr – I also give to
her the wood lot which I bought of Anna May Bartlett and which joins the last
mentioned lot.
I
give and bequeath to my sister Lucy Marcy ten shares of Stock in Plymouth Bank.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Hannah J. Goodwin Ten Shares of Stock in Plymouth
Bank ~
I
give and bequeath to my nephew John T. Cotton of Boylston, in trust, for the
sole use & benefit of my sister Rebecca Cotton, the wife of Revd
Ward Cotton of Boylston & the mother of said trustee, Twenty shares of
Stock in the New England Marine Insurance Company in the City of Boston, and
also five shares of stock in the Boston Marine Insurance Company, which is also
in the City of Boston – The profits arising from the said stocks is to be paid
to my said sister Rebecca, or to her order, as often as it shall be received by
said trustee – and said trust is not to be subject, or liable in any manner
whatever to the control, debt or engagements of her husband – and I hereby give
to said trustee full power and authority to dispose of the said Stocks, and the
receipt of my said sister, signed with her proper name, or of any person of her
appointment shall be a good & sufficient discharge for so much of the
principal, income or profits thereof, as shall be expressed to be received, not
withstanding her present coverture: But if my said sister should survive her
present husband, it is my Will that the said trustee shall deliver up said
trust, and pay over to my said sister, the said stock, with all the interest or
income that is due thereon, – and in the event of the death of my said sister
before the death of her husband, I give & bequeath the whole of said stocks
to John T. Cotton, Ward M. Cotton, Sally M. Cotton and Hannah S. P. Cotton,
children of my said sister Rebecca Cotton to be divided equally between them –
and in case of the death of either of them, without his or her having heir of
his or her own body – then said trust to go to the survivor or survivors
equally.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Maria T. Jackson, twenty shares of stock in the
Boston Marine Insurance Company in the City of Boston.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew, Charles T. Jackson of Boston, Seven shares of
stock in Boston Marine Insurance Company, in the City of Boston.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Lydia Emerson, the wife of Revd Ralph
W. Emerson of Concord, Seven shares of stock in the Boston Marine Insurance
Company in the City of Boston.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew Charles T. Jackson of Boston, in trust, for the
sole use & benefit of my niece, his sister, Lucy C. Brown, the wife of
Charles Brown, Seven shares in the stock of the Boston Marine Insurance Company
in the City of Boston: The profits arising from said Stock is to be paid to
said Lucy, or to her order, as often as it shall be received by said Trustee –
and said trust is not to be liable in any manner whatever, to the control,
debts or engagements of her husband – And I hereby give to said trustee full
power & authority to dispose of the aforesaid stock, and the receipt of
said Lucy Brown, signed with her proper name, or of any person of her
appointment, shall be a good & sufficient discharge for so much of the
principal, income or profits thereof, as shall be expressed to be received, not
withstanding her present coverture – but if said Lucy should survive her
present husband, it is my will that said Trustee shall deliver up the said
trust, & pay over to the said Lucy the said stock, with all the profits or
income due thereon – And in the event of the death of said Lucy before the
death of her husband, then I give & bequeath the whole of said trust to
Sophia Brown & Charles F. Brown, children of said Lucy, to be equally
divided between them – and in case of the death of either of them without his
or her having heir of his or her own body, then said property in trust, is to
go to the survivor – and in the event of the death of said Lucy & of both
of her said children, then said property in trust is to go to Charles T.
Jackson & Lydia Emerson the wife of Revd Ralph W. Emerson
equally, or to their heirs.
I
give and bequeath to my nephews, Daniel Jackson & Abraham Jackson equally,
one half of my right to claim for spoilations on my property by the authorities
or subjects of France previous to the year 1800.
I
give and bequeath to my niece Sarah Bartlett, the wife of James Bartlett Jr,
the other half of my beforementioned right to Claim for French Spoilations.
The
rest and residue of my personal estate I dispose of in the following manner,
viz—
I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Jackson, one half of all the said
residue of my personal estate.
I
give and bequeath to my Sister Lydia Jackson one sixth part of all the said
residue of my personal estate.
I
give and bequeath to my nephews, Daniel Jackson, Abraham Jackson, Jacob
Jackson, Thomas T. Jackson, Isaac C. Jackson & William M. Jackson one sixth
part of all said residue of my personal estate, to each an equal part thereof.
I
give and bequeath to Sarah Bartlett, the wife of James Bartlett Jr the
remaining one sixth part of all the aforesaid residue of my personal estate.
I
give and bequeath to my nephews, Daniel Jackson, Abraham Jackson, Jacob
Jackson, Thomas T. Jackson, Isaac C. Jackson & William M. Jackson in equal
shares, one half of all the rest and residue of my Real Estate, or of that part
thereof, which I have not herein before disposed of.
I
give and bequeath the remaining one half of the said residue of my Real Estate,
to my niece Sarah Bartlett, the wife of James Bartlett Junr.
In
the foregoing bequest of my Real Estate, it is my meaning & intention to
dispose of not only that which I now have, but also all such as I may hereafter
have.
It
is my desire, & I do hereby will & direct, that all that part of my
estate which I have herein devised to my nephews Daniel, Abraham, Jacob, Thomas
T. Isaac C. & William M. sons of my late brother Daniel Jackson, shall be
paid & delivered over to my nephew Abraham Jackson, to be by him divided
with his said brethren, in conformity to my bequest & the receipt of said
Abraham therefor, to my Executor herein after named, shall be a good &
sufficient discharge, and the receipt of said Daniel, Jacob Thomas T. Isaac C.
& William M. to said Abraham shall be to him a good & sufficient
discharge.
Finally,
I hereby constitute & appoint James Bartlett Junr of
Plymouth aforesaid my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty ninth day
of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty seven.
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the within named Thomas Jackson Jr
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us, who, at his request
& in his presence & in the presence of each other, have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
John
Bartlett 3d
Charles
May Thomas Jackson Junr. (seal)
Thomas
May
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1837 by James Bartlett the Executor therein named, and proved
by Charles May and Thomas May, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to James Bartlett Junr., the Executor
therein named.
Letters of Administration on the
estate of Thomas Jackson Junior, late of Plymouth, were granted to James
Bartlett Junior, of Plymouth, on 3 Oct. 1837, with Abraham Jackson and Isaac C.
Jackson, of Plymouth, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Thomas Jackson Jr, late of Plymouth, was appraised on 1 Dec. 1837 by Jno. B.
Thomas, Allen Danforth, and Bridgham Russell, his real estate valued at
$12,940, and his personal estate valued at $23,274.15. James Bartlett Junior,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Jan. 1838.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probagte Vol. 79, p.
437-441, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 1G, p. 55, and Vol. 80, p. 11-13.
Will of Mary
Jenkins of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Provice of the Massachusetts Bay
(1705) *
I Mary Jenkins of Scittuate being weake of Body And
considering the uncertainty of this Life, and the certainty of death, And as
for that Temporall Estate which god hath given me, I doe Will and bequeath in
manner is here after Expressed
Imprimis I Give & bequeath unto my son Isaac Ripley my
Cow and half my sheep, My brass kittle & Iron pott one pewter Bason and
Quart pott. And My bed which I Lodge on with one Coverlidd and one blankett And
New cloth to make a pair of sheets. I Give to My son Isaac all my debts which
are due to me Except what my Son Thomas Jenkins owes me
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my grand children, the
Daughters of my son Abraham Ripley deceased, twenty Shillings apeice in Money –
And as for the rest of my Estate my mine & meaning is Shall be Equally
divided into five Equal parts that Is to Say one fifth part to Joseph Ripley
My[?] Eldest son now living, One fifth part to my son Isaac Ripley one fifth
part to my Daughter Mary Wade, one fifth part to my daughter Esther Wibron, one
fifth part to My Daughter Rebeckah Smith. And I doe apoint and ordain my son
Isaac Ripley to be the Alone Executor of this My last Will and Testament In
Witness whereof I have here Unto Sett my hand and Seale the this 26th
day of January 1704/5
In presence of us the
Marke
Stephen Otis of J
the H
marke of Mary
Jenkins
Joannah Colman
Zechariah Damon
Probated on 20 Dec. 1705, and proved by Stephen Otis and
Zachariah Dammon.
An Inventory of the Estate & Debts of Mary Jenkins Widdow
of Scittuate, Late deceased, dated 18 Sept. 1705, by Stephen Otis and Israell
Chittenden, not totaled, but included a debt due by Bill from Thomas Jenkins of
£40. Isaac Ripley, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Dec.
1705.
Nicholas Wade, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard
Jennings of
In the Name of God. Amen. Aprail 27th 1739 I
Richard Jennings of Bridgewater in the county of Plimouth in the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay in New England Husban Man Now of perfect Disposing Mind
and Memory thanks be given to the Great God yet Calling to Mind the Mortality
of My body and Knowing that tis appointed for all Men once to Die do make and
ordain this My Last Will and Testement that is to Say princepley and first of
all I Give and Recomand my Soule into the Hands of that God Who Gave it and My
body I Recomend to the Earth to be buried With Christon decent buriel at the
Descretion of My Executor hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the generail
Rezerection I Shall Receive the Same again by the Soverin power of allmighty
God and as Touching Such Wordy Estat Wherewing it hath pleasech God to Bless Me
in this Life I give demise and despose of the Same in the following Maner and
forme that is to Say: it is My Will that all my Debts and Funerail Charges be
Well and Truly paid in convenant time after My Deceaseh 2ly I Give and Bequeath unto My
Well Beloved Son Thomas Jennings Five Shillings having allready givein him a
part out of My Estat. 3dly I give and bequeath unto My Well Belovech
Son Ephraim Jennings Five Shillings having all Ready given him a part out of My
Estate. 4ly I give &
Bequeath unto My Well Beloved Son Joseph Jennings five Shillings haveing
allredy given him apart of My Estate 5ly
I give & Bequeath unto My Well Beloved Son Samll Jennings all My
Movable Estate of Every Sort both Within doors and Without Whome I ordain Sole
Executor of this My Last Will and Testement and Whoom I appoint to pay
Seasonably What in this Will is given and Bequeathed to My above and Hearafter
named 6ly I give and Bequeath
unto My Well beloved Daughter Mary the Wife of John Tobey five Shillings having
allredy given her a part of My Estate 7ly
I give & Bequeath unto My Well Beloved Daughter Hannah the Wife of Joseph
Leonard five Shillings haveing allredy given her a part of My Estate 8ly I Give and Bequeath unto My
Well Beloved Daughter Ann the Wife of John Carver five Shillings having allredy
given her a part of My Estate 9ly
I do give and Bequeath unto My Well Beloved Daughter Elezaboth the Wife of
William Ames five Shillings having allready given her a part of My Estate Fienaly I appoint and ordain My Well beloved
Son Samuel Jennings Sole Executor of this My Last Will and Testement & I do
hereby utterly disallow and Revoke all Other Wills before this time by Me Maide
Holding Ratifing and Conferming this & no Other to be My Last Will and
Testement in Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set My hand and Seal the day and
year above Wrighten— — — his
Signed Sealed & Published pronounced Richard +
and Decelard By the Said Richard Jennings as his marke
Last Will and Testement in presence of us the Subscribers
Joseph Leonard
Nathl Carver
Samll Harden
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1751, and proved by Nathanel
Carver and Samuel Harden, Samuel Jennings confirmed as Sole Executor.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Edward
Jessop of Westchester County, Province of New York (1666) *
The last
Will and Testament
of
Edward Jessop.
West
Chester in the County of New~yorke &c.
The
last Will & Testament of Edward Jessop being sicke & weake in Body, yet
in perfect memory. I bequeath my Soule to ye. Almighty God that Gave
it, & my body after my death to bee decently buryed, my funerall to bee
discharged, & my Debts to bee pd; I will & bequeath to my
daughter Elizabeth Hunt twenty shillings, besides what I have already given
her, to bee paid in a yeare & a day after my decease.
I will & bequeath unto my
daughter Hanah Jessop the some of five & thirty pounds with what shee hath
already, to be payd unto her at Eighteene yeares of age.
I will & bequeath unto my sonne
Edward Jessop two Mares with two Colts by their side one is a grey Mare, &
the other is a Mare marked on both Eares, with two halfe pence on each Eare, to
bee sett out for him for his use a yeare & a day after my decease.
I will & bequeath unto my Grand
child Mary Hunt twenty shillings to bee payd in a yeare & a day after my
decease.
I will & bequeath unto my Cozen
Johannah Burroughs twenty shillings to bee payd in a yeare & a day after my
decease.
I will & bequeath unto Derrick
Gasson a Cow Calfe to bee pd. unto him in a yeare & a day after
my decease.
Furthermore I constitute &
appoint my well beloved wife Elizabeth Jesop to bee whole & sole Executrix.
And I do will & bequeath unto her all my Lands & Houses & Goods
& Cattle moveable or immoveable of this my last Will & Testament &
to receive all Debts, Dues & Demands whatsoever, to bee at her disposing,
& shee to pay all Debts, Dues & Legacies whatsoever, And shee to bring
up my two Children in the feare of God, This I do owne as my last Will &
Testamt. & doe disclayme all other Wills, Guifts, Graunts or
such like, which may any wise trouble or molest her hereafter, as being of none
Effect.
Further I doe appoint my well
beloved friends, Mr. Richard Cornhill Justice of peace, Mrs.
Sarah Bridges, my Well beloved brother in Law John Burroughes & Ralph Hunt
as overseers of this my last Will & Testament, Likewise to bee Assistants
to my Executrix in all Causes or difficulties.
And this I do owne, as my owne Act
and Deed to all true intents & meanings & doe furthermore ratify &
confirme it, as my owne Act & Deed by setting to my hand & seale the
day & yeare underwritten.
August
the 6th 1666.
Edward Jessop
Signed, Sealed and
delivered in the presence
of
Witnesses
William Gouldstone
John Richardson
The
marke of
Richd. h Horton
Memorand. That this day the Will of
Edward Jessop Late of Westchester deceased was proved & sworne to be fore
us by two of the Witnesses thereunto, & the Inventory of the Goods &
Chattells of the person deceased was likewise sworne to by one of the overseers
who was present with the Constable of Westchester when the sd.
Inventory was taken & apprized. Wittnesse or. hands.
Dated at Flushing the 14th
day of Novembr. 1666.
R.
Nedham
M.
Nicolls
Richd.
Cornhill
Witnesses to the will John
Richardson
that were sworne ~ } William
Gouldston
Wittnesse to ye.
Inventory
sworne } Tho.
Hunt.
This Will was proved out of
Sessions-
by the Governors
speciall order.
Elizabeth
Jessop admitted
Executrix
of the last Will and
Testament
of her Husband.
Whereas Elizabeth Jessop of the
Towne of Westchester in the North Riding of Yorkeshire upon the Maine, widdow
& Relict of Edward Jessop late of the place aforesd. deceased
did by the Governrs speciall order make proofe of the last Will
& Testament of her sd. Husband before persons Comissioned to
receive the same: And the sd. Elizabeth as whole & sole
Executrix having given security for the performance of the particulars therein
exprest, (according to the Law in such Cases provided) The originall Will &
Testament remaining in the office of Records: These are to certify all whom it
may concerne that ye. sd. Elizabeth Jessop is admitted to
all intents & purposes as Executrix of the last Will & Testament of her
sd. Husband, & hath full & lawfull power & Authority to
doe & execute whatsoever in the sd. Will is required: Sealed
with the Seale of the office; Dated at New Yorke the 19th day of
Novemb. in the 18th yeare of his Majestyes Raigne, Annoq
Domini 1666
M.
Nichols, Secr
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Liber 1, p. 31-36.
Will of Daniel Johnson of Stockton, Chautauqua
County, New York (1861) *
In the name
of God Amen I Daniel Johnson of the town of Stockton in the County of
Chautauqua and State of New York of the age of Seventy Six years and being of a
sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last will and
testament in manner following that is to Say
First I give
and bequeath to my grand son Loren Johnson the Sum of one hundred dollars to be
paid to the Said Loren Johnson within one year after my decease
Second I
give and bequeath to my daughter Emily Wallis one cow To my two daughters
Mariah Thompson & Emily Wallis all my household furniture to be equally
divided between the said Mariah Thompson and Emily Wallis. And lastly I give
and devise all the rest residue and remainder of my real and personal Estate of
Every name and nature whatsoever to my four Sons and two daughters Viz. Titus
Johnson Absalom Johnson Henry Johnson and Mark Johnson Emily Wallis Mariah
Thompson to be Equally divided Equally between them, Share and Share alike. I
hereby appoint Philip Lazelle Sole executor of this my last will and testament
hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness Whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and Sixty one
Daniel Johnson (seal)
The above
instrument consisting of one Sheet was at the date thereof declared to us by
Daniel Johnson the testator therein mentioned to be his last will and
testament, and he at the same time acknowledged to us and Each of us, that he
had Signed and Sealed the Same, and we thereupon at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of Each other Signed out names thereto as
attesting witnesses
N. M. Shmick
Stockton Chautauqua County
Nelson D.
Johnson Stockton Chautauqua County
Recorded the
foregoing last will & testament of Daniel Johnson decd, the 28th
day of November 1861
Philip
Lazelle was granted Letters Testamentary on the last Will and Testament of
Daniel Johnson, late of Chautauqua County, on 28 Nov. 1861.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Chautauqua County Probate Wills Vol. 3, p. 227, from FHL
microfilm #0588096, and Letters of Testamentary Vol. 3, p. 74, from FHL
microfilm #0808953.
Will of James Johnson of Bridgewater, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1799) *
In the name
of God Amen. – I James Johnson of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
Gentleman, being of sound disposing mind & memory thanks be to God for the
same, do this Sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord Seventeen
Hundred & ninety nine, make, publish, pronounce and declare this my last
will & testament, in manner, as followeth – vizt.
First. – I
will that all my just debts, that I shall owe, at the time of my decease,
Funeral charges &c. shall be paid by my Executor hereinafter named.
Item. – I
Give & bequeath to my niece Betty Johnson, the daughter of my brother
Isaiah Johnson, all my indoor moveables & household furniture (excepting
one Feather Bed, Bedstead & Bed furniture) to her use and benefit forever.
– I further give & bequeath to her the said Betty, the use &
improvement of one third part of my dwelling house; also the right of the use
& improvement of one Fifth part of my orchard & the keeping of a Cow,
so long as she shall remain a single woman & no longer –
Item. – I
give & bequeath to my brother Isaiah Johnson & to his wife Ruth, the
use & improvement of two thirds of my dwelling house, for & during
their natural lives & to the longest liver of either of them. and in case
it shall so happen that my niece Betty Johnson shall marry or die in the life
time of my said brother Isaiah or his wife Ruth, then my will is, and I give
& bequeath the use & improvement of ye same third part of my
dwelling house which I have herein before give to my niece the said Betty, to
my brother Isaiah Johnson & his wife Ruth for and during their natural
lives, or the longest liver of them.—
Item. – I
give and bequeath to my brother Leavitt Johnson one Feather bed, bedstead &
bed-furniture, to his use & benefit Forever; and my will is that my said
brother Leavitt Johnson shall have his support & maintenance out of my
estate, which maintenance I give & bequeath to him my said brother Leavitt,
and to be done & performed by my Executor herein after named – and I do
hereby ordain, constitute & appoint my Nephew James Johnson, son of my
brother Isaiah Johnson, to be Sole Executor of this my last will &
testament, and I order & direct him the said James my said Executor that,
out of the estate herein after willed to him for that purpose, to pay all my
just debts, Funeral charges, &c. and to support & maintain my brother
Leavitt Johnson, providing for him, house room with suitable meat, drink,
apparell & all other necessaries for his comfort in sickness & health,
For & during his natural life; and I Further order & direct the said
James my said Executor to keep at his expence & on the land which I shall
herein after will to him, one Cow, for the sole use & benefit of my niece
Betty Johnson, the daughter of my brother Isaiah Johnson, and the same to be
kept through the year, and each & every year, so long as she shall remain a
single woman, and no longer, and shall be as well kept as store Cows usually
are, the providing such Cow at her own expence. – and I give devise &
bequeath to my Nephew James Johnson, my said Executor, his heirs & assigns
Forever, my homestead farm whereon I now live, together with all my other out
lands, and all my other Estate, whether personal, real or mixed, of what name
or nature soever, not herein before willed & disposed of, he paying &
performing every matter and thing herein before willed, ordered and directed in
this my last will and testament, and I do hereby revoke, disallow and render
null and void all other and former wills, ratifying and confirming this and
this only, as and for my last will and testament.~
In witness
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above
written.~
Signed
Sealed, Published, Pronoun-
ced &
declared by ye sd. James Johnson James Johnson (seal)
the testator
as & for his last will and
testament in
ye. presence of us, who by
his request,
& in ye. presence of each
other have
hereunto subscribed our
names as
witnesses. ~
Cabin Keith
Eliphalet
Washburn
Danl Snow –
Presented for probate on 5 May 1800 by James Johnson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Eliphalet Washburn and Daniel Snow, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Administration of the estate was granted
to James Johnson, the Executor before named.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 37, p. 230-231, from FHL microfilm #0550719.
Will of Joseph Johnson of Bridgewater, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1792) *
In the name of God
Amen – I Joseph Johnson of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth, in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Housewright, being of a sound, disposing mind
& memory, do proceed to make this my last will testament, in manner &
form following, first recommending my soul to God who gave it, humbly trusting
in him thro’ Jesus Christ for pardon grace & glory, I Give, devise &
bequeath to my son Alfred and to my son Joseph, all my Lands & buildings
Lying and being in Bridgwater aforesaid & in sharon in the county of
Suffolk, containing about eighty nine acres in the whole, to be equally divided
betwixt them, to have and to hold, to them, their heirs & assigns forever,
they to come into possession of the same (except their mother’s right of dower
therein) when they arrive to the age of twenty one years respectively, provided
however, and upon condition, that they the said Alfred & Joseph shall pay
to my three other sons, namely, Calvin Daniel & Martin, the sum of thirty
pounds of Lawful silver money to each of them, on their arrival to the age of
twenty one years respectively, and in case that either the said Calvin, Daniel
or Martin should not Live to be twenty one years of age, the said Alfred &
Joseph shall pay the sum of fifteen pounds of Lawful silver money, to be
equally divided, betwixt their two surviving brothers, in Lieu of the thirty
pounds to be by them paid to such deceased brother if he had lived to be twenty
one years of age. I also give & bequeath to my son Joseph, my desk to have
& to hold forever.
I
Give & bequeath to my Daughter Susanna the wife of Isaac Alger six
shillings, which with what I have heretofore given her is her full share of my
estate
I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Vestra the sum of fifteen pounds of
Lawful silver money to be paid by my Executors within twelve months next after
my decease
I
Give & bequeath to my two other Daughters, namely – Bethiah & Peggy the
sum of ten pounds of Lawful silver money, to each of them to be paid by my
executors, when they the said Bethiah & Peggy shall arrive to the age of
eighteen years, respectively, or on the day of their marriage, at which ever
first shall happen – and my will is that my sister Patience Johnson shall
continue to reside in my family so long as it shall be agreable to her & to
my Executors, and for the full performance and execution of this my Last will
& testament in all and every part & thing, I do hereby ordain,
constitute & appoint my beloved wife Bethiah Johnson, and Nathaniel Perkins
of said Bridgwater, Housewright, to be my Executors of this my Last will &
testament, whom I hereby order & direct to pay & satisfy out of the
money which shall be due to me on the note & otherwise at my decease, all
my just debts, Funeral charges, Legacies & bequests by me in this will
made, and to give me a decent christian burial,– I Give & bequeath to my
son Alfred one third part of all my Quick Stock & farming utensills, he to
come into possession of the same when he arrives to the age of twenty one
years. – I also give & bequeath to my son Joseph one third part of all my
quick stock & farming utensills he to come into possession thereof when he
arrives to the age of twenty one years, and my will is, that the use &
profits of all my Lands and buildings, quick stock & Farming utensills
(except my wife’s right of Dower therein) shall be applied towards the support
& education of such of my children as are not of age & discretion to
support themselves, untill the said Alfred & Joseph come into possession of
the same as aforesaid. – and after the payment of all my just debts, Funeral
charges, Legacies & bequests, by me in this will made, my will is, that the
use & profits of all debts due to me on Interest or otherwise, and all my
houshold Furniture & indoor moveables shall be applied towards the support
& education of such of my children as are not of age & discretion to
support themselves, at the discretion of my said Executors. – I Give &
bequeath to my two oldest sons, namely Alfred & Joseph all my Carpenters
& shop tools to have & to hold Forever. – and in case it shall so
happen that my sister Patience Johnson aforesaid shall not make it convenient
to continue in my Family, but shall remove therefrom, my will is, that my
Executors shall in consideration of her services heretofore done &
performed for me, pay her the sum of five pounds of Lawful silver money on her
removal as aforesaid and if either of my two oldest sons namely Alfred &
Joseph shall die before they arrive to the age of twenty one years, my will is;
that the survivor shall have one half of all the Lands & buildings &
Personal Estate in this my Last will & testament, devised & bequeathed
to him that shall die as aforesaid, and the other hall shall be equally divided
betwixt my three youngest sons, namely Calvin, Daniel & Martin, to have
& to hold Forever. – the said real estate shall however be held for the
payment of its proportion of the ninety pounds Lawful money to the said Calvin,
Daniel & Martin, as mentioned in the former part of this my Last will &
testament, and all the rest & residue of my estate, of what name or nature
soever not otherwise disposed of in this my Last will & testament, I Give,
devise & bequeath to my three youngest Daughters namely Vestia, Bethiah
& Peggy, to have & to hold Forever.–In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal the twenty third day of May Anno Domini 1792
Signed, Sealed, Published,
pronounced
& declared by the said Joseph
Johnson Joseph Johnson (seal)
to be his Last will &
testament, in
presence of
Joseph
Alger
Lewis
Johnson
Daniel
Howard
Presented for probate on 6 Aug.
1792 by Bethiah Johnson and Nathaniel Perkins, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Joseph Alger and Danl. Howard, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Bethiah Johnson and
Nathaniel Perkins.
Daniel Howard Esqr., Barnabas
Dunbar, yeoman, and Jos. Alger, yeoman, all of Bridgewater, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Joseph Johnson, late of Bridgewater, Housewright, on 6
Aug. 1792. The Inventory of the estate of Joseph Johnson, late of Bridgewater,
dated 8 Aug. 1792, totaled £858.0.3, including his real estate valued at
£565.1.8, and obligations for money on interest amounting to £184.2.6. Nathl
Perkins, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Aug. 1795.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 134-136, from FHL microfilm #0550717,
and Vol. 35, p. 298-299.
Will of Josiah Johnson of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In
the Name of God amen December 15th. 1809 I Josiah Johnson of Bridgwater in the County
of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being far advanced in
Age but of sound disposing Mind & Memory calling to mind the Frailty of
human nature do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament,
principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul to God who gave
it, & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executors & touching my worldly Estate I do dispose of the
same in the Manner following –
First
my Executors to pay all my honest debts which now are but small –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath unto Azubah Johnson my true & well beloved Wife all
my indoor Moveables & Quick Stock & the Improvement of one half my
Dwelling house & all the Lands, I bought of Thomas Phillips deceased &
the Improvement of my other House I have near Benjm. Robinson’s
& all the Lands I own in the east precinct of Bridgwater together with all
the Interest that shall arise upon all the Notes or Money I had at Interest viz
to be kept at Interest with Good Securities & the whole Interest arising
after my decease, I give the whole to her for & during her natural Life
also a Seat in my Pew in the Meeting house in sd. east parish during
Life.—
Item
I give unto my Son Solomon Johnson his Wife & Children the Improvement of
my House & all the Lands in Mendon I own, for & during my Son’s Life
& if his Wife Cloe should live she to improve sd. House &
Lands with her Children, so long as she remains his Widow – Then I give sd.
House & Lands to my Son Solomon’s eldest Son living upon his Father’s
decease & my Pew in Mendon Meeting-house—
Item
I give unto my Son Josiah Johnson the Improvement of one half my Dwelling House
I bought of Thomas Phillips deceased & all the improved Lands with one half
the woodlands I bought of said Phillips to improve after the decease of my
beloved Wife for the Support of his Family & not to be taken from him &
Family for any debts my Son has or may contract for & during my Son’s Life
to improve – & if my Son’s Wife Olive should live longer than my Son She to
improve one half the House & half the Lands I bought of Thos.
Phillips so long as she remains his Widow Then I give to my Grandson Zebina
Johnson the House & all the Lands I bought of Asel Allen and Thomas
Phillips forever (excepting my Grandchildren Polly Johnson & Sarah Johnson
shall have a right to live in their Brother Zebina’s House while unmarried -and
the other half my wood land not disposed of, but reserved above to be for Wood
for the said Zebina & two Sisters Polly & Sarah —
Item
I give unto my Son Nathan Johnson after the decease of my beloved Wife the
Improvement of my House & Lands lying near Benjn. Robinson’s
towards the Support of him & Family for & during his natural Life &
if his Wife Polly should live longer than my Son Nathan, she to improve said
House & Lands so long as she remains his Widow. Then I give said House
& Lands to my Son Nathan’s eldest Son then living, forever ~
As
to my Notes or Money after the Decease of my beloved wife, I give five hundred
Dollars to my Son Nathan’s eldest Son then living with this reserve, The
Interest upon five hundred Dollars – viz. Thirty Dollars pr. An.
shall be towards the support of my Son Nathan & wife & Family, & if
his Wife should live longer than my Son, for the Support of her & Children
while she remains his Widow The Improvement of said House & Lands &
Money not to be taken for any Debt my Son has or may contract but for the
Benefit of the Family only —
And
what Money or Notes, if any above the five hundred Dollars given above I give
to my Son Josiah Johnson’s Children, Polly, Sarah, Eunice Rhoda & Sidney
after the decease of my beloved wife to be equally divided —
My
Pew in the meeting house to my sons Josiah & Nathan’s Children I give —
And
I appoint my Sons Josiah Johnson & Nathan Johnson my Executors jointly
together.
And
I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disannul all & every former
Wills, Testaments, Legacies & Executors heretofore Ratifying &
confirming this & no other to be my last Will & Testament –
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year above written —
Signed
sealed pronounced & declared in presence of him
Jacob
Hill
Melza
Hill
Leonard
Hill Josiah Johnson (seal)
Presented for probate on 3 Aug.
1812 by William Harris of Bridgwater, Gentleman, Josiah Johnson and Nathan
Johnson the Executors therein named having refused said Trust, and proved by
Jacob Hill and Melzar Hill, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to William Harris to faithfully execute the said
will.
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Judge of
Probate &c –
We the Subscribers being appointed
executors to the Last Will & Testament of our Father Josiah Johnson
deceased, do decline taking that trust upon us & unite in desiring your
Honour to appoint Dean. William Harris Administrator with the Will
annexed, of the Estate of the said deceased
July
31st. 1812 ~ Josiah Johnson
Nathan
Johnson
I do approve of William Harris to be appointed to settle the Estate of
my late Husband Josiah Johnson deceased
her
Bridgwater
July 31st. 1812 Azubah X Johnson
Mark
Lot Whitmarsh, Gentleman, Benjamin
Pincin and Oliver Pratt, Yeomen, of Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the
Estate of Josiah Johnson, late of Bridgwater, Yeoman, on 3 Aug. 1812. The
Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Johnson, late of Bridgwater, dated Aug. 1812,
totaled $2006.46, including his homestead farm with the buildings and land
valued at $700, the house & land where Nathan Johnson’s family now lives
valued at $200, and notes of hand on interest of $946.01. William Harris, the
Administrator with the Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Jan.
1813.
Henry Sweeting Esqr.,
Samuel Fairbanks and Joseph Fox, Gentlemen, all of Mendon in the County of
Worcester, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Josiah Johnson, late of
Bridgwater, lying in Mendon in the County of Worcester, on 17 Sept. 1812. The
Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Johnson, late of Bridgwater, lying in the
Town of Mendon, dated 17 Sept. 1812, was valued at $825.00. William Harris, the
Administrator with the Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory in the
County of Worcester on 4 Jan. 1813.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, pp.
281-282, 296, 444-445, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Nathaniel Johnson of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1855) *
I
Nathaniel Johnson of the Town of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State of
Connecticut being of sound disposing mind and memory but weak in body. And
feeling conscious of the uncertainty of life knowing that it is appointed unto
all men once to die And being desirous in my life time to make desposition of
that property which it hath pleased a kind providence to bestow upon me do make
ordain and decla the following to be my last Will and Testament (To Wit),
First
of all I will order and direct that my funeral charges and Just debts be fully
paid and satisfied.
Second
I give devise and bequath one undivided half of the rest and residue of my
Estate that I may die possessed of bouth Real And personal unto my daughter
Rebeca W Eaton of the town of Stafford afforesaid and wife of Samuel W Eaton to
have and to hold the same to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Third
I give devise and bequath one undivided half of all the Estate that I may die
possesed of unto the Children and heirs of my son Nathaniel Johnson Junr
of the town of Somers in said Tolland County to have and to hold the same to
them and thire heirs and assigns forever
Lastly
I do ordain Constitute & Appoint Asa Willey of said Stafford to be my Sole
Executor, In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name at Stafford
this Twenty Second day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight
hundred and fifty / five
Signed
Sealed and published by the said Nathaniel Johnson as and for his last
Will and Testament in the presence of Each and all of us who now Subscribe this
Attestation in his presence as witnesses
Aaron
A Parsons
David
W Pratt Nathaniel Johnson (seal)
Asa
Willey
Presented for probate by Asa
Willey, Esq., on 4 July 1863, and proved by Asa Willey before Daniel F.
Fairman, Judge of Probate. Julius Hyde, James M. Chaffee, and F. M. Eager were
appointed to appraise the estate of Nathaniel Johnson, late of Stafford.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Nathaniel Johnson, late of Stafford, dated 6 July 1863, by signed by J. M.
Chaffee and F. M. Eager, totaled $54.87, plus various notes against Polly
Converse, Adam S. Eaton, and Jacob Leonard, and the estate had debts totaling
$196.98. The distribution of his estate shows the children and heirs of
Nathaniel Johnson Junr. as Francis W. Johnson, Clarisa E. Johnson, Wm? Johnson,
and Wley? Johnson.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Town of Stafford Register of Probate Records Vol. 18, pp. 736-737,
739-742, from FHL microfilm #1320434.
Will of Ebenezer Jones of Alford, Berkshire County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
I Ebenezer Jones of Alford in the
County of Berkshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound & perfect mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form
following (that is to say) I give to my son Calvin one dollar. I give to my son
Horace one dollar. I give to my son Atlass one dollar. I give to my son Andes
one dollar – I give and bequeath to Susan the Eldest daughter of my daughter
Thetis deceased one third of my house hold furniture. I give to the other
children of my daughter Thetis deceased namely, Luna Eliza, Calvin and Atlass
one dollar each. I also give and bequeath unto my daughter Luna one third of my
household furniture and half of my other personal estate & the use of
twenty one acres of land on the south end of my farm the condition on which she
is to have the land will be described below. I give to my daughter Thisbe one
dollar. I further give and devise to my daughter Sabra the remainder of my farm
that I have not deeded to her heretofore – on the conditions that if Sabra or
her heirs or assigns pay to Luna yearly Eighteen dollars in the months of
November or December – then Sabra is to have the use of the land, but if Sabra
fails of payments – the year following Luna is to have the use of the aforesaid
twenty one acres or the aforesd payments during her life, but if
Luna dies within ten years after my decease & the decease of my wife, then
her daughter Hester M. Wilcox is to have the use of the said twenty one acres
or the payments ten years after my decease & the decease of my wife–,
but if Hester M. Wilcox dies within ten
years also – then Sabra is to have the aforesd twenty one acres
without any further incumbrances – And I do Also give to my daughter Sabra the
residue of my house hold furniture & personal estate, not heretofore
disposed of And I also give to Luna,
the dwelling house in which Jabez Lawrence & Sabra his wife now life – with
liberty for her to occupy it where it now stands for three years after my
decease & the decease of my wife, then she may sell or remove it, as she
may think proper.—
As to my Grandsons Belus Jones &
Egbert Jones, sons of my son Heman Jones deceased I have given them their
portions when they went to Illinois & shall give them no more – And lastly
I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Susanna Jones the use and improvement
of all my Real Estate ~ the use and disposal of my personal estate, so far as
shall conduce to her necessities & comfort during her natural life (to
which condition all the foregoing bequests are subjected) and whom I hereby
appoint Sole Executrix of this my last will and testament~ But provided she
should not survive me I hereby appoint my son Horace Jones my Executor hereby
revoking all former wills by me made –
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the seventh day of
October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & twenty two
Ebenezer Jones (seal)
Signed Sealed published &
declared by the above named Ebenezer Jones to be his last will and testament in
the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same. Festus
Letchfield – Eunice Litchfield Norman
Lester
Presented for probate on 3 Jan. 1826
by Susanna Jones of Alford, who listed his heirs as his widow Susanna Jones,
Calvin Jones, aged 50 residing in North Carolina, Horace Jones of Livy, New
York, aged 47, Atlass Jones of Tennessee, aged about 43, Andes Jones, now
deceased, of South Carolina, Susan Orton, Luna Eliza, Calvin A., and Atlass
Orton, children of her daughter Thetis, deceased, Luna Wilcox, wife of Oliver
Wilcox, of New York City, aged 37, Thisbe Reeves, of Tennessee, aged 35, Sabra
Lawrence, wife of Jabez D. Lawrence of Alford, aged 28, and Hester M. Wilcox,
daughter of Luna Wilcox, of New York City. The will was proved by Eunice
Litchfield and Norman Lester, two of the subscribing witnesses, and Daniel
Barrett and Jabez D. Lawrence were sureties on the bond of Susanna Jones, of
Alford, Executrix.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Berkshire County Probate Vol. 29, p. 27-29, from FHL microfilm #0876301.
Will of Martha Jones of Troy, Rensselaer County, New
York (1847) *
Will ~
The last
will and Testament of Martha Jones of the City of Troy made the 25th October
1847 ~
I, Martha Jones
of the City of Troy do make and declare this my last will and testament in
manner following, that is to say~
I give the one half of what may
remain due on a certain note I hold against my son in law Charles L. Richards
and after paying & allowing his demand against me out of the same and all
payments he has made thereon, and after paying out of the balance of said note
all my just debts and funeral expenses including tomb stones and expenses of
fencing the grave yard, to my son Calvin Jones now at sea, and the rest of said
note or the half that remains after the deductions aforesaid, I give to my
daughter Maria wife of the said Charles and to her two sons Alpheus and Horace
Jones, to be divided between them share and share alike, the said Maria to have
possess and hold her share to her sole and separate use, free from the debts or
disposition of her husband. To the said Maria I give in like manner, aside to
her sole and separate use, and free from the debts and disposition of her
husband all my wearing apparel and personal ornaments, which if she chooses,
and in such manner as she chooses she may divide among my family and friends,
but I lay her under no obligation to do so, also my gold watch and gold
spectacles, also one pair fine linen sheets pair fine linen pillow cases, and
two napkins the large leathern trunk, one half of my linen, woollen, and cotton
sheets, one large white quilt, my case of drawers the couch, two feather beds
and pillows my high chair, six silver tea spoons, and four large silver spoons.
To my son Calvin Jones
aforesaid, I give two Matrasses, one feather bed, bedstead and cord, bolster
and two pillows, four pair of linen sheets, two pair of cotton sheets, three
pair of woollen sheets, two comforters, one rocking chair wash stand bowl and
pitcher, one carpet, one bureau, six chairs, one looking glass my silver
spectacles, six silver tea spoons, three large silver spoons, and two bed
quilts, to my said son Calvin I give one half of my pillow cases, except those
above given to Maria, and to him and Julia A. Fields wife of Doctor Fields, all
my other pillow cases, and I give all my towels and napkins to my said son
Calvin and my daughter Maria and Julia A. Fields, and to my son Calvin my large
sick chair, and my sugar tongs to the said Julia.
To the said
Julia I give one fringed white bed quilt, and to my said son Calvin I also give
one mahogany work stand ~
As to the rest
and remainder of my property I give & dispose of the same to my said
daughter, in the same manner to the same extent, as the other property, is
herein before given to her, except One Bible and prayer Book, which I give to
my son Calvin, and I appoint Charles L. Richards my Executor of this my will.
In witness whereof I the said Martha Jones, the above named
testatrix have to this instrument, signed my name, and declare the same to be
my last will and testament this twenty sixth day of October in the year 1847
aforesaid~
Martha Jones
The above
instrument signed by the above }
named
testatrix, was declared by her after }
she had
signed the same to be her last will and
}
Testament,
and in her presence and at her request }
we have
subscribed our names as witnesses ~
}
P. J. Simmons of the City of
Troy.
George Palmer of the City of
Troy.
Proved by
Peter J. Simmons of the City of Troy and George Palmer of the City of Troy on
28 Apr. 1848.
Charles L.
Richards was granted Letters Testamentary on the last Will and Testament of
Martha Jones, late of the City of Troy, on 28 Apr. 1848.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Rensselaer County Probate Wills Vol. 37, p. 357-359,
from FHL microfilm #0550022, and Letters Testamentary Administration Vol. 39,
p. 39, from FHL microfilm #0550023.
Will of Samuel Jones of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Samuel Jones of Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Cordwainer, being
infirm in body, but of sane mind & memory, do make and publish this my last
will and Testament in manner and form following viz.
1st. I give and bequeath unto my two sons, Lysander &
Samuel Jones, all my Real Estate, being about thirty four acres of land, with
the buildings thereon.
2d. I give and bequeath unto my two other sons,
Freeman and Franklin Jones, each two hundred Dollars.
3d. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter, Betsey
Holmes, Eighty Dollars.
4th. I give and bequeath unto my other Daughter Almira B.
Jones, one hundred Dollars, also my best bed, all my bedding and linen, and all
my glass and Crockery ware.
5th. I give and bequeath unto my four sons, above named, my
wearing apparel, to be divided equally between them.
6th I give and bequeath unto my two Daughters above named,
after paying my just Debts and funeral charges, the remainder of my personal
property, to be equally divided between them.
And I do constitute and appoint Cyrus Benson of said Town to
be my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, in testimony whereof I
do hereunto set my hand and seal, this ninth day of July, one thousand eight
hundred and forty two
Samuel Jones (seal)
Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named
Samuel Jones to be his last will and Testament in presence of us, who have
hereunto set our names as Witnesses, in the presence of the Testator
Abigail
Wing
Cyrus
Benson jur
Joseph
B. Wing
Presented for probate on the second Monday of August, 1842,
by Cyrus Benson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Cyrus Benson junior
and Joseph B. Wing, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 384-385, from FHL microfilm
#0555267.
Will of Abia Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the Name of God Amen—I Abia Keith of Bridgwater in the
county of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman Do
this twenty fourth day of November Anno Domini 1780 make this my Last will and
testament in manner and form following—In the first place I commend my Soul
into the hands of God who Gave it, trusting in his mercy through Jesus Christ,
for pardon Grace & Glory hereafter, and as to my worldly Estate I Give
Devise & bequeath it in the following manner – my will is that all my Debts
and Funeral Charges be paid in convenient time after my decease by my Executors
hereafter named
Item—I Give Devise and bequeath unto Mary my well beloved
wife all my Indoor moveables (Excepting my Gun, Desk, a Feather Bed, Bedstead
and furniture belonging thereto) also my two negro boys, named Nero &
Tobias, also two Cows, to her the said Mary forever—I further Give, Devise
& bequeath to my said wife Mary the use Occupation & improvement of one
third part of my dwelling house in which I Live, and one third of the Other
buildings appurtenant thereto also the improvement of one third of all my Real
Estate as Long as she continues my widow in full Satisfaction of her Dower in
my Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath to my son Asa Keith all my Lands on
the East side of the Road Leading to Boston (on Salisbury plane with the
buildings thereon and appurtenances thereto belonging I also Give Demise &
bequeath to the said Asa three acres of Land on the west side of the aforesaid
Road, with the Barn thereon, where the Orchard and Barn now is, also four Acres
of wood Land on the westerly of the west wall on my homestead farm adjoining to
Nathan Keith’s Land at that place, also six acres more within the aforesaid
wall Lying adjoining to the aforesaid four acres, with Liberty to pass and
Repass to and from the said two Last mentioned Lotts of Land where it will be
most beneficial and Least prejudicial; to him & his heirs forever –I
further Give him four acres of meadow at the south end of my meadow on
Salisbury River with Liberty to pass & Repass thereto
Item—I Give Devise and bequeath to my three daughters Mary
Howard and Ann Keith and Kesia Keith all my Lot of wood Land Lying adjoining to
Silas Dunbar’s homestead to be equally divided between them according to
Quantity and Quality, to them & their Heirs forever
Item—I Give Devise and bequeath to my daughter Bathsheba Bass
Fifty Spanish milled Dollars to be paid her by my Executors herein after named
within twelve months next after my decease
Item—I further Give to my daughter Kesia one Cow at my
decease also the improvement of one half of the north Room below Stairs in my
dwelling house, the use of part of the Kitchin, fire place buttery and Cellar –
& the priviledge of a Seat in my Pew in the meeting house so Long time as
she shall continue sole & unmarried
Item—I Give Devise and bequeath to my daughter Ann Keith a
feather Bed, Bedstead & furniture, belonging thereto, also one Cow, to her
and her heirs forever – I further Give to the said Ann the use and improvement
of the Other half part of the north Room aforesaid also a Seat in my Pew in the
meeting house, also the free use of part of the Kitchin, fire Cellar &
Buttery so Long as she shall continue unmarried, I further Give unto my said
daughter Ann my Silver watch to her & her heirs forever
Item—I Give Devise and bequeath to my Son Shepherd Keith all
the Rest and Residue of my Estate both Real, personal & mixed of what name
or kind soever, saving Excepting & Reserving all such matters & things
as herein is before saved, Excepted and Reserved, And my Will is and I further
order that all my Debts Legacies and funeral Charges shall be paid by my Son
Shepherd
and
I Do hereby nominate and appoint my Son Shepherd Keith, Adam Howard and Amos
Keith to be Executors of this my Last Will and testament—In witness whereof I
have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the day and year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, published,
pronounced
and declared by the said Abia to be Abia Keith (seal)
his Last will & Testament in
presence
of us
Abijah
Thayer
Levi
Keith
O.
Angier
Presented for probate on 1 Oct.
1781 by Shepherd Keith, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by
Abijah Thayer and Levi Keith, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed, the
other witness being Oakes Angier. Letters of Administration were granted to
Shepherd Keith, Adam Howard and Amos Keith, the executors in sd will
named.
Isaac Packard Gentleman, Abijah
Thayer, and Daniel Hayward, yeomen, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Abia Keith, late of Bridgwater, on 1 Oct. 1781. The
Inventory of the Estate of Abia Keith, late of Bridgwater, dated 20 Oct. 1781,
totaled £1274.3, his real estate valued at £1034, including his homestead lands
and buildings valued at £817. Shepherd Keith, one of the Executors, gave his
oath to the inventory on 5 Nov. 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 203-204, 225-226, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of Amos Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen, This twentieth day of April Annoque
Domini one thousand Seven Hundred & seventy eight, I Amos Keith of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in the State of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England Gentleman, being of perfect mind & memory & Calling to mind
the mortality of my body do make and ordain this my Last will & testament
First – I would Recommend my Soul to God, and my body I
bequeath to the Earth to be Interred in Decent Christian burial at the
Discretion of my Executors hereafter to be named, expecting to Recieve the same
again at the Resurrection of the Just by the mighty power of God, & as
Touching the temporal Estate which God hath been pleased to bless me with in my
natural Life, I Dispose of the same in manner & form following ~
First– my will is that my Just Debts, funeral Charges and the
Charges of Settling my Estate shall be paid out of my Estate
Secondly – I Give & bequeath to my wife Sarah Keith &
to her Heirs & assigns forever, my houshold furniture, Houshold Goods,
Houshold utensills, excepting my Clock, Desk, Case of Bottles & one Chest,
I Likewise Give to her & to heirs & assigns forever, my books, wearing
Apparell, Cloth, woolen yarn, Linnen yarn, Sheeps wool, flax, Soap, half of my
houshold provisions, half of my Cyder, half of my hay, half of the vegetable
produce of my farm that shall be Growing upon said farm at the time of my
decease, three of my best Cows, fifteen Sheep half of my Swine, Eighteen pounds
in money and half of my money that is Remaining after the payment of my Just
Debts, funeral Charges and Charges of Settling my Estate, and this Legacy of
Eighteen pounds; I Likewise Give and bequeath to her the use & improvement
of my Pew in the publick meeting in Middleborough in that part of said
Middleborough which belongs to the Parish called Tittecut Parish during her
natural Life – I Likewise Give to her the use of my clock, Desk, Case of
Bottles & a Chest, before mentioned as also the use of my Horse, bridle
& Saddle during her natural Life
Thirdly—I Give and bequeath to my kinsman Amos Keith junr.
of Bridgwater aforesaid Son of my brother Ebenezer Keith & to his heirs and
assigns forever, my husbandry Utensills & a Saw & my instruments of
Armour, half of my Swine, half of my houshold provisions, half of my Cyder half
of my hay, half of the vegetable produce of my farm that shall be Growing upon
said farm at the time of my decease & my Cattle & Sheep which are not
already disposed of in this my Last will & testament, and my money which is
not already disposed of in this my Last will & testament, I Likewise Give
& bequeath to my said kinsman Amos Keith junr. & to his
heirs & assigns forever, my Pew in the publick meeting house in
Middleborough before mentioned Reserving the use & improvement of said Pew
for my wife Sarah Keith aforesaid during her natural Life– I Likewise Give
& bequeath to my said kinsman Amos Keith junr, and to his heirs
& assigns forever, my Clock, Desk, Case of Bottles and a Chest, before
mentioned and my horse bridle & Saddle, Reserving the use of them for my
wife Sarah Keith aforesaid during her natural Life—and I Constitute and ordain
William Fobes of Bridgwater aforesaid, and Edmund Hall of Raynham my sole
Executors of this my Last will & testament, and I Do hereby utterly
disallow, Revoke and disannul all other former testaments, wills, Legacies,
Bequeathments and Executors by me before made, willed, bequeathed and named,
Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament
In witness thereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my
Seal the Day, month and year before mentioned
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced
and declared to be the Last will and Amos Keith (seal)
testament of Amos Keith in the pre-
sence of us the subscribers
Eliab
Fobes
Gershom
Richmond
Benjamin
Webb
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1782 by William Fobes and
Edmund Hall, the Executors therein named, and proved by Gershom Richmond and
Benjamin Webb, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Eliab Fobes being since
deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to William Fobes and Edmund
Hall, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 474-476, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Arza Keith of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
Be it
remembered that I Arza Keith of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth,
Yeoman, on this tenth day of June eighteen hundred forty seven, do make &
establish my last Will and Testament as follows.
I
give to my wife, Marcia Keith, the use and improvement of all my real estate
during her natural life; and after her decease I give one third part of my real
estate to my son Albert Keith his heirs and assigns and one other third part of
my real estate to my son Arza Benjn. Keith, his heirs and assigns. I
give to my daughter Marcia K. one sixth part of my real estate, to her &
her heirs & assigns, and the other sixth part of my real estate I give to
my daughter Harmony P. to her & her heirs & assigns.
All the
rest residue & remainder of my estate I give to my wife, to her and her
heirs and assigns forever. And I appoint her Executrix of this Will.
Provided
however if the estate herein given to my wife should be insufficient for her
support, I hereby authorize and empower her to sell & convey any part or
all of my real estate & to appropriate so much of the proceeds as she may
need for her support, and the remainder to be divided among my children in the
above proportions.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above
written.
Arza Keith (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published & declared by the above named Arza Keith, as his last
Will and Testament, in presence of us, who in his presence & in presence of
each other, subscribe as witnesses.
Jesse
Perkins
Caroline
B. Perkins
Mary
P. Hewins
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of Dec. 1864 by
Marcia Keith, of North Bridgewater, the Executrix therein named.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 126, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 114, p. 350 (345).
Will of Benjamin Keith
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.—I Benjamin Keith of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being of sound, disposing mind & memory
thanks be to God for the same, do this eighth day of March in the year of our
Lord Eighteen Hundred, make publish, pronounce & declare this my last will
& testament in manner as followeth—Vizt.
Impms—All my just debts, funeral charges &
such legacies as are herein after given or bequeathed shall be paid by my
Executors herein after named.—
Item.— I Give & bequeath to my wife Abigail, one third
part of all my indoor moveables & houshold furniture & one Cow to her
use & benefit forever; and, I further give & bequeath to my wife
Abigail, the use & improvement of one third part of all my real estate
including the use & improvement of one third part of all the buildings for
and during her natural life
Item—
I Give and bequeath to my daughter Bethiah, the wife of Caleb Bassett, one
third part of all my indoor moveables & houshold furniture, one Cow and
Sixty Dollars to be paid & delivered to her by my Executors hereafter
named, to her use & benefit forever, this together with what I have
heretofore given her, I consider to be her full share of my estate ~
Item.—
I Give & bequeath to my daughter Eunice, the wife of Ebenezer Leach ye
2d- one third part of all my indoor moveables & houshold
furniture, one Cow & Sixty Dollars, to be paid & delivered to her by my
Executors herein after named, to her use & benefit forever, this together
with what I have heretofore given her, I consider to be her full share of my
estate. ~
Item.—
I Give, devise & bequeath to my son, Benjamin Keith junr. his
heirs & assigns forever, the land whereon his dwelling house now stands,
and all the land in front of his dwelling house that is between said house
& the high way, containing by estimation about one quarter part of an acre,
be the same, more or less—
Item.—
I Give, devise & bequeath to my son Marshall Keith, his heirs and assigns
forever, my dwelling house wherein I now live, together with the land whereon
said house stands, and all the land in front of said house, between the house
& the high way, containing by estimation about ten rods more or less—
Item—
I Give & bequeath to my two sons Benjamin & Marshall, all my wearing
apparell, to be equally divided between them— And I do hereby ordain,
constitute & appoint my two sons Benja Keith junr
& Marshall Keith to be joint Executors of this my last will &
testament.
Item—
I Give, devise & bequeath to them my two sons Benjamin Keith jr &
Marshall Keith, their several & respective heirs & assigns forever, to
be equally divided between them, all the remaining part of my homestead farm
whereon I now live, containing by estimation, about one hundred acres, more or
less, together, with all the rest and residue of my estate, both real personal
& mixed, of what name or nature soever not herein before particularly
disposed of and all to be equally divided between them, they paying all my
debts & funeral charges, and all the legacies herein before willed &
given, in equal half parts between them.—And I do hereby revoke, disannul and
render void & of none effect, all other & former wills, ratifying &
confirming this and this only as & for my last will & testament. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first
above written —
Signed, Sealed, Published Pronoun-
ced & declared by ye
sd Benja Keith the Benjamin Keith (seal)
testator as & for his last will
& testa-
ment in ye presence of
us, who by his re-
quest & in his presence, as we
in the
presence of each other have
hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
James
Alger ye 3d
Barachias
Wate
Daniel
Snow
Presented for probate on 9 Nov.
1801 by Benja Keith & Marshall Keith, ye Executors
therein named, and proved by Jas Alger ye 3d
& Danl Snow, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Eleazer Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God amen I Eleazer Keith of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman considering the
Uncertainty of human Life & being of sound Mind & Memory, do
make & publish this my last Will & Testament in Manner and form
following – viz —
First
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Susanna all the Household Furniture,
she brought with her, soon after our Marriage, I also order that ten Dollars be
paid her annually by my three Sons Martin Silvanus & George, in addition to
what was stipulated by a Covenant previous to our Marriage during her Widowhood
—
2dly.
I give & bequeath to my two Sons Eleazer & John a Lot of Land I bought
of Simeon Brett lying in the second share so called containing about 5 Acres
& 60 Rods –
3dly.
I give & bequeath to my Son Timothy forty Dollars. —
4thly.
I give & bequeath to each of my three Daughters Betty, Huldah & Silvia
& their Heirs forty Dollars & and one sixth part of my household
Furniture not given to my Wife & Sons —
5th.
I give and bequeath to each of my two Daughters Celia & Susanna their Heirs
one Dollar & one sixth part of my household Furniture not give to my Wife
& Sons —
6th.
I give & bequeath to the Heirs of my Daughter Lucy Copeland deceased forty
Dollars & one sixth part of household Furniture not given to my Wife &
Sons —
7thly.
I give & bequeath to my three Sons Martin Silvanus & George my wearing
apparel, Desk & Clock & all my other Estate not hereby or otherwise
legally disposed of, they paying my just debts Legacies Funeral Charges &
the Sum of thirty Dollars, twenty Dollars of which was promised by Covenant
previous to Marriage & ten Dollars ordered by this Will & Testament
annually to my Wife Susanna so long as she may remain my widow— If either of them have any Trade or
Occupation for which they may serve an Apprenticeship before they arrive to the
Age of twenty one years, then the others that have not to be paid each two
hundred Dollars, & the remainder to be equally divided between them, &
if either of these three Sons should die before they arrive to the Age of
twenty one years it is my will that the Estate bequeathed should be divided
among my surviving Sons & if any dispute should arise among my Heirs &
Widow about the Estate the same shall be decided by three judicious &
disinterested Freeholders of the Town of Bridgwater, one to be chose by each of
the contending parties & one to be mutually chosen by them, & if they
cannot agree then the two persons chosen by them to choose the third person
& if they cannot agree then the Selectman in the East precinct of
Bridgwater shall be the person & their award shall be decisive – I also
hereby appoint my son Eleazer Keith to be sole Executor of this my last Will
& Testament – In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal
this eighteenth day of December Anno Domini one Thousand eight hundred &
two: Mm those words “and their Heirs” in two places & the
words “about the Estate” with some others were interlined before signing —
Signed, sealed published &
declared by the above
named Eleazer Keith to be his last
Will & Testa-
ment in presence of us, who have
hereunto
subscribed our Names as Witnesses
in the
presence of the Testator — Eleazer Keith (seal)
Eleazer
Whitman
Nathan
Alden junr.
Eleazer
Whitman junr.
Presented for probate on 21 Feb.
1809 by Eleazer Keith, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Alden
junr. and Eleazer Whitman junr, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Eleazer Keith,
the before named Executor.
Nathan Alden junr.,
James Barrel of Bridgwater and James Bates of Abington, Gentlemen, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Eleazer Keith, late of Bridgwater, Yeoman,
on 21 Feb. 1809. The Inventory of the Estate of Eleazer Keith, late of
Bridgwater, dated 12 Feb. 1810, totaled $3354.33, including his real estate
valued at $2166.18, and $794 in Notes of Hand. Eleazer Keith, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Apr. 1810.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
470-471, from FHL microfilm #0550902, and Vol. 43, p. 163-164.
Will of Elizabeth Keith of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In the Name of God Amen the Twentyfirst day of Febry,
in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & fifty Seven I
Elizabeth Keith of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth & province of the
Massachusetts bay in New England Spinster being very weak in body but of
Perfect mind & Memory thanks be Given to God therefore calling to minde the
Mortality of my body & knowing it is appointed for all men once to dye, do
Make & Ordain this my Last Will & Testament,- That is to say Principally & first of all
I Give & recommend my soul into the hands of God that Gave it, & my
body I recommend to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Execr. hereafter named, Nothing doubting but at the Generall
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God, &
as Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in
this Life I Give demise and dispose of the same in the following manner &
form that is to say ~
Imprs. I Give and Bequeath unto my three beloved
sons Viz, Joseph Keith, Eleazer Keith & Ephriam Keith five Shilling apeice,
& to each of my sd. three sons I also Give One Ninth part of
what shall remain at my decease of the Twenty nine pounds Ninteen Shillings
& four pence Secured to me by two Promessery notes under the hand of Mr.
Ephriam Fobes for Lands I lately sold him ~
Item, I Give and
Bequeath unto my six Beloved Daughters viz, Anna Alden the wife of Ebenr.
Alden, Jemina Packard, the wife of James Packard, Abigail Haward, the wife of
Robt. Haward, Martha Southworth the wife of Constant Southworth,
Mary Kingman the wife of Jonathan Kingman, & Elizabeth Lathrop the wife of
Samuell Lathrop Junr. the whole of my Personall Estate, excepting my
Brass Kittle which I hereby Give to my aforesaid Daughter Martha Southworth,
& excepting what I have also demised to my aforesaid three sons viz,
Joseph, Eleazer, & Ephriam, to be Equally divided between them ~
Further it is my Will that my Just debts be Paid & my
funerall charges defrayed, by my nine Children viz, Joseph, Eleazer, Ephriam,
Anna, Jemima Abigail, Martha, Mary & Elizabeth, in equall Parts, ~
And I do hereby Constitute make & Ordain My son in Law
Constant Southworth my sole Execr. of this My last will &
Testament; and I do hereby utterly dissalow, revoke & dissanull all &
every other former Testamt, Wills Legacies & Bequests & Execrs.
by me in any ways before named Willed & Bequeathed, ratifying &
Confirming this & no Other to be My Last Will & Testament, In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal the day & Year first before
written ~
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by the
her
said Elizabeth Keith as her last Will & Testamt. Elizabeth + Keith (seal)
In the Presence of us the Subscribers marke
John Porter
Zachariah Cary
Consider Pratt
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1758 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by John Porter and Consider Pratt, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to her Son in Law Constant
Southworth, the sole Execr, on 3 Apr. 1758.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 522-523, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Rev. James
Keith of
I James Keith minister of the Town of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth in New England being through Gods Goodness Intire in my
understanding & memory but expecting my departure & relying in the
Mercy of God in Christ for Eternal Life do make my Last Will & Testament
with respect to my outward Estate in Manner & form as followeth.—
Imprimis I appoint my executors mentioned in this my Will to
receive all that may appear to be due to me, and to pay all my Just debts &
to discharge my funerall Expenses.
Besides what I have already given to my Children I do further
Give & bequeath to my five sons James Keith Joseph Keith Samuel Keith,
Timothy Keith John Keith & my two daughters Margeret Hunt & Mary
Hayward the produce of my Home-living housing & Land, Consisting of Two
& Twenty acres be it more or Less when sd housing & Lands are sold, And I do appoint my
executors, or such as they shall Impower to make sale of sd housing & Lands in time
Convenient & the produce thereof to be Equally divided among my Five Sons
& Two daughters above mentioned to them their heirs & Assignes—. I Give & bequeath to my son James Keith
my best Saddle & bridle my brown Cloak, my boots, my best hatt & best
Shirt to him his heirs or assignes—
All the rest of my wearing Apparrell I Give to my four sons
Joseph Keith Samuel Keith Timothy Keith John Keith to be Equally divided among
them, to their heirs or Assignes—
I Give to my son Josiah Keith Ten pounds to be paid to him
his heirs or assignes by my Executors Or Such as they shall appoint. All the
rest of my Estate which Shall be left at my decease excepting that which is due
by Contract to my Loving wife Mary & what else I am now possest of I may
have Ocation to dispose of before my departure I Leave to my five Sons James
Keith Joseph Keith Samuel Keith Timothy Keith John Keith and my two daughters
Margeret Hunt & Mary Hayward to be Equally divided among them to them their
heirs or assignes—
I do Appoint my two sons James Keith & Joseph Keith to be
joynt Executors of this my Will which declare to be my last Will &
Testament this Thirtieth day of July In the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven
hundred & Eighteen & in the fourth year of the Reign of Our Gratious
Soveraign King George. James Keith (seal)
Signed Sealed & declared to be his Last Will &
Testament In the presence of us—
Edward Fobes, Ephraim
Fobes Benjamin Fobes
August the 26th. 1719. The above named Edward Fobes Ephraim Fobes
& Benjamin Fobes made Oath that they saw the abovewritten Mr. James Keith signe seal
& heard him declare ye abovewritten Instrument to be his Last Will & Testament,
and that at the Same time according their best Observation he was of a Sound
disposing mind & memory. Taken
Before me
Isaac
Winslow Judge of probates
The inventory of the movable estate of Mr. James
Keith Minister of the Town of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New
England who deceased July the Twenty second Annoge. Dom. 1719…was taken on 25
Aug. 1719 by John Field, Isaac Johnson & John Ames jur.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Lieut. Joseph
Keith of
In the Name of God Amen. The twenty Second day of September
in ye Year of our Lord – 1730 – Lieut. Joseph Keith of
Bridgewater in ye. County of Plymo in New-England
being very sick & weak in Body, but of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be to
God; therefore calling to Mind ye Mortality of my Body and knowing that
it is appointed for All Men once to dy do Make and Ordain this my last Will
& Testament Principally & first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul
into ye hands of God that gave it, Hoping through ye
Merits Death & Passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full & free
Pardon & Forgiveness of all my Sins & to Inherit everlasting Life~
And my Body I Commit to the Earth to be decently buried at ye
Discretion of my Executr. hereafter Named, Hoping that at the
General Resurrection to recieve ye. same again by ye
Mighty Power of God – And as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of ye
Same as followeth: First I Will that all those Debts & Duties as I owe to
any Person be well & truly paid in convenient time after my Decease by my
Executr. hereafter Named –
Item. I Give & Bequeath unto Elizabeth my Wel-beloved
Wife all my personal Estate as Cattel Houshold Goods & Moveables within
Door & without to Her and at Her Dispose, Excepting those Particulars of
them which I shall herein Give to my Son Ichabod, Also I Give unto Her one half
of my Building & one third Part of ye. Income of my Homestead
during ye. time of her Widow hood –
Itm I Give to my Eldest Son Joseph Keith to him his
Heirs & assigns forever a Portion in Lands which are particularly Described
Set forth & Confirmed by Deeds under my hand & seal.
Itm I Give to my second Son Eliezer Keith a Portion in
Land described & confirmed to him his Heirs & assings by Deed under my
hand & seal ~
Itm I Give unto my third Son, Ephraim Keith to him his
Heirs & assigns forever (Besides what I have already Expended for his
Learning) My Right in Several Divisions & Pieces of Land in ye
town of Easton described as followeth, a Fifty acre Lot lying on the Westerly
Side of Ebenezer Drakes Land, Two Acres & a half lying on the North West
Corner of sd. Drakes Land, Thirty five acres & a half lying near
Dorchester Line. Also about Six Acres at ye. Northerly End of
Jussicky: Meadow, Swamp.
Itm I Give unto my fourth Son Ichabod Keith (whom I
Constitute ye. Sole Execxutr. of this my last Will) To
him his Heirs & assigns forever All my Homestead & all my other Lands
& Rights in Land within the Township of sd. Bridgewater (Not
other ways disposed of) Also my Right in ye Saw Mill, a two Year old
Colt, A Yoke of oxen, Cart & Wheels, Chains, Plows, A Saddle, Sythes, Axes
& Hoes ~
Itm I Give to my Daughter Anna Alden to Her, her Heirs
& Assigns forever One Sixth Part of a fifty acre Lot of Land in Easton
lying joyning to my Son Eliezer Keiths House Lot –
Itm I Give to my Daughter Jemima Packard to her, her
Heirs & assigns forever One Sixth Part of the sd. fifty Acre Lot
last Mentioned –
Itm I Give to my Daughter Abigail Haward to Her, her
Heirs & assigns forever One Sixth Part of ye. sd.
fifty Acre Lot. –
Itm I also Give to my Daughter Martha Keith her Heirs
& assigns forever A Sixt Part of sd. Lot.
Itm I Give to my Daughter Mary Keith her Heirs &
assigns forever a Sixt Part of sd. Lot
Itm I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Keith her Heirs
& Assigns forever a Sixth Part of ye sd. Lot – And I
do hereby Ratify & Confirm this & no Other to be my last Will &
Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal ye.
Day & Year Abovewritten—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared
by ye. sd Joseph Keith as his last Will
and Joseph Keith (seal)
Testament the Presence of us ye. Subscribers
Samuel Keith
Timothy Keith
John Keith
Proved by Samuel Keith and Timothy Keith on 2 Nov. 1730, and
by John Keith on 5 Mar. 1730/31. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ichabod Keith, the Sole Executor, on 8 Mar. 1730[/31].
The Inventory of the Estate of Lieut. Joseph Keith
of Bridgewater, not dated, was appraised by John Kingman, Joseph Snell, and
John Burr, and totaled £1339.0.0, his house, barn and forty acres of land
adjoyning valued at £600.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Levi Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the Name of God amen I Levi Keith of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman do this twenty first
day of November in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & nine
make and ordain this my last will & Testament in Manner & form
following that is to say
I
give & bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife Jemima Keith the Use &
Improvement of one third part of all my Real Estate during natural Life &
also one Cow & all my Household Furniture forever —
I
give & bequeath to my Son Levi Keith one Dollar & my wearing Apparel
which together with what I have already given, is his full proportion of my
Estate –
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Jemima Widow of William Field the Sum of one
Dollar to be paid in one year after my decease —
I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Molly the Wife of Ichabod Howard, the Sum of
one Dollar to be paid in one Year after my Decease —
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Anna Keith the Sum of one hundred and fifty
Dollars, to be paid in Household Furniture if wanted by her, but otherwise paid
in Money by my Executor out of the Estate which I shall herein bequeath to him
within one Year after my decease: – my will is that While she continues in an
unmarried State that she has the Improvement of the East Room in my House with
the Chamber over it with so much of the Kitchen, oven, Cellar, Well &
Buttery as is needful for her own use with the privilege to pass & repass,
the Improvement of half of the Garden adjoining my House & a Seat in my Pew
below in the Meeting house —
I
give & bequeath unto my three Grandchildren (the Children of my Daughter
Bethiah Reynolds deceased) as follows viz to Luther Reynolds ten Dollars to
Nathaniel Reynolds one Dollar & to Zilpha wife of Joshua Howard one Dollar,
all to be paid in one Year after my Decease –
I
give & bequeath to my Grandson Ziba Keith my Dwelling house & other
Buildings (excepting the privilege to my Daughter Anna as before described)
with the Land adjoining including a Meadow Lot I bought of Thomas Thomson, to
the said Ziba & his Heirs & Assigns forever–
I
give & bequeath to my Son Benjamin Keith all the Rest & Residue of my
Estate of what name or nature not otherwise herein disposed of to have & to
hold to him the said Benjamin his Heirs & assigns forever, he paying all my
just debts & funeral charges & all the Legacies & Bequests, herein
given as aforesaid, and I do hereby ordain constitute & appoint the said
Benjamin Keith sole Executor of this my last will & Testament –
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the day & Year abovesaid. —
Signed, sealed published &
pronounced & declared by the said
Levi Keith to be his last Will
& Testament in presence of us who
subscribed as Witnesses at his
request & in his presence & in presence of each other –
Josiah
Perkins Levi Keith (seal)
Shephard
Perkins
Nahum
Perkins
Presented for probate on 6 Dec.
1813 by Benjamin Keith, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah
Perkins and Shephard Perkins, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Benjamin Keith, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p.
169-170, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Louis Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In
the name of God Amen I Louis Keith of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and
State of Massachusetts considering the uncertainty of life, and being of sound
and perfect mind and memory, make and ordain and publish this my last will and
testament, as follows, Viz.
I
give and bequeath to my Son Jonathan C. Keith all my notes of hand, and also
all my obligations and Securities for money and also all my part of the
property that has or may fall to me out of the estates of Sumner Keith and
Ichabod Keith (my sons) deceased.
I
give and bequeath unto Jonathan C. Keith my son and to Clarissa Pratt and to
Lois Scott my daughters all my household furniture and clothing, to be divided
equally between them.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of July
in the year (1835) one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.
Louis Keith (seal)
Signed,
sealed published and
declared by the above Louis Keith
to
be his last Will and Testament in
presence of us.
Seth
Washburn
William
Pratt Junr.
Holden
W. Keith
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Aug. 1847 by Jonathan C. Keith, a legatee therein named, and proved
by Seth Washburn and Holden W. Keith, two of the witnesses.
Seth Washburn, of Bridgewater, was
granted administration with will annexed of the estate of Louis Keith, late of
Bridgewater, no person having been named as Executor therein, on 3 Aug. 1847,
with Holden W. Keith and Daniel L. Howard, both of Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p.
295, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol. 10A, p. 557.
Will of Robert Keith
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1787) *
In the name of God Amen—This twenty fourth day of May Anno
Domini one thousand seven hundred eighty seven, I Robert Keith of Bridgwater in
the county of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bay in New England,
Yeoman, now being of perfect mind & memory, & mindful of the mortality
of my body, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, and I would
recommend my soul to the mercy of God who gave it & my body I bequeath to
the earth to be interred in decent christian burial at the discretion of my Executor
of this my last will & testament hereafter to be named, hoping to recieve
the same again by ye. almighty power of God at the resurrection of
the just, thro’ the mediatorial mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
temporal estate which God hath been pleased to favour me with in this my
natural life, I dispose of in manner & form following
1 – I Give &
bequeath to my wife Hannah Keith & to her heirs & assigns forever a
Riding Chair, with its furniture & all the other moveable or personal
estate now in my possession which she brought into my possession at ye
time of my marriage with her having procured my Son Robert Keith to give her a
lease of one half of the dwelling house in which I now dwell vizt.
the east half of it & one half of the cellar under said dwelling house,
during her natural life, after my decease, which is according to an agreement I
made with her before my marriage with her, and having likewise procured my said
Son Robert Keith to engage by an Obligatory bond to give her thirty five
bushells of good merchantable Indian Corn, yearly or every year after my
decease, while she shall remain widow, I likewise give to her & her heirs
& assigns forever all the houshold provisions, tallow, tallow candles,
soap, cloathing, excepting apparell worn by myself, one half of the linnen
yarn, one half of the flax belonging to me at the time of my decease, I
likewise do give to her & to her heirs & assigns forever, one Cow
instead of a Cow which she brought into my possession at the time of my
marriage with her & one Hog, if any one shall belong to me at the time of
my decease, and one half of the Bed linnen & one half of the table linnen
that have been made by us since we were married together. I likewise do give
her the sole use of a Cupboard, a pair of Iron dogs or andirons, a meat tub
& barrell & a soap tub after my decease while she shall remain my
widow. I likewise do give her the use of a seat in a Pew in the Publick meeting
House in the south Precinct of Bridgwater at the usual time of publick worship
& exercises after my decease while she shall remain my widow, one half of
the said Pew being my property
2d – I Give
& bequeath to my Son Asa Keith & to his heirs & assigns forever one
half of my Island called Marvell’s Island situated in the Pond called
Nipnickett Pond in the town of Bridgwater, as also my right in a Pew in the
lower part of the publick meeting house in the south Precinct of Bridgwater,
reserving the use of a seat in the same, as aforesaid, for my wife Hannah
Keith, after my decease, while she shall remain my widow, one half of said Pew
being my property. I likewise do give him and his heirs & assigns, my pair
of Silver shoe buckles, & my pair of Silver knee buckles, my great coat
& one half of the rest of my apparall worn by myself my Saddle, my
harnesses, & my Draught Chain, one tierse Cask, one barrell Cask, and one
dry Hogshead Cask
3d. I Give
& bequeath to my son Robert Keith & to his heirs and assigns forever,
one half of my Island situated in the Pond called Nipnicket Pond in the town of
Bridgwater, as also my right that is in a Pew in the upper part of the Publick
meeting house in the south Precinct of Bridgwater, my right in said Pew being
one quarter of the same, and I likewise do give to him & his heirs &
assigns forever, that part of my apparell of my own wearing not already
disposed of in this my last will & testament as also my great bible &
my Cupboard, reserving the use of said bible & Cupboard for my wife Hannah
Keith, after my decease, while she shall remain my widow, and I do order him to
procure Pasturage & Fodder sufficient for the support of one Cow for my
wife Hannah Keith, after my decease while she shall remain my widow, and I
likewise order him to procure for my Daughter Constant Leach the wife of
Nehemiah Leach Household Goods to the value of Forty shillings, or to pay her
money to the amount of Forty shillings at or before the expiration of two years
after my decease, and I lay another injunction upon him vizt. that
he shall pay the charges of my burial & of the Settlement of my Estate at
the Probate office, and these three Injunctions are to be performed at his own
expence
4 – I Give and
bequeath to my Daughter Constant Leach the wife of Nehemiah Leach my looking
glass & a pair of worsted combs & a Loom for Cloth weaving & to her
heirs & assigns forever
5. My Personal, or moveable Estate not already
disposed of in this my last will & testament, I Give & bequeath to my
four Daughters Phebe Leach the wife of Jedediah Leach & Hassadiah Leach,
the wife of James Leach, Tabitha Caswell the wife of Jonathan Caswell &
Constant Leach, the wife of Nehemiah Leach to be equally divided among them,
reserving the use of a Pair of Iron dogs or andirons, a meat tub & barrell
& a soap tub for my wife Hannah Keith, after my decease, while she shall
remain my widow
6. I do constitute & ordain my Son Robert
Keith to be the Executor of this my last will and testament, and I do utterly
disallow & revoke all former wills, testaments, bequeathments, Legacies
& Executors by me before made, willed and bequeathed and appointed and
ordained, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and
testament, and in witness of the same I have here Set my hand and affixed my Seal
to this my last will and testament, this twenty fourth day of May Anno Domini
one thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Seven
Signed, Sealed and declared by the
said Robert Keith, to be his last will Robert Keith (seal)
& testament in the presence of us
Joseph
Cowing
William
Leach jr
Benjamin
Webb
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1796 by Robert Keith, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Cowing, one of the witnesses, the
other witnesses William Leach junr. and Benjamin Webb being both
deceased.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ruth Keith of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
In the name of God Amen I Ruth Keith of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts singlewoman considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory blessed be
Almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last will & Testament
in the manner and form following (that is to say. After my just Debts and
funeral charges and the expense of settling my estate if first paid. First I
give and bequeath to my sister Keziah Keith all the property that I may be
seized of for her use and benefit.
Lastly my will is and I do hereby appoint Cornelius Holmes
jur. Executor to this my last will & Testament.
In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the
seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty
seven
Ruth
Keith her X Mark (seal)
Signed sealed and published & declared by the before
named
Ruth Keith to be her last Will & Testament in the
presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names.
Cornelius
Holmes jur
Cornelius
Holmes 3d.
Gaius
Holmes
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of April 1841 by
Cornelius Holmes, the Executor therein named, and proved by Cornelius Holmes 3d
and Gaius Holmes, two of the witnesses.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Cornelius Holmes jur,
the Executor therein named, on 6 Apr.
1841, with Cornelius Holmes 3d and Gaius Holmes, all of
Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 83, p. 92, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 156-157.
Will of Sarah Keith
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen.—This Ninth day of October Anno
Domini. One thousand Seven Hundred & eighty two. I Sarah Keith of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, in the State of the Massachusetts Bay
widow of Lieut. Amos Keith late of ye town county & state
aforesaid being of perfect mind & memory, and being mindful of the
mortality of my body, do make this my last will & testament & would now
recommend my Soul to the mercy of God who gave it & my body I bequeath to the earth to be
interred in decent christian burial, at the discretion of the Executor of this
my last will & testament hereafter to be named in the same, hoping to
recieve the same body again by the almighty power of God at the resurrection of
the just thro’ the mediatorial mercy of our exalted redeemer the Lord Jesus
Christ & the temporal estate which God hath been pleased to favour me with
in this my natural life, I would dispose of in the following manner.~
First.—I order that all my just debts, my necessary burial
charges & the necessary charges of settling my estate shall be paid with
money to be raised out of my estate by the Executor of this my last will &
testament.
2dly.—I Give & bequeath to my Sister Mrs Silence
Richmond, the wife of Mr. Stephen Richmond of Taunton, my gold
necklace to be possessed & enjoyed by her, as her own property absolutely.
3dly.—I Give & bequeath to my three Sisters Mrs Bethiah
Robinson the wife of Mr. Josiah Robinson of Raynham, & to Mrs
Hannah Keith the wife of Mr. Robert Keith of Bridgwater, & to
Mrs Silence Richmond the wife of Mr. Stephen Richmond of Taunton
aforesaid, the remaining part of my personal estate, to be equally divided
among them, to be possessed & enjoyed by them, as their own properties
absolutely, after my just debts, my necessary burial charges & the necessary
charges for settling my estate shall be paid as aforesaid & the necklace
aforesaid shall be given to my said Sister Silence Richmond
4thly.—I constitute Mr. William Fobes of
Bridgwater aforesaid to be the Executor of this my last will & testament,
and I do absolutely revoke and disannul all former wills & testaments,
bequeathments, legacies and Executors by me before made, willed, bequeathed and
appointed; ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will
& testament.—Witness my hand & Seal this day of the date above
mentioned.~~
Signed, Sealed & Declared Sarah Keith (seal)
by Said Sarah Keith to be her
last will & testament in
presence of us –
Luther
Hooper
Solomon
Keith
Solomon
Shaw
Presented for probate on 6 Oct. 1800 by Avery Fobes of
Bridgwater, yeoman, and proved by Luther Hooper & Solomon Keith, two of the
witnesses, William Fobes, the Executor in the said will named being deceased.
Walter Hayward & Seth Wilbore, yeomen, & Daniel
Crane, Gentm., all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Sarah Keith, late of Bridgwater, widow, on 6 Oct. 1800. The Inventory
of all the Personal Estate of Sarah Keith, late of Bridgwater, widow, not
dated, totaled $260.68, including 3 cows & 12 sheep. Avery Fobes, the
administrator with will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Oct. 1801,
and submitted his accounting of the estate, which showed legacies paid to
Stephen Richmond, Bethiah Robinson, and Hannah Keith.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Ephraim Kempton of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen this Sixth Day of february AD: seventeen Hundred & forty Nine I
Ephraim Kimpton of Dartmouth in ye: County of Bristol with in his
Majesties Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman
being an Ancient Person but through ye Mercy & Goodness of God:
in Good dayly Health & of a sound Desposeing Mind: do make & ordain
this my Last will & Testament & as Touching Such Worldly Estate where
with it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give devise & Despose
of ye same in ye: following Manner & form (viz)
Imprimis I Give to Patience My beloved Wife ye use
and Improvement of all my Personal Estate both in Door & out Except what I
shall in this my will Perticularly other wise Despose of: Together with ye
use and Improvment of ye Easterly part of my Now Dwelling House with
Convenient Cellow Roome: all to be Improvd, by her During her
widdowhood
Item I Give and bequeath To my Son Thomas Kimpton and to his
Heirs and Assigns forever Two third parts of all my Homsted farm where I Now
Dwell To be Taken off of ye: Northerly Side there of with all ye
Houseing Standing there on: Said two third parts To be taken off from ye.
other third part of said Homsted as here after Exprest (viz) To begin at ye:
River Side and to Extend Westmost ye Middle of a Little Spring Swamp
Lying on ye: west side of ye: Bach untill it Coms to ye.
upland on ye: west side there of: from thence to Extend Northerly or
Southerly as ocation may Require for ye: taking of said two third
parts of said Homsted as a fore said: by an East & west Line: Together with
all my Salt Marsh Lotts in that Calld, Clarks Neck & Scontient
Neck: Together with all my undevided Right in Dartmouth a fore said: All which
I Give To my said Son Thomas & to his Heirs &c: as above Exprest: he
Performing and doing for his Mother my wife as here after Exprest (viz), To
find for his said Mother Sufficient fire wood at ye doore of my now
dwelling house at a Suteable Length fit for her fire: And to Provide Sufficient
keeping Winter & Summer on said Homsted for her a Cow and Eight Sheep: And
to Provide beef & Pork with Sufficient Sauce for ye: same:
Indian Corn & Rye all Sufficient for her own use and ye:
Entertaining a friend that Comes to Vissit her (at her Table) if She Shall See
Cause And To be help full To his said Mother in Going to Meeting: And to be
Equaly help full with his brother William in Transporting their Mother to
Plymouth So often as She Shall Resonably want to Go: All ye. above
said Perticulars Mentioned to be don & Performed by him yearly year by year
& Every Year Winter & Summer Personally during ye: term She
Remains my widdow
Item I Give & bequeath To my Son William Kimpton & to
his Heirs and Assigns for ever all ye: Remaining part of my Homsted
Not before in this my will other wise Desposed of: Together with my Great Iron
Pot: And And Sword: Together with all my Tools bed & beding which he Now
has of mine in his Possesion & Keeping all which I Give To my Said Son
William and to his Heirs &c: as above Exprest he Performing for his Mother
my Wife as here after Exprest (viz) To Provide for his said Mother Two bushels
of Good winter Apples at such seson of ye: year as is Most Suteable
for Gather in Apples for winter Store: and half barril of Cyder Six pound of
Good Sugar Ten pound of Tallow five pound of Good flax three pound of Good
Cotton well one bushel of Good wheat or one Quarter of a hundred of flower three
Pecks of Good Malt one Gallon of Mollasses: and be Equally Helpfull in
Transporting his said Mother To Plymouth so often as She Shall Resoneably want
to Go: And To Pay & perform all ye. abovesd
Perticulars Mentioned to be both Performed by ye: sd
william for his Mother: & Perform ye. Same Sesoneably yearly
year by year & Every year during ye. term She Remains my widdow
all Deliverd. to her at my Now dwelling House
Item I Give and bequeath To my Daughter Joanna Drew one half
of my forty Acre Lot of upland at said Clarks Neck to be devided from ye.
River up westerly In Quantity & Quallity: all which I Give To my said
Daughter & to her Heirs & assigns forever To be Desposed of for her use
by & with ye. Advice of her brother William Kimpton above Named
if Surviving when Such disposition is Made: I Likewise Give to my Said Daughter
all that part of my Personal Estate which I Give my Said Wife ye,
use & Improvment of To be Recd, by her after ye.
decease or Marrag of my said wife in ye, Condition & so many of
them as there shall then be Remaining—
Item I Give To my said son Thomas Kimpton all my Part of ye.
tools & other Tackling Commonly used about Husbandry work which we have at
home Together with my Great bible & my Gun
Item I Give to my Grandson William Kimpton my Large Silver
buttens
Item I here by Constitute and Appoint My Well belovd,
friends Mr Jonathan Hathaway Elder James Cushman & deacon Jireh
Swift Over Seers to se & take Care that this my will with Respect to my
said wife Is fully & Amply Performed
Item I Give and bequeath To my above Said Son Thomas Kimpton
and To his Heirs & Assigns forever all ye: Remaining part of my
forty Acre Lot in Clarks Neck Above Mentioned Not be fore in this my will other
ways desposed of: Except my said wife in ye: Judgment of Said over
Seers or Either Two of them: Shall Stand in Need of all or any part there of
for her Support during ye: time She Remains my widdow: And in that
Case To be Set by my Executor here after Named for her use So far as is
Necesaly (in ye; Judgment of Said overseers) Shall Require: And upon
said Executor Neglecting or Refusing to Sell Said Land: (ye Efects
of ye Sale whereof to be for my Said wife if Needed as afore said:)
Then & in that Case I do hereby in this my will Give Give full Power and
Athourity To said over seers or Either Two of them To Sell & Convey Said
Land Last Mentioned and ye: Efects of ye Sale there of to
be Improved for & towards ye: Support of my Said Wife or any
part there of that She Shall Stand in Need of and ye: Remaining Part
or overpluss if any there be after her decease or Widdow hood to Go to and be
for ye use of my Said Son Thomas Above Named
Item my will is that all my Just debts & funeral Charges
Should be paid by my Two Sons above Named (viz) Thoms & Willm
out of that part of my Real Estate Above bequeathed To my said two Sons
Item I do here by Constitute Make and ordain my Said Son
Thomas Kimpton my only and Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament
& I do here by utterly Disallow Revoke & Disannul all & Every other
or former Testament wills Legacies bequests & Executors by me in any ways
before Named Willed & bequeathed Rattifying this and No other To be my Last
will & Testament in witness where of I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal
ye; Day & year above written
Signd, Seald Published Pronouncd
by ye Said Ephraim Kimpton as
his Last Will and Testament,
In ye: Presence of us the
Subscribers (viz) ~~
Stephen West Jur
Samll West Ephraim Kempton (seal)
Stephen West
November 7th 1758 Proved
Be It Known To all Men by these Presents that Where as I
Ephraim Kimpton of Dartmouth in ye County of Bristol with in his
Majesties Province of ye. Massachusetts bay in New England Yeoman
have Made and declaird, my Last Will and Testament in wrighting
bearing Date ye: Sixth day of february one Thousand Seven Hundred
and forty Nine I ye. said Ephraim Kimpton do by this Presents
Codicil Confirm and Ratifie my Said Last Will and Testament and do Give and
bequeath unto my daughter Joanna Drew (Above Named in my said Will) all that My
Small Lot of wood Land in Plymouth in ye. County of Plymouth at that
Calld, Billingtons Sea at as Place Calld, Small Gains,
And my will and Meaning is that This Codicil or Schedule go and be adjudged To
be a part and Parcel of my Said Last Will and Testament and That all things
here iln Contained and Mentioned be faithfully & Truly Performed and as
fully and Amply in Every Respect as if ye Same was So Declaired and
Set Down in My Said Last Will and Testament in Witness Where of I have here
unto Set my Hand and Seal This Ninteenth Day Day of March AD: one Thousand Seven Hundred and forty Nine
Signd Seald Publishd,
Pronouncd, and declaird by
ye. Said Ephraim Kempton as Ephraim Kemton (seal)
part of his Last will & testament
In Presents of us ye. Subscribers
[can’t read-page torn]
Stephen West jur
Stephen West
Proved by Stephen West and Stephen West Jur, two
of the witnesses, on 7 Nov. 1758.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ephraim Kempton, late of
Dartmouth, was appraised by Abraham Sherman, Ebenezer Willis and Samll
West on 2 Nov. 1758, but not totaled. Thomas Kempton, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 7 Nov. 1758.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Ephraim Kempton, Dartmouth, 1758,”
from FHL microfilm, #0573219.
Will of Stephen Kempton of New Bedford, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
Be it remembered that I Stephen Kempton of New Bedford in the
County of Bristol; being weak in body, but of Sound and perfect mind and Memory
considering the uncertainly of this Mortal life. And being sound in mind at
present.&c. Blessed be God, for the same – do make and publish this my last
Will & Testament. in manner and form following. (that is to say) first I
give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Zilpah Kempton the Use and Improvement
of my Homestead Farm with the Use of all the Building there on as long as she
remains my Widow, and one bed & Furnature for the same. Together with all
my indore moavables, exepting such as I shall Other wise dispose of. provided
my said Widow should Marry again then in that case. the Use and Improvement to
cease to her and to go immediately to those here after given to –
Item – I give and bequeath to my Yongest son Elijah Kempton
the one half of my Homestead Farm. with the one half of all the buildings
thereon to be Equally divided between him or his heirs and his Three Sisters or
their heirs. on the decease of their Honrd. Mother. as above
expressed. I also give to my said Son Elijah my Lot of Salt Marsh and the
Fifteen Acre Lot up at Puranopit in Dartmout. which said Two last mentioned
Lots my said son Elijah is to come into immediate possession of After my
decease to enable him to make sale of. to pay all my Just debts and Funeral
charges. Item I give and bequeath unto my Three Daughters. (Namely) Lydia
Hathaway wife of Thomas Hathaway. Ruth Kempton & Deborah Kempton and there
Legal Heirs. The Other one half of my Homestead farm with the one half of all
the buildings thereon. to be Equally divided between each of them or there
legal Heirs, at the decase of there Mother or as above in case of her Marrying
again) I Also give to my Daughters. Ruth and Deborah each one a Feather Bed
& Furnature suitable for the same. to be handed and delivered by my said
widow to each of sd. Daughters immediately After my decease.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Son Hananiah Kempton Fifty
dollars. to be paid him by my son Elijah Kempton in case he my said son
Hannaniah should live to return home at the decease of my said Widow, in case
he should never return home. (my said son Elijah is to have the sole Benefit
of~)
Item. I give and bequeath unto all and each of my Grand
Children the Children of my son Asa Kempton. deceased, Five dollars – each. to
be paid them by my said Son Elijah Kempton, as they shall respectively Arrive
at the Age of Twenty one years. —
Item. I give and bequeath unto my said son Elijah Kempton,
all my live Stock, excepting one Cow. which I now give to my dear wife (free
and clear) I also give to my said son Elijah my Desk & all my wearing
Apparel and my Farming Utentials of all kinds. with all the money on hand and
all debts that may be due me at my decase.
Item I give all provisions on hand at my decease to my beloved wife –
And lastly I give all the residue and remainder of all my Estate of every
description. not heretofore allready given away. to my said Son Elijah Kempton
& his heirs. And Assigns. – whom I hereby Appoint sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament; hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. – In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal. This Seventeenth day of
January in the Year of our Lord, Eighteen Hundred and Seven –
Signed. Sealed. published & declared
by the said Stephen Kempton to be
his last Will and Testament. in the
presence of Us. Who att his request and
in his presence have here unto –
Subscribed our Names as Witnesses.
to the same –
Micah Hathaway Stephen Kempton (seal)
Jonathan Kempton
Seth Spooner June
2d. 1807. Approvd –
Presented for probate on 2 June 1807 by Elijah Kempton, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Micah Hathaway and Seth Spooner, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elijah Kempton, of New Bedford, on 2 June 1807, with Seth Spooner Esq. and
Micah Hathaway, yeoman, both of New Bedford, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Stephen Kempton, New Bedford,
1807,” from FHL microfilm #0573219.
Will of Thomas Kempton of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Kempton of Dartmo,
in the County of Bristol & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England
~~ Yeoman Being at this Time thro’ the Goodness of God of a sound Disposing
mind & Memory, and knowing it is appointed for all once to Die more ~~
Especially Calling to mind mine own frailty & Mortallity do make &
Ordain this to be my Last will & Testament. and first of all I Commit my
Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my Body to Dust from whence it Came
in hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection at Christ’s second appearing and as to those
~~ Transitory things with which it has Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I
Dispose off in the following manner –
Imprimis I Give to my well-Beloved wife Phebe all the
Household goods she Brought with her and also the Improvement of the Easterly
Room & Bed Room in my Dwelling House with a Priviledge in the Sellar During
the Time she Remains my Widdow also I give her one Cow to be her own together
with Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence to be paid to her by my Two
Sons Thomas & Ephraim in one year & a half after my Decease to make
good her Goods She Brought with her
Item I give & Bequeath to my Son Thomas & to his
heirs & assigns forever one half of my Homestead farm said half to be on
the Northerly side adjoining to Capt. Willis his homestead farm
(Excepting one acre & half hereafter mentioned) Together with one half of
my Salt meadow in Clerks neck also I give to my said son Thomas the one half of
my out door moveables & my Great Bible he performing what I shall hereafter
order him –
Item I give & Bequeath to my Son Ephraim & to his
heirs & assigns forever the other half of my homested farm on the south
side adjoining to William Kemptons Land~~ (Excepting one acre & half
hereafter mentioned) with all the Buildings thereon and also the other half of
my Salt meadow in Clarks neck Together with the other half of my out Door
Moveables also I give him my Gun he performing what I shall hereafter order him
–
Item I give & Bequeath to my Son David & to his heirs
& assigns forever my Lot of Land in Clarks neck adjoining to Benja
Butlers Land on the south side and on Benjamin Russells Land on the North side
Together with all my salt marsh in Sconticut neck also three acres of Land out
of my homestead farm Begining at the water side in Line Between my said sons
Thomas & Ephraim & to Run seven Rods upon my said son thomas’s part
& seven Rods upon my said son Ephraim’s part by the water side & from
thence at seven Rods Distance from the aforesaid Line on Each side ~ thereof so
far Westward as to Include the said three acres with the Priviledge of a Drift
way from said three acres to the highway thro’ my said son Ephraim’s part also
I give him the Priviledge of the fresh water on Each of my said sons Thomas’s
and Ephraims part –
Item I Give to my son Jonathan Kempton five shillings to be
paid by my Executor –
Item I Give to my Daughter Esther the wife of Benja
Butler six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid by my son
Thomas in one year & half after my Decease –
Item I give to my Daughter Mary six pounds thirteen shillings
& four pence to be paid by my son Ephraim in one year & half after my
Decease also I give her all my Indoor moveables and if she Remains unmarried I
give her the Priviledge of Living in my house if she sees fit
Item I give to my said two sons Thomas & Ephraim all my
Right I have in my Pew in the Meeting House Together with my Right to the
undivided Land in the Township of Dartmo. also I give them all my
wearing apparrel –
Item my will is that if either of my said sons Die without
Issue that their part shall go to the Surviving Male heirs (viz) Thomas Ephraim
or David so as to Exclude Jonathan
Item my will is that my Two sons Thomas & Ephraim shall
Provide for their mother my wife yearly & every year During the Time she
Remains my Widdow Eight Bushells of Indian Corn, Two Bushels of Rye, fifty
pounds of Beef, fifty pounds of Pork, ten pounds of sheeps wool, ten pounds of
Shugar, four Gallons of Molases, ten pounds of Flax, Twelve pounds of Tallow,
Six pounds of hogs fat, and also a Priviledge in my orchard as she shall need
also my will is that my son Ephraim Provide for her a horse to Ride to meeting
& also to Ride to Little Compton to see her friends as occation &
oppertunity shall Require and also that my Two sons Thomas & Ephraim find
her keeping for a Cow yearly and a sufficiency of fire wood at the Door while
she Remains my Widdow further my will is that what I have ordered my sons
Thomas & Ephraim to find for their mother (Excepting the Riding to meeting
& Little Compton) that one of them shall provide for her one year & the
other another year –
Item my will is that if my said Daughter Mary By sickness or
accident shall stand in need of support while she Remains unmarried that then
in that Case my Tow sons Thomas & Ephraim shall provide for her as she
shall need. also I give her my four silver spoons
Item my will is that my Two sons Thomas & Ephraim pay all
my Just Debts & Funeral Charges Equally Between them –
Furthermore I make ordain Constitute & appoint my son
Thomas Sole Executor of this my Last will Hereby Ratifying & Confirming
this & this only to be my Last will & Testament In Testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Sixth Day of January in the Eighth year
of His Majestys Reign anno’ Domini 1768 –
Signed Sealed, Published pronounced & Declared by the
said Thomas Kempton to be his Last will and Testament –
In Presence of us
Ephraim Kempton Thomas Kempton (seal)
Manasseh Kempton
John Gerrish
Proved by Ephraim Kempton and John Gerrish on 27 Feb. 1769.
To the Honble George Leonard Esqr
Judge of the Probate of Wills &c for the County of Bristol, these may
acquaint yr Honr, that I am fully Satisfied &
Contented with the Disposition made with Respect to me, by my Honrd
Husband, Thomas Kempton Late Deceased, in his Last Will & Testament, &
do Accept of the Provision therein made for my support. –
Dartmo Febry }
the 25th 1769 } Phebe Kempton
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas Kempton, Dartmouth, 1769”
from FHL microfilm #0573219.
Will of Isaac King
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1727) *
I Isaac King of Plimpton in the County of Plimouth being aged
& knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye & desireous to
settle my outward Estate before I go home do make & ordain this my last
Will & Testament in manner following Imprimis I give & Recomend my soul
into the hands of God who gave it & my body to the Earth to be decently
buried according to the discretion of my Executor hereafter named hoping for a
Glorious Resurrection to life by the almighty power of God. And as to my
temporall Estate wherewith God hath bless me in this life I dispose of the same
as followeth Viz:
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath unto my kindsman Samuel
Churchell his heirs & assignes forever all the tracts & parcells of
upland meadow & Cedar Swamp hereafter Expressed Viz: a Certain tract of
land lying and being in the Township of Plimpton aforesd bounded as
followeth Viz: beginning at the Southwest corner bound of my thirty acre lot
being a great Spruce tree marked Standing at or near the Rang of The lott at
Cedar Swamp in turky Swamp & from thence Ranging East & by north by the
Range of Sd thirty acre lot sixty four pole to the Southwest corner
bound of the sd Thirty acre lott being a great white oak tree
marked, & from thence on the same Range fourteen pole to a heap of stones
on a hummuck by the westerly side of a cart way near the meadow & from
thence southeast fourty eaght pole to a stake & stones by the meadow side
& from thence due south fourty six pole to a small white oak marked with
stones about it by the meadow side & from thence south & by west a
quarter of a point westerly Eaight pole & a half to a stake & stones by
the meadow side in the Range of the Land of William Bonney & from thence
bounded by the land of William Bonney unto a pine tree marked which is the
Southeast corner bounds of the lott at Ceder Swamp in Turky Swamp & from
thence by the Range of Said lott of Ceder Swamp north & by East unto the
great Spruce tree marked first mentioned. Also a peice or parcel of land in
Plimpton aforesd bounded on the Southerly Side thereof by the land
before mentioned from the Rhoad way which leadest to the meeting house unto the
lotted Ceder Swamp in Turky Swamp & from thence the westerly side thereof
is bounded by the Range of Sd lotted Ceder Swamp unto, & from
thence the northerly side thereof Rangeth East north west ninety seven pole
unto too small white oak trees marked growing out of one Root with stones layd
about them by the west side of the aforesd Rhoad way & from
thence the East side thereof is bounded by the aforesd way unto the
peice of land before mentioned And also all that my parcel of meadow &
Swamp ground lying and being on the westerly side of the Saw mill brook from
the meadow of William Bonny up stream as far as my meddow & swamp ground
there Extendeth. And also the one half of all my Rights & Shares of Ceder
Swamp in the aforesd Turkey Swamp. And also the one half of my
sixteen acres of land lying upon the Island in said Turkey Swamp.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my kindsman Ebenezer Lobdell
his heirs & assignes forever all that my farm or tenement whereon I now
dwell in the Township of Plimton aforesd both upland meadows &
Swamps which lyeth here adjoyning to gather & butteth upon the lands herein
before given to Samuel Churchell Togather with my dwelling house Barn & out
houses & fences upon Sd farm & all other profett[?]
prevelege & appurtenances unto the same belonging. And also that one half
of all my Rights & shares of Ceder Swamp lying in Turkey Swamp in Plimpton
aforesd & also the one half of my Sixteen acres of land lying
upon the Island in Sd Turkey Swamp
Lastly I do nominate & appoint my aforesd
kinsman Ebenezer Lobdell to be sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament hereby Revoaking all former Wills by me made Ratifiing &
Confirming this & no other as my last Will & Testament. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & Seal this twenty ninth day of
December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & twenty seven 1727
Signed Sealed & Declared by the Sd
Isaac King to be his last will and
Testament In presence of us Isaac K King
William Briant his mark
her
Martha X Ransome
marke
Thos: Croade
Probated on 19 Sept. 1728, and proved by William Bryant,
Martha Ransome and Thomas Croad, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 5, p. 485-487, from FHL microfilm
#0550511.
Will of Jonathan King of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Jonathan King of Plymouth, being
Sick & weak of body, and apprehending that my Death is near at hand, but
being of sound mind & memory, do make this my Last will & testament,
and first of all, I commit my body to the earth from whence it was first taken
& my Soul to God who Gave it Looking & hoping for eternal Life thro’
Jesus Christ my Lord & Saviour, and as touch what small worldly Estate I
have, I do Give & bequeath the same both real & personal to my dear
& Loving wife Deborah King to be wholly at her disposal—as to my Daughter
Lydia Rickard & Abigail Fuller I have heretofore Given them their parts of
portions; and my Daughter Mercy I trust will Live with her mother & partake
of what I Leave her—as to my son Nathaniel I have heretofore Given him what he
ought to have of my Estate and therefore now Give him mothing – my son Jonathan
being many years absent I apprehend he is not Living at this time, but have
heretofore Given him his portion–In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& Seal the 27th day of February A D. 1782 — my will further is,
that in Case my wife should not dispose of the whole of what I Leave, then that
my Daughter Mercy should have what may remain
Signed Sealed & delivered by the above
his
named Jonathan King & by him declared Jonathan X King (seal)
to be his Last will & testament in presence mark
of us
Thos.
Mayhew
Saml.
Sherman
Mary
Cobb –
Presented for probate on 3 July 1782 by Mercy King of
Plymouth, single woman, and proved by Samuel Sherman and Mary Cobb, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration cum testamento annexo
were granted unto William Thomas, of Plymouth, Physician, no executor being
named in the will.
The Inventory of the Goods & Estate of Mr.
Jonathan King late of Plymouth, was appraised on 20 June 1788 by Saml.
Sherman, Benja. Rider junr and Ephm. Spooner,
and consisted only of a lot of wood land at a place called west ponds in
Plymouth valued at £12. William Thomas, the administrator cum testamo.
annexo on the estate of Jona. King, deceased, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 Nov. 1788, and he notified the court that the estate was
insolvent and insufficient to pay all the debts which ye said
deceased owed on 4 Nov. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 321-322, 474, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Joseph King
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1730) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Joseph King of the Town
of Plimton in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay
in New England Being at this present Time in Health & of Sound &
Disposing Memory & understanding Blessed be God for it, Yet being sensible
of my own Mortality & being desirous to Settle my outward Estate which God
hath given me Do make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament to
remain firm & inviolable forever — Imprimis I Give & Bequeath unto my
Son Isaac King besides the North East Part of my Homestead which I have already
Given unto him by Deed of Gift I Give unto him more, The one half of my fourty
two acres of Land which was laid to unto Me joining unto the South West End of
the old fifty acre Lot of Land whereon I dwell & was laid out Octobr.
10:1705. Also I Give unto my sd Son Isaac my Gun & Sword; and
also my Team & all [my?] Tools & Tackling both for Carpentary &
Husbandry and my Great Bible & all my Wearing Cloathes —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my three Daughters
Mehetabel Snow Anne King & Mercy Snow, & to my Grand Daughter Lydia
Floure the South West Part of my Homestead Land Meadow & Swamp, and is
bounded as followeth Beginning at a Spruce Stump which is the South East Corner
Bound of the twenty acre Lot which was formerly laid out to Edward May and from
thence ranging South thirty eight Degrees and a half Easterly unto a Stake
& Stones Standing in the North West Side of Monponsett Meadow Brook &
so on the Same Range cross sd Brook unto the Range of the South East
Side of the Meadow & so Includeth all my Homestead Land meadow & Swamp,
which lye there joyning together on the South West Side of the aforesaid Range:
(Excepting the one half of my fourty two acres of sd Land which I
have in this my last Will Given unto my Son Isaac; And also I Give unto my sd
Three Daughters & Grand Daughter My now Dwelling house, All which aforesd.
Lands Meadows & Swamp, & Dwelling House to be equally divided among ym
all four —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my three Daughters
& Grand Daughter before named All my moveable Estate whatsoever within
Doors & without Doors and also all ye Debts due unto me
(Excepting what I have Given thereof unto my Son Isaac as abovesd.)
They Paying all my just Debts & Funeral Charges out of ye Same;
The Same to be equally Divided amongst them all four (Excepting unto my
Daughter Mehitabel Snow ye Sum of Twenty Pounds & unto my
Daughter Mercy Snow the Sum of ten Pounds) less than their equal Proportion thereof
they having already recieved so Much of my Estate; And my Will is that my Son
In Law James Snow shall take into his Custody & Improvement all the Estate
both real & personal that I have in this my last Will & Testament Given
unto my Grand-Daughter Lydia Floure, And he to pay unto my sd
Grand-Daughter Ten Shillings a Year for ye Use of the Same until She
arrive to ye Age of Eighteen Years or Time of Marriage: And then he
or his Heirs to Surrender unto her the real Estate; and also to Deliver unto
her the abovesd. personal Estate or the value thereof: Always
Provided and it is to be Understood that my Will is that if it should so happen
that ye sd Lydia Floure should die before She arrive to
the age of Eighteen Years & have no Heir lawfully begotten of her Body,
then & in Such Case I Give & Bequeath all the Estate both real &
personal that I had herein Given unto the sd Lydia Floure I Give the
Same unto my aforesd. three Daughters Mehetabel Snow anne King &
Mercy Snow, the Same to be equally divided amongst them; And my Will is that my
loving Friend Deacon David Bozworth should be Executor of this my last Will
& Testament to See that the Same be performed according to ye
true Intent & Meaning thereof: Thus hoping that the same will be performed
I Commit my Body to the Dust & my Soul to God that gave it: In Testimony
whereof I the aforesd. Joseph King have hereunto Set my Hand &
Seal this Second Day of September one thousand Seven hundred & thirty —
1730.
Signed Sealed & Declared by the aforenamed his mark
Joseph King to be his last Will & Testamt. Joseph î King (seal)
In the Presence of us,
David Bozworth
John Corttes Jacob
Tomson
Proved on 8 Nov. 1736 by David Bozworth, John Corttes and
Jacob Tomson, the witnesses, and Administration granted on 18 Nov. 1736 to
Deacon David Bosworth, of Hallifax.
Mr. Jacob Tomson of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Capt. Abel Kingman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be it remembered that I Abel
Kingman of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth do on this eighteenth
day of January Eighteen hundred and forty four Make ordain and establish my
last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows to wit – I give to my
wife Fanny Kingman the use and improvement of all my part of the Dwelling house
where we now reside (except the right and privilege therein which is herein
after devised to my daughter Tempy) I also give to my wife one cow which she
may choose out of my stock, I also give her the keeping of a cow out of my
estate and the use of a horse & carriage so much as she may need also so
much fire wood furnished at the door prepared for the fire as she may need to
support such fire or fires as her comfort may require also so much meat &
breadstuff & so much fruit from my trees & vegetables from my garden as
may be needful for her also one seat in my pew on the centre aisle in the
meeting house the foregoing provisions I make for her while she remains a
widow. I also give her two hundred Dollars in money. I give my son Jabez
Kingman one fifth part of apparel I give to my Daughter Marcia Keith one Dollar
– I give to my daughter Tempy the use and improvement of so much of my house as
she may need during her life, and also a privilege at the fire which I have
made for my wife while they live together, I also give her twenty Dollars and
the use of one seat in my pew on the South Aisle of the Meeting house during
her life. – I give to my son Arnold the use of my pew on the South Aisle of the
Meeting House during his life subject to the right of Tempy as above devised
also I give him one fifth part of my apparel I give to my Daughter Harmony
Packard one dollar – I give to my son Albert on fifth of apparel – I give to my
son Abel W. one fifth of my apparel – I give to my daughter Mary Godfrey on
Dollar. I give to my daughter Jane Bates one Dollar. I give to my daughter Lucy
W. Ladd one Dollar. I give to my daughter Betsey M. Dunbar One Dollar – I give
to my daughter Luthera Kingman Two hundred dollars, or if she marry to make her
equal with the other sisters. –
I give to my Laura B. Kingman two hundred Dollars, or if she
marry to make her equal to the other sisters – I also require my Executor to
support her out of my Estate till she arrives to the age of twenty one years
All
the rest residue and remainder of my Estate both real and personal I give to my
son Edwin H Kingman his heirs and assigns forever requiring him to pay all my
just debts and the legacies herein before devised, and thereby constitute &
appoint him the said Edwin sole Executor of this will.
In
witness whereof I hereunto I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year
first above written.–
Abel Kingman (seal)
Signed sealed, published, and
declared by the said Abel Kingman as his last Will and Testament in presence of
us who at his request and in his presence and in presence of each other
subscribed our names as witnesses Jesse Perkins
Frederic
Perkins
Elizabeth
Perkins
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Feb. 1850 by Edwin H. Kingman, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Jesse Perkins and Frederick Perkins, two of the witnesses.
Will of Abiel Kingman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1854) *
Know
all men by these presents that I Abiel Kingman of North Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, now being much
enfeebled by ill health, Yet through the blessing of God, (for which he feels
grateful) he judges himself to retain and have at his command a sound,
reflecting mind and memory, And he doth hereby make and publish this as his
last Will and Testament in manner following, to wit.
First. I hereby constitute and appoint my daughter
Elizabeth A. Washburn, wife of Elisha Washburn of North Bridgewater, sole
Executrix of this my last Will
Second. I hereby in consideration herein after named
direct that my said Executrix, pay all my just debts, funeral expenses and
legacies herein after named, and that she also pay a reasonable proportion of
the expense of erecting a suitable monument to be placed in the Cemetery Ground
owned by the subscriber in common with Ephraim Copeland, Elisha Washburn &
the heirs of Lucas Kingman, and also she is required to pay a suitable
proportion of the expense of a substantial fence to enclose their said lot.
Third. I give and bequeath to my daughter Rebecca
Kingman, widow of my late son Edmund Kingman, one undivided half of the
homestead lot of land & half the buildings thereon, said lot being situated
in North Bridgewater, bounds, beginning at the South West corner of the lot on
the East side of the road leading by where I now reside; thence Easterly in the
line of a wooden fence that makes the South line of my wood-yard and bark yard
in a straight line extending Easterly, until it comes to a point in the range
of the East line of Levi Simmons’ house lot; thence Northerly to the South East
corner of said Simmons lot; thence Westerly in the South line of said Simmons
lot to the said road, thence Southerly by the road to the corner first named.
Fourth. I give to my Grandson, Edward K. Kingman one
hundred dollars to be paid him by my said Executrix or her legal
representative, when he arrives at the age of twenty one years, with annual
interest thereon from and after six months from my decease.
Fifth. I give to my grand-daughter Mary E. Kingman,
twenty five dollars to be paid her when she arrives at the age of twenty one
years, with annual interest thereon from and after six months from the day of
my decease.
Sixth. I give to my daughter Elizabeth, who I hereby
have appointed Executrix of this Instrument, all my estate real and personal
that I may die seized of, that is not otherwise herein disposed of subject to
the foregoing debts, legacies & expenses & out lay for the Cemetery
lot, that I hereby direct her to pay, and this bequest to my said daughter is
made for her sole use and benefit vesting the absolute fee of the real in her
and her legal heirs or assigns as also the personal giving her full power to sell
and convey said real or personal, and to give a title to the same as though she
was single and unmarried and that she have the full and absolute use and
control of both, said real and personal or of the proceeds of any sales
thereof.
In
testimony whereof I hereby set my hand and seal and publish and declare this to
be my last Will and Testament, in the presence the Witnesses hereto subscribed
below this thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and fifty four.
Abiel Kingman (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Abiel Kingman as and for his last
Will and Testament in presence of us who in his presence, and in the presence
of each other, and at his request, have subscribed our names as witnesses
thereunto, the day and year above written.
Benj
Kingman
John
W. Kingman
Benjn
Franklin Kingman
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of April, 1854, by Elizabeth Washburn, the Executrix therein named, and
proved by Benjamin Kingman and Benjamin F. Kingman, two of the witnesses.
Benjamin Kingman, of North
Bridgewater, was granted administration with will annexed of the estate of
Abiel Kingman, late of North Bridgewater, cordwainer, as requested by the heirs
at law, on 4 Apr. 1854, with Elisha Washburn and Benjamin F. Kingman, both of
North Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 96, p.
104-106, from FHL microfilm #0555642, and Probate Docket #12121.
Will of Benjamin Kingman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1868) *
Be it known by all whom it may concern that I, Benjamin
Kingman of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, do make and publish this my last Will and testament in manner
and form as follows, to wit.
1st
I give my beloved wife Rebecca Kingman all my house-furniture, beds and
bedding & wearing apparel.
I also give said Rebecca the use and improvement of my
dwelling-house and garden, bounded South by Warren Howard’s house-lot and land
owned by myself and R. P. Kingman; West by a Stone wall; North by Edward
Southworth’s house-lot; East by Main Street reserving the use of the barn
thereon, she my said wife to have the use of sd. house & lot
during her natural life. I also give said Rebecca Eight thousand dollars
($8000.) to be vested for her by my Executor or paid her in money, for her sole
use and at her disposal.
2d I
give my daughter Julia A. Southworth twenty five hundred dollars to be paid her
by my Executor in one year from the day of my decease for her sole use.
3d I
give my son B. F. Kingman or his heirs & assigns, the sum of Eight thousand
dollars ($8000) to be paid him or his representative, in one year from my
decease.
4th
I give Abby Kingman wife of Rufus P. Kingman five hundred dollars to be
paid her in one year from the day of my decease for her sole use.—
5th
I give Addie Kingman wife of B. F. Kingman, Five hundred dollars ($500)
to be paid her by my Executor in one year from the day of my decease, for her
sole use.
6th. I give Joseph R. Kingman son of B. F.
Kingman his heirs or assigns the sum of two thousand dollars ($2000) to be
vested at the discretion of, and by my Executor of this will, and the same to
remain in his custody, until the fifteenth day of April in the year one
thousand, Eight hundred and Eighty one, and then said sum with its
accumulations, to be paid to him said Joseph, or his heirs.
7th
I give my brother Elbridge Kingman four hundred dollars ($400) to be
paid him or his family in sixteen Semi-annual payments of twenty five dollars
each with interest on the balance after one year from my decease, the first
payment to be made in six months from the day of my decease.
8th
I give Abigail Collins now resident of New Bedford one hundred dollars
($100) to be paid her by my Executor for her sole use.
9th. I give Daniel Bradford Eames of No.
Bridgewater one hundred dollars to be paid him by the Executor of my last Will
and Testament.
10th I give to four of my Grand children,
to wit: George Southworth, Etta Southworth, Frederic Southworth & Susan R.
Kingman, Eight hundred dollars which sum I direct my Executor to Vest for their
joint benefit at his discretion. I also give them about 40 acres of wood-land
say one lot about 24½ acres in Abington called the Harris lot, & about 15½
acres in North Bridgewater, and known as the Elisha Eames lot, and I authorize
my Executor to convert said woodland into money at his discretion, and Vest the
same for the joint benefit of the last above named grand-children, and keep the
same so invested until the fifteenth day of April in the year one thousand
Eight hundred and Eighty one, and at that time the said legatees shall be
entitled to receive from my Executor in equal shares what-ever sum the said
legacys amounts to then. And provided any of them be taken away by death, and
unmarried then the survivors take the whole in equal shares.
11th I hereby appropriate the sum of two
thousand dollars ($2000) of my Estate to be expended in fitting up our Cemetery
lot owned by myself & R. P. Kingman, the same to be expended by R. P.
Kingman within a reasonable time.
12th I give my son Rufus P. Kingman all my
Estate real and personal that I die seized of & not hereby disposed of
before with this proviso to wit: that he shall fulfill the before named
appropriations and pay all the legacies herein stipulated, and all debts and
proper charges against my Estate, and that he said R. P. Kingman pay the tax on
the house, so long as his mother improves the same.
13th I nominate and appoint my son Rufus P.
Kingman of North Bridgewater the sole Executor of this my last will and
testament. Hereby revoking all former wills by me made And whereas it may be
found by memorandum on my ledger page 235, that I have before advanced my
children 2700 dollars which sum is not to be considered in this distribution,
and this distribution is made with the proviso, that none of my relatives who I
have provided legacies for herein, shall present and claim any sum against my
estate, of a date prior to the date of this instrument. But charges of a later
date for advancements to any of the legatees named in this instrument and
charged by me on my Book or evidenced by rect. or otherwise, shall be allowed
in settlement of his or her legacy.
I wish also to provide that if by any event my son R. P.
Kingman should be disqualified to act as Executor, that Henry K. Keith shall
take upon him that trust.
In
testimony hereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal, and publish
and declare this to be my last will and testament in presence of the Witnesses
whose names are hereon below subscribed this Eleventh day of December in the
year one thousand Eight hundred and sixty eight.
Benj. Kingman (seal)
The above instrument duly signed and sealed by Benjamin
Kingman and by him published and declared to be his last Will and testament, in
presence of us, who in his presence, and at his request, and in presence of
each other subscribed out names as witnesses to the foregoing instrument.
December 11th 1868.
Otis
Hayward
W.
S. Baker
A.
H. Mason
Presented for probate on the second Monday of May, 1870, by
Rufus P. Kingman, of North Bridgewater, with Josiah W. Kingman and John W.
Kingman, of North Bridgewater, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Rufus P. Kingman, of North Bridgewater, on 9 May 1870.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 534-536, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 375.
Will of Henry Kingman of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Henry Kingman of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth in New-England, Gent. being Weak in Body but of Sound &
perfect Mind & Memory Blessed be Almighty God for the Same Do make &
Publish this my Last Will & Testament in the following Manner –
First I Give & Bequeath to my loveing Wife Abigail
Kingman One half of all my House hold Goods or Indoor Moveables with One Third
Part of my Pew Also Two Cows together with the Improvement of all my Real
Estate which I Gave to Seth & Benjamin Kingman untill they are of Age Also
my Wearing Apparrell~
Item I Give to my Son Mathew Kingman his Heirs or Assigns
forever One Quarter Part of my Right in the Cedar Swamp in Said Bridgwater also
half a Purchase Right in Undivided Lands
Item I Give to my Son Henry Kingman his Heirs or Assigns
forever One Quarter Part of my Right in the Cedar Swamp aforsd.
Item I Give to my Two Sons Seth & Benjamin Kingman their
Heirs or Assigns forever One half Part of my Right in the Cedar Swamp afors’d
also Two Third Parts of my Pew to be Equally Divided between them ~ Further I
Give to Seth & Benjamin afors’d all my Personal Estate Consisting of
Household Goods Live Stock out door Moveables with all other my Personal Estate
whatsoever (not otherwise Disposed of in my Present Will which Shall Remain
after the Payment of my Just Debts Funeral Expenses & the Several Legacies
herein Mentioned.~
Item I Give to my Grand Children Benjamin Pettingale &
Mary Pettingale Their Heirs or Assigns to Each of them Six Pounds Thirteen
Shilling & four Pence a Piece ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Jane Gurney her Heirs or Assigns
the Sum of Thirteen Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Ann Keith her Heirs or Assigns the
Sum of forty Pounds ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Submit Kingman her Heirs or
Assigns the Sum of forty Pounds to be paid to her She Arrives at the Age of
Eighteen Years or at the Time of her Marriage –
And I hereby Constitute and Appoint Mathew Kingman Afors’d to
be Sole Executors of this my Last Will & Testament & Do hereby Direct
(as my Will) that my Just Debts funeral Expenses & the Several Legacies
herein Mentioned be paid by my Executor out of my Personal Estate before
mentioned In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
Eleventh Day of September Anno Domini 1775 ~
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared
by the Abovesaid Testator to be his Last Henry Kingman (seal)
Will & Testament In the Presence of us
who have Subscribed our Names as Witnesses
in the Presence of the Testator ~
Nehemiah
Lincoln
William
Jameson
Josiah
Richards
Presented for probate on 6 Nov.
1775 by Mathew Kingman of Bridgwater, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Nehemiah Lincoln, William Jameson and Josiah Richards, the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to Mathew Kingman, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Henry Kingman Gent. late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 21 Nov. 1775 by
Josiah Richards, Ebenezar Packard and Nehemiah Lincoln, and totaled £352.7.2½,
his real estate included only his half lot in cedar swamp, his pew, and half a
purchase right in common lands. Mathew Kingman, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 1 Jan. 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 34-36, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Jabez Kingman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1864) *
In
the name of God, Amen.
I, Jabez
Kingman of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, but, knowing the uncertainty of
this life, do this twenty seventh day of May in the year of Our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty four, make and publish this my last Will and
Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:—
First.
I give and bequeath to my Son Cyrus B. Kingman the sum of fifty dollars, to be
paid him within one year after my decease.
Second.
I give, devise and bequeath to my three daughters, viz: Susan Torry wife of
Jeremiah J. Torry, Jane Henderson wife of David Henderson, and Eliza D.
Belcher, wife of Daniel W. Belcher, the sum of fifty dollars each to be paid to
them within one year after my decease.
Third.
All the rest and residue of my estate, real, personal or mixed, of which I
shall die seized and possessed or to which I shall be entitled at the time of
my decease (after paying my just debts and charges) I give, devise, and
bequeath, to my wife Janette H. Kingman and to my son George H. Kingman to be
equally divided between them.
Fourth.
I do nominate and appoint Franklin Ames to be the Executor of this my last Will
and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day above written.
Jabez Kingman (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared as and for his last Will and Testament by the
said Jabez Kingman in our presence, who in his presence and at his request and
in presence of each other subscribe the same as witnesses
Perez
Southworth
Addison
Shaw
Mary
Keating
To the
Hon Wm H. Wood Judge of Probate for the County Plymouth, State of
Massachusetts.
The
undersigned respectfully declines the trust Conferred upon him in and by the
last Will and Testament of Jabez Kingman (now deceased) of North Bridgewater in
said County of Plymouth. July 16th 1864.
Franklin Ames
Edwin H. Kingman, of North Bridgewater, petitioned for
Administration with will annexed of the estate of Jabez Kingman, late of North
Bridgewater, on the second Monday of Nov. 1864, with Addison Shaw and Perez
Southworth, of North Bridgewater, as sureties. Edwin H. Kingman, of North
Bridgewater, was granted Administration with will annexed of the estate of
Jabez Kingman on 14 Nov. 1864.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 88-89, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 114, p. 254 (250).
Will of John W. Kingman of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1863) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
I John W. Kingman of North Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind
and memory, but knowing the uncertainty of life, do this thirteenth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three, make and
publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is
to say.
First. I wish all my just debts and charges to be paid.
Second. I give and devise to my son Martin and to my daughter
Lois, to each of them the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid in six months
after my decease.
Third. I give and devise to each of my grand children, who
shall be living at the time of my de- the sum of fifty dollars, to be paid in
six months after my decease.
Fourth. I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Almira
Kingman, all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate real personal and
mixed, of every name and nature, to have and to hold the same to her, her heirs
and assigns, to her and their use and behoof forever – And I hereby appoint my
said wife to be the executrix of this will.
In
witness whereof I the said John W. Kingman have hereunto set my hand and seal
the day and year first above written.
John W. Kingman (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
John W. Kingman as and for his last will and testament in our presence, who in
his presence, and at his request, and in presence of each other have subscribed
our names as Witnesses.
Frederick
Howard
Charles
F. Marston
J.
R. Perkins
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of February 1876
by Almira C. Kingman, of Brockton, the Executrix, with Rufus P. Kingman and
Welcome H. White, of Brockton, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Almira C. Kingman on 28 Feb. 1876.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 574-575, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 134, p. 43.
Will of Samuel
Kingman of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1740) *
In the Name of God Amen, The third day of June Anno Domini
1740, I Samuel Kingman of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in the Province
of the Massachusets bay in New England Calling to mind the Mortallity of my
body do make and ordain this my last will and Testament, First, I Give my Soul
into the hands of God And my body I Commit to ye Earth to be
Decently buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and as Touching
my worldly Estate I dispose thereof as followeth – My Just Debts funerall
Charges & other Expence, being first allowed
Imprimis, I Give and bequeath unto Hannah Kingman my Well
beloved wife for her Comfortable Support Dureing the time of her Widdowhood the
Westerly end of my Dwelling house my best bed with furniture thereto belonging
with a Third part of all my houshold goods allso one Cow and wherewithall to
keep her both in Summer & Winter & allso Eight bushels of Corne in a
year annually to be paid to her by my Son Samuel Kingman –
Item. I give to my Son John Kingman one half of my Neet
Cattle Horses Sheep kine Swine and other moveable Estate without Doores (The
aforesd. Cow Excepted) allso I Give him a third part of my household
goods and moveable within Doores –
Item. I give to my Son Samuel Kingman One half of my Neet
Cattle horses Sheep Swine & Other moveable Estate without Doores (The
aforesd. Cow Excepted) allso I give him a Third part of my Houshold
Goods and moveable Estate within Doores Obligeing him to take the Care of his
mother above named and to pay her the Eight bushells of Corne yearly and to
keep her Cow for her as above Expressed –
Item I Give to my
Daughter Susanna Packard the wife of Solomon Packard One hundred pounds One
half thereof to be paid to her within a year after my Decease and the other
half to be paid to her within Two years after my Decease –
Item I give to the
four Children of my Daughter Joanna Pettingale Deceas’d Twenty Shillings a
peice vizt To Daniel Pettingale Nathan Pettingale & Jacob
Pettingale each of them Twenty Shillings to be paid to them when they Shall
Come to Twenty One years of age Respectively and Hannah Pettingale Twenty
Shillings to be paid to her when she shall come to Eighteen years of age
Item I give to my
Daughter Jane Kingman the wife of Isaac Kingman Five pounds to be paid to her
within a year after my Decease allso I give to the three Children of my
Daughter Jane aforesd. Vizt Abigail Kingman Lemuel
Kingman and Jane Kingman five pounds a peice That is to say To Lemuel Kingman
five pounds when he Shall Come to ye age of twenty One years and to
Abigail Kingman and Jane Kingman each of them five pounds to be paid to them
when they Shall Come to Eighteen years of age Respectively –
Item I Give to my
Daughter Mary Kingman besides what she hath allready had the Sum of Fifty
pounds the One half thereof to be paid to her within a year after my Decease
the other half thereof to be paid to her within two years after my Decease –
And my Will is That my Execs. herein named do
Seasonably Call in all ye money that is due to me upon book or bonds
and that they pay out all ye. Legacies herein Given according to
this province bills of the Old tenour – And furthermore I do nominate my Two
Sons John Kingman & Samuel Kingman to be the Execters of this my last Will
& Testament
Signed Sealed pronounced and Declared by the said Samuel
Kingman to be his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us
Joseph Edson Samuel Kingman (seal)
David Edson
Jesse Edson
Presented for probate on 20 May 1742, and proved by Joseph
Edson, David Edson, and Jesse Edson. Letters of Administration granted to John
Kingman and Samuel Kingman, both of Bridgwater, Joynt Executors.
The Inventory of all the Estate both Real and Personall of Mr.
Samuel Kingman late of Bridgwater, was appraised by Joseph Edson, Samuel Beal,
and Henry Kingman on 12 May 1742, but not totaled. The appraisers gave their
oaths to the inventory on 14 May 1742.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 521-524, from FHL microfilm
#0551531.
Will of Peter
Lanman of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Peter Lanman of Kingston and
Commonwealth Massachusetts being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind
and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this as
my last Will and Testament in a manner and form following –
Imprimis.
All my debts are to be punctually paid, and the legacies herein after
bequeathed are to be discharged as soon as circumstances will permit and in the
manner hereafter directed.
Item
To my dearly beloved wife Mary Lanman I give and bequeath the use, profit and
benefit of the whole of my Homestead farm both Real and Personal with the
buildings situate thereon lying partly in Kingston, Plympton and Halifax as
long as she shall remain my widow except such parts thereof as are specially
disposed of hereafter.
Item
To my daughter Polly Savory I do give and bequeath the improvement of the North
part of a dwelling house situate in Plymouth one front room below a bedroom and
two front chambers above and a room for her which may be convenient for her to
live in, and her support is to come from the income of the rent of that part of
the house –
likewise a privilege in Sally
Nichols Kitchen to the oven to bake, and after her decease it is to be the
property of Peter Lanman Jr. Isaac Lanman and Thomas Lanman by paying equally
the sum of thirty dollars to Elisa E Savory, Mary A Savory, George Holmes
Savory, the heirs of Polly Savory.
Item
To my daughter Sally Nichols I do give and bequeath a part of a dwelling house
situate in Plymouth one bay up and down in the centre of the house reserving
the back chamber with a privilege to pass and repass through said chamber until
otherwise accommodated with the legacies to be paid out as will be hereafter
mentioned also the rent of sd. house is to be paid yearly, until the
decease of Mary Lanman my wife, to be paid to the Executors to be laid out in
finishing Polly Savory’s share in sd. house.
Item
To my son Peter Lanman Jr. I do give and bequeath the sum of Six hundred
dollars – which is to be paid to him by Isaac Lanman, Samuel Lanman and John
Mendall Nichols each of them the sum of two hundred dollars. also a dwelling
house and Fish house at Rocky Nook reserving a right for the use and benefit
for my other three sons whenever they shall be called there to labor. also one
mahogany card table and one maple table, one feather bed and six block tin
plates.
Item
To my daughter Nancy Lanman I give and bequeath unto her the sum of two hundred
and Fifty dollars to be paid to her as shall hereafter be mentioned, likewise a
privilege in the house a room convenient to accommodate her also wood hauled to
the door and cut up, by those whom I have given my farm unto sufficient to
support a fire as long long as she shall remain single also one bed, one card
table.
Item
To my son Isaac Lanman I do also bequeath the one half of my farm and Real
Estate with the buildings situate thereon laying partly in Kingston Plympton
and Halifax that I have not otherways disposed of, by paying unto Peter Peter
Lanman Jr. the sum of two hundred dollars and unto Nancy Lanman the sum of two
hundred and fifty dollars, to be paid as soon as can conveniently be paid, also
one half the farming Utensils, also my Watch.
Item
To my son Samuel Lanman I do give and bequeath the South end of my dwelling
house situate in Plymouth, one bay in a three story dwelling house up and down
by the broad entry by paying to Peter Lanman Jr. the sum of Two hundred dollars
as soon as is convenient also the rent of sd. house is to be paid as
usual, until the decease of my wife Mary Lanman to be paid yearly to the
executors of sd. estate to be laid out in finishing Polly Savory
share in sd. house.
Item
To my son Thomas Lanman I do give and bequeath the other half of my Farm and
Real Estate which I have not already disposed of laying partly in Kingston,
Plympton and Halifax with the buildings situate thereon, also one half the
farming utensils, one clock, two bed, half a dozen of chairs, also ten dollars
to be paid yearly to Thomas Lanman by the executors out of the rent of my
property in Plymouth of which I have heretofore disposed of to defray Mary
Lanman’s taxes, also one Desk.
And
lastly as to all the rest, residue and remainder of my personal Estate of which
I have not already disposed of after all my lawful debts are paid I give and
bequeath unto my said beloved wife.
I
also appoint Peter Lanman Jr. and Isaac Lanman my sole executors of this my
last Will and Testament: and hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of September in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty five.
Signed, sealed and publish’d and
declared
by the within named Peter Lanman Peter Lanman (seal)
to be his last Will and Testament
in
the presence of us, who have
hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
in
the presence of the Testator
Samuel
Everson
Martin
Cook
Zenas
Bryant Jr.
Presented for probate on 17 Oct.
1825 by Peter Lanman and Isaac Lanman, the Executors, and proved by Samuel
Everson, Martin Cook and Zenas Bryant Jr., the witnesses.
John Gray, Spencer Brewster, and Daniel W. Ring, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Peter Lanman of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Know all
men by these presents, that I Peter Lanman of Kingston, in the County of
Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, yeoman, being in ill health, but of sound
and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will and
testament, hereby revoking all former will by me at any time heretofore made.
First. I give to my beloved wife Deborah Lanman, all my
personal, or mixed property, and the improvement during her natural life of all
my real estate of which I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I shall
be entitled at the time of my decease, – after the payment of all my debts and
funeral expenses – with the right to take the wood from the unimproved lands;
and if the improvement shall be insufficient for her support during her life,
she shall have a right to sell and convey any of said real estate as shall be
necessary to supply said deficiency.
Second. I give to my son Henry T. Lanman, after the decease
of my wife, about one acre of land by estimation, being a part of what I
purchased of Lewis & Judith Gray, bounded, beginning at the corner of the
land of Edward Gray, on the Easterly side of the highway in Kingston, thence by
said Highway, South-Easterly to an old stone wall fence, which was a corner of
said land, thence by said wall (part of the way) North forty two degrees East,
to the Rail Road; thence North Westerly by said Rail Road, to Edward Gray’s
land, then by said Gray’s land to the bound first mentioned.
Third. I give to my son Henry T. Lanman and to my daughters
Deborah Lanman, Harriet A. Lanman and Ann E. Lanman all the residue of my
Estate in equal shares, after the decease of my wife, if any should remain not
disposed of for her support.
Fourth. I hereby constitute and appoint my son Henry T.
Lanman, to be sole Executor of this my last will and testament.
In
testimony where of, I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below, this first day of December in the year eighteen hundred and fifty two. 1852.
Peter Lanman (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Peter Lanman as and for his last
will & testament, in the presence of us, who in his presence and in the
presence of each other, and at his request have subscribed our names as
witnesses hereunto.
John
Gray
W.
A. Robbins
Eli
Joyce
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of February 1853 by Henry T. Lanman, the Executor therein named, and
proved by John Gray and W. A. Robbins, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Peter Lanman, late of Kingston, was appraised on 4 Mar. 1853 by John Gray,
Joshua Delano, and Lewis Gray, his real estate totaled $3161.00, including his
homestead with the dwelling house and barn valued at $1333, and his personal
estate totaled $184.00. Henry T. Lanman, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on the second Monday of April 1853.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, pp. 57-58, 137-138, from FHL
microfilm #0555642.
Will of Chilton Latham of Bridgewater, County
of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
IN THE NAME
OF GOD AMEN ~ the Thirteenth day of June One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty
Eight I Chilton Latham of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth Gentm.
being in Good Helth of Body Excepting the Infirmitys of Old Age but of Perfict
Mind and Memory Thanks be Givein to God their for Calling unto Mind the
Mortality of My Body and Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Dye
Do Make & Ordain this My Last Will & Testament that is to say
Principally and First of all I Give and recomend my soule Into the Hands of God
that Gave it and my Body I Recomend to the Earth to be Burried in a Christian
Like and Decant Manner at the Discretion of my Executor Nothing Doughting but
the Generail Resurection I shall Receive the Same again by the Mity Power of God
and as Touch Worldly Estate as it hath Pleased God to Bless me With in this
Life Which what Remains unsettled & Dispose of as Follows ~~~
Imprimas ~ I
Give and Bequeath unto Susanna my Well beloved Wife my best Fether Bed and
Furniture With the Bed stead and Iron Hangings belonging to it unto her &
Her Heirs forever ~~~
Item– I Give
and Bequeath unto my son Charles Latham besides what I Have allredy Given him a
Peace of Meddow in Bridgwater Aforesd. Lying Between Setucket River
so Called and the upland which Formerly belonged to Josiah Allen Deceased I say
unto him and to his Heirs and Assigns for Ever –
Item– I Give
and Bequeath unto my Son James Latham my Next best Fether bed and Beding
belonging to it to him & to his Heirs forever besides what I Have Allredy
Given Him –
Item– I Give
and Bequeath unto my son Robart Latham whome I Likewise Constitute make and
Ordain my Only and sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament and to his
heirs and Assigns forEver my Half Purches right in the unDivided Lands in the
Eighth miles squairs. in the Township of Bridgwater and Other Fether
Bed – & Bedding and Also all my Quick Stock After the Decase of my Wife if
she should Out Live me it is Allso my Will that he Should Keep Two Cows for my
Wife During her Natural Life I Likewise Give unto him and sofourth – my Iron
speit and One Iron Trammel
Item– I Give
& Bequeath to my son Joseph Latham Besides what I have Allredy Given him
Twenty shillings Old Tenor To be paid to Him or to his Haers by my Executor
afore named –
Item~ I Give
and Bequeath unto my two GrandChildren Nehemiah Latham & Jean Latham five
shillings apeace Old Tenor to be paid To them by my said Executor besides What
I have Given to their Father Arthur Latham Decde. By Deed of Gift
after my Decease & it is my Desire & Will that the said Nehemiah shall
have Two third parts of all the Estate Contained in said Deed & the said
Jeane the Other third part thereof –
Item– I Give
and Bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Wade the Wife of Thomas Waid Jnr.
of Bridgwater besides what I have allredy Given her – all my Trays & Puter
& wooden & Earthen Wair With all my Other Indore Movebles Which I have
not before in this Will Given away, I say unto her & to her heres for Ever
–
Item~ I Give
and Bequeath to My Daughter Mary Allen the Wife of Jonathan Allen of Bridgwater
Besides What I have Allredy Given her my Negro. Garle named Dina
After the Decease of My Wife if she should out Live me she paying to her
Brother James Latham or to his Heirs ten pounds Old Tenor at the Time of her
Receiving Said Negro. Garl I say unto her and to her Heirs and
Assigns for Ever –
And I Do hereby
utterly Disallow Revoke & Dissanul all and Every Other Will and Testament
by me heretofore made Ratyfing and Confirming this and No Other to be my Last
Will and Testement I Wittness Where of I have here unto set My hand and seal
the Day & Year above Written –
Signed
Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the said Chilton Latham as His Last
Will and Testamen in the Presents of us the Subscribers ~ (viz)
Chilton Latham (seal)
Daniel Johnson
Abner Harris
Thomas Latham
Plimonth Sc March 2d. 1752
This Will haveing been Exhibited for Probate by the Executor therein Named the
said Daniel Johnson Abner Harris & Thomas Latham made Oath that they saw
the said Chilton Latham Signe Seal & Deliver and Heard him Declare this
Instrument to be his Last Will and Testament and that they in his Presents
subscribed as Wittnesses and that he was of sound mind ~ John
Cushing Judge of Probate
Susanah Latham of Bridgewater, Widdow, was granted administration of
the estate of Chilton Latham, late of Bridgewater, Gentelman, deceased, on 7
Oct. 1751.
Jonathan Howard, Josiah Snell Junr. and Seth Mitchell, all
of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth Yeomen, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Mr. Chilton Latham, late of Bridgwater, deceased, on 2
Mar. 1752. The inventory, dated 8 July 1752, totaled £58.2.5, including a Negro
Garle named Dina valued at £26.13.4, but no real estate. Robert Latham, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 17 Sept. 1752.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 12, pp. 444-445, 382-383, 536-537, from FHL microfilm #0551539.
Will of Dean Latham of East Bridgewater,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In the name of God, Amen. I,
Dean Lathum of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, being weak &
feeble in body, but of sound & disposing mind & memory, do make,
publish & declare this my last Will & Testament in manner as follows
First – I give & bequeath one third part
of all my estate, real personal & mixed, wheresoever the same may be
situate, to my brother Barzillai Latham of Buckfield in the State of Maine.
Second – I
give & bequeath one third part of all my Estate, real, personal &
mixed, to my brother George Latham of Gray in the State of Maine.
Third. – I give & bequeath the rest,
residue & remainder of all my Estate, real personal & mixed, to my
brother, Galen Latham of East Bridgewater aforesaid.
Fourth – It is my wish & intention that
all my just debts & funeral expenses be first paid out of my Estate, &
that the expenses of Administering upon & settleing my Estate be borne
equally by my three brothers aforesaid.
Fifth – I hereby appoint Williams Latham of
Bridgewater sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament.
In Witness Whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of February in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty five.
Dean Latham (seal)
Signed, sealed, published & declared, by
the said Dean Latham, as & for his last Will & Testament in presence of
us, who at his request, & in his presence, have hereunto set our hands as
Witnesses.
Cyrus Morton
Lysander Washburn
Phebe Jinkins
Presented
for probate on 7 July 1835 by Williams Latham, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Cyrus Morton, Lysander Washburn and Phebe Jenkins, the witnesses to
said Will.
Williams
Latham of Bridgewater, Esquire, was granted Administration of the estate of
Dean Latham, late of East Bridgewater, Yeoman, on 7 July 1735.
No inventory
of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, pp. 327-328, 405, from
FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Joseph Latham of Bridgewater, County of
Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the Name of God Amen this Second Day of
June in the year of our Lord 1758, I Joseph Latham of Bridgewater in the County
of Plimouth Husbandman having enlisted my Self as a Private Soldier in the
Present Intended Expedition against Canada Calling to Mind the Uncertainty of
Life and the Certainty of Death do make & publish this my Last Will &
Testament Imprs I Comend my Soul into the Hands of God
Allmighty who Gave it me & my Body to the Earth from whence it Came In
hopes of a Joyefull Resurrection Through the Merrits of my Saviour Jesus Christ
& as for that worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to Bless me
Besides what I have allready Disposed of to my four Sons by deeds of Gift with
which I Expect them to be therewith Content I dispose hereof as follows first I
Give and Bequeath unto my Dear Beloved Wife Sarah Latham all my Quick Stock
& Indoor moveables To Use & Improve Dureing her naturall Life. . .
Item I give
& Bequeath unto my Eldest Daughter Betty Latham whom I make &
Constitute my Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament half my Quick
Stock & Indoor moveables after the decease of my Sd. Wife &
Also one half of my Land which was Laid out to me at a place called the Ridge
swamp in the third Precinct in Sd. Bridgwater to hold to her &
her Heirs & assigns forever I allso give & Bequeath to my sd.
Daughter the one half of all such Sum or Sums of money which may be by me or
which may Be Due & owing to me at the Time of my Death from any Person or
Person whomsoever & in what Way or manner soever the same may become Due
encluding the one half of my Wages which may be due to me for my Service in the
above Expedition to her & to her Heirs forever
Item I give
& Bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Latham the other half of my Quick stock
& Indoor moveables after ye. decease of my sd. wife I
allso Give to my sd. Daughter Sarah & to her heirs & assigns
the other half of my Land lying at the Ridge swamp forever
I allso give
to my sd. Daughter the other Half of all such sum or & sums of
money which shall be Due & owing to me at the Time of my Death or which I
shall then have by me allso Encluding the one half of my Wages which may be
owing to me at the Time of my Death to her & to her Heirs forever –
further my
Will is that if any Just Debts shall appear to be Due & owing from me to
any Person or Persons at the Time of my Death they shall be first paid out of
what I have Before given to my sd. Two Daughters in Equal Proportion
between them
signd.
seald. Publishd. & Declard. By the sd.
{ Joseph Latham (seal)
Joseph
Latham to be his last Will & Testamt {
in the
Presence of us whose names are here {
underwritten
Daniel
Johnson
James
Johnson
Levitt
Johnson
Plimo.
Sc october 9th 1758.
This will haveing been Presented for Probate by the Executor therein
Named Daniel Johnson Esqr and James Johnson Made Oath that they saw the said
Joseph Latham sign Seal and Deliver and heard him declare this Instrument to be
his last will & Testament, and that they at the same time together with
Leavit Johnson Subscribed as Witnesses and that according to the best of their
Judgment he was then of Sound mind –
Jno.
Cushing Judge of Probt –
Administration
of the estate of Joseph Latham was granted unto his daughter Betty Latham of
Bridgewater, Executrix in the same will named, on 9 October 1758.
The
Inventory of the Goods Chattels and Real Estate of Mr Joseph Latham
late of Bridgwater was appraised on 19 Jany. 1759 by Thomas Whitman,
Edward Mitchell and John Orcutt, and totaled £76.14.7, no real estate listed.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 78-79, 253-254,
from FHL microfilm #0551543.
Will of Mary
Latham of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1824) *
In the name of God, Amen. I, Mary Latham of Bridgwater in the
Mary Latham (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by
the above Mary Latham to be her last
Will and Testament in the presence of us
who at her request & in her presence hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same
Solomon
Alden
Nathl
Haskell Jr.
Lewis T.
Alden
Probated on 1 Nov. 1825, and proved by Solomon Alden &
Lewis T. Alden, two of the witnesses.
Abraham Washburn & Rufus Wood, Gentlemen, and Cornelius
Holmes, Yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Lathrop of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In the Name of God Amen the Seventeenth Day of October in the
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy Six I Samuel Lathrop
of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New-England Yeoman being Sick & Weak of Body but of Sound Mind &
Memory thanks be Given to God therefore Calling to Mind the Mortality of my
Body & knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die Do make &
Ordain this my Last Will & Testament that is to Say Principally & first
of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it hoping
through the Merrits Death & Pasion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full
& free Pardon of all my Sins & to Inherit Everlasting Life & my
Body I Commit to the Earth to be decently Buried at the Discretion of my
Executor hereafter named nothing Doubting But at the General Resurrection I
Shall Receive the Same Again By the Mighty Power of God And as Touching Such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give
Demise & Dispose of the Same in the following Manner & Form ~
Imprimis My Will is that all my Just Debts & Funeral
Charges be paid & Satisfyed by my Executor hereafter named in Convenient
Time next after my Decease out of My Personal Estate ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to Elizabeth my Dearly Beloved
Wife One Cow which with what Estate I have Otherwise Secured to her is for her
Dowry ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my well beloved Son Jonathan
over & Above what I have Otherwise allready Given him the Gun that was my
son Samuels also One Heifer coming three Years Old. Also One half Part of my
Wearing Apparrel all which is what I can Give him for his Portion of my Estate
~
Item I Given & Bequeath unto my Well beloved son Mark all
my Personal Estate of Every kind, that is not in this my Will Otherways
Disposed of which with What I have Otherways Given him is his Portion of my
Estate~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Trusty Maid named Mary
Tomson a Last Spring Heifer Calf to Encourage her, to be faithfull in Serving
my Famely & it is my Will that my afores’d Son Mark keep Said Calf for her
During the Term & Time of her Living with and Serving my Famely
And I Do hereby Constitute Ordain & Appoint my Aforesd
Son Mark Executor of this my Last Will & Testament ~
& I Do hereby Ratify & Confirm this and No Other to
be my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& Seal the Day & Year first afore Written
Signed Sealed & Delivered
by the Said Samuel Lothrop
as & for his Last Will and
Testament in Presence of Samuel Lathrop (seal)
us~ Philip
Bryant
Zephaniah
Lothrop
Shephard
Fisk
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1777 by Mark Lathrop, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Phillip Bryant and Zephaniah Lothrop, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Mark Lothrop, the
before named Executor, with Zephaniah Lathrop of Bridgewater, yeoman, and David
Jenkins, of Abington, yeoman, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 230-233, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of John
Lawrence of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1712) *
In the Name of God Amen The Twenty Ninth Day of September in
the Yeare of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred and Twelve, I John
Lawrence of Flushing in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Collony of New
York Being in health and sound in perfect minde and Memory (thanks be given to
almighty God therefore Calling to mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to Dye, and in firm beliefe that the
Resurrection of the Just shall be to Life Everlasting through Jesus Christ our
Lord, I Doe therefore for the reasons above Above given make and appoint this
my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following Imprimis I Recommend my
Soule into almighty God that gave it and for my body I Commend to the Earth to
be Decently buried in a Decent and Christian Like manner according to the
Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, ITEM I give and bequeath unto my
Dearly beloved Wife Elizabeth Lawrence all my houses Barnes orchards Lands
Meadows and appurtenances that I now Life upon untill my Son Richard Lawrence
Shall arrive to the age of Twenty one yeares and then my Son aforenamed to
Enter into the possession of the one halfe of all my premisses aforemention’d
which one half or Moiety of all my aforementioned houses Barnes orchards Lands
and Meadows, I give to my Son Richard Lawrence aforenamed to him his heires and
assignes for Ever, And the other half of my Estate aforementioned my Wife to
have Dureing her widowhood (which Said half or Moiety Soo given I give to my Son
Benjamin Lawrence when he Shall arrive to the age of Twenty one yeares to him
his heires and assignes for Ever provided my Said Wife shall Live my widdow
after my Son Benjamin aforenamed Shall arrive to the age of Twenty one yeares
aforesaid, then my two Sons Richard and Benjamin Lawrence Shall pay to my Said
Wife the Sume of Twenty pounds Current Money of New York pr yeare
Dureing her widowhood Each Sonn. ITEM I give to my Wife aforenamed the one
Equall half of my Moveable Estate within my house (Negroes Excepted) to her and
her assignes, ITEM I give to my wife aforenamed my two Negroes James and Bess
Dureing her widdowhood. ITEM I give to my Son William Lawrence two Cows to be
taken out of my Stock before any Division be Made, ITEM I give unto my Daughter
Charity Lawrence one Negro Girl named Nell, ITEM I give unto my Daughter Sarah
one Negro Girl named Dianna, ITEM I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Ford, Mary
Briggs Charity and Sarah Lawrence all the Remainder part of my Moveable Estate
Both Quick and Dead to be Divided in the following Manner, To my Daughter
Elizabeth Ford the one Fifth part, to my Daughter Mary Briggs the one Seventh
part, and the Remainder part to be Equally divided between Charity and Sarah
Lawrence, And I doo hereby appoint nominate and Constitute my Loveing Brother
William Lawrence and my Trusty and Loveing Friends Colonell Thomas Willett and
John Stevenson to be my whole and Sole Executors to See this my Last will and
Testament Fully performed according to the true Intent and Meaning thereof
utterly Disallowing and Revoakeing all Wills and Testament by me heretofore
made, In Testimony Whereof I the Said John Lawrence have hereunto Sett my hand
and Seale the Day & yeare first above written.
John Lawrence (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the Said
John Lawrence to be his Last will and Testament In the presence of us.
Deborah Lawrence
Daniel Lawrence
Jacob Doughty
Probated on 7 Feb. 1714, and Letters of Administration were
granted to Thomas Willet, one of the Executors, with power reserved to William
Lawrence and John Stephenson, the other Executors, on 21 Feb. 1714.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Liber 8, p. 332-334.
Will of Hannah
Lazell of
In the name of God Amen I, Hannah Lazell of Hingham in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Widow, in consideration of
the uncertainty of human life do make & publish this my last Will &
Testament in manner & form following that is to say I give & bequeath
to my nephew Samuel Fearing his heirs & assigns forever all my Estate both
Real & personal except what I shall hereafter dispose of. Item I give &
bequeath unto Samuel Lazell Fearing son of Samuel Fearing one half my homestead
containing about eighteen Acres with one half the buildings standing thereon to
him his heirs & assigns forever—
Item I give &
bequeath unto my niece Betty Fearing one Cow –
Item.
I give and bequeath unto the children of my nephew Israel Fearing Viz – Lydia
C. Fearing, James H. Fearing, Israel Fearing, Perez L. Fearing, and Ebenezer C.
Fearing, their Heirs & assigns forever five acres of land in the third
division called the Joy lot, equally between them.
Item, I give & bequeath unto my
nephews Abiel Fearing, Ezekiel Fearing, John Fearing Jun. and the children of
Cushing Fearing decd, Viz: Matilda & Cushing, their heirs &
assigns forever, one undivided half of twenty one acres of land in the second
part of the third division Also one undivided half of fifteen acres of land in
the second part of the third division Also about five acres of land in the
second part of the third division that was Thomas Fearing’s to be equally
divided between them.
Item I give and bequeath unto my
sister Lydia Fearing a living in my house and a comfortable support during her
life to be paid out of that part of the Estate I have given to Samuel Fearing
Lastly I hereby
constitute & appoint Samuel Fearing sole Executor to this my last Will
& Testament & confirm this to be my last will & Testament and order
him out of what I have given to pay all my just debts & Legacies and
funeral expenses. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twentieth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred &
twenty five –
Hannah
Lazell her X mark (seal)
Signed, sealed published &
declared by the above named Hannah Lazell to be her last Will & testament
in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in
the presence of the testator
Hawkes
Fearing – dead
Ezekiel
Cushing – dead
John
Fearing
Presented for probate on 5 June
1832, and proved by John Fearing, one of the subscribing witnesses, Hawkes
Fearing & Ezekiel Cushing both now deceased. Letters of Administration
given to Samuel Fearing of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac Lazell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Isaac Lazell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth being weak in body but of sound & perfect Mind &
Memory blessed be almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last
Will & Testament in Manner & form following (that is to say) my Will is
that all my just debts & funeral Charges be paid in convenient time after
my decease ~ and in the next place I give & bequeath unto my well beloved
Wife, Jane the use & Improvement of my Homestead Farm together with all the
Buildings thereon containing about 30 acres bounded as followeth, beginning at
the Corner of Docr. Noah Fearings Garden wall by the Road thence
northwesterly in a direct line by the said Fearings land untill it strikes the
Land of Nathaniel Gilbert, containing all my land lying northerly of the last
mentioned line & the Boston road, to include the Jonas Leonard lot of about
5 acres – also the Barn & Barn lot lying on the opposite side of the road
near my Dwelling house including the Land on both sides of the new road leading
to the meeting house, and a small lot on the westerly side of the Turnpike also
my Majr Cary Lot, so called, to include all my land lying on the
northeasterly side of sd. Boston road & the River.— Also about
sixteen Acres of Meadow land bot. of Davis Hayward & others
lying on the River & adjoins the Homestead farm of Solomon Hayward—Also
about 40 acres of Woodland, being a part of my Timothy Hayward Farm, &
contains all the Land which I own on the northerly side of the road leading
from the Turnpike thro. my sd. Timy Hayward Farm to Perkins Mill –
Also fifteen Acres of Woodland in the old Cedar Swamp, to be set off on the
easterly side of my Lot adjoining Ezra Fobes’s lot to extend far enough in
width from the said Ezra Fobes’s line & parallel thereto to make the
aforesaid quantity.— The uninterrupted use & Improvement of all the above
described premises with all the privileges & appurtenances thereunto
belonging is to be enjoyed by my sd. Wife Jane, during her remaining
my Widow, and no longer.—
Also I give and bequeath unto my sd. Wife Jane, to
be at her disposal forever one half of all my neat Stock, except what is
hereafter disposed of, one half of all my Swine, my best Horse & Chaise –
the whole of all my Household Furniture & Books – the whole of the
Provisions & Stores Corn & Grain with one half of the Fodder on hand at
my decease, & five hundred Dollars in Money or Good Securities – My right
in two Pews in the publick meeting house & one half of all my farming
utensils –
I
do also give and bequeath to my Daughter Polly Bates the use & Improvement
of one undivided third part of all my Besse Farm (so called) said farm is owned
in common & undivided with Solomon Leonard now living on the premises, the
said Leonard one quarter part thereof and myself the remaining three quarters,
also two thirds of all my right in the Buildings thereon – the use of the
aforesaid premises is to be enjoyed by said Daughter Polly during her natural
Life & after her to descend to my Grandson Martin Bates in fee simple
forever – if he be living at the decease of my said Daughter Polly & should
arrive to the age of twenty one Years but if the said Martin should not survive
his Mother Polly Bates, or should die before he arrives to the Age aforesaid,
in either Case the said premises shall be equally divided between the surviving
Children of my said Daughter Polly, their Heirs & assigns to be held by
them in fee simple forever–and I do also give to my sd Daughter
Polly one third part of all my right in the Stock on the place aforesaid– which
together with what I have heretofore given my said Daughter Polly I consider to
be her full share of my Estate ~~
I
give and devise to my Daughter Jane Blanchard her Heirs & Assigns forever
one other third part of all my right in the aforesaid Besse Farm together with
the remaining third part of all the Buildings thereon & one third of my
right in the Stock on sd. farm, also five shares in the New Bedford
& Bridgwater Turnpike which with what my sd. Daughter Jane has
heretofore recd. of my Estate I consider to be her full share
thereof —
And
I further ordain that Dinah, a Negro Woman, who has for a considerable time
been a useful & faithful Servant in my Family, should have a comfortable
support at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, during her natural
Life, to be paid out of my Estate, not heretofore disposed of on Condition
however, that she shall remain in the Family and continue faithful &
obedient according to her ability.—
Whereas
for the Encouragement of filling the Fund established for the support of a
Gospel Congregational Minister in the S. Parish of sd. Bridgwater, I
have heretofore subscribed, the Sum of two hundred Dollars payable whenever the
Sums Subscribed together with the Donations & Accumulations of said Fund
shall fill the same, so that the Income thereof may be appropriated for the
purposes aforesaid, agreeably to the Act establishing the same, my Will is that
the aforesaid two hundred Dollars, & one hundred Dollars in Addition
thereto making in the whole $300, shall be paid out of my Estate, not before
disposed of, for the purposes & agreeably to the Conditions aforesaid. —
I
give & devise all the residue of my Real & personal Estate which is not
disposed of as aforesaid to be equally divided between my six daughters viz
Anna Fearing, Salome, Rachel, Charlotte, Henriette & Irane, to them their
Heirs & assigns forever, to include the reversion of the Real Estate the
Improvement of which is given to my wife Jane as aforesaid as well as all other
Estate of what name or nature soever, not before disposed of – the same however
being subject to the payment of all charges debts or Legacies against my
Estate.—
Lastly
I do hereby nominate & appoint my Son in law Docr. Noah Fearing
& Nathan Mitchell Esqr. Executors of this my last Will &
Testamen — In Witness whereof I the sd.
Isaac Lazell have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 9th. day of
May ADom.
Eighteen hundred & Ten. –
signed sealed published &
pronounced
by the sd. Isaac Lazell
to be his last Will
and Testament in presence of
Elijah
Storrs
Edward
Mitchell junr. Isaac Lazell (seal)
Simeon
Packard
Presented for probate on 2 July 1810 by Dr Noah
Fearing and Nathan Mitchell Esqr., the Executors therein named, and
proved by Elijah Storrs and Edward Mitchell junr., two of the
witnesses.
Nathan Lazell Esqr., Daniel Mitchell Esqr.,
and Edward Mitchell junr, Trader, all of Bridgewater, were appointed
to appraise the estate of Isaac Lazell of Bridgewater, Esqr., on 2
July 1810. The inventory was dated 29 Sept. 1810, and totaled $20,644.80,
including his homestead valued at $5500.00, the Majr. Cary Lot abt
20 acres valued at $900, the Jonas Leonard Lot valued at $250, the Davis
Hayward meadow valued at $1000, the Timy. Hayward Farm of abt.
110 acres valued at $3315, Sugar Hill Farm, swamp & woodland of abt.
104 acres valued at $2513.25, 3/4ths of the Besse Farm (held in common with
Solomon Leonard) valued at $3500.00, and others. The Appraisers gave their Oath
on 29 Sept. 1810, extra cash and notes added by the executors brought the total
up to $22,369.80, and the Executors Dr Noah Fearing and Nathan
Mitchell Esqr. gave their oath to the inventory on 1 Oct. 1810.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob
Lazell of
In The Name of God Amen I Jacob Lezell of Middleborough in
the County of Plimouth in New England Being Sick and Weake of Body But of a
Sound and Disposing Mind & memory and understanding Blessed Be God
therefore Calling to mine ye Mortality of My Body and Knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to Die Do Make and ordain this To Be my Last
Will and Testement To Stand firm and Remain Invoilabel for Ever principaly and
First of all I Give and Recomend My Soul into the Hands of God that Gave it.
and my Body I Reckomend unto the Dust To Be Buried in Decent Christen Buriel at
the Descretion of my Executor Nothing Doubting But at General Resurection I
Shall Receive the Same again and as Touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it
Hath pleased God To Bless me in this Life With I Do Dispose of the Same in the
Folowing Mannor and Form—
Impr. I Give and Bequeqth unto My True and Well
beloved Wife Elizeboth Lazell that She Brought To me To Be at Her Disposel for
Ever: I also Give to her the Improvement of all My Estate untill my Child yet
un Born Shall arrive to the age of Eleven years if it Lives So Long and if not
I Give her at the Decease of my Child the Sum of Twenty Six pounds thirteen
Shillings and Eighte pence out of my Real Estate and She to Give her Rights of
Dower to them that I Dispose of it To But if my Child Lives To the age of
Twenty one years if a son: or to the age of Eighteen if a Daughter I Give her
Nothing of the Twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings and Eight pence But in Lue
of that I Give her ye third part of ye Improvement of my
Estate forever—
I Give and Bequeath unto My Child that is Yet unborn all My
Estate Besides what I Have Given to My Wife after my Just Debts and funeral
Charges are paid and in Case there Should Be Twins the said Estate To Be Equaly
Divided Between Them if that or thy arrive To the age of Men or Women and if
not I Give What Remains of my Estate after my Wife Has Taken what I gave Her
and My Just Debts and Funeral Charges are paid out My Two Brothers William
Lazell and Abner Lazell Equally To Be Divided Betwene Them—Item—I Give and
Bequeath unto my two Brouthers William and Abner my Two Best Coats my Black
Jacket my Best Hat and Wigg and my Two peair of Gloves in in Case my Child
Should Live and Grow up and Like Wize My Best Lether Briches Finaley: I Constitute My True & Well
beloved Wife Elizeboth Lazell To Be Executor of this My Last Will and Testement
hereby Conferming this and No Other To Be my Last Will as Witness my Hand and
Seal This Fourth Day of June Anno Domini 1751—
Signed Sealed and Declared by Jacob Lazell
To Be His Last Will and Testement in presence
off us
Samuel Lewis
Ephram Wood Jacob Lazell (seal)
Tabitha Man
Presented for probate on 10 July 1751 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Ephram Wood and Tabitha Man.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua
Lazell of
In the Name of God amen, I Joshua Lazel of Middlebro in the
County of Plymouth in New England being very weak of body but of perfect Sound
& Disposeing Memory, Blessed be God for the same Where fore Calling to mind the Mortality of
my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and
Ordain this to be my last will & Testament to Stand and remain firm and
Inviolable forever that is to say Principally and first of all I Give &
recomend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it and my body I recommend to
the Dust to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my
Executrix Nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall receive the
same again by the mighty power of God and as touching the worldly Estate
Wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I Give Demise &
dispose of the same in the following manner and form ~~~
Imprimis I Give and bequeath to my true & well beloved
wife Elisabeth all the Goods or Estate She brought with her when She became my
wife to be hers forever.
Item I Give and bequeath my Dwelling house Standing near the
old meeting house in Middleborough & upon the ministerial lands, and also
all my Other Estate being all Personal (after my Just Debts & funeral
Charges are paid) Unto my aforesaid wife for her to use and improve according
unto her best discretion for the Necessary Support of herself and the bringing
up of my three Children so long as She remains my widow and if in Case there
remains any of my sd Estate after She marrys again that then the
remaining part thereof to be divided amongst my three Children, One half to my
son Prince Lazel and the other half unto my two daughters Elizabeth and Mary.
And my Will also is that my Well beloved wife Elizabeth Lazel be the Executrix
of this my last Will and Testament Thus hopeing that this my Last will and
Testament will be kept & performed according to the true Intent &
meaning thereof &c, And in Testimony
hereof I the aforesd. Joshua Lazel have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal this 14th. day of January One thousand seven hundred &
forty Eight
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
& Declared by the sd Joshua Lazel as
his Last Will & Testamt. Joshua Lazell (seal)
In presence of us the Subscribers
Oxenbridge Thacher
John Redding
Seth Tinkham
Presented for probate on May 11th 1749 by the Execx.
within named, and proved by Oxenbridge Thacher and John Reading, two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silvanus Lazell of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
I,
Silvanus Lazell of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, Esquire, considering
my advanced age and the uncertainty of human life, as well as the peculiar
situation of my family, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in
manner and form following viz. I give
and devise unto my wife Abigail, the use and improvement of one third part of
all my real estate, of which I may die seized and possessed, to have and to
hold the same for and during her natural life.
I give
and devise unto my daughter, Nabby Mitchell, the dwelling-house which I have
lately built, and in which my grand-son S. L. Mitchell now lives, to have and
to hold the same to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
I give
and devise unto my grand-son, George Henry Brown, the dwelling house in which
his parents now live, with the land on which it stands, being the Estate which
I bought of Col. John M. Goodwin, to have and to hold the same to him, his
heirs and assigns forever, giving and reserving unto his two sisters, Lucy Ann
Brown and Harriet Mitchell Brown, the right and privilege of living in the same
so long as they shall remain unmarried.
I give
and devise all the rest and residue of my Estate, of any description and
wherever it may be, unto my eight grand children, viz Harriet Davis, wife of N.
M. Davis Esqr. Silvanus L. Mitchell, Mary Orr Mitchell, Elizabeth C.
Mitchell, and James H. Mitchell, children of my daughter Nabby Mitchell
aforesaid, Lucy Ann Brown, George H. Brown, and Harriet M. Brown, children of
my daughter Betsey Brown, equally to be divided between them, to have and to
hold to them respectively and their respective heirs & assigns
forever. And I do hereby appoint my
son-in law Bartholomew Brown Esquire to be Trustee of all the Estate I have
given to his children, to manage the same, and see the income and profits there
of applied to their best advantage and benefit, so long as he and his wife
shall both live, and if she survive him it is my Will that she shall then be,
and I do hereby appoint her accordingly, Trustee in like manner of the same
Estate during her life, to manage the same and apply the profits and income
thereof in the same manner as aforesaid.
And should any one or more of my last three named grand children,
children of my said daughter, Betsey Brown die while under age or without
issue, then it is my Will that the share or shares of the deceased shall go to
the survivor or survivors of them. It
is also my Will, and I do hereby direct that neither the said Bartholomew
Brown, nor my daughter Betsey Brown aforesaid, be required to give any bonds or
other obligation or security to the Judge of Probate or other person for the
faithful performance of the trust which I have herein as aforesaid reposed in
them.
And I do
give, forgive, and relinquish unto my son-in-law, Bartholomew Brown Esquire all
notes of hand, book accounts, and other demands of every nature, provided and
on condition that he shall make no demand or claim of any kind whatever against
my estate.
And I do
now nominate, constitute, and appoint my son-in-law Nahum Mitchell Esquire to
be sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven.
Signed, sealed, & published by the Testator as his last
Will &
Testament in presence of us who have hereunto Silvanus Lazell (seal)
subscribed our names as witnesses, at his request & in
his presence and in
presence of each other. Benjamin
Fessanden
John
M. Goodwin – Cushing Mitchell
The last Will and Testament of Silvanus Lazell, late of East
Bridgewater, Esquire, was presented for probate on 15 Oct. 1827 by Nahum
Mitchell, the Executor therein named, and proved by Cushing Mitchell, one of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Nahum Mitchell, the before named Executor.
Abisha Stetson, Isaac Alden 2d, and Azor Harris,
all of East Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Sylvanus
Lazell Esquire, late of East Bridgewater, on 15 Oct. 1827. The Inventory of the
Estate of Silvanus Lazell, late of East Bridgewater, was dated 14 Jan. 1828,
and totaled $20,306.10, including his extensive real estate holdings valued at
$19,831, of which his homestead was valued at $3200, the dwelling house
occupied by B. Brown Esqr. valued at $1200, and the house occupied
by S. L. Mitchell also valued at $1200. Nahum Mitchell, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 18 Feb. 1828, and he was ordered to sell at public
auction the personal estate of the deceased.
Abisha Stetson, Isaac Alden 2d, and Azor Harris,
all of East Bridgewater, Freeholders, were appointed to divide the real estate
of Genl. Silvanus Lazell, late of East Bridgewater, among his
grandchildren Harriet Davis wife of Nathaniel M Davis Esqr,,
Silvanus L. Mitchell, Mary P Ames, wife of David Ames Jur., Elizabeth C.
Mitchell, and James H Mitchell, children of Nahum Mitchell, Esqr.,
and Lucy Ann Brown, George H. Brown and Harriet M. Brown, children of
Bartholomew Brown, Esqr., as was devised to them in and by his last
Will & Testament, on 18 Feb. 1828. The division was dated 1 Jan. 1829, and
approved on 6 Apr. 1830.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, pp. 301-303, 455-457, from FHL
microfilm #0555258, and Vol. 69, p. 130-134.
Will of John Leach of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God
amen. I John Leach of Halifax in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Yeoman being weak in Body but of sound mind & Memory,
considering the Uncertainty of this mortal Life & knowing it is appointed
for man once to die, do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament
That is to say, first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God
who gave it, & my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent
Christian Burial, at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but at the
Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, &
with respect to my worldly, with which God has blessed me with in this Life, I
give demise & dispose of the same in the following Manner – that is to say
—
I give
and bequeath unto my Son John Leach his Heirs & assigns forever all my Real
Estate & all my personal Estate excepting what is hereafter disposed of
otherwise after my just debts & funeral Charges being first paid, and the
Legacies hereafter mentioned—
I also
give and bequeath unto my seven Daughters, Betty Holmes, Elizabeth Tomson,
Abigail Hall, Anna Leach, Mary Leach, Lucy Hall & Deborah Leach one Dollar
to each of them. —
I also
give unto my Daughters Anna Leach, Mary Leach & Deborah Leach, each of
them, one Bed & Beding apiece, I also give and bequeath unto my Daughters,
Anna Leach, Mary Leach & Deborah Leach each of them a privilege of living
in my house, so long as they shall live a single Life —
I also
give and bequeath unto my three Grandsons, Levi Leach, Giles Leach & Simeon
Leach each of them five Dollars to be paid within twelve months after my
decease. —
And
I do hereby appoint my Son John Leach to be my sole Executor of this my last
Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made—
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& seal the twenty fourth day of February in the Year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred & seven. –
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above named
John Leach to be his last Will
& Testament in the
presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our
Names as Witnesses in the presence
of the
Testator~ John Leach (seal)
Josiah
Tomson
Freeman
Waterman
Nat.
Morton.
Presented for probate on 7 April
1807 by John Leach, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Tomson Esqr.
and Nathl. Morton, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to John Leach, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
75-76, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Philo Leach of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
Be it remembered that
on the twenty fourth day of October in the year 1849, I Philo Leach of the town
of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being of
sound disposing mind and memory do make publish and declare the following to be
my last Will and Testament.
First. I give and bequeath all my Estate both real and
personal to my beloved wife Lucia H. Leach with such instructions as may be
hereinafter contained and I also appoint her sole Executrix of this my last
Will.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year within
written.
Philo Leach (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Philo Leach to be as
his last Will and Testament, who in his presence and in the presence of each
other have subscribed the same as Witnesses. Nicholas
Tillinghast
Ruby
H. Tillinghast
Elizabeth
Hooper
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1853 by Lucia H. Leach, the Executrix therein named, and proved
by Elizabeth Hooper, one of the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Lucia H. Leach, the Executrix therein
named.
Lucia H. Leach, of Bridgewater, was
appointed as Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Philo Leach, late of
Bridgewater, on 4 Oct. 1853, with Mitchell Hooper and Philander Leach, both of
Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, p. 454-455, from FHL microfilm #0555642,
and Vol. 2I, p. 9.
Will of Reuben Leach of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1864) *
Know
all men by these Presents that I Reuben Leach of Plymouth County of Plymouth
and State of Massachusetts Yeoman being of sound disposing mind and memory, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary M. Leach all my personal property.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary M. Leach all my real estate
remembering my son Reuben H. Leach, my daughter Betsey Leach, and my daughters
Mary S. Whiting and Phebe L. Churchill.
Third.
I ordain and appoint my wife Mary M. Leach as Executrix of this my last Will
and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and
declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of the witnesses
named below this 26th day of September in the year of Our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty four.
his
Reuben X Leach (seal)
mark
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Reuben Leach, and for his last Will
and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence of
each other, and at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
Obadiah
King
John
A. Burgess
George
Bramhall
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Nov. 1864 by
Mary M. Leach, of Plymouth, with Benjamin D. Finney and Caleb M. Finney as
sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary M. Leach, of Plymouth, on
14 Nov. 1864.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 86-87, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 114, p. 451 (479).
Will of Dr.
Francis LeBaron of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1703) *
The thirtieth Day of September Anno Domoni~1703
I Francis Lebaron of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth in
New England Chirurgeon being at this present Sick and Weak of body but through
mercy of Sound disposing mind and memory. Do hereby make and Declare this my
Last Will and Testament as followeth That is to Say first and Principally I
Commit my Eternall Concernments to the Mercy of God in Jesus Christ and my body
to Decent burial when it shall please God to take me hence And Touching my
Outward Estate Which the Lord hath blessed me with my Will and meaning is that
the same shall be Imployed and bestowed as herein shall be Expressed that is to
say First of all That all my just Debts to any Person or Persons be Duly Paid
by my Executrix hereafter named And after the said Debts and my funeral
Expenses be Discharged and Paid my Will is That my whole Estate be in the hands
and Custody of Mary my Wellbeloved Wife so Long as she shall Remain my Widdow
and Continue in my Name to be managed by her as followeth Viztt: my
money and money Debts Owing and Due to me to be sett Out to Such as shall see
Cause to take the same and pay Annual Interest therefore, which sd
Interest to be for ye support of my said Wife and Children. I also
Will that Francis my youngest son shall Come to the age of twenty one years
that then my farm on which my Dwelling house standeth in the Township
Middleborrough with all my Meadow there be Duly apprized and the Value thereof
known And that James my Eldest son shall have and Enjoy the same to him his
heirs and Assigns for Ever he paying two thirds of the Value thereof to his two
Brethren Namely Lazarus and Francis my Sons
Also it is my Will that the Residue of my Estate both Lands Goods and
Chattells (Except What of it shall be Disposed of by this my Will) Shall be
Equally distributed and Divided Amongst my said three sons at the Day of the
Decease of my sd Wife or at the time of her Againe Marriage~Which
shall first happen, or be provided always And it is my Will that my said wife
have Residence in my sd House and farm and a Comfortable Support and
maintenance Out of my sd Estate so long as she shall Continue my
Widdow but if she shall Againe marry and Go Out of my name then at the Day of
her said marriage I hereby Give unto her the full sum of Sixty Pounds in money
or such of my Goods as she shall then see Cause to make Choyce of And the Remainder of my Estate to be for
the Support Comfort & bringing up of my sd Children and to be
Distributed amongst them in Equall proportion as aforesaid
Item I Give and bequeath to ye Poor of the Town of
Plimouth Ninety Acres of my Land lying in the said Township of Middleborrough
And of such of my Land there as Lyeth nearest to ye Township of
Plimouth to be for the use and Benifit of ye sd Poor for
Ever finally I hereby Nominate & Appoint Mary my said Wife to be Sole
Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, In Testimony whereof and in
full Confirmation of the same I the said Francis Lebaron have hereunto set my
hand & Seall on ye thirtieth Day of Septembr Anno
Domini One thousand Seven Hundred & three being the Day & year first
herein Written
Signed Sealed and Declared by the sd LeBaron (seal)
Francis Lebaron to be his Last Will
and Testament in presence of us
James Warren
John Bradford junr
Saml Sprague
Probated on 22 Sept. 1704, and proved by James Warren Esqr,
John Bradford junr. & Mr. Samuel Sprague.
An Inventory of the Goods Chattells Rights and Credits of Mr
Francis Lebaron late of Plimouth, taken on 15 Sept. 1704 by John Murdo and Saml
Sprague, not totaled, his housing and lands in Plimouth lying in severall
parcells totaled £116, his house, land, meadows and rights of land in
Middleborro was valued at £340, debts due to the estate upon bonds and bills
some of which desperate £328.15, and debts due upon booke, much of it desperate
debts £100.2.3. Mary Lebaron, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on
22 Sept. 1704.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James LeBaron of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
Know all men by these presents that I James LeBaron of the
Town of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth, in the State of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England, being weak of body, yet of a sound and
disposing memory and understanding, blessed be God for the same, yet knowing
the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make and ordain this my Last will & Testament to be firm and Inviolable
forever
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Hannah
one third part of all my moveable-Estate after my Just debts and funeral
charges are first paid out of the same to be at her own disposal, and further I
Give and bequeath to her my said wife the use and Improvement of one third part
of all my Real Estate during her natural Life; and further I Give and bequeath
to her my said wife the use and improvement of the whole of my Estate Real and
personal or moveables (after my Just debts and funeral Charges are first paid
out of said moveables) so Long as she shall remain my widow, she paying the
Legacies hereafter expressed
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Ten Children, namely Japheth
LeBaron – Elisabeth LeBaron, Martha the wife of Daniel Tinkham, William
LeBaron, James LeBaron, Francis LeBaron, Isaac LeBaron, Hannah LeBaron, Abigail
LeBaron and Lazarus LeBaron, to be equally divided between them, all my Estate
Real & personal or moveables excepting the improvement and disposal above
mentioned, to them their heirs and assigns forever – and further I Give and
bequeath to my ten children above mentioned, each one of them five spanish
milled Dollars to be paid to them by my said wife in two years after my
decease, to them that are then arrived to the age of twenty one years, and to
them that are not then arrived to the age of twenty one years, to be paid to
them by my said wife at the time when they arrive to said age
Item—my will is and I hereby constitute and appoint my
aforesaid wife Hannah and my aforesaid Son Japheth, to be Executors to this my
Last will and testament, thus hoping that this my Last will and testament will
be kept and performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof—I commit
my soul into the hands of God who Gave it and my body to the dust to a decent
burial—In witness whereof I the said James LeBaron have hereunto set my hand
and Seal this fourteenth day of September one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty
Signed Sealed, pronounced and declared
by the said James LeBaron as his Last will James Le Baron (seal)
& testament in the presence of us
Consider
Benson
Lydia X LeBaron
Jacob
Bennett
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1780 by Hannah LeBaron and
Japheth LeBaron, the Executors therein named, and proved by Consider Benson and
Jacob Bennett, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Hannah LeBaron and Japheth LeBaron, the before named Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 3-4, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Japheth LeBaron of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the name of God amen. I Japheth LeBaron of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman now being
in perfect Mind & Memory. Thanks be to God for it considering the Mortality
of the Body, knowing & believing that it is appointed for all men to die do
make & ordain this my last Will & Testament; principally & first of
all I give my Body decent Christian Burial, & give my Soul to God; who gave
it to us touching my temporal Estate; that God hath blessed me with, I dispose
of in the following Manner after my just debts & funeral Charges are paid.
—
Item
I give and bequeath to my well beloved Wife Sarah LeBaron one third of the
Improvement of all my real Estate during her natural Life —
Item
I give and bequeath to beloved Son Joseph LeBaron one half of my real Estate
being the northwesterly side. —
Item
I give & bequeath to my other Son Japheth LeBaron the other half of my real
Estate & one Featherbed & a Cow. —
Item
I give and bequeath to my only Daughter Sarah LeBaron one hundred Dollars &
all my indoor Moveables that are not disposed of above & the privilege of
House-room & firewood so long as she lives a single Life & also one Cow
the Remainder to be equally divided between the sd. Sarah LeBaron
& the 2 Sons & daughter —
Item
I give & bequeath to my two Sons equally all my wearing Apparel. —
Further
I constitute & appoint my eldest Son Joseph LeBaron sole Executor of this
my last Will and Testament. —
In
Witness whereof I the said Japheth LeBaron have hereunto set my hand & seal
this eleventh day of January one thousand eight hundred & ten. —
signed sealed & delivered in
presence of
Abiel
Shurtleff
John
LeBaron Japheth LeBaron (seal)
Rebecca
Benson
Presented for probate on 17 July
1816 by Joseph LeBaron, the Executor therein named, and proved by Abiel
Shurtleff and John LeBaron, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Joseph LeBaron, the before named executor.
Eli Atwood, John Bent and Matthew
Cushing, all of Middleborough, Gentlemen, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Japheth LeBaron, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 17 July 1816. The
Inventory of the Estate of Japheth LeBaron, late of Middleborough, dated 24
July 1816, totaled $2417.86, including his real estate valued at $2162. Joseph
LeBaron, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 24 Oct. 1816.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp.
135-136, 511-512, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Dr. Lazarus LeBaron of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Lauzarus LeBaron of
Plymouth in New-England Physician, being in health & of a disposing mind
& memory, blessed be God, for it, think it my duty to dispose of ye
estate God has given me, & accordingly do dispose of it as follows. — But first I give my Soul to God, hopeing
& believing thrô the merits & rightiousness of Jesus Christ my dear
redeemer to find acceptance with him, my body & comit to the dust to be
decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter named, hopeing for
a Glorious resurection. As to my worldly substance I give & bequeath as
follows, that is to say after my Just debts & funeral charges are paid by
my executors. — Imprimis. My will is
that all my wearing apparel woolen or linen, be eaqualy devided too & among
my Sons namely Lauzarus, Bartlet, Isaac, Lemuel, Frances, William, — 2d.
I give to my Son Lauzarus, all yt is due to me from him on book or
notes of hand for money or moneys I have paid for him, Also, one fifth part of
all my medicines, these with what he already has had to be accounted in full of
his part of my estate. 3d I
give to my Son Bartlet LeBaron the house & land where he now dwells wch.
I bought of Father Waite, also, a peice of wood land I bought of David Morton
containing 33 Acres, lying between half house plain, & Ele-river, the
bounds of sd. lands by ye deeds will more fully appear,
Also, I give him all yt is due to me from him on book notes of hand
& wch. is in full of his part of my estate including what he has
already had. —
Item I give to my four daughters, Viz, Lydia Goodwin, ye
Widow of Nathl. Goodwin deceased, Mary Bradford, the wife of Doctr.
Bradford, of Bristol, Hannah Goodwin, wife of Benja. Goodwin of
Boston, Elizabeth Robins, wife of Ammy Robins of Norfolk Conecticut, four fifth
parts of all my medicines in my Shop & to be eaqualy devided among them wth.
what they already have had is in full of there parts of my Estate. —
Item. I give to my daughter Priscilla LeBaron, two hundred
sixty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence Lawfull money, to be paid
to her by my executors, Also, one half of ye Puter in ye.
Kitchen, Also, A Bed well furnished, Table, chain, looking-glass, & also, ye
use of ye. greenpainted chamber, so long as she remains unmarried
& a privelege in ye. Sellar, Kitchen, garret, & also, a seat
in my Pue in ye. Meeting-house, all as her part of my estate in
full, Also, I order that five cord of wood be brought to the house yearly &
every year, for her use till she is married. —
Item. I give to my Grand daughter Sarah Hazen, wife to Mr.
Hazen, daughter to my Son Joseph LeBaron decd. fifty spanish milled
Dollars, wch is in full of her Father’s part of my estate.— 7th.
I give my Son in Law Elkanah Cushman, a suit of cloaths & his board with
Me.
8th. I give to my four Sons I had by my last Wife
Viz. Isaac LeBaron, Lemuel Le Baron, Francis LeBaron, William LeBaron, there
heirs & assigns forever, all the residue of my estate real or personal, not
already disposd. of wheresoever lying or being in this government or
any other government, of what name or nature soever,.— 9th. I also
nominate ordain & apoint, my two Sons Viz. Isaac LeBaron of Boston, &
Lemuel LeBaron of Rochester, to be my executors of this my last will &
testament hereby revoking & disanulling & declairing void all other
former wills by me hiretofore made, declaring this to be my last will &
Testament, as wittness my hand & seal this twentyfourth day of Septr.
one thousand seven hundred & seventy Two. 1772. —
Signd. seald. pronouncd.
publishd. & declard. to be his Last
Will & testament in presence of Thos. Mayhew,
Isaac Doten, Lazarus LeBaron (seal)
Rebecca
Fuller
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1773 by Isaac LeBaron &
Lemuel LeBaron, the Executors therein named, and proved by Thomas Mayhew and
Isaac Doten, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Isaac LeBaron and Lemuel LeBaron, the before named executors.
The Inventory of the Estate Real & Personal of Lazarus
Lebaron Physician Late of Plymouth died seized of appraised on 25 Oct. 1773 by
Thos. Forster, Thos. Mayhew, and Edw. Winslow Junr., and totaled £3398.9.5,
including many parcels of real estate. Isaac Lebaron and Lemuel Lebaron, the
only Surviving Executors gave their oath to the inventory on 21 Apr. 1774.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, pp. 324-325, 610-614, from FHL
microfilm #0550712.
Will and Codicils of Rev. Lemuel LeBaron of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the
name of God, Amen : Be it Known that I Lemuel LeBaron of Rochester in the
County of Plymouth, Clerk, do make this my last Will and Testament. My Soul I
trust God will take to himself, and, thro’ the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ,
give it a place in the assembly of Saints in the world above – my body I wish
to have it disposed of according to christian usage : the following is my Will
respecting my temporal interests viz – That eight hundred and seventy nine
dollars and eighty six cents which I have already advanced to my son Lemuel
LeBaron be a part of his portion, and that three hundred and thirty two dollars
and ninety two cents which I have already advanced to my son John A. LeBaron be
a part of his portion – and that therefore both said sums go into the
appraisement of my estate – and that the field which I bought of Elisha
Shearman, worth four hundred and fifty dollars, be a part of John A’s portion,
and go into said appraisement.
That my
beloved wife Elizabeth have the use of all my estate, real and personal, during
her natural life, after my debts are paid, to pay which debts my Executor is
hereby empowered to sell such of my estate as will be sufficient, excepting the
particulars herein mentioned – That whatever of my estate which shall remain
after my Wifes decease, be divided in the following manner, viz, that each of
my daughters, Elizabeth LeBaron and Sally A. LeBaron have the value of five
hundred dollars and all my household furniture, equally to be divided between
them – And if either of my daughters should die before this Will is proved, the
surviving daughter have all the furniture above mentioned – That the residue of my Estate be equally
divided between my four sins, Lemuel, John A., William and Lazarus LeBaron –
and here let it be noted that the above said $879.86 be a part of Lemuels
dividend – and the above $332.92 and the field worth $450 be a part of John A’s
dividend. That John A. LeBaron and William LeBaron conjointly be Executors of
this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony of all which I do hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day
of June AD 1811.
Lemuel LeBaron (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared,
in
presence of
Elnathan
Hammond
Ebenezer
Rogers
Israel
Hammond
Elizabeth
Rogers
Whereas
I have written on the same sheet of paper my Will, bearing date the thirteenth
day of June eighteen hundred and eleven, in which there is a bequeathement to
my daughter Sally A. LeBaron (now Mayhew) it is further my Will, that in
addition to what is there given her she have a small wood-lot, lying on the
West side of the road leading from where the Meeting-house formerly stood, to
the middle of the town, containing about ten acres – And here let it be noted
that the house built by son Lazarus LeBaron since the Will first referred to
was written, is his sole property – And this Codicil to my said Will, it is my
order that it have equal validity and force as any other article contained in
said Will – in confirmation of all which I do hereunto set my hand and seal
this twentieth day of February eighteen hundred and twenty one.
Lemuel LeBaron (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared
in
presence of
Elnathan
Hammond
Ebenezer
Rogers
Elizabeth
Rogers
Explanation
or schedule of the within – I give to the four children of my son William
deceased all that is due to me in the New Bedford Bank for Savings, amounting
in the whole to about a thousand dollars or over a thousand – four tenths to go
to William B. the son of my deceased son – and four tenths to Henry his other
son – and one tenth to each of his two daughters Sarah Ann and Elizabeth –
which shall cancel every claim which said children may have on my Estate.
And
further-more that all the cleared land of my Cattle farm, excepting the Aron
lot, go unto my son Lazaru’s portion – and the residue of my estate, if any,
shall be equally divided among my surviving children – all which as written on
this page, shall be equally valid to any other part of the within instrument.
The Aaron lot is bequeathed to my two Grandsons Francis and Thomas Mayhew.
October
17thday Anno Domini 1836 Lemuel LeBaron (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared
in
presence of
Jonathan
Kinney
Roger W.
Hammond
Maria L.
Hammond
Presented for probate on 31 May 1837 by John A. LeBaron, the
surviving Executor therein named, the will proved by Ebenezer Rogers and Israel
Hammond, two of the witnesses to the Will, Elnathan Hammond and Elizabeth
Rogers both now deceased, Ebenezer Rogers, a witness to the first Codicil to
the Will, and by Jonathan Kinney, Roger W. Hammond and Maria L. Hammond,
witnesses to the last Codicil. Letters Testamentary were granted to John A.
LeBaron, the surviving Executor therein named.
John A. LeBaron, of Rochester, was granted Administration
with the Will annexed of the Estate of Lemuel LeBaron, late of Rochester,
Clerk, on 31 May 1837, with Newton Southworth and Israel Hammond, both of
Rochester, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of Revd Lemuel
LeBaron, late of Rochester, was appraised by Seth Freeman, Amittai B. Hammond,
and Allen Dexter on 29 June 1837, his real estate totaled $5770, and his
personal estate totaled $4229.37. John A. LeBaron, the Executor, gave his oath
to the will on 8 Nov. 1837.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, pp. 177-180, 474, from FHL
microfilm #0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 37.
Will of Benjamin
Leonard of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.—I Benjamin Leonard of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts
Gentleman—conceiving myself at present to be of a sound & disposing mind,
and retaining the full exercise of my rational facilities but much out of
health, and apprehensive that my soul & body may soon be seperated by
death; to make, ordain, promulge & declare the following disposition &
directions to be my last will & testament respecting the goods & estate
of which I may die seized and possessed—
Imprimis.—My
will is, that my body, after my decease, be decently interred in the manner of
of a Christian burial under the directions of my Executors herein after named—
Item—my will is, that, after all my
just debts & funeral charges & the legacies & bequests herein after
made & directed, be paid and satisfied, the residue of all my real &
personal estate subject to the legal claims of dower of my present well beloved
wife, be equally divided among my five sons Following—viz.—Andrew, Abner,
George, Benjamin & Zebedee. And whereas I have heretofore made deeds (which
are not fully executed) of some part of my real estate to my sd sons
Abner & George, my wish is that said deeds be given up & destroyed
& that no reference be had to them in ye division aforesaid, but
in case said deeds, shall not be so destroyed, my will is that the estate
conveyed by said deeds be appraised with my other estate, and adequate
deductions be made from the shares of those two sons, so that they take, equal
shares with my other sons, But I hereby direct that, in the aforesaid division
of my estate, no reference be had to a deed I have executed to my son Andrew of
one eighth part of the New works Forge, but that he take an equal share in said
division with my other sons aforesaid, notwithstanding—
Item—I Give & bequeath to my
three grand children, Daniel Leonard - Polly Leonard, & Clarinda Leonard,
the children of my late son Daniel Leonard deceased ten dollars, to be equally
divided between them, which sum together with the several sums of money I have
heretofore advanced to, and paid for my sd son deceased, will amount
to a sum, in my opinion, equal to the value of my other sons, respective shares
in my sd estate, my will therefore is that the heirs of my sd
deceased son take in the distribution of my estate nothing more than the sum of
ten dollars aforesaid, to be paid to them by my Executors—
Item—I give and bequeath to my
Daughter Olive the wife of Luther Murdock, the sum of one Hundred Dollars, in
addition to what I have already advanced to her in fitting out for house
keeping—
Item—I Give and bequeath to my
Daughter Hannah, the sum of two hundred & fifty dollars this with the last
preceeding legacy, to be paid by my Executors to the respective legatees
immediately after my said Daughter Hannah shall arrive at the age of eighteen
years—And I direct & expect that my well beloved wife aforesaid be endowed
of all my estate both real & personal according to the law in ye
behalf provided.—And I do hereby constitute, ordain & appoint my two sons
Andrew & Abner aforesaid, joint Executors of this my last will &
testament.—Thus recomending my soul to God who gave it, and my body to the
dust, whence it is derived, I do hereto set my hand & seal this ninth day
of August in the year Eighteen Hundred & one.~
Signed, Sealed, Published &
his
Declared, in presence of us— Benjamin X Leonard (seal)
Wilkes
Wood
mark
Joseph
Clarke
Stephen
B. Pickens
Presented for probate on 9 Nov.
1801 by Andrew Leonard & Abner Leonard, the Exors therein named, and proved
by Wilkes Wood & Joseph Clarke, two of the witnesses.
George Leonard, Gentleman,
Eliphalet Ellmes & Ephraim Leonard, yeomen, appraised the inventory of the
estate of Benjamin Leonard, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of David Leonard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the Name of God amen. I David
Leonard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth being advanced in Years but of
sound & perfect mind & memory considering the uncertainty of this
mortal Life think it my Duty to make my last Will & Testament in manner
& form as follows viz
First.
I will & direct that all my honest Debts be paid out of my Estate by my
Executor hereafter named —
Second.
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Molly Leonard (if she should outlive
me) the Improvement of one third of my Estate while she remains by Widow, &
also I give to her all the indoor moveables to be entirely at her Disposal. —
Third.
I give to my Son David ten Dollars. —
Fourth.
I give to my Son Zenas one hundred & eighty Dollars. —
Fifth.
I give to my Daughter Polly one hundred Dollars. —
Sixth.
I bequeath to my Son Barnum four hundred Dollars. —
Seventh.
I give to my Daughter Olive one hundred Dollars. —
Eighth.
I bequeath to my Son Linus five hundred Dollars. —
Ninth
I give to my Daughter Sally three hundred Dollars. —
Tenth.
I bequeath to my Daughter Fanny three hundred Dollars. —
Eleventh.
I give to my Son George Washington five hundred Dollars. —
Twelfth
I bequeath to my Son James Manning five hundred Dollars. —
Thirteenth.
I give to my Son Charles Frederick five hundred Dollars. —
the above Legacies I direct my
Executor to pay within one Year after my Decease if they are not paid before.—
Fourteenth
I give & bequeath unto my Son Caleb all my Estate both Real & personal
which is not given or disposed of in the above Bequests, whom I appoint sole
Executor of this my last will & Testament, directing him punctually to
execute the same.—
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this thirty first day of
August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & nine. —
Signed, sealed, published, &
declared, by the above named
David Leonard to be his last Will
& Testament in the
Presence of us who at his request
& in his presence David Leonard (seal)
have hereunto subscribed our Names
as Witnesses –
Joseph
Bassett 2d.
Eliphalet
Leach
Nathan
Bassett
The Will of David Leonard, late of
Bridgwater, Gentleman, was presented for probate by Caleb Leonard, the
Executor, on 3 Jan. 1814, and proved by Joseph Bassett 2d. and
Nathan Bassett, two of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p.
207-208, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Hannah Leonard of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
Be it remembered that I Hannah Leonard of Middleboro’ &
County of Plymouth Widow Woman considering the uncertainty of this mortal life
& being of sound mind and memory do make this, and publish it, as my last
Will & Testament, in manner & form following, that is to say, First I
give to my Daughter Hannah Jackson, Ten dollars to be paid her in money in one
year after my decease by my Executor hereafter named. I also give one dollar
& fifty cents to each of my two sons namely Andrew Leonard & George
Leonard to be paid to them one year after my decease. I also give one dollar
& fifty cents to each of my son Daniel Leonard’s children that may be alive
at the time of my decease, to be paid them one year after, as aforesaid. And
the remaining part of my money, that is, three fifths of it to be equally
divided between my three sons, viz. Abner Leonard, Benjamin Leonard &
Zebedee Leonard, and the other two fifths to be equally divided among the
children of my son George Leonard, & the three daughters of my son Andrew
Leonard that may be living at the time of my decease, that is one fifth to the
children of George as aforesaid, and the other fifth to the daughters of Andrew
as aforesaid. I also give and bequeath to my granddaughter Clarinda Leonard the
daughter of my son Zebedee Leonard my Gold necklace, I do further give and
bequeath to my daughter Hannah Jackson my Gold Locket, weaving loom, warping
bars and all therewith belonging, and also my side-saddle. I give and bequeath
to my Granddaughter Sarah P Leonard the daughter of my son Abner Leonard my
looking Glass. I hereby give all my Wearing Apparel not heretofore disposed of
to be equally divided between my two daughters, and daughter in law, namely
Olive Murdock Hannah Jackson and Martha Leonard the wife of Abner Leonard, and
lastly, as to all the rest of my property of every description I give to my
five sons to be equally divided, namely, Andrew, Abner, George, Benjamin &
Zebedee Leonard, And I do hereby appoint my son Abner Leonard sole Executor of
this my last Will and Testament, In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and
seal this thirteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred & twenty seven –
Signed
sealed published and declared by the abovenamed Hannah Leonard to be her last
Will & Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses, in the presence of the testator – Hannah Leonard (seal)
Seth Eaton
Cyrus White
Benja. White
Probated on 5 May 1829, and proved by Seth Eaton, one of the
witnesses. Abner Leonard was granted Letters Testamentary on 5 May 1829.
The Inventory of the Estate of Hannah Leonard, late of
Middleborough, Widow, was appraised by Seth Eaton, Barnabas Eaton, and Ziba
Eaton on 23 May 1829, and totaled $613.07, including $567.62 in Notes of Hand.
Abner Leonard, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Aug. 1829.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 67, pp. 1-2, 432, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Jacob
Leonard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1716) *
I Jacob Leonard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in
New England Husbandman being very Sick & weak of body but of perfect mind
& memory thanks be to God for the same Calling unto mind the mortality of
my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men living once to dye do
make & Ordain this my last Will and Testament That is to say, principally
and first of all I Give and recomend my Soul into the hands of God that gave
it, and for my body I recomend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like
and decent manner at the discretion of my executors—nothing doubting but at the
Generall resurection I shall receive the Same again by the mighty power of God.
And as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
with in this life I give devise & dispose of the Same in the following
manner & form. Imprs I give and bequeath unto my two Eldest
daughters Abigail Washbourne & Susanna Hill a Certain tract of Land that I
have now in the Township of Woster being my whole Eight there more or less.
Item I Give and bequeath equally to be divided between my two abovesd
daughters Abigail Washbourn & Susanah Hill. Item I Give and bequeath unto
my three younger daughters, that is to say Experience Leonard Mary Leonard
& Sarah Leonard all my moveables to be by them possesed at their mothers
decease and not before equally to be then divided amongst them.—
Item I give unto my two Sons Solomon Leonard and Jacob
Leonard and their Assignes all my Lands in the Town of Bridgwater equally to be
divided betwixt them and my Son Solomon to have the first Choice, provided that
they do each of them Joyntly together Afford and provide an Comfortable and
Sutable maintenance for my present wife Susanna Leonard their mother dureing
her natural life, and if failure be made thereof then my Will is that my Said
Wife Shall have an Improvement of the thirds part of this Estate dureing her
natural life. Item I Constitute and appoint my well beloved Son Solomon Leonard
Sole executor of this my last will & Testament.† In Wittness and
Confirmation hereof I have Set to my hand and Seal this fourteenth day of
December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundread & Sixteen.
memorandum that the begining of the Sixteenth Line was Eased
out before signing and Sealing, and that the word (equally) was added to line
21 before Signing & Sealing; & namd & their assign. were
Interlined before Signing and Sealing his
Jacob J Leonard
† and do hereby utterly disalow & revoke & disanull
mark
all former Wills ratifying & Confirming this as my
last Will & Testament
Signed Sealed, published and pronounced and declared
by the abovesd Jacob Leonard to be his last Will
&
Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers her
Nathaniel Woodward Elisabeth +
Woodward
Ephraim Leonard mark
Probated on 19 Dec. 1717, and proved by Nathaniel Woodward
and Ephraim Leonard.
The inventory of the Estate of Jacob Leonard, late of
Bridgwater, was taken on 9 Sept. 1717 by Josiah Edson, Samuel Washbourn, and
Eliezer Carver, and totaled £85.7.6.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of James M. Leonard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1875) *
Be it remembered that I James M. Leonard of Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being desirous while
in the enjoyment of health and reason, of directing the disposition of my
worldly estate after my decease, do hereby make and publish this my last Will
and Testament as follows to wit.
First. To each of my seven children viz. to my eldest
daughter Emma Frances, to my second daughter Elizabeth Morton wife of Freeman
D. Childs of Iowa, to my third daughter Mary Hall to my fourth daughter Clara
Farnam, to my son James Henry, to my fifth daughter Edith, and to my youngest
daughter Caroline Louisa, I give and bequeath to each of them as aforesaid the
sum of Ten Hundred Dollars, And I request my Executrix hereinafter named to pay
said sums as soon as may be convenient after the proof of this will, Provided
however that there shall be deducted from the aforesaid sums of One Thousand
Dollars given to each of my children respectively, such amounts as I have
already given to any of them, and such further amounts as I may give to any or
each of them before my decease, so that each child shall share alike, but
without reckoning interest on any such gifts already made or that may hereafter
be made.
Second. All the rest and residue of my property and estate
both real and personal of every name and nature and wheresoever situated, after
my debts are paid, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Jane N.
Leonard, to have and to hold to her and her heirs and assigns forever, Having
full confidence that my wife will use and dispose of said property judiciously
and with a proper regard to the rights and interests of our children.
And it is my wish that my said wife, whom I hereby appoint
Executrix of this Will, be required to give bond only to pay debts and
legacies, and that she be not required to return an inventory.
In
witness whereof I hereto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of April
eighteen hundred and seventy five.
James M. Leonard (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named James M. Leonard, as and for his last Will and
Testament in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence and in the
presence of each other, have hereto Set our names as attesting witnesses.
James
H. Dean
Albert
Pitts
Geo.
W. Andros
Jane N. Leonard, of Bridgewater,
was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of James M. Leonard, late of
Bridgewater, on 24 Jan. 1881, with Philander Leach and Stillman O. Keith, both
of Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of the estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p.
521-522, Vol. 134, p. 202.
Will and Codicils of John Leonard of Raynham,
Bristol County, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1732) *
In the Name
of God Amen The Tenth day of June annoq Dom 1732 Annoq RRS Georgis
Secundi Quint I John Leonard of Raynham in ye County of Bristol in
New Engld Yeoman being of Sound & Disposeing Mind and memory
(Tho’ under many Infirmities of body), And Knowing that it is appointed for all
men Once to dy, do make and ordain this to be my last will and Testamt.
principally and first of all I Give & Recomend my Soule into ye.
hands of God yt Gave it hoping for the pardon of my sins in &
thro’ Jesus Christ my only Savior & redemer & my Body, I Committ to ye
dust to be Decently buryed by my Executors hereafter named in hopes of a
Joyfull resurection. And as Touching Such Estate as it has pleased
God to bless me with I Give and dispose of ye Same as follows
Imprs
I Give unto my Son John Leonard the house I helped build for him and Twenty
Acres of Land be it more or less being part of my homestead where I now dwell
bound as Beging at a Corner of my homestead adjoining to Benjamin Halls land
near ye bridge & followed by the Rhoad or High way till it Comes
to ye [ ? ] leading along between my homestead & [torn] John King homestead
(towards ye Neck [ ? ]) & so bounded by ye [torn]
Called Shaws land & from thence Bounded by Shaws land till it Comes to the
land I bought of Jona. Williams. And from thence bounded by the west
side of that land till it Comes to ye Way leading from my house
towards ye Neck place & from thence bounded by yt.
way to an Enclosier on the East side of my Barn & so bounded Easterly and
southerly by that Enclos till it Comes to where their was an old fence between
my Improvd land & ye land my Son John Cleared &
so bounded by the range where ye old fence stood untill it Comes
against a hill or high peice of Ground & then Turning a square so as to
Include ye orchard behind my son Johns house the & from there
Runing a straight line Near West to ye bow of the hill on ye
Weserly side of the brook & from thence Turning & runing to Benjm.
Halls fence & by his fence bounded to ye place first Mentioned:
And also I Give my son John the Priviledge and Improvement of the Three
Quarters of a share of Ceder Swamp I bought of Nathl Williams to Cut
Stuff to be used Abt his building & Upon the land I here Give
him; And also I Give him Priviledge of fire wood & fencing Stuff on any of
my land, to be usd in his house & upon his farm if he shall have Ocation
for it: And Whereas My Son John is at present Deprived of his Natural Sences
and reason it is my will that My Executors see yt his Estate here
Give him shall be Improved for his Best advantage & Comfort & prosscute
Such as shall Trespass upon his lands & Interest I have Given him during
the Time he shall remain not in a Capacity to do it him self, the penellty
recovered if any be to be for his use & My will is yt. he shall
not sell his land with out ye. Advice & Consent of my Executors
And if both my Executors dye, before my son John Its my will & desire that
ye Select men of Raynham take Care yt. his Estate be
Secured and Managed for his best Advantage ~ during the Time of his remaining
Not in a Capacity to do it himself. And if my Son John Dyes without Issue its
my will that all the Land here Given him Shall Belong to my Sons Phillip
Leonard & Josiah Leonard & their heirs
Item. I Give
and Bequeath to my Son Thomas Leonard his heirs and assigns for Ever; Ten acres
of land layd out to & is apart of the Homestead where he now dwells; And
also Ten Acres of land I bought of David Briggs & the peice of land [torn]
[ ? ] Committee & the four Acre or there Abouts of land took upon Division
lying to ye South ward of James Halls way So Called all which lands
last mentioned are lying not far from where my Son Thomas Now lives: lying
partly upon Fareall plain & partly upon my Son Thomases Land; And Also, I
Give my sd Son Thomas & his heirs the three quarters of a Share
of Ceder Swamp (I bought of Nathl. Williams): from and after my son
Johns Decease And also I Give my Son Thomas & his heirs One half of my Part
of ye Ceder Swamp Called the Burnt Ground & one third part of my
Intrest in my fathers Silver hilted Sword & one third part of my Armes My
Son Thomas or his heirs Executors or admrs paying to my Daughter
Judith or her Legall Representatives the Sum of Twenty pounds or the Value thereof
in province bills
Item I Give
and Bequeath to my Sons Phillip Leonard and Josiah Leonard & their heirs
& assigns: all the remaining part of My homestead Dwelling house Barn and
all other of my Lands Rights Purchase rights Intrest in Lands & Ceder
Swamps (not before Disposed of) to be Equally divided Between them and their
heirs; Only its to be under stood that my Son Phillip shall have My [ ? ] Share
in Taunton Grate Ceder Swamp So Called & my Son Josiah my share of Ceder
Swamp in the North purchase which two shares of Ceder Swamp are not to be
brought into ye division of the other lands & Real Estate given
them And Further its my will that if Either of my two sons last Mentioned dye:
without Issue or before they have divided the Estate I have here Given them:
that the Survivor of them & his heirs shall have and Enjoy the Whole of it
Also I Give my said sons Phillip & Josiah & their heirs All My Indore
& out door Movebles Stock of Creatures & debts due to Me Comprehending
all my Personl Estate of What Nature or Kind so Ever: And; Further
its to be Under stood I Except & reserve twelve Rods of land in my
homestead Where my wife was Buryed: for aburying place for ye use of
my Children & their family if they Se Cause
Item I Give
and Bequeath To my Daughter Mary Who Marryed with John Barney Thirty pounds
[torn] she has Already recd of me And to my daughter Judith I Give
the Sum of Sixty pounds (Besides ye Twenty pounds I Order my Son
Thomas to pay her & what She has already Recd of me) And to my
Daughter Elizabeth who Marryed with Mesech Wilbore I Give the sum of Ten
shillings besides what she has already recd. of me And to my
Daughter Meheteble I Give the Sum of Eighty pounds All Which Legacys last
Mentioned I Order my Sons Phillip & Josiah to pay to my said daughters Or
their Legall representatives in Money; Cattle or household Goods in Value to
province bills as they now pass: both the said payments to be Made by them or
their heirs Execrs Admrs. within two years after my
Decease ~
And also my
will is that My Execrs pay all my debts and Funeral Charges. ~
Finally I Constitute and Appoint my Sons Phillip and Josiah Executors of this
my last will and Testament. Hereby allowing And holding this and No Other To be
my Last will and Testmt. to be and Remain firm & Inviolable for
Ever. In Witness that this Is my last Will and Testamt I have Caused
my hand and Seal to be hereto affixed the date first mention.
Signed &
Sealed // Published pronounced
&
declared by the sd. John Leonard To
be his last
will & Testamt in presence
of us = ye
sd will being being first Read
to him in
our presence & hearing John Leonard (seal)
Elkanah
Leonard
Simeon
Leonard
David Sears
Whereas in
my forgoing will there is a Little Pasture Lying by my Barn Containing more
than one Acre & under two Acres yt. is Included in the bounds of
the Land Given in Said will to my Son John: its my will that my sons Phillip
Leonard & Josiah Leonard shall hold & Enjoy sd. Pasture in
Such manner as [ ? ] their other lands Given them in sd Will [ ? ]
Thomas to have Privilege of having his Creatures be the Commons on my Purchase Right.
Till the lands are Layd out hereby Confirming my sd. will and this
as a part of it as witness my hand & Seal February 26. 1733 –
John Leonard (seal)
Witnesses
Elkanah Leonard ye
above Signing was
John [ ? ] writt
by John Leonard
George Williamson sener
Whereas in
my Above written Last will and Testament I have ordered my Son Thomas to pay to
my Daughter Judith Twenty Pounds, it is my will for Reasons which I shall not
mention that he pay the Same to my Daughter Mehetabel in Province bills as
Mentioned in my will. And further it is my will that if my Daughter Judith dye
without Issue that the Sixty Pounds which I have willed to her Remain in the
hands of my Executors as their Proper Estate, here by Confirming my Last will
and this as apart of it, as Witness my hand and Seal this 13th Day
of August 1743
Witnesses.
Samuel Leonard
John [ ? ]
Samuel Leonard Junr.
John Leonard (seal)
Where as I
John Leonard of Rainham in the County of Bristoll in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England being now in the Eighty first year of my age
and of a sound desposing mind and memory Blessed be God for it and now Caling
to mind that on the tenth day of June 1732 I made my Last will and testement
which is dated on that day afore sd and sence that on the 26th day
of february 1733 I Anexed a Codesell to the a fore said will and on the 13th
day of August 1743 I made a second Codesell to the afore said will now this
being the third Codicell which I and do make to the afore said will and shall
be acounted as Part and Parsell – there of is as followeth –
first that
my said two sons Phillip and Josiah theyr heyrs and assigns shall have and
Pcebelly and quietly Injoy and Improve the Litell Paster near my House as
mentioned in the first above sd Codisell not with standing it was
mentioned in the a fore sd will to be Given to my sone John Leonard
–
Secondly
that My sd sone Phillip Leonard and his heyrs and assigns shall have
and Injoy the westerly Part of my now dwelling house which is the newest Part
there of and my sone Josiah Leonard his heyrs and assigns shall have and Injoy
the Easterly Part of my now dwelling house which is the old Part thare of not
with standing what I have said in the a fore sd will in Giving of it
Joyntly to them Both –
thirdly it
is my will that in the deviding of the Lands which I have Given to my sd
Sons Philip and Josiah my said sone Phillip shall have all the Land that he
hath Cleard and labored already and that it shall be acounted to him only as so
much wild Land as it was Before he Cleared it –
fourthly My
will is that my daughter Mehitabell Jones shall have free Liberty to Live in my
now dwelling House with her Above sd Brother Phillip and Josiah and
to have one Cow Kept on my home farme by my said two Sons as Long as till she
shall dey or Marey againe –
and whare as
in the second Codicell which I made to the a fore said will I ordered that the
twenty Pounds which was to be Paid to my daughter Judith: I thare ordered it to
be Paid to my daughter Mehitabell my mind and will is that she my sd
daughter Mehitabell shall have it Paid to her by my sone Thomas Leonard and I
also further order and will that my said two Sons Phillep Leonard and Josiah
Leonard shall Pay unto my said daughter mehitabell a further sume of forty
Pounds old tenner in two years after my decease the mony to be acounted as Good
as it tis this day –
and I
further will and order My said two sons Phillep Leonard and Josiah Leonard to
Pay unto my daughter mary Barney the wife of John Barney the sum of thirty
Pounds old tenner to be Paid to her in two years – after my decease and to be
acounted as Good as money is at this day –
and I
further will and order my said two sons Phillip Leonard and Josiah Leonard
shall Pay unto My daughter Elizebeth wilbore the wife of Meshech wilbore thirty
Pounds old tenner they to Pay it to her in her owne Person in things that she
shall Most stand in need of and her Receipt for it to be a full discharge for
them here by Confirming the a fore mentioned will and the two Codecills before
mentioned as they are annexed and Explained by this Codicell to My Last will
and Testament as witness My Hand and Seall this twenty fourth day of August in
ye twenty second year of his Majesties Reigne George the Second King
&c annoq domini 1748
signed
sealed Published Pronounced
and declared
by John Leonard
to be a Part
and Parsell of
his Last
will and testament
in Presence
of
· Samuel
Leonard
· James
Presho John Leonard (seal)
Esther ~ Partridge
Bristol Sc
Taunton March ye 7th 1748
Then Before
The Honole George Leonard Esqr Judge of the Probate of
Wills &c within The County of Bristol Came Simion Leonard and David Sears
Two of the Witnesses of the Last Will and Testament of mr John Leonard Late of
Raynham Deceased; and made Oath that they were Present and Did See and hear the
said Deceased Signe Seal Publish and Declare the Within Written Instrument To
be his Last Will and Testament and that he Was of A Sound Disposing mind when
So Did and that Elkanah Leonard Signed as Witness at the Same Time and that
they all Signed In the Presence of The Testator
George
Leonard
Stephen
Paine Register
Bristol Sc March ye
22d 1748
Entered In the Eleventh Book of Wills
follio #19:650
Stephen
Paine Register
Bristol Sc March
ye 7th 1748
Then Before
The Honole George Leonard Esqr Judge of the Probate of
Wills &c Within the County of Bristol Came Samuel Leonard Eqr
and James Presho Two of the Wittnesses To the Above Written Codecle and made
Oath that they heard and saw mr John Leonard Late of Raynham Deceased: Signe
Seal Publish and Declare the same to be Part and Percel of his Last Will and
Testament and That he Was of A Sound Disposing Mind, and Memory When he so Did
and that Esther Partridge the other Witness Signed With them all the Same Time
and that they all Signed In the Presence of The Testator
George
Leonard
Stephen Paine Register
March 7th
1848/9 Samuel Leonard and James Presho sworn by G Leonard
Meshach
Wilbore requested a delay in the probate of the estate of John Leonard, late of
Raynham, on 7 Mar. 1748.
Thomas
Leonard requested a delay in the probate of the estate of John Leonard, late of
Raynham, on 7 Mar. 1748.
John Barney
and Meshack Wilbore, two of the sons in law to John Leonard, late of Raynham,
protested that John Leonard was incapable of making his last will and testament
when the same and several codicils were executed on 17 Mar. 1748.
John White,
Timothy Jones and Nathan Jones appraised the estate of John Leonard, late of
Raynham, on 30 May 1749, and it totaled £743.16.10 Old Tenor.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “John Leonard, Raynham,
1748,” and “John Leonard, Raynham, 1749,” online at www.AmericanAncestors.org.
Will of Joseph
Leonard of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1783) *
In
the name of God Amen—I Joseph Leonard of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth, being in health, and of sound mind and memory, but considering the
uncertainty of life, through Gods goodness, do make this my Last will &
testament, my Soul I resign to God in hopes of his mercy in & through
Christ, my body to the earth to be decently buryed by my Executor, believing
that I shall recieve the same body again at the resurrection, by the mighty
power of God, and my worldly Estate I dispose of as followeth
1 – To my beloved wife Huldah
Leonard I give the improvement of one third part of my real Estate, & one
third part of my moveable Estate
2 – To my Son Joseph Leonard I have
given, to the value of Fifty pounds Lawful money, and my right in the Delaware
purchase, which I purchased of Elder Isaac Backus, and over and above I give to
him Fifty pounds Lawful money to be paid to him by my son Silas Leonard, to
him, to his heirs & assigns forever
3 – I Give to my Son Silas Leonard,
half of my Lands in said Middleborough, ordering him to pay to said Joseph
Fifty pounds Lawful money, and to pay to my Daughter Elisabeth Leonard Forty
two pounds Lawful money, and to my Daughter Lucy Leonard forty two pounds
Lawful money, the said Land I give to him & to his heirs & assigns
forever
4 – To my son Jonathan Leonard I
give the one half of all my Lands in said Middlebo., together with
my houses thereon, with my Right in the grist mill and all my moveable or
personal Estate, ordering him to pay to Mary Leonard forty two pounds Lawful
money, and to Huldah Rickard forty two pounds Lawful money, the said Lands
& houses and all as above mentioned, I give to him and to his heirs and
assigns forever. NB it is understood that the said Eighty four pounds Lawful
money, to be paid to the said Mary & Huldah is the consideration mentioned
in the deed to said Jonathan
5 – To my Daughter Mary Leonard I
give forty two pounds Lawful money and
6 – I Give to my Daughter Huldah
Rickard forty two pounds Lawful money ordering my said son Jonathan to pay the
same to them, all which I give to them and their heirs forever
7 – I appoint my said son Jonathan,
to be sole Executor of this my Last will and testament. In witness hereof, I
have hereunto set my hand & seal this 10th day of February anno
Domini 1783 ~
Signed Sealed & declared to be
his Last Joseph Leonard (seal)
Will & testament in presence of
Stephen Richmond
Edmund Williams
her
Hannah X
Richmond
mark
Presented for probate on 25 Oct.
1793 by Jonathan Leonard, the Executor therein named, and proved by Stephen
Richmond and Hannah Richmond, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Simeon Leonard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1854) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I Simeon Leonard of Bridgewater, in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound, disposing mind and memory,
do hereby make, ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament as follows,
viz:
After
the payment of all my just debts and charges, I give and bequeath unto my
beloved wife Boadicea Leonard, all my Estate, Real, Personal, or mixed,
wheresoever the same may be situated, to have and to hold the same to her the
said Boadicea, and to her heirs and assigns forever.
In
making this disposition of my Estate I desire it to be distinctly understood,
that it is not from forgetfulness, or the want of parental affection and regard
for my children that I have made no bequests to them but from the belief that
their mother who has participated with me in all the vicissitudes of life will
do equal justice to them, should there be more than may be necessary for her
support.
I hereby
constitute and appoint the said Boadicea Leonard, sole Executrix of this my
last Will & Testament.
In
witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of
July, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Simeon Leonard (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Simeon Leonard to be his last Will
and Testament; in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his request
have signed the same as Witnesses.
Aretmas
Hale
Caleb
Hobart
James
C. Alden
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1857 by
Boadicea Leonard, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Artemas Hale and
James E. Alden, the witnesses.
Boadicea Leonard, of Bridgewater, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Simeon Leonard, late of Bridgewater, with Artemas
Hale and Robert Perkins, both of Bridgewater, as sureties, on 7 July 1857.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 99, p. 305-306, from FHL microfilm
#0555644, and Vol. 21, p. 80.
Will of Solomon Leonard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
In
the name of God, Amen, I Solomon Leonard of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth being advanced in years and suffering under some indisposition of body
but through the blessing of God, being of sound mind and memory do this twenty
third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty
six, make and constitute this my last will and testament in manner and form as
follows, that is to say.
I give
and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Huldah the improvement of all my real estate
during her life, after my debts being paid out of the same. Also I give unto
her for her disposal one hundred and fifty dollars to be paid her after my
decease and I give to her all of my household furniture of every kind which is
at her disposal.
I also
give and bequeath unto my daughter Betsey Harlow all of the improvement of my
real estate during her life.
I give
and bequeath unto my grandson Isaac Harlow ten dollars to be paid at the
decease of his mother. And I also give and bequeath unto my grandchildren
Solomon L. Harlow Louisa, Huldah, Isaac,
Lavinia, Franklin, Elizabeth, Joseph children of Bradford Harlow, the
eight-last named grandchildren to receive equal shares in all of my estate both
real and personal at the decease of my daughter.
And I do
now constitute ordain and appoint my son in law, Bradford Harlow sole Executor
of this my last Will and testament.
Solomon Leonard (seal)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year first mentioned. Signed sealed and published and declared by the
testator as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his
presence and in presence of each other have hereunto set our hands as witnesses
at his request
Solomon
Hayward
Abigail
Wing
Ebenezer
Pratt
Middleborough Dec 1st 1852. We the subscribers
heirs and devisees to Solomon Leonard, testator of the foregoing will, having
examined the same have no objections to said Will’s passing Probate.
Huldah
L. Pierce Bradford
Harlow
Joseph
T. Harlow Betsey
Harlow
Isaac
Harlow Lavinia
W. Harlow
Elizabeth
B. Harlow Louisa
Harlow
Solomon
L. Harlow
Presented for probate on the second Monday of January 1853 by
Bradford Harlow, the Executor therein named, and proved by Solomon Hayward, one
of the witnesses.
Bradford Harlow, of Middleboro, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Solomon Leonard, of Bridgewater, on 10 Jan. 1853,
with Isaac Harlow, of Middleboro, and Ephraim B. Thompson, of Halifax, as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, p. 1-2, from FHL microfilm
#0555642, and Vol. 2H, p. 345.
Will of Thomas F. Leonard of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
Be it
remembered, that I, Thomas F. Leonard of Middleborough, in the County of
Plymouth, do on this thirty-first day of August, in the year eighteen hundred
and forty-six, make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner
following.
1st.
In the first place I give to my son Frederick Leonard, his heirs and assigns
forever, five shares which I own in the United Corporation of the Middleborough
Rail Road, the Fall River Branch Rail Road, and the Randolph and Bridgewater
Rail Road, Corporations, also all my live stock and farming tools with all the
articles in my cellar, also all the provisions I may have on hand at the time
of my decease also all the grain, hay, Carts, wagons, carriages and harnesses.
Also two thirds of all my household furniture and indoor moveables.
2d.
In the second place, I give to my Son Holder Leonard One thousand dollars to be
paid him by my executors hereafter named, in six months after my decease, or at
any other time when called for by my said son Holder.
3d.
In the third place I give to my son Elkanah Leonard one thousand dollars, to be
paid him by my executors hereafter named, in six months after my decease, or at
any other time when called for by my said son Elkanah.
4th.
In the fourth place, I give to my son Orville Leonard, one thousand dollars, to
be paid him by my executors hereafter named, in six months after my decease, or
at any other time when called for by my said son Orvill.
5th.
In the fifth place I give to my daughter Sally Cole, wife of Samuel Cole, Eight
hundred dollars, besides what I have already given her, to be paid by my
executors hereafter named, in six months after my decease.
6th.
In the sixth place I give to my daughter Charity H. Mercy, wife of Joseph
Mercy, Seven hundred and twenty dollars in cash, to be paid by my executors
hereafter named in six months after my decease, and also a note against Capt.
John Morton, note dated June 19, 1838, for fifty nine dollars and seventy two
cents, and is now in the hands of the said Joseph Mercy for collection. This in
addition to what I have already given her.
7th.
In the seventh place, I give to my daughter Harriet Andrews, wife of Manasseh
Andrews, Eight hundred dollars besides what I have already given her, to be
paid her in six months after my decease, by my executors hereafter named.
8th.
In the eighth place I give to my daughter Fidelia Howland, wife of Luther
Howland, eight hundred dollars besides what I have already given her, to be
paid by my executors hereafter named, in six months after my decease.
9th.
In the 9th place I give to my daughter Julia Stetson, wife of Abner
Stetson, eight hundred dollars, and also one third part of all my indoor
moveables or household furniture, to be paid her in six months after my
decease, by my executors hereafter named. This to be in addition to what I have
already given her.
My will
is that the burying ground of about sixty rods near Mr. Thomas P. Tinkhams be
reserved for a family burying place.
All the
rest and residue of my real and personal estate, I give to my two sons, viz:
Tisdale Leonard, and Frederick Leonard, whom I hereby appoint executors of this
my last will and testament, they equally paying all my just debts, and the
legacies above named, and my funeral expenses and give me a decent burial.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above
written.
Thomas F. Leonard (seal)
Signed,
sealed, and published by the said Thomas F. Leonard, declaring this to be his
last will and testament, in presence of us who at his request were called as
witnesses to the same, and in his presence and in the presence of each other
did hereunto subscribe our names.
Godfrey
Robinson
Joseph
J. C. Leonard
Armenia
Maxam
Presented for probate on the first Monday of December 1847 by
Tisdale Leonard and Frederick Leonard, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Godfrey Robinson and Joseph J. C. Leonard, two of the witnesses.
Tisdale Leonard and Frederick Leonard, both of Middleborough,
were granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Thomas F. Leonard, on 6 Dec.
1847, with Godfrey Robinson, of Raynham, and Joseph J. C. Leonard, of
Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p. 546-548, from FHL microfilm
#0555639, and Vol. 1G, p. 479.
Will of Constant Little of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1767) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
This eighteenth day of November A.D. 1767. I Constant Little
of Marshfield in the county of Plymouth Widdow, being in sound mind and memory,
do make this my last will and testament. And first, I recommend my soul to GOD
that gave it. And my body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion
of my executors hereafter named, and touching such worldly estate as I am owner
off, I dispose of the same as follows, viz.
Item, I give to my six sons hereafter-named Fobes Little, John Little,
Ephraim Little, Thomas Little, William Little and Lemuel Little five shillings
each in full for their right part or portion in this my last will &
testament to be paid by my executors in one year after my decease. ~ Item, I give to my son Abijah White and my
daughter Anna White his wife, and to my son Tobias Oakman and my daughter Ruth
Oakman his wife, all the rest & residue of my estate not heretofore given
away, and to their heirs forever.—
Lastly, I nominate
and apoint my two sons in Law Abijah White Esqr. & Tobias Oakman
joint executors to this my last will & testament, and I hereby order them
to pay the legacies herein given away, my just debts and funeral-charges. –
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first written.
Signed sealed, published, pronounced & declared Constant Little (seal)
by the said Constant Little to be her last will & testa-
ment, in presence of David
Lapham
Thomas
Sylvester
Samuel
Oakman
Presented for probate on 6 Aug. 1772 by Abijah White, one of
the executors therein-named, (Tobias Oakman the other executor therein-named
having renounced the executorship), and proved by David Lapham, Thomas
Silvester and Samuel Oakman, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Abijah White Esqr., the before-named executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Mrs. Constant
Little, late of Marshfield, was appraised on 28 Aug. 1772 by David Lapham,
Samuel Oakman, and Joseph Rogers, and totaled only £11.8.8, no real estate. The
Executor gave his oath to the inventory on 28 Aug. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 196-197, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Isaac Little of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the Name of God Amen I Isaac Little of Plimton, being in
alanguishing condition but of a sound mind, and expecting verry soon to Depart
this life, Recommending my Soul to God thro’ Jesus Christ And my body to a
Decent Christain Burial at the Discretion of my Execr or in his
absence at the Discretion of my wife Hannah Little Do Dispose of my Temprole
Estate as followeth vizt. –
I Give to my beloved wife Hannah Little all the Goods
Chattles rights & Credits which she brought to me upon our Marriage, and
the bed Bedsted and Coverlett belonging to me, now in the House where I Dwell
in said Plimton in Liew of her Dower in my Estate
Item I give
to my Daughter Sarah Little and to her heirs forever, One case of Draws &
Chamber table, One bed stead Feather Bed & bolster, One Looking Glass, a
black walnut table, a Brass Kittle A Small Iron pott, a Dish kittle Table, a
meel Chist, a Cupbord One Iron Trammel, apair of pott hooks, three puter Dishes
Seven puter plates three puter Basons, a large pair of handirons One Gallon
Cason, and Eight Chairs
All the Rest and Residue of my Estate Real & personall,
of what name or Nature Soever, I Give to my Son George Little & his Heirs
and assigns forever with all Debts due & owing to me from any person or
persons at my Death, upon Condition that he the sd. George do well
and Trully pay and Discharge all Such sum & sums of money as I Justly owe
to any person or persons whatsoever, and upon no Other Condition whatsoever,
and Revoking all other wills by me heretofore made, and making my said Son
George Sole Execr. of this My Will in Consideration thereof I have
hereto Sett my hand & Seal the Twenty seventh day of May Annoque Domini,
1755
Signed Sealed & Delivered by } Isaac Little (seal)
the said Isaac Little as his }
last Will in presence of us }
Thomas Mayhew
Benja. Soule
James Hovey
Presented for probate on 17 July 1755 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Thos. Mayhew and James Hovey, the Will of Isaac
Little late of Plimton, Saddler, was approved, and Administration granted to
his Son George Little of Plimouth, Marriner, the Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 510-511, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of John Little of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The fourteenth day of January A.D. 1764, I John Little of
Marshfield in the county of Plimouth esquire, being in sound mind & memory
do make this my last will & testament. First, I recommend my soul to God
that gave it, and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion
of my executors hereafter-named, and touching such worldly estate as I am owner
off, I dispose of the same as follows viz, ~
Imprimis, I give to my welbeloved wife Constant Little the
use and improvement of the northerly end of my dwelling house, during her
natural life with the privilege of the oven, to lay wood at the door, &
fetch water out of the Well, and also two beds & the furniture belonging to
them. And I order my executors to find her wood at the door sufficient for her
use, and the use & improvement of the sixth part of my real estate during
her natural life. and the sixth part of my personal estate after the debts
& funeral charges are paid forever at her dispose, And furthermore it is my
will that each of my six sons hereafternamed pay to their mother two pounds,
ten shillings yearly & every year during her natural life, in full for her
right of dower in my estate. ~
Item. I give to my son ~ Fobes Little his heirs & assigns
forever all my real & personal estate in Little-Compton, and all my real
estate in Rhode-island, Providence Plantation, and five pounds out of my
personal estate to be paid by my executors in twelve months after my decease. ~
Item. I give to my son John Little his heirs & assigns
forever, that farm, he now lives on in the county of Windham in the colony of
Conneticut, & all the personal that I put thereon, & the woodlot that
belongs to the same farm.
Item. I give to my son William Little his heirs & assigns
forever, the farm which he now lives on which I bought of Samuel Cogswell &
Samuel Cogswell Junr. & their wives lying partly in Lebanon
& partly in Norwich, & all the personal estate I put thereon. ~
Item. I give to my daughter Anna White her heirs &
assigns forever, the forty third lot in Marshfield first division being about
twenty five acres, excepting the fence thereon, which I give to my son Ephraim
Little, furthermore I give to my daughter Anna White my negro woman named
Phillis, and fifty pounds the one half in money the other half in personal
estate to be paid equally by my executors in twelve months after my decease,
and all the houshold goods she hath already received. ~
Item. I give to my daughter Ruth Oakman her heirs &
assigns forever, my woodlot being about sixteen acres lying between Joyce &
Carver,s land, butting on the highway, calld. Rogers,s way or
however otherwise bounded. and my negro-woman named Jenne & forty pounds
personal estate, to be paid equally by my executors in twelve months after my
decease, & one Yoke of oxen Tobias Oakman has of mine, with all the
houshold goods She hath already received. ~
Item. I give to my son Ephraim Little his heirs & assigns
forever the twelfth lot whereon his house now stands, also the thirteenth,
fourteenth & fifteenth lots, also the seventh, eighth, & ninth lots,
with the buildings thereon, and also the thirtieth, thirtyfirst & the
thirtysecond lotts. And also The twentyfirst lot all lying in Marshfield in the
first division, and a part of my homestead whereon I now dwell bounded as
follows. Begining by the meadow of Job Winslow as the fence now stands a little
to the north ward of a hombind tree, then running as the fence now stands to
the highway, then turning south easterly by the way until it comes to the
southermost corner of the field by the highway near the apple trees in the
little hollow, then, then running northeasterly by the fence & row of
stones in the same line until it comes to a row of bushes in the swamp, so
followg. the row of bushes until it comes to the fence of Asa
Thomas,s meadow, then running northwesterly by the meadow-fence as it now
stands to the bounds firstmentioned, and five acres of salt marsh I bought of
David Thomas, and one third part of all my salt meadow in Marshfield excepting
what belongs to Norcut,s farm, & also a small piece by the Landing-place.
And furthermore I give him one half of Stephen,s-island, and one half of the
meadow belonging thereto, and my silver hilted sword, & one half of my
wearing apparel. ~
Item. I give to my son Thomas Little his heirs & assigns
forever the farm he now lives on called Norcut,s farm with all the buildings
& fences thereon and all the meadow belonging to said farm, and the one
half of Booth,s lot & the one half of the additions to Little-town-brook
and the one half of the fortysecond lot, and the one half of the thirtyfourth,
thirtyfifth, thirtysixth & thirtyseventh lots all in Marshfield in the
first division and one half of my salt-meadow not heretofore given away,
excepting a piece by the landing place, & one half of my wearing apparel.
Item. I give to my son Lemuel Little his heirs & assigns
forever, that part of my homestead I now live on, begining at the Mill-dam,
running down stream until it comes to the Landing-place, and so by the meadow
fence until it comes to the row of bushes beforementioned against the meadow of
Asa Thomas, & so turning by the row of bushes until it comes to the row of
stones, so by the row of stones until it comes to the fence and so by the fence
until it comes to the highway, and so by the northerly side of the highway
until it comes to the mill dam first mentd. Futhermore, a piece of
land a part of my homestead on the southerly side of the highway bounded as
follows, begining at the highway by the Land of Asa Thomas so runing upstream
by the fence as it now stands, until it comes to the land of Francis Crooker,
and so by the land of Francis Crooker as the fence is now until it comes to the
highway, so by the southerly side of the highway to the bounds firstmentioned.
Also one third part of all my salt-meadow in Marshfield not heretofore given
away. Also one half of Stephens-island, & one half of the meadow thereunto
belonging, also one half the lot called Booth,s-lot with the additions
thereunto belonging, between that & Little-town-brook, the one half of the
sixth, the one half of the fortysecond lot, the one half of the thirtyfourth,
thirtyfifth, thirtysixth, & thirtyseventh lots all in Marshfield in the
first division, also my negro man named Cæsar. But it is my will that Casar
wait on my wife when she shall have occasion for him. ~
Furthermore, I give to my two sons Ephraim & Thomas
Little my negro man, named Amos, alias Gambo, & my negro-man named Dego,
equally between them, and to their heirs & assigns. ~
Furthermore, I give to my son Ephraim Little my riding horse,
& my old barn on the southerly side of the highway, and free liberty to
take off the same in twelve months after my decease. ~
Furthermore, I give to my two sons Ephraim & Thomas
Little liberty to land or lay wood, hay or Lumber at my landing place, where it
may be safe, & most convenient & least detriomental. ~
Item. I give to my grandaughter Alice Little one feather-bed
& furniture, one cow & four sheep, provided she does not bring in any
account, against my executors. ~
Furthermore, I give to my son Thomas Little one half of the
sixth lot, which was omitted when I gave him the fortysecond, which is in
Marshfield in the first division. ~
Furthermore, My will is that none of my children or heirs
bring in any debt, charge, or demand against my executors except it be either
note or bond, on the forfeiture of his or their Legacy or legacys in this my
last will & testament. ~
Furthermore, all my real & personal estate not heretofore
disposd. off I give equally between my three sons Ephraim, Thomas,
& Lemuel Little to them & their heirs. and I give each of my sons free
liberty to pass & repass across each others lands, where it will be least
prejudicial & most convenient.—
Furthermore, my will is that my sons John & William
Little pay to my executors hereafternamed each of them twenty pounds, John
twenty & William twenty, to enable my executors to pay debts & legacies
in twelve months after my decease. ~
Furthermore. It is my will, as my son Thomas Little having no
part of Stephens Island given him in this my last will & testament, I do
hereby order my son Lemuel Little to pay him the said Thomas or his heirs the
sum of twenty pounds, within twelve months after my decease. ~
Lastly, I nominate & appoint my three sons Ephraim,
Thomas, & Lemuel Little joint executors of this my last will &
testament, and I do hereby order that they pay all my just debts & funeral
charges. ~~ In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & Year first beforementioned.
John Little (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, & declared by the
said John Little Esqre. to be his last will & testament in
presence of. ~
Elisha
Phillips
Francis
Crooker
Nathll.
Phillips
Presented for probate on 6 March 1767 by Ephraim Little,
Thomas Little, and Lemuel Little, the executors therein-named, and proved by
Elisha Phillips, Francis Crooker, and Nathaniel Phillips, the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Ephraim Little, Thomas
Little, and Lemuel Little, the before-named executors.
The Inventory of all the estate both real & Personal of
John Little esqre. Late of Marshfield, was appraised on 28 Apr. 1767
by Elisha Phillips, Nathll. Phillips, and Daniel White, and totaled
£4345.15.10, including his real estate valued at £4055.9.4. The Executors gave
their oath to the inventory on 28 Apr. 1767.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 461-464, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Ebenezer
Lobdel of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1747) *
In the Name of God Amen, the twenty fifth day of February One
thousand seven hundred and forty Seven, I Ebenezer Lobdel of Plimton in the
County of Plimouth in New England being very Sick & weak of Body, but of
perfect mind and memory Thanks be Given to God therfor And Calling to mind the
Mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make and Ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say first
& principally I Do Give and recomend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave
it & my body I recomend to the Earth to be Buried in a Decent Christian
Burial at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named, Nothing doubting but
at the General resurrection I Shall receive the same Again by the Mighty power
of God and as touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this life I Give & Bequeath and dispose of in the
following manner and form ~~~
Imprimis, I Give & bequeath unto my Well beloved wife
Mercy all the Goods & Estate that She brought to my House
Item I Give & bequeath unto my son Isaac all my Estate
both Real & personal to him & his heirs and assigns forever Excepting
the Legacies and Dutys hereafter mentioned,
Item I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Loring Two hundred &
Nineteen pounds Old tenour to be paid by my said son Isaac within two years
after my Decease
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Lydia Five hundred
pounds old tenour the One half thereof to be paid by my aforesd son
Isaac when She Shall arrive at the age of Eighteen years and the remaining part
of the said five hundred pounds to be paid by my said son Isaac unto my said
Daughter Lydia when She Shall arrive to the age of twenty One years and also my
Will is that my said Daughter Lydia Shall have the use & improvement of one
room in my dwelling house so long as She Shall live Single, and my Will is that
my aforesaid son Isaac Shall provide and deliver unto my aforesaid wife Mercy
yearly & every year so long as She Shall remain my widdow and perform the
following Duty viz, To provide & keep two Good Cows & One good horse
for her use and tacklin and Ten bushels of Indian and English Corn, and Two
hundred weight of good porke and Beefe, and also as many apples as She Shall
want for her use and also a Sufficiency of Malt for Beer and also the Liberty
of keeping Fowls, and also to deliver her yearly & Every year Ten pounds of
Sheep wooll and fifteen pounds of Good flax from the Swingle, And also to
provide for her yearly and Every year, so long as She Shall remain my Wid. a
Sufficiency of Fire wood Cut at the Dore fit for the fire and also the privilige
of the use of a Slice and longs and pots & kittles & Skillets &
Dogs Suitable for House keeping; and also the privilige of Green pease &
beans Sufficient for her and also my will is that my said son provides for my
said wife yearly & every year one Bushel and One half of Salt, and also my
will is that my said wife Mercy Shall have for her own Disposall Two Blankets
and all the Linen that She has made since She was my wife, and also my Will is
that my sd wife Shall have the use and Improvement of the one half
of my Dwelling house that is that half that She Shall chuse so long as She
Shall remain my Widdowe together with the improvement of my Gardin, and also my
Will is that if my aforesaid wife Shall marry again that my aforesaid son Isaac
Shall pay unto her Two hundred pounds old tenour, viz Fifty pounds of the
aforesd sum within One year after marrage & so fifty pounds
yearly untill the said two hundred pounds be paid.—
And lastly I do Constitute my son Isaac Sole Executor of my
last will and Testament, and I do hereby utterly Disallow and Disanull all and
Every other will or Testament by me made ratifyieing & Confirming this and
no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the day & year above written—
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and Declared by the sd Ebenezer
Lobdel to be his last will and Ebenezer Lobdel (seal)
Testament in the presence of us
the Subscribers —
Josiah Perkins
Polycarpus Loring
John Bryant junr.
I the Subscriber Do in the Present of the Witnesses to this
will Give my Consent unto every Article Containd in the foregoing will, and
that the particulars therein Given and bequeathed unto me by my husband
Ebenezer Lobdel is to my full Satisfaction, and have accordingly Signed &
Sealed the year above Written her
Mercy
Lobdell M (seal)
mark
Presented for probate on 2 April 1748 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Josiah Perkins, Polycarpus Loring, and Jno.
Bryant jur.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Look of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1857) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Joseph Look of Rochester in the County of Plymouth, and
State of Massachusetts Esq. being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do
make this my last Will and Testament.
First I
give, bequeath and demise to my beloved son, Isaac W. Look, the interest of
five hundred dollars to be paid to him annually after my death during his
natural Life,-and after the death of him the said Isaac W. Look, it is my Will,
that the said five hundred dollars shall be equally divided between five of my
grand-children, viz. Sarah F. Stevens, the wife of Micah W. Stevens, Desire P.
Taber, the wife of Charles Taber, Charity C. Hathaway, the wife of Elnathan
Hathaway, George W. Basset and James H. Look Junior.
Secondly;
I give, bequeath and demise to my beloved grand-daughter, Desire P. Taber,
above named, in addition to what I have already given her, two hundred dollars
more, to be paid to her in one year after my death also one undivided half part
of my indoor moveables or goods
Thirdly;
I give, bequeath and devise to my beloved daughter-in-law, Thankful H. Look,
the wife of James H. Look, the other half of my indoor moveables or goods,
after my death.
Fourthly,
I give, bequeath and devise to my beloved son, James H. Look, his heirs, and
assigns forever all my real and personal estate that I may die seized of,
except what I have herein before given away.
Fifthly,
I hereby appoint my son James H. Look, Trustee, to hold in trust for my son
Isaac W. Look, what I have given to him the said Isaac and to pay or cause to
be paid to him the said Isaac for his use and benefit the interest of the five
hundred dollars aforenamed in this Will.
Sixthly;
I hereby appoint my son James H. Look, to be Executor of this my last Will and
Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made and declaring this to be
my last Will and Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of
September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
Joseph Look (seal)
Signed,
published pronounced and declared by the said Joseph Look to be his last Will
and Testament, in the presence of the subscribers, who, in his presence, and at
his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other hereunto set
our hands as Witnesses the day and year above named.
James
Ruggles.
William
Stevens.
Isaac
Stevens.
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of Oct. 1857 by
James H. Look, the Executor therein named, and proved by James Ruggles and
William Stevens, two of the witnesses, Letters Testamentary granted to James H.
Look.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 99, p. 456-457, from FHL microfilm
#0555644.
Will of Henry Loomis of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1882) *
Know all men by these presents that I Henry Loomis of the
City of Burlington County of Chittenden and State of Vermont being of sound
mind and memory, do hereby make, publish, and declare, this to be my last will
and testament, and by this, revoking all former Wills by me made.
It is
first my will that all of my just debts and funeral expenses, be paid as soon
after my decease as conveniently may be
It is
next my will that in case I should survive my dear brother Horatio G. Looms, My
Executors, heirs or administrator fully carry out all instructions and requests
made by him to me in writing, in relation to his Estate, intending by this,
that all of his estate coming to me by his will, be used, if necessary, to
carry out all such instructions and requests. And in case my dear Sister Maria
Loomis should survive me, and her property be insufficient for her reasonable
support, then after the Exhausting of her Estate for that purpose, I wish my
heirs to provide for her just, and proper Support, consistent with their
ability for so doing, and secure to her for the remainder of her life this
provision for her support.
It is
next my will that the sum of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars, be equally
divided between my sons William, Luther and Horatio or their heirs, this being
the balance of the Estate of their dear Mother, the income since her death
having been Expended by me for charitable, or other purposes, that I thought
would meet her full approbation
It is next my will in case I survive my son Luther, that such
portion of my Estate, as in it’s equal division between my said three sons,
would have fallen to my said son Luther, be safely invested by my Executors or
administrator, and from the net income thereof, there be paid to his wife
Frances annually, or at such times during each year as she may need it, and
until she shall again marry or until her death, a sum not less than One
Thousand Dollars, nor more than Fifteen Hundred Dollars. Provided the net
income from this portion of my estate shall be sufficient for the support and
proper education of their child, or children, of my said son Luther, and leave
a balance sufficient to pay the first or last named sums; and such balance of
the net income falling below the sum of one thousand dollars, she shall receive
this balance in place of the first named sum. And should she again Marry, then
she shall annually receive, as above provided, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars.
Provided, as above, there shall be sufficient to pay this amount after paying
the expense of the support and Education of the child or children from the net
income. And when his son Henry or other children that may be born to my said
son, and his said wife, shall become of age according to law, he or they may
receive his or their equal portion of this part of my Estate, by securing to
their Mother their equal part of his Annuity, provided my said son shall not
then be living
It is
next my Will that a tier of lots fronting on the South side of Loomis Street in
Burlington aforesaid and running south two hundred feet from the south side of
said Loomis Street, be laid out, and that all of that part of my homestead
lying south of said lots, to Pearl Street, in said Burlington, together with
all buildings on said land, and all personal property upon said land, and in my
House and outbuildings of the homestead, saving my notes, Bonds, money, and
accounts due me, if any such are found in my house, be taken by my son Luther
Loomis if then living, and that he be charged therefor, the sum of Sixteen
Thousand Dollars, in the equal division of my Estate, after the payment of my
debts and any legacy or legacies hereinafter named. Provided there shall be
enough left of my estate after the payment of my just debts, and funeral
expenses, and any legacy or legacies herein made, and not compel him against
his will, to pay to the other heirs any sum to equalize his portion with their
Equal portions. And should my son Luther not survive me, I then wish this
portion of my Estate to be taken by my Son Horatio and that he be charged
therefor the sum of Thirteen Thousand Dollars, It being my object in this
division of my estate to prevent any appraisal of my household effects, which
appraisal I desire shall not be made, and trust that my children will respect
this feeling
To the
First Congregational Society in Burlington Vermont where I have attended church
the greater part of my life, I give that portion of it’s property, the title to
which is in me as one of the Pew Holders or Owners under its original
Organization, but reserve to my heirs, that shall be in sympathy with the
Liberal Christian Views of this Society, the right to Vote in all legally
warned meetings of said Pew Holders, upon all matters over which the Pew
Holders or Owners hold control. And at such meetings, any of my heirs or their
successors that are present, if of this Liberal Christian faith, may have equal
rights, and only one being present, if loyal to the faith for which this
Society has for so many years stood, he or she may exercise this right by Voting
on the Whole Stock, and if none of my heirs or their successors, after
reasonable diligence to warn those, that may be able to attend a meeting, of
the coming meeting then the Society may elect one of its members to vote, under
instructions, at any coming meeting next to take place and for that meeting
only. And should my Estate, by assuming for that portion Set off for my son
Luther; at an appraisal of Thirteen Thousand Dollars, amount in all to the sum
of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars, then I farther give to said Society
the sum of Three Thousand Dollars the income of which sum, after its safe
investment shall, or may be expended in the discretion of the Prudential
Committee for the painting and repairs of the Church, the Sexton’s House, and the
Fence, and for keeping the grass and trees in good and proper order, but should
my estate appraise as above directed at a sum less than One Hundred and Fifty
Thousand Dollars then this donation shall be reduced to One Thousand Dollars
I hereby
appoint my sons William and Luther as my executors, and in case of the death of
either of my said Sons, I appoint my Son Horatio to act, in place of the one
deceased, and direct that no surety be required upon their bond to the Probate
Court
In witness whereof I
have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this Eleventh day of
February A.D. 1882
Henry Loomis (seal)
The above written instrument having been subscribed in our
presence, by the said Henry Loomis, and by him acknowledged to each of us, as
being his last Will and Testament we the subscribers, at the request of the
said testator have signed our names as witnesses thereto, in his presence, and
in the presence of each other
C.
F. Ward
S.
M. Pope
F.
W. Ward
Presented for probate on 22 Dec. 1886, and proved by F W.
Ward on 15 Jan. 1887.
State of Vermont
District of Chittenden In
Probate Court
January
21st, 1887
Come Luther Loomis of Chicago State of Illinois – and Horatio
Loomis of Burlington State of Vermont and showed to the satisfaction of said
court that Henry Loomis late of said Burlington deceased, left as his sole
heirs-at-law
William Loomis of Chicago State of Illinois
Luther Loomis of said Chicago and
Horatio Loomis of said Burlington – the sole surviving
children of said deceased
Whereupon said Court doth find, order and deem that the said
William Loomis Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis are the sole heirs-at-law of
said Henry Loomis deceased
Witness
my hand and Official Seal at said Burlington this 21st day of
January 1887
T
E Wales Judge of Probate
The accounting of the estate of Henry Loomis filed on 30 Aug.
1887 shows his estate was valued at $152,158.15, including notes, stocks and
cash on hand worth $146,500.
Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Horatio Loomis of
Burlington in the County of Chittenden in the State of Vermont, now temporarily
in England, being one of the sons and heirs at law of Henry Loomis late of said
Burlington, deceased, testate, do hereby make, constitute and appoint Elias
Lyman of said Burlington, my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name
and behalf to appear before this Probate Court of the District of Chittenden in
the State of Vermont, in all matters and proceedings therein relative to this
settlement of the Estate of said Henry Loomis or of the settlement of the
accounts of the Executors of his will, and the distribution of his estate under
said will or according to the Statute of distributions of said State of
Vermont, and to represent me in all or any of such matters, and to accept or
receive in my behalf any & all notices connected with or incident to such
matters & proceedings and to sign in my behalf any papers necessary or
proper in this business.
Witness
my hand and seal at Whitby, Yorkshire, England this 12th day of
September 1887 –
Horatio Loomis (seal)
To the Honorable Probate Court for the District of
Chittenden:
This
is to certify that the Executors of the Will of Henry Loomis, late of
Burlington in said district, have made suitable provision for me, Maria Loomis,
of said Burlington, sister of said Henry Loomis, under and in accordance with
said will, to my full and complete satisfaction:
And I
hereby consent that the residue of the Estate of said Henry Loomis, and this
same appears by their account of said Executors, on file in said Court, as
remaining in their hands, may be decreed to the three sons by said Court
absolutely, and freed and released of any claim whatsoever on my behalf: and I
request said Court to make decree of distribution accordingly,
Dated
at Burlington Vermont this day of December 1887
Attest Maria Loomis
L. G.
Ware.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1886, Box 31, File
#4794.
Will and Codicils of Horatio Gates Loomis of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1894) *
I Horatio G Loomis of the City of Burlington, Chittenden
County State of Vermont do hereby make publish and declare this as my last Will
and testament and I revoke all other Wills I ever made –
I direct the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses –
I give to my three nephews William
Loomis Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis children of my late brother Henry
Loomis deceased, the sum of fifty thousand dollars in trust for the following
purpose viz: I direct my said trustees to keep property invested said sum of
fifty thousand dollars during the lives of Emma G. Rowe the daughter of my late
wife Susan E. Loomis deceased, and of Susan Loomis Rowe daughter of said Emma G
Rowe – and the life of the survivor of them – and to pay over the net income of
said trust fund to said Emma G Rowe until her daughter Susan Loomis Rowe
arrives at the age of Eighteen years, and after that to pay over the same in
equal shares to said Emma G and Susan Loomis while they both live and upon the
death of either to pay over said income to the survivor or them during the
remainder of her life
At the death of the survivor of the said Emma G. and Susan
Loomis Rowe said trust shall be at an end, and I give said trust fund of fifty
thousand dollars to the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
located at said Burlington as a permanent fund, the income thereof to be
forever appropriated to the use of the departments of agriculture and mechanic
arts in said institution
I also give to my said three
trustees the further sum of ten thousand dollars in trust – for the following
purpose viz:
I direct my said trustees to keep said Trust fund of ten
thousand dollars properly invested and to pay over the net income thereof to
Mary Jane Lothrop a sister of my late wife Susan E. during the life of said
Mary Jane – and at her death I give said trust fund of ten thousand dollars to
the City of Burlington as a permanent fund the income thereof to be forever
appropriated to the use of the Fletcher Free Library in said City
I authorize my said Trustees in
carrying out said trusts to make all such investments, collections and
re-investments as they shall deem best in the exercise of their sound
discretion – and in case of a vacancy in said board of trustees for any reason
I authorize the remaining trustees to nominate to the Probate Court suitable
persons to fill such vacancy, and I request my trustees to make no charges for
their personal services in the execution of said Trust.
The rest residue and remainder of all my estate not
hereinbefore otherwise disposed of I give and devise to my said three nephews
William Loomis Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis in equal shares to them and
their heirs forever
I direct that no inventory shall be
taken to be returned to the Court, of my household goods and effects
I nominate said Luther Loomis
William Loomis & Horatio Loomis Executors of this Will and direct that no
bonds be required of my Executors or Trustees
In
witness Whereof I hereto set my hand and seal this 17th day of July
1894
H. G. Loomis (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by the said Horatio G Loomis as and for his last will and testament in
presence of us who at his request in his presence, and in the presence of each
other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses
T E Wales
CWoodhouse
W.C. Isham
I Horatio G Loomis of the city of Burlington State of Vermont
do hereby make publish and declare this as a codicil to my last Will and
testament bearing date July 17th 1894
In my said will I have appointed my
three nephews William Loomis Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis trustees of
certain funds I have therein given them in trust, and have in my said will
requested them to make no charge for their personal services in the execution
of said trust.
Now for the purpose of providing for the payment of the
services of said trustees if they claim pay, and the services of all persons
who may succeed them as such trustees, I do hereby direct that the sum of Eight
thousand dollars be set apart and held by my Executors during the term of the
trust of fifty thousand dollars I have in my said will created for the benefit
of Emma G Rowe and Susan L Rowe, and kept properly invested and from said sum
of eight thousand dollars and the income thereof shall be paid all the proper
charges and expenses of managing & executing said trust
Whatever shall remain of said sum
of eight thousand dollars & of the income thereof when said trust shall
end, I give to the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College to be
added to the said sum of fifty thousand dollars I have given that institution
in my said will to be held and the income thereof used and appropriated as
provided in the gift of said fifty thousand dollars
I give to Augustus Jacobson of
Chicago State of Illinois five thousand dollars,
I give to Dr LeRoy M Bingham of
said Burlington five thousand dollars
I give to Henry Loomis and Weston
Loomis children of my nephew Luther Loomis twenty five hundred dollars each, to
be kept at interest and paid over to them as they attain majority respectively
– & in case of the death of either during minority I give his legacy to the
survivor.
I give to Mary Phelps Loomis wife of my nephew Horatio Loomis
three thousand dollars which she can use in building for herself a cottage in
the Adirondacks, or in any other way she chooses, and this legacy is given as a
present from Susan
I give to Mrs Bradley Wife of Dr
Edward Bradley of New York City one thousand dollars and to her daughter Mrs
George W Cottrill one thousand dollars – and to her daughter Mrs Mamie Jarvis
two thousand dollars
I give to H Louisa Harmon a
daughter of Charles L Harmon late of Chicago deceased two thousand dollars and
to her sister Lillian Harmon one thousand dollars
I give to R J Brown for the
faithful services he has rendered me, two thousand dollars with which he can
buy a home for his family
I give to Maria Waite and Isabel
Waite daughters of Joseph Waite late of Chicago deceased one thousand dollars
each
I give to Miss Anna Proctor
daughter of Joseph Proctor of Manchester by the sea, Massachusetts – one
thousand dollars
Whatever sums of money I give any of the above named legatees
and notes up against them on my book shall apply towards the legacies of those
to whom such money is given respectively, by me, in my lifetime
Those named in my said will as my
residuary legatees shall be entitled to such portion of my estate only as shall
remain after the payment and satisfaction of all other legacies I have made
both in my will and this codicil as therein specified
In
witness whereof I hereto set my hand & seal at said Burlington this 23d
day of October 1894
H. G. Loomis (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by the said Horatio G Loomis as and for a Codicil to his last will and
testament, in presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the
presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses
T E Wales
CWoodhouse
W.C. Isham
I Horatio G Loomis of the city of Burlington State of Vermont
do hereby make publish and declare this as a second codicil to my last will and
testament bearing date July 17th. 1894
In my said Will I have given my
three nephew William Loomis Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis fifty thousand
dollars in trust, for the purposes therein specified and at the end of said
trust I have given said trust fund of fifty thousand dollars to the University
of Vermont and State Agricultural College and have directed the income thereof
to be forever appropriated to the use of the departments of agriculture and
mechanic arts in said institution, I now wish to increase that sum ten thousand
dollars and instead of fifty thousand dollars I hereby give sixty thousand
dollars to my said nephews in trust for the purposes specified in my said will
and at the end of said trust I give said trust fund of sixty thousand dollars
to the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College for the use of the
departments in that institute above mentioned.
In the codicil to my said Will that
I first made which bears date the 23d day of October 1894 I
made a legacy of one thousand dollars to Mrs Bradley Wife of Dr Edward Bradley
of New York City and as she has since died I revoke that legacy and instead
thereof I give to her two daughters Mrs George W Cottrill and Mrs Mamie Jarvis
five hundred dollars each in addition to what I have given them in my first
Codicil
I direct that all the legacies I
have made in my said will and my two Codicils thereto, including said bequest
of sixty thousand dollars in trust, shall be paid in my United States 4 per
cent Registered bonds of 1907 at par– and if I have not at my decease
sufficient of said bonds to pay off said legacies my Executors are directed to
purchase like bonds sufficient to make up the number required to pay said
legacies in full at the par value thereof, and my said legatees are hereby
required to accept said bonds in payment of their respective legacies at the
par value thereof –
It is my will that all the legacies including trusts I have
made in my Will and Codicils be fully paid in the manner above mentioned – and
that all charges, inheritance taxes, and administration expenses and charges of
every kind be paid out of my other assets
And I hereby confirm my said will
and my first codicil thereto in all respects except as the same are modified or
changed by this codicil
In testimony whereof I hereto set
my hand and seal at said Burlington this 15th day of November 1897
Horatio Gates Loomis (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by the said Horatio G Loomis as and for a second Codicil to his last
will and testament bearing date July 17. 1894 in the presence of us who at his
request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereto
subscribed our names as Witnesses
T E Wales
CWoodhouse
W.C. Isham
Presented for probate on 20 July 1900 by William Loomis of
the City and State of New York now of Redfield Conn, Luther Loomis of
Bloomingdale Park State of Pennsylvania, and Horatio Loomis of the City of
Burlington State of Vermont, and proved by Charles W Woodhouse of the city of
Burlington State of Vermont on 6 Sept. 1900.
The Inventory of the estate of Horatio G. Loomis of
Burlington showed his real estate valued at $22,000, $100,000 in United States
4% Bonds of 1907, stocks valued at $139,862, bills receivable and cash of
$23,000, and $3000 in furniture, but the inventory was revised as dividends
were received.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1900, Box 39, File
#6526.
Will and Codicil of Luther Loomis of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1844) *
I Luther Loomis of Burlington, in the County of Chittenden
and State of Vermont, aware of the uncertainty of life and the duty of
arranging our worldly affairs with reference to that event, and being of sound
mind and memory, do make and Publish this my last Will and testament: to wit,
1st. It is my will that my debts which I trust are few and of
small amount, be paid without delay, and that my estate be settled as soon as
may be. –
2nd. To my son Horatio G., I give, devise and bequeath my two
Stores and lots in Chicago in the State of Illinois—the sum of eight thousand
dollars, already in his hands, and for which I hold his two receipts – all the
volumes of Niles’ Register and my gold watch.
3rd. To my son Henry, I give devise and bequeath my homestead
with the Store and lots adjoining and lying on the north side of Pearl Street –
All my household furniture, excepting what I have herein given to my daughter
Maria – the Sum of eight thousand dollars, already in his hands, and for which
I hold his receipt – all my horses, cows, wagons, carriages, sleighs and
farming utensils on my homestead, and also the volumes (being eighty three) of
Rees’ Cyclopedia.
4th.– To my daughter Maria, I give devise and bequeath the
Sum of eight thousand dollars in cash or good notes, being the same sum which I
have given, as above, to each of my Sons – My intervale farm Known as the
‘Loomis farm’, and numbered two (2) in the division of my father’s estate — All
my land in Muddy Brook, being fifty acres of Lot number two hundred and two
(202) and the land which I purchased of Zadock Coleman in all about Sixty Seven
(67) acres – Such books as she may select from my library (not otherwise
disposed of above) to the same value of those above given to my Son Henry – the
Piano, Bureau and sundry articles now hers – and such other furniture as she
may Select to the value of three hundred dollars.
5th To my
grandson Charles L. Peck, I give, devise and bequeath my farm lying on the
Winsocki turnpike in Burlington and now occupied by Jonah Adams – all the lands
which I own in common with Alvan Foote in the town of Newport, in this State,
and all the notes due for lands Sold there – A note against Gideon Lathrop for
the sum of twelve hundred and twenty five dollars, or thirty five Share of the
Stock of the Champlain Transportation Company – or should said note be paid to
me and said Stock be transferred, then the sum of twelve hundred and twenty
five dollars in cash or goods notes, bearing interest to have and to hold the
same to him the said Charles L, his heirs and assigns forever – provided
nevertheless, and it is my will that
nothing but the use, interest and annual proceeds of the property in this
article (5th) Specified, is to rest in my said grand-son or to
become his unless and until he arrives to the full age of twenty one years –
but my executors are authorized to transfer to the natural or appointed
guardian of my said grandson the property in this article Specified, in trust
for the use and benefit of my said grandson, taking Security for the surrender
and repayment of said property in case of the decease of my said grandson,
during his minority – And in this event the said property in this article
Specified, is to be divided among my heirs, according to the laws of this
State.
6th. To
Johnson Wadsworth, I give and grant and devise the use and occupancy of the
land, and all my interest in the buildings where he now lives (which property I
have leased to him) during his natural life – and Should his wife survive him,
I grant and devise the same to her during her natural life, he or she paying to
my son Henry or his heirs, one cent per annum rent.
7th. The remainder of my estate and property of
every description, after paying my debts and the legacies and bequests herein
before made and the expenses of my funeral and the Settlement of my estate I
give, grant, devise and bequeath to my said Sons Horatio G. and Henry and my
said daughter Maria, to be equally divided between them Share and Share alike –
to have and to hold the Same, to gether with the bequests herein before made to
them, to themselves and their heirs and assigns, respectively, forever –
provided, that the shares herein given to my said sons Horatio G. and Henry are
to be subject to a deduction of such sums as may be due from them severally and
individually to me, on note and book account.
8th. I hereby authorize my executors to dispose of
any personal estate I may leave, and make such exchanges of notes and
obligations as they may judge for the interest of my estate.
9th. I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint
John N. Pomeroy and Henry Loomis, jointly and severally my executors of this my
last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this 4th day of June AD 1844 at Burlington.
Signed Sealed, published and declared
by the above named Luther Loomis, to
be his last will and testament, in
presence of us, whohim herunto set Luther Loomis (seal)
our hands and names as witnesses, in
presence of each other and in presence of the
testator – Lucia
L. Pomeroy
Mary
Pomeroy
Esther
Thompson
Whereas I Luther Loomis of Burlington in the County of
Chittenden have duly executed my last will and testament in writing on the
three preceding pages, and am desirous of altering my said will in respect to
the legacy to my daughter Maria, to make it comport with my intention at the
time of making the same, now I the said Luther Loomis do make the present
writing which I will and direct to be annexed as a codicil to my said will, and
taken as a part thereof, and I do hereby give, devise and bequeath to my said
Daughter Maria her heirs and assigns forever, in a dition to the legacy to her
in said will, all the lots of land which I own lying on both sides of Williams
Street between Pearl Street and College Street, in said Burlington, Containing
about five acres, and I hereby ratify and confirm my said will in every thing
except where the same is hereby revoked and altered, as aforesaid
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th. day
of June AD
1844, at Burlington America.
Signed Sealed, Published and
declared
By the Said Luther Loomis as and
for
a codicil to his last will and
testament
and to be taken as a part thereof,
in the
presence of these several persons,
whose Luther Loomis (seal)
names are hereunto Subscribed as
wit-
nesses to the Signing, Sealing and
publishing
the Same, which said therein
persons and
So hereunder Subscribe their names
at the
Request and in the presence of the Said
Luther Looms and in the presence of
each other
E. C. Loomis
S C Weatherly
A. W. Allen
Presented for probate on 29 June 1844. Proved on 21 Aug. 1844
by Lucia L. Pomeroy and Edward C. Loomis, two of the subscribing witnesses.
John N. Pomeroy and Henry Loomis, both of Burlington, posted bond as executors
with Horatio G. Loomis of Chicago as surety on 21 Aug. 1844.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1844, Box 12, File
#1213.
Will of Maria Loomis of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1887) *
I, Maria Loomis, of the City of
Burlington Vermont make this my Last Will and Testament—
First: I give, devise and bequeathe
to my Nephews, William Loomis, Luther Loomis and Horatio Loomis a vacant Lot
fronting on Williams Street one hundred and forty three feet and extending west
the whole depth off from the north side of my Homestead premises—
Second: I give, devise and bequeathe to the Rev, Loammi G.
Ware of the City of Burlington Vermont ten thousand dollars and also all my
household furniture, books and pictures, intending hereby to give to him all my
personal property in and about my Homestead premises at the time of my death,
except my cash, notes, stocks and bonds—
I
wish to prevent any appraisal of my household effects—
Third: I give, devise and bequeathe
to the Rev, Loammi G. Ware of the City of Burlington Vermont the use during his
life of my Homestead premises, that is, my House, out-buildings and all the
land I occupy as a Homestead, except the vacant Lot given in the First item of
this my Last Will to my Nephews, William, Luther and Horatio Loomis—
Fourth: I give, devise and
bequeathe, in trust, to the Trustees of the University of Vermont and State
Agricultural College, a Corporation located at Burlington Vermont, ten thousand
dollars the use or income only of which shall be taken annually forever and
expended by said Trustees in purchasing Books for the Library of said
University—
Fifth: I give, devise and bequeathe to my Nephew, Horatio
Loomis, my Homestead premises which includes all the buildings I now occupy and
the land connected therewith on the west side of Williams Street, except so
much thereof as I have given in the First item of this my Last Will to my
Nephews, William, Luther and Horatio Loomis, subject however to the life estate
of the Rev, L. G. Ware as specified in the Third item of this my Last Will—
This Legacy to my Nephew, Horatio
Loomis is made with the expectation that my personal estate will be sufficient
to pay in full the two Legacies of ten thousand dollars each to the Rev, L. G.
Ware and the University in the Second and Fourth items of this my Last Will
which two said Legacies I wish paid in full even if it becomes necessary to
sell my Homestead premises, after taking off the Lot which I have given away by
the First item in this my Last Will—
If
it is necessary to sell my Homestead to pay in full the two ten thousand dollar
Legacies herein specified, then I give the power so to do to my Executor and
hereby authorize him to execute a good and sufficient Deed of Warranty of the
same free from all incumbrances and direct my Executor to take from the
proceeds of such sale enough money to pay each of the ten thousand dollar
Legacies in full and then, in that event, I give, devise and bequeathe the
remainder of the proceeds of said sale to my Nephew, Horatio Loomis—
Sixth: I give, devise and bequeathe all the rest and residue
of my estate to my Brother, Horatio G. Loomis and hereby appoint him Executor
of this my Last Will and Testament and direct that no Bonds be required of him
by the Probate Court for the due execution of said trust—
Burlington
Vermont January 3d 1887—
Maria Loomis (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the Testatrix as
and for her Last Will and Testament in our presence who at her request in her
presence and we in the presence of each other have signed our names hereto as
witnesses thereof. A.
E. Richardson
Elihu
B. Taft Frances
A. Richardson
Presented for probate on 4 Feb. 1889, and proved by A. E.
Richardson on 2 Mar. 1889. Letters Testamentary granted to Horatio G. Loomis of
Burlington, with Susan E. Loomis of Burlington and Geo. W. Wales of Burlington
as sureties. Geo W. Wales and Henry Greene of Burlington were appointed to
appraise the estate of Maria Loomis, late of Burlington, on 2 Mar. 1889. Her
real estate was valued at $9000.00. No inventory of her notes or bonds was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1889, Box 31, File
#4864.
Will of Phineas Loomis of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1807) *
In
the name of God. Amen
I Phineas Loomis of Burlington in the County of Chittenden
and State of Vermont, do make, ordain and declare this Instrument to be my last
Will and Testament, revoking all others—
Imprimis – All my debts which are but few, & none of
magnitude are to be punctually and speedily paid, and the legacies herein after
bequeathed are to be discharged assoon as circumstances will permit, and in the
manner directed—
Item – To my beloved wife Diadama Loomis I give &
bequeath the whole of my household furniture together with two Cows, one horse,
& such riding Carriage as I may possess at the time of my decease, I give
to her, & her heirs forever. I also give to her, for and during her natural
life, the sole use, profit, benefit, and control of the one moiety of my
dwelling house, Barn, out houses and Land lying on both sides of the highway
near my dwelling house being about twentyseven Acres of Land in the whole
except about six Acres on the north said of said highway & herein after
described & willed to my son Warren Loomis, And it is my express direction,
that said buildings, and Land, shall be equally divided by three freeholders to
be elected by the Judge of Probate of Chittenden County, & after such
division my said Wife shall have due notice, & make her choice as to the
part that she will take in writing, which shall be set off to her. And the
other moiety of said buildings and Land, together with the moiety hereby given
to my said Wife during her natural life, I give & bequeath to my son Luther
Loomis in fee, & I do hereby direct that assoon as the division shall be
made, & his mother makes her choice, that he shall take possession of the
moiety hereby given to him without Incumbrance, & at his mothers decease,
he shall take possession of the whole—
Item— I
give & bequeath to my Son Warren Loomis in fee, the following described
piece of Land situated on the easterly side of my lands lying North of the
highway, and westerly of John Fays Land, towit, fourteen Rods wide on said
highway from said Fay’s South-westerly corner, & to be continued that width
on a line to be drawn parallel with said John Fay’s westerly line to the north
line of my lands lying on the north side of said highway, which line so to be
run will comprise about six Acres of Land be it more or less
Item— I
do give and bequeath unto my daughter Olive, now the wife of Major Lyman King,
& to my sons and daughters hereafter named towit, Luther Loomis, Warren
Loomis, Amanda Loomis, and Welthian Loomis, the whole of the farm &
buildings which I purchased of Samuel Lane Esquire, and his two sons Samuel,
and Elisha Lane, lying and being in Burlington aforesaid. Said farm contains
about five hundred and forty two Acres of Land, more or less, And I do hereby
expressly direct that said farm shall be divided into five equal parts, by
three freeholders to be appointed by the Judge of Probate of Chittenden
district, who shall be duly sworn before they enter upon said business, and in
making of such division, quantity – quality and situation of each part is to be
the rule for making such division, and proper metes and bounds, are to be by
such freeholders set up, so as to prevent my mistake or dispute, & due
return of their proceedings accompanies with a plan of sd. farm to
be made under their direction containing the division to be made, shall be
returned to the Judge of Probate of said Chittenden district & due notice
thereof to be given by said Judge in writing to each of the said Legatees,
& twenty days from the date of such notice given for them to agree on the
parts to be by them respectively taken, & incase of an agreement, the same
must be written & signed by said Legatees respectively, & duly
witnessed and returned to said Judge of Probate when the same shall become
binding & each legatee may in such case take possession of their respective
shares, but incase said legatees should not agree on a division within the said
term, in such case, the said Judge of Probate will notify said Legatees by a
written Summons to be served by his clerk, or other person therein named, by a
copy thereof to each Legatee, to meet before said Judge, at a time & place
to be named, for the purpose of drawing their respective shares under the
direction of said Judge of Probate; Provided always that my said son &
daughter Luther, & Welthian Loomis may make choice of their respective
shares, in which case, the other three legatees shall draw their respective
shares in manner aforesaid – & in dividing of the said farm the freeholders
who make the division are at liberty to lay the shares into one or more pieces
as may best accommodate the legatees, & said legatees are hereby authorized
to take possession of their respective shares as soon as a division shall be
effected as above directed
Item – I
give & bequeath to my said daughter Welthian Loomis, in fee the Acre of
land lying on the Southeasterly corner of the five Acre lot (so called) No.
four, situated on the north side of the Mainstreet leading from Burlington bay
to Williston, being the same that I purchased of William Coit Esquire—
Item I
give & bequeath, to my beloved wife Diadama Loomis in addition to the
legacies herein before mentioned an annual sum of One hundred & twenty
dollars, to be paid to her in the month of January Annually, so long as she
remains a widow forty dollars of which shall be Annually paid to her, by my
said son Luther Loomis, & the other Eighty dollars shall be annually paid
to her, by my said daughters Olive King – Amanda & Welthian Loomis & by
my said son Warren Loomis at twenty dollars each, and this last bequest to my
said Wife shall remain as a lien on the property herein before bequeathed to my
said sons and daughters –
Item – All the rest and residue of my estate, real and
personal, not disposed of in manner aforesaid, in whatever consisting, at the
time of my decease, over and above my Just debts which must be first cancelled
– I do give and bequeath to my two Sons, & three daughters herein before
named in equal portions, to be divided under the direction of said Judge of
Probate. And incase it should so happen that said estate so lastly disposed of,
which is to include all demands in my favour or in any way due to me, should
not be Sufficient to answer all my Just debts, in such case, the wantage be it
more or less, must be paid by my two Sons, & three daughters, herein before
named, out of the property bequeathed to them, in proportion as their
respective bequests shall be valued—
And
as it may be a question with some why, I have omited making my eldest Son
Horace Loomis a Subject of a bequest in this Will – I do Solemnly declare,
that, I have already given to him a full portion of my Estate, & have
placed him in a more conspicuous and advantageous situation, than is in my
power to do by my other Children—
And
if it should so happen that either of my three daughters, Olive, Amanda, &
Welthian or two sons Luther & Warren should die before me, or before a
Settlement of my estate can be effected, the heirs of such deceased Legatee or
Legatees shall be entitled to all the benefits of the bequest— Lastly I do
constitute & appoint my son Luther Loomis sole Executor of this my last
Will and testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at
Burlington in the presence of three subscribing Witnesses this third day of
April, One thousand eight hundred & seven
In Presence of
Wm. C Harrington
Laura Lyman Phineas Loomis (seal)
Amand Lyman
Luther Loomis gave his bond as Executor of the estate of
Phineas Loomis on 31 Mar. 1810, with Horace Loomis as surety, and was recorded
on 3 Apr. 1810.
The Inventory of the Estate of Phineas Loomis, late of
Burlington, was appraised by E. J. Englesby, Jno. Johnson and Leml
Bottom, and totaled $13,482.86, including his homestead of 22 acres of land
lying on both sides of Pearl Street valued at $2200, and the farm on Onion
River valued at $9000.
The division of the lands of Phineas Loomis, Esqr.,
late of Burlington, mentioned his heirs: Luther Loomis, Olive, the wife of
Major Lyman King, Amanda, the wife of Robert Peaslee, Welthyan, the wife of
Elijah D. Harmon, and Warren Loomis. Harry Bradley was the witness to the
division agreement. On 4 Mar. 1811.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1810, Box 2, File #122.
Will of Anna Loring of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1787) *
In the
name of God amen the twentyeth day of July in the Year of our Lord 1787 I Anna
Loring of Duxborough in the County of Plymouth in New England Widow Relict of Mr
Benjamin Loring late of Duxborough, deceased. I being of perfect mind &
memory & enjoying a good share of Health Thanks be to God therefor but
calling to mind the mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die, I do make & ordain this my last will & Testament
that is to say principally & first of all, I give and recommend my Soul
into the Hands of God that gave it & my Body I commit to the Earth to be
decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting
but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God
to bless me with, in this Life, I give and dispose of the same in the following
manner and form: that is to say first I will that all those debts & duties
as I do owe in right or Conscience to any Manner of person or persons
whatsoever & my funeral Charges shall be well & truly contented &
paid or ordained to be paid in convenient Time after my decease by my four
children equally between them viz Samuel Loring, Judah Loring Daniel Loring
& Lucy Fuller— Item I give &
bequeath to my well beloved Son Samuel Loring all my cedar Swamp lying &
being in the Township of Duxborough abovesaid in a certain place known by the
Name of Sprague’s swamp & all my wearing Apparel, that I have had since my
husband’s decease or shall have that my Son Saml. doth provide for
me.— Item I give and bequeath to my well
beloved Sons Judah Loring and Daniel Loring equally between them all my right
in Lands lying & being in a place formerly called Contowok now know by the
Name of Bosquine which I have already given them by a Deed of Gift. —
Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved Daughter Lucy
Fuller my Silver Tankard and my Trunk and all my wearing Apparel not before
disposed of except my Gold Buttons
Item I give & bequeath to my well beloved Granddaughter
Hannah Loring my Gold Buttons & my Will is that the whole of the remainder
of my Estate not before disposed of be equally divided between my four Children
viz~ Samuel Loring, Judah Loring, Daniel Loring and Lucy Fuller, and lastly I
do order & constitute make & ordain my Well beloved Son Samuel Loring
to be my sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament: and I do hereby
utterly disallow revoke and disannul all & every other former Testament,
Wills & Legacies, Bequests and Executors by me in any Ways before this time
named willed and bequeathed ratifying & confirming this and no other to be
my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal the day & year first above written. Signed sealed published pronounced
& declared by me the said Anna Loring as her Last Will & Testament in
the presence of us the Subscribers, viz –
Perez Loring
Deborah Loring Anna Loring (seal)
Levi Loring
Presented for probate on 23 Aug. 1804 by Samuel Loring, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Perez Loring and Deborah Loring, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Samuel Loring, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
Duxbury
June ye 29th 1805 then received of Samuel Loring Executor
to the last Will & Testament of our Mother Anna Loring late of Duxbury
deceased the Sum of one hundred & sixty dollars & sixty six Cents with
some House hold Furniture which is in full of all demands against the Estate of
my Mother & do hereby discharge the abovesaid Saml. Loring from
any further Trust as Executor &c.
Test Judah Loring – Daniel Loring
Duxbury
Septemr. 10th. 1805
Then
recd. of Saml Loring Executor to the last Will &
Testament of our Mother Anna Loring late of Duxbury deceased, the Sum of one
hundred & sixty Dollars & sixty six Cents with the Silver Tankard Trunk
&c agreeably to the Will of the deceased as above mentioned recd.
by us the Subscribers—
Lucy
Loring— Lucy Fuller
Jaz
Fuller
Duxbury
October ye 10th. 1805
Then recd. of Saml.
Loring Executor to the last Will & Testament of our Mother Anna Loring late
off Duxbury deceased the Sum of one hundred & sixty Dollars & sixty
five Cents with some Household Furniture which is in full of our demands
against the Estate of my Mother & do hereby discharge the abovesaid Saml.
Loring from any further trust as Executor
Lucy
Fuller— Judah Loring
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp. 89-90, 363, from FHL
microfilm #0550901.
Will of Jabez Loring of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
Know all men by these presents that I Jabez Loring of
Plympton in the County of Plymouth; being in a perfect State of Mind to make
that is hereafter written and subscribed, with regard to my real & personal
Estate, to be my last Will & Testament I give, demise & dispose in the
following manner & form unto my beloved Wife Deborah All my real &
personal Estate, that may appear of any description freely to be possessed
& enjoyed by her & at her disposal after paying all my just Debts &
funeral Charges And I do hereby appoint my Wife Deborah the sole Executrix to
this my last Will & Testament And do hereby utterly disallow, revoke &
annul all & every other Testament, Will, Legacies, Bequests & Executors
by me in any wise before named, willed or bequeathed ratifying & confirming
this. Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this ninth day of September
in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & eighteen
Signed Sealed pronounced published & declared
by the sd. Jabez as his last Will & Testament
in presence of us
Ebenezer
Lobdell Jabez Loring (seal)
Nathl.
Morton
Thos.
B. Harrub.
Presented for probate on 3 Nov.
1818 by Deborah Loring, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Ebenezer
Lobdell and Thomas B. Harrub, and they with Doctr. Nathaniel Morton
subscribed their names together as witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Deborah Loring, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, p.
510-511, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Samuel Loring of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In
the name of God amen, I Samuel Loring of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth,
being in a low and weak state of Body, but of sound disposing Mind &
memory, blessed be God for the same have made & do make and ordain this to
be my last Will and Testament, that is to say –
I
wish all my just Debts Legacies be paid by Executor out of my Estate with my
funeral Charges & the Expences of settling my Estate. –
I
give & bequeath to my Wife the whole Improvement of my real Estate during
her Life, & all my personal Estate as her own property forever. —
I
give & devise to my Son Samuel after his mother’s decease the whole of my
real Estate as his own property forever, provided that he the said Samuel shall
live on said Farm & take care of his Mother while she lives, but if he when
of Age or twenty one years, shall choose to quit or leave said Farm, then the
said Farm to be equally divided between my Heirs, giving to my said Son Samuel
five hundred Dollars before said Division —
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Lucy one hundred Dollars with as much
Furniture as I gave my other Daughters, also my will is, that she live with her
mother while unmarried & be provided for by her Mother & as long as she
shall remain unmarried, & so long as she shall remain unmarried after her
mother’s decease, to improve one quarter part of my homestead Farm &
convenient room in the Dwelling house. —
Also
I give and bequeath to my two Daughters Hannah & Prudence after their
Mother’s Decease one hundred & fifty Dollars, & to my said Daughter
Lucy, besides what I have already given her, one Hor, one hundred fifty
dollars, when she shall be married. —
And
I do constitute & appoint my said Wife Executor to this my last Will &
Testament
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & sixteen. —
Signed, sealed & declared to be
his last Will & Testament before us,
who in presence of him & at his
request & in presence of
each other have subscribed our
Names as Witnesses. – Samuel Loring (seal)
Benjamin
Alden
Judah
Loring
Levi
Loring Jr.
Presented for probate on 5 Nov.
1816 by Prudence Loring, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Judah
Loring and Levi Loring Junr., two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Prudence Loring, the
before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p.
226-227, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Azel
Lothrop of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1832) *
Be it remembered that I, Azel Lothrop of West Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, do on this fourth
day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred &
thirty two make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner following
Viz. In the first place I give
and bequeath unto my two Sons, Viz John and Azel, eight thirty-six parts each
of all my Real Estate, that I may die seized of, to them their heirs and
assigns forever, to come into possession of the premises at my decease, except
such parts as shall be hereafter excepted. I also give unto my two sons John
& Azel equally all my wearing apparel. I furthermore give unto my son John
a pair of yearling steers, one sheep, my Ox wagon, one Iron bar, two Iron
ploughs, two draft chains, one dung fork, a pronged hoe, a scythe and snath, a
rake and two pitch forks. I also give unto my son Azel a yearling heifer and my
silver watch, to be kept by my Executrix hereafter named until he arrives to the
age of eighteen then my will is that she deliver it to him in good repair.
Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my five daughters, Viz
Philene, Sarah, Sylvia, Anna & Nesta four thirty-six parts each of all my
real Estate to them their heirs and assigns forever, they to come into
possession of the premises at my decease, except such parts as shall be
hereafter excepted. I also give unto my three oldest daughters, Viz Philene
Sarah & Sylvia, a cow each at my decease, also one half part of my winter
rye, when come to maturity
Thirdly, I give & bequeath unto my wife Anna Lothrop the
use and improvement of one third part of all my real Estate, during her natural
life also one half part of my winter rye when come to maturity.
Fourthly & lastly, I do hereby constitute and ordain my
wife Anna Lothrop, sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. Feeling
myself under moral obligation to support my aged wife’s Mother during her
natural life, therefore I order my executrix to maintain her aged Mother during
her natural life Also I order my Executrix to pay all my just debts and funeral
charges. And in order to enable my Executrix to carry the provisions of this my
last will & testament into execution according to their true intent &
meaning, I will and bequeath unto my wife Anna Lothrop, executrix of this my
last will and Testament all the residue of my personal estate to her, her heirs
and assigns forever –
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand & seal,
the day and year first herein before written.
Azel Lothrop (seal)
Signed sealed and published by the said Azel Lothrop,
declaring this to be his last will and testament in presence of us who at his
request were called as witnesses to the same and in his presence did hereunto
subscribe our names.
Zephaniah
Howard
Lebbeus
Packard
Nathan
Packard
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1832, and proved by Lebbeus
Packard and Nathan Packard, two of the witnesses.
Lebbeus Packard, Jonas Hartwell and Benjamin Marshall, all of
West Bridgewater, all freeholders, were appointed to set off one third part of
the real estate of Azel Lothrop, late of West Bridgewater, Yeoman, to his widow
Anna Lothrop as her dower in the said real estate for her use during her
natural life, on 3 Apr. 1832. The division was dated 7 Apr. 1832, and was
approved on 1 May 1832.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Seth Lothrop of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1800) *
In the Name of God Amen. – I, Seth Lothrop of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being of sound disposing mind & memory,
thanks be to God for the same do this nineteenth day of April, in the year of
our Lord eighteen hundred, make, publish, pronounce & declare this my last
will & testament, as followeth – vizt ~
Imprimis – I will, that all my debts, funeral charges, &
such legacies as is herein after willed & given, shall be paid by my
Executor herein after named, & out of such part of my estate as can be most
conveniently spared, & be the least prejudicial to the remaining part of my
sd. estate herein after given & disposed of
Item – I Give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna, who was
married to Calvin Kinsley & is now his wife, so far as I know, the sum of
Ten Dollars, to be paid into her hand, if she be living, if not, to be equally
divided between all her children, by my Executor herein after named, this
together with what I have heretofore given her, I consider to be her full share
of my estate
Item – I Give & bequeath to my son Seth Lothrop junr.
five Dollars, to be paid him by my Executor, herein after named, within six
months after my decease, this, together with what I have heretofore done for
him, I consider to be his share in full of my estate, that I intend for him.
Item – I Give & bequeath, to my two grand children (to
wit) Seth Fobes & Mehitabel Fobes, children of my daughter Mehitable,
deceased, who was the wife of Alpheus Fobes, two dollars to each of them, to be
paid by my Executor, herein after named, when they shall arrive to the age of
twenty one Years, this, together with what I have heretofore given to my
daughter Mehitable in her life time, I consider to be the full share of my
estate that I intended for my sd. daughter now deceased.
Item – I Give, Devise
& bequeath to my three grand-children (to wit) Barzillai Lothrop, Cyrus
Lothrop & Bille Lothrop, children of my son Seth Lothrop junr.
their heirs & assigns forever three quarters of my homestead farm, whereon
I now live including three quarters of all the buildings thereon, together with
three quarters of all my out lands that doth of right to me belong,
wheresoerver the same may lie or howsoever it may be situated, that shall
remain after paying & satisfying my debts, funeral charges, legacies
&c, and to be equally divided between them, and they & each of them my
grand children to come into possession of their several shares when they shall
arrive to the age of twenty one years; and my will is that the rents &
profits arising from the use & improvements of the two shares which I have
herein given to my two grandsons Barzillai & Cyrus shall be uniformly
appropriated to their use & benefit, and that no wood or timber shall be
cut on their shares or parts, so long as they shall remain minors except for
the repair of fences or buildings on their parts and the land when rented out
shall be so restricted as not to impoverish the fertility of the soil, and my
will is & I do hereby order and direct, that my nephew Josiah Lothrop junr.
shall take into his care & possession the two shares or parts which I have
herein given to my two grandsons before named, during their minorship he giving
sufficient bonds to the Judge of of Probate to account for the same . .
And, in consideration of the kind care & tender usage
which I have recieved from my daughter in law Abigail Lothrop the wife of my
son Seth Lothrop junr. I am disposed to make provision for her
comfortable support, providing she can have the sole benefit there of,
therefore conditionally, I give, devise and bequeath to her the said Abigail
Lothrop, the wife of my son Seth Lothrop junr. the use &
improvement of the remaining quarter part of all my land & buildings, as is
herein before mentioned & described, with the use & improvement of the
share or part, which I have herein before willed & given to my
grand-daughter Bette Lothrop, for and during the continuance of the
intermarriage of the said Abigail with my sd. son Seth Lothrop junr.
for one quarter part, and the other quarter or share untill my grand daughter
Bette before named shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, ye sd.
Abigail to recieve only the rents & profits of said use & improvements
of sd land & buildings to her sole use & benefit, as tho’ she
were a feme sole independent of the sd Seth, and in case the sd
Seth or any of his Creditors, or any other person or persons by or under him,
or by his or their procurement, by means of her intermarriage with him ye.
sd. Seth Lothrop junr shall molest, trouble or debar ye.
sd. Abigail, the wife of my said son Seth from using, occupying
& improving sd. lands, during her coverture, or shall ask,
request or demand the rents, profits issues of said land & buildings,
during her intermarriage with ye. sd. Seth in virtue of
such marriage, or, on any account or pretence whatever, then and in such case,
I will, devise & bequeath, the use, occupation & improvements of ye.
aforesaid two quarters or shares of all my land & buildings, (so given,
devised & bequeathed to ye. sd Abigail, as aforesaid)
with all the rents, profits & issues thereof to my nephew Josiah Lothrop
junr son of my brother Josiah Lothrop for so long time & no
longer, as the intermarriage of the sd. Seth Lothrop junr.
with ye. sd. Abigail shall continue, upon condition,
that, the said Josiah shall and do out of the monies arising from the rents
& profits of sd. lands & buildings generously, contribute at
his discretion to the relief of my daughter in law Abigail aforesaid annually,
to the full amount of such rents & profits, if necessary, and my will is,
and I further order that the said Josiah when he shall give any sum or sums of
money to ye sd Abigail, he take a receipt therefor of her
ye. said Abigail, and in case it shall so happen, that, the ye.
sd Abigail shall die while she remains under the coverture of the
said Seth as her lawful husband, then & in that case – I give devise &
bequeath the other quarter part of all my land & buildings not herein
before dispose of, to my three grand children namely Barzillai Lothrop, Cyrus
Lothrop & Bette Lothrop, herein before named, their heirs & assigns
forever, to be equally divided, also, all the rest & residue of all the
rents, profits and issues, if any such there shall be in the hands of him ye.
said Josiah Lothrop junr. which he hath not contributed, and given
to her the said Abigail while living, provided nevertheless if it shall
otherwise happen, that is if my sd. son Seth Lothrop junr.
shall first die, and she the said Abigail shall survive him, or if she shall
obtain at any time a lawful divorcement from him ye sd.
Seth, her said husband then and in either case my will is, and I give, devise
& bequeath to her the said Abigail (who is now the wife of my said son
Seth) her heirs & assigns forever the aforesaid one quarter part of all my
homestead farm, with one quarter part of all the buildings, together with a
quarter part of all my out lands wheresoever the same may lye or howsoever the
same may be situated, and the same quarter part to be divided and set off,
quantity & quality of the whole considered, together with all the rest
& residue of all ye rents profits & issues, if any such
there shall be in the hands of him, the said Josiah Lothrop junr.,
which he hath not contributed & given to her the said Abigail, while under
the coverture of a husband, and my will is expressly that in any or either case
herein before stated, the said Abigail shall not be benefitted in any way or
manner from the use & improvement of ye share which I have
herein before given to my grand daughter Bette Lothrop before named for any
longer time than untill she shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and if
there shall be any personal estate remain after executing this my last will &
testament in every part matter, manner & thing, and satisfy all expences, I
give & bequeath the same to my three grand children vizt.
Barzillai Lothrop, Cyrus Lothrop & Bette Lothrop to be equally divided. And
– I do hereby ordain, constitute & appoint my nephew Josiah Lothrop junr.
to be sole Executor of this my last will & testament, & I do hereby
revoke, disallow & render null & void, all other & former wills,
ratifying & confirming this & this only as & for my last will &
testament – In Witness whereof I the said Seth Lothrop the testator have
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above written ~
Signed, Sealed Published & Pro- Seth Lothrop (seal)
nounced & declared by the said
Seth Lothrop ye. testator as & for his
last will & testament in ye. presence
of us, who by his request & in his
presence, & we in ye presence of each
other have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses
John
Snow
Josiah
Lothrop ~
Daniel
Snow ~
Presented for probate on 26 March 1804 by Josiah Lothrop junr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Danl. Snow Esqr. and Mr
John Snow, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Josiah Lothrop junr. ye. before named
Executor.
Daniel Snow Esqr, Ephraim Snell Gentleman, and
John Snow yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Seth Lothrop, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 26 Mar. 1804. The Inventory of the
estate of Seth Lothrop, late of Bridgwater, was dated 19 May 1804, but not
totaled, his real estate valued at $3045.00, and $150 in quick stock. Seth
[sic] Lothrop, the Executor to the Will of Seth Lothrop, deceased, gave his
oath to the inventory on 4 June 1804. Josiah Lothrop, the Executor, gave notice
his administration of the estate.
Daniel Snow Esqr, Barnabas Dunbar yeoman, and
Alpheus Leach Gentleman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to divide the common
and undivided real estate between the heirs of Seth Lothrop deceased and David
Lothrop, of Bridgwater, yeoman, on 7 Aug. 1804. The division, dated 13 Sept.
1804, was approved 4 Oct. 1804.
Daniel Snow Esqr, Alpheus Leach Gentleman, and
Barnabas Dunbar yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to divide the Real
Estate of Seth Lothrop, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, and set off to Barzillai
Lothrop and Cyrus Lothrop one Moiety thereof, on 7 Aug. 1804. The division,
dated 5 Oct. 1805, was approved on 7 Oct. 1805.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, p. 530-533, from FHL microfilm
#0550720, and Vol. 40, p. 73-76.
Will of Benoni Lucas
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1730) *
In the Name of GOD Amen. This twelfth Day of february In ye
Year of or Lord, one thousand Seven hundred & twenty nine,
thirty. I Benoni Lucas of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth in
New-England, being Extreamly sick in Body But of a Disposing mind & memory,
not knowing how soon my Change may come do make & ordain this my Last Will
& Testament & do Dispose of wt of this wordly Goods it hath
pleased GOD to Bestow upon me in this manner following viz.
Imprimis I do Commend my Soul to GOD yt gave it
trusting in Christ alone for Salvation, I do also Commit my Body to the Earth
to be buryed after a Christian & Decent manner at ye Discretion
of my Execrs, trusting yt it shall be raised at the Last
Day by ye mighty Power of GOD to a glorious immortality—
Item. as to my worldly Goods, my will is that yy
be be disposed of in manner following, my Just Debts & funeral Charges
being first payd.
Imprimis. It Do Give & Bequeath Unto my well beloved Wife
Repentance Lucas a third part of all my moveable Estate & after her to be
divided Equally to & among my four Daughters—
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Son Samll Lucas
my arms.
Item I also Give & Bequeath to my two Sons Samuel and
Elisha Lucas all my wearing apparel, with my Lands, meadows, Houses & Cedar
Swamps in Plympton or Else where (as by Deeds bearing Date ye 27 May
1727) Excepting a Lot of Land in the fifth Great Lot in ye last
Division in Plymouth which Sd Lot I Give to my Wife to be Disposed
as She sees Cause, if not Disposed in her life time after her to be Divided
among her four Daughters
Item. My will is that my Silver money be Equally Distributed
& Divided amongst my Children.
Item I Give to my Daughter Mary the Wife of Jno
Wright the sum of five pounds in Province Bills to be paid by my Executors
hereafter named.
Item. I also Give to my Daughter Bethiah Lucas thirty pounds
in province Bills to be paid by ye Executors; & the Best Bed
& furniture.
Item. My will is yt the Remaining part of my
moveable Estate Except what is Disposed of by this Will, be Equally Distributed
& Divided among my four Daughters, at my decease.
Lastly, I Ordain & appoint my two Sons Samuel &
Elisha my Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, Hoping that this
my last Will & Testament Shall Remain, Utterly Revoking & disannulling
all former Wills & Testaments whatsoever by me appointed & ordained.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand &
affixed my Seal ye Day & year above written.
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye sd
Benoni Lucas to be his Last Will
& Testament In Presence
of us.— Benoni Lucas (seal)
George Barrow
Joseph Lucas
Lazarus Le Baron
Presented for probate and proved on 10 Apr. 1730 by George
Barrow and Joseph Lucas, and on 1 May 1730 by Lazarus Le Baron.
Letters of administration on the Estate of Capt. Benoni
Lucas, late of Plympton, were granted to Saml Lucas and Elisha
Lucas, sons of the deceased, on 1 May 1730.
The Inventory of the Estate of Benoni Lucas, late of Plimton,
was appraised by George Barrow, Nathanael Atwood, and Joseph Lucas on 6 July
1730, and totaled £269.20.11, plus debts due & owing to the estate worth
£209.20.11. Samuel Lucas and Elisha Lucas, the administrators, gave their oath
to the inventory on 16 Sept. 1730.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, pp. 693-696,
788-789, from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Elisha Lucas of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In the Name of God Amen.
Elisha
Lucas of the Town of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in New England, Yeoman,
Labouring under Infirmities of Body, but of Perfect and Disposing memory,
thanks be Given unto Almighty God for the same, but calling to mind the
Mortality of My body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to dye
doe make and Ordain This my Last Will and Testament,
Imprs I Will and Bequeath my Soul unto Almighty God
that Gave it and my body unto the dust to be Decently buried @ the Discretion
of My Executor, and Touching such worldly Estate wherewith God hath blessed me
with I dispose of as follows.
Item
I Give unto my Loving wife Margerett Lucas the Improvment of One third part of
my Homstead and the one Third part of my Meadows Lying on the Southerly Side of
South Meadow River. Togather with one half of My dwelling House So Long as She
continues my Widow. Togather with one Third part of my Moveable Estate, both
within Doors & without after my Just Debts and Funerall Charges are paid
out to be at her Dispose,
Item
I Give to Ruth Lucas Widow of my Beloved Son James Lucas decd. The
Improvment of one Third part of the land and meadow I bought of Collo.
Lothrop Decd. Togather with the Improvment of one third part of the
House and Barn Standing on the same So Long as she continues his Widow
Item I Give unto Samuell Lucas and James Lucas, the two Sons of my
Beloved Son James Lucas decd. Equally between them all My Land and
Meadow I bought of Colo. Lothrop aforesaid, to them or the Surviver
of them, and in case they both Die before they arrive to Twenty one Years of
Age, then the said Lands and Meadow to Return to my three Sons Elkanah Benoni
and Elisha Lucas,
Item I Give unto my Beloved Son Elkanah Lucas the one Half of the Upland
and Buildings on which I now Dwell Togather with a Certain Peice of meadow
Lying, begining @ Abiel Lucas’s Meadow, down Stream to a Certain Criek also an
addition of meadow @ the Oakes, the one half of that Meadow which I bought of
Joseph Pearce & Hannah Pearce, and also a peice of meadow @ the Oakes which
I bought of Jabez Nye and also all my Right in the fifth Great Lott of
Ceaderswamp and also one third part of my right @ the new Meadows lying with
George Barrows & others togather One third Part of my Farming utencills and
one third part of wareing apparell, and also One third part of my Right in the
Furnase
Item. I Give unto my Beloved Son Benoni Lucas a certain Lot of Land @
the New Meadows, which was layed out unto the Right of Thomas Holmes, and also
a Lott of Land in the first Great Lott Joyning to John Murdock’s Land and so To
Crane Brook, with an addition of four Acres & three quarters Lying @ a
place called Rockey Plane; and also all my Right of Ceaderswamp Lying @ the new
Meadows; and also one third part of my meadow @ the new meadows @ a place
called Ransom’s Island; and also a Quarter part of the meadow my Hond.
Father Gave to me, which was Formerly John Morton’s Togather with one Third
part of Right in the furnace & one Third part of my Farming utencills and
also one third part Of My Wareing apparell, and also all my Right in the saw
Mill @ Lamen-ham,
Item I Give unto my Beloved Son Elisha Lucas the one Halfe of the upland
and Buildings on which I now dwell Togather with a Certain Peice of meadow @ a
Certain Criek and So down Stream to Moses Barrows’s meadow; and also Apeice of
meadow On the north Side of the River Lying between Thomas Jackson’s Meadow,
and Moses Barrow’s which was Formerly Jabez Nye’s; and also Three quarters of
my Meadow which my Hond. Father Gave to me, which was Formerly John
Morton’s; and also one third part of my Right @ the New Meadow’s which Lyeth
with George Barrow’s & others and also all my Right of Cederswamp in the
Seventh Great Lott in Partnership with Moses Barrows and others and also One
Third part of my Farming utencills, and one third Part of my wareing apparell, and
also my Gun & Swornd,
Item I Give unto my Daughters Elizabeth Atwood the wife of Frances
Atwood, and Sarah Murdoch the wife of Bartlett Murdoch, Equally between them,
One Third part of Moveable Estate after my Just Debts and Funerall charges are
paid out, this with what I have Already Given them I esteam their Proportion of
My Estate, Lastly I nominate and appoint
my Loving son Elkanah Lucas to be the Sole Execr. of this my Last
Will & Testament, Hereby Revoking all other and former Wills (either writen
or Verbill, by me heretofore made or on, Hereby Ratifying and Confirming this
My Last Will and Testament – to Remain firm and Inviolable, In Testimony
whereof I the Said Elisha Lucas hereunto Set My hand and Seal the Seventh day
of July One thousand seven Hundred & fifty three 1753
Signed
Sealed, Pronounced &
Declared by the Aforesaid Elisha Elisha Lucas (seal)
Lucas to be His Last Will and
Testament, In Presence of us
Moses Barrows
Repentance Bennett
Jonathan Shaw Junr
Presented for probate on 5 July 1756 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Moses Barrows, Repentance Bennett and Jonathan Shaw Junr,
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elkanah Lucas of
Plimton, the Executor, on 5 July 1756.
The Inventory of the Estate of Elisha Lucas late of Plimton
was appraised on 10 July 1756 by Rowland Hammond, Saml. Lucas and
Moses Barrows, but not totaled, his homestead and buildings thereon valued at
£177. Elkanah Lucas, the Executor, gave is oath to the inventory on 20 July
1756.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 130-132, 164-165, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Joseph Lucas
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1741) *
In the Name of God Amen, Joseph Lucas of the Town of Plymton
in the County of Plymouth in New England yeoman, Labouring under many
Infirmitys of body which are Symtoms of Approaching Mortallity but of perfect
& disposeing Memory Thanks be Given unto Allmighty God for the same But
Calling to mind the mortallity of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to dye, Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament—
Imprimis, I will and bequeath my Soul unto God that gave it
me, and my body to the dust to be Decently buried at the Discretion of my
Executor hereafter named nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I
shall Receive ye same again by the Mighty power of God—
Item, I will and bequeath unto my loveing wife Meletiah
Lucas, one third part of my moveable Estate after my Just debts, and funerall
Charges are paid out of them, and also one third part of the improvement of my
real Estate so long as she shall remain my widdow with ye one half
of the profits of my part of a furnace for ye spare of two years
after my decease all which I give unto my Loving wife so long as she shall
remain my widdow (Excepting my part of ye furnace) which is given
unto her for the spare of Two years after my Decease and no longer, But if in Case She Shall Marry again, She
shall have only the Sum of Fifty pounds in bills of Creditt or in moveable
Estate to ye Value thereof Valued Equal to Silver money at the rate
of twenty Six shillings & Eight pence Pr Ounce, to be her own forever and
the Residue of my Estate I dispose of in ye following maner.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my Loving son John Lucas all
that part of my homestead Containd within the following boundaries (vizt)
Begining at a pine tree marked with Stones a bout it on the Southwesterly side
of the way and thence bounded by sd way untill it Comes Three pole
to the Southward of my Dwelling house & thence to Range Such a point of
Compass as will Strike ye South east corner of the Land belonging
unto ye Heirs of Capt. John Dyer Deceased and thence by
the land belonging unto sd heirs untill it comes to a pine tree
which is the Northwest Corner bounds of the twenty acre lott of land I bought
of Thomas Pratt, and thence on a Streight Line unto the bounds first mentiond
with all the buildings thereon Standing, I Allso give unto my sd Son
my Smiths Shop and Tools, And also my meadow at the place Called Little Cove,
and also my Twenty acres of land lying adjoyning unto John’s Pond so Called
which my honourd Father bought of David Evans, I also give unto my sd
son, The one half of my Six Acres of meadow That I have lying at a place Called
Donhams Cove in Plymton afored. I allso give unto my sd
Son the One half of my Seven acres of land I bought of Joseph Cole lying in
said Plymton, I allso give unto my sd
Son One Third Part of my Cedar Swamp that I have in Beaver Dammd Swamp, I allso
Give unto my said Son The whole of my moveable Estate (Excepting) what I shall
Give unto my Loveing son Samuell Lucas in this present Will my Wife’s Thirds,
and Just debts being first paid out allways provided That he his Heirs
Executors, or administrators shall pay or Cause to be paid all my Just Debts
and Such Legacies as I Shall appoint him to pay in this will I Do Give The
aforesaid Land and Meadow Cedar Swamp and moveables Unto my said son John
Lucase and unto his Heirs and assigns forever with my part in a furnace
Standing in Plymton aforesaid as soon as the To years is Expired that my wife
is to improve it as aforesaid.—
Item, I will and bequeath unto my Loving son Samuell Lucas
all that part of my Homestead lying to the Southward of the land I have given
to my son in this will Together with my land and meadow lying on the Easterly
side of ye aforesd way which is Commonly Called the Cove
with all my land lying adjoyning unto Swan hold Cedar Swamp on the Southerly
Side and the land of or belonging unto the heirs of Capt John Dyer
on the north side, Together with my full Share of the Eighty Acres of Land
Granted unto the Children of Joseph Donham Tereaid and allso the one half of my
Seven acres of land I bought of Joseph Cole & also my lott of land I have
lying adjoyning to Crain Brook & South Meadow Cedar Swamp and allso the one
half of my Six Acres of meadow that I have at the aforesd. place
Called Donhams Cove: and allso my acre of meadow That I have lying in a place
Called Pollipody Cove, and allso one third part of my Cedar Swamp Called Beaver
Dam Swamp, and allso One yoke of oxen and all my farming Utensils & Cart
Tackling with the One half of my wearing apparell with my best Gun and Sword,
all the aforesd Land meadows Ceader Swamp and moveables I do Give
unto my sd son and unto his heirs & assigns forever
Item, I Will and Bequeath unto my Loving son Barnabas Lucas
all that my farm I bought of Edward Cole lying in Plymton aforesd.
adjoyning to the
Item I will and Bequeath unto my Loving Daughter Hannah Lucas
The sum of one hundred & Ten pounds in bills of Creditt valued Equal to
Silver money at Twenty Six Shillings and Eight pence pr. Ounce or in
moveable Estate to the Value thereof to be paid her by my Executor within
Twelve months after my Decease, I do allso give unto my said Daughter the
profits or neat produce of One quarter part of a Grist mill untill my Son
Barnabas Lucas Shall arrive to the age of twenty One years as aforesd.
all which sd Sum of One hundred and ten pounds with the improvement
of ye quarter part of the Gristmill as Aforesaid, I do Give unto my
sd loving Daughter and unto her heirs and assigns forever.—
Item I will and bequeath unto my loving Daughter Patience
Lucas The Sum of One hundred & ten pounds in bills of Credit Equal to
Silver money at Twenty Shillings & Eight pence pr. Ounce or in
moveable Estate To the value thereof (That is to say) Eighty pounds there of to
be paid her by my Son Barnabas as aforesd and thirty pounds there of
to be paid her by my Executor within one year after my Decease all which sd
money or moveables I do give unto my Loving daughter Patience Lucas and unto
her heirs and assigns forever—
Item, I Will and bequeath unto my Loving son Samuel Lucas as
an addition of what I have allready given him in this will the sum of Sixty
pounds in money or in Moveables to be paid him by my Executor Equal to the
money Stated in the aforesd. Legacys within Two years after my
Decease which said Sum of Sixty pounds I do Give unto my sd Son
Samuel Lucas and unto his heirs and assigns forever ~~ Item I give unto My
Loving son John Lucas all the Residue of my Estate both Real and personal
whatsoever and wheresoever it may be found he paying my Just Debts and the
Legacies I have appointed him to pay as aforesaid.—
Lastly I nominate and appoint my Loving son John Lucas to be
the Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby Revokeing all other
and former Wills Either written or Verbal by Me heretofore made or done hereby
Ratyfying and Confirming this My Last Will to Remain firm and Inviolable In Testymony wherof I the Aforesd.
Joseph Lucas have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the twenty third day of
February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and forty one
Signed Sealed pronounced Joseph Lucas (seal)
and Declared by the said Joseph
Lucas to be his Last Will
and Testament in presence of us
William Lucas
Benajah Pratt
his
Abraham A.I.
Jackson
mark
Plymo. Sc, Septr 22nd 1742
This will being presented by the Execr for probate The sd
William Lucas Benajah Pratt and Abraham Jackson made oath yt they
Saw sd Joseph Lucas sign Seal and Deliver this Instrument as his
last will & Testament and that they in his Presence at ye Same
time Subscribed as Witnesses and that he was then of Sound mind—
Before me Jno Cushing Judge of Probt.
John Lucas, of Plymton, yeoman, the Executor, was granted
administration of the estate of Joseph Lucas, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 22
Sept. 1742.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Lucas
of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1715) *
To all Persons to whome these presents may Come I Samuel
Lucas - Senr of the Town of Plymouth within the County of Plymouth
in New-England being weak of body through age Sicknes but of proper &
disposing memory & Sound understanding (blessed by God) Yet not knowing how
soon it may please god to Change my Sickness & life to death, do therefore
make and ordain and by these presents I do make & Ordaine these presents to
be my last Will & Testament to stand good & to remain firm &
Inviolable in Manner & form following
Imprs And Will & bequeath my Soul to God which
gave it me and my body to the dust to be decently buried. And for the outward
Estate that god hath given me I dispose of as followeth.
Item I give to my Son Joseph all my lands and meadow to the
Southward & westward of his house and also my Lot of Cedar Swamp in the
first Lott and Lott of meadow in
Swan hole upon Condition Joseph give William a deed of his at Swan hole. And I
give to my wife my homstead dwelling house and out houseing and all my lands
that I have not given to Joseph and my Lott of Cedar Swamp in the Sixth Lott
dureing her life or widdowhood and I do give her leave to Sell my thirty acre
Lott of Land to the northward of Darbys pond if She Standeth in Need and I give
her the best bed for ever, and at her decease or Marriage I do give to my Son
William all my houseing and Lands that I have not given to Joseph, and also one
third part of the moveables I give to William both within doors & without
and one third part of them to Joseph both within doors and without with what he
hath had already and one third part to Patience both within doors and without,
and what that wants of fifty pounds William to make it up when he Comes upon
the land and my wife to have all the moveables til She pleaseth her Childrean
Shall have them or dureing her widdowhood, and I order and Appoint my beloved
wife to administer upon the Estate hopeing this my Will & Testament will be
kept & performed revokeing all other Wills either verbal or written I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal on the fourth day of July 1715 Samll Lucas Senr (seal)
John Doten
Abraham Jackson Senr
PlymSs On the 8th
day of March 1715/16 The Witness John Doten & Abraham Jackson made oath
that they saw the above named Samuel Lucas Sign & Seal & heard him
declare the above written Instrument to be his last Will & testament and
that he then was of a disposing mind & memory to the best of their knowledge
before me—
Nathaniel
Thomas Judge
of
Probates-
The inventory of the Estate of Samuel Lucas, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of William Lucas of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
William Lucas of the town of Plymouth, and county of
Plymouth, in New England, yeoman, labouring under many infirmities of body,
which are symptoms of approaching mortality, but of perfect and disposing
memory, thanks be to Almighty God, for the same, but calling to mind the
mortality of my body, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make and ordain this my last will and testament.—
I will and bequeath my soul to God that gave it me, and my
body to the dust, to be decently buried, at the discretion of my executor
hereafter-named, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of god. ~~
Item. I will and
bequeath unto my loving son Joseph Lucas all my lands both upland & swamp,
which I have lying in the town of Plymouth, lying on the northerly side of the
cart-way that leads from Plimton to Plymouth, with all my buildings thereon
standing. I also give unto my said son the one half part of my meadow at a
place called Four miles brook, with the privilege of fencing on the upland to
inclose said meadow, and to cut shiff on the upland to fence said meadow. I
also give unto my said son, the one half of the meadow that I own in the town
of Plimton, at a place called Swan-hole. I also give unto my said son the one
half part of my cedar-swamp at a place called South-meadow swamp. I also give
unto my said son the one fourth part of my moveable estate, my just debts &
funeral charges being first paid out of them, always provided that he shall pay
such legacies as I shall appoint him in this will, he, his heirs, or
administrators; all the abovesaid lands & meadow, cedar-swamp, buildings, &
moveable estate, I do give unto my said son Joseph Lucas, and unto his heirs
& assigns forever.
Item. I give &
bequeath unto my loving son Benjamin Lucas all my lands lying on the southerly
side of the cart-way that leads from Plimton to Plymouth, with all my buildings
thereon standing. I also give unto my said son all my land at a place called
Four-miles-brook Island. I also give unto my said son my eighty acres lot of
land lying on South-meadow-plain. I also give unto my said son the one half my
meadow lying at a place calld Four-miles brook. I also give unto my
said son the one half part of my meadow lying at a place called Swan-hole, in
Plimton aforesaid. I also give unto my said son the one half part of my
cedar-swamp at a place calld South-meadow-cedar-swamp; I also give
unto my said son, the one fourth part of my moveable estate, my just debts
& funeral charges being first paid out of them, provided that he, his
heirs, or administrators shall pay such legacies as I shall appoint him in this
will, all the abovesaid land, meadow, cedar-swamp, buildings &
moveable-estate, I give unto my son Benjamin Lucas, and to his heirs &
assigns forever. ~~
Item. I give &
bequeath unto my loving daughter Priscilla Robbins, the wife of Eleazer Robbins
the one fourth part of my moveable estate my just debts & funeral charges
being first paid out of them. I also give unto my said daughter twenty pounds
lawful money, to be paid her in money or moveable estate to the value thereof
to be paid her with+ two years after my decease, that is to say, ten
pounds thereof to be paid her by my loving son Joseph Lucas aforesaid, and ten
pounds thereof to be paid to her by my loving son Benjamin Lucas aforesaid.~~
All this I give unto my said daughter Priscilla Robbins & to her heirs
& assigns forever.—
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my loving daughter Mehitable Lucas, the one fourth part of my
moveable estate, my just debts & funeral charges being first paid out of
them. I also give unto my said daughter twenty pounds lawful money to be paid
her, by my loving son Joseph Lucas aforesaid, to be paid her in money, or
moveable estate to the value thereof, to be paid within two years after my
decease, all the above I do give to my said daughter Mehitable Lucas, and to
her heirs & assigns forever.—
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my loving grandson Lucas Donham, son of my loving daughter Phœbe
Donham deced, the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence lawful
money, to be paid him by my loving son – Benjamin Lucas aforesaid, to be paid
in money, or moveable estate to the value thereof, to be paid within two years
after my decease. all this I give unto my grandson Lucas Donham, and to his
heirs and assigns forever.—
Lastly. I nominate
& appoint my loving son Joseph Lucas to be the sole executor of this my
last will & testament, hereby revoking all other & former wills either
written or verbal, by me heretofore made or done, hereby ratifying and
confirming this my last will, to remain firm and inviolable. — In testimony
whereof I the aforesaid William Lucas have hereunto set my hand and seal, the
thirtieth day of August, and in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven
hundred, sixty & nine. 1769.
Signed, sealed, & pronounced, & declared by the William Lucas (seal)
sd. William Lucas to be his last will & testamt.
in presence of us. Samuel
Lucas
Jacob X Doten
Sarah
Doten
Presented for probate on 1 Jan. 1770 by Joseph Lucas, the
executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Lucas and Jacob Doten, two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 304-305, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jedediah Lyon of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In
the name of God amen I Jedediah Lyon of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being somewhat advanced in Life,
and under some decays of body, but of a sound and disposing mind and memory,
blessed be God for the same, wherefore calling to Mind the Mortality of my
Body, & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this to be my last Will & Testament, to remain firm & inviolable
forever, principally & first of all, I give & recommend my Soul to God
that gave it and my Body to the Dust to be buried in a decent Christian Burial
at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but that I
shall receive the same again at the General Resurrection by the mighty Power of
God & as touching such worldly Estate, wherewith it hath pleased almighty
God to bless me with, I do dispose of the same in the following manner &
form (viz) –
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my true & well beloved wife Mary Lyon and to her
Heirs & assigns forever the one third part of all my personal Estate after
my just debts & funeral charges are first paid – And also I give &
bequeath to my said beloved wife the use & Improvement of one third part of
all my Real Estate so long as she shall remain my Widow and no longer; I mean
the same should be for, & I do hereby give them to my sd.
beloved Wife as her right of Dower & power of thirds in my Estate —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Vinal Lyon & to his Heirs and assigns forever
all of my wearing Apparel, which with what Land I have given him by Deed I
consider as his Share in my Estate —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Grandson Isaac Lyon, Son to my Son Lemuel Lyon
deceased, and to his Heirs and Assigns forever, the one half of the Lands &
Meadows lying in my home farm and known by the neck, that is to say the lower
end of said neck (and is the same that I reserved in a Deed that I this day
gave to my Son Vinal Lyon) together with the privilege of passing to & from
said Lands on the neck, reserved in said Deed, I also give to my said Grandson
& to his Heirs & assigns forever about three Acres of Land be the same
more or less & is the same that I bought of Joseph Leonard as may appear by
his Deed bearing Date March the twenty second one thousand seven hundred &
eighty four – the same I give to my said Grandson and to his Heirs and assigns
forever, with this reserve only, that in case that he should die leaving no
lawful Issue, that then in that case, my will is & I do hereby give the
same to all of my Children that are or shall be mentioned in this my last will
or to their lawful Heirs, to be equally divided amongst them —
Item
I will and bequeath to my five Daughters viz Fear Tomson Molly Tribou, Rebecca
Leonard, Phebe Lyon and Lucy Thomas & to their Heirs and assigns forever to
be equally divided between them all of the remaining part & residue of all
of my Estate, furthermore my Will & Desire is that my said Daughter Phebe
should have one Cow towards her share of the abovesd. Estate –
Lastly
my will is & I do hereby appoint my Son-in Law Enoch Thomas as sole
Executor to this my Last Will & Testament – Thus hoping that this my last
will and Testament will be kept and performed according to the true intent
& meaning of the same – In Testimony whereof I the afore named Jedediah
Lyon have hereunto set my hand & seal this third day of April in the Year
of our Lord seventeen hundred & eighty nine –
signed sealed published pronounced
& declared by the said Jedediah
Lyon to be
his last Will & Testament in
the presence of us
John
Murdock Jedidiah Lyon (seal)
John
Murdock junr.
Isaac
Thomson –
Presented for probate on 6 March
1807 by Vinal Lyon, Administrator with the Will of the sd. Jedediah
annexed, and proved by Isaac Thomson Esqr. and John Murdock, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration with the said Will
annexed were granted to Vinal Lyon, (Enoch Thomas the Executor in sd.
Will named having removed from this Commonwealth).
Isaac Thomson Esqr.,
John Murdock Gentleman, and Silas White, yeoman, all of Middleborough, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Jedediah Lyon, late of sd.
Middlebo., Yeoman, on 6 Mar. 1807. The Inventory, dated 11 Mar.
1807, totaled $926.51, including the lands he gave to his Grandson valued at
$505. Vinal Lyon, the Administrator on the Estate of Jedediah Lyon, gave his
oath to the inventory on 26 Dec. 1808.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, pp.
53-54, 442-443, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Obadiah Lyon of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
In the
name of God, amen! I, Obadiah Lyon of Halifax, in the County of Plymouth, being
weak in body but of sound mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God, for the
same, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form
following.
First; I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Sally Lyon, the use and improvement of all
my real estate together with the stock, horse, horse waggon, and farming tools,
until my children are all of lawful age, after which to have the use of one
third part of my Real Estate, with the use of one third part of the stock, or
perhaps it will be better if she and my children can compromise to have one
third part of the net profit thereof, in money or produce of the farm, and also
the use of as much of my Household furniture as she shall judge necessary.
2d.
I give and bequeath to my beloved children, Alpha, Henry C. Frederick, Abigail T. John P.
Lorenzo D. Edwin, Charles P. Pryam, William H. George F. and Lydia C. the residue of my
property of whatsoever name or nature to be divided equally between them, with
the following exceptions: the share belonging to Alpha Lyon to be retained in
the hands of my Executor, to deal out for the use of his family as he shall
judge necessary and also the share belonging to John P. Lyon, to be retained in
the same manner, and dealt out as aforesaid
In
addition to the share of Abigail, I give as a debt for services in the family
the sum two hundred dollars to bear interest from my decease and further, as
much of my dwelling house as will make her a comfortable home, so long as she
chooses to remain there. To my daughter Lydia C. Lyon, I give the use of such
part of my dwelling house, as will make her a comfortable home so long as she
chooses to stay there; the share falling to Frederic Lyon to be reduced fifty
dollars on account of his note for twenty five dollars, and for eight thousand
of shingles, and as the shares are so numerous, a Division of the real estate
would greatly reduce the value of the property I would recommend some one who
is most able, to purchase the shares, and keep the farm as it now is.
If any
of my sons should wish to build a house on the farm, they can have a house lot
by having appraisal and the value thereof taken out of their share.
And I do hereby appoint Edwin Lyon, Executor of this my last
will and testament, revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand seal, this 23d day of
September. 1846.
Obadiah Lyon (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Obadiah Lyon, to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who, at
his request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
Cyrus
Morton
Chas
H. Paine
Mehitable
Bourne
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1846 by
Edwin Lyon, the Executor therein named, and proved by Cyrus Morton and Charles
H. Paine, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 88, p. 465-468, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Phebe Lyon
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it Remembered that I Phebe Lyon of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
Single Woman being weak in body but of sound mind and memory do this twenty
seventh day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty
Eight, Make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following
that is to say, I give to my sister Rebecca Leonard and my sister Lucy Thomas
two sixth parts of all my Real and personal Estate that I may leave at my
decease that is after my Just debts and funeral charges are paid, and the
remaining four sixth parts of all my Real and personal estate, I give to the
children of my deceased Brothers Lemuel Lyon, Vinal Lyon and the children of my
deceased sisters, namely the children of Mary Trilou and Fear Thompson that is
to say that may be at my decease living to have and to hold the same to them
their heirs and assigns forever. and lastly I do constitute and ordain my
nephew Isaac Lyon and Samuel Thompson Esqr. as sole Executors, of
this my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written
her
Phebe X
mark
Signed
sealed published pronounced and declared by the said Phebe Lyon as for her last
will and testament in the presence of us, who at her request and in her
presence hereunto set our names as witnesses to the same
Seth
Eaton
Luther
Murdock
Lewis
Eaton
Presented for probate on the third
Monday in January 1839 by Isaac Lyon and Samuel Thompson, the Executors, and
proved by Seth Eaton and Luther Murdock, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elias Magoun of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1823) *
In the name of God Amen. Be it known that I Elias Magoun of
Pembroke in the County of Plymouth Gentleman, considering the uncertainty of
life, and the certainty of death, being weak in body but of sound &
disposing mind, do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament in
manner & form following. I commend my soul to God who gave it, and my body
to decent christian burial. After the payment of my just debts and expenses I
give all my Personal Estate to my beloved wife Esther Magoun at her disposal,
& the use & improvement of all my real Estate so long as she remains my
Widow. At the expiration of the above mentioned time, I give & devise all
my Property Real & personal, to my four sons Elias Magoun, Calvin Magoun,
John Magoun & Luther Magoun in equal shares, & to their heirs &
assigns forever, I give to my son William Magoun the money expended for his
Education at Brown University.
And I hereby constitute & appoint my beloved wife Esther
Magoun sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament. Given under my hand
& seal this Sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred & twenty three~
Signed, Sealed, & declared to be his last
Will & Testament in presense of us, who at his Elias Magoun (seal)
request & in presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
Anthony
Collomore
Lydia
Magoun
Celia
Hatch
Presented for probate on 7 Sept. 1823 by Esther Magoun, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Anthony Collamore and Lydia Magoun, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Esther Magoun, the before named Executrix.
Benjamin Rogers of Pembroke, Yeoman, Asaph Magoun, Yeoman,
and Anthony Collamore, of Pembroke, Physician, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Elias Magoun, late of Pembroke, Gentleman, on 7 Oct. 1823. The
Inventory of the estate of Elias Magoun, late of Pembroke, dated 26 Dec. 1823,
totaled $4566.93, including his real estate valued at $3448. Esther Magoun, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 17 May 1824.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, p. 331-332, from FHL microfilm
#0550909, and Vol. 58, p. 132-133.
Will of Daniel Maltbie of Branford, New Haven County, Colony of Connecticut (1731) *
The Last will and Testament of Daniel Maltbie of Branford in
ye County of New Haven & Colony of Conecticutt in New England
Yeoman Made this Twenty Second Day of December Anno Domi 1731 is as
follows Viz Calling to mind the
mortality of my body being at present of Parfect mind and memory but Knowing
that is appointed for all men once to Dye Do there fore make and ordain this my
Last will and Testament that is to Say principally & first of all I Give
and Recommend my Soul into ye Hands of God who Gave it and my Body
to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Burial at ye
Discretion of my Executors nothing Doubting but at the General resurrection I
Shall receive the Same again by the mighty Power of God: And as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith
it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of ye
Same in ye following manner & form~~
Imps. I
Give and Bequeath unto my Dearly beloved wife Esther one Third part of all my
Houseing Lands & Personal Estate after all my Just Debts are Satisfied the
real Estate During Life and the personal forever ~~
and then 2ndly I Give and bequeath unto my three
Sons Joseph Daniel & Benjamin all my Housing & Lands and right of Lands
wheresoever and to be Equally Divided between them (including my Wives third
part in Each parcel and in Case Providence Should order it that any one of my sd
Sons Should Decease before he arive at the age of twenty one years than the
Survivers or my Sons Shall have the Same Equally between them and Shall pay to
Each of my Daughters in money or equivalent thereto one Sixth part of that part
of my Estate which Did of right Belong to the Deceased. And my Son Joseph to
have his part in my Housing and Homestead ~~
Itm 3dly My will is that Each of my
Daughters, Esther abigail and martha Shall have out of my Parsonal Estate
(Includeing what Each of them has already had and by me Set out to any of them)
the Sum of one Hundred and thirty pounds apiece and if my Parsonal Estate be
not Sufficient to make up the sd Sums then to be Equally made up to
Each of them by Each of my Sons Surviveing and in Case any of my Daughters
Should Decease before She arrive at Lawfull age to Receive her Part in my
Estate as above then that Part Shall be Equally Divided between my Surviveing
Children ~~
Itm 4thly
my Will is that if my Parsonal Estate after my Just Debts and Widows thirds be
taken out, be more than Enough to Satisfie to my Daughters Each one her part as
above then the remainder Shall be Equally divided between my Surviveing
Daughters~~
and Furthermore I hereby ordain my well beloved wife Esther
& my Son Joseph to be Executors of this my Last will and Testament and to
take Care that all my Just Debts be Justly paid: And Lastly I here by disallow
revoke and Disanull all and Every former Testament wills Bequests and Executors
by me in any ways before Named &c Rattifying and Confirming this and no
other to be my Last will and Testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day &
year above written.
Daniel Maltbie (seal)
Signed Sealed published & Declared
by ye said Danll Maltbie as his Last
will and Testament in presence of us Subscribers
Josiah Frisbie
Uzall Wardell
Samll Maltbie
Proved on 8 Jan. 1731/2 by Capt. Samll Maltbie and
Mr Uzall Wardell before Jno. Russell, Jus. Pac.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Guilford Probate Records, Vol. 2, p. 437-438.
Will of Chauncy Maltby of Rutland, Jefferson County, New York (1863) *
I Chauncey Maltby of the town of Rutland County of Jefferson
and State of New York Aged forty three years and upwards of sound mind and
disposing faculties do make ordain publish and declare this my last will and
testament in manner & form following, that is to say – First I give and
bequeath unto my beloved daughter Mary Lucinda the sum of one thousand and five
Hundred Dollars to be paid her by my son Henry Warren Maltby as hereinafter
provided on the day when she arrives at the age of twenty years or sooner if
she sooner marries, and if she marries before she shall arrive at the age of
twenty years of age then this said sum of one thousand five hundred dollars be
paid her by my said son Henry Warren when she do marries.
Second. I give and bequeath unto my son Henry Warren Maltby
my hill farm containing about one hundred & sixty acres of land purchased
by me of my father Milo Maltby and that he enter upon & have possession of
the same at the expiration of his present term of Service in the Army of the
United States upon his paying to my said daughter the said sum of one thousand
five Hundred Dollars when she arrives at the age of twenty years and if my said
daughter Mary Lucinda shall marry before she arrives at the age of twenty
years, that then the said sum of One thousand five Hundred Dollars be paid by
my said Son Henry Warren Maltby to my said daughter Mary Lucinda on the day she
do marries. – And which said sum of one thousand five Hundred Dollars I make by
this my will an express charge upon the said farm of one Hundred & sixty
one acres of land.
Third. I give and bequeath unto my son Charles E. Maltby the
farm on which I now reside being the same farm purchased by me of Allen Waldo
Containing about one hundred & six acres of land as the farm is now fenced.
My said son always carrying out & perfecting an Exchange of lands made by
me with Orville Brown – which said Exchange makes the said farm as now fenced,
reserving always the spring & its use which is now on the land by me
exchanged with said Orville Brown.
Fourth. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sally Ann
the use of my hill farm until my said son Henry Warren Maltby shall have
completed his term of service in the Army of the United States. Also the use
and control of my farm herein given over and bequeathed unto my said son
Charles E. until my said son Charles E. shall arrive at the age of twenty one
years. My said wife always boarding clothing and Educating my said Children
Mary Lucinda and Charles E. until they respectively arrive at the age of twenty
one years.
Fifth. I appoint my beloved wife Sally Ann Executrix of this
my last will and order and direct that she pay all my debts including my debts
for lands in those of Mortgages or otherwise out of the personal property I may
own at my decease. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
this 9th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred
& sixty three. Chauncy Maltby (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof signed sealed, published and declared by the said Chauncy Maltby as and
for his last will & testament in presence of us who at his request and in
his presence and in the presence of each other subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto.
N. C.
Thompson Watertown N.Y.
John W.
Edwards
Presented for probate on 25 July 1866 by Sally Ann Maltby of
Rutland, the heirs being Sally Ann Maltby, the widow of the testator, Charles
Eli Maltby and Mary Lucinda Maltby of Rutland, children of the testator.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol. 11, p. 134-136.
Will and Codicils of Joseph Maltby of Rutland, Jefferson County, New York (1846) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Joseph Maltby of the town of
Rutland, County of Jefferson, New York, considering the uncertainty of human
life and sensible of the near approach of my great and last change, being of
sound mind, and memory, do ordain and declare, this to be my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following viz: –
First..
I direct
all my just debts and funeral Expenses to be paid out of my Estate –
Secondly –
I give
and bequeath unto my son William all my personal property (Except what I herein
otherwise dispose of) together with the use of Forty acres of the cultivated
part of my Farm on the north side including the buildings and Ten acres of Wood
Land on the back part of said farm – on condition of my being comfortably
supported by my said son William during her natural life –
Thirdly.
I give
and bequeath unto my Wife Phebe the use of the noth part of my house and two
cows, and so much of the household furniture as she owned at the time of our
marriage.
Fourthly.
I give
and bequeath unto my said son William’s oldest son the above Specified property
on the death of my said son William, on condition that his present wife (if
living) shall have her support out of the said property ~
Fifthly –
I give
and bequeath unto my Grandson Grove Hall five acres of land in a Square farm,
and on that part of said farm now occupied, by Gideon Hall, and the remainder
of the household furniture for the benefit of my daughter Lois Hall, during her
life –
Sixthly
I give
and bequeath unto my son Luther The sum of Five Dollars –
Seventhly
I give
and bequeath unto my son Sherman, one Equal half of the remainder of my Real
Estate
Eighthly
I give
and bequeath unto my son Calvin the other half of the remainder of my Real
Estate
Lastly ~
I hereby
name and appoint my Wife Phebe and Orville Brown to be the Executors of this my
last Will and Testament
In
Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal this 28th day of
August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty six [sic]
Joseph Maltby (seal)
The
above Will consisting of one sheet, was now here subscribed by Joseph Maltby
the Testator in our presence, and was declared by him to be his last Will and
Testament, and at his request we hereby sign our names as attesting Witnesses ~
Zenas Shaw
Rutland Jeff Co N Y
A. W. Porter
Rutland Jeff Co N.Y.
I Joseph Maltby do hereby declare the following to be a
codicil to my last Will and Testament and to be taken as a part of it.
November
20th 1844.
I give and bequeath unto my son Milo the aforementioned five
acres of Land, bequeathed in the body of this Will to Grove Hall, on condition
that said Milo shall pay to my daughter Lois, the sum of thirty Dollars in such
articles for her support and at such times as her necessity shall require.
I
give and bequeath unto my son William the use of the whole of my Wood Lot
Excepting the above mentioned Five acres, and on his decease said lot with the
aforementioned Forty acres bequeathed to his oldest son shall be Equally
divided between his two oldest sons on condition that his present wife (if
living) shall have her support on the same.
Joseph Maltby (seal)
The
above Codicil was now here subscribed by Joseph Maltby the Testator in our
presence and was declared by him to be his last Will and Testament, and at his
request we hereby sign our names as attesting witnesses –
Aaron W. Porter of Rutland Jefferson Co. N.Y.
Latan Field of Rutland Jefferson Co N.Y.
I Joseph Maltby do hereby declare the following to be a
further codicil to my last Will and Testament, and to be taken as a part of it.
I give and bequeath unto my Wife Phebe the use of a certain
Man now owned by me as she may require for her own convenience, said Man is to
be Kept by son William, who shall have a right to use the same, whenever said
Man is not used by said Wife.
And I do also bequeath to my said Wife a certain yearling
Heifer, now in my possession to be disposed of as she may think proper.
I hereby revoke the appointment of my Wife Phebe and Orville
Brown as Executors, and do hereby nominate and appoint Aaron W. Porter to be
the Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness Whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of July in the
year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty five
Joseph Maltby (seal)
The above Codicil was now hereunto subscribed by Joseph
Maltby the Testator in our presence, and was by him declared to be his last
Will and Testament, and at his request, we signed our names as attesting
witnesses
Aaron W. Porter residence in Rutland Jeff Co
Ira Brown Residence in Rutland Jeff Co
At
a Surrogates’ Court held in and for the County of Jefferson, at the office of
the said Surrogate, in the town of Watertown, in said County on the 7th
day of September, one thousand Eight hundred and forty six.
Present
Nathaniel P. Wardwell Surrogate
In
the Matter of Proving the Will of the Real and Personal Estate of Joseph
Maltby, deceased,
Be it remembered that on the
Sixteenth day of February A.D. 1846. William Maltby of the town of Rutland in
the said County of Jefferson, and State of New York, came before the said
Surrogate, and made and filed his Petition on oath, Stating and thereby the
said Surrogate was satisfied, that Joseph Maltby late of the town of Rutland,
County and State aforesaid and owning Real and Personal Estate therein had
lately died, after having made and published his last Will and Testament,
disposing of said Estate and therein had appointed Aaron W. Porter of the town
of Rutland, county aforesaid, Sole Executor of said Will.
That the said Joseph Maltby,
deceased, left the following named persons, his heirs at Law and next of Kin.
Viz: Phebe Maltby, Milo Maltby, and William Maltby, of Rutland aforesaid,
Calvin Maltby of the town of Rodman County and State aforesaid, Lois Hall, wife
of Gideon S. Hall of Alexandria County & State aforesaid, Luther Maltby of
the town of Freedonia Chatauqua County and State aforesaid, Polly Rice wife of
Benjamin Rice of the town of Harmony, County and State last aforesaid, Sherman
Maltby of the town of Denmark of the County of Lewis, and State aforesaid, and
Horace Maltby of the town of Caroline, County of Tompkins and State of New
York.
The
Said persons, being all the heirs at Law and next of Kin of the said Joseph
Maltby, deceased.
And
by said Petition it was prayed that said Will might be proved and recorded as a
Will of Real and personal Estate, and that such proceedings might be had for
that purpose as the Law required – And thereupon the said Surrogate being
satisfied of the truth of the matter Stated in said Petition, did issue a
Citation under his hand and official seal bearing date the Sixth day of July
A.D. 1846, directed to the persons above mentioned, Stating their said places
of residence respectively. And that William Maltby, as son named in the last
Will and Testament, of said deceased, had applied for to have the said Will
proved, as a Will of Real and personal Estate – And requiring them to appear
before said Surrogate, at his office, in the town of Watertown of Watertown
aforesaid on the 7th day of September A.D. 1846 at Ten O Clock in
the fore noon to attend the probate of said last Will and Testament
And thereupon the process was
continued until the return day thereof At which last mentioned day and place
the parties appeared in Court before the said Surrogate And it having at the
time and place last aforesaid, been satisfactorily proved that the said
Citation, had been duly served on all the said parties, according to Law, And
that the aforesaid persons were all the heirs at Law and next of Kin of the
said Joseph Maltby, deceased,
Whereupon the said Surrogate did
then and there proceed to hear the proofs and allegation of the parties in the
premises. The said Will and Codicils thereto are produced, and Zenas Shaw, one
of the Subscribing witnesses to the said Will was duly sworn, and testified as
such witness in the premises, and whose testimony after being reduced to
writing was carefully read of to and subscribed by him, and Latan Field a
Subscribing Witness to one, and Ira Brown a subscribing witness to the other of
said Codicils, were also Each duly sworn, and Each testified as such witnesses,
The Testimony of Each of said Witnesses, after having been reduced to writing,
was carefully read over to and subscribed by him – And the testimony of the
said Witnesses to the said Will and Codicils, was recorded as follows, …
Witness
Nathaniel P. Wardwell Esquire
Surrogate
of the said County of Jefferson the day
and
year first aforesaid –
Nathaniel P. Wardwell
Surrogate
I Nathaniel P. Wardwell Surrogate of the County of Jefferson,
do certify upon proofs, and Examinations taken in the County aforesaid, before
me on the 7th day of September A.D. 1846 by the oaths of Zenas Shaw,
Latan Field and Ira Brown, the subscribing Witnesses to the within Will and
Testament, and Codicils thereto, that the said Will and Testament and Codicils
thereto were duly Executed: That the Testator at the time of Executing the
same, was in all respects competent to devise Real Estate and to bequeath
Personal Property, and not under restraint.
And
that the said Will had been proved, approved, Established, and confirmed, as a
good and valid Will of Real and Personal Estate. And I the said Surrogate do further certify,
that the same Will and Testament and Codicils thereto, and the proofs thereof,
are recorded in the Surrogates’ office in the book kept for recording Wills
Testament and Codicils –
In Witness
whereof I the said Surrogate have hereunto set my seal of office, and subscribe
my name the 7th day of September One thousand Eight hundred and
forty six.
Nathaniel P. Wardwell
Surrogate
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby as recorded from Jefferson County Probate
Wills Vol. D, p. 252-260. The date of the will of Joseph Maltby was evidently
transcribed in error as 28 Aug. 1846, but his codicils were dated 20 Nov. 1844
and 3 July 1845, and the will was originally presented for probate on 16 Feb.
1846, so the year the will was executed must have been before 20 Nov. 1844.
Will of William Maltby, Esq., of Branford, New Haven County, Colony of Connecticut (1710) *
I William Malby of Branford esqre. being this 28th
day of august Anno Dom 1710 in ye. ninth year of her Majtys.
reigne sick and weak in body but through the mercy of God of composed mind and
sound memory do make & ordain this my last will and Testament in maner
& forme following ~~
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Soul unto God that gave it
& my body to a decent buriall at the discretion of my Executors hereafter
named, hopeing onely in the merits of Jesus Christ for the pardon of my Sins
and an interest in the resurection of the Just ~
And as for the dispose of that temporall Estate which God of
his Bounty and goodness hath given to me I give and dispose the same as
followeth. — First I give and bequeath unto my oldest sonn John Maltby all that
house and Land which I bought for him at Say=Brook being all the lands I have
there with the appurtenances thereof of which sd House and Lands my Sd.
Sonn now Stands Seized and possessed – Also I give and bequeath unto him my Sd
Sonn John Maltby my Allottment of land which I bought of Capt.
Merriman and Thomas Hall In quantity about one hundred Acres lyeing between the
bounds of Wallingford and Middletowne and an equall Share with the rest of my
Children in my Common and undivided lands within the Towne of Branford to be to
him his heirs & assignes for ever Together with the Severall particulars of
personal Estate which are mentioned particularly in my book of accounts. ~~
It I give and bequeath unto my Grandson William Maltby Son
& heir of my Son William Maltby deceased the sum due to me on ballance of
accompts between me and my Son William Maltby deceased as it Stand in my
account book provided my Daughtr. in law Elizabeth Maltby, nor my Sd.
Grandchild gives any Trouble to my Executors or to any Other Children or heirs
of mine respecting Accompts depending between me & my Sd Son Wm.
Maltby deceased but if they or Either of them gives Trouble respecting any
accounts or dealings Between my Self & my Sd. Son that then the
sd summe due to ballance ye. Accompt between me & my
Sd Sonn shall be paid to my Executors. Also I give and Confirme unto
my Sd. Grandson William Maltby Sixty four acres of land at that
place Called Tibbes Hill in the the third division in Branford aforesd.
— wth. the addition Northward adjoining there unto which sd
parcell of land with the appurtenances thereof I give unto him my Said GrandSon
his heirs and Assignes for ever, It I give unto him a horse Colt & a mare
Colt of two Year old to be paid by my Executors.~~
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Loving Son Daniel Maltby all
that house & land that he now Stands in possession of in the town of
Branford the homlott being in quantity Ten Acres be it more or Less as also all
my land at Mulliners Neck and my divition there also, I further give my Sd
Son Daniell all my land on brushy plaine containing thirteene Acres be it more
or less all which land & appurtenances my will is shall be & remaine to
him his heirs & assignes for ever ~~
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Loving Son Samuell Maltby my
Orchard that lieth Eastward of my now dwelling house in Branford from the
Street to the salt meadow to be to him his heirs and Assignes for ever. ~~
Item I give and bequeath unto my Loving Son Jonathan Maltby
my Mansion house I now dwell in within the precinct of Branford aforesd.
with the homlott of land thereto adjoining and belonging to gether with all
housing buildings, Edifices and appurtenances thereunto belonging the before
mentioned given to my Son Samuell on the Eastward Side of it onely Excepted to
be and belong to him his heirs and Assignes for ever. ~~
Item I Give and bequeath all my Other Lands Arrable pasture
or meadows not heretofore disposed of by me or devised in this my last will
& Testament within the precinct of Branford or else where as the Same Shall
appear on record to be equally divided to & between my My Sonns Samuell
Maltby and Jonathan Maltby and to be and belong to them and their or each of
their heirs and Assignes for ever, ~~
Item I Give unto my Daughter Jane Parker the bed bed stead
hangings and furniture thereof in my Hall which wer her mothers. ~~
Item I Give and bequeath to my aforesd Sonns John
Maltby and Daniell Maltby the remainder of my fourth division Lott beyond
Tibbes Hill part of it being sold to Capt Fowler to be equally
divided between them.
Item my will is yt. my right in Commonage and
undivided land within the Town of Branford be and shall be equally divided to
and among all my Children
Item I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Hoadly my Cupboard with
four drawers and long Table.~
Item my will is that if either or both of my Sonns Samuell
Maltby or Jonathan Maltby Should dye before they arrive to to Lawfull age to
receive their portions given to them that then the part of them or Either of
them above devised shall be and belong in equall parts to the rest of my
Surviving Children ~~
Lastly my will is and I do hereby nominate and appoint my
dear and Loving wife Abigaill Maltby and my Sonn Samuell Maltby to be Joynt
Executrs of this my last will and Testament, and I Give unto my Sd
Deare wife the improvement of one third part of my reall estate during her
naturall life, desireing her to take Care to See my Just debts duely paid, And
I also desire my Loving Brother mr. Samuell Bishop to be Overseer
and give assistance in the execution of this my last will and Testament and Do
revoke all other wills heretofore by me made In wittness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seale in Branford this Twenty ninth day of august Anno
Domini 1710 in the ninth year of her Majesties reigne
I the sd Wm. Maltby Do also bequeath
five pounds to my Sonn John Maltbys Eldest Sonne And five pounds to
each of the rest of my Eldest Grandsons now living to be paid at money Value by
my Executors And also five shillings a peice to each of my Grand Children. ~~
Signed Sealed and –
Published as the last will Wm. Maltby (seal)
and Testament by the
Subscriber in presence
of us.
Jeremiah Osborne
Samuell Pond
Vzall Wardell
her
Miriam W
Pond
mark
Proved by the witnesses on the first Monday of October 1710.
The Inventory of the estate of William Maltby Esqr
late of Branford, dated 2 Nov. 1710, was appraised by Nathanll
Harrison and Thomas Shepard, and totaled £1058.7.10. Samuell Maltby, the Exr.
gave his oath to the inventory.
Mr Joseph Tuttle on the behalf of John Maltby,
Daniell Maltby, David Parker in right of his wife and Abraham Hoadly in right
of his wife, some of the heirs of William Maltby Esqr. late of
Branford deceased desired the Court to Grant Ltrs of Administration
on ye goods and Chattels of ye sd deceased on
the 1st Monday of January 1710/11.
Mr. John Maultbie of Saybrook one of ye
Legatees of Mr William Maultby Late of Brandford Decd Did
Offer ye Evidence of Samuell and Miriam Pond to Shew that through
the Neglect of ye Scribe In writing ye will of ye
sd Decd there was an Omition of Some perticuler Grants to
ye Said John Maultbie and his Brother Daniell: But in So much yt
none of ye Interested pesons were present nor Cited So to
bee = ye Court Do Decline Acting in yt Affair
Jonathan Maultbie Minor Child of Mr Willm
Maultbie Late of Branford Decd Appearing before this Court and
making Choice of Mr Edward Barker of Branford for to be his Guardian
the Court allow said Choice ye Said Barker having Given Sufficient
Bond for A faithfull Discharge of Said trust
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New Haven Probate Vol. 3, pp. 224-227, 234-236, and 246, and
Vol. 4, pp. 62, 66.
Will of Daniel Manly of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In the Name of God amen – This thirteenth day of December in
ye. year one thousand, seven hundred & ninety six, I Daniel
Manly of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts,
yeoman, being infirm of body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be to
God, calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that is appointed to
all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament,
that is to say – first of all, I recommend my soul into the hands of God who
gave it, and my body to the earth, by a decent burial at the discretion of my
Executors, nothing doubting but that at the general resurrection I shall
recieve it again by the mighty power of God, and as touching that worldly
estate which God has blessed me with, I give & dispose of it in the
following manner and form.
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to Sarah Manly my well beloved
wife the improvement of two front rooms in my dwelling house in the old part of
which I have improved myself, with as large a privilege in the Kitchin or back
room belonging thereunto as she shall find necessary for herself, with a part
of the cellar, & chamber as is necessary for to improve, with a privilege
of the well, with one quarter of the corn house & one quarter of the barn
with one half of my orchard, with ten acres of wood land which I bought of
David Dunbar joining on Jacob Dunbar’s land; and my will is that my wife shall
have two Cows kept well, winter & summer & six sheep annually from year
to year by my son Daniel Manly, but not exclusive of her thirds, for if my wife
insists on having her thirds set off, then my son Daniel is not to keep the
Cows nor sheep, all the above is set to my wife to be to hers so long as she
remains my widow, with the use of my side saddle for that term, and no longer.
– I give my wife the part of a Sauce yard, which I have used to raise sauce,
during her remaining my widow, and furthermore I give to Sarah my wife (whom I
constitute with my eldest son Daniel Manly and ordain joint Executors of this
my last will & testament) all the things which she brought to me with her
for housekeeping of whatsoever denomination with what she has bought or made
since; and my will is that my wife shall have two Cows out of my Stock of
Cattle & six sheep, shall have her choice of my Cows, and my will is that
my wife shall have two hundred dollars out of my notes of hand I have by me, to
come into possession of at my decease to be hers, her heirs & assigns
forever, on this condition, that if my wife should marry again, that with this
sum she must quit or give acquittance of my estate to my heirs forevermore
Item. – I Give & bequeath to my eldest son Daniel Manly
(whom I constitute & ordain one of my executors of this my last will &
testament) all my homestead lands (excepting the reserves made in this will of
a part of the improvements) with all the buildings standing thereon (except the
reserves which are made in this will) with my stock of cattle, except two Cows
I gave to my wife, with my Mare with my sheep which are not disposed of
otherways, my will is that my son Daniel shall have all my husbandry tools of
all sorts (excepting an ax & an hoe I give to my wife) my will is that my
son Daniel shall have my new saddle, & furthermore I give & bequeath to
my son Daniel Manly a piece of cedar swamp, containing near three acres be it
more or less, lying in what is called Cooper’s Cedar Swamp, lying in Eastown in
the County of Bristol, all which I do give to my son Daniel, his heirs &
assigns forevermore, with his paying my Daughter Ollif Hayward, the wife of
Joseph Hayward two hundred dollars, which I do enjoin on him to do at my
decease
Item. – I Give & bequeath to my second son Nathaniel
Manly, all my right which I do own in Taunton north purchase, so called, of
undivided land, which I had of my father Thomas Manly formerly living in
Eastown, with all my wearing apparell, to be to him his heirs & assigns
forever –
Item. – I Give & bequeath to my eldest daughter Ollif
Hayward, the wife of Joseph Hayward Four Hundred Dollars, Two Hundred Dollars
are to be paid by my son Daniel Manly on his accepting & improving the
legacy given him in this will, and the other Two Hundred Dollars are to be paid
off by my Executors out of the notes of hand which I have by me, to be to her,
her heirs and assigns forever.
Item – I Give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Manly the ten
acres of wood land which my wife has the improvement of during her remaining my
widow, with eight hundred dollars in Cash, to be paid out of the notes of hand
which I have by me, to be paid by my executors at my decease; my will is, that
if I am taken away leaving this my young daughter under age, or incapable to
act for herself, that the eight hundred dollars, which I gave her shall be kept
at Interest by her Guardian, & my will is that my daughter Sarah Manly
shall have the whole benefit of the interest in any way that is or may be
profitable or convenient to be laid out for her use, and my will is that my
daughter Sarah Manly shall have all my indoor moveables of all sorts of
whatever denomination that are not otherwise disposed of, to be to her, her
heirs & assigns forevermore, & furthermore my will is, that if my wife
should marry again or should die & leave my youngest daughter in single
capacity my will is that my youngest daughter shall have the room in the south
east corner of my house during her single life or remaining so.
Item – furthermore, I give and bequeath to my three
grandsons, these are Daniel Manly ye. 3d. the son of
Daniel Manly junr. & Hayward Manly the son of Nathaniel Manly
& Manly Hayward the son of Joseph Hayward, each of them one hundred dollars
a piece, or one hundred dollars to each of them, to be paid by my executors out
of my State Securities at my decease, to be to them their heirs and assigns.
Item. – I Give & bequeath Fifty Dollars, to be paid out
of my State Securities by my executors to Joseph Hayward my son in law, in
consideration for a piece of my ground of a suitable bigness for a burying
ground in the place where my first wife was buried
Item – I Give and bequeath Fifty Dollars to be paid off by my
executors out of my State Securities, to the use, or for to build a School
House in the English School Rick wherein my habitation lies, when it is wanted
for that use. — there is a pasture of five or six acres that my wife has a
Lease of during her remaining my widow if my son Daniel Manly keeps her Cows;
it is meant he must have the use of that pasture so long as he continues to
keep them for my wife, and no longer – and furthermore my will is, that if
their appears to be any of my estate that is not disposed of by this will, or
any estate that should fall to me by heirship, it shall be equally divided, and
I do make all four of my children equal and sole Legatees of any such estate as
shall appear hereafter to be mine. – And I do hereby injoin on my executors to
pay off all the herein bequeathed legacies, with the securities herein
mentioned, and all my just debts within one year after my decease, with my
funeral charges. And, I do by these presents, utterly disallow, revoke and
disannul all other wills & bequests & executors ratifying this to be my
last will & testament – In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
seal the day and year above mentioned –
Daniel Manly (seal)
Signed, Sealed Published & declared in presence of us
Issachar Snell
Jona. Packard 2d
Perez Packard
Issachar Snell Jr
Abigail Snell
Presented for probate on 3 April 1804 by Daniel Manly, one of
the executors therein named, and proved by Peres Packard and Issachar Snell junr,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Danl. Manly, (Sarah Manly ye other Executor having
refused the sd trust), the before named Executor.
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Esqr Judge of ye Probate
of wills &ca for the County of Plymouth — It being inconvenient
to me to execute the duty of an executor to the last will & testament of my
husband Daniel Manly late of Bridgwater in said county of Plymouth, yeoman,
deceased – I do hereby signify & declare to your Honr. my
refusal to that trust
Dated at Bridgewater this
23d day of March 1804— Sarah Manly
Daniel Howard ye 2d Esqr,
Mark Perkins, Gentleman, and John Tilden, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Daniel Manly, late of Bridgwater, yeoman,
on 3 Apr. 1804. The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Manly, late of
Bridgwater, dated 13 Apr. 1804, totaled $5105.19, including his real estate
valued at $1537.50, and sundry notes of hand totaled $2089.29, a small State
Note, and two United States Stocks. Danl. Manley, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 4 June 1804.
Caleb Howard and Mark Perkins, Gentlemen, and John Tilden,
Yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to set off to Sarah Manly, the widow
of Daniel Manly, late of Bridgwater, yeoman, her thirds or right of Dower in
the Estate of her late husband on 3 June 1805. The division, dated 6 Sept.
1805, was approved on 2 June 1806.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, p. 536-539, from FHL microfilm
#0550720, and Vol. 40, pp. 80-81, 463-465.
Will of Edward Mann of County Kent, England (1702) *
In
the name of God Amen Bee it known and Manifest unto all people that I Edward
Mann of the County of Kent in the kingdom of England Chyrurgions Mate on Board
her Majties Ship the Jersey Capt. Robt.
Stapleston Comander now residing in the Rhode of New York being very weak and
sick at this present yet of sound memory and understanding thanks be to God for
the same have thought fitt to make this my last Will and Testament hereby
revokeing and annulling all former Wills and Testaments by me made Willing that
these presents shall onely be of Force after my Decease First I recomend my
soul to God that gave it me and my Body to the Earth in hopes of a glorious
Resurrection at the Last day.
Item I give unto Stephen Mildman
all my wearing apparell Linnen and Wollen and bedding Item I give all my wages
now due on board her Majties ship the Jersey to be Imployed
for the Defraying of my funerall Expence and Charges Item I give unto my
wellbeloved Sister Martha Mann all my reall estate lying and being in the Pole
of Sheppey in the County of Kent aforesaid and to her heirs and assigns for
ever. Provided and it is my true intent and meaning that she pay or Cause to be
paid out of the same unto my youngest Brother John Mann the sum of one hundred
pounds Sterling money of Engld
Lastly I doe hereby nominate and appoint my trusty friend Christopher
Denne to be the onely Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Wittness
whereof I the said Edward Mann have hereunto sett my hand and seale in New York
this fourth day of September in the first years of her Majties
reign Annoq Dmi 1702.
Edward Mann (seal)
The said Edward Man did also on the
Day abovesaid declare that he gave his Books Sword and all other things not
before Disposed of being in this province unto Mr. Christopher Denne
Wittness his hand and seale Edward Man (seal)
Signed sealed and Published as the
last Will and Testament of Edward Mann in the presence of John Bulkley, Thos.
Simmons, Abrah. Governeur.
On 16 Dec. 1702 the within named
Executor Christopher Denne appears and was sworn to a due Execution of this
Will before me John Bridges Sur.; proved by Tho. Simmons. Letters of
Administration were granted unto Christopher Denne, the Executor, on 16 Dec.
1702.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Wills Vol. 7, p. 64-65, copied from
original Libor 7, p. 57-58.
Will of Belcher
Manter of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, and I trust agreeable to his will, I
Belcher Manter of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth order my Executor,
hereafter to be named, to bury my body with decency, now make my last will and
testament as follows, revoking all other wills & disposition of my estate,
Firstly, I bequeath to Belcher Manter Jr. that part of the
Estate which I purchased of George Thrasher, joining great south pond, &
which is now within fence with all the privileges & appurtenances in fee
simple.
Secondly,
I order my Executor to pay to Prince Manter my son five Dollars if called for
within two years from my decease, as his portion in my estate.
Thirdly,
I order said Executor to pay to David Manter five Dollars, upon the same
conditions, as his portion of my estate.
I
also order my said Executor to pay to Alden Manter, Grafton Manter, &
George Manter, Rebecca Bessey wife of Ephraim Bessey, Catharine Harlow, wife of
Silvanus Harlow, being my children to each one five dollars, to Joseph Sampson,
Rebecca Manter, my two Grandchildren to each the sum of five dollars & all
the above named legacies to be paid upon the same conditions, and to be the
proportion of each legatee in my estate.
Also I bequeath in equal shares all
the rest of my estate to my Grandsons George Manter, Thomas Manter & Prince
Manter Jr. (they paying jointly with said Belcher Manter, my debts &
legacies in equal shares) and I order said George Manter, Thomas Manter, and
Prince Manter Jr., to see that their sisters Lucy Manter & Parnel Manter,
and their brothers Timothy Manter, & David Manter be decently brought up
untill they come of age.
I also order and direct, that in
case either of my Grandsons George Manter, Thomas Manter, & Prince Manter
Jr. decease without issue that his or their share of my estate belong to the
surviving brother or brothers equally.
I
hereby appoint Belcher Manter Jr., George Manter & Thomas Manter to be my
Executors. It is my desire, that in the event of any difficulty in settling my
estate, that my said Executors call in the assistance of the first witness to
this will. Signed sealed & declared to be his last will in presence of
Zacheus
Bartlett at
J.
G. Gleason
M.
Bartlett Belcher Manter (seal)
Signed, Sealed & Declared to be
his last will in presence
of us Z. Bartlett Belcher Manter
Maribah Hackett
H. Bartlett
Presented for probate on 18 July
1825 by Thomas Manter, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by
Zacheus Bartlett, James G. Gleason and M. Bartlett, the witnesses to the will,
and by Zacheus Bartlett, one of the witnesses to the Codicil.
Belcher Manter, one of the
Executors named in the will of Belcher Manter, late of
The Inventory of the Estate of
Belcher Manter, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ruth McLauthlen of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1828) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Ruth McLauthlen of Kingston in the County of Plymouth,
singlewoman, being in a poor state of health, but in a perfect state of mind
and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, this
twenty-eighth day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and twenty-eight, in manner and form as follows, that it to say – After all my
just debts be paid by my sister Rebecca McLauthlen, – that being done I give to
my brother Elisha McLauthlen one silver table-spoon, one Pembroke table, one
Rose blanket, and one pair sheets, and one three pint basin. I give my sister
Mary Stetson one bed, bolsters, & pillows, and one woolen bed-quilt and one
pair of sheets, and my silver bowed spectacles. I give to my brother Robert
McLauthlen one silver table-spoon, one bed-quilt, one pair sheets & chest
of draws, one two quart basin, – and to my niece Judith Soule my plaid cloak,
one blue coverlet, one pair of sheets, and my jewels, and six tea-spoons, and
two pewter porringers – To my niece Ruth Walker one light-stand. To my niece
Pamalea McLauthlen one pair pictures of the Cross and a collar she worked for
me – To my niece Mary J. McLauthlen my waiter – To my nephews Spencer Holmes
Jr. and Jedediah Holmes 3d two dollars each, To my niece Lucia
McLauthlen one white dimity petticoat – To my niece Ann McLauthlen my gold
necklace. and to my sister Rebecca McLauthlen I give all my securities, and all
my property not above disposed of, she paying my funeral charges and all my just
debts, to her use, and I would recommend to her to be prudent of the same, and
to use as much or all of it if needed for her comfort and support – And if at
her decease there should any remain after paying her just debts I wish such
remaining sum to be equally divided between my brothers and sisters, namely,
Elisha McLauthlen, Robert McLauthlen, and Marcy Stetson, and the heirs of my
sister Judith Holmes, into four equal shares. And I do constitute & appoint
my sister Rebecca McLauthlen sole Executor to this my last Will and
Testament. In witness whereof I do
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned.
Signed, sealed, pronounced, and Ruth McLauthlen (seal)
delivered by the said Ruth Mc
Lauthlen to be her last Will and Testament in presence of us
Abner
Stetson Jr
Clarissa
Stetson
Lydia
McLauthlen
Presented for probate on 14 Apr. 1828, and proved by Abner
Stetson Jr., Clarissa Stetson, and Lydia McLauthlen, the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Rebekah McLauthlen, the
Executrix therein named, on 14 Apr. 1828.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 49-50, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Moses Mendall of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1839) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Moses Mendall of Rochester in the County of Plymouth and
State of Massachusetts Considering the uncertainty of life and being of sound
and perfect mind and memory do make this my last Will and testament – First I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Huldah Hall twenty Dollars. Secondly I give
and bequeath to my sons Caleb and Jonathan Mendall equally between them all my
Real and personal estate after paying out the Legacies mentioned in this will
& by paying all my Just debts and funeral charges. Thirdly I give and
bequeath to each of my children not yet mentioned here one cent each and to the
heirs of my son Moses Mendall deceased one cent each. And I hereby appoint my
son Jonathan Mendall my Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament,
hereby revoking all former wills by me made – In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of October One thousand
eight hundred and thirty nine.
Moses Mendall (seal)
Signed, sealed published and declared by the above named
Moses Mendall to be his last will and testament in presence of us who at his
request and in his presence have hereunto set our names as witnesses to the
same.
James Ruggles Wm. Ruggles
John Sampson
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1843 by
Jonathan Mendall, the Executor therein named, and proved by James Ruggles and
William Ruggles, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary granted to Jonathan
Mendall, the Executor therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of Moses Mendall, late of
Rochester, appraised by George Peirce, William Stevens, and James H. Look on 21
Oct. 1843, totaled $1922.76, including his real estate valued at $1550.
Jonathan Mendall, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first
Monday in Dec. 1843, and he was granted license to sell the personal estate of
the deceased.
Jonathan Mendall, of Rochester, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Moses Mendall, late of Rochester, on 4 Dec. 1843,
with David Lewis and Theodore W. Leonard, both of Rochester, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 85, p. 559-563, from FHL microfilm #0555268, and Vol. 1G, p. 266.
Will of Sylvanus
Mendall of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1794)
*
I Sylvanus Mendall
of Rochester in the county of Plymouth, yeoman, being of sound & disposing
mind & memory, calling to mind the certainty of death & the uncertainty
of the time when, do this first day of April Anno Domini, one thousand seven
hundred & ninety four make this my last will & testament, and first
& principally bequeath my immortal spirit to the great father of Spirits,
and my body to its original dust from when it was taken, and as touching my
temporal & earthly estate, I dispose of it in the following manner &
form– vizt
Imprimis— I do Give
& bequeath my wearing apparell to my Son Timothy & I do further give
him the use & improvement of one half my dwelling house & one half of
my orchard & the whole of the remaining part of my homestead farm so long
as he shall keep it in his own immediate possession & no longer and it is
my will that this bequest of improvement both of the half the house and half
the orchard shall cease to have any effect or force, the moment that it goes
out his own immediate possession in any way whatever, this bequest of
improvement is on condition that he does & performs what is in this will
directed for him to do & perform, and I also give to my said Son the use
& improvement of my Land at Popple Island so called, so far as to get fire
wood there for the use of his family & his mother during his natural life,
and I do hereby direct my said son to use & improve my said Homestead to
good advantage & that he annually deliver to my widow during the time of
her widowhood, one quarter part of the produce thereof of every kind & a
sufficiency of fire wood for her use summer & winter cut at the door
seasonably.~
Item– I do give
& bequeath to my beloved wife, all my household furniture & her wearing
apparell, the same to be hers, her heirs & assigns forever, and I do
further give her my farming utensills, she to let my son Timothy improve them
so long as he has occasion for them and they last, & I further give &
bequeath to her, the use & improvement of the Land which I bought of
Ebenezer White, during the term of her widow-hood, and I do further give &
bequeath to my said wife & my Daughter Hannah, as joint tenants, one half
of my Dwelling House & one half of my orchard during the term which the
first remains my widow & then to go to my said Daughter & her heirs and
it is further my will that if at any time my said widow shall be discontented
with what I have ordered my said son Timothy in this my last will to do &
perform for & allow to her, she may relinquish the same & instead
thereof take the use & improvement of one half of my homestead farm so long
as she remains my widow, and it is further my will that after she ceases to be
my widow the same shall revert to my said son to his use & improvement as
aforesaid, and it is further my will that if what is in this my last will given
& bequeathed to my said wife shall prove insufficient for her support, that
in such case my said wife is hereby authorised & impowered to sell so much
of said half of my said homestead which she shall improve, as shall be
sufficient (with what is in this will bequeathed to her) to support her during
her widow-hood comfortably & appropriate the proceeds of such sale to said
purpose, & make & execute a good & lawful Deed or Deeds of the
same.~
Item— It is my will,
that my Executors herein after named do sell all my Live Stock, &
appropriate the proceeds of such sale together with the debts which may be due
to me at the time of my decease to the payment of my just debts–funeral charges
& the charges of settling my estate, and it is further my will that if this
provision should provide insufficient to answer that purpose, that in such case
my Executors sell so much of the Lands which I bought of Ebenezer White as
shall therewith be sufficient therefor & apply the proceeds thereof to that
purpose, notwithstanding any thing in this will which may seem to the contrary
Item– It is further
my will, that if my said son Timothy should die and leave his wife a widow,
that she shall have a home in my dwelling house so long as she remains his
widow
Item– I Give &
bequeath to the eldest surviving son of my said son Timothy one half of my
homestead farm after the death of my said son, the same to be his, his heirs
& assigns forever
Item– I Give &
bequeath to my two Daughters Anna the wife of Joseph Claghan, and Lydia the
wife of Thomas Bassett the remaining part of the other half of my said
homestead (if any of it shall be sold as aforesaid, if not then the whole of
said half) after the death of my said son Timothy, they to hold it as tenants
in common and not as joint tenants, the same to be to theirs & their heirs
& assigns forever
Item– I Give &
bequeath to my Daughter Hannah, with what I have already given her in this my
last will & testament, the whole of the Lands which I bought of Ebenezer
White, excepting any part thereof that may be sold by my Executors as is
directed in this my last will, she to come into the possession thereof at the
time when my said wife shall cease to be my widow, the same to be her & her
heirs & assigns, and if my said Daughter should marry or should die leaving
no issue after the decease of my said wife, and before the decease of my said
Son Timothy, that in such case my said Son Timothy shall have the use &
improvement of the other half of my house & orchard under the same
restrictions as he is to use and improve the first half thereof
Item– I do hereby
constitute & appoint my beloved wife Susannah and Captain Stephen Wing to
be the Executors of this my Last will & testament and if either of them
should die, in such case, the survivor to have, use, and exercise all the
powers of a Sole Executor
Item—I do hereby
nullify and make void all wills heretofore made by me, and do establish this
instrument, as my Last will & testament—In testimony of all which I do
hereto set my hand & seal, this first day of April in the year of our Lord
one thousand, seven hundred & ninety four.–
Signed, Sealed and declared by the said his
Sylvanus Mendall, as his Last will & Sylvanus X Mendall (seal)
testament, in the presence of us the sub-
mark
scribers.
Caleb
Blackwell
William
Reed
Abrm.
Holmes
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1795 by Susanna Mendall, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Caleb Blackwell & Abraham Holmes,
two of the witnesses.
Abraham Holmes Esq., Seth Blackwell, & Nicholas Davis,
yeomen, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Abraham Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1815) *
In the name of God amen. I Abraham Miller of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman, being
considerably advanced in Years but of a sound mind & memory, blessed be God
for the same, wherefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing that
it is appointed to all men once to die I do hereby make & ordain this to be
my last will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever,
principally & first of all I give my Soul to God, that gave it & my
Body to the Dust to be buried in a decent manner at the Discretion of my
Friends and Executor hereafter named in hopes that the same Body will be raised
again at the general Resurrection by the mighty Power of God, and as to such
worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I do hereby dispose of
the same as followeth, Viz –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my true & well beloved Wife Thankful Miller &
to her Heirs & Assigns forever all of my household Furniture including my
Watch & Library also three Cows & one Swine & also my Horse &
Chaise, if I shall own any at my decease, I also give unto her during her
natural Life the use & Improvement of all of my other Estate of all Sorts,
including all of the Balance that shall be found in the hands of my Executor by
his selling real Estate, or otherwise after he shall have paid all of my Debts
funeral Charges & the Expences of settling of my Estate excepting my
Apparel, Money, & debts that shall be due to me at my decease, also
excepting my part of the Lands & Buildings that I own in company with
Thomas Weston Esqr. Wilkes Wood Esqr. my Brother Jacob
Miller & his Sons Elias Miller & Jacob Miller Junr. &
also excepting one half of my Lot of Woodland. furthermore my Will is & I
do hereby give to my said Wife full power & Liberty if she shall stand in
need of it for her own use & comfort to sell & dispose of any part or
all of the personal Estate that I have given her the use of during her natural
Life only & not for her Heirs to be accountable therefor, excepting the
money that shall be paid to her by my Executor after he hath paid my Debts,
Charges and Expences as aforesaid —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Brother Isaac Miller & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever one half of my Apparel for him to come into possession of at my
decease, I also give my said Brother that half of my Lot of Woodland that I
have by this Will given the use of to my said wife for him my said Brother to
come into the possession of the same at the Death of my said Wife.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Brother Jacob Miller & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever the other half of my Apparel for him to come into possession of the
same at my decease –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Nephew Isaac Cushman Junr. & to his
Heirs & assigns forever the one half of all my home Farm & the
Buildings thereon standing for him to come into possession thereof at the Death
of my said Wife, the same I give unto him on condition that he shall well &
truly pay all of the Legaises that I shall hereafter by this Will give &
order for him to pay –
Item I
give & bequeath to Abraham Miller Cushman Son of said Isaac Cushman Junr.
& to his Heirs & Assigns forever the other half of my home Farm &
Buildings thereon standing for him to come into possession of the same at the
Death of my said Wife. —
Item. I
give & bequeath to my Nephew Elias Cushman & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever one hundred Dollars to be paid to him at the death of my said Wife by
the said Isaac Cushman Jr.
Item I
give & bequeath to my Nephew Zebulon Cushman & to his Heirs &
assigns forever all of my part of a Gristmill standing on Nemasket River in
said Middleborough & all of the privileges & appurtenances thereunto
belonging for him to come into possession thereof at the Death of my said Wife
—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Nephews Elias Miller & Jacob Miller Junr.
& to their Heirs & Assigns forever five hundred Dollars in equal halves
to be paid to them at the Death of my said Wife by the before named Isaac
Cushman Junr.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Niece Olive Shaw forty Dollars & to her Daughter
Sarah Miller Shaw thirty Dollars & to their Heirs & Assigns forever to
be paid to each of them at the Death of my said Wife by the before named Isaac
Cushman Junr.–
Item I
give & bequeath to my Niece Sally Morton thirty Dollars & to her
Daughter Susanna Barrows forty Dollars & to their Heirs & Assigns
forever to be paid to them at the Death of my said Wife by the before named
Isaac Cushman Junr—
Item I
give & bequeath to my Nieces hereafter named & to their Heirs &
Assigns forever, as followeth namely to Sally Miller one hundred Dollars to
Olive Reed fifty Dollars to Olive Vaughan fifty Dollars, to Betsy Vaughan fifty
Dollars to Susanna Clark forty Dollars & to Hannah Thomas twenty Dollars,
to be paid to them respectively at the Death of my said Wife by the before
named Isaac Cushman Junr. —
Item I
give & bequeath to Julia R. Foster that now lives with me & to her
Heirs & Assigns forever forty Dollars to be paid to her at the Death of my
said Wife by the before named Isaac Cushman Junr. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Niece Rebecca Cushman & to her Heirs &
Assigns forever fifty Dollars to be paid to her at the Death of my said Wife by
the said Isaac Cushman Junr. –
Item
after my just Debts funeral charge & the Expence of settling my Estate is
paid as I shall by this will order, I give & bequeath to the before named
Jacob Miller Elias Miller & Jacob Miller Junr. & to Isaac
Cushman the third & Joseph Cushman the third, the two last named being Sons
of my Nephew Eliphalet Cushman deceased & to Peter Vaughan & Cushman Vaughan
both Sons of the before named Betsy Vaughan & to their & each of their
Heirs & Assigns forever the Reversion of all of the property both real
& personal of all sorts that I have given only the use & Improvement of
to my said Wife during her natural Life, that she shall not stand in need of
& convert to her own use agreeably to this Will excepting & reserving
what I have otherwise particularly mentioned & given away by this will for
them in equal proportion to come into possession of the same at the Death of my
said Wife –
Furthermore
my Will is & I do hereby order & empower my Executor hereafter named to
take all of my Money that I shall leave & collect all Debts that shall be
due to me at my Decease & if I shall not while living sell my part of the
Land & Buildings that I own in company with the said Thomas Weston, Wilkes
Wood, Jacob Miller, Elias Miller & Jacob Miller Junr. & one
half of my Lot of Woodland, then to sell to the best Advantage at his
Discretion & pass Deeds to convey all of my part of the Lands &
Buildings that I own in company as aforesaid, and also one half of my Lot of
Woodland and take the neat proceeds of said sale & my said Money &
Debts that shall be due to me at my decease & for him my said Executor
first to pay all of my just Debts funeral Charges & the Expence of settling
of my Estate & after paying said Debts Charge & Expence to pay over to
my said Wife, any surplus of Money that shall be left in his hands for her to
use & improve during her natural Life.—
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my Friend Isaac Thomson Esqr.
Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament- Thus hoping that that this
my last Will & Testament will be kept & performed according to the true
Intent & meaning thereof I the before named Abraham Miller have hereunto
set my hand & Seal this sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred & fifteen
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the
said Abraham Miller to be his last will & Testament
in presence of us ~~
Benjm.
Thomson
Jerusha
Thomas Abraham Miller (seal)
Hannah
Macomber
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1817 by Isaac Thomson Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Thomson and Jerusha Thomas,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Isaac Thomson, the before named Executor.
William Bourne, Levi Peirce and Peter H. Peirce, all of
Middleborough, Esqrs., were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Abraham Miller, late of Middleborough, yeoman, on 1 Apr. 1817. The Inventory of
the Estate of Abraham Miller, late of Middleborough, dated 15 Apr. 1817,
totaled $5083.07, his real estate valued at $4223 included his homestead and
buildings valued at $2600. Isaac Thomson Esqr., the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 1 May 1817.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp. 408-410, 453, from FHL
microfilm #0550905.
Will of Elias Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God
Amen I Elias Miller of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being advanced in Years and labouring
under Infirmity of Body but of a sound & disposing Mind and Memory, Blessed
be God for the same, calling to mind the Mortality of my Body & knowing
that it is appointed to all men once to die, I do make & ordain this to be
my last will and Testament, to remain firm & inviolable forever –
principally & first of all, I give my Soul to God that gave it, & my
Body to the Dust to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named trusting that at the General Resurrection, I shall
receive the same Body again by the mighty Power of God & as to such worldly
Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I do dispose of the same as
followeth, namely –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my Brother Abraham Miller & to his Heirs and
Assigns forever about two acres of Cedar swamp lying in Woods Cedar swamp in
said Middleborough and is all of the Cedar Swamp that I own in said woods Cedar
swamp. –
& also one fourth part of all
of my wearing Apparel, I also give unto my said Brother Abraham Miller the use
& Improvement of all of the Land that I own in the little Lot mens purchase
in said Middleboro. and it contains about seven Acres be it more or
less & lyeth westerly on Nemasket River in said Middleboro. I
also give unto said Abraham the use & Improvement of one half of that part
of a Grist Mill that I own standing at a place known by the New Works on said
Nemasket River in said Middleboro. which last mentioned seven acres
of Land & part of a Mill, I give said Abraham the use of, during his
natural Life: I also give & bequeath to said Abraham Miller the use &
Improvement of my part of the Land that I & the said Abraham, Wilkes Wood Esqr.
& Thomas Weston purchased of the first precinct in said Middleborough
during his natural Life –
Item
I give & bequeath to Elias Cushman Son of Isaac Cushman of said Middleboro.
twenty Dollars –
Item
I give & bequeath to Zebulon Cushman Son of said Isaac Cushman twenty
Dollars –
Item
I give and bequeath to Isaac Cushman junr. Son of said Isaac Cushman
twenty Dollars –
Item
I give & bequeath to the three Sons of Eliphalet Cushman late of said
Middleboro. deceased, the Sum of twenty Dollars each of them –
Item
I give and bequeath to Olive Miller Daughter of my Brother Jacob Miller &
to her Heirs and assigns forever one Feather Bed & Furniture suitable for
the same –
Item
I give and bequeath to Sarah Miller Daughter of said Jacob Miller and to her
Heirs and assigns forever forty Dollars –
Item
I give and bequeath to the widow Sarah Morton Daughter of the before named
Isaac Cushman & to her Heirs & assigns forever forty Dollars –
Item
I give & bequeath to Christiana Morton wife of Nathaniel Morton &
Daughter of my late beloved wife Theodate Miller & to her Heirs &
assigns forever twenty five Dollar –
Item
I give & bequeath to my Brother Jacob Miller & to his Heirs &
assigns forever my Bible Watch, Horse and best Hat. –
Item
after my just debts funeral Charges & all expences are first paid then my
Will is and I do hereby give and bequeath all of the remaining part &
residue of my Estate of all sorts to my said Brother Jacob Milles & his
Sons Elias Miller Jacob Miller junr. & to their Heirs &
assigns forever, to be divided equally amongst them, only my Will is & I do
hereby order that if in case that either the said Elias Miller or Jacob Miller
junr. Sons of my said Brother Jacob Miller shall die leaving no
lawful Issue, that in that case the share that I by this Will have given to him
that shall so decease shall descend to & be equally divided between the one
of them that shall survive & Abraham Miller another Son of my said Brother
Jacob Miller furthermore my will is that my said Brother Jacob & his two
Sons namely Elias & Jacob shall by this Clause in my Will hold & enjoy
all of that part of my Estate that I have by this will the use of to my Brother
Abraham during his natural Life, & not to his Heirs & assigns at his
said Abraham’s decease –
And
I do hereby revoke & disannul all former will or wills made by me –
Lastly
my will is & I do hereby appoint my Trusty Friend Isaac Thomson Esqr.
of said Middleboro. sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament –
Thus
hoping that this my last will & Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & meaning of the same, I the before named
Elias Miller have hereunto set my hand & Seal this ninth day of May in the
Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & seven –
Signed sealed published, pronounced
and declared by the before named
Elias Miller
to be his last Will & Testament
in presence of us. Elias Miller (seal)
Joseph
Clark
Josiah
D Foster
Hannah
Macomber
Presented for probate on 21 May
1807 by Isaac Thomson Esqr the Executor therein named, and proved by
Joseph Clark and Hannah Macomber, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac Thomson Esqr. the
before named Executor.
Thomas Sproat, Joseph Clark and
Nathl. Wilder junr. all of Middleborough, Gentlemen, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Elias Miller, late of Middleborough,
Gentleman, on 21 May 1807. The Inventory of the Estate of Elias Miller, late of
Middleborough, was dated 26 June 1807, his personal estate valued at $4006.64,
including $3712.50 in money and notes, and his real estate valued at $1102.25.
Isaac Thomson Esqr., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
6 July 1807.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
88-90, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Francis
Miller of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1746) *
Know all men by these presents that I Francis Miller of the
Town of Middleboro. in the County of Plimouth in New England being
at this present time in health & of sound & disposeing memory and
understanding, blessed be God for the same yet being Sensible of my own
Mortallity & knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to die, Do make
& Ordain this to be my last Will & Testament to remain firm &
Inviolable forever,—
Imprs. I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved
wife Experience Miller the use and improvement of the one third part of all my
Homestead lands and meadows which lyeth there adjoyning together on the
Westerly side of the brooke Called Queen brooke and also the use &
improvement of One third part of the Buildings theron dureing the time She
remains my Widdow. allso I Give & bequeath unto my sd. wife the
Value of Fifty pounds old tenour Out of my Personel Estate to be at her own
Disposeing, Item I give & bequeath
unto my three Brothers John Miller David Miller & Elias Miller & their
Heirs and Assigns forever all the remaining part of my Estate both real and
personal with the debts due unto me, my Just debts & funeral Charges being
first paid out of the Same, the Same to be Equally divided between them Saveing
that my Brother John Miller Shall first have out of the whole the Value of
fifty pounds old tenour more then his Equal part, And my Will is that my
Brother John Miller be Execr. of this my last will & Testament
thus hopeing that this my last Will & Testament will be kept and performed
According to the true intent & meaning therof I Commit my body to the Dust,
and my Soul to God that Gave it. In Witness wherof I the Aforesaid Francis
Francis Miller have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 29th. day of
October One thousand Seven hundred forty & Six—
Signed Sealed & Declared by the Francis Miller (seal)
abovenamed Francis Miller
to be his last Will & Testamt.
In
Presence of us –
Jacob Tomson
Joseph Tinkam
James Faunce
Presented for probate by the
Executor on 6 Apr. 1747, and proved by Joseph Tinkam, Jacob Tomson, and James
Faunce, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Jno.
Miller of Middleboro, yeoman, the Executor, on 6 Apr. 1747.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Francis Miller
late of Middleboro, was appraised by Nathl. Southworth,
John Weston, and Nehh. Washburne on 14 May 1747, and totaled
£2797.8.6, including his home farm with the buildings and fences thereon valued
at £1900. Jno. Miller, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 14 July 1747.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 10, p. 439-441, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will and Codicil of Isaac Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
I, Isaac
Miller of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, being of sound and disposing
mind and memory, do, this eighth day of July Anno Domini One thousand eight
hundred & twenty-six, make this my last Will and Testament, bequeathing my
soul to God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent
Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor herein after appointed, and I
dispose of my personal Estate as follows, viz.
Imprimis, I give to my niece Betsey Vaughan, the widow of
Peter Vaughan, three hundred dollars
2d. I give to my nephew Peter Vaughan, three
hundred dollars.
3d. I give to Cushman Vaughan son of my said
niece, three hundred dollars.
4h. I give to Joseph Vaughan son of my said niece,
three hundred dollars.
5h. I give to my nephew Stillman Vaughan, three
hundred dollars.
6. I give to Betsey Harlow wife of William Harlow, fifty
dollars.
7. I give to Olive Shaw, widow of Saml. Shaw, one
hundred dollars.
8. I give to the widow Sarah Morton my niece fifty dollars.
9h. I give to Susannah Barrows, daughter of Joshua
Morton, deceased, fifty dollars.
10. I give to Isaac Miller Cushman three hundred & fifty
dollars.
11. I give to Olive the wife of Daniel Vaughan one hundred
dollars.
12. I give to Hannah the wife of Hushai Thomas one hundred
dollars.
13. I give to Rebecca wife of John Cushman one hundred
dollars.
14. I give to Zebulon Cushman my nephew two hundred dollars.
15. I give
to Isaac Cushman the son of Eliphalet Cushman, deceased, one hundred dollars
and the debt he owes me.
16. I give to Polly Hall the wife of Nathaniel fifty dollars
17. I give to Hannah Cushman the daughter of Isaac Cushman
fifty dollars.
18. I give to Jacob Miller the son of my brother Jacob three
hundred dollars.
19. I give
to Sally Miller daughter of my brother Jacob thirty seven dollars besides what
I had given here before.
20. I give to Deborah Miller daughter of my brother Jacob one
hundred dollars.
21. I give to Olive Reed daughter of my brother Jacob, one
hundred dollars.
22. I give to Saba Long daughter of my brother Jacob one
hundred dollars
23. I give
to the daughter (not knowing her named) of Betsey the daughter of my brother
Jacob fifty dollars.
24. I give to Susannah daughter of my brother Jacob one
hundred dollars.
25. I give to my cousin Abraham Holmes three hundred dollars.
And I
establish this as my last Will & Testament, and appoint my cousin Abraham
Holmes sole Executor thereof.
In testimony of all which I hereto put my hand & seal the day and date
first abovesaid.
Signed, sealed, & declared Isaac Miller (seal)
by the said Isaac Miller
to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us
Elkanah
Sears
Joseph
Clark
I, Isaac
Miller, signer of the foregoing Will, this sixth day of April, Anno Domini one
thousand eight hundred & twenty seven, being of sound & disposing mind
& memory, apprehending that I have not in the foregoing Will disposed of
all my personal estate (having disposed of all my real estate) do dispose of
the rest and residue of my personal estate as follows, to wit:
First, I
give to Betsey Vaughan my niece, in addition to what is given here in said
Will, one hundred dollars, my chaise, chest & bed, and bedding.
2d. I give to my nephew Peter Vaughan, in addition
to what is in said Will, fifty dollars.
3d. I give to my nephew Cushman Vaughan fifty
dollars in addition to what is given him in sd. Will.
4h. I give to Betsey Harlow, wife of William
Harlow, fifty dollars more
5h. I give to Jacob Miller son of my brother Jacob
the additional sum of fifty dollars.
6h
I revoke two hundred of the dollars given in said Will Stilman Vaughan, and
reduce his legacy to one hundred dollars only.
And I do
establish the said Will and this Codicil thereto as my last Will and Testament,
and revoke all other wills before made by me. In
testimony of all which I do hereto set my hand & seal the day last
abovesaid
Signed, sealed, and
declared by the said Isaac Miller (seal)
Isaac Miller as his last
Will and Testament in presence of us. Elkanah
Sears
Nehemiah
Bennet
Presented for probate on 1 May 1827 by Abraham Holmes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Clark, one of the witnesses to the
will, and Elkanah Sears, the other witness to the Will and also a witness to
the Codicil. Letters of Administration were granted to Abraham Holmes, the
before named Executor.
Benjamin P. Wood, Seth Southworth, and Job Peirce, all of
Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Isaac Miller, late of
Middleborough, on 1 May 1827. The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac Miller, late
of Middleboro’, was dated 1 May 1827, and totaled $5208.09, including $1560.55
in cash, and $3596.21 in Notes on sundry persons, but no real estate. Abraham
Holmes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 May 1827, and he was
directed to sell at public or private sale the whole personal estate of the
deceased not specifically devised in his will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p. 17-21, from FHL microfilm
#0555258.
Will of Jedidiah Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1834) *
Be
it remembered, that I, Jedidiah Miller, of Middleborough, in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being ninety one years of age, but
of sound and disposing mind and memory: and in good health make and establish
my will as follows, viz:-
I
give and bequeath to my grand daughter, Sarah Haskins, the wife of Galen
Haskins, who both now live with me, One thousand dollars, to be paid out of my
personal estate, or real estate, as she and her husband and my other devisees
shall agree, otherwise, in cash within one year after my decease, to her, her
heirs and assigns forever.
And
my will is, that all the residue of my estate, real and personal shall be
equally divided between my Son, Jedidiah Miller, my Grand-son Jedidiah Miller,
the son of my son Jacob Miller deceased, and my Grand-Daughter Sarah Haskins
aforsaid, share and share alike, to hold to them and their respective heirs and
assigns, and for their own use and benefit forever,— My debts and funeral
charges being first paid by my Executors herein named, And I do hereby revoke
all former wills by me made. And I nominate and appoint Galen Haskins, above
named, and Seth Southworth of Middleborough aforesaid, Executors of this my
Will. Witness my hand and seal this
twenty-fifth day of September, in the year eighteen hundred and thirty - four.
N.
B. The name “Jacob,” was erased, and Jedidiah substituted by interlining the
word “my” and the word deceased, interlined before the execution hereof.
Jedidiah Miller (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by Jedidiah Miller to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us, who subscribed to the same in his presence.
Wilkes
Wood
Wm
H. Wood
Charles
W. Wood
Presented for probate on the last
Tuesday of May 1838 by Galen Haskins and Seth Southworth, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Wm. H. Wood and Charles W. Wood, two of
the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Galen Haskins and Seth Southworth, the Executors therein named.
Galen Haskins of Middleborough was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Jedediah Miller, late of
Middleborough, on 9 Apr. 1838, with Joshua Haskins Jr. and Enoch Haskins, both
of Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Jedidiah Miller, late of Middleborough, was appraised by Benjamin P. Wood,
Thomas Lovell, and Nathaniel Staples on 31 Mar. 1838, his real estate valued at
$13,977, and his personal estate valued at $872.95. Galen Haskins, Special
Administrator on the Estate of Jedediah Miller, late of Middleborough, gave his
oath to the inventory on 29 May 1838.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, pp.
164-165, 497, from FHL microfilm #0555265, and Vol. 10A, p. 577.
Will of John Miller 2d of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In the name of God Amen May 16h: 1759 I John Miller the Second of Midleborough in
the County of Plymouth in New England Husbandman being weak of bodey but of a
Sound mind & Memory and Calling to minde the mortallity of My bodey &
Knowing that it is appointed unto all men once To Die Do make and ordain this
my Last will & Testament that is To Say princepally and first of All I
Recommend my Sole into the hands of that God who gave it and my bodey I
Recommend to the Dust To be buried with Cristian burial nothing Doubting but at
the Resurrection I Shall Receve the Same agin by the Power of God all mighty
and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleas’d God to bless me
with in this Life I Give & Dispose of the Same in the following manner and forme
that is To Say
1. it is my will that all my Debts & funeral Charges be
well & Truly paid in Convenient Time after my Decease
2dly. I Give & bequeth unto my well beloved
wife Margret all the Estate all the Goods of Every Sort & Kinde which I had
with her at the Time of her marage and the Improvement of one half of my home
farme til my youngest Son Alexander Comes to ye. age of Twenty one
years and also rpay[?] more to her her heirs and assigns forever and also
Thirteen Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence to be Paid her by my Son
Alexander when he Comes to the age of Twenty years in Case She Remains my
widdow Til that Time
3dly. I Give & bequeth unto my well beloved
Son Ezrah Six & Twenty pounds Thirteen Shillings & four Pence to be
Paid him by my Son John when he is my Son John Comes to the age of Twenty one
years
4thly I Give & bequeth unto my Son my weel
beloved Son John the one half of my Home farme to him his heirs and assigns for
ever and the Improvement of from the Time of my Deceas.
5thly. I Give & bequeth unto my well beloved
Son Alexander the one half of my home farme to him his heirs and assignes
forever to Come into the Improvement of it at the age of Twenty one years Til
which Time the Improvement of the half of my farm to be in the hands of my wife
with home I Leve ye. Care of this my youngest Son
6thly. I Give & bequeth unto my Well beloved
dughter Experiance the Wife of Isaac Bardin Eight Pounds To be Paid her By my
Son John when he Comes to age of Twenty one years as also one third of my
Movable Estate after My Debts are Paid
7thly. I give & bequeth To my well Beloved
Daughter wait Sill, ye. wife of Jacob Tomson Two Thirds of my
movable Estate after my Debts are Paid and Eight Pounds To be Paid her by my
Son John when he Comes To the age of 21 years
8thly. My wearing Apearil I give to Each of my
sons to be Equally divided amst them In cais my well beloved wife
Margrett Should Decese or Marry before my Son Alexander is 21 years I order him
to my Son Ezrah & John five Pounds Thirteen Shillings & four Pence to
Each this Sum at the age of 21 years
Finally I Constitute & appoint my weel beloved frind
Thomas Henery of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Sole Executor of this my
last will and Testament Disallowing all other wills before this Time by me made
and holding This & no other to be my Last will & Testament in Testemony
where of I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day & year above
written
Signed Sealed Published & Panouncd & John Miller (seal)
Declared in Presenc of us the
Subscribers
Benjamin Tucker }
Jabez Cushman }
Lemuel Dunham }
Presented for probate on 4 June 1759 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Benjamin Tucker and Jabez Cushman. Letters of
Administration were granted to Thomas Henery of Bridgwater, the Executor, on 4
June 1759.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Miller the Second late of
Midleborough, husbandman, was appraised on 5 June 1759 by Benja.
Tucker, Elijah Clap, and Jabez Cushman, and totaled £256.7.8, including his
real estate valued at £186.13.4. Thomas Henery, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 15 Oct. 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 286-288, from FHL microfilm
#0551543, and Vol. 16, p. 212.
Will of John Miller 2d of Middleborough, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1794) *
Know
all Men that I John Miller 2d. of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth & Commonwealth of Machusetts Gentleman, being weak of Body yet of
a sound Mind & Memory blessed be God for the same, yet considering that it
is appointed for all Men once to die do make & ordain this my last Will and
Testament in Manner following that is to say ~~
First
I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Zilpha Miller, in the Room of her
legal Right of Dower of thirds in my Real & personal Estate the Improvement
of one third part of all my Lands together with one half of what I now own in
the gristmill & one half of my dwelling house where I now live all for her
to use occupy & improve as long as she shall remain my widow excepting this
privilege, which I shall hereafter in this Instrument give to my Daughter’s in
said premises also I give & bequeath to my said Wife Zilpah as her own
property half of my indoor moveables or Household Furniture & articles for
Housekeeping together with two Cows & six sheep & also to have the
privilege of a Horse to ride at any time when she shall see cause during her
Widowhood free of Expence.—
I
give & bequeath to my Son John Miller 3d. of said Middleborough
all my Real Estate of all kinds excepting such parts thereof as I shall
hereafter in this Instrument give to my Daughters & such privileges therein
as I have already herein give to my Wife aforesaid. Also I give & bequeath
to him my said Son all my live stock & out door moveables together with all
my Dues & Demands on any person or persons, whatever he paying the Debts
& Legacies &c as hereafter mentioned to have & to hold all the
several Rights & privileges as aforesaid to him my said Son John his Heirs
& assigns forever.—
I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Hannah the Wife of Abraham Shaw 2d.
of said Middleborough, one good Cow or the Value thereof in Money & two
sheep or the Value thereof in Money all to be made out of my Estate herein
before given to my Son John–
I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Lydia the Wife of Jacob Wood of said
Middleborough one good Cow & two sheep or the value thereof in Money to be
made out of that part of my Estate herein before given to my son John—
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Zilpah Porter the Wife of James Porter of
said Middleborough one good Cow & two sheep or the value thereof in Money
to be made out of that part of my Estate herein before given to my Son John —
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Priscilla Miller, one good Cow two sheep or
the value thereof in Money, also the value of fifteen Pounds lawful Money in
suitable Ware & Furniture for House keeping to be delivered & made out
to her out of that part of my Estate herein before given to my Son John —
I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Minerva Miller the Value of one good Cow &
two Sheep, or the value thereof in Money also fifteen Pounds value of lawful
Money in suitable Ware & Furniture for House keeping to be paid to her out
of that part of my Estate herein given to my Son John —
I
give and bequeath to my said Son John & my several before named Daughters
to be equally divided between them all the Estate both Real and personal which
may fall to me as an Heir in the Settlement of the Estate of John Miller my
late Father decd —
I
give and bequeath to my several Daughters before named all my Cedar swamp or
right owned by me and my wife in Black brook Cedar Swamp so called, which was
formerly the Estate of John Tinkham my Father-in-Law deceased which lies
Eastward of a Sine beginning at the north east corner of a Piece of Meadow
Ground now owned by George Hackett thence ranging northward the same Course as
said Hacket’s Easterly Line runs untill it strikes Mr Rider’s Meadow
Also all that piece of Meadow in a place in said Middleborough called the lower
Meadow which fell to my wife as an Heir to the Estate of her Father John
Tinkham aforesaid, Also the one half of all the my Household Furniture &
Articles for Housekeeping, all of the several parts & parcels of Estate to
be divided equally amongst them, to have & to hold the same to them their
Heirs and assigns — My will is & I hereby order that my Daughters now
unmarried shall have a privilege of living with my said wife in that part of
the Dwelling-house herein allowed to her as long as they shall live unmarried,
with privileges of Fire Wood delivered at the Door a reasonable proportion with
their Mother, also to each of them as long as they shall live unmarried three
Bushels of Corn & one Bushel of Rye yearly. – Also if my said Wife shall
marry my Will is that she shall return one Cow, which is herein before given to
her, or the value thereof to my several Daughters to belong equally among them
– And my Will is that my Daughters unmarried shall share equal with thier
Mother in the half of the Gristmill as long as they shall live unmarried.– And
my Will is & I hereby order that all my just debts funeral Charges &
Legacies herein mentioned shall be paid by my Son John out of his part of said
Estate —
And
my Will is and I do hereby constitute & appoint my said Son John Miller 3d.
to be Executor to this my last Will & Testament – thus hoping that this my
last Will and Testament will be carefully kept & performed according to the
true Intent & meaning thereof I commit my Soul to God who gave it & my
Body to the dust to a decent Burial. In Witness whereof I the said John Miller
2d. have hereto set my hand & Seal this seventh day of June– In
the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Ninety four.—
signed sealed & declared by the
sd. John Miller 2d.
as his will and Testament in
presence his
of us— John
X Miller 2d (seal)
Seth
Miller
Nehh.
Bennett mark
Joseph
Miller
Presented for probate on 13 Apr.
1808 by John Miller 3d., the Executor therein named, and proved by
Nehemiah Bennet Esqr. & Joseph Miller, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to John Miller 3d.
the fore named Executor.
The inventory of the estate of John
Miller, late of Middleborough, Gentleman, dated 26 May 1808, was appraised by
Thompson Miller, Seth Miller Junr. & George Hackett. His
personal estate was valued at $483.26, and his real estate at $3715.00,
including his homestead at $3500, and his right in his deceased father’s estate
at $100. John Miller 3d., Executor to the Will of John Miller 2d.,
deceased, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 June 1809.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Lucy
Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the Name of God Amen. I Lucy Miller of
Imprimis — All my Debts of which
there are but few, are to be punctually and speedily paid.
Item.
To my Nephew Earl Alden of said Middleborough with whom I now live, I give and
bequeath all my Property and Estate, Real and Personal wheresoever the same may
be found in said Middleborough or else where, to have and to hold the same to
him in trust for the use, profit, and benefit of his children which shall be
living at the time of my decease, and to be controled, managed and improved by
my said Nephew without being subject to the interference or management of his
said children, and without being subject to be called upon by them in any court
of Law or Equity or otherwise for the use which he may make of the same or the
profits which he may receive therefrom during his natural life, my intention
being and I hereby expressly declare it that the benefit which the said
children of my said Nephew may derive from this bequest is to depend solely on
the discretion of my said Nephew, in the view he may have of the circumstances
and necessaties of his said children.—
Item. I appoint my said Nephew sole
Executor of this my last Will and Testament, and hereby direct him to give my
Body Christian burial after my decease and Speedily pay all my just debts and
Funeral charges.— In witness whereof
I have hereto set my Hand and Seal this
sixteenth day of February One thousand eight Hundred and thirty three
Lucy Miller (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared by the above named Lucy Miller to be
her last Will and testament in
presence of us who in her presence and
in the presence of each other have
hereto set our names as Witnesses.
William Nelson,
Abiah N. Perkins,
Hannah F. Nelson,
Probated on 7 May 1833, and proved by William Nelson and Abiah N. Perkins, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Seth Miller of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the name of God
Amen. I Seth Miller of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being
considerably advanced in years & under infirmities of body but of a sound
mind wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to die, I do hereby make & ordain this to be my
last will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever, principally
& first of all I give my soul to God that gave it, & my body to the
dust to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my executors
hereafter named in hopes of a glorious resurection & as to such worldly
estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I do hereby dispose of the same
as followeth (viz)
Imprimis, I give & bequeath to my son Seth Miller junr
& to his heirs and assigns forever all of the lands that I now own that I
hold by a deed of sale dated March thirtieth in the year of our Lord seventeen
hundred & seventy five signed & delivered to me by my honoured father
John Miller late of said Middleborough deceased together with all of the
buildings standing on the same excepting the one half of what I own of the saw
mill its appurtenances and the priviledge of the stream of water that carrieth
said mill. I also give to my said son Seth & to his Heirs & Assigns
forever all of the lands that I hold by a Deed given to me by Thomas Sewal
Ferington & Content his wife dated July the thirtieth day in the year of
our Lord seventeen hundred & seventy five. Also my part of a pew in the
easterly Precinct meeting house in said Middleborough –
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Thompson
Miller & to his heirs & assigns for ever all of the lands &
buildings that I hold by a Mortgage Deed given to me by Nathan Alden also all
of the lands that I now own that I in company with Jedidiah Miller purchased of
Capt Samuel Thatcher reference being had to said Thatchers deed to
me & said Jedidiah dated March thirtieth in the year of our Lord seventeen
hundred & seventy for further description. Also all of the Lands that I now
own that I in company with the said Jedidiah Miller purchased of Paul Pratt
& Jael his wife reference being had to the said Paul & Jaels deed to me
& the said Jedidiah dated January the twelfth in the year of our Lord
seventeen hundred & seventy one for further description.
Item. I give &
bequeath to my Grand daughter Elizabeth Alden and to her heirs & assigns
forever one third part of all my household furniture.
Item. I give &
bequeath to my said two sons Seth Miller junr & Thompson Miller
in equal halves, & to their & each of their heirs & assigns forever
all of the remaining part & residue of my estate both real & personal
including all my money & debts due to me by note or otherwise the same
& also what I have given to them in the former clauses of this my will I
give to them on Condition that they, in equal halves pay all my debts, funeral
Charges & the expense of settling of my estate & on the further Condition
that neither of them shall bring any charge against my estate for any thing
that they or either of them have done or paid for me or become obligated to pay
for me and I further order that neither of my said sons shall be charged for
any thing I have done or paid for them & that no demands shall be made for
or against either of my said sons on my account after my decease.
Lastly, my will is
& I do hereby appoint my said two sons Seth Miller jun & Thompson
Miller joint Executors on this my last Will & Testament thus hoping that
this my last Will & Testament will be kept & performed according to the
true intent & meaning of it. I the before named Seth Miller have hereunto
set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of March in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and Eleven.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & }
declared by the said Seth Miller to be his } Seth Miller (seal)
last will & testament in presence of us }
Zebulin
Vaughan
John
Miller
Isaac
Thompson.
Presented for probate on 5 Aug.
1823 by Seth Miller and Thompson Miller Esqrs, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Zebulin Vaughan, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Seth Miller and Thompson Miller Esqrs,
the before named Executors.
Branch Harlow, Loring Miller and
Nathaniel Atwood were appointed to appraise the Estate of Seth Miller, late of
Middleborough, on 18 June 1823. The Inventory of the Estate of Seth Miller,
late of Middleborough, dated 3 June 1824, totaled $9437.17, including his real
estate valued at $5950, and notes and cash on hand of $3360.50. Seth Miller,
one of the Executors, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1825.
Seth Miller of Wareham petitioned
for the administration de bonis non with will annexed on the estate of Seth
Miller, late of Middleborough, the executor therein named having deceased, on
the fourth Monday of Aug. 1866, with Darius Miller and James G. Sproat, of
Wareham, as sureties, which was granted on 27 Aug. 1866.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, p.
226-228, from FHL microfilm #0550909, Vol. 59, p. 479-480, and Vol. 124, p. 17.
Will of Thomas Mitchel of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In the Name of God amen the Twenty Ninth Day of January 1776
I Thomas Mitchel of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New England being
now of a disposing mind & memory thanks be given to the great God yet
calling to mind the mortallity of the Body & knowing that is Appointed unto
all men once to die do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament i.e
Principally & first of all I do comend my Soul into the Hands of God who
gave it & my Body I recomend to the Earth to be Buried with Christian
decent Burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named As Touching such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I give
demise & dispose of the same in manner & form following that is to Say
—
1t Tis my
Will that all my Debts & funeral Charges be well & truly paid in
convenient time after my Decease ~
2d I give
& Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Kezia the Improvment of all my Estate
both within Doors & without dureing her widow hood & in case she
marries again one half of my indoor moveables Estate to be hers forever ~
3ly I give & Bequeath unto my well beloved
Chilldren Timothy William Thomas Calvin Lusanna & Zilpha Mitchel all my
Lands & Buildings to be equally divided among them excepting that each one
of my Daughters have half so much of sd. Estate as a Brother each
one to come into possession of what is given them my Sons at twenty one Year of
Age & my Daughteers at Eighteen
4thly The remaining part of my Estate not above
disposed of I give to my Chilldren to be equally divided among them ~
5thly Tis my Will and I do hereby constitute and
appoint my Well beloved Brother Nathan Mitchel to be Sole Executor of this my
last Will & Testament disanulling all other Wills before this time made
– In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal the Day & Year above written
Signed Sealed published pronounced
& declared by the Sd. Thomas Mitchel
in presence of us
Nathan Howard Thomas Mitchel (seal)
Jonathan Conant
Edward Mitchel Junr.
Presented for probate on 5 May 1777 by Nathan Mitchel, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Hayward and Edward Mitchel junr,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan Mitchel,
the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Major Thomas Mitchel, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 24 May 1776 by Nathan Hayward, Thomas Wade, and
Edward Mitchell Junr., and totaled £635.12.5, including his
homestead and buildings valued at £360, a 45 acre wood lot valued at £77.10,
and a lot of cedar swamp valued at £24. Nathan Mitchel Esqr, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 July 1777.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 349-350, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Abigail
Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
I
Abigail Mitchell of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Single woman, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make,
ordain and establish this my last Will and Testament as follows,
First. I give and bequeath unto
Martin Swift of said
Second. I give and bequeath unto
Elizabeth B. Perkins daughter of Ornan Perkins my Gold Necklace.
Third, I give and bequeath unto
Amanda S. Perkins, daughter of said Ornan Perkins my large Silver Spoon.
Fourth I give and bequeath unto
Laura Ann Perkins, daughter of said Ornan Perkins my Ear Rings.
Fifth I give and bequeath unto
Eleazer Cole of said
I
hereby constitute and appoint Artemus Hale of said
In witness
whereof I the said Abigail Mitchell have hereunto set my hand and seal this
Eighteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
her
Abigail X Mitchell (seal)
mark
Signed,
Sealed published and declared to the said Abigail Mitchell to be her last Will
and Testament in the presence of the subscribers, who at the request and in her
presence have subscribed the same as witnesses thereto.
Artemus
Hale
Rebekah
J. Swift
Job
L. Morse
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of August 1839 by Artemus Hale, the Executor, and proved by Artemus
Hale and Job L. Morse, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Abigail Mitchell, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Caleb Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1870) *
I Caleb Mitchell of Bridgewater do make & declare this my
last will & Testament.
1. I give to my niece Susan Cushman wife of Noah Cushman,
& daughter of my deceased sister Anna Washburn the sum of one hundred
dollars.
2. I give devise & bequeath to Paulina Mitchell wife of
my son William Mitchell, one undivided half part of all my lands & the
buildings thereon, laying on the North easterly side of the Highway called High
Street & opposite the house where I now live, containing about thirteen
acres & bounded North Easterly by Satucket River, South Westerly by said
Street, & on all other sides by lands of Joseph Hooper.
Also one woodlot of about three & one half acres situated
on the Plain near the Bear Field – adjoining lands of Hezekiah H. Keith &
of Willis Nathan or his son John D. & which lot my son Newton owned at the
time of his decease & which came to me by descent on his death. To have
& to hold the same to said Paulina her heirs & assigns forever.
3. I give devise & bequeath all the rest & residue of
my estate real personal & mixed to my son William Mitchell, To have &
to hold the same to him the said William his heirs & assigns forever.
4. I appoint my said son William Mitchell Executor of this
will.
In witness whereof I hereto set my hand this sixteenth day of
November, Eighteen hundred & seventy.
Caleb Mitchell
Signed published & declared by the said Caleb Mitchell as
& for his last Will & Testament in the presence of us, who at his
request & in his presence have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses, at
his request.
Benjn.
T. Crooker
Williams
Latham
Azor
Harris
Hosea
Kingman
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Oct. 1873 by
William Mitchell, of Bridgewater, the Executor. Letters Testamentary were
granted to William Mitchell, of Bridgewater, on 20 Oct. 1873, with John J.
Howard and Francis D. King, of Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 39, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, ands Vol. 124, p. 522.
Will of Calvin
Mitchell of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Calvin Mitchell of Rochester in
the County of Plymouth of sound and desposing mind and memory do make and
ordain this my last will and testament, I bequeath my Soul to my Creator,
trusting in his mercy for the forgiveness of my transgressions, touching that
portion of worldly estate with which it has pleased God to bless me, I dispose
of it as follows.
To my beloved wife Betsey Mitchell, I give and bequeath all
my Estate Real, and Personal, to her and her heirs forever.— She paying my just
debts, and I constitute and appoint my said wife the sole Executrix of this my
last will and testament, In testimony of which I hereunto put my hand &
seal this eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty four.
Calvin Mitchell (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared in presence of us
M.
H. Ruggles
Benjamin
F. Pope
Charles
J. Holmes
Probated on 4 May 1825, and proved by M. H. Ruggles and
Charles J. Holmes, two of the witnesses. Betsey Mitchell, the appointed
Executrix, declined, and requested that an administrator be appointed on 4 May
1825. Samuel Sprague Clapp, the appointed administrator, notified the court
that he apprehended the estate to be insolvent on 4 May 1825.
Abraham Holmes & Micah H. Ruggles, Esqs, &
Nathl. Clapp, Gent., all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Cushing Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the name of God amen. I Cushing Mitchell of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth Gentleman, do make & ordain this my last will &
Testament in manner & form following-viz.
I give
& bequeath unto my Wife Hannah one half of all my household Furniture as
her own forever excepting my two Desks & Clock. Also I give & devise
unto her the use occupation & Income of one third part of all my real
Estate as long as she remains my Widow in lieu of her Dower excepting the real
Estate I herein after give to my three Daughters. I also give her the use of a
Horse & Chaise to ride as often as she may want it while She remains
unmarried—
I give
and devise unto my two Daughters Alice Harris Wife of Dean. William
Harris and Hannah Whitman wife of the Hon. Ezekiel Whitman equally to be
divided between them all my Land at a place called the Center being about ten
Acres to have & to hold the same to them their Heirs and assigns forever—
I give
& bequeath unto my Son Nahum Mitchell the Sum of five Dollars, which with
what I have advanced for his Education I consider as his Share of my Estate —
I give
to my six Grandchildren the Children of my late Daughter Jennet Bryant Wife of
Daniel Bryant, thirty Dollars each to be paid them as they respectively arrive
to the Age of twenty one Years, or to the Daughters when they shall be married,
whichever Event may first happen, & should either or any of them die before
Age, unmarried & without Issue, such deceased Legatee or Legatees share
shall be equally divided among the surviving Legatees in this clause above
mentioned —
I give
& devise unto my Daughter Celia Keen Wife of Charles Keen a piece of
Woodland in the Swamp on the east side of Sprague’s Hill so called adjoining on
the south side of Bradford Mitchell’s Gore, so called & to extend east
& west on said Gore from shore to Shore, just wide enough to make four
Acres & to be of equal Width all the way, also I give her one hundred
Dollars in Money, to have & to hold the real Estate aforesaid to her her
Heirs and Assigns forever —
I give
& bequeath unto my Son Cushing three hundred Dollars in consideration of
the Services & Labour he has done & performed for me since he was
twenty one years old—
Lastly I
give & devise unto my three Sons, Cushing, Charles & George, all the
rest and Residue of my Estate of every kind, after paying all my just debts
& the Legacies & bequests herein contained to be equally divided
between to have & to hold the same, to them their Heirs and Assigns forever
—
And I do
now appoint my said Son Cushing Mitchell to be sole Executor of this my Last
Will & Testament made the eleventh day of December in the Year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and ten—
Signed sealed & published by the said Testator
as his last Will & Testament in the pre-
sence of us who at his request have hereto Cushing Mitchell (seal)
Set our hands as Witnesses in his presence
Alfred
Whitman
Ephraim
Cary Jur.
Nahum
Mitchell the 2d.
And
I the said Cushing Mitchell this second day of November AD 1818 do make &
publish this Codicil to my last Will & Testament aforesaid as follows –
viz.
Whereas, since making my said Will
I have purchased of my Son Nahum Mitchell about fifty four Acres of Land
commonly called the Hearsey Place, my Will is that my three Sons Cushing,
Charles & George, shall have the same, and I do accordingly devise the same
to them their Heirs and Assigns forever, and it is my desire & Intent that
this be annexed to & made a part of my last will & Testament to all
Intents & purposes In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal this second day of November AD 1818 –
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the
above named Cushing Mitchell as a
Codicil to be annexed to his last
Will
& Testament in presence of ~ Cushing Mitchell (seal)
Samuel
L Keen
Alfred
Whitman
Ephraim
Cary Junr.
Presented for probate on 3 July
1820 by Cushing Mitchell, the Executor therein named, and proved by Alfred
Whitman, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Cushing Mitchell, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, p. 11-12, from FHL microfilm
#0550907.
Will of Edward
Mitchell of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1717) *
In The name of God Amen. The fourth day of February In the
year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundread & sixteen alias Seventeen. I
Edward Michell of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New England Gentleman
being very Sick and weak of body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be
given unto God therefore Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to dye do make and ordain this my last
Will and Testament, that is to Say principaly and first of all I give recomend
my Soul into the hands of God that give it hopeing through the merrits death
& passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon and
forgiveness of all my Sins and to Inherrit everlasting life; and my body I
Comitt unto the earth decently to be buried at the discretion of my Executrix
hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the generall Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as Touching Such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me, I give demise and dispose of
the same in the following manner and form. That is to Say.
First I will that all those debts and duties that I do owe in
Right or Conscience to any manner of person or persons whatsoever Shall be well
and truely contented & paid or ordained to be paid in Convenient time after
my decease by my Executrix hereafter named. Item I give and bequeath unto my
Son Edward my homestead whereon now I dwell with all my houseing and out
houseing being about Seven Score acres be it more or less by the known bounds
of it. more I give also to him my Sd Son a tract of Land lying on the
easterly Side of a Swamp, being part of the Swamp Called by the name of Center
Swamp being about thirty and five acres more or less as also two Lotts each
Containing Twenty acres more or less, lying in a place Called John’s
bridge-neck. Item I give unto my daughter Mary a parcell of Land lying on the
easterly Side of Nathaniel Haywards; part of which being the house &
homestead that formerly belonged to Samuel Hayward being in the whole about
fifty acres more or less, according unto the known bounds, thereof. Item I give
unto my daughter Alce a Certain tract or parcell of Land lying near to a pond
Called Setuckit pond not far from where the Indians now dwell about an hundred
acres of the Same more or less. now my Will is that if iether of these my three
Childrean Should be taken away by death before They arrive to Lawfull Age or
are married that then their part be divided equally between the Surviving
Childrean.
Item I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Alce (whome I
Constitute & by these presents Appoint as Sole Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament) Severall parcells of Land that is to Say the one of them
being the Second Lot in the third division being Thirty acres more or less, the
other being twenty acres more or less lying near to the Lands of Mr
Hearsy of Abbington; the Other being Twenty acres, lying Upon a plain Called
Jonathans plain be the Same more or less. Item I give unto my wife & three
Childrean abovesd. to be equally Improved by them, all my right in
Cedar Swamps at a place Called punkin-bridge & at a place Called poor
meadow-Cedar swamp: I give also to my wife abovesd all my moveables,
as also the Improvement of all the Lands & houseing abovesd
until my Sd Childrean shall Come to Lawfull age; as also a small
pare of Silver money be the Same more or less; as also the fifth part of the
Iron works at a place Called Titicut; with two Small Lotts of Land lying near
to the Same—And further I do hereby utterly disallow revoke & disanull all
former Testaments Wills and Legacies declareing this and no Other to be my last
Will and Testament. and In Wittness & Confirmation hereof I have Set to my
hand and Seal the day & year above written. Further my Will is, and that
before the Signing and Sealing hereof that my wife above named Shall have one
loom in this my now dwelling house dureing her natural life if She Se Cause,
and that my Son Edward after he Come to age Shall yearly pay unto her the Sum
of Ten pounds dureing her natural life if she demand the Same ~~
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared Edward Michell (seal)
by the sd. Edward Michell as his last will &
Testament
In the presence of us the Subscribers — —
Benjamin Allen,
Eliezer Carver, Solomon Pratt
Plym. Ss. On the 24th
day of April Annoge Dom 1717, the above named Benjamin Allen,
Eliezer Carver & Solomon Pratt made oath that they saw the above named
Edward Michell Signe & Seal and heard him declare the above written
Instrument to be his last Will and Testament and that he then was of a
disposing mind & memory to the best of their knowledge before me
Nathaniel Thomas
Judge of Probate
The inventory of the personal Estate of Edward Michell of
Bridgwater…Gentleman, who deceased the fifteenth day of March 1716/17, taken on
April the Nineth 1717 by Josiah Edson, Joseph Hayward, Nathaniel Brett, and
Isaac Johnson, included oxen, steers, cows with calves, heifers, horses, swine,
hides & leather, five beds & bedding, arms and books, etc., and totaled
£814.7, including £421.8 in money and debts due to the estate.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will & Codicil of Edward Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay
(1787) *
In the Name of God Amen—The tenth day of February 1787. I
Edward Mitchell of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New England, yeoman,
being of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to God therefor, calling
unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die do make & ordain this my last will & testament, that is
to say, principally & first of all, I give & recommend my soul into the
hands of God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in
decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but
at the general resurrection I shall recieve ye same again by the
mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this life, I give demise & dispose of the same,
in the following manner & form
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto Elisabeth, my well beloved
wife as her right of dower of my estate, all my indoor moveables, excepting my
wearing apparell & some of my books two cows and a Horse and one third of
the corn grain & provision either growing in the field or stored up in
house or barn at the time of my decease, also all my right in my dwelling house
& a third part of the great barn and Eighty three acres of land whereon my
house is in said Bridgwater, bounded as follows –vizr– on the
northerly side by the lands of Ephraim Cary, and on the westerly end by the
lands of Joseph Alden & John Willis & on the southerly side by the
lands I gave to my son Cushing Mitchell and on the easterly end by the river
(excepting my tan yard, bark house, currying shop, and shoe makers shop &
Smith’s shop, and half my garden as it is now fenced) for her use &
improvement so long as she shall live my widow, for her support, with liberty
to cut Cedar in my swamp for fencing and repairing buildings, and my will is
that what remains of the above mentioned articles, excepting lands &
buildings when my wife’s term is ended, shall be equally divided between my
daughters & Abigail Keith –vizr. Betee Keith wife of Eleazer
Keith one fifth part, Molly Keith wife of James Keith junr one fifth
part, Celia Harris wife of Arthur Harris one fifth part, Sarah Mitchell one
fifth part, and Alice Keith, daughter of John Keith, being my grand-daughter
one fifth part, and if either of them decease before the abovesaid term is
ended, then her share to be divided to her heirs and also my riding carriage
for ye use of my widow during the abovesaid term and then to be my
son Elisha Mitchell’s property—
Item—I Give and bequeath to my son Edward Mitchell my Pew in
the public meeting house in the south Parish in sd Bridgwater and
this, together with the lands which I have before given him by Deed, I Judge to
be his full share out of my estate –
Item—I Give & bequeath to my son Cushing Mitchell, one
half of my Pew in the publick meeting house, in the East Parish in sd
Bridgwater & one half of my tan yard, bark house & Currying shop, as it
is now fenced or with a little enlargement if need be, with their
appurtenances, he paying to my Executor the sum of thirty three pounds six
shillings & eight pence, also one half of my horse stable at the meeting
house, all this, with the land which I formerly gave him by deed, I Judge to be
his full share out of my estate
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Son Elisha Mitchell (whom I
likewise constitute, make & ordain, my sole Executor of this my last will
& testament) and to his heirs & assigns forever, my right in the
dwelling house & barns with the shoe-maker’s shop, and about sixty four
acres of land bounded, as follows, on the northerly side by the lands of
Ephraim Cary, and on the westerly end, by the lands of Joseph Aldens & John
Willis, on the southerly side, by his own land, and on the easterly end by the
river, above set forth to my widow for her dower when her term is out
and all my other lands not disposed of, and one half of my Pew in the public
meeting house in the east parish, and one half of my horse stable, and one half
of my wearing apparell, with my Desk & Josephus’ history and Flavell’s works,
also, my horse & all my money and debts due to me, and the remainder of my
quick stock & farming tools, and out door moveables, he paying all my just
debts, funeral charges and legacies hereafter mentioned.—
Item.—I Give and bequeath to my Son John Mitchell & to
his heirs & assigns forever, one quarter part of my two Lots of Cedar Swamp
which, together with the lands which I formerly gave him a deed of, I Judge to
be his full share out of my estate
Item.—I Give and bequeath to my son William Mitchell, the sum
of Four pounds, to be paid him, in one year after my decease, by my Executor
together with the lands which I gave him a deed of, I Judge to be his full
share of my Estate
Item.—I Give and bequeath to my son Bradford Mitchell, the
full sum of twenty six pounds, thirteen shillings & eight pence, lawful
money to be paid to him or his order, by my Executor with in two years after my
decease, without Interest, this, together with the lands, I have already given
him, I Judge to be his full share out of my estate
Item.—I Give & bequeath unto my son Bela Mitchell, one
half of my wearing apparell, together with what I have given him by deed, I
Judge to be his full share of my estate
Item.—I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Bettey Keith, the
wife of Eleazer Keith, the sum of Fifteen Pounds Lawful Money to be paid to her
in one year after my decease by my Executor, which, together with what I
formerly gave her, I Judge to be her full share out of my Estate—
Item.—I Give and bequeath to my daughter Molly Keith the wife
of James Keith junr. Fifteen Pounds Lawful Money, to be paid to her
in one year after my decease, by my Executor, together with what I have given
her before, I Judge to be her full share of my Estate
Item.—I Give and bequeath unto my daughter, Celia
Harris, wife of Arthur Harris, the sum of Twenty three pounds & eight
shillings, to be paid her in one year after my decease, by my Executor,
together with what I have given her before, I Judge to be her full share of my
Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Mitchell, the
sum of Fifty Five Pounds, to be paid in one year after my decease, by my
Executor, which, I Judge to be her full share of my estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Grand-Daughter Alice Keith,
all what I have in my hands, that was her mother’s, together with Five Pounds
Lawful Money, to be paid her in one year after my decease, by my Executor,
which, I Judge to be her full share of my estate — And I do hereby utterly
disallow revoke and disannul, all & every other former will or testament,
by me, in any ways before named, ratifying & confirming this and no other
to be my last will & testament — In witness whereof, I do hereunto set my hand
and seal, the day and year above written. —
Signed, Sealed, Published & Pro-
nounced by ye sd Edwd.
Mitchell, as Edward Mitchell (seal)
his last will & testament in the
presence of us the subscribers.-
John
Whitman junr.
Ephraim Cary
junr.
Libeus
Washburn
Whereas,
I Edward Mitchell of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth above named, by my
last will & testament above duly executed, bearing date the tenth of
February 1787, did give & bequeath by the fourth bequeathing clause therein
to my late son Elisha Mitchell, all my right in my dwelling house & barns,
with the shoe makers shop & about 64 acres of land, bounded as in said
bequest to said Elisha is above expressed & all my other land not disposed
of, and one half of my Pew in the meeting house in the east parish in said
town, one half of my horse stable, one half of my wearing apparell, with my
Desk, Josephus’ History & Flavell’s works, also my horse & all
my money & debts due to me, & the remainder of my Stock and farming
tools & out-door moveables, on condition of his paying all my just debts
funeral charges & legacies in said will mentioned, & also appointed my
sd son Elisha Mitchell sole Executor of sd will.—Now I do
by this my writing (which I declare to be a Codicil to my sd will,
& direct to be taken as part thereof) revoke & make void the legacy
& devise in & by my sd will given & made to the sd
Elisha (he being since deceased) and I do hereby give, bequeath & devise to
my Grandson Asa Mitchell, son of the said Elisha Mitchell, deceased, all &
singular the goods & chattells, lands & Tenements, rights &
credits, which were in & by said will given, bequeathed & devised to
the sd Elisha, subject to the same condition with regard to debts,
funeral charges & legacies, & in all other respects, as they were given,
bequeathed & devised to the sd Elisha, & I do hereby further
will, constitute & ordain my son Cushing Mitchell my sole Executor of this
my last will & testament of which this codicil is a part (instead of the
said Elisha deceased) as fully & effectually to all intents & purposes,
as if he & no other person had been originally appointed Executor thereof,
and I do hereby further order & direct ye sd Cushing
to pay the sum of £33.6.8— (which he was directed to pay my Executor) to the
said Asa Mitchell, any thing in sd will notwithstanding, and I do
hereby ratify & confirm my sd will & all the gifts, devises,
bequeaths, matters & things therein contained & not hereby altered or
revoked.—In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Mitchell, the testator have
hereunto set my hand & seal, this third day of March, in ye year
of our Lord 1790—
In
Presence of us Edward Mitchell (seal)
the
subscribers.—
John
Whitman junr.
Ephraim
Cary junr
Libeus
Washburn
Presented for probate on 15 Jan. 1802 by Cushing Mitchell,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Ephraim Cary & John Whitman jr.,
two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Edward Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Edward Mitchell of Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth, Gentleman, being of a sound disposing mind do make this
my last Will & Testament, In the first place I recommend my soul into the
hands of God who gave it and my body I recommend to be buried with decent
christian burial at the discretion of my Executor, and with respect to my Goods
& chattels & Real Estate I dispose of the same in manner following,
viz.
Imprimis, I give and
bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Jane Mitchell the use and improvement of all
my household furniture & bedding during her natural life, also a right to a
seat in my Pew in the south meeting house during her natural life.
Item, I give and
bequeath to my four son Edward, Theodore, Ophir & Oreb my wearing apparel,
to be equally divided between them
Item, I give and
bequeath to my three daughters, Jenny Hayward the wife of Edward Hayward, Lucia
Hooper the wife of Joseph Hooper & Eunice Mitchell the wife of Daniel
Mitchell my household furniture to be equally divided between them after the
decease of my wife.
Item, I give and
bequeath to my three sons Edward, Ophir & Oreb, my Pew in the south meeting
house reserved in the deed of my Real Estate to Theodore, excepting during the
life of my wife a seat reserved to her.
Item I give and
bequeath to my son Theodore all my Estate not already disposed of, and I do
hereby constitute my said son Theodore sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, and I do hereby order my said Executor to pay all my just debts,
funeral expenses and settlement of my estate, ratifying and confirming this to
be my last Will & Testament and disallowing all wills by me heretofore
made, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twentieth
day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & four
Signed sealed
published & declared by the said Edward Mitchell to be his last Will &
Testament in presence of us,
Beza Hayward Edward Mitchell (seal)
Silvanus Hall
Charles Tomson
Presented for probate on 18 May 1829, and proved by Beza Hayward,
one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Theodore Mitchell of Bridgewater, Gentleman, on 18 May 1829.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 67, p. 21-23, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Experience Mitchell
of Bridgewater, Colony of New Plymouth (1689) *
These are to publish and declare to all whome it may Concerne
that I Experience Mitchell now living in the Town of Bridgwater in the Colony
of New Plimouth being through the Mercy of God of Sound judgment and memory do
ordaine and make my last will and Testament in mañer following vizt
Into the hands of God I Comend my spirit believingly Resigning up my soul into
the Everlasting Armes of Gods mercy father Son and Holy Spirit—: my Body to be
decently Interred at the discression of my Executor and other Christian Friends
and for my outward Estate I doe will that after all my just debts and funerall
Expences be paid my lands and other moveables be disposed of as followeth xxxx
Imprimis I Give to my Son Edward
Mitchell after my decease all my Lands both upland and meadow lying in the Town
of Duxbury at the place where I formerly Dwelt as appeareth by deed And if it
shall please God So to order that my wife Mary Mitchell Shall Survive me I
require my son Edward to take Care of her for her Comfortable Subsistance
During her Life provided that she will live with him at Bridgwater, but if she
Rather Incline to live at Duxbury I then order that half the Rent of that Land
at Dubury shall be to my wife During her life And after my decease my Son
Edward shall have the sole dispose of it as to the Letting of it out for the
house I acknowledge it to be his; Also the Bed and boulster two pillows one
pair of sheets and two Blankets which are at my son Edward’s and we make use of
I Give them to him after our decease as for my Son John I have formerly Given
him his portion of land, and my will is that he Rest Sattisfied therewith,
which was fourscore acres of upland and four acres of meadow lying at
Namatakeesit within the Township of Duxbury, this is the full of what I Intend
him as to Lands onely there are Severall moveables in his hand at present which
are mine of which one Cowe a short gun a small Iron kettle I Give unto my
Grandson Experience And the Remainder I Give unto my Son John as for my Land
Lying in the Town of Middlebury I Give it to my Daughters Mary Shaw Sarah
Haward and Hannah Haward and to my Grandson Experience Mitchell the Son of my
Son John to be Equally Divided between them. farther I Give to my Daughter Mary
Shaw twenty shillings to hannah Haward forty shillings in Currant pay and if my
Stock Stand I Give to my Grandson Thomas Mitchell one Cowe and to my Grand
Daughter Mary Mitchell one Cow, I leave the dispose of my Grand daughter Mary
Mitchel with my Son Edward and Joseph Bartlett
as for the Rest of my moveables and Chattels I bequeath them to my son
Edward Mitchell whome I appoint and ordaine sole Executor of this my last will
and Testament Revoaking all other wills and Testaments whatsoever Witness my
hand and Seal this fifth of December 1689: [sic—see
note below]
Signed and Sealed in the Experience
Mitchell (seal)
presence of
Thomas Hayward
John Haward
Thomas Hayward and Ensigne John Haward the within named
witnesses appeared before the magistrates of the County of Plimouth at Plimouth
September the 4th 1689 and made oath that they were present and saw
Experience Mitchell deceased above named Sign Seal & Declare this
Instrument as his last will & testament & that to the best of their
understanding he was of disposing mind & memory when he so did.
Attest
Saml. Sprague Clerk
An Inventory of the Estate of Experience Mitchel of
Bridgwater, taken by Ensigne John Haward and Thomas Hayward the 14 of May 1689
lb s
d
Imprimis In Books 00 14 00
In Iron vessels 01 16 00
It; vessels of wood and Earth 00 04 00
It, in pewter 01 00 00
It, one Rundlett 2 Glass Bottles 00 03 00
It, 2 Chests one Box with Severall
tooles 02 00 00
It, in Bedding boulsters pillows
and Covering 06 08 00
It, in sheetes and other Linnen 02 10 00
It in 2 Cows and one mare 04 10 00
It, in my Brother Johns hand
One
Cow one short gun & a small Iron kettle} 02 12 00
£ 21 17
Edward Mitchel made oath before the
magistrates of the County of Plimouth September ye 4th
1689 that the above written is a true Inventory: of the Estate vizt
Goods and Chattels of the above named Experience Mitchell deceased as far as he
Knows and if more shall be discovered that he will Bring it to this Inventory:
Attest Saml Sprague
Clerk
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1828) *
I John Mitchell of
Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman, do make and ordain this my last
Will & Testament in manner and form following, viz.
I give and bequeath
unto my wife Susanna the use and occupation of one third part of all my real
estate during her natural life, to be set off to her out of the estate herein
given to my son Caleb –
I give unto my eldest
son John Holman Mitchell the right and privilege of living in my dwelling house
during his pleasure, and also of sitting in my pew in the Meeting house.
I give and devise
unto my daughter Anna Washburn wife of Nahum Washburn, my undivided half of a
lot of land lying near William Mitchell’s, containing about fourteen acres in
the whole, and lying chiefly on the north side of the road, to have and to hold
the same to her & her heirs & assigns forever –
I give and devise unto
my youngest son Elisha, my undivided half of the Hearsey place, so called,
lying in East Bridgewater, including the land adjoining it, that I bought of
Winslow Hooper, containing in the whole about Twenty five acres, To have and to
hold the same to him his heirs and assigns forever.
I also give him and
his family the right and privilege of sitting in my pew in the meeting house –
I give and devise unto
my second son Caleb all the rest and residue of my estate of every name and
nature where the same may be, to have and to hold the same to him his heirs and
assigns forever. In this devise is included all the lands & buildings which
I have already given him by deed, and also that part of my real estate which I
heretofore had intended for my son John Holman, but after maturely considering
his peculiar circumstances and situation, at his time, I have concluded to give
the same as above to my son Caleb; it is nevertheless my earnest request and
desire, that my son Caleb his heirs and assigns, shall from time to time and at
all times, make such provision and arrangement for my son John Holman as in the
opinion of my son Caleb, his heirs or assigns, will contribute most to his
comfort and happiness, And I do further order my son Caleb out of the estate
herein devised to him, and which he already holds by deeds, to pay all my debts
and legacies, and to set off and provide my wife’s dower out of the same. And I
do now nominate and appoint him the said Caleb to be sole executor of this my
last Will and Testament, sealed with my seal and dated this eighth day of
September in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
Signed sealed
published and declared John Mitchell (seal)
by the said John Mitchell to be his last
Will & Testament in our hearing, who each
of us at his request have hereunto set our hands as
Witnesses.
Nahum Mitchell
S. L. Mitchell
J. H. Mitchell
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1829, and proved by Nahum
Mitchell, S L Mitchell, and J H Mitchell, the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Caleb Mitchell, of Bridgewater, on 7
Apr. 1829.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Benjamin Pope and Thomas Alden of Bridgewater, and Azor
Harris of East Bridgewater, all Freeholders, were appointed to set off one
third part of all the Real Estate of John Mitchell, late of Bridgewater,
Yeoman, to his widow Susannah Mitchell as her dower in said Real Estate on 7
Apr. 1829. The division was dated 17 Apr. 1829, and approved bon 7 July 1829.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 498-500, from FHL microfilm
#0555259, and Vol. 67, p. 372-374.
Will of Joseph Mitchell of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the God Amen; I Joseph Mitchell of Kingston in the County
of Plymouth Yeoman On this Seventeenth Day of October AD 1754 Being in a Weak
and low State of helth, but of a sound and Disposing Mind and Memory Thanks be
Given to God, and Calling to Mind my Frailty and Mortality and that it is
appointed for all men Once to Dye Do make and Ordain this to be my last Will and
Testament, and First of all I Do Give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that Gave it and my Body to the Earth to be Buried in adecent Christain
manner at the Discretion of my Executors, and as to the Worldly Estate or
Goods, God hath Blessed me with in this Life I Do Dispose thereof as Followeth
Imps. I Give and Bequeath unto my loving Wife
Hannah the Use & the Great lower Rhoom in my Dwelling House and Bed rhoom
Adjoyning being the Easterly part of sd House and So much of the
Celler as She shall find Necessary for her own use as also the liberty of
keeping of a Cown of the Farm where I now Dwell & Fire Wood for own use
brought and left for her at the Doore by whomsoever shall Improve said Farm and
the Use of the Garden wher the Peach Trees Stand, and Six bushells of indian
Corn and Two bushells of Rye Yearly and half Barrell pork & Fifty weight of
Beef Yearly, and also the Bed in sd. Great room and Furniture
belonging to it, all the abovenamed to be to her’s so long as She remains my
Widdow, and also the Goods or Houshold Stuff She Brought with her to be
Disposed off by her as she Shall think fitt—
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Joseph One
half of the Whole of my lands on the southerly side thereof with the Fencing
thereon standing Runing from the Country Roade to the Head of the Lands To him
his heirs and assigns forever he paying one half of the Mortgage on the whole
Farm, and also the Bed and Bolster that I have Given to my Wife after she has
Done with it if he Survives her
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my Son Benjamin the Other half of my sd.
Lands on the Northerly side thereof with all the Fencing and Buildings thereon
standing From the Country Roade up to the head he allowing my sd.
Wife her Priviledge as abovementioned To him his heirs and Assigns forever he
paying the Other half of the Mortgage and also all my other Debts that I am any
Ways Indebted and also my newest Bed and Bolster And Stock in the Tanyard
Togather with all my Live Stock on my sd. place and also the Tanners
Tools, and apair of Andiorns in the House with the Slice and Tongs’ and my best
Gun and Sword with one half of my Wereing apparell, and to my son Joseph the
Other half of my Wereing apparell and half of my Houshold Tools and my other
Gun and Sword—
Item And all the Rest of my Personall Estate
that I have not already Disposed of I Give to my Four Daughters Vizt.
Hannah, Sarah, Ruth Phebe & Martha to be Equally Divided amongst them;
Lastly I Doe Nominate John Cooper and my Son Benjamin Mitchell to be my
Executors of this my last Will and Testament and upon the refusall of One of
them the Other to be Sole Executor and Further if Either of my sd. Sons
Shall Fail of paying their Respective Proportion of the Debts So as that there
Should Arrise any Charge on said Estate, my said Executors or either of them
may Sell So Much of said Land as Shall Satisfy & pay his proportion and any
Charges that may Arise through is Failour as aforesaid, In Testimony whereof I
the said Joseph Mitchell have hereunto Sett my hand and Seall the Day and Date
Abovewritten
Signed, Sealed Published &
Declared
To be my last Will and Testament Joseph Mitchell (seal)
In
Presence off
John Sampson
Samll.
Foster
Robt.
Foster
Presented for probate on 3 Feb.
1755 by the Exer. Benjamin Mitchell (the Other Execr.
herein named Vizt. the sd. John Cooper haveing Renounced
the Executorship), and proved by John Samson and Samuell Foster, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Benjamin Mitchell.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 373-375, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Leonard Mitchell of West Bridgewater,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1848) *
In the Name of GOD Amen; I Leonard Mitchell of West
Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, Yeoman, Being
weak in Body but of a sound & disposing mind for which blessing I return
thanks to Almighty GOD, do this Twenty second day of June in the Year of our
LORD One thousand Eight hundred & Forty eight, make publish & declare
this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament.
Item. I order that all
my just debts and Funeral Charges be paid by my Executor herein after named
& the several Legacies herein after bequeathed be discharges by him, in the
manner hereafter described.
Item. I give, demise
& bequeath to my Grand children Oren Smith, Lewis A. Smith, & George A.
Smith all my Lands in Easton, in the County of Bristol, equally except the
right of Improvement of said Lands as I shall hereinafter describe.
Item, I give my Son in Law Elijah Smith & my Daughter
Mary S. Smith an undivided right of the improvement of all my Lands in Easton
in the County of Bristol during their natural lives with the priviledge of
Cutting and Carrying away the Wood at their pleasure.
Lastly. As to all the
rest, residue and remainder of my Estate, Real, personal and mixed of whatever
description or wherever situated (meaning all Lands &c not herein otherwise
disposed of) I give, demise & bequeath the Same to my Daughter Mary S.
Smith her Heirs & Assigns forever she paying all my just debts charges
& legacies. And I do hereby ordain,
constitute & appoint my Son in Law Elijah Smith Executor of this my last
Will & Testament hereby revoking, disallowing & annulling all other
& former Wills and Establishing this only as my last Will & Testament,
the day and Year first Written
Leonard Mitchell (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the
Said Leonard Mitchell the Testator as and for his last Will & Testament in
the presence of us who by his request in his presence and in the presence of
each other subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto at the same time.
Caleb
Howard
Josiah
Tisdale
George
Howard
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of July 1856 by
Elijah Smith, the Executor therein named, and proved by Caleb Howard and George
Howard, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary granted
to Elijah Smith, the Executor.
Elijah Smith of West Bridgewater was granted Letters
Testamentary on the Estate of Leonard Mitchell, late of West Bridgewater,
yeoman, on 29 July 1856, with Caleb Howard and George Howard, of West
Bridgewater, as sureties.
Caleb Howard, George Howard and William Winship, all of West
Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the estate of Leonard Mitchell, late of
West Bridgewater, on 29 July 1856.
The Inventory of the Estate of Leonard Mitchell, late of W.
Bridgewater, totaled $1436.75, including his 25 acres of woodland lying in
Easton valued at $525, and his land and dwelling house in West Bridgewater
valued at $800, but was not dated. Elijah Smith, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on the last Tuesday of Feb. 1857.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 98, p. 310-312, from FHL microfilm #0555643, Vol. 2H, p. 519, and
Vol. 99, p. 38.
Will of Molly Mitchell of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Kingston July 14th. 1843.
Be it
known to all whom it may concern, that I Molly Mitchell, of Kingston, in
Plymouth County, single woman, do hereby make this my last Will and Testament,
viz: –
I give
and devise to my sister Sarah Mitchell, all my estate and property, of every
name and kind, and it is my last request, if any part of the same remain in her
hands at her decease, that she give the same to such of my relatives, as are in
her judgment most needy and prudent.
And I
hereby appoint David Beal, of Kingston Plymouth County, to be my Executor to
this my last Will and Testament, allowing him the sum of fifteen dollars, for
his care and personal services, in performing the trust hereby confirmed upon
him.
her
Molly +
Mitchell (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed,
and published by Molly Mitchell as her will, in our presence, who subscribed
the same as witnesses in her presence and in presence of each other.
Horace
L. Collamore
Charles
Brown
Thomas
Beal
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1846 by
David Beal, the Executor therein named, and proved by Charles Brown and Thomas
Beal, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were
granted to David Beal, the Executor.
David Beal, of Kingston, was granted administration with Will
annexed of the Estate of Molly Mitchell, late of Kingston, Singlewoman, on 13
Apr. 1846, with Joseph S. Beal and Charles Brown, both of Kingston, as
sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of Molly Mitchell, late of
Kingston, singlewoman, was appraised on 21 Apr. 1846 by Joseph S. Beal,
Alexander Holmes, and Jas. N. Sever, and totaled $839.12, no real estate. David
Beal, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the second Monday of Aug.
1846.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 88, pp. 159-160, 374-375, from FHL
microfilm #0555638, and Vol. 2H, p. 69.
Will of Nahum Mitchell, Esq., of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853) *
I
Nahum Mitchell of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth do make and
declare my last Will and Testament as follows.
I
give and bequeath unto my wife Nabby if she survive me, all the use, interest,
income and rent of my estate, both real and personal, during her life.
I
order my Executor, as Trustee, to deliver semi-annually to my son Silvanus L.
Mitchell thirty dollars during his life, and after him to pay over the
principal, namely, one thousand dollars, to his two sons Edward and Morton, in
equal moieties; and in asmuch as he, my son, is to have the house and land from
his mother where he now lives during his life, and which after him is to go to
his heirs, I consider this as much as I can do for him; and if my Executer
decline or resign said trust or die before it be fully executed I authorize the
Judge of Probate to appoint another, and even another if there be like
occasion.
I
give to my daughter Mary O. Ames wife of David Ames Esq. of Springfield one
thousand and eighty dollars; and to my daughter Elizabeth C. Hyde wife of
Nathan D. Hyde one thousand dollars with all arrearages of interest due to each
at my decease and until paid.
I
give to my son James Henry one thousand dollars, in lieu of the thousand
dollars given by my grandson William Davis deceased to my wife, his
grandmother, with a verbal intimation that it should after her death be paid
over to his uncle James: not to be so paid over therefore till after her death.
And
whereas my two daughter aforesaid, namely Mary and Elizabeth, each retain their
one undivided fifth part of a large tract of woodland lying north east of our
meeting-house, being about fifty five acres or more, that was their grandfather
Lazell’s, of which tract I own the other three fifths, I do now give and devise
the whole of it and all my other woodland, and all the rest and residue of my
estate whatever and wherever it may be to my three children aforesaid in fee,
to wit, Mary, Elizabeth and James, to be equally divided and enjoyed between
them, including the two fifths aforesaid with the rest, which will be to each
five fifteenths of the whole, or one third.
And
all I have herein given to each of my daughters I give her to hold and enjoy by
herself without the intervention of a Trustee and without the interference or
control of her husband.
And
all the bequests and devises herein given, except that to my wife and the
interest directed to be paid to my daughters, are not to be paid or reduced to
possession till after the death of my wife.
As
to my grand daughters Abby M. Hall and Elizabeth B. Andrews, of Plymouth,
daughters of my eldest child Harriet late wife of the Hon. Nathaniel M. Davis
deceased, knowing how amply they have been provided for by their father, and
considering the condition of my surviving children, I make no bequest to them,
resting in the hope they will be content and attribute the omission to no want
of affection.
The
foregoing legacies and devised are each made on the condition that no account
or claim of any kind be made against my estate by any legatee or devisee
mentioned herein, and I do on the same understanding, cancel and hereby
discharge all book accounts, notes and other claims I may have against either
of them; except mortgage notes.
And
I do now appoint my brother Cushing Mitchell Esq. to be sole of this my last
Will and Testament made this 28th day of March 1853.
Nahum Mitchell (seal)
Declared by the Testator to be his last
Will and Testament before us, who at his request have hereto set our hands as
Witnesses.
H. O. A. Orr
Isaac Nutter
Isaac N. Nutter
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Aug. 1853 by Cushing Mitchell, the Executor therein named, and proved
by H. O. A. Orr and Isaac Nutter, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Cushing Mitchell, the
Executor therein named.
Cushing Mitchell, of East
Bridgewater, Esquire, was appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament
of Nahum Mitchell, late of East Bridgewater, Esquire, on 8 Aug. 1853, with
Ezekiel Whitman and Aaron Hobart Jr., both of East Bridgewater, as sureties.
Welcome Young, Samuel A. Orr, and
Aaron Hobart Jr., all of East Bridgewater, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Nahum Mitchell, late of East Bridgewater, on 8 Aug. 1853.
The Inventory of the estate of Hon.
Nahum Mitchell, late of E. Bridgewater, dated 28 Nov. 1853, totaled $16,480.68.
Cushing Mitchell, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first
Monday of Dec. 1853.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 95, p.
355-357, 574-575, from FHL microfilm #0555642, and Vol. 2H, p. 379.
Will of Nathan Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In the Name of God Amen – on the twentieth day of February
1789 I Nathan Mitchell Esqr. of Bridgwater in the county of
Plymouth, being under decays of body, but of a sound disposing mind and memory
proceed to make this my Last will and Testament – In the first place I Give
& recommend my soul into the hands of God who Gave it, trusting in the
mercy of God through Christ for pardon Grace & Glory, and my body I commit
to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter
named – In the next place I Give & dispose of my worldly Interest in the
following manner vizt–my will is that all my just debts and funeral
charges be paid in convenient time after my decease
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Anne,
one third part of my Dwelling House, in the easterly end, one third part of the
Cellars under said House, a Right in the Kitchin fire place & oven, an
Interest in the Barn, Corn House and well, also the improvement of a Cow &
Horse a Right in a Pew in the meeting House, and in all other respects an
Honorable support during her natural Life–also I Give her one third of my
Houshold furniture, a Side Saddle and forty pounds in Good hard money Securities
to be wholly at her disposal forever
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my eldest Daughter Deborah
Leonard two notes of hand against Saml. Leonard junr.
principal & Interest one of twelve pounds two shillings & 2d
dated October 5th. 1786, the other Six pounds Dated August 29th.
1786 ~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Second Daughter Susanna
Keith two notes of hand both principal & Interest against Caleb Keith, one
of nineteen pounds, eleven shillings and three pence dated March 9th,
1786, the other Eighteen pounds, six shillings dated April 2d. 1787,
also thirty eight pounds in silver money Securities
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Sons Nathan, Cary &
Daniel, to them, their Heirs and assigns forever, all my Real Estate, to be
equally divided among them – also I Give them all my Personal Estate not before
disposed of (after my Debts are paid) including the afore mentioned House,
&c my wearing apparell, to be equally divided between them
Item – I do hereby nominate and appoint my Oldest Son Nathan
Mitchell junr. Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament— In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year aforesaid –
Signed, Sealed, published and delivered
by the said Nathan Mitchell to be his
Last will and testament before us Nathan Mitchell (seal)
Samuel
Shaw
Nathl.
Washburn
Nathan
Hall
Presented for probate on 1 June 1789 by Nathan Mitchell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Shaw and Nathan Hall, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan
Mitchell, the before named Executor.
Eleazer Cary, yeoman, Eliphalet Cary Gentm. and
Isaac Lazell junr. Gentm, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Nathan Mitchell, late of Bridgwater esqr.,
on 1 June 1789. The Inventory of the estate of Nathan Mitchell esqr.,
late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 31 July 1789, and totaled £1270.15.3½, including
his real estate consisting of 187¼ acres together with the buildings, and one
quarter of a saw mill valued at £968.11.6. Nathan Mitchell, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 3 Aug. 1789.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, pp. 16-17, 25-26, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Nathan Mitchell, Esq., of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In
the name of God, Amen, I Nathan Mitchell of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, do
hereby make ordain and establish this my last will and testament in manner and
form as follows Viz.
First I
give and bequeath a good honorable and Sufficient support to my well beloved
wife Rachel Mitchell during her natural life, to be furnished out of my estate.
Second I
give and bequeath unto Charlotte Keith wife of Mitchell Keith One hundred
Dollars.
Third I give and bequeath unto my brother Daniel Mitchell and his
children Philo Mitchell Daniel Mitchell Junr. Bela Mitchell and
Eunice Dunbar, wife of William Dunbar and to Mitchell Keith twenty five dollars
each
Fourth I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Allen and to her heirs
and assigns, all the residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal
or mixed, after the payment of all my just debts funeral charges and the above
named legacies and the support of my wife during her natural life.
Lastly I hereby constitute and appoint Artemas Hale of Bridgewater my
sole Executor to this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling
all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof I
the said Nathan Mitchell have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of
June in the year One thousand Eight hundred and forty five
Nathan Mitchell (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Nathan
Mitchell to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who in his
presence and at his request have subscribed the same as witnesses
Artemas
Hale
Keith
Bassett
Cyrus
Copeland
The Instrument here unto annexed
purporting to be the last will and testament of Nathan Mitchell late of
Bridgewater, Esquire, was presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July
1845 by Artemus Hale, the Executor therein named, and proved by Artemus Hale,
Keith Bassett, and Cyrus Copeland, the witnesses whose names are subscribed
thereto.
Artemas Hale, of Bridgewater, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Nathan Mitchell, late of
Bridgewater, Esquire, on 1 July 1845, with Edward Mitchell and George W.
Bassett, of Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p.
267-268, from FHL microfilm #0555638, and Vol. 2H, p. 42.
Will of Ruth Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1857) *
Know
all men by these presents, that I Ruth Mitchell, of Bridgewater, in the County
of Plymouth, and State of Massachusetts, Widow, being of sound and disposing
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form as follows, namely,
1. I give and bequeath to my daughter Polly
Bryant fifty dollars, to be paid her in one year from my decease; Also my
wearing apparel and one third part of my indoor moveables.
2. I give and bequeath to Josiah A. and William
W. sons of my son Willard Mitchell deceased, ten dollars each, to be paid in
one year after my decease.
3. I give and bequeath the remainder of my
property, both real and personal, to my two sons Leonard Mitchell, and Oreb
Mitchell, to be equally divided between them.
4. I hereby appoint my Son Leonard Mitchell as
Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifteenth day of
July, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Ruth Mitchell, as her last Will and
Testament, in presence of us, who in Ruth Mitchell (seal)
her presence & in the presence
of each other, and at her request,
have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses. Thomas
Cushman
Benjamin
Darling
Nancy
D. Pratt
Letters Administration with the Will annexed on the estate of
Ruth Mitchell, late of Bridgewater, were granted to Oreb Mitchell, of
Bridgewater, on 24 Aug. 1863, the executor therein named having declined, with
Benjamin Darling and Thomas Cushman, of Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 104, p. 399-400, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 159 (158).
Will of Seth Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In the Name of God amen I Seth Mitchell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Yeoman, being weak in body, but of sound mind & memory
do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner following, viz –
In the
first place I give & bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Lusanna Mitchell
all my household Furniture & the Improvement of all my Real Estate untill
my Children shall all be of lawful Age, or one & twenty years old, out of
which & by means whereof, it is my will she should maintain, support, &
bring them up to the Age of twenty one Years as aforesaid, respectively; and
when the Youngest shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years it is my will
that what shall remain of my Real Estate shall be divided between my Children
so as that the Daughters have only one half so much as the Sons & the Sons
equal Shares among themselves; My Wife first having the Improvement of one
third thereof, to be set off to her during her Life,—
It is
further my will & I do hereby give & bequeath unto my two daughters and
the longest Liver of them, the right & privilege of living in &
occupying the south west room in my present dwelling house, so long as they
remain single—
It is
also my will that if any one or more of my Children die before they arrive to
the Age of twenty one years, or unmarried or without lawful Issue &
provided it be before the youngest shall arrive to the age of twenty one years
as aforesaid that then such deceased Child’s or Children’s share, which they
would have taken, had they lived, shall go to the surviving Children to be
divided as aforesaid, when all who survive them shall be of full and lawful Age
—
I also
give and bequeath unto my said Wife all my farming Utensils & all my live
stock for the purpose of enabling her to improve the farm & support the
Family as aforesaid—
In Case
my wife should marry again before my Children are of full age as aforesaid, it
is to be understood & I declare it to be my will, that she then have to her
own use only the use & occupation of one third only of my Real Estate as
her Dower at common Law, and two hundred Dollars in Household Furniture, being
what she brought with her in marriage, but that all the rest of the Estate both
real & personal shall be holden & applied to maintain & bring up
the Children as aforesaid, & after their full Age to be divided both real
& personal as aforesaid to them & their Heirs forever.—
And I do
now constitute & appoint my said Wife Lusanna to be the Executrix of this
my last Will & Testament & to collect all the debts due to me & to
pay all my just debts—
In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this eighth day of
December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seven —
signed sealed published & declared by the
said Seth Mitchell to be his last Will &
Testament in presence of us ~
Solomon
Washburn Seth Mitchell (seal)
William
Mitchell
Nahum
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 11 March 1808 by Lusanna Mitchell,
the Executrix therein named, and proved by Solomon Washburn, William Mitchell
and Nahum Mitchell, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Lusanna Mitchell, the before named Executrix.
No inventory or division of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p. 260-261, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of William Mitchell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1851) *
Be it known to all
men and women that I William Mitchell of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory (for one of
my age) hereby make, ordain and establish this my last Will & Testament in
manner as follows – viz:–
1st I give to the First Unitarian Society in
Bridgewater One Hundred Dollars for the support of the gospel.
2d I give to God’s poor of Bridgewater one bed
and fixtures.
3d I give & bequeath to Cousin William
Mitchell fifty dollars and library.
4th I give to cousin Ambrose Williams or his
heirs fifty dollars.
5th I give to the widow Betsy C. Mitchell Twenty
five dollars.
6th I give to Allen Rogers one Secretary and Book
Case.
7th I give and bequeath to my sister Zilpha Keith,
after paying the above legacies, all my personal estate of whatever name or
nature whatever or her heirs.
Lastly. I hereby constitute and appoint Mitchell Hooper of Bridgewater my
sole Executor to this my last Will & Testament.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal this October twenty fourth in
the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty one
William Mitchell (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said William Mitchell to be his last Will
& Testament in the presence of us who in his presence, and at his request
have subscribed the same as witnesses.
Benjamin
B. Hayward
Elbridge
Keith
David
R. Green
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of May 1752 by Mitchell Hooper, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Benjamin B. Hayward and Elbridge Keith, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Mitchell Hooper, the
Executor therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of
William Mitchell, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 16 Mar. 1852 by Artemas
Hale, John J. Howard and Abram Washburn 2d, and totaled $2965.21, no
real estate. Mitchell Hooper, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
the first Tuesday of May 1852.
Mitchell Hooper, of Bridgewater,
was appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of William Mitchell,
late of Bridgewater, on 4 May 1852, with Philo Leach and Edwin Keith, both of
Bridgewater, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 94, p. 169-171, from FHL microfilm #0555641,
and Vol. 2H, p. 306.
Will of Hugh Montgomery of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
Be it
Remembered that I, Hugh Montgomery of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the twenty first day of December in the
year Eighteen hundred & thirty two, being of sound & disposing mind
& memory, but advanced in life, make & publish my Will & Testament
in manner following, to wit – In the first place I revoke & annul all
former Wills & devises by me heretofore made –
I give
& bequeath to my daughter Mary Deane, Widow, ten dollars to be paid to her
by my Executor herein after named, within one year after my decease.
I give
& bequeath to my daughter Harriet Strobridge, the wife of Thomas
Strobridge, in addition to what I have already given her, one hundred &
fifty dollars, to be paid to her in one year after my decease by my son William
I give
& bequeath to my daughter Julia Briggs, wife of Daniel Briggs, in addition
to what I have already given her, one hundred & fifty dollars, to be paid
to her in one year after my decease, by my son William.
I give
& bequeath to my daughter Lucy Shaw, wife of Newton Shaw, one hundred &
fifty dollars, to be paid to her in one year after my decease, by my son
William.
I devise
& bequeath to my daughter Nancy Montgomery, one Cow – all my household
goods except such as shall be herein otherwise disposed of – fifty dollars in
money, to be paid to her by my son William in one year after my decease:
Furthermore it is my Will and I order & direct that my said daughter Nancy,
so long as she shall continue unmarried, shall have the use & occupation of
the Westerly front room in my dwelling house & the chamber over it: with a
priviledge of the Well, Cellar, kitchen & oven: her Cow to be well kept
upon my homestead in summer & winder: six bushels of Indian Corn – three
bushels of Rye – five pounds of sheeps wool – fifty pounds of pork & fifty
pounds of beef, with vegetables sufficient & suitable for her consumption, &
fire wood sufficient for one fire, cut & drawed to the door, annually: with
a priviledge of a seat in one of my Pews in the Meeting house: All of the above
articles & provisions to be furnished & provided by my said Executor
his heirs & assigns for my said daughter Nancy so long as she shall live
unmarried.
I give
& bequeath to my son Hugh Montgomery fifty dollars, to be paid in one year
after my decease, by my said Executor.
I give
and devise to my son William Montgomery twenty acres of land to be taken off
the East end of my lot of land lying upon the opposite side of the road from my
Dwelling house, with an old barn thereon, to him his heirs and assigns forever,
he paying out the legacies to his Sisters as above directed.
I give
& bequeath to my son James Montgomery, one bed & bedding together with
a suitable & comfortable support & maintainance in sickness & in
health during his natural life – to be provided by my said Executor his heirs
& assigns.
I give
and devise to my son John Montgomery my Dwelling house & buildings, and the
lot containing about forty acres on which said house stands, subject to the
provision which I have above made for my Daughter Nancy; on condition that he,
my said son John his heirs and assigns shall well & truly provide for &
maintain my said son James according to the provision above made for him. – I
also devise to my said son John all the rest & residue of my real Estate,
to him, his heirs & assigns forever: I also give & bequeath to my said
son John my Clock & best Desk – and one bed & bedding out of my
household goods – and all the rest & residue of my personal Estate, of
whatever kind & description, beside what is above disposed of – he paying
out the above legacies & fulfilling the conditions herein directed – and
also discharging all Debts & charges which shall be legal demands against
my Estate.
And
lastly I nominate & appoint my son John the sole Executor of this my last
Will & Testament.
Hugh Montgomery (seal)
Signed
sealed published & declared by the above named Testator in presence of us
the subscribers, as his last Will & Testament, who at his request, hereto
subscribe our names in his presence and in the presence of each other.
William
Sumner
Cyrus
Elmes
George
Williams Jr.
To the
Hon. Wilkes Wood Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth – We, the
Undersigned, heirs at Law of Hugh Montgomery, late of Middleborough in said
County of Plymouth, deceased, having been notefied that the last Will &
Testament of said Hugh Montgomery is about to be offered for Probate, do hereby
give our consent to the Probate of the same.
March 30th,
1835 Hugh
Montgomery
William
Montgomery
Lucy
Shaw
Newton
Shaw
Julia
Briggs
Daniel
Briggs
Harriet
Strobridge
Thomas
Strobridge
Mary
Dean
Nancy
Montgomery.
Presented for probate on 26 May 1835, and proved by Cyrus
Elmes and George Williams, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to John Montgomery, of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 26 May 1835.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p. 233-235, from FHL microfilm
#0555264.
Will of Cornelius
Morey of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I Cornelius Morey of Plymouth in
the County of Plymouth in New-England, yeoman, being of a sound & disposing
mind, considering the uncertainty of life, do think proper to settle my worldly
affairs, and to make my last will & testament, in manner following, vizt–
First of all, I commend my soul, to the everlasting mercy of God, thro’ Christ,
and my body to a decent burial, humbly hoping for a glorious resurrection,
thro’ the merits of my redeemer, and as to my worldly estate, I dispose
thereof, as follows. –
First.— I Give & bequeath to my beloved wife Jerusha, the
improvement of all my estate, both real & personal, untill my oldest son
Elijah comes of age, then for him to come into possession of what I shall give
him hereafter. Also I give & bequeath to my wife, the improvement of my son
Cornelius’s part of what I shall give him hereafter ‘till he comes of age –
Also, I give & bequeath to my wife all the indoor moveables, to dispose of
as she sees fit, together with one third of the improvement of my whole estate,
while she remains my widow –
2d— I Give to my two oldest sons – vizt.
Elijah & Cornelius, when they come of age, all my real & personal
estate, except what I shall dispose of hereafter, wherever it may be found, and
what I have dispose of before to my wife – I Give to my son Elijah, the piece
of land I bought of Joseph Bates, seperate from Cornelius, he paying what I owe
towards sd land the rest to be equal between them, they paying all
my just debts, & to my daughters what I shall mention
3d— I Give to my two youngest sons vizt–
William & Josiah about one hundred acres of land, more or less, said land I
purchased of David Weston, & part of Samuel Cole
4ly Tis my will, that my two oldest sons
Elijah & Cornelius when they come of age pay unto my two daughters Sarah
& Jerusha Fifty Dollars to each, and tis my will, that my two oldest sons
recieve all dues and demands I have against all persons whatsoever & it is
my will that my wife Jerusha be the sole Executrix of this my last will &
testament. – In Testimony and consideration of which, I the said Cornelius
Morey do hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty first day of March A Domini
1803. –
Signed, Sealed & declared Cornelius Morey (seal)
to be his last will & testament
in presence of –
Abner
Bartlett
James
Harlow junr
Anne
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 17 June 1803 by Jerusha Morey, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Abner Bartlett Esqr. &
James Harlow junr, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Morey
of
I Jonathan Morey of Plymouth in ye County of
Plymouth in ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in
New-England, Being at this Time thrô ye mercy of God in Competent
health, and of Disposing minde and memory, and yet not knowing how soon, or
when it shall Please God to take me out of this unsertain Life, am willing to
set my house in order and to Dispose of these things which God hath Bestowed
upon me in manor and form following – – – –
In the first place I comit my soul to God that gave it and my
body to the Grave by a Desent buriall; Item: My will is that my oldest son do
Injoy all that part of my Estate, which by a deed under my hand he hath already
ye Promis of – – – –
Item I Give to my wife hannah Morey all her wearing Cloaths
both Linin, & wollen also I Give to my wife two oxen & 3 cows & two
beds that she brought with her & having with them, and also I Give my sd
wife all the houshold stuff she brought with her Moreover I Give my wife one
horse she to have her choice and the best Bridle & pannell & pillon
& all furniture belonging to them – – – –
Furthermr it is my will that my wife may Live in
the Improvment of my housing & Lands one whole year, after my Decease
without Disturbans or molesstation Item
my will is that all the Remainder of my Estate Both Real and personall my Just
Debts & funerall Charges being first paid by my Executrix here after
Mentioned be Equally Divided into three parts for my wife and my two Children
Eich one third part; That is to say my wife one third part – my son John Mory
one third part & my Daughter Hannah Bumpus one third part of the Remainder
of my Estate, Reserding[?] onely & it is my minde & will that my son
Jonathan will pay in some Convenient time after my Decease sum of twenty &
five pounds in money, Then he shall fully enjoy all ye Remainder of
my Land and meadows which five & twenty pound shall be Equally Divided to
those three (viz) my wife, my son John, my Daughter Hannah – as before
mentioned – – – –
Finally I Do ordain appoint & Constitute my Dear wife
Hannah to be my sole Executrix of this my will and Testament, In Testimony
hereunto, I Do sett my hand & seal this 24 Day of february 1699/1700
In Presents of us witnesses Jonathan Morey (seal)
Joseph Bartlett
Joseph Holmes
Wm Bassett
June 16th 1708 Willm Basset and Joseph
Holms within named appeared before Nathaniel Thomas Esqr
Judge of Probate & granting Leters of administration within the County of
Plymouth & made oath that they Did set to their hands to the within riton
Instrument as witnesses and they doe verify beleive and suppose that they Did
se Jonathan Morey Late of Plymouth now Deceased signe and seal the same and
that they herd him Declare it to be his Last will and testament as attest Nathaniel
Thomas Register
The Inventory of all the Goods Chattils Rights and Credits of
Capt Jonathan Mory late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Morey
of
In ye Name of God Amen. I Jonathan Morey of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England Yeoman being under frequent Indispositions of Body, but through ye
Goodness of God of Disposing Mind & Memory do make & ordain this to be
my last Will & Testament Hereby annulling & Making void all My other
& former Will or Wills Testament or Testaments by me heretofore made,
Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament—
Principally & first of all I Recommend my Soul to God in
Jesus Christ, And my Body to a decent Christian Burial at ye
Discretion of my Executrix hereafter Named—
And as for the temporal Estate Wherewith it hath pleased God
to be Bless me in this Life, I Give Demise & Dispose thereof in the
following Manner and Form—
Imprimis My Will is that all my just Debts & Funeral
Charges be first pd out of my Estate
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Eldest Son Benjamin his Heirs
& assigns forever, All that my Lot of Land laying near ye Head
of Woncom quo so called in ye Township of Plymouth, being the tenth
Lot in ye Second Division of ye Proprietors of Plymo
& Plimton & do hereby Confirm to him my sd Son Benjamin, the
Real Estate I have already Given unto him my Deeds—
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Jonathan his Heirs
& assigns forever, One Tract of Land lying on the Southerly Side of his
Dwelling House Adjoyning to his
I also Give unto my sd Son Jonathan his Heirs
& assigns forever a Gore or Parcell of Land lying on ye Westerly
Side of ye Kings Road opposite with his House Bounded by a foot Path
that leads to Hedge’s Pond, along by ye Place where Tom Cookes House
formerly stood and to Extend Westerly as the Path now runs until it comes to
his own Land, and then Easterly by his own Land till it comes to ye
Kings Road being about four acres be it more or less—Also I Give unto my sd
Son Jonathan One quarter Part of all my Right in ye Indian Commons
to him his Heirs and assigns forever, Hereby also Confirming to him what Estate
I have heretofore given him by Deeds.
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Meriah Swift Twenty Shillings to
be paid to her by my Executrix after my Decease I having heretofore Given her
twenty Pounds
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Thankful Swift Twenty Shillings
to be paid her by my Executrix after my Decease I having heretofore given her
twenty Pounds—
Item I Give unto my Daughter Reliance Twenty Pounds to be
paid out of my Estate by my Executrix
— Itm I Give & Bequeath unto
my loving wife Hannah Morey & to my Son Joseph & to my Daughter
Reliance The Whole of my Moveable Estate after my Death to be equally Divided
by & amongst them—
Itm I do Will & Bequeath to the two Children of Maria
Trowbridge Deceased viz: Mary & Maria ye Sum of ten Pounds to be
paid them by my Executrix after my Decease, I having heretofore Paid to their
Father John Trowbridge thirty Seven Pounds in their Mothers Life time—
Itm I Will & Bequeath unto my Son Joseph Morey & to ye
Heirs of his Body lawfully begotten & to their Heirs & assigns forever,
All my Real Estate that is to Say All my Housing, Lands, Meadows, & Cedar
Swamps (after my Decease & ye Decease of my Wife, Hannah) that I
now have in ye Township of Plymouth Excepting what I have herein
before Bequeathed, He the sd Joseph Providing a Comfortable Support
for me & my Wife During our & Each of our Natural Lives If We stand in
Need of his assistance But if my sd Son Joseph should Decease
without Issue That is to Say having no Heirs lawfully begotten as aforesd
Then it is my Will that all the Estate that I have hereby Bequeathed to him my
sd Son shall be and belong to all my other Children to be equally
Divided amongst them—
Itm I Give & Bequeath to my Three Sons Benjamin Jonathan
& Joseph all my Right Title & Interest or Estate I have in ye
Township of Providence in ye Colony of Rhode Island in New-England
deriving to Me in the Right of my Grand father & Father Deceased equally to
be Divided Amongst my sd three Sons—And I do Constitute &
appoint my loving Wife Hannah Morey to be Sole Executrix to this my last Will
& Testament Desiring my Son in Law Seth Swift to assist her in ye
Executorship—In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the
first Day of Septembr Annoq. Domini, One thousand Seven hundred
& thirty two—
Signd Seald & Deliverd Jonathan Morey (seal)
& Declared to be his last
Will and Testament
In Presence of
Nathl. Shurtleff
Saml.
Francis Adams Jur.
Plymth. April.26.1733. Samuel Bartlett &
Nathanl Shurtleff Appeared & Made Oath that they Saw Jonathn
Morey the Testator Sign & Seal & heard him Declare ye
aforegoing Instrumt to be his last Will & Testament; And that
they at ye Same time in ye Presence of ye
Testator Set to their Hands as Witnesses, And yt according to be ye
best of yr Judgment & Observation he was then of Sound &
Disposing Mind & Memory Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The inventory of the Estate of Jonathan Morey of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Edward Morse of Rochester, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1783) *
In the Name of God Amen – This seventeenth day of June, A D,
1783–I, Edward Morse of Rochester in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts yeoman, being of disposing mind and memory, do make and ordain
this my Last Will and testament, wherein I Give, devise, and dispose of my
worldly Goods or Estate in manner and form following. ~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my Son Joshua Morse the Sum
of ten shillings to be paid by my Executor hereafter named, within one year
after my decease, with which he hath already had to be his portion in my
Estate. –
Item–I Give to my Grandson Melatiah Morse, and to his heirs
or assigns a Certain tract or parcel of Lands & fresh meadows Lying on the
Easterly branch of Sippican, bounded on the Northerly part by the Lands &
meadows his father Joshua Morse holds by deed from me and thence proceeding
down Stream said River to a Certain Rock near the westerly bank of said River
& in a narrow place of the meadow about three Rods below where the River
turns Southerly, and from said Rock on an East & west Line untill it Comes
to the Easterly & westerly Sides of my Lands & meadows
Item– I Give to my Son Edward Morse and to his heirs &
assigns, all the Lands I own between the Roads that parts the towns of
Rochester and Wareham, and the Lands I heretofore Gave a deed of to my Son
Benjamin Morse, and also all the upland I own on horse neck so Called not
otherwise disposed of in this my will, also all the meadow & meadowish
Ground on the north westerly Side the River from Edwards Bridge so Called, down
Stream to a Spring brook that Runs out of the Bear Swamp so Called.~
Item – I Give to my Son Benjamin Morse the Sum of Ten
Shillings to be paid by my Executor hereafter named, which with what he hath
already had, to be his portion of my Estate.~
Item – I Give to my Son John Morse & to his heirs or
assigns, the Land where his dwelling house now stands, bounded on the
south-westerly Side by Moses Bates’s Land & on the north-Easterly Side by
the following Line, beginning at a Stake standing by the Road about ten Rods
from my dwelling house, thence Ranging north-westerly to a Large white Oak tree
standing in the field between my house & my sd son John’s house,
and thence to keep the same Range to a Large pine tree marked & So on the
same Course Continued to the mill pond, and bounded on each end by the Road
& mill pond – and also all the Land I own on the southerly side of the
Country Road & Eastward of Merry’s pond–and also all the fresh meadow on
the East. branch of Sippican River from the meadow I have herein
Give to my Grandson Melatiah Morse down stream to the meadow sd.
John holds by deed, and also a Strip of upland four Rods wide, on the westerly
Side sd. meadow the whole Length of his meadow, both hereby Given
& what he holds by deed.~
Item – I Give to my Son Ebenezer Morse and to his heirs or
assigns the following part of my homestead Lands, bounded South westerly by
that herein Given to my Son John, South-Easterly by the Country Road as now
trod, north-easterly by Land I heretofore Gave a deed of to my Son Benjamin,
north-westerly by the East branch of Sippican River from Edwards’s Bridge down
Stream to the mouth a Spring brook Running out of the Bear Swamp, and thence
including the meadow on the westerly Side said River untill it Comes to the
foot of the Lotted meadow – and also all the meadow on said East branch, I
bought of William Blackmore as described in sd Blackmores deed to me
Item– my will is that all Houshold furniture & wearing
Apparell be equally divided between my five Sons aforesaid. ~
Lastly– all my Stock of Cattle, Sheep, all my husbandry tools
and out door moveables of all kinds debts due to me together with all the
Remainder of my Estate of all kinds whether Real or personal not particularily
disposed in this my will, I Give & bequeath to my two Sons John &
Ebenezer to be equally divided between them, they paying all my just debts
funeral Charges & the Legacies above mentioned and Compleatly fulfilling
this my will – and I do hereby Constitute and appoint my two Sons John &
Ebenezer joint Executors to this my Last will & testament & I do hereby
Revoke and make void all Other & former wills & testament by me made
Ratifying & Confirming this and no Other to be my Last will & testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & year
above written. ~
Signed, Sealed & declared by the said Edwd.
Morse to be his Last will & testament in
presence of us Edward Morse (seal)
Zackeus
Handy junr.
Church
Mendall
Jos.
Haskell junr
Presented for probate on 8 Sept. 1784 by John and Ebenezer
Morse, the Executors therein named, and proved by Zackeus Handy junr.
and Jos. Haskall junr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to John & Ebenezer Morse, the before
named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 202-203, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Abigail Morton of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be it remembered,
that on this twenty second day of October in the year eighteen hundred and
forty two, I Abigail Morton of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth,
Massachusetts widow, being advanced in years but of sound and disposing mind
and memory make and publish my Will and Testament in manner following to wit:
I give
and bequeath to my daughter Betsey Haskell the sum of Fifty Dollars to be paid
to her or her heirs out of my Estate with one year after my decease. –
I give
and devise to my daughter Abigail Pickens, to her heirs and assigns all the
residue of my Estate real and personal of whatever kind and wherever found, she
paying my just debts and such funeral charges as may be incurred for my burial,
all which if she survives me are to be at her discretion; otherwise to be at
the discretion of my heirs. –
In
testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written. –
Signed sealed published and delivered by Abigail Morton (seal)
the above named Abigail Morton as and for
her last Will and Testament, in our presence
who at her request hereto subscribe our names
in her presence and in presence of each other
Wm
H Morse
Emily
L Wood
Mercy
T. Wood
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of May, 1850 by
Abigail Pickens, a Devisee therein named, and proved by William H. Wood, one of
the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 92, p. 161-162, from FHL microfilm
#0555640.
Will of Catharine Morton of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
In the name of God Amen. I Catharine Morton of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth, widow woman, do make and publish this my last Will
and Testament in manner and form as follows. I give and bequeath to my grand
Children Horatio N. Wilbar, Philena A. Wilbar, Arad Wilbar Sidner B. Wilbar,
one Dollar to be equally divided between them – I give and bequeath to my
daughter Catharine R. Morton the remainder of all my Estate both real and
personal to her the said Catharine R. her heirs and assigns forever. And I do
appoint Thomas Washburn sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament. In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this Nineteenth day of May
Eighteen hundred and forty Nine
Signed, sealed, Published and delivered Catharine Morton (seal)
by the said Catharine Morton to be her last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed
our names as
Witnesses in the presence of the Testator. – Charity
Washburn
William
M Washburn
Jonathan
T. Washburn
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of April 1850 by
Thomas Washburn, the Executor, and proved by William M Washburn and Jonathan T.
Washburn, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 92, p. 115, from FHL microfilm
#0555640.
Will of Eleanor Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
In the
name of God, Amen, I, Eleanor Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth,
Singlewoman, do hereby make, publish and declare this Instrument to be my last
Will and Testament, viz, —
I
give and bequeath to my Niece, Eliza Morton, the sum of Forty dollars, –
daughter of George Morton. — I give and bequeath to my niece Sally Morton the
sum of Forty dollars – daughter of my brother George Morton.
I
give and bequeath to my Niece Eunice Morton the sum of Forty dollars – daughter
of my brother Edward Morton
I
give and bequeath to my Sister in Law Betsey Morton, the wife of my brother
George Morton, the sum of twenty dollars. –
I
give and bequeath to my Sister in Law Priscilla Morton, the wife of my brother
Edward Morton the sum of Twenty dollars. – I give and bequeath to my friend Mrs
Elizabeth Sampson the sum of Twenty dollars.
I
give and bequeath to Rebecca Bartlett the daughter of Capt Isaac Bartlett the
sum of Twenty dollars.
I
give, devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate,
both Real and Personal, wearing apparrel included, to my niece Sarah Morton
Holmes, and to her heirs and assigns.
I
nominate & appoint my friend Josiah Robbins to be Executor of this my last
Will & Testament. In testimony
whereof, I, the said Eleanor Morton, have hereunto set my hand & seal this
fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
& thirty five.
Eleanor Morton (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Eleanor Morton, to be her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at
her request in her presence and in the presence of each other, have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Josiah
Robbins
Rebecca
Robbins
Susannah
Johnson
Probated on 18 May 1835, and proved by Josiah Robbins,
Rebecca Robbins, and Susannah Johnson, the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Josiah Robbins, of Plymouth, Esquire, on 18 May 1835.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 77, p. 193-194, from FHL microfilm
#0555264.
Will of Ephraim
Morton of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1730) *
In the Name of God Amen I Ephraim Morton of ye
Town of
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Son John morton & to
his Heirs forever all my wearing apparel & the Chest wherein they are
Commonly put.—
Item. I Give & Bequeath to Susanna Morton widow of my son
Ephraim Morton Decd ye Sum of three pounds to her &
her Heirs forever.—
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Grandson Nathaniel Warren ye
Sum of three pounds to him & his Heirs forever.
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Grandson Benjn.
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Son Ebenezer Morton ye
sum of five Shillings to him & his Heirs forever.
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Son Joseph Morton (after ye
above said Legacyes are first paid) To him his Heirs & assignes forever All
ye Remaynder of my Real & Personal Estate wheresoever & of
what nature or kind soever.— Lastly I Do
Constitute & appoynt my sd Son Joseph Morton Sole Executor of
this my Last will & Testament Hereby Revoking & Disanulling all former
wills by me heretofore made Ratifying, Confirming & allowing this & no
other as my last will & Testament and for witness hereof I have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal this third Day of august Anno Domini One thousand Seven
hundred & thirty.1730
Signed, Sealed Published & Declared
to be his last will & Testament Ephraim Morton (seal)
In presence of us.— —
Nicholas Drew
Eleazer Donham Junr.
John Dyer
Plymo. March 10.1731. Nichs Drew,
Eleazer Donham Junr. & Capt. John Dyer made oath that they saw
Ephraim Morton (Decd) Sign, Seal & heard him Declare ye
above written Instrument to be his last will & Testamt. and that
yy Set to their hands as witnesses at ye Same time in ye
presence of ye sd Testator and that according to ye
Best of their observaton he was then of sound & Disposing mind & memory
~
Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Freeman Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1860) *
Be
it known that I, Freeman Morton of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth, being
advanced in years, but of sound mind, do make, publish and declare this
Instrument to be my last Will and Testament, in manner following, to wit:
First.
I give, devise & bequeath to my son Alvan G. Morton his heirs, executors
and Administrators the sum of seven hundred & fifty dollars in trust to
& for the uses & purposes following, to wit: to pay to each of my
grandchildren Leonice Morton, Rebecca H. Morton, & Jane Morton the sum of
two hundred & fifty dollars at such time and in such sums as to my said son
shall seem to be best for them having it entirely to the discretion of my said
son as to the times of payment.
I
exempt said Trustee from giving bond.
I
give, devise & bequeath to my Son, Alvan G. Morton all the rest residue
& remainder of all the estate which I shall have at my decease to have and
to hold to him his heirs & assigns forever, and I do appoint my said Son
sole Executor of this Will.
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal, this twenty second day of
May in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty.
Freeman Morton (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Freeman Morton to be his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request & in his
presence & in presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
Jacob
H. Loud
Nathl
Harlow
Grace
Holmes
Presented for probate on the third Monday of May 1861 by
Alvan G. Morton, the Executor, and proved by Jacob H. Loud and Nathl Harlow,
two of the witnesses, Letters Testamentary were granted to Alvan G. Morton, the
Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 103, p. 201, from FHL microfilm
#0555646.
Will and Codicil of Deacon George Morton of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of
the Massachusetts Bay (1723) *
In ye name of God Amen I George Morton of Plymouth
in ye County of Plymouth in ye Province of ye
Massachusetts Bay In New: England yeoman, Being aged & infirm but yet of
Sound & disposing mind & memory, Looking upon it my duty to Settle my
affairs before I dye, do make & constitute this my Last Will &
Testament, in manner & form following. Imprimis. I Resign my Soul into ye
mercifull Hands of almighty God, and my Body to ye Earth to be
decently interred and as for my Worldly Estate (after my Just Debts &
funeral Expences are Paid & discharged) I Have already given unto my Eldest
Son Manasseh Morton Land at Namaskett at middleborô. To my Son Ephraim morton
deceased I have already given a Right & Interest in Marsh & Sledge
ground at Sacaquash & to His Children ye Land where they live in
Signed Sealed & ye Within written Deacon
George Morton
declared to be His Last Will & Testament z
& agreeable to Her: His
mark
In Presence of Joanna Morton
Thomas Morton S
John Churchell Junr Her
mark
Josiah Cotton
Plymouth February 15th 1726/7 Memorandum yt
The Legacy within mentioned to Elisabeth Morton was altered & made fourty
Pounds, & to ye Rest of ye Daughters fifteen & my
Son George’s Right a Quarter, & my Son Thomas’s Right three Quarters at
Sacaquash by ye Testator in Presence of ye Sd
Wittnesses, and as addition or codicil to ye Sd Will Know
all men by these Presents yt I George Morton aforesd do
hereby give & Bequeath to my Son Manasseh ye Sum of five
Shillings; & to ye Children of my Son Ephraim Morton ye
Sum of Five Pounds to be pd by my sd Son Thomas as aforesd;
and to ye Sd Thomas morton my Son I further give &
Bequeath a twenty acre Lott of Land at ye Head of my Homestead; To
Him His Heirs & assignes forEver; and I doe hereby Revoke & disanull yt
Part of ye afore written Will which Concerns ye Legacy of
Thirty Pounds to ye Children of my Daughter Barnaby deceasd
and I do by these Presents give & Bequeath to ye Children of my
Sd Daughter ye Sum of fifteen Pounds & no more in
money to be pd by my sd Son Thomas within three years
after my decease; and Whereas I have Since ye making of ye
within written Will Sold all my Right in Clarkes Island, I do hereby Rovoke
& disanull yt Part of Sd Will which Refers to ye
Division of ye moveable Estate among all my Children (Except
Timothy) and my Will now is, yt what Remains of my Moveable Estate
after my Wifes decease Shall be to my daughters & their Heirs according as
my Wife Shall See Cause to order & dispose of in Equal Parts in case my sd
Wife does not See Cause to make disposal thereof for Her own use or to any of
Her daughters; and further my Will is yt ye afore written
Testament Shall Stand & Remain in full force as it now is; and yt
this Codicill Shall be esteemed and Recd. as Part of my Will: In
Testimony & confirmation Whereof I have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal ye
Sd 15th day of Feby. 1726/7
Signed Sealed & Declared to be George
Morton
Part of His Will t
In
Presence of His mark
Thomas Morton
John Churchel
Josiah Cotton
Probated on 22 Sept. 1727, and proved by Thomas Morton, John
Churchell, and Josiah Cotton.
Letters of administration given to Capt. John Dyer and George
Morton on 25 Sept. 1727.
The inventory of the estate of Deacon George Morton of
Plimouth, dated 19 Oct. 1727, was taken by Benja. Warren, John
Foster, and Francis Adams, not totaled, included his homestead & house
valued at £465, 20 acres of wood land valued at £135, his meadow at Sacaquash
valued at £110, 45 acres of land at half house Plain valued at £45, his Cedar
Swamp at South Meadow valued at £22, and other lands.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of George Morton of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
Be
it remembered that I George Morton of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and
State of Massachusetts being blessed with a sound mind and memory, this
seventeenth day of the tenth month in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty three to now publish this my last Will & Testament in
manner following, (Viz)
I do hereby in this my last Will & Testament give and bequeath unto
my beloved wife Mary Morton five hundred dollars in money and all my household
furniture, to her disposal
And having heretofore given to my Daughter Sarah B. Sisson & her
heirs, what I intended & as shares in my Estate.
I give and bequeath to my Daughters Anna E. Almy and Mary E. Snow, all
the rest and residue of my Estate wheresoever found and of whatsoever
description or nature, both real & personal to their use and disposal to be
equally divided between them
And
finally I do hereby appoint My Son in law George Almy my Executor of this my
last Will and Testament in confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the day and year above written
In presence of us who at his
request subscribe as witnesses George Morton (seal)
William Tucker
Sarah Tucker
Adririan Davis
Presented for probate on 7 May 1844 by George Almy, the
Executor, and proved by William Tucker, Sarah Tucker and Adrian Davis, all of
Dartmouth, on 4 June 1844. Letters of Administration granted to George Almy of
Dartmouth, on 4 June 1844, with William Tucker, of Dartmouth, and Adrian Davis,
of Westport, as sureties.
Isaac R Gifford, William Potter and William Tucker, all of
Dartmouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of George Morton, late of
Dartmouth, on 8 Mar. 1844. The inventory was dated 14 Mar. 1844, and totaled
$2043.52.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “George Morton, Dartmouth, 1844,”
from FHL microfilm #0577911.
Will of Jacob T. Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1871) *
Know all men by these Presents that I Jacob T. Morton of
Plymouth, County of Plymouth, being of sound mind and memory do make declare
and publish this my last will and testament in manner following – after my
debts are paid
First. I give and bequeath to my son Lazarus S. Morton my
silver watch and chain.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son Jacob T. Morton Jr. one
of my feather beds with bolster & pillows.
Third. I give and bequeath to my daughter Joan B. Donley wife
of John Donley all the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal of
which I shall die seized and possessed, to them and their heirs and assigns
forever.
Fourth. I do nominate and appoint Leander Lovell to be the
Executor of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name, and set my
seal this thirteenth day of April, eighteen hundred and Seventy one.
Jacob T. Morton (seal)
Signed, sealed, declared and published by the above named
Jacob T. Morton as and for his last will and testament in presence of us, who
at his request and in his presence and in presence of each other have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Mercy
B. Lovell
Leml.
Bradford
J.
E. Sherman
Leander Lovell, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Jacob T. Morton, late of Plymouth, on 11 Sept. 1871, with
Isaac Brewster and James Cox, of Plymouth, as sureties.
Isaac Brewster, Lemuel Bradford, and James Cox were appointed
to appraise the estate of Jacob T. Morton, late of Plymouth. The inventory was
dated 23 Nov. 1871, and totaled $342.00, including his real estate valued at
$300. Leander Lovell, the executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 23 Nov.
1871.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p. 247, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, Vol. 124, p. 396, and Vol. 109, p. 408.
Will of Johanah
Morton of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1727) *
In the Name of God Amen I Johanah Morton of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth widow being of a disposeing mind & memory blessed be God
Calling to mind my own Mortality do make & ordain this my last Will &
Testament in the Manner following in the first place I Bequeath my Soul to God
that gave it & my body to the Earth with decent Christian burial In hopes
of a happy Resurection. And as to the worldly Effets that it hath Pleased God
to bless me with I dispose of the same in the following order Imprimis I Give
& Bequeath unto my loving Son Manasseth the sum of fifty pounds. Item I
Give & Bequeath unto my Loving Son Goerg half my meadow at Saquash to him
& his heirs & assignes forever.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my loving daughter Hannah the
sum of fifty pounds.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my loving daughter Johanah
the sum of fifty pounds.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my loving daughter Rebeckah
the sum of fifty pounds.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my grand Children the
Children of my Daughter Ruth the sum of fifty pounds & to my grand daughter
hannah Barnabe the sum of ten pounds above her part of sd fifty
pounds.
Item I give unto my loving daughter Elizabeth the sum of two
hundred pounds.
Item I Give unto the Children of my loving son Ephraim the
sum of twenty shillings.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my loving son Timothy the sum
of five shillings.
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Loving son Thomas all my
homestead & the other half of my meadow at Saquash upon Condition that he
pay the above mentioned Legacies to him & his heirs & assignes forever:
& after my Just debts are paid & funeral Charge then my mind is that
the remainder of my personell or movable Estate be Eaqually divided amongst my
daughters or Such a legaty were[?]ford them the Children of my daughter Ruth to
have an eaquall Share with one of their Aunts. Lastly I do nominate ordain
& appoint my well-beloved Child Georg Morton & my loving son in law
John Dyer both of Plimouth my Executors of this my last will & Testament
hereby revoking & making void all other will or wills heretofore by me made
& Confirming this & no other to be my last will & Testament In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & seal this twelfth day of
December Annoque Domini 1727
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
& declared by the aforesd Johanah
Morton to be her last will & Testament
before us her
Ephraim Kempton Johanah X M Morton
Samuel Kempton mark
Francis Adams
Probated on 19 Sept. 1728, and proved by Ephraim Kempton,
Samuel Kempton, and Francis Adams.
No inventory was recorded.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Morton of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1718) *
I John Morton of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth In
New England, being through the great Mercy of God, in health both in body and
mind, but Considering the uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of death, do
therefore make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following.
First I Commit my Soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body to the
earth, in hopes of a Glorious Resurrection unto Eternal life, through the
Merrits of the Lord Jesus Christ: and as to what worldly estate it hath pleased
God graciously to behust me withall, I do by these presents dispose of the Same
in manner following. That is to Say, Imprimis I give and Bequeath unto my
beloved wife Mary Morton (over & above the best bed and furniture which of
Right belongs to her) the use of one fire room in my house during her
widdowhood; and do hereby Will and require my son Ebenezer Morton to find his
mother the use of a Milk Cow, both in Winter & Summer; and firewood Cut and
brought to her Dore, and also pay her Twelve pounds a year out of the Produce
of the farm during her widdowhood: and if through age or Infirmity my wife need
Better Support, my Will is that my Sd Son Shall provide for her and
maintain her honourably during her life. Item I Give to my three daughters
which are yet unmarried viz: Phebe Hannah & Deborah, the use of one fire
room in my house along with their mother; and also do Will and Require my Sd
Son to Provide for them fire wood, Cut & brought to their dore, and to keep
a Cow for each of them both Summer & Winter, So long as they live unmarried
& no Longer they finding themselves the Cows Item I give and Bequeath unto my Sd
Son Ebenezer Morton & his heirs & assigns for ever my whole farm
whereon I now Dwell with all the Land thereunto belonging, viz, all my Land in
the Purchase Called the Little Lot purchase with the housing thereon Lying on
the westward Side of the River. also I give him one Yoak of oxen and two Cows,
with all my Carts plows and utensells belonging to my Team; and also One
feather Bed and Beding thereunto belonging; also the remaining time which I
have in Samuel Hacket, hereby requiring him to fulfill my Indenture to Sd
Hacket also I give him all my wearing apparrell; with my arms & ammunition.
Also I give to my Sd Son my negro Called Sherper So Long as my Sd
Son Shall pay his mother the Sum above mentioned; and afterwards I Give my Sd
Negro unto my five daughters, unles my Sd Son Shall Se reason to pay
his five Sisters or theirs the Sum of fourty pounds: and then the Sd
negro to remain to him forever. Item I give to my daughter Phebe a feather bed
& beding thereunto belonging. Item I give to my daughter Hannah a feather
bed and beding thereunto belonging. Item I give to my daughter Deborah a
feather bed and beding thereunto belonging: Item I Give and bequeath unto my
five daughters and to their respective heirs and assignes forever, my two Lots
of Land in the South purchase in Middleborough equally amongst them—
Item I give to my five daughters, Johanah, Phebe, Mary, Hanah
& Deborah All my Cattle (except the two Oxen and the two Cows already given
to my Sd Son) as also all my horss kind my Sheep & Swine to be
equally divided amongst them Item I Give
all the remaining part of my housell Goods and moveable Estate equally amongst
my Six Childrean. And it is my mind and will that if the debts owing to me are
not Sufficient to pay my debts and defray my funerall Charges that what remains
wanting Shall be defrayed out of my Stock given to my five daughters. Ult. I
nominate and Appoint my beloved wife and my Son Ebenezer Sole Executors of this
my last Will and Testament. In Wittness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and
Seal the Seventeenth day of January Anno Domini 1717/18
Signed Sealed & declared to be his last John Morton (seal)
Will & Testament In presence of us ~~
Isaac Lothrop. John
Watson Nathaniel Thomas Junr.
Plym. Ss. On the 1st
Day of May 1718. The abovenamed Major Isaac Lothrop Mr. John Watson
& Nathaniel Thomas Junr. Esqr. made Oath that they
Saw the abovenamed John Morton Signe, & Seal, & heard him declare this
Instrument to be his last Will & Testament; and that he then was of a
disposing mind and memory to the best of their knowledge; and that they Set to their
hands as Wittness to the Same in the Sd Mortons presence. Before me
Nathaniel
Thomas Judge of Probts.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. John Morton,
late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Morton of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
In The Name of God Amen The Tenth Day of November Anno Domini
1738 I John Morton of Plymouth In the County of Plymouth In the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in
Imps I Give & Bequeath to my Oldest Son
John the one half or Moiety of my whole Estate both Real & Personall —
Item I also Give & Bequeath ye other Half of
My whole Estate both Real & Personal to be Equally Divided &
Distributed to & among my Three Sons Namely Josiah James & David —
Finally I Constitute & appoint my Two Sons Namely John
& Josiah to be my Executors of this my Last will & Testament. In
Testimony & In Consideration Hereof I have Hereunto Set my hand & Seal
this Day & year first above written ~ —
Signd Seald & Declared by the sd
John Morton to
be his Last will & Testament In Presence of us John Morton (seal)
Joseph Morton Joseph
Warren Thos. Bartlett Lazr LeBarron
Presented for probate on 14 Mar. 1738[/39], and proved by
Joseph Warren, Thomas Bartlett & Lazarus LeBarron, three of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Morton, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of God Amen—I, John Morton of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth, do make my Last will and testament in form
following—first and principally, I humbly Commit my Soul to God who Gave it,
trusting to his mercy & Christs merits for Salvation, my body to be buried
at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named in hope of the Resurrection –
touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I dispose
of as follows ~
Imprimis – I Give and devise unto my two Sons vizt
to Thomas Morton one half of all my Real Estate in Middleborough in the County
aforesaid – and to John Morton junr the other half of the aforesaid
Estate, to them and their Heirs and assigns forever – and I also Give unto them
all my husbandry farming tools & implements for husbandry, all to be
equally divided between them two Sons my will is also, that all my Personal
Estate after my just debts and funeral charges are paid, the Remainder to be
equally divided to my five Children vizt – Thomas Morton & John
Morton junr Hannah Edson the wife of Abiel Edson – Lucy Soule the
wife of Jabez Soule, and Elisabeth Morton my youngest daughter – and
furthermore my will is that my aforesaid daughter Elisabeth shall have all my
Houshold Goods and indoor moveables, and that my two Daughters vizt.
Hannah Edson and Lucy Soule shall be accountable for what they had at the time
of their marriage and with what is Given and bequested to my daughter Elisabeth
shall be valued, and they three Daughters are to be made equal one with the
other
And I do by these presents Constitute and appoint my
aforesaid Son Thomas Morton to be my Sole Executor to this my Last will and
testament. In witness whereof I have Sett my hand and Seal this Eighteenth day
of March A.D. one thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty four
Signed, Sealed, Published & Delivered by the
said John Morton to be his Last will in pre- John Morton (seal)
sence of us who in his presence Subscribed ye.
same as witnesses thereof
Silas
Wood
Joshua
Morton
Ichabod
Morton junr
Presented for probate on the fourth day of September 1786 by
Thomas Morton, the Executor, and proved by Joshua Morton and Ichabod Morton junr,
two of the witnesses.
Joseph Clark, Physician, Seth Morton, yeoman, and Jacob
Bennet, yeoman, all of Middlebo, were appointed to appraise the
estate of John Morton, late of Middlebo, yeoman, on 4 Sept. 1786.
The Inventory of the Estate Real & Personal of John Morton, late of
Middleborough, dated 1 Dec. 1786, totaled £393.7.4, including his lands and
buildings valued at £306. Thomas Morton, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 4 Dec. 1786.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 15-16, 45, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of John Morton of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
Be
it Remembered that I John Morton of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now being of sound and disposing mind, but
unwell and liable to sudden death, make and ordain the following disposition of
my Estate as my last Will and Testament, to wit.
I
devise and bequeath unto my well beloved wife all my estate both real and
persona, of whatever description, subject to the legacies herein after
expressed, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
I
give and bequeath to my daughter Abigail, the widow of Stephen B. Pickens,
deceased, five dollars.
I
give and bequeath to my daughter Betsey, the wife of Doctr Joseph
Haskell, five dollars. And I do hereby make and appoint my said wife sole
Executrix of this my Will.
John Morton (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared in our presence by John Morton the testator, and
at his request and in his presence we do hereto subscribe our names, this
twenty eighth day of May in the year eighteen hundred and twenty seven.
Arad
Thompson
James
M. Leonard
Nathl
Wilder
Probated on 5 Dec. 1836, and proved
by Arad Thompson and Nathaniel Wilder, two of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was recorded,
and the name of his Executrix was not named.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
514-515, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Joseph
Morton of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1754) *
In the Name of the Everlasting God Amen.
I Joseph Morton of the Town and County of Plimouth in New
England: Desire to Bless God that I am now in Some Measure of Helth and
Serenity and in My perfict Mind and Memory yet Calling to Mind the ____
Mortality of all man kind and knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to
Dye do Make this my last Will and Testament as followeth. First, I Commend my
Soule to God that gave it and my body to be Decently buried in a Christian
Maner Hopeing Trusting that I shall receive it again at the Great and last day,
to blessed and Hapy Resurrection, and as for what Estate, that it has pleased
God to bless me with all I Dispose of as followeth, Vizt.
I Give to my Loving wife Mary Morton, the one half my
Dwelling House and the One half of the Improvement of my Farm that I now Live
on boath House and Land So long as She shall live my Widdow and no longer, and
I also Give to my said wife the One halfe of all my personal Estate where so
ever it may be found, the personal Estate I Give to my wife and to her heirs
and assigns forever; and I Give to my son Joseph Morton and to his heirs and
assigns forever the One half of all my Out Lands and Meadow lands Lying Distant
from the Farm that I now live On. and I Allso Give to my said son Joseph the
One Third part of all my homstead which Lyes to the Easterly side of the
Country Roade. This I Give to my sd Son Joseph and to his heirs and
assigns forever ~~
And now I Give to my son Ezekiel Morton and to his heirs and
assigns forever My Dwelling House and farm and all the land and Meadow that
lyeth on the westerly side of the Country Roade where I now Live and two Thirds
of All the land on the Easterly side of said Roade, and I also Give to my said
Son Ezekiel and to his heirs and assigns forever; it is further to be
understood that my too son are not to Come into possession of what I have Gived
to my Said wife so Long as She Remains my Widdow, and as for my personall
Estate, that I have not Given to my wife I Give it to my Three Children Joseph
Morton, Hannah Diman & Ezekiel Morton and to their heirs and assigns
forever to be Equally Divided among them ~~
And I do by These presents Constitute and appoint my two Sons
Joseph and Ezekiel Morton to be the Executors of this my Last Will and
Testament, I Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal This Seventh
day of January in the Year of our Lord 1754—
Signed and Sealed in Joseph Morton (seal)
presents of us
Thomas Bartlett
Nathl.
Sara Warren
Presented for probate on 4 Mar. 1754, and proved by Thomas
and Nathaniel Warren. (sic)
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Josiah Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
Appealing
with reverence to the Supreme Being for the rectitude of my intentions on this
thoughtful occasion, I, Josiah Morton of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, do thus dispose by Will of my Estate.
I order,
that in one year from my decease, there be paid by my son Amasa Morton, to each
of the children of my daughter Mary Swift, viz, to Josiah M. Swift, to Henry E.
Swift – to Mary Swift and Penelope Swift, the sum of four dollars severally, as
their full share of my Estate.
Further,
I give to my son Amasa Morton all the rest of my Estate that I may leave, real
& personal.
In
Testimony of all which and on condition that I am well and kindly treated, by
all concerned, I hereto set my name & seal to this instrument as my Will,
on this eleventh day of May 1833.
Josiah Morton (seal)
Signed,
sealed & declared to be his Will the date above written in presence of us.
Benjamin
Whitman
Z.
Bartlett
William
Holmes
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Jan. 1838 by
Amasa Morton, the Executor, and proved by Benjamin Whitman and William Holmes,
two of the witnesses, Z. Bartlett being now deceased.
No inventory of his estate was filed.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, p. 13-14, from FHL microfilm
#0555265.
Will of Josiah Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1850) *
Know all
men by these presents that I Josiah Morton of Plymouth in the County of
Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Yeoman, being of sound disposing mind and
memory do make and publish this my last will & testament.
First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife
Sally Morton all my house hold furniture, and all my Personal Property except
my right in the Schooner Avon. –
Second I give and bequeath the Northerly half of the
dwelling House in which I now live, with the lot running parallel with the
centre of the House from the road to the meadow, to my daughters Harriet,
Sarah, Lucy & Experience while they remain unmarried in single life, if
either or all of them should marry except one then it shall belong to the
unmarried. – And it is my request that my daughter Harriet should live in the
family with my wife
Third I give and bequeath unto my son Ellis
Morton all my right and interest in the Schooner Avon, he the said Ellis paying
all my part of the debts of said Schooner. Also give and bequeath unto my son
Ellis the Easterly half of a Dwelling House & lot it being where Ellis now
lives, and which fell to me in the division of the Estate of my sister Susan
Morton, by said Ellis paying to my wife Sally Six Dollars annually during her
life time. ~
Fourth I ordain and appoint my Son Josiah Morton
Jr, as Executor of this my last will and Testament
Fifth I give and bequeath unto my son John T
Morton the lot on which his House stands, beginning at the road, thence 170
feet Easterly between the pear trees till it comes to where the ground was last
plowed, leaving the lower Pear tree on said John T. Mortons lot, thence 100
feet by the plowed land and 130 feet by the land of Ephraim K. Churchill to the
road, thence 90 ft by the road to first bounds – In consideration of
which the said John T Morton is to pay to my wife Sally Morton the sum of
Seventy five Dollars. ~
Sixth Whatever demands there may be against me
it is my will that the Real Estate situated near the old Forge Privilege may be
sold for the payment thereof,
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare this to be my last
will and Testament in the presence of the witnesses hereafter named this
thirteenth day of February in in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight
hundred and Fifty. –
Josiah Morton (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Josiah Morton as and for his last
Will and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence
of each other and at his request have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses. ~
George
Bramhall Jr.
John
Langford
Calvin
Bierce Jr.
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1850 by
Josiah Morton, the Executor, and proved by George Bramhall Jr and John
Langford, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Morton, late of
Plymouth, was appraised on 4 Apr. 1840 by George Bramhall Jur, Ezra
Leach, and John Harlow 3d, his real estate totaled $2254, and his
personal estate totaled $735.00, which included a 7/24th interest in
the Schooner Avon valued at $462. Josiah Morton, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on the second Monday of April 1850.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 92, pp. 131-133, 133-134, from FHL
microfilm #0555640.
Will of Lemuel Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
In The Name Of God Amen—I Lemuel Morton of Plymouth in the
county of Plymouth, yeoman, being weak & infirm, but of sound &
disposing mind & memory, do make & ordain this to be Last will &
Testament~
First of all, I Give my precious soul to God who Gave it,
hoping for mercy through Jesus Christ, and my body I recommend to a decent
funeral.—And as to my worldly Estate, I dispose of it in the following
manner ~
Imprimis—I Give to my Brother Nathaniel, two Lots of Land
Lying at Warren’s wells, containing each eight Acres, more or Less, one Lyes at
a place called the Old Mills, the Other on the westerly side of the road, that
Leads to Warren’s wells—both in Plymouth—to be to him & his heirs &
assigns forever—and I also Give to my said brother & his heirs my pews in
the meeting house, and my Cattle sheep, farming tools & household stuff and
provision
Item—I Give to my nephew Lemuel Morton junr. my
Buildings & Lands and meadow Lying at Saquish in said Plymouth—also my
house & Land & Barn that was my Father’s which came to me partly by
heirship & partly by purchase, said Land Lying both below & above the
road—also the Lot that is called Gardner’s Lot, that Lyes between Capt.
Finney’s & Sears’s Land, being in Breadth forty rods & in Length three
Quarters of a mile—and also a thirty acre Lot at the head of said Gardner’s Lot
that I purchased of my father, and a twenty acre Lot that I purchased of
Amaziah Churchill—also a thirty acre Lot I purchased of Eleazer Churchill Lying
at the head of the Lots, he the said Lemuel, clearing & discharging One
half the incumbrance Lying on the Lands bought of said Churchill to Ichabod
Holmes. also I Give to the said Lemuel my Lot of Cedar Swamp Lying above small
Gains, that I bought of John Harlow—and also my Lot of Cedar swamp at Cranes
Brook, that I bought of my Father—all which Buildings and Lands I Give to the said
Lemuel Morton junr. and to his heirs & assigns forever—he taking
Good care of his parents
Item—I Give to my Niece Mary Morton the wife of Thomas
Morton, the house & Land I Bought of Zackeus Morton, and where I now
Live—and also the Land adjoining, which I bought of Jonathan Churchill and
Samuel Jackson up to the Land that Leads to Little town and Joining to Louber’s
Field, belonging to the Dunham’s—also the Land & purchased of Eleazer
Churchill Lying at high Ridge, being two or three Acres, she discharging half
the incumbrance to Ichabod Holmes—also I Give her fifteen Acres more or Less
joining to Oberry Rock, which I Bought of Amaziah Churchill & Abiel
Morton—Also the nook swamp & upland, that I Bought of Capt.
Stephen Churchills heirs—all the said premises to be to her the said Mary
Morton and to her heirs and assigns forever
Item—I Give to my Sister Sarah Bartlett, a piece of Land
Opposite to the house of Nathaniel Morton junr, which I Bought of
Solomon Sylvester, to be to her the said Sarah, and to her heirs & assigns
forever~
Item—I Give to the two Daughters or heirs of my Brother
Thomas Morton deceased vizt Bathsheba Rickard & Martha Morton,
to be equally divided between them, and to their heirs & assigns forever,
nine acres of wood Land, Lying by Rider’s Orchard, so called, towards Cooks
pond, which I Bought of John Harlow~
Item—I Give to the Children or heirs of my sister Mary
Nelson, to be Equally divided between them, the One half part of a Sixty Acre
Lot Lying at Finneys meadow’s—to be to them and to their heirs & assigns
forever~
Item—I Give to Mercy Morton, daughter of my Brother Nathaniel
a house Lot Lying Joining to the road Opposite to Ichabod Holmes’s, to be to
her & her heirs & assigns forever~
Item—I Give & bequeath for the use of the poor of the
Town of Plymouth, the sum of One hundred pounds Lawful money, to be dispose of
by the Overseers of the poor for their necessary support ~
Item—I Give to my Nephew’s Joseph Bartlett Junr.
and Thomas Bartlett all my Other Lands not before disposed of wherever Lying,
to be Equally divided between them and their heirs and assign’s forever.—I also
Give to the said Joseph & Thomas all my Bonds, notes of hand & Book
debts whatsoever, and in consideration of these Bequests, I hereby Order them
to pay & discharge all my Just debts, (except that to Ichabod Holmes) and
my funeral expences, and the Legacy for the use of the poor
Lastly—I nominate & appoint Mr. Nathaniel
Morton Junr. and my Nephew Lemuel Morton junr. to be
Executors to this my Last will & testament—In testimony & confirmation
of which, I the said Lemuel Morton, do hereunto set my hand and Seal this
Fourth day of January Anno Domini, 1779~
Signed, Sealed, & declared to be his Last Lemuel Morton (seal)
will & testament, in presence of~
John
Cotton
Ichabod
Holmes
Thaddeus
Churchill
Presented for probate on the first day of March 1779 by
Nathaniel Morton junr. and Lemuel Morton, the Executors, and proved
by Ichabod Holmes and Thaddeus Churchill, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Lemuel Morton,
late of Plymouth, was appraised by Ichabod Holmes, Samuel Bartlett, and James
Doten, but not dated, and totaled £12,423.16.4, including his personal estate
which totaled £1214.16.4, the lands given to Lemuel Morton totaled £6192, the
lands given to Thomas Morton totaled £1726, the wood lots and pew given to Nathl.
Morton totaled £46, and the lands given to Deacon Bartletts Family totaled
£2778. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 14 Apr. 1779, and
Nathl. Morton and Lemuel Morton, the Executors, gave their oath to
the inventory also on 14 Apr. 1779.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, pp. 161-164, 164-165, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Manasseth Morton of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1745) *
In the Name of God Amen the fiftenth day of October AD:
Seventeen Hundred forty five: I Manaseth Morton of Dartmouth in ye.
County of Bristol in New England Yeoman being weak of body but of Perfect Mind
& memory thanks be Given to God for ye Same: Calling to mind ye.
Mortality of my body and knowing it is Appointed for all men once To dye do
make & ordain this my Last will & Testament and Touching Such worldly
Estate where with it Hath Pleased God To bless me In this Life I Give devise
& despose of ye. Same in ye. following Manner &
form (Viz)
Imprimis my Will is That all my Just debts & funeral
Charges Should be firs paid out of my Moveables Estate ~~
Item: I Give to Mary my dearly beloved Wife ye use
& Improvement of ye. Southerly Half part of my Now dwelling
House Together with the use & Improvement of all my In door Moveables
Accept my Shop or Smith Tools Together with ye. use &
Improvement of all my Live Stock Accept one pair of oxen ye. use of
all as above Mentioned To be To her dureing the Time of her Natural Life
Item I Give And bequeath to My Son Tabor Morton & To his
Heirs & Assigns for Ever all my Land Lying in ye. Gore So Called
Together with all that part of my Homsted Lying To the Eastward of the Line
here after Exprest (viz) begining at a Stake & heap of Stones Aboute Two
Rod To ye. Eastward of ye. South Easterly Corner of my
Goat Paster & About ye. same distance from ye. Swamp
Lying Easterly from my House & in my South line of my Homested from thence
North Eleven dgs. west To ye. Northerly line of my Said
Homested
Item I Give & bequeath To my Son Seth Morton & to his
Heirs & Assigns for Ever All ye. Remaining part of my Homsted
Together with all My Salt Marsh meadow I bought of William Kimton Together with
all ye. fences & other buildings Standing on Each I Likewise
Give To My Said Son Seth all My out door Implyments Commonly used about
Husbandry work Together with all my Shoop or Smiths Tools & my Gun and one
pair of oxon all which I Give To my Said Son Seth as Above Exprist he paying
Two Sixth parts of all my Just debts & funiral Charges & finding for
his Mother My wife fire wood at ye doore of my Now Dwelling House at
a Suteable length for her Chimney with all other things which She Shall Stand
in Need of for her Comfortable Support as Meat & Corn & other
Necesaries which She Shall Not be Able To Provide for her Self with ye.
use & Improvement of what is for her Above Mentioned & To Perform ye
Same during the Time of her Natural Life
Item I Give To my four Daughters (viz) Elizabeth Handy Ruth
Peckam Joannah Mendal & Mary Dexter five Shillings Each old Tenure To be
paid To them by my Son Seth Above Named
Item I Give To my Afore Said four Daughters All that part of
my Moveable Estate which I Give my wife the Improvement of To be Received and
Eaqualy devided among them after my wifes decease
Item my will is yt my Said Son Seth Shall Have my
Apprintice boy & fulfill his Indenture
Item I Likewise Constitute Make & ordain My Said Son Seth
Morton My only & Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament & I
do here by utterly Disallow Revoke & disannul all & Every other former
Testament Wills Legacies & Executors by me in any wise before this time
Named, Willed & bequeathed Rattifying & Confirming this & No other
To be my last will & Testament In Wittness where of I have Here unto Set my
Hand & Seal the Day & Year first Above written
Signd Seald Publishd
Pronouncd and declaird M. Morton (seal)
By ye Said Manaseth Morton
as his Last will & Testament
In Presents of us the
Subscribers ~~
Seth Hammond
Silvanus Mendal
Stephen West Jur.
Presented for probate on 3 Nov. 1747, and proved by Stephen
West Junior & Seth Hammond, two of the witnesses.
Lieut. Nathanael Delano, Lieutenant Cornelius Jenne and
Jonathan Delano, all of Dartmouth, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Manasseth Morton, late of Dartmouth, on 11 Nov. 1745. The Inventory,
dated 12 Nov. 1745, totaled £1525.01.6, including his housing & lands
valued at £1000. Seth Morton, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
12 May 1748.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Manassah Morton, Dartmouth, 1734,”
from FHL microfilm #0577911.
Will of Mary Morton of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be
it remembered that I Mary Morton of Dartmouth in the county of Bristol and
state of Massachusetts being blessed with a sound mind and memory, this
thirtieth day of the third month in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight
hundred and forty four, do now publish this my last Will & Testament in
manner following. Viz.~
Firstly, My husband George Morton,
deceased, having formerly given to our late daughter Sarah B. Sisson and her
son George M. Sisson what he designed as their shares in his Estate.
I now, as my grandson George M.
Sisson is otherwise amply provided for, give & bequeath to him one dollar
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my
two Daughters Anna E. Almy and Mary E. Snow, all the rest and residue of my
Estate wheresoever found and of whatsoever description or nature both real
& personal, to their own use and disposal.— And finally I do hereby appoint
my son in law George Almy sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament,
in confirmation whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year
above written.
In presence of us who at her
request subscribe as witnesses
thereto Mary Morton (seal)
William Tucker
Benjamin Potter
Nancy S. Potter
Proved by William Tucker and
Benjamin Potter, two of the witnesses, on 5 June 1855. Letters Testamentary
granted to George Almy, of Dartmouth, the Executor therein named, on 5 June
1855, with William Tucker and Benjamin Potter, both of Dartmouth, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate file “Mary
Morton, Dartmouth, 1855,” from FHL microfilm #0577911.
Will of Nathaniel Morton of
Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1709) *
To all people to whome these presents shall come know ye
that I Nath:ll Morton of the Town of Plymouth within the province of
the Massachusetts Bay in New-England being weak of body thrô pain by Reason of
a dangerous wound and not knowing how soon it may please God to put an End to
my frail Life Doe therefore whilst it Pleaseth God to Give me the ase of my
understanding & am of disposing minde and memory Make these pesents to be
my Last will and Testament & I do by these pesents make and ordain this
Instrument to be my Last will and Testament to stand Good & Remain firm
& Inviolable for Ever—
Impis I will and bequeath my soul to God who Gave
it me & my body to the dust & to a decent buriall in hopes of a
Glorious Resurection thrô the merits of My Glorious Redeemer & advocate
Jesus Christ ye Riteous And as for that outward Estate which God
hath bestowed upon me I dispose of as followeth (viz) – – –
I Give unto my dear and Loving wife Mary Morton all my Estate
both Reall and persinall that I am now possesed of or have any Rite unto Either
in ye Township of Plymouth or els where to be for use comfort and
support & for the bringing up of my son Nath:ll Morton During
the Time of her widowhood to be wholy Improved for yt End but If my
widow shall marry again Then my will is that she shall have my best bed and
sutable furniture there unto belonging as also I doe give unto my sd
dear and Loving wife the sum o 30 pound to be at her disposing & her own
proper Rite for ever ye above sd bed with the furniture
there unto belonging togather with the 30 pound above mentioned I do will unto
my Dear wife Mary Morton and to her heirs forever
It. I do Give unto my son Nath:ll
Morton & unto his heirs & assigns for ever My now Dwelling house out
housing uplands Meadow Land that I have in the Township of Plymouth or
Midlebury or Els where that I doe not in this my Last will order the disposings
of to belong and apertain unto him my sd son Nath:ll
Morton & unto his heirs and assigns for ever but If God should so dispose
in his Soveranity that my son Nathaniel Morton should Decease before he coms of
age to inherit what I have in this my Last will Setled upon him: Then my will
is & I do by these pesents give the one half of all my Estate that then
shall be found unto my Kinsman Josia Morton the Son of my brother Josiah Morton
Late of Plymouth Deceased to belong and apertain unto him ye sd
Kinsman Josiah Morton & to his heirs & assigns forever: And as to the
other half of my sd Estate that may then be found My will is that it
shall be Equally Divided between my Kinsfolk here after named: (viz) To Ephraim
Morton son of my brother George Morton and to Ephraim Morton son of my brother
Ephraim Morton & to Thomas Morton son of my brother Thomas Morton and to
Nath:ll Morton son to my brother Eliezer Morton & to Ephraim
Wood son of my sister Rebecka Wood & to Lidia Nelson daughter of my sister
Patience Nelson & to Anna Greay the daughter of my sister Joanna Gray to
them & to Every of them alike proportion & to belong to them and Each
of them & their Respective heirs & assigns for Ever: As to my Land at
agawam my will is & I doe by these pesents Give unto my dear and Loving
wife Mary Morton full power with the help and advice of of my frends herein
after Named to make sale of my whole Interest of Lands in sd agawam
Together with all my Rite that I have in that housing & Land Liing at
Plymouth Town on which my brother Eliezer Morton now Liveth for the defraying
of these Great Charges that I have ben by gods alwise disposing providence
Exposed unto & I do hereby give unto my sd Loving wife full
power to Give firm title to any person or persons that shall be pleased to by sd
Land that I have herein set apart to be sold for the End abovesd:
& Lastly I do Constitute and appoint my dear and Loving wife Mary Morton to
be my soul Executrix of this my Last will and Testament to pay such debts I owe
and Reseive such debts as are owing to me as also to take care for the decent
buriall of My body and to defray such nessesary Charges as Relating thereunto
& I do Request my dear brother Ephraim Morton and my 2 Kins men Benjamin
Warren & Thomas faunce Much Confiding in their Love and faithfulness to be
helpfull to my sd Executrix in acting and disposing of Perticulers
according to the tener of this my Last Will and Testament: Thus hoping that
this my Last will be observed & kept hereby Revoaking all former wills
Either verball or Riten In witness
whereof I the sd Nath:ll Morton have hereunto set my hand
and seal on the 23 day of June anno domini 1709
Signed sealed & Declared to be his Last
will and Testament in presents of us Nathaniel Morton (seal)
Thomas Holmes
Thomas Morton Junr.
Thomas faunce
Memorandom that on the fist day of octor. Anno
Dom: 1709 Thomas fance Thomas Holms & Thomas Morton the witnesses named in
this will Made oath that they saw Nathaniel Morton sign seal and herd him
declare this above Riten Instrument to be his Last Will and Testament &
that when he so did he was of sound disposing minde and Memory to the best of
their Judgment before me Nath:ll
Thomas Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Morton, the
executrix, on the first day of October 1709.
An Inventory of the Estate of Lout. Nath:ll
Morton Late of Plymouth Deceased was taken on 2 agust 1709, by Ephraim Morton,
Benjamin Warren, and Thomas faunce, and sworn to by Mary Morton, Relict widow
of Lout Nath:ll Morton, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel Morton Jr. of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1781) *
In The Name of God Amen—On the Sixth day of April Anno Domini
1781 I Nathaniel Morton junr. of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth within the
commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, being under infirmity of body, but of
sound and disposing mind & memory do make this my Last will and
testament—after Recommending my Soul into the hands of almighty God who Gave
it, and my body to the Earth to decent burial in hopes of a Glorious
Resurrection, through Jesus Christ—I Give Demise and bequeath my worldly Estate,
wherewith God hath been pleased to Endow me in this Following manner vizt
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to my beloved wife Joanna Morton
One third part of my household Furniture, to be to her the said Joanna Morton
and to her heirs & assigns forever—also the use & improvement of one
third part of all my Other Estate, both Real & Personal during the time of
her remaining my widow
Item—I Give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Rebecca
Morton One third part of my household Furniture, and Thirty pounds in Silver
money at Six Shillings & eight pence p ounce, to be her the said Rebecca to
her heirs and assigns Forever
Item—I Give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Bettsey
Morton one third part of my household Furniture, and Two hundred & twenty
Five pounds in Silver money at Six Shillings and eight pence p ounce to be to
her the said Bettsey Morton, and to her heirs & assigns Forever
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son in Law Mr.
John Torrey all the wearing Apparell, that was my Son’s Nathaniel Morton
deceased
Item—I Give and bequeath to my beloved brother – Sylvanus
Howes my boots and Shoes – and also the priviledge of improving or employing my
Fishing boat (and of curing the Fish, which may be in sd boat
obtained) in such way & manner & so Long as to him the said Sylvanus
may seem meet, he the said Sylvanus, from time to time paying to or accounting
with my Heirs or Executors For the Earnings or profits thereof
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Friend Mr. James
Doten my best Coat waistcoat and Breeches
Item—all the Residue and Remainder of my Estate, whether Real
or personal, with such parts or parcell thereof as are in Reversion (after my
Just Debts and Funeral Charges are paid) I Give and bequeath to my three
beloved daughters vizt – Meriah Torrey, Rebecca Morton & Bettsey
Morton, to be equally divided among them, vizt. to each one third
part thereof to be to them the said Meriah Rebecca & Betsey & to their
Heirs & assigns Forever
Item—I Do hereby nominate, constitute & appoint my Friend
Mr. James Doten & my son in Law Mr. John Torrey Joint
Executors of this my Last will and testament—In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the day and year above written ~
Signed, Sealed, Published, pronounced
& declared by the said Nathaniel Mor-
ton junr. as his Last Will & Testament Nathl. Morton junr (seal)
in presence of us
Isaac
Lothrop
Thaddeus
Churchill
Thomas
Morton 3d
Presented for probate on the third day of October 1781 by
James Doten and John Torrey, the Executors, and proved by Isaac Lothrop and
Thaddeus Churchill, two of the witnesses.
Benjamin Ryder, Ichabod Holmes and Sylvanus Harlow, all of
Plymouth, Gentlemen, were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathaniel Morton
junr, late of Plymouth, Gentleman, on 3 Oct. 1781. The Inventory of
the Estate of Mr. Nathaniel Morton junr., late of Plymouth, was dated Oct.
1781, and totaled £2327.9.8, including his Real Estate valued at £924.4, and
£1005 in State notes and Notes of hand. The appraisers gave their oath to the
inventory on 30 Oct. 1781, and Mr. James Doten, one of the
Executors, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Nov. 1781.
The division of the Real Estate of Nathaniel Morton junr.,
Gentleman, late of Plymouth, among Mrs. Joanna Morton, the widow,
Meriah Torrey, wife of Mr. John Torrey, daughter of the deceased,
Rebecca Davis, wife of William Davis, daughter of the deceased, and Bettsey
Morton, daughter of the deceased, by Ichabod Holmes, Benja. Ryder
junr., and Sylvs. Harlow, approved on 10 Apr. 1782.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 197-198, 199-200, 297, from
FHL microfilm #0550715.
Will of Nathaniel Morton Jr. of Freetown, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
I give to
my son Marcus Morton Esqr. all the property and estate of every kind
and discription of which I die seized and possessed he to pay my debts and
funeral charges and to maintain and support Mary my beloved wife during her
natural life in an honorable comfortal and respectable manner both in sickness
and in health and with due respect to her choice and election and in addition
thereto I give her one hundred dollars to her own disposal and the carpet in
the parlor and my Great Bible also to her disposal. And also to pay the Rev.
Elijah Dexter fifty dollars as an acknowledgement though a small one for his
kindness and tenderness to my daughter Mary while she was his wife And also to
my two grandsons Nathaniel Morton Dexter and Henry Martyn Dexter being the
children of my said daughter Mary six hundred dollars each which with their
fathers legacy to be paid in one year after my decease If either of the said
grandsons die in a state of minority the survivor to take his share. I also
give to the said Nathaniel Morton Dexter my silver watch. And I also hereby
constitute my said son Marcus sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament,
Revoking all former wills, This twenty second day of April one thousand eight
hundred and twenty six.
Signed
sealed publish’d
and
declared to be the last
will and
testament of Nathl. Nathl. Morton Jr (seal)
Morton Jr.
in our presence who
in the
presence of each other
hereunto
set our names
Job Morton
Patience
Morton
Albert G.
Morton
March 5,
1833, the last sworn, & adjourned to Dighton April Court
April 5,
1833, Sworn to by Job Morton & Patience Morton
Apr 5, ~
Approved
The will of
Nathaniel Morton Jr. late of Freetown was presented for probate on 5 Apr. 1833
by Marcus Morton, the Executor, and proved by Albert G. Morton, Job Morton, and
Patience Morton, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Marcus Morton, of Freetown, with Jesse Smith and George Leonard 2d, both of
Freetown, as sureties.
No
inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Nathaniel Morton, Freetown, 1833,”
from FHL microfilm #0577911.
Will of Polly Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the Name of God Amen I Polly Morton of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth, Widow of sound and disposing mind & memory do make and
publish this my last will and testament in manner following. I give and
bequeath to my daughters Rebecca Tinkham and Susan E. Smith and to my son John
L. Morton each one dollar. I also give and bequeath to my grand-children George
M. Bell, Mary M. Bell children of my deceased daughter Hannah Bell, James
Morton, Betsey D. Morton and Mary Morton children of my son James Morton deceased,
each the sum of one dollar.
I give, bequeath, and devise all the rest of my estate real
and personal to my daughters Polly Morton and Betsey Morton their heirs and
assigns forever.
I hereby appoint the said Polly Morton and Betsey Morton
executrixes of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty.
her
Polly X Morton (seal)
mark
Signed Sealed published & declared by the above named
Polly Morton to be her last will and testament in the presence of us, who at
her request & in her presence have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses to the same.
Nathl.
M. Davis
Hannah
T. Robbins
Oliver
T. Wood
Betsey Morton, of Plymouth, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Polly Morton, late of Plymouth, on 7 May 1874, with Mary M.
Harlow and Ann E. Harlow, of Plymouth, as sureties.
Amasa Churchill, John H. Harlow, and Ezra Harlow, all of
Plymouth were appointed to appraise the estate of Polly Morton, late of
Plymouth on 20 Apr. 1874. The inventory was appraised at $175, showing only
real estate. Betsey Morton, the executrix, gave her oath to the inventory in
May 1874.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 150-151, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, Vol. 133, p. 194, and Vol. 109, p. 504.
Will of Sarah E. Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1870) *
Know All Men by these presents that I, Sarah E. Morton wife
of Nathaniel H. Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts being of sound disposing mind and memory do make this my last
will and testament.
I give and devise all my estate, real and personal, of which
I may die seiz’ed and possessed to Warren B. Potter and Andrew G. Weeks, both
of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and
Eunice Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth aforesaid
to have and to hold the same to them, their heir’s and assigns forever upon the
trust following, that is to say.
First. To pay all my funeral expenses as soon after my
decease as practicable.
Second. To take care of and manage the property for the
benefit of all my children now living and to apply the income of the same to
their support and education; and in case the income is not sufficient for that
purpose, the trustees may dispose of such portions of the property from time to
time, as will make up such deficiency and apply it to the same purpose.
Third. To have and to hold the same estate and property for
the purpose aforesaid until the youngest child living shall become of lawful
age, and then to divide all the estate and property aforesaid equally among my
said children share and share alike, And in case of the death of any one of my
said children before becoming of age, leaving no issue, then to divide the
share income and interest of said child in the estate and property aforesaid
equally among the remaining children.
Fourth. And I hereby authorize and empower said trustees to
dispose of the property, and make such other investments of the proceeds as may
in their judgement at any time when it may be deemed for the best interest of
all concerned to do so, and to hold and apply the proceeds of said sale to and
upon the trust aforesaid.
Fifth. I appoint Warren B. Potter of Boston to be the
executor of this my last will and testament, and I request that he shall be
exempt from giving bonds.
In testamony whereof I hereunto set my hand and publish and
declare this to be my last Will and testament, in the presence of the witnesses
named below this 5th day of April in the year 1870.
Sarah E. Morton (seal)
Signed, published and declared by the said Sarah E. Morton as
and for her last will and testament in the presence of us, who in her presence
and in the presence of each other and at her request, have subscribed our names
as witnesses hereto.
Alex
Jackson
Abiathar
Hoxie
Lucy
L. Hoxie
I, Nathaniel H. Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, husband of Sarah E. Morton, who has made and
executed the above written will, hereby consents to the execution of said will
by her and to all the provisions and conveyances therein made.
Alex Jackson
Abiathar Hoyie
Lucy L. Hoyie
Presented for probate on the second Monday of June 1870 by
Warren B. Potter of Boston, with Joseph D. Hathaway of Freetown and William
Weeks of Malden as sureties. Letters testamentary were granted to Warren B.
Potter on 13 June 1870.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 553-554, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 222.
Will of Seth Morton of New Bedford, Bristol County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1802) *
In the name of God Amen I Seth Morton of NewBedford in the
County of Bristol Yeoman being weak in body but of a sound mind and memory do
this Seventh Day of March Anno Domini one Thousand eight Hundred and two make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following viz
Imprimis I give to my beloved Wife the use and improvement of
the south East Room in my Dwilling House, such a part of my indoor moveable as
she stands in need of, as much fruit in the Orchard as she requires for her own
use, and a priviledge to the Well and to Any wood at the Door during her Life
Item my Will is that my son Jethro find and provide for his
Mother a comfortable support in sickness & in health both for victuals and
Cloathes during her Life – and also provid wood cut a suitable length for the
fire sufficient for one Fire.
Item I give & bequeathe to my two Daughters Sarah and
Hannah Morton about twelve acres of Wood Land more or less lying the north side
of my Farm which Lot I purchased of Isaac Spooner ~ to them and their Heirs
& assigns forever ~
Item I give and bequeathe to my two Daughters Sarah &
Hannah all my live stock, and my Ax and Hoe – And also all my indoor moveables.
their Mother to use and improve such a first as she needs during life ~
Item My Will is that my two Daughters Sarah and Hannah have
the use and improvement of the north east Room & bedroom in my Dwelling
House, two Trees in my Orchard which trees they may have the priviledge of
chooseing amicably the keeping of a Cow both Summer and Winter & a
priviledge to the Well & to any their Wood at the Door as long as they
remain single
Item My Will is that my Son Jethro keep a Cow for his two
Sisters both Summer and winter as before mentioned.
Item My Will is that in consideration of what I have given to
my two Daughters Sarah and Hannah they take good care of their Mother as long
as they or either of them remain single
Item Will and expectations are that the Personal Estate which
I have given to my Daughters should cansel all demands they have against me or
my estate ~
Item I give and bequeath to my Son Jethro Morton and to his
Heirs and assigns forever all my Estate Real and Person not herein before
bequeathed and divised wherever the same may be found and that part of my
Dwelling House which his Mother & Sisters are to occupy after their Death
or Marriage if he will well & truly perform to his mother & sisters all
the aforegoing particulars and the following
Item My Will is that my Son Jethro Morton pay my Just debts
funeral charges and the expence of settling my Estate.
And lastly I do constitute and ordain my said Son Jethro
Morton sole Executor of this my last Will and testament.
In Testamony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year above written.
Seth Morton (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
Seth Morton as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us at his
request and in his presence hereunto set our names as Witnesses to the same
Seth
Stevens
William
Howard
Saml
Perry Jr
Octr 5, 1802 Approved
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1802 by Jethro Morton, the
Executor, and proved by William Howard and Samuel Perry Junr., two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Jethro
Morton, the Executor, with Samuel Perry Jun., Esq., and William Howard, yeoman,
all of New Bedford, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Seth Morton, New Bedford, 1802,”
from FHL microfilm #0577911.
Will of Seth Morton of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
Be it
remembered, that I, Seth Morton, of Middleborough, in the County of Plymouth,
shoe maker, do on this fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord,
one thousand eight hundred and forty seven make and publish this my last will
and testament, in manner following.
Item, in
the first place, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Lucetta B. Morton, my
dwelling house where I now live, and also the wood – house adjoining the same.
Item, I
also give to my wife all my Personal Property, but what I shall hereafter name,
for my son John Q. Morton.
Item, I
give and bequeath to my son John Quincy Morton, my Barn and shoemakers shop,
together with all my mechanical tools, also my horse waggon, and sleigh, and
collar of bells. I further give to my son John two beds, with bedsteads and
bedding, sufficient for use.
Item, I
also give to my son John all my right, title and interest that I hold in my
honored father’s property which fell to me by will, made by my father before
his decease.
I
further state that my wife must pay all my just debts and funeral charges.
Lastly,
I do appoint my wife, Lucetta B. Morton to execute this my last will and
testament, revoking all wills hereto fore by me made.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above
written.
Seth Morton (seal)
Signed, sealed, and published, by the said Seth Morton
declaring this to be his last will and testament, in presence of us, who, at
his request, were called as witnesses to the same, and in his presence did
hereunto subscribe our names.
Jonathan
Cobb
Abner
C. Barrows
Ebenr.
Lobdell
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1847 by
Lucetta B. Morton, the Executor, and proved by Jonathan Cobb, one of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p. 429-430, from FHL microfilm
#0555639.
Will of Silas
Morton of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it remembered that I Silas
Morton of Pembroke, County of Plymouth being at this time through divine favor
of sound disposing mind and memory, yet duly considering the uncertainty of my
existence in this life do think proper to make my last Will & Testament in
manner & form following Viz:
First I give to my granddaughter
Betsey F. M. Ripley twenty dollars.
I
also give my eldest son Silas two hundred & fifth dollars and my Watch and
one Bed and Bedding.
I
also give my daughter Caroline Briggs One hundred & fifty dollars & one
Bed and Bedding.
I
also give my son George W. fifty dollars, my Clock & Certificates for two
land tickets in Massachusetts State Lottery.
I
also give my daughter Sally F. Barstow, One hundred dollars.
I
also give to my daughter Mary Ann Singlewoman two hundred & fifty dollars,
one third part of the household furniture not otherwise disposed of. Also a
part of the house now occupied by me viz: the South East room below and the
chamber over the same and the South West chamber adjoining it, also a privilege
in common with the other owners of the other parts of said house, to wit, the
Kitchen, Sinkroom, cellar, Woodyard, the entries, front & back doors
&c. of said house.
I
also give Abigail Brewster the South West room on the first floor being the
bedroom now occupied by me. Also privileges in common with others, as described
to my daughter Mary Ann in said house. Also the bed, bedstead & bedding,
Desk, fire set and looking glass now in said room.
I
also give my daughter Lucy D. Tolson One hundred & fifty Dollars (to be
disposed of as herein after described).
I
also give my daughter Harriet Gilbert One hundred Dollars.
I
also devise & give the remaining part of the household furniture not
otherwise disposed of to my daughters Caroline, Sally, Lucia & Harriet to
be divided among them equally.
I
also give & devise my Real Estate to my Legal heirs equally to be divided
among them all. All the rest and residue of my property of whatever name
or nature, that may remain after paying my just debts and incidental charges,
to be divided equally between all my Legal heirs.
And
I do hereby appoint Calvin Shepherd of Pembroke to be my Sole Executor to this
my last Will & Testament and I also hereby appoint him to have the care and
oversight of the legacies and bequests here in named to my son Silas to be in
his hands (or some one whom he may appoint) so that the said property may not
come into Silas’ hands, only as it may be judged necessary for his support.
I
also Will and hereby appoint Robert Briggs of Boston to take possession of the
bequests and legacies herein named to my daughter Lucia or some one whom he may
appoint so that the said bequests and legacies may be used solely for her
support & benefit and no other purpose and I also Will that the within
legacies & bequests be paid within six months after my decease except those
to my son Silas.
And
I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of May
in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. 1838.
Silas Morton (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
within named Silas Morton to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us
Mary
Shepherd
Seth
Magoun
John
W. Osborne
The Will of Silas Morton, late of
Pembroke, Gentleman, was presented for probate on the third Monday of May 1840
by Calvin Shepherd the Executor, and proved by Seth Magoun and John W. Osborne,
two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Silas Morton, late of Pembroke, yeoman, was appraised by Samuel Brown, Seth Whitman and Peter Salmond on 17 Apr. 1840, and totaled $6123.48, including his homestead containing 40 acres valued at $2500, and notes of hand against James Ford Jr., Samuel McFarland, Thomas Waterman, Isaac Hatch Jr., Seth Whitman, Martin Ford, John Sturtevant, Job Turner, Ezra D. Morton, John Howard, Thomas Blackmer, Anthony Collamore, Charles Barstow, Melsar Turner, Luther Magoun, and Joseph Holmes. Calvin Shepherd, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of May 1840, and his petition to sell the balance of the personal estate was approved on 18 May 1840.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Morton of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1741) *
In the Name of God Amen, the Twenty Sixth Day of August in
the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred forty and one, I Thomas Morton
of Plymo. in the County of Plymouth In his Majestyes Province of the
Massachusetts Bay In New=England, Calling unto mind the Mortallyti of My Body
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once To Dye Do make and ordain
This my Last Will and Testament. That is To Say Principally & first of all
I Give my Sole into the Hands of God that Gave it me & My body I Recommend
To the Earth To Be Buried In Decent and Christian manner att the Discression of
my Executors Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Receive
the Same again, By the All mighty Power of God, and as Touching such Worldly
Estate Wherewith it Hath pleased God To Bless me in This Life I Give Demise
& Dispose of the Same in ye following Manner & form
(Imprimis) I Give & Bequeath To my Loveing Wife Martha Morton my Best Bead
& furniture To it. and my Will further is That my said Wife shall have one third
Part of my Personall Estate Beside the said Best Bead & furniture Item I
Give To my Two Grand Children Daughters of my son Thomas Morton Deceased, Viz
Bathsuah Morton & Martha Morton the sum of Twenty Shillings To Each of them
To Be Paid by my Executors out of my Personal Estate, My Will is that My Son
Lemuell Morton Shall pay all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges I Haveing given
Him a Deed of Gift of a Considerable Part of my Estate I Give unto my Son
Nathaniel Morton Eight acres & a Half of Land Lying at Warrens Wells in
Plymouth & also all my Wareing apparrel my Gun & sword & Stuff To
Him His Heirs And assigns for Ever, I Give also To my son Nathaniel Morton one
Cow Item I Give To my Two Grandchildren Daughters of my Daughter Lydia Bartlett
Deceased one Third Part of all my Personal Estate Not Herein Before Disposed of
To be Equally Divided Between them & To be Delivered To Them When They
arive To the age of Eighteen years & if Either of them Decease Before they
arive To that age then ye surviveing one To Have the Whole Item I
Give To my Two Daughters Sarah Bartlett and Mary Nelson all the Remaining Part
of my Personal Estate Besides what is already Dispoesed of as abovesd.
To be Equally Devided between them.
I Do Constitute and appoint my said Dear Wife Martha Morton
Lemuel Morton & Nathaniel Morton my Two Sons Executors of this my Last Will
and Testament & I Do by these Presents Revoke & make Void & Null
all other and former Wills by me Heretofore Made = Ratifying – allowing and
Confirming This & No other To be my Last Will and Testament and in
Testimony, Hereof I the said Thomas Morton Have Hereunto Set my Hand & Seal
the Day & year above Written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
& Declared by the said Thomas Morton
as His Last Will & Testament In the Thomas Morton (seal)
Presents of us the Subscribers..
Samuell Bartlett
Nathll. Shurtleff
Noah Bradford
Presented for probate on 12 Sept. 1748 by Lemuell Morton, one
of the Executors therein named, the other Executor Viz Nathaniel Morton Haveing
Renounced ye Executorship, and proved by Samuell Bartlett Esqr.
& Nathaniel Shurtleff.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr Thomas Morton
Late of Plymouth Deceased, not dated or totaled, was appraised by John Harlow,
John Finney & Jeremiah Tower, and included his Homestead with the Buildings
given by the Testator in his life time to his son Lemuell by Deed valued at
£387.20, 2 lots of land lying Betwixt ye land of Mr John
Finney & the land of Mr Thomas Seares given by the Testator in
his life time to his son Lemuel by Deed valued at £312.20, a piece of Salt
Meadow lying at Saquim also given by the Testator in his life time to his son
Lemuel by deed valued at £62.10, and about 8½ acres of land lying below Warrens
Well valued at £27.10. Lemuell Morton, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 1 Nov. 1748.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Morton of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be
it known that I William Morton of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, Yeoman,
being advanced in age but of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and
declare this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament in manner following to
wit:
I
give and bequeath to my son William Morton the sum of Five Dollars which with
what I have heretofore given him is all I intend to bestow upon him of my
estate. –
To
my son Lewis Morton with whom I have lived for many years I give, devise and
bequeath all the rest residue & remainder of all the Real and Personal
Estate of which I may die seized & possessed on condition that he pay all
my debts, funeral charges and the above legacy & procure and set up at my
grave a pair of Grave Stones, one of which shall be of sufficient size &
contain the names & ages & times of decease of myself and three wives,
to have and to hold the same to him his heirs and assigns forever. –
And
I do hereby constitute and appoint my said son Lewis Morton sole executor of
this my last will & Testament –
In
witness whereof I the said William Morton have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twelfth day of January in the year eighteen hundred and forty four.
William Morton (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the within named William Morton as his last
Will & Testament in presence of us who at his request, in his presence
& in presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses. Barzillai Holmes
S
O Whitmore
H.
E Swift
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of January 1851 by Lewis Morton, the Executor, and proved by Barzillai
Holmes and H. E Swift, two of the witnesses.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 93, p.
47-49, from FHL microfilm #0555641.
Will of Adam Mott Sr.,
of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1691) *
March ye 12th. 1681/2 Adam Mott Senor
being about Sixty Yeares of age or there abouts —
I adam Mot, now very weak in Body doth now declare this to be
my last will & Testamt from this day I being through gods mercy
In my right Sences —
1t I do
humbly Surrender & Give my Soull & Spirit to god wch gave it
me & my body to ye Earth to be buried In decent manner
2dly
That all Just due debts that shall be made apear shall be payd Justly to
ye. Creditors so Apearing: —
3dly
I do give to my Eldest Son adam fifety Acres of Land that is to take up
& five Shills In Money: —
4dly
to my Sone James I give two Cowes & A hollow Lying ye
harbor patch & my Carzie wescoate & my Serge Drawer & my new hat
5dly
to my daughter Grace I give four great pewter platters & those
hollows Lying between ye grate run & tanders hooke those two
hollows wch lyeth upon ye Left hand of ye Path
going to ye towne from Madnans neck & three hollows lying on
next to ye other Side of ye Path by this grate Rune then
sd Land to remaine to her & her heyres for ever —
6dly
to my Sone John I do give my Lott of meddow Lying at whale neck & my
hollows lying by ye harbour path —
7dly
to my Son Joseph I give a hundred Acres of Land where he Shall Se good
to take up for his uses wch is yett untaken up & A hollow
wch Lying by ye west hollow In ye Sandy
hollow wch is a greate hollow —
8dly
to my Sone Gershome I do give five Cowes —
9dly
to my Son Henrys three Children I do give one two Yeares old heffereys —
10dly
to my dear wife Elizabeth Mott & all ye Children I have
by her I do give & bequeath my house & Lott upon Madnans neck & wth
all ye rest of ye Said Estate not yet menĉoned In my
will aforesd moveables & Imoveables wth all &
Every part thereof to Stand and remaine to my wife & Children —
onely My houses & orchard & win
houses Lott att hempstead & This mene hollow In pticulers I do give to my
youngest Son Adam but if in Case that my wife Elizabeth Should Se cause to
marry that then Sd Estates wch I have given unto
my wife & Children Shall Equally divided into four pces my wife Elizabeth
to have & Injoy ye one pce & those Children wch
I have had by her ye other three pces to be Equally divided between
them & also I do give to my wife Elizabeth for her Life time if She Shall
See cause my house & Land upon Madnans neck & a lott of Meadow [and if my wife Doth remaine a widow]
that there should be none of ye Children to injoy Any of ye
sd Estate untill they marry Except That my wife Shall Se Cause to ye
Contrary —
11dly
as to four Proprietorships wch. I have in this bounds
of hemsteed I do give unto my wife Elizabeth & her Children first to take
her Choise of two of ye sd proprietorships & ye
other two to be Equally dveded Amongst my four Eldest Sonns In Equall
proportions & wth all & Every parte of this my will
& Testamt I do hartely desire May be pformed In all pticulars as
witness My hand & Seale this 22d day of March ADo
1681/2
Signed Sealed & Deld Adam Mott Senior (seal)
In ye presence of
Joseph Sutton Senr
Wm Peatte
Joseph Sunnon Junr
An
Inventory of ye moveable Estate of Adam Mott &c taken &
praised as Mony by Jonathan Smith Senor & Jonathan Smith Junior under oath
this 5th: of Aprill 1690 ye totall Sume is one hundred
Eighty two pounds nine Slls. & 6 pence —
Hempsteed Aprill
ye 5th. 1690 By
ordr. of ye Praisers
Probated on 8 Apr. 1690, with Elizabeth ye widdow
relict of Adam Mott Senr desyring Letters of Administraĉon in ye
sd Estate, administration was granted to her on 12 May 1690.
Letters of Administration cum Testamento Annexo were granted
unto Elizabeth Mott, the widow, and Adam Mott, the Eldest Son of the Estate of
Adam Mott Deceased on 30 Oct. 1691.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Liber 3, p. 181-182 was the original
recording of the will, transcribed into Vol. 3, p. 127-129, and recorded again
in Vol. 4, p. 132-135 with the addition of 8 words in italics.
Will of Joseph Mott
of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen the twenty fourth Day of March in the
Year of our Lord Christ Seventeen hundred and thirty four five I Joseph Mott of
Hempstead in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Province of New York Yeoman
being now weak in body but of Perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God
for the same yet calling to mind the mortality of my Body and Knowing that is
appointed for all men once to Dye do make this my Last Will and Testament that
is to say principally and first of all I Do Recommend my Spirit into the hands
of God who gave it and my Body I do Recommend to the Earth to be buried in a
Christian Like manner at the discretion of my Executors nothing Doubting but at
the Generall Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the mighty Power of
God and as Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me within this Life I give Devise and Dispose of the same in the following
manner and form Vizt. First I Do Order my funerall Charges to be
paid and all my Just and Lawfull Debts and next I do give and bequeath to my
Eldest Son Joseph Mott the sum of three hundred Pounds of Good and Lawfull
money of the Province of New York to be Raised and Levived out of my moveable
Estate after my Decease and then after the said sum of three hundred Pounds is
Raised as aforesaid and paid to my said Son Joseph Mott then the Remaining part
of my moveable Estate I do give and bequeath to my four Children Vizt.
Joseph Mott, Samuel Mott, Jacob Mott, and my Daughter Ann Cornell Wife of
Samuel Cornell and also the Children of my Daughter Jean Seamans Deceased in
the following manner Vizt. Joseph Mott my Eldest Son to have one
equall fifth part and my Son Samuel Mott to have one Equall fifth Part and my
Son Jacob Mott to have one Equall fifth part and my Daughter Ann Cornell Wife
of Samuel Cornell to have to have one Equall fifth Part and the Children of my
Daughter Jean Seamans Wife of Benjamin Seamans Deced. to have one
Equall fifth Part only I except my two Negroes Vizt. Ned and Sue
which two I give the Liberty to Live with which of my Children they shall see
cause, I Do also appoint constitute make and Ordain Elias Dorlense of Hempstead
in Queens County on Nassau Island and in the Province of New York Yeoman and my
Cousin John Mott Son of my Brother John Mott of the Same place to be Executors
of this my Last Will and Testament and I Do hereby Utterly Disallow Revoke and
Disannul all and every other former Testments Wills Legacies and Executors by
me in any ways before this time named Willed and bequeathed Ratifying and
confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament, In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seall the Day and year abovc written
Sind Seald Published Pronounced and Declared by the said
Joseph Mott as his Last Will and Testament in presents of us the subscribers
Vizt.
his
Joseph
J Mott (seal)
Jonathan Vallantine his mark
Henry Vallantine James
H Holstead
mark
Probated on 6 Feb. 1735, and Letters of Administration
granted to Elias Dorling and John Mott, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Murdoch of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the
Name of God Amen, I John Murdoch of Plimo. in NewEngland, being
senciable of the frailty and Mortality of my Body, & not knowing how soon
it may please God to put aperiod to my temporall Life, Do Apprehend it my Duty
to set my House in Order, before I die & tho’ I am under bodily weakness
and Decays of Nature Yet blessed be God my Creator and preserver) I am of
asound Disposing Mind & Memory Do therefore make and Ordain this my last
Will and Testament, in Manner following
Imprimis
& first of all I commend my immortall Spiritts into the Hands of God the
Father, Humbly relying On the alone merritts and Intersession of the Lord Jesus
my dear Saviour and, Trusting intirely in the Promisses in the Gospill thro’
him for the parden of all my sins, & Eternal Salvation, and my body I
committ to the Earth to be inter’d in a Decent Christain manner at the
Discretion of my Execrs. Hereafter named, in Hope of a Joyfull
resurrection at the last Day (to immortality in Hapyness with & thro’ Jesus
my Dear redeemer, and as to such worldly Goods & Estate as I now have
(undisposed off) my mind & Will respecting the Disposall thereof is as
follows,
Firstly
My Will is that all my Just Debts and funerall Expenses & Charges be first
paid by my Execrs. hereafter named
Secondly Whereas I Have before this Time Disposed of my real
Estate by Deeds of Gift, I Hereby, by this my Will ratify and Confirm the same
unto, and as by said Deeds are Expressed.
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my Loving Wife Phebe To Her, her
Heirs and Assigns forever, One Thousands pounds lawfull Money to be paid by My
Execrs. within eighteen months After my decease, or to take her
choice of my Bonds for that sum immediately After my decease, also One half of
my Household Goods of every Sort, and the Liberty to use and Improve two rooms
which she shall choose for two Years after my decease, in my now Mantion House,
but Upon these Conditions, that she be therewith content and not make Any
chalange or demand for Dower in my reall Estate; if my sd. wife
shall not incline to receive said Sum in Bonds at my decease then the same
shall be paid her within eighteen Months after my decease with Lawfull interest
for the same till paid.
Item, I Give and Bequeath to the Scotch Box in the Town of
Boston Fifty Pounds Lawfull money to be paid unto Capt. John Eevin
for the use of that Society, by my Execrs. within Eighteen months
after my decease,
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto the third Precinct in the Town
of Plimouth, and of which the revd. Mr. Jacob Bacon is
the present Minister, Two Hundred pounds Lawfull Money to be paid by My Execrs.
within eighteen months after my decease, and it is my Will that the same be
paid to the Precinct Comtt then in beaing, & whome I do Hereby
impower to Sett the same from Year to Year on Good Security, but not to lessen
the Capatall Sum which is allways to be keept Good, and if not improved
according to these Directions Shall return to my son John Murdoch his heirs
&c
Item I Give and Bequeath to the poor in the Town of Plimouth
one Hundred pounds Lawfull money to be paid into the said Town’s Treasurry for
the time then being, within Eighteen months after My decease, by my Execrs.
which Treasurer I Hereby Impower to Set out the same from Year to Year On Good
Security, but not to Lesen the Capitall Sum which is allways to be keept Good,
and if not improved According to these Directions the same same shall return to
my Son John Murdoch his heirs &c
Item, I Give and Bequeath for the use of the Town School in
Plimo. One Hundred pounds lawfull Money to be paid by my Execrs.
within Eighteen Months after my decease, unto the Treasurer or Selectmen of
said Town, who are hereby impowered & Directed to lett the same from year
to Year on good Security, but not to lessen the Capitall Sum which is always to
be keept Good, & if the directions are not Observed then the same Sum,
shall return to my Son John Mordoch his heirs &c
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Phebe Bowdoin the
wife of mr William Bowdoin of Boston, and to her heirs Heirs and
Assigns a Debt of about Seven Thousand pounds Old tenr. which her
said Husband owes me upon Book, also five Thousand pounds Old tenr,
Due from her Husband to me by Bond. I also Give to my said Daughter Three
hundred & thirty three pounds six shillings and eight pence Lawfull money
and which her said Husband hath already received by Bond from Perez Tillson,
and which was a Debt Originally Due to me from said Tillson,
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Grandaughter Ruth Wall To
Her, her heirs and Assigns forever, the Lott of Land and Dwelling House thereon
Standing, which I bought of Capt. Charles Dyer Decd. Scituate in
Plimouth aforesd.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my son John Murdoch and to his
heirs & Assigns forever, all the rest, residue, & remainder of my
Estate (after the Legacies herein Expresed are paid) both real and Personall of
what kind, Nature or Quality soever, and wheresoever the same is or May be
found, whether moneys due to me by Book Bonds or Mortgages or any Other way
whatsoever or cash in hand &c
Lastly I do hereby Nominate and Appoint my Trusty Frinds
Edward Winslow & George Watson Esqrs. and my son John Murdoch,
to be the Execrs. of this my last Will and Testament, Trusting that
they will faithfully Execute every Article of this my Will According to the
True intent and meaning thereof In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed my Seal this
Seventh day of February in the Twenty Ninth Year of his Majesty’s reign Anno
Domi, 1756,
Signed, Sealed Published, Pronounced
& Dalared by the said John Murdoch John Murdoch (seal)
to be his last Will and Testament
In
presence of
Lazarus LeBaron
Thomas Mayhew
Gideon White
Presented for probate on 5 Aprill 1756 by George Watson Esqr.
and Mr. John Murdoch, two of the Executors therein named, the other
Viz Edward Winslow having renounced the Executorship, and proved by Lazarus
LeBaron and Gideon White, two of the witnesses. George Watson Esqr.,
John Murdoch Yeoman, and John Lothrop Gentm., all of Plimouth, gave
bond for the faithful execution of the will.
Recd. this 6th day of April AD
1756, Six Bonds amounting to the sum of Nine Hundred ninty four pounds ninteen
shillings and Seven pence lawfull money off George Watson Esqr.
& mr John Murdoch Execrs. of the last Will and
testament of my Husband John Murdoch Esqr. Late of Plimouth decd.
Togather with five pounds and five pence in Cash, which is in full of the
Legacy Give Me in sd. Will, and do by these present Acquit and
Discharge the sd. George & John Accordingly of any and all
Demans for Legacy or right of Dower in said Estate In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Sixth day of Aprill Ano Domi 1756
her
Signed Sealed & Delivered Phebe X Murdoch
In presence of mark
Edward Winslow
Thos. Savarey
PlimoSc Apr.
6th, 1756
The sd. Phebe Murdoch Personally appeared &
acknowledged this Instrument to be her Act & Deed
Before
Edward Winslow of Plimo. Justice peacs.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
Whereas John Murdoch late of Plimouth in the County of
Plimouth Esqr Deceasd in and by his last Will and Testament duly proved &
approved did appoint this son John Murdoch since deceasd and Edward Winslow
& George Watson Esqrs his Executors And the same Edward having
renounced the Executorship The Administration of the Estate of the said John
Murdoch Esqr. Deceasd according to the said Will was Committed to the said John
Murdoch the son and the said George who accepted the said trust and undertook
the Execution of the said will, after which the said John the son Deceasd
Leaving his sons James Murdoch And Bartlett Mourdoch his Executors after whose
death the Administration of the Estate of the said John Murdoch Esqr according
to his said Will Devolved on the said George as Surviveing qualiffied Executor
of the said Will, And Whereas the said John in and by said Will Gave diverse
Legacys (all have been paid & Discharged by the said John) And the residue
of his Estate he gave to his said son John now Deceasd, And the said George
haveing deliverd into the hands & possession of the said James &
Bartlett Executors as aforesaid all the personal Estate, Bonds &
Obligations which belonged to the said John Murdoch Esqrs Estate in
the hands of the said George Executor as aforesaid (Exclusive of the said
Legacys) We the said James & Bartlett Execrs. as aforesaid In
Consideration thereof do hereby acquit & discharge the said George &
his heirs Execrs. & Admrs from any demands on
Acct. thereof. And in Case we shall have Occation to sue any person or persons
for any debt due to ye. Estate of the said John Murdoch Esqr deceasd
in the Name of the said George as he is Execr as aforesd.
we do hereby Oblige Our Selves to Carry on such suit or Suits at our own Cost
& Charge & to Serve defend and Indemnyfie him & his heirs against
any trouble lost or Damages that may happen my means of such suit or for any
debts that are now due from said Estate to any person whatsoever and that we
will at any time hereafter when requested make & Execute such further
discharge or release in the premisses as the said George Shall reasonably
desire, In Witness Whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seal, the tenth
day of August A. D. 1758.
Signed Sealed & Delivered James Murdoch (seal)
In presence of—
Edward Winslow Bartlett Murdoch (seal)
Hannah Winslow
Plimouth Sc, November the 13. 1758.
The said James Murdoch & Bartlett Murdoch personall
appeard & acknowledged this Instrument to be their free Act & Deed –
Before
Edward Winslow of Plimo. Just Pacis
To Francis Shurtleff of Carver in the County &
Commonwealth aforesaid, Esquire
Whereas John Murdock Late of Plymouth in said County esqr.
deceased on the seventh day of February Anno Domini 1756 made his Last will and
testament in writing, and signed, sealed & delivered the same before
sufficient witnesses, by which will (after Gifts & legacies then made) he
appointed Edward Winslow and George Watson esqrs. together with his
son John Murdock, executors of the same will, but the said Edward having
refused the said trust, and is since deceased, and the said John being also
deceased, and whereas it has been represented & made appear to me that the
said George Watson esqr. refuses to Act any Further in sd.
trust and is under such infirmity of body as renders him evidently unable to
discharge the same, and the same will having been proved, approved &
allowed, Administration de bonis non, with ye. will annexed is
therefor by these presents committed unto you the said Francis Shurtleff of all
& singular the remaining Goods, Chattells, Rights & Credits of the sd.
deceased, well & faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law and the
direction of the said will… In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& seal of office this 4th day of July Anno Domini 1791
Jos.
Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 42-45, from FHL microfilm
#0551542, Vol. 15, p. 43-44, and Vol. 27, p. 526-527.
Will of John Murdoch Jr. of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the
Name of God Amen,
I John
Murdoch of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth, Yeoman being at this time in
asick & Langueshing condition, and apprehensive of the Dessalution of this
My Mortall Frame being very nye, but Blessed be God I am yet of a Disposing
Mind and Memory, doe therefore make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament
in the following manner & form Viz
Firstly I Recommend my Immortall Speritt into the hands of my
Marsifull Creator in Hope of a Glorious Resurrection Thro’ the Merritts and
Redemption of Jesus my Redemer into a State of Imortall Bliss & Hapyness at
the Generall Resurrection
Imprs. I give and Bequeath unto my Grandson
William Tillson (the Son of Stephen Tillson) the whole Farm with the Dwelling
House and all the Other buildings thereon Standing is Situate in the Township
of Plimton in the County aforesaid, and is the same now in the Improvement of
Noah Pratt be the same more or less To Him his Heirs and assigns forever
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my son in Law John Wall, the
Sum of forty pounds lawfull money, and also a Bond for thirteen pounds Six
Shillings and eight pence Lmy which I have on him,
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my loving wife Ruth the
Improvement of all and Singular the Remaining part Of My Estate both Real and
personall, be the same or less however or wheresoever lying & Being, that
is during her naturall life, and after that it is my Will the same descend in
equall halves unto my two Sons James Murdoch & Bartlett Murdoch To them
their Heirs and assigns forever
Lastely I hereby appoint my said Two Sons James &
Bartlett Murdoch the Execrs. to this my last Will and Testamt,
& hereby revoking & Dissanulling all former Wills & bequests, &
Confirming this to be my last Will and Testament to Remain inviolable forever
In Witness whereof I the said John Murdoch have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal
this Sixteenth day of September Anno, Domi, 1756 ~
Signed Sealed published &
Declared by the said John Murdoch John Murdoch (seal)
to be his last Will and Testament
In
presence of
William Thomas
Joseph Morton
John Lothrop
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1756 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by William Thomas, Joseph Morton, and John Lothrop, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James Murdoch of
Middleborough and Bartlett Murdoch of Plimton, the Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. John Murdoch
late of Plimouth, was appraised by Melatiah Lothrop, Gideon White, and Ebenezer
Spooner on 29 Oct. 1756, and totaled £933.3.6½, including his house, barn, land
and appurtenances in Plimton valued at £200, and sundry bonds and notes valued at
£466.0.5.
To Calvin Murdock of Middleborough, Yeoman
Whereas John Murdock late of Plymouth in the County of
Plymouth, Yeoman, deceased, on the sixteenth day of December 1756 made his last
Will & Testament in writing before sufficient Witnesses by which Will after
gives & legacies therein made he appointed Bartlett Murdock & James
Murdock Executors thereof & it having also been made to appear that both
said Executors have since deceased & the same Will having been proved,
approved & allowed at a former Court of Probate for said County,
Administration de bonis non with said Will annexed is by these presents
committed unto you… dated 1 Dec. 1834, with John Bent, Wm Murdock, Luther
Murdock and Ebenezer Dunham as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 316-318, 382-385, from FHL
microfilm #0551542, and Vol. 71, p. 457.
Will of Samuel Nash
of Duxbury, Colony of New
In
ye name of God Amen.
I Samuel Nash of Duxbury in ye Colony of New
Plimouth being at present in health & of sound mind & memory praised be
god, but being growing weake of body through old age & expecting no Long to
Depart this Life, Doe make this my Last Will & Testament in mañer &
forme following: first I bequeath my soule into the hands of allmighty God
& my body to ye earth to be Decently buried in ye
place appointed for that use, And for ye Disposall of my outward
Estate my Will is shall be Disposed as by these prsents shall be
Declared -- -- -- --
Imprmis I give & bequeath unto my Daughter
Martha Clarke my dwelling house orchard out houseing meadows & Improved
upland with Liberty to take wood for her necessary fire ing from any of my
land, all which to be inioyed by her During ye terme of her naturall
Life -- -- -- Item I give & bequeath unto my deceased Grand sons -- --
Samuel Samsons two sons (viz) Samuel Samson & Ichabod Samson, all my
houseing Orchard meaddows & uplands whatsoever to be Inioyed by them or ye
Survivour of them after ye Decease of my sd Daughter – To
have & to hold to ye said Samuell Samson & the said Ichabod
Samson their heires & assignes for ever, & if it shall happen that
either of ye said boys shall Dye without lawfull Issue that then ye
Surviver shall have all ye sd land to him & his
heires & assignes for ever: And further my will is that at ye
Decease of my said Daughter Martha ye sd lands shall be
equally Devided, according to quantitie & quallity between ye
said Brothers—
Item I give & bequeath all ye rest of my
Estate whatsoever (my Debts & funerall expenses being first paid) unto sd
Daughter & Elizabeth Dillono & Mary Howland my grand Daughters to be
equally devided betweene them three.
Item I nominate & appoint my sd Daughter
Martha to be my Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament
Lastly I nominate & request my Loving friends John Soule
& Thomas Dellono to be overseers of this my Last Will & Testament, that
it may be performed as is above Declared: In Witness whereof I have hereunto
sett my hand & seal ye second Day of June in ye year
of our Lord 1681:
Signed Sealed & Declared by Samuel Nash (seal)
Lieft Samuel Nash to be his
Last Will & Testament in ye
presence
of us –
Nathaniel
Thomas
Deborah O Thomas.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Nellson of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In the Name of God Amen, the seventeenth day of June in the
Year of our Lord God one thousand Seven hundred & Fifty Four I Samuel
Nelson of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New-England; Yeoman Being under some decays of Nature
& labouring under the Infirmities of old age But of perfect Mind &
Memory thanks be given unto God for the same & therefore calling unto Mind
ye. Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for all
Men once to die do make & ordain this to be my last will & Testament ~
That is to say Principally & first of all I Give &
Recomend my soul into the Hands of God that gave it & my Body I recomend to
the Earth to be buried in a Decent and Christian maner at the Discretion of my
Executors herein after Named nothing doubting but at the Great and Generall
Resurrection I shall receive The same again by the almighty power of God; &
as touching such worldly Goods & Temporall Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this life I Give Demise & Dispose of the same in the
following manner & Form.
Imprs. I Give & Bequeath unto my youngest son
Ebenezer Nelson one Certain Tract or Parcel of Land & meadow Ground lying
below or on the eastly side of the Country Road & it being a
Part of my Homestead Farm & it is bounded as follows viz begining at the
northwesterly corner in ye. Line of Thomas Holmnes on ye.
eastly side of the Country Road & from thence south abt.
Eighteen degrees east by the east side of the Country Road Fortyone Rods &
four links to astone set in the Ground on the east side of sd. Road &
from thence north sixty nine Degrees east Thirty nine Rods to a heap of stones
and from thence north seventy degrees and an Half east & about fifty two
Rods & an Half to a stone set in the ground about highwater mark and thence
south thirty one degrees east near about Highwater mark twenty Rods to a heap
of stones thence south ten Degrees east seven Rods to a heap of stones thence
south Fifty degrees & an half west sixteen rods & one foot to a heap of
stones thence south Thirty degrees East two Rods & Ten links to a stone set
in the meadow which is the North Easterly corner bound of the Meadow of Deacon
John Atwood & thence the same Course to Creek & thence Bounded by the
Creek upstream Untill the Creek Parts & thence taking the Easterly Branch
of the Creek untill it comes to the Meadow of John Cooper & thence Bounded
by sd. Coopers Meadow Untill it comes to the Meadow of John Atwood
Junr. or Sedge flat, & from thence Bounded by the said John
Atwood Junr. sedge flat so far as his Sedge flat goes untill it comes
into the Salt Water bay at Low water marke, and thence Bounded away Northerly
by low Water marke untill it comes to the Line of the Heirs of Thomas Holmes
desed, & from thence Bounded & Refering to aperticular deed or a
certain Deed of Sale Given the Second day of March Annoque Domini 1684 from
Seth Pope of Dartmouth to John Nellson of Middleborough and Referrance being
had to said Deed for the particular Bounds, and from thence Bound by the Heirs
of the said Thomas Holmes deced to the Bounds first mentioned, And Likewise a
certain Spot or peice of Salt marsh lying at Gose poit marsh in Plimouth
aforesaid That I formerly bought of Nathaniel Howland of Plimouth aforesaid, as
may appear by a Certain Deed of Sale from said Howland to myselfe baring date the
fifteenth day of December Anno. Domi, 1618, which bounds are Included within
these abovesd. boundries, with referrance being had to the more
Perticular bounds, And Likewise Thirteen Acres & three Quarters of Land
lying & being in Plimouth aforesaid that I bought of Helkiah Tinkham &
Elizabeth Tinkham his wife as appears by a Deed of Sale from said Tinkham to
myselfe baring date the Second day of March Annoque Domini 1744, and referrance
being had to sd. Deed for the Perticular bounds, And Likewise a
Certain tract or Piece of land Containing five Acres more or Less that I bought
of Isaac Tinkham as appears by a Deed of Sale from sd. Isaac Tinkham
to myselfe baring Date the Twentyfirst day of Febry. 1748, and
Referance being had to sd. deed the Perticular Bounds, and also
another Tract of upland & Meadow that I bought of said Isaac Tinkham with
the sd. five Acres & it was Formerly the Estate of Hilkiah
Tinkham late of said Plimouth deced & it is that part of all the real
Estate of sd. Hilkaih’s that was Settled upon the said Isaac Tinkham
by the Hond. John Cushing Esqr. Judge of probate for the
County of Plimouth, and Referance being to a Deed of Sale that the said Isaac
Tinkham gave to me baring date the 25th. day of March A D 1749, for
the Perticular Bounds which sd. Deed does refere to the Settlement
of the said Helkiah’s Estate for ye. bounds And another Tract or
Parcell of upland & Salt meadow likewise being about Ten acres & three
quarters more or Less lying on the Westerly side of Eele river in Plimouth
aforesd, and it is that Parcell of upland Meadow that I formerly
bought of my Daughter the Widow Hannah Dyer which she sold to me as an Execrx.
to Capt. John Dyer’s Will and his Estate by Order of Court as
appears by a Deed of sale from ye. sd. Hannah Dyer to me
and Referance being had to the said Deed for the Perticular Bounds, And also
another Tract or Parcell of upland & Meadow in Plimouth aforesd,
and Bounded as followeth beginning at the North East Corner of my land in the
line of Capt. Morton, & from thence South thirtyfive degrees West in sd.
Morton’s Line thirty two rods to a Stake and Stones Standing in said Morton’s
Line, thence South Fifty degrees East to a Small Rock by the edge of Eel river,
& from thence Bounded down Streem untill it comes to the Meadow of Nathl.
Warren and thence bounded by said Warren’s Meadow & upland untill it comes
to the Land of Capt. Morton and thence bounded by said Morton’s land
to the bounds first mentioned, And also One Hundred & Seven Acres of upland
& Swampy Lands in Plimouth aforesaid lying upon the Southerly Side of
aplace called Finney’s Meadow and said Tract of Lands is what I formerly bought
of John Finney & Josiah Finney as appears by a certain deed of Sale from
the said John Finney baring date the Sixteenth day of May A. D 1734, and the
said Josiah Finney’s Deed of Sale bearth date the twentyfirst day of Aug. A.D
1731 – and Likewise Togather with all the Meadow’s that are Included in these
two last aforesaid Deeds, and Likewise all my meadow or Meadowesh ground above
the uper Dam, at aplace called Finney’s Meadow that I bought of Robert Finney
Lying and being in Plimouth afsd, as appears by a deed of Sale from
the said Robert Finney to me bearing date the Sixteenth day of May A. D 1734,
And also one third part of my Salt meadow that I do owne Lying at the Gurnet
near the Salt House beach Togather with all the Housings Buildings Fencing
& Orchards thereon with all the Proffits Previlidges, Appurtenances and
Commodities thereunto belonging unto him the said Ebenezer Nellson to Him &
his Heirs Lawfully begotten of his body forever; only Excepting & reserving
a Good & Sufficient Cart way of Twenty foot wide thro’ Gates or barrs a
little to the Southward of the House where it now stands & where it now
goes for the use of my son Samuell Nichols Nellson so Long as he Lives during
his Naturall Life, and after my Son Samuell Nicholas Nellson’s deces,
said way is to be for his Son Samuell Nicholas Nellson which is my Grandson to
Him & To His Heirs Lawfull begoten of his body forever,
Item, I do Give and Bequeath unto my second son Samuell
Nicholas Nellson One certain Tract or Parcell of Land and Meadow & it being
apart of my Homstead Farm lying on the Easterly side of the Country road &
I have bounded it out as follows, Viz. begining at a Stone Set in the Ground,
on the East side of the Country road which is the South Easterly Corner bound
of the aforesd. Ebenezer Nellson and from thence south about
eighteen degrees East by the Easterly side of the Country road twentyfour rod
to a great Stone Set in the Ground on the East side of the County road, from
thence North Seventytwo degrees East to a stone Sett in the Meadow, in the Line
of Joseph Ryder, & from thence bounded by said Ryder’s Line untill it Comes
to the Meadow of Deacon Atwood, & from thence by said Atwood’s Line untill
it Comes to the Meadow of John Cooper, and from thence by said Cooper’s line
untill it Comes to the Meadow of Deacon Atwood, and thence by sd.
Atwood’s Line untill it Comes to his North East Corner Bounds of his Lore Lott,
and from thence North thirty degrees West two rods & ten links to a heap of
stones by the sd. Ebenezer Nellson’s Line & from thence North
fifty degrees & halfe west Sixteen Rods & one foot to a heap of Stones
thence North ten degrees West seven rods to a heap of stones, thence North
thirty one degrees West near about high water marke twenty rods to a Stone Sett
in the Ground about high water marke and from thence South Seventy degrees
& a halfe west by the said Ebenezer Nellson’s Line fifty two rods & a
half to a heap of Stones, and from thence South Sixty nine degrees West thirty
nine Rods to the bounds first mentioned. And also One Peice or parcell of land
in Plimouth aforesaid being about twelve acres more or less and lying above the
Country road and it is that Piece of Land that I bought of Ebenezer Tinkham as
appears by a Deed of Sale from sd. Tinkham to me bearing date the
fourteenth day of March AD 1743, and Bounded as may Appear by
said Deed, and also one certain Piece or Tract of Land lying & beaing in
Plimouth lying at aplace called the Water Course that I bought of John
Churchill as appears by a certain Deed of Sale from said John Churchill to me
bearing date the fifth day of March AD 17289, Refferance being
had to said Deed for the Perticular Bounds, And also one third Part of my Salt
meadow at the Gurnet near the Salt House beach, And also forty acres of Land
lying at the last NorthEasterly End of my one-Hundred Acre Lott Lying at aplace
Commonly called & Known by the Name of Finney’s Meadow upon Northwesterly
side of Finney’s meadow and it is apart of the Land that I formerly bought of
Robert Finney Josiah Finney, John Finney, John Crandon & Jonathan Barnes
Junr. as may appear by a Deed of Sale from said Robert Finney,
Josiah Finney, John Finney, John Crandon & Jonathan Barnes Junr.
to me bearing date the tenth day of March Anno, Domi, 1730, And togather with
all the Buildings, Housing, Fenceings & Orchards thereon, with all the
Proffits, Priviledges, appurtenances, & Comodities thereto belonging, to my
said Son Samuell Nicholas Nellson during his Naturall Life and after that to
his son Samuell Nelson which is my Grandson, to him do I Give and bequeath all
these aforesaid Premisses to him my sd. Grandson Samuell Nellson to
him & to his Heirs Lawfull begotten of his body forever –
Item, I Give and Bequeath all the Residue or Remaining Part
of My Homstead Farm that I have not Given nor Disposed off to my two sons
Ebenezer Nellson & Samuell Nicolas Nellson as abovesaid unto my Eldest son
John Nellson Togather with all the Residue of my Buildings Housings, fencings
and Orchards thereon both to the Eastward & to the Westward of the Country
Road togather with thirteen Acres more or less that was Laied out to me March
the fourteenth A. D 171011 which is apart of the Land that is of the Mile
& halfe land that was called the Town’s Commons & is Bounds, as may
fully appear by the Records of said Lands being laied out, and also One third
Part of my Salt meadow lying at the gurnet near the Salt House beach; and all
the Remaining Part of my One Hundred Acre Lott, that I have not already given
nor disposed off to my sd. son Saml. Nicholas Nellson
lying upon the Northwesterly side of Finney’s uper Meadow’s which said Hundred
Acre Lott I bought of Robert Finney – Josiah Finney, John Finney, John Crandon
& Jonathan Barnes Junr. by a Deed of Sale from them to me
bearing date the tenth day of March A D 1730, and it is the west Southwesterly
end of said lott togather with all the Proffits Priviledges, appurtenances
& Comodities thereunto belonging during his Naturall life, and after that I
do Give all these aforementioned Premisses that I have now given to my said Son
John Nellson during his Naturall Life, I do Give and Bequeath unto my said John
Nellson’s Son named Lemuell Morton Nellson and which is my Grandson the sd.
Lemuell Morton Nellson unto him & to his Heirs Lawfully begotten of his
Body forever, my will is that my sons John Nellson & Ebenezer Nellson shall
Pay all my Just debts, and my will is that all my Children shall Pay all my
funerall charges ~
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my second son Samuell Nichols
Nellson a certain Tract or Parcell of upland and Meadow in Plimouth aforesaid
lying on the Northwesterly side of Ele river, and is Bounded as followeth,
begining at a Stake and Stones Standing in the Line of Capt. Morton
and it is the West southwesterly corner Bound of which I have given to Ebenezer
Nellson before mentioned, and said Stake & stones is fifty rods from the
North East Corner of the whole of my Lott & from thence, that is from said
Stake and Stones South fifty degrees East to a small Rock by the Edge of Eele
river, and my will is that all that Part of my sd. Lott that Lyeth
to the West south West of the sd. Line, & I do give and Bequeath
unto my said son Saml. Nichols Nellson with all the Proffits,
Priviledges & appurtenances During his naturall Life, and after that I Give
and bequeath unto his Son Saml. Nellson which is my Grandson, with
all the Proffits, Priviledges and Appurtenances & Commodities, to him &
to his Heirs Lawfully begotten of his Body forever
Item, I do Give and
bequeath unto my Grandaughter Sarah Cobb my thirty two Acre lott, so by
Estimation more or Less Lying & Being in the Eighth Great Lott in Plimouth
aforesaid Adjoyning to Collo. James Warren, & Lying to the
Southerly side of Eele river, and Bounded as may Appear by the Records of the
said Propriety with all the Proffits, Priviledges Appurtenances and Comodities
thereunto belonging to her Heirs & Assigns forever And Likewise I give and
Bequeath unto my said Grandaughter Sarah Cobb, my Bed that she now Lyes upon
& one bolster, one Coverlead, one Blankett & one Pair of Sheets, and
one Plain Table that was Formerly her Father’s and my will is that my said son
John Nellson shall pay my said Grandaughter Six Pounds in lawfull money, and my
son Ebenezer Nellson shall pay said Grandaughter Six pounds in lawfull money,
and my son Saml. Nichols Nellson shall Pay said Grandaughter three
Pounds in Lawfull money, and all to be paid to my said Grandaughter at the time
of my decease,
Item I
do Give and Bequeath unto my son Ebenezer Nellson my Sealed Gold Ring, and my
best Cane and my gun that he Generally uses or Shoots with, and my sword &
Cartoose cox that he Generally uses –
Item, I give and Bequeath unto my eldest son John Nellson,
all my wearing apparell and my Gun which is sometimes called a Musquet which
was my Father’s & Grandfather’s, and a Sword that he has now in his hands ~
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my two sons John Nellson &
Ebenezer Nellson all my working Oxen Carts & Logg Chain, Yoke, small chains
Ploughs Team Tackellings, and all Tackleing that belongs to my Teams whatsoever
& my Horse & Horse Tackleing; all which I do give to my said Two Sons
John & Ebenezer Equally between them,
Item I do Give and Bequeath unto my Dearly & Beloved wife
Sarah Nellson my bed room that I lodge in, at the westerly corner of my
dwelling House and the back Leanto in said House, and the Buttery at the
Northerly End of sd. House, & my half Seller, and the One halfe
of my Great Celler Adjoyning to my halfe Celler, with the Priviledge of drawing
water out of the well in the Well room, with the Priviledge of puting her fire
wood in my wood House & the Priviledge of Passing from the bed room thro’
the well room, to & into the wood House, with all the Hean Hoase & the
Hogg House at the south west end of said Hen House, and Likewise the Priviledge
of the Leanto Chamber Over the Buttree and so far along in the Leanto Chamber
as it Goes untill it Comes unto the bed room Chamber, and my will is that my
Grandaughter the said Sarah Cobb, is to have the priviledge of Living in the
Same part of the House with her Grandmouther, and said Grandaughter is to Live
there untill that she is Married & no longer, and my will is that my said
wife shall have one third part of my moveable Estate that I shall die Seized of
that is not otherwise desposed of as above said, & my will is that my said
wife shall have one third Part of the real Incom or Proffits of the Lands, that
I have Given to my aforesaid three sons, and to be paid by my Executors herein
after named in Such pay as the said Lands shall Produce, and to be then Paid by
my Execrs. herein afternamed to my said wife as she shall have
Occasion for it for her Comfortable Maintenance or Support, and my Will is that
my said wife shall have One Cow well kept both winter & Summer, which shall
be as apart of her Pay out of her dower abovementioned with the Priviledge of
Room in the barn to keep the Cow & Hay for to keep said Cow with, and my
Will is that my sd. wife shall use and Improve and Enjoye all these
above Perquisites or rights of of Dower or Improvements while she shall Remain
my Widow & Longer, And my Will is that the One third part of the Moveables
that I have Given her as abovesaid is Given to her Heirs and Assigns forever—
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Eldest son John Nellson my
Pew standing at the Northwest doore of the Meeting House During His Naturall
life, and after that to his son Lemuel Morton Nellson his heirs and assigns
forever
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my second son Samuell Nichols
Nellson my Pew standing by the front ally Coming in at the front doore of the
Meeting House at the Right hand Standing forward of Capt. White’s
Pew the One halfe of it and the other halfe of said Pew to my said son Ebenezer
Nellson to them their Heirs and Assigns forever—
Item I do Give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Lemuel Morton
Nellson my Smallest Gun,~
Item, I do give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Saml
Nellson my Gun that I bought out of Capt. Dyer’s Estate—
Item I give and Bequeath unto my three Daughters, Hannah
Dyer, Sarah Shurtleff, and Bathsheba Holmes, and my Grandaughter Sarah Cobb all
the Residue or remainder of my Lands and Meadows whatsoever wheresoever they
are or may be found, that are not Otherwise disposed of Equally alike to be
divided Amongst them all, and Likewise all the residue or remainder of My
moveables or moveable Estate that is not Otherwise disposed off whatsoever and
wheresoever it may be found Equally alike to be Divided amongst them all that
is to say Hannah Dyer, Sarah Shurtleff & Bathsheba Holmes and my
Grandaughter Sarah Cobb, And further it it is to be understood that my Will is
that my son Ebenezer Nellson is to make and Maintain the first halfe of the
fence, that is to say, begining at Deacon John Atwood’s NorthEast corner Bounds
of his Meadow and so the said Ebenezer Nellson is to make & Maintain the
first halfe of the fence that goes halfe way to a Stone sett in the Ground
about high water marke which is the North Easterly Bounds of the said Saml.
Nichols Nellson’s land, and my Will is that my son Saml. Nichols
Nellson is to make & Maintain the other halfe of the fence to the aforesd.
Stone Sett in the Ground about high water mark which the sd. Saml.
Nickols Nellson’s NorhEasterly corner Bounds, and my will is my son Ebenezer
Nellson is to make & maintain the first halfe of the fence from high water
marke to the road, that is beging at the Stone Set in the Ground about high
water marke which is the North Easterly Corner Bounds of the said Saml.
Nichols Nellson’s Land, and my will is that My son Ebenezer Nellson is to make
and Maintain the said first halfe of said Fence that reaches halfe way to the Road
and the next halfe to the fence that will Reach to the Road my Will is that my
son Saml. Nichols Nellson is to make and Maintain, and my Will is
that; that Land at Eele river lying Adjoyning to the Southerly side of Capt.
Morton’s that I have Given to my two sons Saml. Nichols Nellson,
& Ebenezer Nellson, I do Oblige them & my Will is that they shall make
and maintain their Partition fence in this form that is the said Samuell
Nichols Nellson shall make & Maintain the first halfe of the Partition
fence, begining at a Stake and Stones Standing in the Line of Capt.
Morton, and thence the said Saml. Nichols Nellson is to maintain and
make One halfe of the fence to the River, And the other halfe of the fence that
is to reach to the River the said Ebenezer Nellson is to make & Maintain,
and my will is that these two aforesd. Sones of Mine that is, the
said Saml. Nichols Nelson & Ebenezer Nellson, shall each of them
make and Maintain, their fence as is above Described their Heirs & Assigns
forever, and my will is that my son Ebenezer Nellson shall have A Good and
Sufficiant cart way thro’ Gates or Barrs thro’ the said Saml.
Nichols Nellson’s Part of the land I gave to him lying to the Southword of Capt.
Morton’s for him his Heirs and Assigns forever, and my Will is that my Execrs.
herein afternamed are for to Provide for my wife out of her Dowrey that I have
Given, and I do hereby oblige them to See that it is Done for her Confortable
Support and Maintenance in every thing that she wants and to be Paid for it out
of her Dower as above said, And I do hereby Constitute and appoint my younges
& Trusty, Dutifull son Ebenezer Nellson, and my Trusty and Dutifull son in
Law Abner Holmes to be the sole Execrs. of this my Last Will and
Testament, and I do hereby utterly disalow, Revoke and Dissanull all and every
other & former Wills Testaments Legacies and Bequests by me in any ways
before named Willed and Bequested, Ratifying and Confirming this & no Other
to be by Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Samuel Nellson
have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the day & year above written~
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced & Declared Samuell Nellson (seal)
by the sd. Saml. Nellson to be his last
Will & Testamt.
In Presence of us the Subscribers
Mary Wadsworth
Mary Wadsworth Junr
John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1758 by the Execrs.
therein named, and proved by John Wadsworth and Mary Wadsworth, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Ebenezer Nellson and Abner
Holmes, both of Plimouth, Yeomen, the Executors, on 8 Apr. 1758.
The Inventory of the Goods, Chattles, Rights and Credits of
Samuel Nelson, late of Plimouth, Yeoman, was appraised on 28 Apr. 1759 by
Josiah Morton, Theo. Cotton, and Joshua Swift. Abner Holmes and Ebenezer
Nelson, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 20 June 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 468-475, from FHL microfilm
#0551542, and Vol. 15, p. 136-139.
Will and Codicil of Ebenezer Nelson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the Name of God amen, I Ebenezer Nelson of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth Yeoman, being weak in Body but of sound and disposing Mind
& Memory, do make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament.–
first of all I commend my Soul to the everlasting Mercy of God that gave it,
and my body to a decent funeral humbly praying for a glorious Resurrection
through Jesus Christ, and as to my worldly Estate, I give & bequeath the
same in manner following.– First I give to my Daughter Ruth Nelson & her
Heirs & the Westerly front room of my Dwelling House and the Bedroom back
of it & the privilege of passing to said Bedroom & of washing, brewing
& baking in the Kitchen & passing in & out of the front &
backdoors and to said Bedroom, and one third part of the Cellar at the North
End of said Cellar & ways to it and right of laying wood at the back door
& passing round the House & the north half of my Garden next to the
Land leading to my Barn & way to said Garden. Also I give my said Daughter
Ruth the use & Improvement of my Woodland & swampy Land which my Father
Samuel Nelson purchased of Helkiah Tinkham being all the woodland & swampy
Land lying without the fence at the head of my pasture joining woodland late
Samuel Bartletts deceased & Cornelius Cobb’s Land my said Daughter Ruth to
use and improve said woodland during her natural Life as she think most for her
benefit, also I give to my said Daughter Ruth one Cow to be pastured on my farm
and wintered in my Barn, on that part of my said farm, I have given to my Sons
Ebenezer & Hezekiah they my said Sons Ebenezer and Hezekiah shall during my
said Daughter Ruth’s living in single Life (at the equal Expence of both of
them) support and provide well for a Cow for her yearly & every year during
her remaining unmarried, or in single Life, which Cow is to be keep and
provided for by my said two Sons above named with Hay feed, barn &c yearly
and during the term aforesaid at their own trouble & expence & to be
provided for on my said farm I have given them in this my last will for the
sole use and benefit of my said Daughter Ruth & to be taken care of by my
said two Sons free from any trouble or Expence to my said Daughter during the
term aforesaid Also I give my said Daughter Ruth one half of her Mothers
Cloathing or Apparel she to have her mother’s red Riding hood & Gold
Necklace: towards her half of said Apparel – Also I give to my said Daughter
Ruth Eight Bushels of Corn & two Bushels of Rye annually & every year
during her natural Life, one half to be paid her in the fall, the other half in
the winter to be paid & delivered to her at her House five Bushels of Corn
and one of Rye to be paid her annually during her Life by my Son Ebenezer, and
three Bushels of Corn and one of Rye to be paid & delivered to her at her
House by my Son Hezekiah annually & every year during her Life out of their
portions of my Estate and what I give them in this will is to be holden for the
payment of said Corn & Rye & keeping said Cow for the terms aforesd also I give said Ruth my Daughter one half of
my Furniture Beds and Bedding in my House & one half of every utensil in
said House over & besides what she now claims as her own in said House
(excepting before the Division of my Furniture between her and Lucy my
Granddaughter one Bed Bedstead & two pair of Sheets) Also I give my said
Daughter all the provisions I may have in my House & at my decease – Also I
give he[r] what Apples she may want to make use of yearly to be taken by her
out of my Orchard. –
2nd I give to my Son Ebenezer his Heirs
&c all that part of my House, the Yard round the same the Cellar & half
of the Garden which I have not as above given to my Daughter Ruth. Also I give
him his Heirs &c that is my Son Ebenezer the whole of my Barn & a right
of passing to it, my Daughter Ruth’s Cow to be keep in it, also I give my said
Son Ebenezer the Land I purchased of Thomas Holmes adjoining Lemuel Drew’s Land
on the easterly side of the Highway all the above I give & bequeath to my
said Son Ebenezer for value received of him by Labour Money &c. Also I give
my said Son Ebenezer one half of my Meadow at Goose point, said half to be next
Joseph W. Nelson’s Land. Also I give & bequeath to my said Son Ebenezer one
undivided half part of all the remainder of my Homestead farm lying on the
easterly side of the Highway between Joseph W. Nelson’s Homestead & the
Land which I purchased of said Thomas Holmes home to the Bay or Harbour of
Plymouth, Also I give my said Son Ebenezer, his Heirs &c thirty Acres of the
lower end of my Land near Nicks rock – also I give my said Son Ebenezer one
quarter of my Land lying within fence between Joseph W. Nelson’s Land John
Bishop’s Land and the Land that was Phillips’s and the Highway. Also I give my
said Son Ebenezer one quarter of my Land below said Highway between Cornelius
Cobb’s Land & Samuel Jacksons Land near high Clift my said Son Ebenezer
fulfilling the Conditions above & below mentioned
3rdly. I give and bequeath to my Son Hezekiah
Nelson his Heirs &c one undivided half part of my Homestead farm lying on
the easterly side of the Highway between Joseph W. Nelson’s Homestead & the
Land I purchased of Thomas Holmes home to the Harbour of Plymouth, excepting
what I have as abovesaid bequeathed to my Daughter Ruth & Son Ebenezer, he
the said Hezekiah fulfilling the above & below mentioned Conditions – Also
I give said Hezekiah the other half of my Meadow at Goose Point. Also I give
said Hezekiah thirty Acres of my woodland near Nick’s rock to be taken off next
to said Ebenezer’s thirty acres, Also I give my said Son Hezekiah one quarter
of my Land between John Bishop’s Land & Joseph W Nelson’s land on the
westerly side of the Highway which lies within fence (exclusive of the Land
that was Phillips’s) also I give him one quarter of my Land on the Easterly
side of said Highway between Samuel Jackson’s Land and Cornelius Cobb’s Land
near High Clift, I give the same to said Hezekiah he fulfilling the above &
below mentioned Conditions —
4th I give and bequeath to my two Sons
Thomas Nelson and William Nelson their Heirs &c half my Land lying on the
easterly side of the High way between Samuel Jacksons Land & Cornelius
Cobb’s Land, said Land is near High Clift and an undivided half part of said
Land I give them also I give to my said two Sons Thomas & William one
undivided half part of the Land I own above said Highway between John Bishop
& Joseph W. Nelson’s land, that lies within fence, exclusive of the land
that was Phillips’s. Also I give two third parts of my Woodland at Nick’s rock,
that is two thirds that remains after Ebenezer & Hezekiah’s Sixty acres is
taken off to said Thomas & William. Also I give my said two Sons Thomas
& William all my Salt Meadow lying in the Gurnet Meadow at the Gurnet,
whether it be in Plymouth or Duxbury—
5th I give and bequeath to my Granddaughter
Lucy Nelson, Daughter of my Son Samuel Nelson deceased one half part of my
Furniture and Beds and Bedding which I may own at my decease (after the Bed
& Bedstead & two pair of Sheets above mentioned are deducted) also I
give to my said Granddaughter Lucy Daughter of my Son Samuel a Legacy of fifty
Dollars to be paid her by my Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah after my decease out
of their portions of my Estate, viz ten Dollars of it to be paid annually by my
said two Sons till the whole fifty Dollars is paid —
6thly I give and bequeath to my Grandson
Lemuel Nelson son of my Son Lemuel Nelson deceased a Legacy of fifty Dollars to
be paid him by my Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah out of their portions of my
Estate, after my decease viz ten Dollars of it to be paid annually till the
whole fifty is paid – also I give and bequeath to my said Grandson Lemuel Son
of my said Son Lemuel, the other third of my Land at Nick’s rock viz a third of
what remains after my Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah’s Sixty acres if taken off—
7th. I give and bequeath to my Granddaughter Ruth
Jackson Nelson Daughter of my Son Hezekiah the Bed Bedstead & two pair of
Sheets, I excepted from my Daughter Ruth and Granddaughter Lucy. Also I give my
said Granddaughter Ruth Jackson Nelson one half of my Wife’s wearing Apparel,
which I have not given my Daughter Ruth —
8thly. I give and bequeath to my Grandsons Elisha
Nelson Son of my Son Ebenezer, and Samuel Nelson Son of my Son Hezekiah the
woodland which my Father purchased of Hilkiah Tinkham lying without my fence
and joining Land late Samuel Bartlett’s deceased; excepting and reserving the
wood & sole use & Improvement of said Wood & swampy Land to my
Daughter Ruth to improve as she may think proper during her natural Life —
9th I give all my wearing Apparel to my Sons
Thomas and William —
10thly. I order my Funeral Expences to be paid by
all my Children —
Lastly I give and bequeath all the Residue & remainder of
my Estate (not above mentioned) both real & personal including my Neat
Stock, Sheep, farming utensils &c. &c. wherever the same may be found,
be it real personal or mixed to my two Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah to be
equally divided between them and order my said two Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah
to pay all my just debts out of their part of my Estate, and the above Legacies
& fulfill all the above Conditions and I give them all the debts I may have
due at my decease. And I do constitute and appoint my said two Sons Ebenezer
& Hezekiah to be Executors to this my last Will and Testament and I have
hereunto set my hand & Seal this 10th. day of December A.D. one
thousand eight hundred and three ~
Signd. seald. & declared to be his
last Will
& Testament in presence of us –
Priscilla
Cotton Ebenezer Nelson (seal)
Sarah
Cotton
Rosseter
Cotton
This Codicil to this
last Will and Testament made this 19th day of august A.Domini one
thousand eight hundred & six. Whereas I have given but fifty Dollars Legacy
to my Granddaughter Lucy Nelson, Daughter of my Son Samuel Nelson deceased, I
by this Codicil to my Will give & bequeath to said Lucy fifty Dollars more
in Addition to the fifty Dollars in my above Will & Testament, the whole
hundred to be paid her ten dollars a year till the whole hundred is paid her –
Secondly. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Lemuel Nelson
Son of my Son Lemuel Nelson deceased, over and above what is give him in my
above last will and Testament all my piece of Land within fence on the westerly
side of the Highway, between John Bishops Land & Land Cornelius Cobb
purchased of Joseph W. Nelson as far up said Land as the Swamp and two rods in
width into the Swamp, this piece of Land as above described is taken off from
the portions of my Sons Ebenezer, Hezekiah, William & Thomas and given to
my said Grandson. –
Thirdly I give and bequeath to my Sons William Nelson &
Thomas Nelson, that part of my Woodland at Nick’s rock which I had given to my
Grandson Lemuel Nelson in my above Will – Also I give and bequeath to my said
Sons William & Thomas ten acres more of my Woodland at Nick’s rock to be
taken next the woodland I have before given them this Land to be taken from the
portions I have in my above Will given my Sons Ebenezer & Hezekiah –
4thly. I give to my Daughter Ruth one half of my
part of the Crops which may be growing on my Land at my decease excepting the
Hay. 5th. I give and bequeath
to my Son Ebenezer Nelson over and above what I have given him in my above
will, my piece of Land within fence joining John Bishop’s Land which lies
between the Land Which was Phillips’s and the Land in this Codicil given to my
Grandson Lemuel Nelson, this is taken from the portions in my will given to my
Sons Hezekiah William & Thomas – Also I give and bequeath to my Son
Ebenezer Nelson another quarter part of my Land in addition to what is given
him in my above will lying on the easterly side of the Highway extending from
said Highway to the Harbour of Plymouth near High Clift between land which was
lately Samuel Jackson’s & Cornelius Cobb’s Land this quarter part of said
piece of land is taken from the portion given my Son Hezekiah in my above will
at that Place and given to my Son Ebenezer which quarter is in addition to the
quarter of said piece of land before given him at that place. also I give and
bequeath to my said Son Ebenezer the half of my Salt Meadow at Goose point,
which is given by my above will to to my Son Hezekiah, this half of said Salt
Meadow is in addition to what I have before given him at that place. also I
give and bequeath to my Son Ebenezer Nelson my Carts & all my other farming
utensils & my Horse and all my Neat Stock (excepting one Cow to my Daughter
Ruth) half of said farming utensils and Stock is taken from the portion of my
Son Hezekiah & given to my Son Ebenezer and what is given to my Son
Ebenezer in this Codicil is in consideration of what he is to do for my
Daughter Ruth, and paying all my Legacies and just debts –
6th
I order & direct my said Son Ebenezer Nelson out of his portion of
my Estate to pay all my just debts Legacies and also to pay to my Daughter Ruth
Nelson all the Corn and Rye annually which he & my said Son Hezekiah Nelson
decd was ordered to pay by my above Will, & that he at
his own Expence support a Cow for my said Daughter Ruth annually, in the same
Manner in which he and my said Son Hezekiah was to have provided for a Cow for
her use – 7th. I give and
bequeath all the remainder of of that portion of my Estate which I gave to my
Son Hezekiah Nelson decd in my above will which is not given
as above in this Codicil to be equally divided between the four Children of
said Hezekiah Nelson decd that is all I gave my said Son
Hezekiah in my above will excepting what I have given as above in this Codicil
to them free of Incumbrance & to their Heirs – Lastly I nominate & appoint my Son
Ebenezer Nelson sole Executor to this my Will & Testament & Codicil to
said Will, & order him as above to pay all my just debts and Legacies out
of his portion of my Estate (and I give him all my debts due) Signed sealed and
declared to be a Codicil to my last Will and Testament
in presence of –
Rossetr.
Cotton Ebenezer Nelson (seal)
John
Otis
Priscilla
Cotton
Presented for probate on 8 Aug.
1809 by Ebenezer Nelson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Rosseter
Cotton and Priscilla Cotton, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Ebenezer Nelson, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Rosseter Cotton Esqr. Richard Holmes and William
Holmes, Gentlemen, all of Plymouth, were appointed to divide the real estate of
Ebenezer Nelson, late of Plymouth, among the heirs according to the will, on 23
Sept. 1809. The division was dated 1 Oct. 1811, and approved on 17 Feb. 1813.
Granddaughter Lucy Nelson was by then Lucy Crocker.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 14-17, from FHL microfilm
#0550902, and Vol. 44, p. 459-461.
Will of Ebenezer Nelson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
In the name of God Amen I Ebenezer Nelson of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being sick but of
sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this instrument to be my
last Will and Testament,
In the first place I
commend my soul to God who gave it in and through Jesus Christ,
In the second place
after all my just debts and funeral expenses are paid I give and bequeath to my
beloved wife Lydia Nelson the use and improvement of my whole Estate both Real
& Personal indoors and out of doors including my Furniture, Neat Stock
& other Stock, Carts Waggons and other Farming Utensils for her to use and
improve for and during her natural life, for her own benefit.
3d. I give
and bequeath to my two sons Elisha Nelson & Charles Nelson all my Neat and
other Stock, Waggons, Hay and all other farming utensils, which may remain on
my Farm at my Wife’s decease.
4 After my Wife
Lydia’s decease I give and bequeath the whole of my Estate both Real and
Personal in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere, to be equally divided between my
five children Ebenezer Nelson Jun. George Nelson, Elisha Nelson, Charles Nelson
& Bathsheba Bradford them their heirs and assigns, excepting as above given
to my two sons Elisha & Charles.
Lastly I nominate and appoint my son Elisha Nelson to be
Executor to this my last Will & Testament, In testimony whereof I the said Ebenezer
Nelson have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of February in the
year of our Lord A.D. One thousand eight hundred & twenty nine, Signed
sealed and declared to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us –
Rosseter Cotton Ebenezer Nelson (seal)
John Hall
John K Cobb
Presented for probate on 13 Apr. 1829, and proved by Rosseter
Cotton and John K. Cobb, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Elisha Nelson of Plymouth, the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
To the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth.
The petition of Elisha Nelson of Plymouth in the County of
Plymouth. Respectfully shows that he is interested in the real estate of
Ebenezer Nelson late of Plymouth in said County of Plymouth, deceased testate,
whose estate is settled or is in a course of settlement in the Probate Court of
said County; claiming to hold as devisee and heir at law of said deceased one
undivided fifth part or share thereof: as tenant in common and undivided with
Bathsheba Bradford wife of Lemuel Bradford and Charles Nelson who each hold one
undivided fifth part thereof as devisees and heirs at law of said deceased,
Eliza Hathaway wife of George A. Hathaway and Ebenezer Nelson, who each hold
one undivided fifteenth part thereof, as devisees and heirs at law of said
deceased, Ruth J. Thomas wife of Gamaliel Thomas who holds one undivided tenth
part thereof as devisee and heir at law of said deceased; the foregoing being
all of Plymouth aforesaid, Mary B. Hastings wife of Francis Hastings of Weston,
in the County of Middlesex who holds one undivided fifteenth part thereof, as
devisee and heir at law of said deceased, and George Nelson of New Bedford in
the County of Bristol who holds one undivided tenth part thereof, as devisee
and heir at law of said deceased that he is desirous of holding his said share
in severalty. Wherefore your petition prays that the real estate aforesaid of
the said Ebenezer Nelson may be divided, and partition made thereof according
to law and agreeably to the rights of the parties interested therein.
Elisha Nelson
We the
undersigned, interested in the above estate hereby acknowledge notice of the
above petition and assent to the prayer thereof and waive further notice.
Charles
Nelson Lemuel Bradford
Bathsheba
Bradford Geo. A. Hathaway
Eliza
N. Hathaway Ebenezer Nelson
Francis
Hastings 2d Mary B.
Hastings
George
Nelson Ruth J. Thomas
Plymouth Ss. At a Court of Probate holden at
Plymouth in and for said County on the second Monday of April A.D. 1852
It appearing that all persons interested have signed the
foregoing petition and all and singular the premises being seen and fully
understood, it is ordered that partition and division of said estate, be made
agreeably to the prayer of said petition; and John Gray and Thomas C Holmes of
Kingston, and William Burgess of Plymouth three disinterested persons are
hereby appointed commissioners to make said partition and division according to
law, and the rights of the parties interested.
Aaron
Hobart J. Probate.
The division was ordered among Bathsheba Bradford, Elisha
Nelson and Charles Nelson, each one fifth part, Eliza Hathaway, Ebenezer Nelson
and Mary B. Hastings each one fifteenth part, and Ruth J. Thomas and George
Nelson each one tenth part on 26 Jan. 1852. John Gray, Thomas C. Holmes and
William Burgess gave their oath that they would faithfully and impartially
execute the duties assigned to them on 12 Mar. 1852. The division was dated 31
May 1852, and approved on the first Tuesday of July 1852.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 529-531, from FHL microfilm
#0555259, and Vol. 94, p. 285-295.
Will of John
Nelson of
The last will and Testament of John Nelson of Plimouth.
I John Nelson of Plimouth in New England being very weak
& sick in Body & not knowing how near my Dissolution may be do make and
ordain this to be my last Will and Testament hereby Revoking and making Null
All former Wills. I Give my Soul to god who gave me this soul And I hope hath
Redeemed it to himself by ye precious Blood of Christ And my body to
ye Earth by decent Burial in hopes of a Comfortable Resurrection at
ye last day my Worldly Estate god hath Lent me my Will is it be
disposed as Followeth ~~
I Give to my Son Samuel the Western most part of that land I
Bought of Mr Cotton Square off from
Item I Give to Anne Tilson forty shillings.
Item All ye the Land I have Either in Plimouth or
Duxborough or Elsewhere whether upland or meadow I Give to my Beloved wife
Patience Nelson for ye term of Sixteene yeares from ye
Day of this Date.
Item All ye Cattel and movables I Give &
Bequeath to my said Wife at the End of ye abovementioned Sixteene
years: my Will is that my Son Samuel Have all said Lands he allowing to his
mother in law the Benefits of ye thirds During her life. my desire
is that if Samuel Cary it well to my wife that she allow him a place to Build a
house upon when he shall Attaine to ye Age of twenty one years.
Item my will is That my wife Give unto my Daughter Joanna the
Sum of ten pounds when she shall come to be Eighteene years of age And if said
Joanna dye before that time or without heirs afterwards that then the said ten
pounds be paid to my Daughter Mehetabel Dotey.
Item My Will is that my Wife Give unto Samuel two young Buls
or two young steeres which they can agree upon
Item my Will is that if my Son Samuel Dye before he Comes of
Age that then all my lands which he is to Receive by order of this Will sixteen
Years after my decease shall be Equally divided betweene my then Surviving
children still Reserving ye Rights & priviledge of thirds to my
Wife during her naturall life.
Item I do hereby Constitute & ordaine my Dear Wife
Patience Nelson to be sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament Also
my desire is That my loving Son in law John Dotey junr & Such
other person or persons as my wife shall Desire may be helpfull to her in ye
performing this my will In Testimony & for Notification of this to be my
last will and Testament according to ye true Intent & meaning I
John Nelson being of Disposing mine & Memory Do set to my hand and Seal
this Twenty ninth Day of Aprill one thousand Six hundred Ninety and Seven.
Item my Will is that when my son Samuel takes possession of ye
Land that he give ten pounds to my Daughter Joanna.
Signed Sealed and Declared to be John Nelson (seal)
the last will & Testament of
ye Testator above named
In presence of
John Cotton
John Bradford
Thomas Faunce
Before Wm Bradford Esqr Judge
Mr John Cotton John Bradford and Thomas Faunce The
Witnesses here named made oath in Plymouth ye 16th day of
June 1697 that they were present and saw and heard John Nelson above named Sign
& seal & Declare ye above Written to be his last will &
Testament & that to ye best of their Judgment he was of Sound
mind & memory when he so did.
Attest Saml Sprague Registr
Patience Nelson, the Executrix, was granted administration of
her husband’s estate on 16 June 1697.
An Inventory of ye Estate of John Nelson Late of
Plimouth deceased taken & Apprised by us whose names are under Written on ye
18th of May 1697
[not totaled].
Thomas Faunce
Ephraim Morton
Nathanael Wood
Patience Nelson, the Executrix, gave her oath to the
inventory on 16 June 1697.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William
Nelson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1717/18)
In The name of God amen. This Twentieth day of March One
Thousand Seven hundread and Seventeen. I William Nelson of the Town of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New England being Sick & weak in
Body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God, being therefore Sencible
of my mortality, do therefore make this My last Will & Testament that is to
Say first and principally I give and recomend my Soul into the hands of God
that gave it, and my body to the earth to be decently Buried at the discretion
of my executor. And as Touching my worldly estate I Give, demise & dispose
of the same in manner & form following Imprimis I give to my Son Thomas
Nelson my Gun’s, and all my Iron Tools, and my wearing Clothing and my great
Bible to him & his dispose. and I Give to my wife Ruth Nelson the one half
of all my moveable Estate to her & her dispose and the other half of my
moveable Estate after all my debts are paid out of the same to be Equally
divided amongst my daughters namely Marcy Fuller Mary Thomas Martha Irish Anna
Smith and Ruth Thomas. And I Give to my son Thomas Nelson abovesd.
all my Lands housing meadows and swamps lying and being in the Tonwship of
Middleborough abovesd. And my Will is that my Sd. Son do
take full & Suitable Care of his mother Ruth Nelson my wife as abovesd.
for all Conveniences for her Comfort during the term of her natural life and
that he also pay to each of my daughters above mentioned the sum of Twenty two
pound, which my will is that my Son Thomas Shall be Obliged to pay within the
space of three years after my decease. And I do also Constitute ordain and
Appoint my sd. Son Thomas Nelson my sole executor to this my last
Will and Testament. In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year abovewritten
Signed Sealed published and declared The
marke of
In the presence of us. ~ William N Nelson (seal)
Joshua Morss, Samuel Pratt
John Bennet Junr.
Proved by Joshua Morss and John Bennet, two of the witnesses,
on 11 Apr. 1718, and by Samuel Pratt, the other witness, on 1 May 1718.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, p. 62-63, from FHL microfilm
#0550510.
Will of William Nelson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In the Name of God amen I William Nelson of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Clerk, being weak of
Body Yet of sound & disposing Mind & Memory, blessed be God for the
same, considering the Mortality of the Body that it is appointed for all Men
once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in the manner
following viz –
First I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Hannah
her legal right of Dower as law provides out of my Real Estate & out of my
personal Estate I give her all my indoor Moveables or Household Furniture as
her own property –
I
give and bequeath to my Youngest Son Morgan Nelson about one half of my Farm on
Assawampsett Neck in said Middleborough, being the Farm which I hold by Deed
under hand & Seal of Benjamin Ward & Ephraim Ward bearing date the
twentieth day of March in the Year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & six &
is that part of said Farm or Lands which lies on the southerly side of the
following dividing Lines, viz Beginning at a Stake & heap of Stones
standing on the Easterly side of the postroad and at the southerly side of the
little stony pasture so called, & at the place where the Fence comes up to
said Road thence ranging about an easterly course to the westerly end of a half
wall thence easterly on said Wall & continue on the same Course untill it
strikes Assawampsett Pond, then beginning again on the Westerly side of said
post road nigh the southerly side of my orchard thence ranging a westerly
course as the orchard Wall now stands to the Head of said Wall nigh the Barn;
thence running a Westerly Course on a Straight Line to Long Pond so as to leave
five Acres more on the northerly side of said dividing Line on the Westerly
side of said Road, than is contained on the South side thereof to have & to
hold to him, his Heirs and Assigns forever. –
I
give and bequeath to Samuel Nelson 2d. my eldest Son all that my
aforesaid Farm & tract of Land on Assawampsett Neck which lies on the
northerly side of that part or half thereof as above given to my Youngest Son
together with the Buildings thereon And also my Lot of Land & Buildings by
the meeting house on the Westerly shore of Assawampsett Pond, which I hold by
Deed under hand & Seal of Abiel Washburn, And also an undivided right in a
Tract of Cedar Swamp being part of the thirteenth Lot of Cedar Swamp in the
sixteen shilling purchase and lies nigh the westerly side of Long Pond in said
Middleborough & is the same which I hold by the aforesaid Deed under hand
& Seal of Benjamin Ward & Ephraim Ward to have & to hold to him his
Heirs & assigns forever. Also I give to him my said Son Samuel my Desk
& Book Case not withstanding the afore bequest to my said Wife I further
give & bequeath to my said Son Samuel all my personal Estate which is not
herein otherways disposed of –
I
give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Nelson six hundred dollars the whole of
which is to be paid at the time when my Son Morgan arrives to the age of twenty
one Years, the one half there of by my said Son Samuel & the other half by
my said Son Morgan – And I further provide that my said Daughter shall have a
right to live with my said son Samuel and have what necessary suport she needs
untill the time of the above payments to her –
I hereby provide that a passing way
through that Land, which I have herein before given to my Son Morgan, shall be
reserved to improve a certain piece of Land as given in a Deed from my Honoured
Father to my Brother Amos –
I also provide that my said Son Samuel shall have a right to take what
fire wood he shall stand in need of from the Lands Which is herein given to my
said Son Morgan taking first the wood that is now fallen & then of the
standing wood that is not fit for timber, and also to have the Improvement of
the improved Land given as aforesaid to the said Morgan with privileges of
cutting Timber to repair the fences thereon, all of which said priviliges of
Wood & Improvements are to continue to the said Samuel untill the time when
Morgan arrives to the Age of twenty one Years & no longer –
I hereby provide & order that all my just debts & funeral
Charges shall be paid by my said Son Samuel out of that part of my Estate which
is herein given to him my said Son Samuel. –
And
it is my Will that the Dower which is herein given to my said Wife shall be
taken out of the Real Estate of each of my said sons in proportion to the
amount of what is herein given respectively to them. –
And
I do hereby constitute & appoint my said Son Samuel to be Executor to this
my last Will & Testament thus hoping that this my last Will & Testament
will be carefully kept & performed according to the true Intent and Meaning
thereof I commit my Soul to the hands of God who gave it & my Body to the
Dust to a decent Burial. – In Testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & Seal
this third day of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
& six
Signed sealed & declared by the said William Nelson
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us. his
Thomas
Nelson William X Nelson (seal)
Samuel
Pickens Mark
Nehemh.
Bennet
Presented for probate on 5 June
1806 by Samuel Nelson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Pickens
and Nehemiah Bennet Esqr., two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Samuel Nelson, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
456-457, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of William Nelson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1820) *
In the name of God amen I William Nelson of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth Trader, being of sound & disposing Mind & Memory do
make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament— First of all I
commend my Soul to the Mercy of God that gave it, & my Body to a decent
Funeral humbly praying for a glorious Resurrection, through Jesus Christ and as
to my worldly Estate I give & bequeath the same in manner following. —
First I
give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Bathsheba all & the whole of my
household Furniture including my Beds Bedding &c – Also I give &
bequeath to my said beloved Wife my Cow & the right of keeping her in my
Barn the next Winder & Spring & supporting her on my Hay the Season –
Also I give & bequeath to my said Wife my Hogs or Shotes in my Stye; also I
give and bequeath to my said Wife my two Notes of hand with the money due
thereon, one of said Notes is given to me by Ezra Lucas for $35.04 dated Feby.
15th. 1820 the other note is given me by Josiah Dimon & is for
$39.83 dated March 23d. 1814. Also I give & bequeath to my said
Wife the Sum of one hundred Dollars to be paid her on demand after my decease
by my Executors hereafter named. Also I give & bequeath to my said Wife the
use & improvement during her Life, of that half of my Pew in the meeting
house of the third precinct in Plymouth aforesaid on the lower Floor, which she
may choose to improve. also I give & bequeath to my said beloved Wife Bathsheba
the Sum of three hundred Dollars a Year for & during the term of her
natural Life, said Sum to be paid her in two equal Payments, that is one
hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid her in six months after my decease &
one hundred & fifty Dollars in one year after my decease, & the same
Sum of one hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid her semi-annually during the
Term of her natural Life, by my Children & Heirs hereafter named; And my
whole real Estate I make holden & responsible for the payment of said
Bequest to my said Wife of said three hundred Dollars annually & if said
Bequest is not paid as aforesaid, then I order & by this my Last Will
Impower my said Wife to annually & every year to sell so much of my real
Estate at private or public sale, as will annually make good to her said three
hundred Dollars annually or every year during her Life. —
2d. I give & bequeath to my two Children
William Nelson junr & Polly Lothrop Harlow wife of Jesse Harlow
the whole of my personal Estate to be equally divided between them excepting
that part thereof, which I have given to my Wife, they my said Children paying
all my just Debts. I also give & bequeath to my above named two Children,
the whole of my real Estate in Plymouth aforesaid or elsewhere except the
Improvement of the half Pew given my Wife – This Bequest of my real Estate I
bequeath to my two Children above named on the express condition that my said
two Children or their Heirs pay to my said Wife as within stated the Sum of
three hundred Dollars annually in two equal payments as is within mentioned,
and if my Children do not pay the same annually as within directed, my said
Wife is as within stated to sell such part of said real Estate as will annually
make the Deficiency good. —
Lastly I
do constitute & appoint my Son William Nelson junr & my
Son-in-Law Jesse Harlow to be Executors to this my last will & Testament.—
In
Testimony whereof I the said William Nelson have hereunto set my hand &
seal this 15th day of August AD one thousand eight hundred &
twenty—
Signed sealed & declared to be his last Will
& Testament in presence of us.
Rosseter
Cotton Wim Nelson (seal)
Henry
Jackson
Ebenezer
Nelson junr.
Presented for probate on 16 Oct. 1820 by William Nelson and
Jesse Harlow, the Executors therein named, and proved by Henry Jackson and
Ebenezer Nelson junr, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to William Nelson and Jesse Harlow, the
before named Executors.
Rosseter Cotton, Esq., John Harlow 2d, and Henry
Jackson, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the Estate of William
Nelson, late of Plymouth, Merchant, on 16 Oct. 1820. The Inventory of the
Estate of William Nelson, late of Plymouth, was appraised on 3 Nov. 1820, and
totaled $9842.00, including his real estate valued at $5016, 2/3
of the Schooner William valued at $1260, ½ of the Schooner Neptune valued at
$400, ½ of the Schooner Drake valued at $250, ½ of the Schooner Friendship
valued at $150, and ½ of the Sloop Sophronia valued at $800, plus fish, lumber,
corn, molasses, lime, salt, vinegar, etc. William Nelson and Jesse Harlow, the
Executors, gave their oaths to the inventory on 19 Feb. 1820.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, pp. 152-154, 273-275, from FHL
microfilm #0550907.
Will of Jabez Newland of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1781) *
In the Name of God Amen – The twentieth day of January one
thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty one, I Jabez Newland of Plymton in the County
of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, being in health of body and of perfect mind
and memory thanks be to God therefor, and Calling to mind the mortality of my
body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this my Last will and testament vizt, Principally and first
of all Give and Recommend my Soul unto the hands of God that Gave it hoping
through the merits of Christs death and Suffering, to Recieve the forgiveness
of all my sins – and my body unto the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion
of my Executor hereafter named; and as touching such worldly Estate as it hath
pleased God to bless me with in this Life; I Give and dispose of in the
following manner and form~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my sister Keturah Perce
deceased, her Heirs all my wearing apparell.
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah,
the improvement of all my Real Estate as Long as She Remains my widow, and also
Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife & to her Heirs, a piece of Land
Lying between Mr. Shearman’s & Doctr. Dear’s Land
& also about two acres of Land Lying by Jedediah Samson’s & also my two
pieces of meadow Lying upon winnetuxet River together with all my moveable
Estate She paying all my just debts I owe to any person whatever and funeral
Charges. –
Item – I Give and bequeath unto Jabez Newland Cushman all my
Real Estate that I have not otherwise disposed of
And Lastly I
Constitute & appoint my beloved wife Sarah Newland to be the Sole Executor
on this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby utterly disallow and
Revoke all wills by me before made Ratifying and Confirming this & no other
to be my Last will & testament – In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand and Seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed Published & delivered by the said
Jabez Newland as his Last will & testament in Jabez Newland (seal)
presence of us the Subscribers ~
Samuel
Drew
Sarah
Cushman
Isaiah
Cushman
Presented for probate on 7 May 1787 by Sarah Newland, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Samuel Drew and Isaiah Cushman, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Sarah Newland, the before named Executrix, with Isaiah Cushman, yeoman, and
Elijah Bisbe, Gentm, both of Plymton, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 141-143, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Sarah
Newland of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788)
*
In the name of God Amen — I Sarah Newland of Plymton in the
county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New England midwife,
being weak in body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God
therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will &
testament & desire it may be recieved by all as such, that is to say,
principally & first of all I Give & recommend my soul into ye
hands of God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried
in decent christian burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named,
nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall recieve the same
again, by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I Give demise and
dispose of the same in the following manner & form
Imprimis — I Give & bequeath to the Reverend John Staples
& Hannah Gusha – Zerviah Williams – Ruth Soper – Sarah Wright widow to Adam
Wright Late of Plymton deceased – Sarah Cushman, the wife of Isaiah Cushman –
Deborah Cushman widow to Josiah Cushman Late of Plymton deceased – Sarah
Samson, Lydia Holmes the wife of Francis Holmes and to Jeremiah Samson –and to
their heirs & assigns all my wearing apparell in equal division amongst all
the above named persons
Item—I Give to my kinsman Jabez Newland Cushman & to his
heirs & assigns forever a certain piece of fresh meadow Lying & being
on winnetuxet river so called in Plymton being all that meadow that my beloved
husband Jabez Newland Late of Plymton deceased bought that was Thomas
Southworth Howlands of Plymouth and given to me by my beloved husband in his
Last will & testament, I also give to the said Jabez Newland Cushman &
to his heirs one Cow & half my sheep together with a good feather bed under
bed, bedstead, bed-cord & furniture for said bed and one comon chest
Item—I Give to Rebecca Perkins Daughter to Josiah Perkins of
Middleborough and to her heirs & assigns forever, one Cow & half my
sheep, two feather beds, under beds, bedsteads, bed cords & furniture for
said beds, and also one suit of Curtains, a case of draws, one common chest, a
square table, one great chair & five small ones, together with the value of
three pounds to be delivered to her at my decease in pewter or other houshold
furniture, as she shall choose, and also one great spinning and onefoot wheel
all the rest and residue of all my estate both real, personal
or mixed after paying all my just debts & funeral charges, and not before
disposed of, in this my Last will & testament, I Give & bequeath to my
kindred above named — the Revd. John Staples –Hannah Gusha–Zerviah
Williams Ruth Soper– Sarah Wright– Sarah Samson–Lydia Holmes & Jeremiah
Samson, and to their heirs & assigns forever, in equal division or shares
Lastly – I do constitute make & ordain my faithful &
trusty friend Elijah Bisbee junr my sole executor of this my Last
will & testament, & do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul,
all & every other former will testament, Legacies, bequeaths &
executors by me in any way, before named willed & bequeathed, ratifying
& confirming this and no other to be my Last will & testament — In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this nineteenth day of
November in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & eighty &
eight
Signed, Sealed, Published Pronounced &
her
declared by the sd. Sarah Newland Sarah X Newland (seal)
as her Last will & testament, in the mark
presence of us the subscribers
Ebenezer
Soule
Nathan
Fobes
Jabez N
Cushman
Presented for probate on 6 Sept. 1792 by Elijah Bisbe junr.,
the executor, and proved by Ebenezer Soule and Jabez N. Cushman, two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nicholas Nicholson of Caneadea, Allegany County, New York (1852) *
The last will and testament of Nicholas Nicholson
I Nicholas Nicholson of the town of Yorkshire in the county
of Cattaraugus Do make and ordain this my last will & testament in manner
following that is to say
First I order and direct that all my just debts & funeral
charges be paid out of my personal estate as soon as convenient after my
decease by my executors herein after named
Second After the payment of such debts & funeral charges
I give bequeath and devise the rest residue and remainder of my estate real
& personal as follows
I give bequeath and devise the rest residue and remainder of
my estate real and personal as follows
I give devise and bequeath the same to my six grand children
to wit Harriet Baskins Hannah Baskins Sarah Baskins & Rachel Baskins
children of my daughter Sally Baskin’s widow of John J. Baskins deceased and to
Edward James Nicholson & Robert Nicholson Sons of my son Abel S. Nicholson
to be divided between the said Six grand children Share and Share alike to have
and to hold to them their heir’s and assigns forever as tenants in common
Third I do hereby constitute and appoint my three Sons Edward
Nicholson James H. Nicholson and Abel S. Nicholson the executors of this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any
time heretofore made
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the
31st day of January 1852.
Nicholas Nicholson (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named
Nicholas Nicholson to be his last will & testament in presence of us who
have hereunto Subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence and at
the request of the testator & in the presence of each other
W
G Angel Angelica N.Y.
William
Brown Belfast N.Y.
Proved by William G. Angel of the town of Angelica in the
county of Allegany being duly Sworn & examine’d doth depose and say that he
this deponent was well acquainted with Nicholas Nicholson late of the town of
Caneadea in the County of Allegany deceased that this deponent was present as
witness and did see the said Nicholas Nicholson Subscribe at the end thereof,
the instrument now produced and shown to this deponent purporting to be the
last will and testament of the said deceased bearing date the thirty first day
of January in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and fifty two
that the said testator at the same time declared the instrument so produced
Subscribed by him to be his last will and testament.
that
thereupon this deponent and William Bronson Subscribed their names at the end
thereof as witnesses thereto at the request of the testator in his presence and
that the said testator at the time of executing and publishing the said last
will and testament was of full age and sound mind and memory not under
restraint and was in all respects competent to make a last will and testament. W.
G. Angel
Sworn
and Subscribed this 25th day of May 1757 before me John G. Collins,
Surrogate
Proved by William Brown of the town of Belfast in the county
of Allegany and by Samuel C. Wilson of the town of Belfast also on 25 May 1757.
I Abel S. Nicholson of the town of Caneadea in the county of
Allegany one of the executors named in and by the last will & testament of
Nicholas Nicholson late of the Said town do hereby renounce the Said
appointment and all right & claim to letters testamentary of the Said last
will or to act as executor thereof & pray the Surrogate of the County of
Allegany to accept & record this my renunciation Dated this 25. day of May A D 1857
A.
S. Nicholson
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Nicholas Nicholson were
granted to Edward Nicholson and James H. Nicholson on 25 May 1857.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Allegany County Probate Wills Vol. 4, p. 39-41, from FHL
microfilm #0594228, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 2, p. 42.
Will of John Noyes of Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the name of God
Amen – I, John Noyes of Abington in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, blacksmith, being advanced in age but in the enjoyment of my
natural powers (blessed be God therefor) knowing it is appointed to all men
once to die do make & ordain this my Last will & testament in manner
and form following – vizt. principally & first of all I do
recommend my soul into the hands of God my Creator, hoping & trusting in
the merits of Jesus Christ my saviour for the pardon of my sins and for eternal
Life, my body I recommend to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion
of my Executor hereafter named, as to my worldly Estate which a kind providence
has favoured me with I Give & dispose of in manner & form following –
vizt
Item – I Give to my eldest son John Noyes five shillings to
be paid by my Executor after my decease
Item – I Give to my son Samuel Noyes five shillings to be
paid by my Executor after my decease
Item – I Give to my son Eliab Noyes his heirs & assigns
forever the sum of sixty pounds together with my shop, anvill, bellows,
Cick-horn vise and all my small tools that belong to the shop for service he
has done me, and I do hereby ordain & appoint my son Eliab Noyes abovesaid
to be the sole Executor of this my Last will & testament
Item – I Give to my Eldest Daughter Molly Fullerton her heirs
and assigns forever the sum of fourteen pounds to be paid by my Executor in one
year after my decease
Item – I Give to my Daughter Betty Hearsey, her heirs &
assigns forever the sum of twelve pounds to be paid by my Executor in two years
after my decease
Item – I Give to my Daughter Jane Hearsey her heirs &
assigns forever – the sum of twelve pounds, to be paid my Executor in three
years after my decease
Item – I Give to my Daughter Judith Thomson her heirs and
assigns forever the sum of Eighteen pounds, to be paid by my Executor in one
year after my decease
Item – I Give to my Grandson Moses Noyes son of Moses Noyes
deceased, to him and his heirs forever, sixteen acres of Land – Lying in
Bridgwater in the county abovesaid, it being half of a Lot of Land I bought of
Daniel Alden Esqr. and the westerly side of said Lot, bounded
westerly, partly on James Edsons Land and partly on the heirs of Nathan Whitman
deceased on the south end on Deacon Eleazer Whitman’s Land and on the east side
& north end on my own Land – also I Give to my Grandson Moses Noyes
abovesaid about ten acres of Land to him & his heirs forever Lying in the
town of Abington abovesaid bounded easterly on Lt. John Fullertons
Land, northerly on Isaac Pinell’s junr. Land westerly on Ezekiel
Reeds Land and southerly on the abovesaid sixteen acres, Furthermore I Give to
my Grandson Moses Noyes abovesaid the sum of thirteen pounds six shillings
& eight pence to be paid by my Executor when he shall arrive to the age of
twenty one years, but if the sd. Moses shall die before he arrives
to the age of twenty one years or have heirs Lawfully begotten of his body, my
will is that my son Eliab Noyes & his four sisters vizt. Molly
Fullerton - Betty Hearsey - Jane Hearsey & Judith Thomson & their heirs
shall have what I have given my Grandson Moses Noyes abovesaid equally divided
between them – Also my will is that whatsoever of my Estate remains undisposed
of after my just debts Legacies and funeral charges are paid, be equally
divided between my son Eliab Noyes & my Grandson Moses Noyes, and my four
Daughters vizt. Molly Fullerton, Betty Hearsay - Jane Hearsey &
Judith Thomson - & I do hereby make void and of no effect all & every
other will or wills heretofore made by me whether by word or writing Ratifying
& confirming, this to be my Last will and testament.— In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal, Dated at Abington the fifteenth day of
September, A D, 1786~
Signed, sealed, & declared by the testator John Noyes (seal)
to be his Last will & testament, in presence
of us the subscribers
Ebenezer
Porter
Ephraim
Noyes
Josiah
Shaw
Presented for probate on 5 March 1793 by Eliab Noyes, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Porter and Ephraim Noyes, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Eliab Noyes, the before named Executor.
Joseph Pool yeoman, Seth Porter yeoman, and Ephraim Noyes
Gentm, all of Abington, were appointed to appraise the estate of
John Noyes, late of Abington, blacksmith, on 5 Mar. 1793. The inventory, not
dated, totaled £213.9.7, including his real estate valued at £150.18. Eliab
Noyes, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 15 Aug. 1793.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, pp. 291-293, 405, from FHL
microfilm #0550717.
Will of Samuel James Nutter of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1874) *
Be it remembered that I Samuel James Nutter of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing
mind and memory, do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in
manner following, viz.
1st. After the payment of all my just debts
and funeral expenses, and a legacy of five dollars to my daughter Mercy Ann
Pratt, and the provision the Law requires for the support of my beloved wife,
Mercy Nutter, I give and bequeath to my grand-son Samuel W. Nutter all the rest
and residue of my estate, both real & personal of every name & and
nature, the same to be at his sole disposal. This I do in consideration of his
faithful services for many years, and with the understanding that he shall assist
me through (with what I anticipate will be short) of my earthly existence.
2d. I hereby appoint my said grand son
Samuel W. Nutter sole executor of this my last will and testament, hereby
revoking and declaring void all former wills by me at any times heretofore
made.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of
November A.D. 1874.
his
Saml.
X J. Nutter (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by said Samuel J. Nutter as and for his last will and testament in
presence of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other have hereunto
set our names as witnesses.
Joseph Stetson. George B. Bradford. Hannah Stetson.
To the Honorable the Judge of the
Probate Court in and for the County of Plymouth.
Respectfully represents Mercy
Nutter, that she is the widow of Samuel J. Nutter late of Kingston in said
County of Plymouth, whose will has been proved and allowed in said Court, that
there is a provision made for me in said Will, and that I Mercy Nutter
aforesaid, do hereby waive the provision made for me in said Will and shall
claim such portions of his real and personal estate as I should have been
entitled to, if my said husband had died intestate.
Dated the eleventh day of December A.D. 1876.
Mercy
Nutter
by
her Attorney I. F. Atwood
Filed Dec. 11. 1876.
Ichabod F. Atwood petitioned that
he be appointed as special administrator of the estate of Samuel J. Nutter,
late of Kingston, on 26 Dec. 1876, by reason of an appeal from the decree
granting letters of administration, with Winslow Pratt, of Middleborough, as
surety.
Presented for probate on the fourth
Monday of May, 1877, by Samuel W. Nutter, of Kingston, with Green Evans and E.
Elbridge Atwood, of Kingston, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Samuel W. Nutter, of Kingston, on 28 May 1877.
Mercy Nutter, widow of Samuel J.
Nutter, petitioned for her dower from the estate of Samuel J. Nutter on the
fourth Monday of Aug. 1877, and John F. Holmes, Richard E. Holmes, and Eleazer
Faunce, of Kingston, were appointed to set off the dower to her on 27 Aug.
1877.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p.
243, from FHL microfilm #0556649, Vol. 142, p. 309, Vol. 119, p. 482, Vol. 133,
p. 439, and Vol. 113, p. 226.
Will of Jabez Nye of
Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1745) *
In the Name of God amen: Thee Nineteenth day of October 1745.
I Jabez Nye of Plimton in the County of Plimouth Husbandman being
very weak in body but of perfect Mind & memory, Thanks be Give unto God:
Therefore Calling to mind the mortallity of my body and knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last Will that is
to say Principally & first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
Hands of God that gave it, and my body to the Earth, to be buried in Decent
Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executor here after Named,
And as touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased
God to bless me in this life (after my Just Debts are paid I Give, devise and
bequeath the same both Real & personal, whatsoever and wheresoever, in
possession or Reversition to my well Beloved son Bonum Nye His heirs and
assigns he the sd. Bonum paying to my well beloved daughter Sarah
the wife of Zechariah Marquin forty pounds old tenour in three years after my
Decease – And I do here likewise Constitute make & ordain him my Son Bonum
Nye Sole Executor of this my Last will & Testament, and I do hereby Utterly
disallow revoke & disanull all and every other former Testaments or Will by
me made Ratyfieing and Confirming this and no Other to be my last Will and
Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day & year abovewritten
Signed Sealed published Pronounced &
Declared by the sd. Jabez Nye as his Jabez Nye (seal)
Last Will & Testament In Presence
of us the Subscribers –
Joseph Bridgham
Elkanah Lucas
Bethiah X
Shurtleff
Probated on 19 Dec. 1745, and proved by Joseph Bridgham,
Elkanah Lucas and Bethiah Shurtleff, the witnesses. Administration granted to
Bonum Nye of Plimton on 19 Dec. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, p. 67-68, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Nathan Nye of Randolph, Orange County, Vermont
(1846) *
In the
name of God – Amen I Nathan Nye of Randolph Orange County and State of Vermont
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of Sound and perfect
mind and memory blessed be almighty God for the Same do make and publich this
my last will and testament in manner following after all my Just debts are paid
I give and bequeath unto my four grand children viz Nathan N. Orcutt Royal
Orcutt Milison Orcutt Jacob Orcutt Children of Parley Orcutt and my daughter
remaining out of the property given up hereafter mentioned a good and complete
maintenance of every thing that She my daughter Abigail Orcutt may nead for her
good Support in Sickness and health and clothing &c during her Said
Abigail’ my daughters natural life and besides the above mentioned Support to
pay her in cash twenty dollars yearly during her life then by performing in
full as above mentioned I give as above to the Said fore mentioned
grandchildren all the farm and lands in Randolph Orange County and State
aforesaid together with all the Stock of cattle Sheeps hogs &c of every
kind likewise all the farming toals and all the debts, claims, and demands
which I may have due me at my decease I order the whole of the said above
mentioned property to be equally divided among the Said forementioned Grand
children Should any one of them be arving me at my decease more than his equal
Share of said property the overplus of his Share if any to be equally divided
among the others so as to make them all equal, hereby revoking all former wills
by me made and I hereby appoint Royal Orcutt my grandson Sole executor of this
my last will and testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this
12th day of march 1846 Signed Sealed and
published and declared by the above mentiond testator to be his last will and
testament In presents of us who have hereunto Subscribed Our names as witnesses
in presents of the testator and of each other
Jacob
Davis Nathan Nye (seal)
Daniel
Davis
A J
Davis
Royal Orcutt, of Randolph, posted bond as Executor of the
will of Nathan Nye, late of Randolph, on 9 Oct. 1847, with Perley Orcutt, of
Randolph, as surety.
Loren Griswold and Freeman Williams, Esquires, both of
Randolph, were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathan Nye, late of
Randolph, on 9 Oct. 1847. The inventory was dated 25 Oct. 1847, his real estate
valued at $2650, and his personal estate totaled $50.37.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Randolph District,
Vermont, Probate Folder #67, image 450-455, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will of Tobias
Oakman of
In the Name of God Amen I Tobias Oakman of Marshfield in the
County of plimouth in New England yeoman being aged and under Infirmytes But of
Sound mind Doe make this my Last Will and Testement fors I Recomend my Soul to
god that gave it and my body to the Earth to a Decent burail at ye
Discretion of my Execr. hereafter named and Touching Such Worldy
Goods and Estate as I am ye owner of I give the Same in maner
following that is to Say —
Impr I give and bequeath unto my Son Edward
Oakman my Carte and Wheels and all my Husbandry Tools and Implements and one
half of my Stock of Cattle and my Negro man Named Jack ~~
Item I give and Bequeath unto my Grand Sons Samul
Oakman and tobias Oakman the Sone of my Son Saml. Deceasd
all my Land at
Item I give to my Sd Grandson Tobias his heirs and
assigns forever my Lot of Land in Marshfield aforesd near Benja
thomases being the third Lot in ye Second Division of Marchfeld
Comons and also apiece of Salt marsh in said Marchfield Which I have in
parteneship with ye Tildens Called Crookers meddo my part being
about four or five acres more or Less ~
Item I give to my Grand Son Jeddediah Eames Twenty pounds in
Bills of Credite of the Old Tener to be paid by my Execr within Two
years after my Decease
Item – I give and bequeath unto my Six Daughters Faith Foster
Eliza Ford Sarah Randall Susannah Collamer Mary Shairman and
Marcy Hamilton and to thair heairs and assigns for Ever all the rest of my
Estate both reail and personal of Every Sort and kind and Whairsoever Lying and
Being to be Equely Divided betwext them my Just Debts and funeral Charges and
Legeses aforesd being first paid out of the Same —
Lastly I doe hereby appoint my sd Son Edward to be
the Sole Execr of this my will in wittness Whaireof I have herunto
Sett my hand and Seal March the 21 1745 –
Tobias T Oakeman (seal)
Sined Sealed pubeshed and Declaired
his marke
by ye sd Tobias Oakman to be his Last
Will and
Testement in presents – of ~
William Cushing
Mary Cushing
Hannah phillips
Mary Cushing Junr.
Probated on 26 July 1750, and proved by Willm
Cushing, Mary Cushing and Mary Cushing Junr.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Nuncupative Will of Thomas Oldham of
A verbal or nuncupative Will made by Thomas Oldham of
Scittuate in ye County of Plymouth Deceast on Wednesday the twenty
third Day of July anno Domini-1735. In the Hearing & Presence of us the
Subscribers We Samuel Tilden Jur. Rebekah Lapham & Elizabeth
Taylor all of Marshfield in the County of Plymo aforesaid being at ye
House of Thomas Oldham Above named on ye Day abovesd I
Samuel Tilden being desired by on[e] of sd Oldham’s Sisters to ask
him whether he did not intend to Give Mercy Thomas his House keeper Something
out of his Estate Besides her Wages he answered Yes and Said He clear up my
Throat & then He Speak Rebekah Lapham & Elizabeth Taylor being called
& bid us take Notice that he gave Twenty Pounds to Mercy Thomas out of his
Estate & bid them take notice it is besides her Wages. We Rebekah Lapham
& Elizabeth Taylor being at ye House of Thomas Oldham’s
Abovenamed In Company with Samuel Tilden junr. & sd
Oldham sd in our Hearing he would give to Mercy Thomas his House
keeper Twenty Pounds out of his Estate besides her Wages & lookt on us
& bid us take notice and We Saw nor heard nothing to the Contrary but that
he was of a Disposing Mind. In Testimony whereof We have hereunto Set Our Hands
& Seals this twenty eight Day of July Anno Domini-1735—
Samuel Tilden ju.
Rebekah
Lapham
Elizabeth
Taylor
Mr. Joseph Hatch, Mr. Israel Hatch junr.,
& Mr. Samuel Lapham, all of Scittuate, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Thomas Oldham, late of Scittuate, on 1 Aug. 1735. The
Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Oldham, late of Scittuate, not dated, totaled
£870.19.8, including his house & land on the Westerly side of the Way
valued at £690, and 16 acres of woodland valued at £48. Josiah Wormall, the
administrator, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Jan. 1735[/6].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 7, pp. 155, 167-168, from FHL
microfilm #0550513.
Will of Barnabas Otis of Plymouth, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
In
the name of God – Amen –
I
Barnabas Otis of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, being of sound and
disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last Will and testament.
–
I
give devise and bequeath to my grandsons Henry O Williams and Augustus Williams
the sum of one dollar each.
As
to the residue of all the property real personal or mixed of which I shall die
seized and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my
decease, I devise, bequeath and dispose thereof in the following manner to wit.
Two
Thirds of said Property I give devise and bequeath to Harriet Carver wife of
Chandler Carver of said Plymouth, and the remaining third I give devise and
bequeath to Adeline A. Totman of said Plymouth.
Provided
however that in case the said Chandler Carver shall after my decease present
any account against my estate for my board in his family during my life, then
the two thirds above give to his wife Harriet, are hereby bequeathed and
devised to the said Adeline A. Totman.
I
nominate and appoint Nathaniel M. Davis Esquire of said Plymouth to be executor
of this my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness Whereof I the said Barnabas Otis have hereto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal this thirteenth day of March A. D. eighteen Hundred and forty
four.
Barnabas Otis (seal)
Signed Sealed, published and
declared by the said Barnabas Otis as and for his last Will and Testament in
our presence who at his request and in his presence and in presence of each
other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto (The words “are hereby
bequeathed and devised” being first inserted.)
William
Davis
Joseph
Holmes
Joseph
Wright
Presented for probate on 8 June
1747 by Chandler Carver and Harriet Carver, the said Harriet being one of the
devisees therein, and proved by William Davis and Joseph Holmes 4th, two of the
subscribing witnesses.
Plymouth
April 12, 1847.
To
the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth, I hereby decline accepting the
appointment of Executor of the Will of Barnabas Otis of Plymouth, deceased.
Nathl.
M. Davis.
Timothy Gordon, of Plymouth, was
granted Administration with the Will Annexed of the Estate of Barnabas Otis,
late of Plymouth, on 8 June 1847, Nathaniel M. Davis, named as Executor having
declined, with Jacob H. Loud and William R. Sever, both of Plymouth, as
sureties.
Eleazer S. Bartlett, William Nelson
and Heman Cobb, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise his estate on 8
June 1847.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Barnabas Otis, late of Plymouth, was dated 9 June 1847, his real estate valued
at $766.67, and his personal estate totaled $56.00. Timothy Gordon, the
Administrator with the will annexed on the estate of Barnabas Otis, late of
Plymouth, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Nov. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, pp. 236-238, 431-432, from FHL microfilm
#0555639, and Vol. 10A, p. 555.
Will of Abiel
Packard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen I Abiel Packard of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts Bay In New-England Gentm.
being of Perfect mind & Memory (Blessed be God) But Weak of Body do make
& Ordain this my Last Will and Testament that is to say I having
Recommended my Body to the Dust to be decently Buried According to the
Discretion of My Executor hereafter named & my Soul into the hand of God
that Gave it and as to my Worldly Estate I do Dispose of in the Manner &
Form as follows ~
Imprs. I do Give & Bequeath to my Beloved Wife
Deliverance Packard all the Estate She Brought to me at Marriage that Shall
Remain not Extinct or Worn out at my Decease & also One Good Cow or the Cow
that She Brought & the Sum of thirty Pounds Lawfull Money Each to be
Delivered & paid to her by my Executor hereafter Named within thirty Days
next after my Decease to be at her Own Disposal In Case She Shall then Quit her
Right of Dowry or Third Part of the Improvement of My Real Estate that I Shall
Die Seized & Possessed of & In Case She Should Utterly Refuse to Quit
her Right of Dowry then the Estate that She Brought to me as Abovementioned
& the Cow & the Money is to Remain in the hands of my Executor
hereafter Named for his Own Use Service or to his Heirs or Assigns ~
Item I do Give unto my beloved Son Josiah Packard Gentm.
Over & Above what I have Given him by Deeds of Gift heretofore All my Right
& Interest in the Purchase Rights or Undivided Unappropriated Lands that
Lyeth within the Bounds of Bridgwater Eight Mile Swamp (so called) to him to
his Heirs & Assigns forever ~
Item I do Give unto my Beloved Son Joshua Packard Yeoman Over
and Above what I have Given him by Deed of Gift & in Money heretofore the
Sum of Five Shillings to him & to his Heirs and Assigns for ever to be paid
to him in Twelve Months after my Decease by my Executor hereafter named
Item I do Give unto my son Thomas Packard (over & above
what I have Given him by Deeds of Gift heretofore) the Sum of Five shillings to
be paid by my Executor in manner as Above.
Item I do Give unto my son Timothy Packard Yeoman over and
Above what I have Given him Heretofore by Deeds of Gift the Sum of Five
Shillings to be paid by Ditto as Above ~
Item – I do Give unto my Son Daniel Packard Yeoman the Sum of
Five Shillings over and Above what I have heretofore Given him By Deeds of Gift
to be paid by my Executors as Above ~
Item I do Give unto my son Eliab Packard Yeoman (Over &
Above what I have Given him by Deeds of Gift heretofore) the Sum of Five
Shillings to be paid by My Executor as Above ~
Item I do Give unto my Well beloved Daughter Sarah Snell the
Wife of Ebenezar Snell Late of Said Bridgwater (now Resident at a Place called
Number five in the Massachusetts-Bay In New-England Yeoman One Third Part of
the Personal Estate that I Die Seized and Possed of not heretofore nor
hereafter Disposed of Otherwise by me to her to her Heirs & Assigns forever
over & Above what I Gave her at Marriage & by Deed ~
Item I do Give unto my Well beloved Daughter Betty Edson the
Wife of Jacob Edson of said Bridgwater Yeoman my best Bed best Case of Drawers
& best Oval Table also One Third Part of my Personal Estate that I Die
Seized and Possessed of not before Disposed of heretofore nor hereafter by me
to her her Heirs & Assigns forever Over & above what I Gave her at
Marriage & by Deed ~
Item I do Give & Bequeath to my well Beloved Son Benjamin
Packard of Bridgwater afores’d Yeoman One third Part of My Personal Estate that
I Die Seized & Possessed of not heretofore nor hereafter Particularly
Disposed of by me that is to Say Benjamins third Betty & Sarah’s Third are
to be Equal I also Give & Bequeath to my Said Son Benjamin & to his
Heirs & Assigns forever a Certain Tract or Parcel of Land Lying & being
in the North Two Miles Additional Grant to Said Bridgwater & within the
Bounds of the Old Mens Shane (so Called) Bounded Westerly on the West Shane
Line (so Called) & Southerly on Land of Jesse Perkins & East on a Brook
Called Tracy Brook & Northerly On Land That I Gave to my Son Timothy
Packard (By Deed of Gift) together with the Buildings, Orchardings & fences
that and on said Premises to him my Said Son Benjamin & to his Heirs &
Assigns forever I also Give unto my Sd. Son Benjamin my Money &
all my Outstanding Debts to Inable him to pay my Just Debts & Legacies and
I Do hereby Order Constitute & Appoint my Said Son Benjamin Packard to be
the Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament, Ordering him to pay all
the Above Specifyed Legacies According to the Time above Specifyed And to pay
all My Just Debts & my Funeral Charges – Futhermore I do Give unto my Said
Son Benjamin one third Part of my Eighth Part of a Saw Mill & Dam Standing
on Salsbury Plain River & Near the Dwelling House of Thomas Reynolds in
Said Bridgwater And I do Declare this to be my Last Will & Testament
Revoking all Others made by me heretofore on this Nineteenth Day of June Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred Seventy & three & in the Thirteenth
Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third King of Great Britain
& Signed Sealed ~
Published Pronounced & Declared by the
Said Abiel Packard to be
his Last Will & Testament Abiel Packard (seal)
In Presents of
Simeon Cary
Jesse Perkins
Daniel Noyes
Probated on 4 July 1774, and proved by Simeon Cary, Jesse Perkins
and Daniel Noyes, the three Witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 21, p.
624-626, from FHL microfilm #0550712.
Will of Daniel
Packard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1732) *
In the Name of God Amen. The 16. day of March in the Year of
Our Lord 1731/2 I Daniel Packard of
Bridgewater in the County of Plymo in New-England being sick
& weak in Body but of prfect Mind & Memory Thanks be given unto God
Therefore calling to Mind ye. Mortality of my Body I do Make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament Principally I Give & Recommend my
Soul into ye. hands of God that gave it, and my Body I Recommend to
the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Manner at ye.
discretion of my Executor hereafter Named: And as touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless Me in this Life I Give Demise &
Dispose of the same in the following Manner and form —
Imprimis I Give to my son Isaac Packard fourty eight acres of
Land on the Northerly End of my Home Lands, to be set off by a Line running
East & by South & West & By North across the whole breadth of sd
homeland; And also a Part of my Lot of Land below Willm
Turners viz: All that which lyeth on the North Easterly side of ye
River by Joshua to be Enjoyed by my sd. Son his Heirs & assigns
forever —
Item – I Give to my son Daniel Packard the Northerly Half of
that which remains of my sd. Homelands after ye. sd.
fourty eight acres shall be set off to be set off likewise by a Line parallell
with the line before described, & measured in equal Quantity with ye.
southerly share, Together with all my Housing to my sd. Son Daniel
Packard his Heirs & assigns forever, But withall I do hereby oblige him to
pay out to my Daughter Sarah Packard fifteen Pounds in Money & to my
Daughter Mary fifteen Pounds & to my Daughter Susanna ten Pounds all to be
paid by my sd. son Daniel within three years after he shall come to
the age of twenty one —
Itm I Give to my Son Nehemiah Packard his
Heirs and Assigns forever ye. Southerly End of my sd home
lands being one half of what shall remain after the first fourty eight Acres
shall be set off; And also all that Part of my fore mentioned Lot below William
Turner’s that lyeth on the South Westerly Side of the River – But withall I do
oblige my sd. son Nehemiah to pay out in Money to my Daughter
Susanna five Pounds & to my Daughter Martha fifteen Pounds, all within
three years after he shall come to the Age of twenty one: And further, My
Purchase Right in Land not laid out I Give to my three sons above named &
to their Heirs & Assigns forever –
Itm I Give to my Daughter Sarah Packard one
quarter Part of all my Personal Estate as Creatures, Money, & other
Moveables both within doors & without And a quarter Part of all my Outlands
Except what is Given to my three Sons above named, as also fifteen Pounds in
Money to be paid to her by her Brother Daniel as above Expresst —
Itm I Give to my Daughter Mary Packard One
quarter Part of all my Personal Estate before Mentioned and one quarter Part of
my Outlands Except what is Given to my sons Abovenamed, And also fifteen Pounds
in Money to be paid to her by her Brother Daniel Above named —
Itm I Give to my Daughter Susanna Packard
One quarter Part of all my Personal Estate before Mentioned, & a quarter
Part of all my Outlands Except what is herein Given to her Brethern before
named and also ten Pound to be paid to her by her Brother Daniel & five
Pounds to be paid to her by her Brother Nehemiah as is above Expressed —
Itm I Give to my Daughter Martha one quarter Part of all my sd.
Personal Estate before Mentioned & one quarter Part of my Out land Except
as is before Excepted And also fifteen Pounds in Money to be paid to her by her
Brother Nehemh before Named: And ye. Outlands given to my
four Daughters before Named is given to them their Heirs & assigns forever
— And I do Constitute & Appoint my loving Brother Samuel Packard to be the
Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament.
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared by ye. sd.
Daniel Packard to be his last Will and his
Testament. In the Presence of ~ Daniel
ȹ Packard (seal)
Samuel Packard Mark
Joseph Alger
Joseph Edson
Probated on 20 Apr. 1732, and proved by Samuel Packard,
Joseph Alger, and Joseph Edson, the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Samuel Packard, brother of the deceased and sole Executor, on 2 May
1732.
The Inventory of the Estate both real & personal of Mr.
Daniel Packard late of Bridgewater, who deceased on 21 Mar. 1731/2, was
appraised by Joseph Edson, Recompence Cary, and Samuel Lathrop on 28 Apr. 1832,
not totaled, but his home lands of about 117 acres with the buildings was
valued at £920, and 10 acres of land on the river below William Turners was
valued at £80. Samuel Packard, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
3 July 1732.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of David Packard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In
the Name of God Amen. The third Day of January Anno. Domi One Thousand Seven
hundred and Fifty four. I David Packard of
Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England, Being now of perfect and
Disposing Mind And Memory, thanks be to God for it, and calling to mind the
Mortality Of My Body and Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to die
do ordain and make this my Last and Testament, that is to Say Principally and
first of all I Give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of the Great God who
Gave it hoping thro’ the Merrits death & Passion Of the Lord Jesus
Christ to have full and free Pardon of All my Sins, and to Inheritt Everlasting
Life and my body I committ to the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discretion
of My Execr hereafter named, Hoping at the Generall resurrection to
receive same again by the Power of God Almighty, and as Touching Such worldly
estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I Give demise,
and Dispose of the same in the following Manner and form that is to Say in the
first place My Will is that All my Just Debts that I owe to any Person or
Persons whatsoever be well and Trully paid by My Execr. hereafter
Named in a convenient time after My Decease.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Hannah the One half of the Improvment of My
Homstead while She shall continue My Widdow and One third thereof during her
Naturall Life Also I Give unto my said wife all my Indoor Moveables that is
House-hold-Goods, togather with one half of all my Quick Stock to be intirely
at her Dispose.
Item. I Give and
bequeath unto my son David his heirs & Assigns forever One Quarter of a
Quarter part of the Saw Mill Stand by James Packard’s, having allready Given to
my sd. Son David a Deed Of the Land whereon he Dwells togather with
other Lands which Deed I ratify and Confirm in & by this My Last Will and
Testament.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto My Son William his heirs & assigns forever One Quarter of a
Quarter part of the Saw-Mill Standing by James Packard’s, having Already Given
unto him a Deed of the Land whereon he dwells togather with Other Lands, which
I Do Hereby ratify and confirm.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto my Son Isaac his heirs and Assigns forever a sixth part of the
forge or Iron works by James Packard’s having Already Given unto him a Deed of
the lands whereon he dwells togather with Other Lands which I do hereby ratify
and confirm.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto my Son Ebenezer his heirs & Assigns forever One quarter of a
Quarter part of the Saw mill Standing by James Packard’s also the Other half of
my Quick Stock having Already Given unto him a Deed of my of my Homstead with
Some Other Lands which I do hereby ratify & Confirm. – And I Do hereby
Nominate and Appoint my said Son Ebenezer the sole Execr. of this My
Last Will and Testament.
Item I Give and
bequeath unto my Son Abiah his heirs and Assigns forever One Quarter of a
Quarter part of the Saw-Mill by James Packar’s, Having Already Given unto him a
Tract of Land (Lying On the southerly side of the Lands of the said David &
William as also some Other Lands) by Deed which I do hereby ratify and Confirm.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto My Daughter Hannah the wife of Samuell Brett the Sum of Five
Shillings Lawfull Money to be Paid by my said Execr. having already
Given her Some thing by Another Instrument besides what I did for her at her
Marriage
Item. I Give &
bequeath unto my Daughter Mary the wife of Daniel Richards the sum of five
shillings lawfull money to be paid by said Execr. having Given her
Something by Another Instrument, besides what I Gave her at Marrage
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto My Daughter Mehetable five shillings lawfull money to be paid by
said Execr. having by an Other Instrument so Ordered it that she
Should her proportion of my Estate.
Item. I Give and
Bequeath unto my Daughter Jane the Sum Of five shillings Lawfull Money to be
paid by my said Execr. having by another Instrument So Ordered it
that she shall have her Proportion of My Estate.
Further I Give unto my Said Sons David, William, Isaac, Ebenr.
& Abial all my wareing Apparell to be Equall Divided betwen them, and
further I Give unto my said sons Ebenezer and Abiah My Carts Sleads, Plows
Chains yokes and all my Husbandry tools to be Equally Divided between them. And
I do hereby utterly disalow, revoke and disanull all and every former
Testaments Wills and Legasies, Bequests & Execrs by me in any
wise before this time Made, Willed and Bequeathed, ratifying and confirming
this and No Other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Day and Year Afore mentioned.
Signed Sealled, published, pronounced David Packard (seal)
& declared by the said David Packard
As his last Will and Testament
In
the presence of us Subscribers
Josiah Edson Junr.
Nathan Packard
Joseph Hooper
Presented for probate on 1 Dec.
1755 by the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Edson Junr.
Esqr. and Nathan Packard, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ebenezer Packard of Bridgwater, Yeoman, the
Executor, with Josiah Edson Junr. Esqr. and Isaac
Packard, Yeoman, both of Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 21-23, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of David Packard of
Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen the twenty Second day of January in
the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three, I David
Packard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in New England yeoman, being advanced in age, yet through devine
Goodness of a sound and disposing mind and memory and calling to mind the
Frailty & mortality of my body as well as the Souls immortality and the
Great duty of Setting my house in order before death, do now proceed to make &
ordain this my Last will & testament and first of all I Commend my immortal
Soul into the hands of that God who Gave it, trusting in the merits and
intercession of Jesus Christ my Saviour for pardon Grace & Glory; my body I
Commit unto the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
nothing doubting but at the Great Resurrection the same will be Raised again by
the mighty power of God to a Glorious immortality, & with Respect to my
worldly Interest and Estate which by the blessing of providence I have now in
possession I dispose of it in the following manner viz—
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife
Dorothy the use and improvement of one half o my homestead Lands & the
improvement of one half my dwelling house and other buildings also a Seat in my
pew in the north meeting house also the use of my Great Iron kettle and warming
pan during the whole time of her Natural Life, and I Give unto her my said
wife, to be entirely at her dispose two milk Cows & my horse and one Swine,
and one half my Indian Corn & grain and meat & Sauce & Hay which
may be in my possession at the time of my decease, I also Give her all the
household Goods & furniture that she brought with her when she came to my
house to Live with me—
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son Abiezer and to his heirs
and assigns one acre of pine Land Lying in the north precinct Bridgwater
bounded on the westerly side by William Packards Land, on the southerly Side
& northerly & Easterly end by Lands of Ebenezer Packard; and the Reason
that I Give him no more at this time is because I have heretofore Given him a
Settlement which is Considered as his full Share in my Real Estate—
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son David & his heirs
and assigns, one half my Pew in the north meeting house, and the Reason I Give
him no more at this time is because the Settlement I have already Given him is
Considered as his full Share in my Real Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son Ephraim one half my Pew
in the north meeting house, I also Give unto him the sum of twenty pounds in
Lawful Silver money at the Rate of Six Shillings & Eight pence p oz to be
paid to him by my Executor hereafter named within twelve months after my
decease. I also Give him twenty pounds more to be paid by my sd
Executor within twelve months after the decease of my sd wife
Dorothy in Silver money at Six Shillings & Eight pence p oz.—
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son Abraham & his heirs
& assigns all my
Item—my will is that my wearing apparell should all be
equally Divided between my two Sons viz~—Abraham and Ephraim, and
Further it is my will that my Live Stock and indoor and out door moveables and
all the Remainder of my Estate Real & personal not herein before mentioned
& otherways disposed of should be equally divided amongst my Four Sons viz~—Abiezer—David—Abraham
and Ephraim—
Lastly—I do hereby nominate and appoint my Son Abraham Sole
Executor upon this my Last will & testament, ordering him to pay &
discharge all my just debts and Funeral Charges, and to pay the above mentioned
Legacies out of what I have Given him—In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal the day & year aforesaid.
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced and his
declared by the sd David to be his Last will David X
Packard (seal)
& testament in presence of mark
Barney
Leonard
Joseph
Bassett
James
Leach
Probated on 7 March 1785, presented by Abraham Packard, the
Executor, and proved by Joseph Bassett and James Leach, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer
Packard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1791) *
In the Name of God Amen.— I Ebenezer Packard of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusett, yeoman, being of sound
mind & memory, blessed be almighty God therefor, do this twentieth day of
September Anno Domini one thousand, Seven Hundred & Ninety one, make &
ordain this my last will & testament, in the following manner –vizt–
I commend my soul unto the hand of almighty God my creator, hoping to recieve
the free pardon of all my sins & salvation thro’ ye merits of
Jesus Christ my redeemer; and my body, to the earth to be decently interred
according to the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, in hopes of a
glorious resurrection unto life eternal, and touching such worldly estate which
it hath pleased God to bless me with, I will & bequeath in the following
manner and form.~
I
Bequeath to Sarah Packard, my dearly beloved wife the improvement of one third
of my real estate–the whole of my Pew in the meeting house & household
furniture, during her natural life and all my live stock to her free disposal.~
Also–I Give unto my well beloved
sons–vizt–Ebenezer, Jonas, Adam, Mathew, Eliphalet, Robert, Joel,
Lot, Noah & Joseph my wearing apparell to be equally divided amongst them,
share & share alike.
Also–I Give unto my well beloved
sons Adam, Robert, Lot & Joseph my Pew in the north meeting house in
Bridgwater, after their mother’s decease –
Also–I Give unto my sons Robert,
Lot & Joseph, one sixteenth part of a saw mill near the Forge in the north
Parish in Bridgwater equally ~
Also–I Give unto my son Joseph,
after, his mother’s decease, the value of Six Pounds in houshold furniture. .
Also–I Give unto my well beloved
daughter Alice, the remainder of my houshold furniture after her mother’s
decease –
Also–I Give unto my sons Robert
& Lot equally, all my farming utensills together, with all other of my
estate not heretofore dispose of, and, I do hereby appoint the said Robert
& Lot joint Executors of this my last will & testament, who are to pay
all my just debts & funeral charges, in convenient time after my decease.—
In, Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal, the day &
year above written.—
Signed, Seale’d Published &
Pro-
nounced by ye sd
Ebenr. Packard, Ebenezer Packard (seal)
as his last will & testament in
ye
presence of us, & in ye
presence of each
other, have hereunto subscribed our
names –
Zadok
Perkins
Jonas
Reynolds jr.
Jesse
Perkins –
Presented for probate on 7 Mar.
1803 by Robert Packard & Lot Packard, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Jonas Reynolds jr. & Jesse Perkins, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Deacon
Ebenezer Packard Jr., of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen—This twenty fifth day of November Anno Domini One thousand
seven hundred & ninety seven I Ebenezer Packard junr of
Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, yeoman, being
infirm of body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be to God, calling to
mind the mortality of my body & knowing it is appointed to all men once to
die, do make and ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say,
First of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body
to the earth by a decent burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing
doubting but that at the general resurrection I shall recieve it again by the
mighty power of God, & as touching that worldly estate which God has
blessed me with, I do give and dispose of it in the following manner & form
I
Give & bequeath to my well beloved wife Content Packard the improvement of
all my estate both real & personal after my just debts & funeral
charges are paid, for the term of seven years after my decease, to enable her
to Educate & support all my children with the assertance of their labour
the full term of the abovesaid seven years, excepting those of the said
children that shall arrive of age before the time aforesaid shall be expired
2dly.—And my will is
that after the aforesaid seven years shall be ended my Estate be divided as the
law directs in cases of intestate Estate, excepting what my daughter Meltiah,
the wife of Barnabas Packard has already had, which is to be considered as a part
of her portion of my estate
3dly—I Constitute and
appoint my well beloved wife Content Packard & my Brother Eliphalet Packard
joint Executrix & Executors of this my last will & testament. In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year above
mentioned
Signed Sealed & Published and Ebenezer Packard junr (seal)
declared, in presence of us
Issacher
Snell
Philip
Bryant
Caleb
Howard
Presented for probate on 5 Feb.
1798 by Content Packard & Eliphalet Packard, the Executors therein named,
and proved by Philip Bryant & Caleb Howard, two of the witnesses.
Ephraim Jackson & Abel Kingman,
Gentlemen, and Mr. Japhet Beal, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Deacon Ebenezer Packard Junr, late of Bridgwater,
on 9 Dec. 1797. The Inventory of the Estate of Deacon Ebenezer Packard, late of
Bridgwater, dated 28 Dec. 1797, totaled $3321.15, including his lands &
buildings valued at $2377. Content Packard and Eliphalet Packard, the Executors
of the estate, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Feb 1798.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of
In the Name of God Amen, I, Isrial Packard, Junr.
of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth and Province of the Massachusets Bay in
New England Husbandman Being Sencable of the Mortality of My Body, & Altho
at the Present Time Infirm as to Helth Yet of Sound Mind & Perfect Memory,
Blessed Be God, Do Hereby Make & Confirm this as my last Will and Testament
Wherein I do in the first place Recommend My Soule to God, & My Body to
decent Christian Burial and as Touching my Worldly Substance Wherewith God hath
Blessed me, I do Hereby Dispose them In Form & Mannor as Follows, viz,
I Give and Bequeath to My Beloved Wife Ruth Packard the Sum
of twenty Six Pound, thirteen Shillings & foure pence Lawfull Silver Money
or to the Value thereof in my Moveables as they Shall be Apprised, Together
with the Improvement of the whole dureing her Widdowhood, and My Will is that
She be Content therewith
Furthermore I do hereby Constitute My Brother Archibald
Robenson Sole Executor of this My Will & Testament and My Will is that he
pay Unto My Brothers & Sisters that is to Say to Seth Packard Robert
Packard to the heirs of Mehitable West to Hannah Phillip & Zerviah
Washburne to them or there heirs Lawfully proceeding in Equal Proportion the
Remainder of My Estate After the Expiration of My Widdows Term Before mentioned
to Decend to them After the Manor or Proportion Directed in the Law in Equal
Distribution among Lawfull heirs Decelareing this to Be My last Will and
Testament Made and Ordained this Eighteenth day of April Ano, Domi 1752.
Isreal Packard Junr. (seal)
Subscribed Sealed & Declared
in Presence of us
Jona. Packard
Jean Packard
Simeon Brett
Presented for probate on 4 May 1752, and proved by Jonathan
Packard, Jean Packard and Simeon Bratt, the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Archibald Robenson of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James Packard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
The twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord
one thousand, seven hundred & sixty five; I James Packard of Bridgwater in
the county of Plimouth & Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England
yeoman, being in a declining state of bodily health, but of perfect mind &
memory thanks be to God therefor, and calling to mind the mortality of my body,
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this
my last will & testament, that is to say, principally & first of all, I
give & recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I
recomend to the earth to be buryd, in decent christian burial, at
the discression of my executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the
general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God;
And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God, to bless me
in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same in the followg.
manner & form.
Imprs. I give to my welbeloved son James one
eighth part of a sawmill standing a few rods from Packard,s forge (so called,
in Bridgwater, & one half of my right & interest in the old cedar-swamp
(so called) in in Bridgwater, and a
certain piece of meadow lying on the west side of Salisbury-Plain-River,
between meadow of Lieut. Henry Kingman, & meadow formerly
belonging to my brother John Packard decd., & all my right in
the common or undivided lands in Bridgwater aforesd, All that is
afore demised to my said son James I give to him, his heirs and assigns
forever. Also I give to my said son James one half of my wearing apparel, one
half of my husbandry tools, & implements, & one half of my great iron
kettle, to be at his dispose. ~
Item. I give to my well beloved son Reuben (whom I likewise
constitute, make & ordain sole executor of this my last will &
testament,) one eighth part of a sawmill standing a few rods from Packard,s
forge Abovesd, & all my right in the Grist-mill standing on or
near Salisbury-Plain-River abovesd., together with my privileges
belonging to said right. Also I give to my sd. Son Reuben one half
of my right & interest in the old cedar swamp abovesd. & all
my right in Packard,s forge aforesd. with my privileges belonging to
sd. right, also my dwelling house & other buildings not
otherwise herein disposed off. All the estate that is afore demised to my sd.
son Reuben, I give to him his heirs & assigns forever. Also I give unto my
sd. son Reuben, all my quick stock of every kind, & one half of
my wearing apparel, & one half of my husbandry tools & implements,
& all my houshold goods & indoor moveables (excepting what I have
herein bequeathed to my son James before named) Also all my estate whatsoever,
not in this my last will & testament otherwise disposed off, I give to my sd.
Son Reuben, his heirs & assigns forever. ~
Item. I give to my three welbeloved daughters Kezia, Jemima
and Rebecca twenty four pounds, five shillings & four pence apiece to be
paid to them in cattle or bars iron at the market price in cash, by my
aforenamed executor in four years next after my decease at four equal payments,
That is to say, to each & every of my sd. three daughters the
value of six pounds one shilling & four pence in cattle or bars iron at
cash price, annually during the said term of four years. –
Also I give to my aforenamed three daughters all the money
due to me from Luke Perkins on his note of hand, also all the money due to me
from Nehemiah Lincoln on his note of hand to be equally divided between them.
~ It is also my will that my just debts
be paid, & my funeral charge defrayed by my aforenamed executor out of the
estate I have given him. & I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke &
disanull all & every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests
& executors by me in any ways before namd, willed &
bequeathed, ratyfying & confirming this & no other to be my last will
& testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the
day & year first aforewritten.
Signed, sealed & declared by the James Packard (seal)
sd. James Packard as his last will &
testament in presence of us the subsrs.
Constant Southworth, Josiah Snell Junr. Shepard
Fisk
Presented for probate on 2 Dec. 1765 by Reuben Packard, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Constant Southworth and Josiah Snell junr.,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Reuben Packard,
the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 356-358, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jonathan Packard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the Name of God
amen I Jonathan Packard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Gentleman being
of sound disposing Mind & Memory Thanks be to God for the same, do this
twenty eighth day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and three make publish pronounce and declare this my last Will and Testament as
followeth —
Imprimis
I will that all my just debts, funeral charges & such Legacies as is herein
after willed and given, shall be paid by my Executor herein after named —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Wife Martha the use & Improvement of one half
part of all my Land, the use and Improvement of one third part of my Dwelling
house, and one half of my Barn, and all my other Buildings for so long time as
she shall remain my Widow, but in cas she shall marry then my will is, & I
give devise & bequeath to her my said Wife Martha the use & Improvement
of one third part of all my Real Estate for & during her natural Life and
no more. — I further give and bequeath to my Wife Martha two Cows, my best
Horse, side saddle and all my household Furniture & indoor moveables
(excepting two feather Beds Bedsteads & furniture to her use & benefit
forever —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Alathea Packard my best Feather Bed Bedstead
& Bed Furniture, and one of my cows, such one as she shall choose, to her
use and benefit forever, and I further give and bequeath to her my said
Daughter Alathea, for So long time as she shall remain single and unmarried,
the use and Improvement of the west room in my Dwelling house, the Chamber over
the same, a privilege in the Kitchen sufficient to perform her own Kitchen
work, also in the oven Cellar & Well of Water & to pass to & from
the same, the Keeping of a Cow Summer and Winter through the year each &
every year also her support in fuel and all kinds of necessary food &
raiment convenient & decent including medical aid and nursing in case of
sickness or inability and to be done and performed by my Executor herein after
named, provided nevertheless if my said Daughter Alathea, shall marry then my
Will is that all the foregoing conditional Legacy, which I have given to her in
her unmarried State shall be rendered null and void and in lieu thereof, I give
and bequeath to her my said Daughter Alathea five hundred dollars to her use
and benefit forever, to paid her by my Executor afternamed in one year after
the day of her marriage with Interest untill paid from her marriage day —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter in Law Sarah Loring the Wife of Caleb
Loring, five Dollars to be paid her by my Executor herein after named in one
Year after my decease —
And
I do hereby ordain constitute and appoint my Grandson Caleb Packard Son of my
Son Caleb Packard late deceased sole Executor of this my last Will and
Testament —
Item
I give devise and bequeath to my said Grandson Caleb Packard Son of my Son
Caleb deceased, his Heirs and Assigns forever my Homestead Farm whereon I now
live, containing by Estimation about one hundred acres more or less, including
all the Buildings thereon (only reserving such use & Improvement, and for
such time, as I have herein before willed and given and no longer) together
with all my other out lands wherever the same may lie or howsoever the same may
be situated bounded or reputed to be bounded that doth of right to me belong.
also all my other Estate of what name or nature soever, not herein before
particular willed given and disposed of he paying all my just debts funeral
Charges and all such Legacies as is herein before willed and given either in
Specie or support, according to the Tenor & true Intent & Meaning of
each Legacy herein before willed & given & ordered for my Executor to
do –
And
I do hereby revoke, disannul, & render void & of none effect all other
& former Wills ratifying & confirming this & this only as & for
my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said Jonathan the Testator
have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & year first above written.
Signed sealed published pronounced
and
declared by the said Jonathan
Packard
the Testator as & for his last
will Jonathan Packard (seal)
& Testament in the presence of
us
who by his request & in his
presence
& we in the presence of each
other have
hereunto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses
Josiah
Snell
Cyrus
Snell
Daniel
Snow
Presented for probate on 1 July
1805 by Caleb Packard, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Snell
and Daniel Snow Esqr. two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Caleb Packard, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
251-253, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Joseph Packard of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In the Name of God amen, the twenty fourth day of September
One thousand seven hundred & Sixty, I Joseph Packard of Bridgwater in the
County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman, Being of perfect Mind and memory
thanks be given to God, therefore Calling to mind the mortallity of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to die do make and Ordain this my
last will & Testament that is to say principally and first of all I Give
& Recomend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it and my body I recomend
to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian burial at the Discretion of my
Executrix Nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall receive the
same again by the mighty power of God and as touching Such worldly Estate where
with it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give demise and
dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Imprimis I Give and bequeath To my Dearly beloved wife Mary,
whom I likewise Constitute make and ordain my Sole Executrix of this my Last
will and Testament the One half of all my moveable Estate both within doors
& without be it of what kind soever free & Clear forever, and the third
part of the improvement of my Homelands dureing her natural life. –
Item, I Give to my well beloved son Joseph Packard the third
twenty Shillings lawfull money to be paid to him Out of my Estate within two
years after my decease he haveing received the other part of his portion out of
my Estate Already.
Item, I Give to my well beloved daughter Susanna Knap the
wife of Joseph Knap the One quarter part of all my moveable Estate of what kind
soever.
Item, I Give to my well beloved daughter Mary Packard twenty
shillings lawfull money to be paid to her out of my Estate within two years
after my decease She haveing received the Other part of her portion out of my
Estate already.
Item, It is my will that all my Debts be paid out of my Lands
to be disposed of or sold by my Executrix by the best way or means She may or
can.
Item I Give to my well beloved son John Packard all my Lands
which Shall remain after my debts are paid be the same upland meadow or swamp
Improved or not improved I Give it all to him free & Clear forever.
Together with my sixteenth part of a Sawmill known by the name of Packards
Sawmill in the west precinct in said Bridgwater, and I likewise Give unto him
my said son John Packard One quarter part of all my Moveable Estate of what
kind soever he paying to my son Joseph Packard twenty shillings lawfull money
which I have Given him by this my last will & Testament as abovesaid, and
Likewise he my said son John Packard paying to my Daughter Mary Packard twenty
shillings lawfull money which I have Given her by this my last will &
Testament as aforesaid.~
And if there shall be any Estate of myne hereafter found
which I have not given, and disposed of by this my last will & Testament I
do hereby give it all to my said son John Packard his heirs & Assigns
forever, and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and dissanull all and Every
other former Testaments wills and bequests by me in any ways before named
Ratyfieing & Confirming this & no other to be my last will and
Testament In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & Seal the day and year
abovesaid. Signed sealed Published
pronounced and declared by the said Joseph Packard as his Last will and
Testament In presence of us the Subscribers.
Abner Hayward
Henry Haward Joseph Packard (seal)
Gamaliel Bryant
John Willis.
Presented for probate on 13 Oct. 1760 by the Execrx.
therein named, and proved by Abner Hayward, Henry Haward and John Willis Esqr,
three of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Packard,
widdow of the deceased and Executrix, on 13 Oct. 1760.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real and Personal of Joseph
Packard late of Bridgewater, yeoman, was appraised on 3 Dec. 1760 by Saml.
Packard, Job Packard, and Daniel Lothrop, totaled £249.15.9, including his
lands and buildings valued at £186.13.4. The appraisers gave their oath to the
inventory on 6 Apr. 1761, and Mary Hartwell, the Executrix, gave her oath to
the inventory on 3 Aug. 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 13-14, 203, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Martha
Packard of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it remembered that I Martha Packard of
I give devise & bequeath to my children – Ambrose,
Parmenas Galen, Apollos, Gideon, Roland & Royal Packard & Susan wife of
Barney Thayer & Tiley wife of Capt John Packard, all my wearing
apparel, and all my linen & Cotton Bed Clothing & Table cloths &
all my other Bed Clothing except two Coverlets.
I give devise & bequeath to my three Grandsons, Willard,
Isaac & Edmund Packard, sons of Galen Packard, my two Beds, and the two
Coverlets before excepted, my Clock, Iron ward, and all other household
furniture not – herein before disposed of and I also give, devise &
bequeath to the said Willard, Isaac & Edmund, their heirs & assigns my
Cow & all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate of whatsoever name or
nature to have & to hold to them their heirs & assigns forever –
I hereby constitute and appoint Jesse Perkins sole Executor
of this my last Will and Testament. In
witness whereof I the said Martha Packard, have hereunto set my hand &
seal, this twenty second day of August, Eighteen hundred, thirty one. her
Martha
X Packard (seal)
mark
Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the aforesaid
Martha Packard to be her last Will & Testament, in presence of us, who at
her request and in her presence subscribed our names as Witnesses Jesse Perkins
Ephraim
Cole
Esther
Packard
Presented for probate on 3 April 1832, and proved by Jesse
Perkins, one of the subscribing witnesses, who was granted Letters of
Administration on 3 Apr. 1832.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Packard of
In ye name of God amen: aprill ye
Twenty fourth 1720. I Nathaniel Packard of Bridgewater In ye
County of Plymouth In new:England yeoman Being very Sick & weak of Body but
of Perfect mind & memory, Thanks be unto God; Therefore Calling unto mind ye
mortality of my Body: and knowing That It is appointed unto man once to dye, do
make & ordain This my last will & Testament That is to Say: Principally
& first of all I give & Recomend my Soul Into ye hands of
God That gave It: & my Body I Recommend to ye Earth to be buried
In decent Christian Buriall at ye descretion of my Executors:
nothing doubting but at ye great & general Resurrection I Shall
Receive ye same again by ye mighty Power of God: and as
touching my worldly Estate not otherwise disposed of, I give demise &
dispose of ye Same In ye following manner & Forme.
Imprimis: I give & Bequeath to my four Beloved Sons: Sci:
Samuel, Zachariah, George & Fearnott Packard all my Husbandry Tools &
utensils together with my martiall weapons to be Equally divided between them.
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Sarah Eight Pounds. Item.
to my beloved daughter faithfull five Pounds. Item: I give & Bequeath unto
my beloved daughter Deborah Eight Pounds. Item my Will Is that ye
Remainder of my Estate be Equally divided among my nine beloved Daughters Scil:
margarett, Sarah, Lydiah, Faithfull, Hannah, Deliverance, Elisebeth, mary,
Deborah all that time, that my youngest Child be of age and not till then. It
is also to be understood to be my will: That If Either of my above mentioned
Daughters Dye before my youngest Child Comes of age then Her Part or Portion to
be divided among her Children; but If Either of them Dye: and Leaving no Child
my Will Is that Her Part, Return to my male Heirs, and I do by these Presents
Constitute, make & ordain my two Sons Zachariah & George Executors of
this my Last Will & Testament what SoEver Ratifying & Confirming This
& no other to be my last will and testament: In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my Hand & Seal ye Day & year above written.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced His
& declared by ye Sd Nathaniel
Packard Nathaniel \ Packard
as His last will & Testament mark
In Presence of us ye Subscribers
Benjamin Webb Junr.
Thomas Washbourn
David Turner
Probated on 5 June 1721, and proved by Thomas Washbourn &
David Turner.
Letters of Administration granted to Zachariah Packard &
George Packard, sons of the deceased, on 12 Mar. 1723.
The Inventory of the Goods & Chattels of Mr.
Nathaniel Packard of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ruth Packard of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
In the Name of God Amen—I Ruth Packard of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, though of a weak
body, yet being of a perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my
Last will & testament, first and principally I Resign my soul into the
merciful hands of almighty God, hoping thro’ the merit of Christ for eternal
Life, my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried according to the
discretion of my Executor, and as for my worldly Estate after my just debts
& funeral expences are paid, I Give and bequeath the same in manner as
followeth vizt.
Imprs. – I Give and bequeath unto the Heirs of my
Son Jonathan Bozworth deceased, one fifth part of all my Estate, to be equally
divided between them
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Else Waterman one
fifth part of all my Estate –
Item – I Give and bequeath unto the Heirs of my Son Zadock
Bozworth deceased one fifth part of all my Estate, that is one third part of
said fifth to Waterman Bozworth, and two thirds of said fifth to Elizabeth
Bozworth, sd. Elizabeth to take her two thirds out first.~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Noah Bozworth one
fifth part of all my Estate
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Ichabod Bozworth one
fifth part of all my Estate, to them and their Heirs and assigns forever, and I
do by this my Last will & testament Constitute & appoint my Son Ichabod
Bozworth Sole Executor to this my Last will & testament–In Witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twelfth day of June one thousand,
seven hundred & eighty six 1786
Signed Sealed & declared to be her Last her
will & testament, in presence of us Ruth X Packard (seal)
Ebenr.
Tomson mark
Andrew
Bearse
John
Jones
Presented for probate on 4 May 1789 by Ichabod Bozworth, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezr Tomson esqr.
and Andrew Bearce, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ichabod Bozworth, the Executor.
Josiah Tomson Gentm, Thomas Fuller, yeoman, and
Jabez Waterman, yeoman, all of Halifax, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Ruth Packard, late of Halifax, widow, on 4 May 1789. The Inventory of the
estate of Mrs. Ruth Packard, late of Halifax, dated 26 May 1789,
totaled £76.8.8, no real estate. Ichabod Bozworth, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 3 June 1789.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 563-564, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Samuel Packard of
In the Name of God Amen, the 29 day of October Ano Dom;
Sixteen hundred eighty and four and in the Nine and twenty yeare of the Reign
of our Good Lord Charles the second by the Grace of God of great Brittaine
France and IreLand Kinge defender of the Faith &.
I Samuell Packer Sen’r of Bridgwater in the
Collonie of New Plymouth in New England yeoman being weak of body and of p’fect
Memory praised be God for the same, doe make and declare this my Last will and
Testament in Maner and form following; first and principally I Comitt and
Comend My soule into the hands of God Almighty God that Gave it; and my
body to decent buriall att the discretion of my executors hereafter Named and
Mentioned hopeing for salvation both of soule and body by the Mercyes of God in
the Merritts of Jesus Christ My Saviour And Concerning the disposing of my
temporall estate I Give and bequeath it as followeth – viz: that all my Just
debts that I owe to any pson whatsoever and my funerall Charges be first payed
upon: I give and Bequeath unto my Loving wife Elizabeth all that my farm
in the said Town of Bridgwater whist I Now dwell upon containing therty six
acres of land be it more or less of Land be it more or less with all the
houses Lands and Meddowes belonging to the said farme, during the term of her
Naturall Life; Item I give and bequeath Item I give & bequeath unto
my said wife all my Share of meddow Lying att a place in Bridgwater Called
Bulls hole for and during the terme of her Naturall Life and alsoe all my goods
and Chattels found during her Naturall Life, Item I give & bequeath unto my
said wife forty pound in Money during the term of her Naturall Life
Item, I give and bequeath unto Samuell Packer my eldest son
sixty four acres of Land in the said Towne of Bridgwater which his dwelling
house Now Stands upon to have and to hold to him and his heires and assignes
forever buting upon West meddow brook in the east side of the said Brooke and
Runing east & west alsoe I Give & bequeath unto my said son Samuell
Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever five and twenty acres of Land in
the said township of Bridgwater which is not yet Layed out; alsoe I give and
Bequeath unto my said son Samuell Packer and to his heires and assignes forever
one Lott of Meddow Lying in the said Towne of Bridgwater in the West meddow on
the south east Syde of a brooke Called by the Name of the west meddow Brooke
alsoe I Give unto my said son Samuell Packer and to his heires and assignes for
ever one Lott of Meddow Lying in the said Bridgwater Lying in the said Great
Meddow on the North east side of the pond Joyning to the pond Item I give and
bequeath unto my son Zacheus Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever the
house wherin hee my said son Zacheus Packer dwelleth in with the Land
with the Land therunto belonging which is foure and twenty acres of Land Lying
and being within the township of Bridgwater; aforesaid; also I give unto my
said son Zacheus Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever my Lott of
Meddow Lying in the said Bridgwater in the west meddow on the North Side of the
brook, alsoe I Give and bequeath unto my said son Zacheus Packer and to his
heires and assignes for ever a Lott of fifty acres of Land Lying in the said
Towne if Bridgwater by the Bay Path bounded on the south side by Marke
Laythorpes Land; alsoe I Give and bequeath unto my said son Zacheus Packer one
Lott of Meddow to him and to his heirs for ever and assignes for ever
Lying and being in the said Towne of Bridgwater in the Great Meddow on the
southeast side of the Meddow River. Item I Give and bequeath unto my son John
Packer and to his heires and assignes forever seventy acres of meddow
Land Lying in the said Bridgwater the Eastward side of the River; alsoe I Give
unto my said son John Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever one Lott
of Meddow in a Meddow Called Poor Meddow Lying in the said Bridgwater alsoe I
Give unto my said son John Packer and to his heires and assignes all my Lott of
Land att Teticut; Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Nathaniell Packer; and
to his heires and assignes for ever two third prtes of my aforesaid
farm lying in Bridgwater which I Now dwell upon Containing thirty six acres, of
Land, be it more or Lesse, That is to say of all the houses Lands and Meddowes
belonging to the said farme, to enter upon it Imediately after the decease of
my said wife; and to have hold and enjoy; the said two third prtes
of the said farme; to hime and to his heires and assignes for ever; The whole
farm Containing thirty six acres, of land, Be it more or less, Item The other
third prte of my said farme that I dwell Now upon in the said Towne
of Bridgwater; That is to say one third prte of the houses Land and
meddows belonging to the said farme I give & bequeath unto my Grand Child
Issraell Agur and to his heires and assignes for ever; hee or they to enter
upon it Imediately after the decease of my said wife; Item I Give and bequeath
unto my said son Nathaniell: Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever the
one half of my lott of fifty acres of Land Lying in the said Bridgwater Next to
Joseph Bassett’s Lott Neare to the Pond; alsoe I Give and bequeath unto my said
Grand Child Israell Augur, and to his heires & assignes for ever the other
halfe of the said Lott of fifty acres of land, to be equally devided Between
the said Nathaniel Packer My son and the said Israell Augur, they and both of
them to enter upon it Imediately after my decease. Item I Give and bequeath
unto my said son Nathaniel Packer and to his heires and assignes for ever the
one halfe of my Share of meddow in Bridgwater Lying there att a place called
called Bulls hole, hee or they to enter upon it after the decease of my said
wife, alsoe I give and bequeath unto my Grand Child Issraell Augur and to his
heires and assignes for ever the other half half of my said Share of
Meddow Lying [can’t read several words here] after the decease of my said wife,
Item I Give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth Packer my
wife and to her heires heires and assignes for ever all my Lott
containing twenty twenty one Acrees of land Lying and Being in
Bridgwater, between the Land of Mr James Keith on the one side and
the Land of Joseph haward on the other side, buting upon the pond Called
Satuckett pond; Item I give and bequeath unto my unto my fouer sones
(viz) Samuell Packer Zacheus Packer John Packer and Nathaniell Packer; and to
my Grand child Issrael: Augur, and to their heirs and assignes forever, all my
Right & title of Comons and Comonage, which I Now have in the Townshipp of
Bridgwater to be equally devided betwixt them the five excepting som prticular
prsells of land alreddy Given by will and are not yett Layed out and
alsoe my will is that my five daughters Mary Phillips, the wife of Richard
Phillips and hannah the wife of Tho: Randall Jaell Smith the wife of John Smith
and Daborah Washburn the wife of Samuell Washburn and Deliverance Washburn the
wife of Thomas Washburn with my Grand Child Deliverance Augur shall have
equally devided amongst them six all what mony or Chattels all what
shalbe left after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Packer; alsoe my Will
is that as Concerning my daughter Jaell Smith the wife of John Smith that, the
prte of the Mony and Chattels above Named that Shalle due to my said
daughter Jaell after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Packer shall of
shall not be delivered to the said John Smith; but shalbe desposed of to my
said Dau daughter Jaell for her Comfort by the executors of my said
Will; alsoe my Will is that my Grand Child Deliverance Augur shall have a
heifer; when shee my said Grandchild is of age; and also I Give unto My
Grandchild Deliverance Augur one bed; with such furniture to it as is now in
the house; I doe mean a feather bed after the decease of My said wife,
Elizabeth Packer, alsoe my will is that my said son Nathaniel: Packer shall pay
unto my Executors hereafter Mentioned the full and Just sume of ten pounds; mony
when hee my said son Nathaniel Packer Shall Come to Injoy his prte
of the farme that I have before mensioned and Given him in this My will, Item I
give to my two Grandchildren Samuell Packer, and Daniell Packer the son of my
son Samuell Packer ten shillings a peece in Mony, to be payed to them by the
executors hereafter mensioned. Item I Give to my Grandchild Issraell Parker the
son of my son Zacheus Ye other ten shillings in Mony to be payed to
him by the executors hereafter mensioned, Item I give to my to my
Grandchild Caleb Phillipes the son of Caleb Phillipes ten shillings in Mony; to
be payed to him by the Executors hereafter Named Mensioned; Item I Give and
bequeath to My Daughter Deliverance the the wife of Thomas Washburn ten acres
of land Lying and being in the Township of Bridgwater to be to her & her
heires and assignes for ever; which said ten acres is agreed on by the Towne;
to lay it Conveniently to the Lott not yett Layed out; And I doe hereby
Nominate and Apoint My beloved Wife Elizabeth Packer and my son Samuell Packer;
to be Joynt executors of this My last Will, and Testament and I doe hereby
Revoak Renounce frustrate and Make void frustrate and Make void all and
every Testament and Testaments, Will and Wills heretofore by mee made, &
declared either by word or writing and this onely to be taken for my Last Will
and Testament and None other, And I desire that Mr James Keith and
William Brett should be overseers to this my last Will and Testament; In
Witness whereof I the above said Samuell Packer have hereunto sett my hand and
seale; the day and year first above written;
Read signed sealed and Published
and declared to be his Will and Testament Samuell
Packer senr Þ his Marke
in the prsence of us Witnesses And
a (seal)
John
Field
John
Ames Junir
Shadrack
Wilbore
John Feild and John Ames Junr made oath the third
of March 1684/85 In Court that Samuell Packer Signed sealed and declared this
Instrument to be his Last Will and Testament, and that hee was of Disposing
Mind when hee did as Attest
Nathaniel Morton
Secretary
John Feild and John Ames Junr: made oath the third
of March 1684/85 and declared upon the oath they had taken as above written
that the said Samuell Packer Senr declared att the time hee Signed
and sealed this Will to be his Last Will and Testament that hee Intended Thomas
Washburne to be a Joynt executor of his Last Will & Testament with the
other two that in the said Will and mensioned; and accordingly are alowed by
the Court as
Attest
Nathaniel: Morton Secretatory
An Inventory of the estate of Samuall Packer of the Towne of
Bridgwater deceased the seaventh of November 1684 which is as followeth;
[Totaled £133.06.06, not including any real estate]
A true and fair appersall of the estate of Samuell Packer
of the estate of Samuell Packer taken by us the seventh of
Novem: 1684 as witnesseth
our
hands Marke Laythorpe
John
Feild
Samuell Packer Junior made oath
to this Inventory before the Court held att
the 5th of March 1684/85
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Colony Records,
Wills Vol. 4, Part 2, p. 96-99, and compared with the abstract by George Ernest
Bowman published in The Mayflower Descendant, Vol. XV, p. 253-256.
Will of Asa Page of Walpole, Norfolk County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
SS. Edward H. Robbins Esquire, Judge of the Probate of Wills,
and for granting Letters of Administration on the Estate of Persons deceased,
having goods, chattels, rights or credits in the
To all unto whom these Presents shall come, Greeting.
Know
ye, That upon the Day of the Date hereof, before Me; at a Court of Probate at
Dedham, in the County aforesaid, the Will of Asa Page, late of Walpole, in said
County, Yeoman, deceased, a copy of which is to these Presents annexed, was
proved, approved, and allowed: Who having while he lived, and at the Time of
his Death, Goods, Chattels, Rights or Credits in the County aforesaid: And the
Probate of the said Will, and Power of Committing Administration of all and
singular, the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, by
virtue thereof appertaining unto Me: the Administration of all and singular the
Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, and of his said Will,
in any Manner concerning, is hereby committed unto Oliver Page of Walpole
aforesaid, Executor in the same Will named, well and faithfully to execute the
said Will, and to administer the Estate of the said Deceased, according
thereunto and to make a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the
Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased; and to exhibit the
same into the Registry of the Court of Probate for the County aforesaid: at or
before the sixth day of April next ensuing And also to render a plain and true
Account of his said Administration upon Oath, within one year from the date
hereof
In
Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of the said Court
of Probate, Dated at
Samuel Haven Regr. Edward
H. Robbins Judge of Probate
In the Name of God Amen.
I Asa Page of Walpole, in the
County of Norfolk, Yeoman, being weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind
and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my
last will and testament in the manner and form following, viz.
First, I give and bequeath to my
beloved wife Susannah Page all my indoor moveables to be at her disposal,
except one bed and my wearing apparel, Also the improvement of convenient room
for herself in the dwelling house with my son Oliver Page, during her natural
life. I also give her eight bushels of Corn, four bushels rye, seventy five
pounds of pork, twenty five pounds of beef, eight pounds of flax, five pounds
of wool, twenty five pounds of butter, forty pounds of cheese, and ten dollars
of money yearly during her life, also wood cut at the door and sauel sufficient
for her use, also the use of a horse and chaise whenever she may have occasion
to be provided and paid by my Executor herein after named.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary
Whiting in addition to what she has already received twenty dollars to be paid
in one year after my decease by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mille
Clarke wife of Lewis Clarke in addition to what she has already received twenty
dollars, to be paid in one year after my decease, by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah
Perigo, wife of Robert Perigo in addition to what she has already received,
twenty dollars to be paid in one year after my decease, by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucy
Lincoln, wife of Dwella Lincoln, in addition to what she has already received,
twenty dollars to be paid in one year, after my decease, by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sally
Smith, wife of Luther Smith, in addition to what she has already received,
twenty dollars to be paid in one year after my decease by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson Willard
Page fifty dollars to be paid in two years after my decease by my Executor.
Item I give and bequeath to my Grandson Asa Page,
twenty five dollars to be paid in four years after my decease, by my Executor.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Son Oliver Page for
the use of my daughter Susanna Page one bed & bedding to be by him kept for
her particular use and accommodation and I do further order and direct my said
son to support and maintain my said daughter Susanna in a decent and
comfortable manner, during her natural life out of the Estate herein devised to
him, and I do hereby charge the same with the maintenance of my said daughter.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Son Oliver Page, he
paying all my Just debts, funeral charges and the legacies and bequests herein
before mentioned all the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal
of what name or nature soever and wheresoever found, to be holden by him his
heirs and assigns that is the said real estate in fee simple forever and the
said personal estate at his free and full disposal after my decease.
And lastly, I do hereby constitute
and ordain my said Son Oliver Page sole Executor of this my last Will and
testament hereby revoking all other and former wills, In Witness whereof, I the
said Asa Page have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth Day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
Asa Page (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Asa Page as and for his last Will
and testament, in presence of us, who in his presence and in the presence of
each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Joseph
Carroll
Jesse
Boyden
Daniel
Page
SS. Norfolk ss. At a Court of
Probate, held at
The
foregoing Instrument, purporting to be the last will and Testament of Asa Page,
late of Walpole in said County, Yeoman, deceased, being presented for Probate
by Oliver Page, the Executor therein named, Joseph Carroll and Jesse Boyden,
Witnesses thereto subscribed, appear and make Oath, that they saw the said Asa
Page sign, seal, and heard him publish the said Instrument to be his last Will
and Testament; and that they with Daniel Page subscribed their Names thereto,
as witnesses, in the presence of the said Testator; and that he was then, to
the best of their Discernment, of sound and disposing Mind;— I do therefore, by
virtue of the Power and Authority given me, hereby approve and allow the said
Instrument as the last Will and Testament of the before named deceased, and do
decree that it have full Force and effect as such, according to the Law in that
base provided.
Given
under my Hand and Seal of Office, the Day and Year above written, Edward H.
Robbins Judge of Probate.
Ordered,
That Oliver Page, Executor of the last Will of Asa Page, late of Walpole,
deceased, advertise notification of his being Executor as aforesaid, by posting
the same up in some public places, at Walpole, in said County, and by
publishing it in the Dedham Gazette—printed in Dedham within three months.
Given
under my hand the sixth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen. Edward H.
Robbins Judge of Probate
Samuel Haven Regr.
Joseph Carroll, Jesse Boyden, and
Jason Boyden were appointed to appraise the estate of Asa Page, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Palmer of Scituate, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the name of God Amen—This 18th day of November
in the year of our Lord 1782—I John Palmer of Scituate in the County of
Plymouth, yeoman being advanced in years, but in good health & of a sound
and disposing mind & memory, thanks be given to God for the same, do hereby
make & ordain this my last will & testament, as follows—first of all, I
commit my soul into the hands of that God that made it, and my body to decent
burial at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named, and as to what
worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with, I Give & dispose of
the same as follows, my just debts & funeral charges being first paid by my
Executrix hereafter named
Imprimis, I Give & bequeath unto my loving wife, all my
Lands lying and being in the Town of Hanover, and the whole of my Personal
Estate For her own to dispose of the same as she pleases. I also Give her the
use & improvement of all the rest of my real estate, during her natural
Life, she paying all my debts & funeral charges
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Cousin Abigail Neal, the
whole of my Real Estate lying and being in the Town of Scituate & elsewhere
(except the Land herein before given to my wife) after my wife’s decease, to
her & her Heirs and assigns forever
Lastly—I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my wife
to be Sole Executrix of this my Last will & testament.—In witness whereof I
the said John Palmer have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & year
aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced
& declared by ye sd John Palmer to
be his John Palmer (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of
David
Stockbridge
Thomas
Hatch
David
Stockbridge junr
Presented for probate on 16 Apr. 1794 by Jane Palmer, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Thomas Hatch & David Stockbridge junr,
two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 35, p. 82, from FHL microfilm
#0550718.
Will of Betty Parker of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1810) *
In the Name of God
amen – I Betty Parker of Plympton in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (single woman) being weak in Body but of perfect Mind &
Memory Thanks be given to God therefor – calling unto Mind the Mortality of my
Body, & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die; do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament and desire it to be received by all
men as such – That is to say principally & first of all, I give and
recommend my Soul into the hands of God, who gave it – and my Body I recommend
to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection,– I
shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God.—
And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this Life I give demise and dispose of the same in the
following Manner and Form —
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Sister Jerusha Parker the
Use & Improvement of all my Real Estate during her natural Life excepting
half of a Pew on the lower floor in the meeting house in Plympton –
Item I give to my Sister Molly Gray the Wife of William
Gray of Plympton my half of a Pew on the lower floor in the meeting house in
Plympton and to her Heirs and assigns forever.—
Item I give and bequeath my Gold Necklace to Betsey
Chevers the Wife of Doctor Chevers – the Daughter of my Brother Joseph Parker
deceased, and to her Heirs and assigns forever.—
Item I give and bequeath to my Brother Thaddeus Parker
& to my Nephew Daniel Parker the Son of Doctor Daniel Parker of Norton, all
my Real Estate, after the Decease of my Sister Jerusha Parker together with all
the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging in equal Division between
the said Thaddeus Parker and Daniel Parker and their Heirs & assigns
forever—
Item I give and bequeath to my Brother Thaddeus one
Feather Bed – to be in his Care and kept in reserve for Betsey Backus his
Granddaughter, and to be delivered to her by him when she shall arrive to
Eighteen years of Age —
And I do positively order my Sister Jerusha Parker to pay all
my Just debts & funeral Expences.—
Item all the rest & residue of all my Estate not
before disposed of in this my last Will & Testament together with all debts
due by Bond Book or Note, I give & bequeath to my Sister Jerusha Parker
& to her Heirs forever—
Lastly I do constitute make & ordain my Sister Jerusha
Parker my sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, &, I do
hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
Will & Testament, Legaises, Bequests & Executors, by me in any way
before named, willed or bequeathed, ratifying this & no other to be my last
Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal,
this Twenty sixth day of April, in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred & ten. 1810 –
Signed sealed, pronounced & declared by the said Betsey
Parker
as her last Will & Testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers.
Elijah
Bisbe
Polycarpus
Parker Betty Parker (seal)
William
Bisbe
Presented for probate on 2 July 1810 by Jerusha Parker, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Elijah Bisbe Esqr. and
William Bisbe, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Jerusha Parker, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 235-236, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Jerusha Parker of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In the
name of God, Amen – I Jerusha Parker of Plympton in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Single-woman, being weak in body but of perfect
mind and memory, thanks be given to God therefor – calling unto mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament – and desire it may be
received by all as such – that is to say – Principally and first of all I give
and recommend my Soul into the hands of God who gave it: And my body I
recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial, at the
discretion of my Executrix hereafter named – nothing doubting but at the
general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God
—
And as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this
life, I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form —
Imprimis. I give and
bequeath to my sister Molly Gray of Plympton in the County and Commonwealth
aforesaid, widow of William Gray, late of said Plympton, Trader, deceased, all
my estate, whither it be real, personal or mixed, together with all the
privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to her the said Molley Gray
and to her heirs and assigns forever.
Item – I also give
and bequeath to my said sister Molley Gray, and to her heirs and assigns
forever, all my wearing apparel together with all my money on hand, and debts
due, whither by hand, book or Note —
And I do
absolutely order my sister Molley Gray to pay all my just debts and funeral
charges.
Lastly – I do
constitute, make and ordain my sister Molly Gray my sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament – and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul
all and every other former Will and Testament, legacies and executors, by me in
any way before named, willed or bequeathed – ratifying and confirming this, and
no other, to be my last Will and Testament.
In
witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of June in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
Jerusha Parker (seal)
Signed,
sealed, pronounced and declared by the said Jerusha Parker as her last Will and
Testament in the presence of us the subscribers.
Elijah
Bisbee
William
Bisbee
Elijah
Bisbee 2d
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1837 by
Molly Gray, the Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Bisbee 2d,
one of the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto, Elijah Bisbee and
William Bisbee both now being deceased. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Molly Gray, the Executor therein named.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p. 255-256, from FHL microfilm
#0555265.
Will of Jonathan Parker of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In the Name of God Amen on the Twenty first Day of March Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Six I Jonathan Parker of Plymton
in the County of Plymouth Clerk being Weak in Body but of a Sound &
Disposing Mind & Memory Proceed to make this my Last Will & Testament
In the first Place I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God who
Gave it Trusting in the Mercy of God Through Jesus Christ for Pardon Grace
& Glory and as to my Worldly Interest I Dispose of in the following Manner
Vizt. my Will is that my Debts & Funeral Charges be paid in a Convenient
Time after my Decease~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Well Beloved Wife Lydia my
Land on which I now Live Including my Dwelling House Barn & Chair House
& also My Fresh Meadows Lying in Winnatuxet Meadows which I Purchased of
SouthWorth Howland and Timothy Ripley & also my Pew in the New
Meeting~House in the first Precinct in Said Plymton and Also the Fences I
Erected on the Parsonage Land in said Plymton and also my Right In the Library
in the first Precinct in Said Plymton all which I Give to my Said Wife & to
her Heirs and Assigns forever And Also I Give unto my said Wife all my Personal
Estate which I have not otherwise Disposed of In this Will In Consideration of
all which Legacy Above Expressed I Expect that my Said Wife will do all She can
Toward Bringing up & Providing for my five Daughters Namely Lydia Bette
Molly Jerusha and Harmony and to Give unto them what She thinks Proper out of
the Above Legacy After haveing paid my Debts & funeral Charges & I do
Nominate & Appoint my Said Wife Sole Executrix of this my Last Will &
Testament ~~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my son Jonathan that Tract of
Land which I Purchased of David Weston in Said Plymton whereon the Said
Jonathan now lives with the Buildings & Appurtenances thereon and also a
Piece of Cedar Swamp Purchased of Said Weston to him the said Jonathan & to
his Heirs & Assigns forever he the Said Jonathan Pasturing One Cow for my
Said Wife so Long as She Shall Remain my Widow Yearly & Every Year from the
Twentyeth Day of May to the Twentyeth Day of November Six Months in a Year She
my Said Wife Acquiting her Right of Dower in the Premises Given to Said
Jonathan & my Will is that my Son Jonathan Pay to my Granddatter Ruth
Bishop of Norey the Daughter of John Bishop the Sum of Eighteen Shillings
Lawfull Money & also that he the Said Jonathan Pay to all the Rest of my
Grand Children which my Datter Ruth Bishop Left Late of Norey Deceased the Sum
of Three Sillings Lawfull Money to Each of them in Twelve Months after my
Decease & Also that my Son Jonathan Pay a Note of hand which Mary Bryant has
against me for the Sum of Ten Pounds Lawful Money with the Interest Due upon
Said Note he the Said Jonathan Doing which I Discharge him the Said Jonathan
from Paying any demands which I have Against him By Bonds or Notes of hand or
Book Debts Provided he the Said Jonathan Bring in No Accounts Against my
Estate.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Avery One of my House
Lots of Land the Back Lot near where the Said Avery now Lives in the Township
of Dartmouth to him & his Heirs and Assigns forever Said Avery Paying a
Note of hand which Hopestill Bisbe of Rochester has upon me for the Sum of
Twenty Pounds Lawfull Money – with the Interest due upon Sd. Note
and also the Sd. Avery Settle the Accounts Relating to my Part of a
Sloop Named Subply and Pay to my Executrix what is Justly due to me upon Said
Account & he the Sd. Avery Doing of this I discharge him the Sd.
Avery from all demands whatsoever which I have against him by Bonds Notes of
Hand or Book Debts ~
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Son Thadeus my other House
Lot of Land the foremost Lot in the Township of Dartmouth to him & to his
Heirs & Assigns forever ~.
Item I give & Bequeath unto my five Sons Jonathan Avery
Daniel Joseph & Thaddeus and to their Heirs and Assigns forever all my
Right in the Lands at Deleware Purchased of the Indians by a Large number of
Persons belonging to the Neighbouring Governments to be equally divided between
them
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Son Daniel my Silver knee
Buckles
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Son Joseph my Silver Shoe
Buckles ~
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Lydia my Gold
Sleve Buttons Rattifying & Confirming this & no other to be my last
Will & Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal
the Day & Year above written
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced
& declared by the Sd. Jonathan Parker
to be his last Will & Testament in
his
Presence of us Jonathan §
Parker (seal)
Silas Sturtevant mark
William Ripley Junr
Gideon Bradford
Presented for probate on 6 May 1776 by Lydia Parker, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Gideon Bradford Esqr. and
William Ripley Junr., two of the witnesses thereto Subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Lydia Parker, the before named Executrix,
with Gideon Bradford Esqr. and Ignatius Loring Esqr, both
of Plymton, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 101-103, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Jonathan Parker of Plympton, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1851) *
In the name of God
Amen. Be it known that I Jonathan Parker of Plympton in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being of sound and disposing mind,
thanks be given to God for the same, calling to mind the mortality of my body,
and knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do on this Ninth day
of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty one, make and
ordain this my last will and Testament, and desire it may be received by all
persons, as such, principally and first of all, I give and recommend my Soul
into the hands of God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be
buried in a decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor
hereinafter named; and as to such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God
to bless me with, I dispose of the same as follows, to wit: –
Imprimis I give and
bequeath to my wife Susanna Parker, the Eight hundred Dollars, which our
marriage Contract specifies, and all her household furniture and other property
she brought into my house when she came to live with me; Also I give her the
use and improvement of my West front room and bed room adjacent (called the
nursery) with a privilege in the pantry, Cellar, oven, wood house and well, for
her use and improvement so long as she the said Susanna remains my widow.
Item 2d. I give and bequeath to my two daughters,
unmarried, Abigail Parker and Hannah Parker One hundred Dollars each, and a
home in my house so long as they the said Abigail & Hannah remain single. –
Item 3d I give and bequeath to my son Zacheus
Parker, the amount of the account I hold against him. –
Item 4th I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan
Parker Jr his heirs and assigns forever, my homestead farm and buildings
thereon standing, farming tools and carriages, (excepting the above named
reservations and privileges to my wife and daughters) in case, the said
Jonathan shall give up and relinquish the Caleb Loring legacy I owe him, and
the interest thereon due. –
Item 5th. I give and bequeath to my children,
Polly, wife of Isaiah Churchill, Zacheus Parker, Silence wife of Joshua C
Thompson, Lucy wife of Thomas Loring, Betsey, wife of Josiah S Hammond, Abigail
Parker, Hannah Parker and Jonathan Parker Jr their heirs and assigns forever to
be equally divided between them, all the remainder of my real and personal
estate, after my just debts and funeral or incidental expenses, shall have been
paid. –
Lastly, I do
constitute make and appoint my son Zaccheus Parker my sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament, revoking all others heretofore made – And I order my
Executor to see that the contract and reservation before named to my wife
Susanna Parker, fulfilled, and all my just debts and expenses paid, according
to the true intent of this my last Will and Testament. –
Signed, sealed, and
published by the said Jonathan Parker, declaring this to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us, who at his request were called as witness to the
same, and in his presence did hereto subscribe our names
Wm
H Soule his
Zacheus
Sherman Jonathan X Parker (seal)
Oliver
Churchill Jr. mark
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Mar. 1851 by Zacheus Parker, the Executor therein named, and proved
by William H Soule and Zacheus Sherman, two of the Witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Zacheus Parker, the
Executor therein named.
Zacheus Parker, of Plympton, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Jonathan Parker, late
of Plympton, Esquire, on 4 Mar. 1851, with William H. Soule and Zacheus
Sherman, both of Plympton, as sureties.
William H. Soule, Zacheus Sherman
and John P. Ellis, all of Plympton, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Jonathan Parker, late of Plympton, on 4 Mar. 1851.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Jonathan Parker, late of Plympton, was dated 5 Apr. 1851 and totaled
$14,773.06, his real estate totaled $9283.50, including his homestead farm and
buildings valued at $4920, and his personal estate totaled $14,773.06, including
back stock, insurance stock, and railroad stock. Zacheus Parker, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on the second Monday of Apr. 1851.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 93, pp. 95-96, 163-165, from FHL microfilm
#0555641, and Vol. 2H, p. 255.
Will of
In
the name of God Amen. I Lydia Parker of Plymton in the county of Plymouth,
being thro’ the great goodness of God of a sound, disposing mind & memory
and sensible of my own mortality do constitute & establish this as my last
will & testament, my soul I commend to God who gave it, and in certain hope
of a resurrection, and will that my body be buried in a decent christian
manner, and as to my worldly substance, I dispose of it as followeth
Imprimis—I
Give & bequeath to my three sons, Daniel, Joseph & Thaddeus, & to
my two daughters Lydia & Harmony, Six shillings a piece
Item.—I
Give & bequeath to my three daughters Betty or Elisabeth, Molly &
Jerusha all the rest of my estate, whether real, personal or mixed, and in the
following manner—vizt.—I Give to my Daughter Betty or Elisabeth one
half of all my land, including half of my dwelling house & barn, & of
my Pew in the meeting house, to her & to her heirs & assigns forever;
also one half of all debts due to me, whether in notes of hand or on book,
& of all my other estate of whatever name or description—
Item.—I
Give, in equal division, to my two daughters Molly & Jerusha, the other
half of all my land, including half of the buildings aforesaid & of my Pew
in the meeting house, to them & to their heirs & assigns forever—also I
bequeath equally to these, my two daughters, the remaining half of all debts
due to me, & of all my other estate of any kind or description
whatever.—And it is my will that my just debts should be paid & my funeral
charges defrayed, one half by my daughter Betty & the other half jointly
& equally by my daughters Molly & Jerusha—and I appoint &
constitute my daughter Betty Sole Executrix of this my last will &
testament—and I earnestly & affectionately recommend to all my children,
& particularly to my three daughters last mentioned, that they would shew
kindness to my daughter Harmony & afford her aid, comfort & assistance
as far as they shall find themselves able.—In Testimony of all which, I do
hereunto set my hand & Seal this 15th Day of August one thousand
seven hundred & ninety three ~
Signed Sealed & delivered Lydia Parker (seal)
in presence of us
Ezra
Sampson
Joshua
Churchill
Sylvanus
Presented for probate on 7 Oct.
1799 by Betty Parker, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Sylvanus
Bartlett, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Oliver Parker of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1833) *
In the name of God, Amen. I,
Oliver Parker of Plympton in the County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Gentleman, being weak of body, but of perfect mind and memory,
thanks be given to God therefor, calling to mind the mortality of my body, and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die — Do make and ordain this
my last Will and Testament, and desire it may be received by all men as such –
And first of all I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of God who gave it,
– and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent and christian
burial, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but
at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty Power
of God — And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to
bless me with in this life, I give, devise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form.
Item. I give and bequeath unto
my beloved wife Pheby Parker all the use and improvement of all my Real and
Personal Estate excepting my hamer shop, so long as she remains my widow.
Item. I give and bequeath unto
my sons Oliver Parker and Ira Parker my Hamer shop, and all the privilege
thereunto belonging after my son Ira Parker shall be twenty one years of age –
and after that time I order my two sons Oliver Parker and Ira Parker to pay my
widow Phebe Parker ten dollars each yearly, so long as she remains my widow –
And the said Oliver Parker shall pay my widow Pheby Parker the third part of
the income or profits of the Shingle mill on said Hamer shop dam.
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my son Ira Parker my ten acre wood lot, which is
called the Holmes lot, and all my wearing apparel and the reversion of my part
of the shingle mill on said Hamer shop dam –
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my daughters, namely, Charity, Eliza, Pheby, Caroline
and Mariah Parker all my Household Furniture an stock, that is Cows and young
creatures to be equally divided between them, when their mother sees fit to let
them have it.
Item.
I give and bequeath all my Real and Personal Estate not before disposed of, and
after my just debts and funeral charges is paid, and my widow has had the use
and improvement as is before expressed unto my following named children, viz.
Jacob Parker, Charity Parker, Eliza Parker Phebe E. Parker, Jerusha Cobb,
Caroline Parker, Mariah Parker, to be equally divided between them.
And
my will is, and I do positively order my Executor hereafter named, to pay all
my just debts and funeral expenses.
Lastly. I do constitute, make and ordain
Jonathan Parker of Plympton my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament
– and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disanul all and every other Will
and Testament by me, in any wise before willed, named or bequeathed, ratifying
this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of
January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Oliver Parker (seal)
Signed,
sealed, pronounced and declared, by the said Oliver Parker to be his last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us the subscribers.
John
P. Ellis
Josiah
Wright Jr
Caroline
Parker.
Presented for probate on 11 Apr.
1836, and proved by John P. Ellis and Josiah Wright Jr, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Jonathan Parker of
Plympton, Esqr, on 11 Apr. 1836.
Zacheus Sherman, Barzillai E.
Wright and Isaac Wright Junr, all of Plympton, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Oliver Parker, late of Plympton, Yeoman, on 11 Apr.
1836. The Inventory of the Estate of Oliver Parker, late of Plympton, dated 13
Apr. 1836, totaled $4573.46, including his real estate valued at $3366.75.
Jonathan Parker, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Nov. 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, pp.
155-157, 407-408, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Polycarpus Parker of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
Be it remembered
that I Polycarpus Parker of Plympton County of Plymouth Housewright,
considering my bodily Infirmities & the uncertainty of this mortal Life,
but being of a sound Mind & memory do make & publish this my last Will
& Testament in the manner following viz –
First. I give my
Soule to God, who gave it, to be disposed of according to his holy pleasure
& my Body I resign to the Grave to turn to dust firmly believing I shall
receive the same again, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall appear in Supreme
Majesty & Authority to raise the dead –
Secondly I give
& bequeath to my well beloved Wife Sarah all my personal Estate, excepted
what is hereafter named to be at her use and disposal forever also the
Improvement of all my real Estate, as compensation for taking Care of &
bringing up my youngest Son Joseph Avery untill he is of a suitable Age to be
put to a Trade – And after my Son Joseph Avery shall have arrived at the Age
above mentioned my wife Sarah shall improve only her thirds of my real Estate –
Thirdly I give &
bequeath to my oldest Son Stephen all my Carpenter’s Tools –
And
to my three daughters Viz Mercy Marick, Susan & Polly Gray, I give in equal
Division all the personal Estate that belonged to their Mother – Mercy and all
that their Sister Abigail deceased has left. –
Fourthly
I I give to my two youngest sons, William Gray & Joseph Avery, all the
personal Estate that belonged to their Mother Susan in equal Division –
Lastly
I give to all of my Children in equal Division all my household Furniture,
which I now have & did not come by either of my Wives, Also all my real
Estate to be equally divided among all my children, after my Wife Sarah shall
have taken the Improvement as above named –
And
I do direct my wife Sarah to pay all my just Debts & funeral Charges and to
receive all that is now due to me.–
Moreover
I do herein appoint my wife Sarah Sole Executrix of this my last will &
Testament hereby revoking all former Wills made by me –
signed sealed published &
declared by the abovenamed
Polycarpus Parker to be his last
Will & Testament
in the presence of us who have
hereunto set our Polycarpus Parker (seal)
Names as Witnesses this 14th
day of December in
the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred & nineteen
1819 Elijah Dexter
Avery
Deane
Jonathan
Parker Jr.
Presented for probate on 4 Apr.
1820 by Sarah Parker, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Revd.
Elijah Dexter, Avery Deane, and Jonathan Parker Junr. Esqr.,
the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Sarah Parker, the
Executrix.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p. 557-558, from FHL microfilm
#0550906.
Will of Martin
Parris of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
The
last Will and Testament of Martin Parris.
I Martin Parris of
I
give and bequeath to Albion K. Parris son of my brother Samuel Parris all the
Books, papers, and manuscripts, that my father left me at his decease, and all
the Books in my Library that are in other languages, than the English language.
I
give to each of the following three persons, fifty dollars, namely, Mary S.
Ford wife of Consider Ford, Welthea Lewis, daughter of the Widow Welthea Lewis,
and Rachel Moorehead daughter of John Moorehead, each of whom have lived in my
family. This is given on account of their good and faithful conduct while in my
family. Also I give unto the said Mary S. Ford Scott’s Family Bible and
President Davies’ Sermons, each in three volumes. This I do on account of the
kind affection that subsisted between her and my two sons, Martin S. Parris and
Samuel B. Parris both of whom are now deceased.
I
give unto my wife Julia D. Parris all my other Estate real, personal and of all
kinds, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
I
also appoint my wife Julia D. Parris sole Executrix to this my last Will and
Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal this first day of November
in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Martin Parris (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
said Martin Parris to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us who at
his request & in his presence and in the presence of each other have
hereunto set our names as Witnesses.
Asaph
Holmes
Stephen
Holmes 2d
Caleb
Bates
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of January 1840 by Julia D. Parris, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Asaph Holmes and Stephen Holmes 2d, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of George Partridge of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
The Last will & testament of George Partridge of
Duxborough in the county of Plymouth in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay
in New-England housewright. I the said George Partridge being under many bodily
infirmities yet of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to almighty God
therefor, & calling to mind the mortality of my body, & knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to die, do upon serious consideration make &
ordain these presents to be my Last will & testament, to remain firm &
inviolable forever. That is to say, principally & first of all I give &
recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, & my body I recomend
to the earth to be buried in decent christian manner at the discretion of my
executor herein after namd, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God, &
as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this Life, I give, devise, & dispose of the same in the following manner
and form. ~
Imprs. I give & bequeath unto my eldest son
Samuel Partridge all that my farm or plat of Land known by the name of the
Wiswal place Laying in Duxborough aforesaid, and is all that part of the
purchase that I made of Mr. Peleg Wiswall of Boston that layeth to
the southward of the home farm of Jacob Peterson in said Duxborough. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my son James Partridge five
pounds, & all my wearing apparel, together with what he hath already
received of the estate of my uncle mr. James Partridge that was
given to me, I consented he should take the deed in his own name. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my daughter Mable Coomer
wife to Willm. Comer, three pounds, together with what she hath
already had, & in case she should be a widdow my son George Partridge
herein-after named is to pay her, forty shillings every year during her
widdowhood. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Partridge
wife to John Partridge, three pounds, together with what she hath already had.
~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my two grandchildren, Zibar
Hunt, & Sarah Hunt, six pounds, equally to be divided between them. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my grand-son Partridge
Rickerson one bed & Furniture belonging to it & five pounds in money. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my dear & Loving wife
Hannah Partridge the improvement of one third part of my home-farm, on which I
now dwell, to improve during her widowhood; & a privilege of cutting fire
wood for her fire & fencing stuff for said farm, during sd.
term, & a bed & furniture, & houshold stuff sufficient to keep
house with, during her widdowhoold, and at the expiration of her widdowhood, it
is to belong to my son George Partridge herein named. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my youngest son George
Partridge, my home farm on which I now dwell, & my pew or seat in the
meeting house in sd. Duxborough, & a wood-lot, being the first
lot in number in the Last division of Duxboro’ comons, Laying near a pond,
called Island-creek-pond, & my right in the eleventh lot in the sd.
division; & two pieces of salt-marsh lying adjacent to Sprague,s neck, near
six acres of them, & purchased of mr. James Partridge decd.
& an island of marsh known by the name of Soul’s island, laying to the
northward of Powder-point in sd. Duxboro’, & all the remainder
of my estate both real & personal after my debts & funeral charges are
paid, & the Legacies or gifts, or dower herein before named are paid, I
give to my son George Partridge be it in bills, bonds, book-debts or notes
whatsoever, ordering him to provide for my wife during her widowhood, if what I
have herein before given her shall not be sufficient for her comfortable
support.
Lastly. My will is that my son George Partridge above-named
be sole executor of this my Last will & testament, thus hoping that this my
Last will be kept & performed, according to the true intent & meaning
thereof. In witness whereof, I the said George Partridge have hereunto set my
hand & seal this fourteenth day of May anno Domini one thousand, seven
hundred & sixty four, 1764.
Signed, sealed, & declared by the aforenamd. George Partridge (seal)
George Partridge to be his Last will & testamt.
in presence of us.
Elijah Tower, Joshua Stanford, Jonathan Peterson
Presented for probate on 4 Apr. 1768 by George Partridge, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Tower and Joshua Stanford, two of
the witnesses, Jonathan Peterson being since deceased. Letters of
Administration were granted to George Partridge, the Executor, with Briggs
Alden Esqr. and Joshua Stanford gent., all of Duxborough, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 56-57, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Thomas
Pearsall of Hempstead Harbour, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New
York (1759) *
I Thomas Pearsall of Hempstead Harbour in the Town of
Hempstead in Queens County on Nasau Island in the Province of New York Yeoman
being this ninth day of the Eighth month called August in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine but weak of body and far advanced in
years but my understanding sound and not knowing how soon my final Change may
come am Willing to set my house in order against that approaching time do
therefore make and Ordain this present writing to contain my last Will and
Testament for the disposall of my outward Estate in manner following Imprimis I Will unto my well beloved Wife
Sarah Pearsall all the money which I have due to me and have in my house she
paying all my just debts (except those debts which I owe upon bond which I
shall order to be paid otherwise). Item I Will and bequeath unto my Son Thomas
my Son Samuel and the Widow of my deceased Son Nathaniel all my wearing apparel
to be equally devided amongst them the said Widow to have her third thereof for
the use of her Sons I Will and bequeath
unto my Son Thomas my great Book Set out by Isaac Penington to his disposal and
also my half of the Still and the Tubb belonging Item I Will unto my Grand Son James Mott one
young Horse to his disposall Item I Will
unto my Wife Sarah Pearsall for and in lieu of her right of dower and for
keeping and maintaining my old Negro man Jack as long as my Wife lives the
following Articles Viz. two good fether beds and full furniture and all my
Negro’s Bedding and all my Grain either growing Cut or in Store at the time of
my decease and all my Flax Wool and Yarn and new Cloath and Cattells Hides
Lether and Sope and Meat and all other Provisions which I have in Store in my
House either to Eate or Drink and one of my Negro men and one of my Negro Women
such of them as she shall chuse and my Negro Girl named Priss and if I should
chance to dye when I have Cattle a fatling my Wife shall have them for the
provision of herself & Family all to my Wifes disposal I Will and bequeath all my Printed Books to
my Wife Sarah, Sarah Pearsall my Son Samuell Pearsall my daughter Sarah Alsop
my daughter Hannah Hawxhurst my daughter Mary Seaman and my daughter in Law
Mary Pearsall (the Widow of my Son Nathaniel Pearsall) to be equally devided
amongst them and to their free disposal
Item I Will unto my Wife the equal one fifth part of my moveable Estate
Except what is before disposed off I
Will the one fifth part of my said moveable Estate to my daughter Sarah Alsop
(Except as before excepted) I Will the
one fifth part to my daughter Mary Seaman and the one fifth part of my moveable
Estate I Will to my Executors to the intent they allow and permit my daughter
Hannah Hawxhurst to have the use and interest thereof or her Children as they
shall Judge most convenant with the Principal at such time as they shall Judge
proper and the remainder fifth part of my said moveables (excepted as before
excepted) I order to be sold and turned in to money by my Executors and I Will
ten pounds of the money to my Son Samuel Pearsall I Will ten Pounds of said
money unto my daughter in Law Mary Pearsall for the use of her Children I Will
the remainder of said fifth part unto my grand daughter Elizabeth Hicks on
condition that her Father Benjamin Hicks pays the money he owes on Bond to me
for the use of my grand Son James Mott but if my Executors cannot recover the
money from Benjamin Hicks then then the said remainder of said fifth part I
Will to my Grand Son James Mott or so much as will clear the Bond at five pr
Cent Interest upon Interest I Will and
bequeath unto my Son Thomas Pearsall his heirs and assigns (on condition
hereafter Exprest) my Houses Buildings lands and improvements whereon I now
dwell at Hempstead Harbour butted and Bounded as followeth on the West by
Hempstead Harbour on the North by Jacob Motts Land on the East by Masketicove
Road that leads to the plains on the South partly by Sylvenus Townsends Land
and partly by Michael Mudges Land and partly by the Highway that leads to the
landing by my house untill it runs so far Westerly as Mudges land and thence
running Southerly by his land to William Kirks land thence by Kirks land to the
said Hempstead Harbour be it Quantity of Acres more or less and also I Will
unto my Son Thomas his heirs and assigns on the like condition a piece of Wood
land lying upon the Harbour Hills bounded on the East by Timothy Townsends
Lands on the South by Michael Mudges land and on the West by Richard Valentines
Land and on the North East by the high way be it in Quantity of Acres more or
less on condition in the first place my Wife to have and hold the best Room in
my house and as much Cellar Room as she shall have accasion to use and free
liberty to get fire wood for her use of the Land above given my Son Thomas (but
not to Sell any Timber) and my Son Thomas or his heirs Executors &t.
to find and provide fother and Pasture for two Cowes and two horses for my
Wifes use and also my Wife to have a convenant and sufficient plot of ground
for a garden to Raise and Plant Roots Pulse &t. for her use with
free liberty of giting Aples in the Orchard or Orchards on the land I now live
on all which said Priviledges above given to my Wife to be & remain unto
her dureing her Widowhood and no longer the second condition is that my Son Thomas
or his heirs or Executors do give good Security to my other Executors within
six months after my decease for the Payment of twelve hundred pounds of Current
money to be paid in three Equal payments of four hundred pounds each payment
the first payment to be the first day of the fifth month next Ensuing after my
decease and the second payment the next after the first and the third payment
two years after the first payment and out of the first payment I Will my Wife
twenty pounds to her disposall I Will
twenty pounds to be put in my Executors hands to pay the charge in the Law in
the defence of the Title of my lands if occasion may require I Will two hundred and Seventy pounds of
money of the first payment to pay any debts if it be required that I owe on
Bond I also Will out of the first
payment Sixty pounds unto my Son Samuel Pearsall and to his disposall I Will and bequeath unto my grand daughter
Sarah Pearsall the daughter of my deceased Son Nathaniel the sum of thirty
pounds out of the first payment and out of the second payment I Will unto my
Son Thomas Eighty pounds Current money to make satisfaction to him for the land
I bought of George Weekes which my Son Lost
I also Will that three hundred and twenty pounds of the second payment
shall be put out at interest by my Executors and my Wife to have ye.
use or interest yearly as long as she remains my Widow and my Will is out of
the last four hundred pounds I Order three hundred and fifty pounds to be put
out at Interest and the interest yearly paid to my Wife during the time she
remains my Widow as aforesaid I also
Will to my Son Samuel Twenty five pounds Current money I Will unto my Grand daughter Jane Pearsall
the daughter of my deceased Son Nathaniel the sum of twenty five pounds Current
money And my Will is further after my
Wifes decease the principall money that I have above Ordered to be put out I
Will devise and dispose of as followeth
I Will to my Son Thomas twenty pounds Current money I Will to my aforesaid grand daughter Sarah
Pearsall the sum forty pounds Current money
I Will unto my grand daughter Jane the sum of forty five pounds current
money Item I Will and bequeath unto my
daughter in Law Mary Mary Pearsall and her two youngest daughters Mary and
Hannah Pearsall the sum of Eighty five pounds Current money Item I Will and bequeath unto my Son Samuel
the sum of one hundred and Sixty pounds Current money I Will and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah
Alsop the sum of Eighty pounds Current money
I also Will and bequeath unto my Executors the sum of eighty pounds
Current money for the use of my daughter Hannah Hawxhurst and her Children and
to be put out at Interest for their use and to be paid unto them by my
Executors at such time or times when they may have the most occasion for the
same or in case my daughter Hannah should Chance to be a Widow before the money
is paid them my daughter Hannah to have the whole at her disposall I Will to my daughter Mary Seaman the sum of
Eighty pounds Current Money Item I Will
to my grand daughter Elizabeth Hicks the sum of Eighty pounds to be put out at
Interest for her use and if she behaves well and Soberly my Executors to pay
her the said money when she is of age if my executors have got all the money
her Father Benjm. Hicks owes me on Bond but if my Executors have not
got all the money they are required to keep it out of the Eighty pounds and
notwithstanding what is before written my Will is in case my grand daughter
Misbehaves my Executors may and are hereby required to pay the remainder of
what is left to some of her Brothers at their discretion and Whereas I have
been at Charge in a great measure to bring up and Educate my grand Son James
Mott I do therefore Order my Executors to take and receive the sum of five
pounds for the use of my daughters when he is of Lawfull age but in case the
said James Mott should dye under age and leave no lawfull Child then I do order
my Executors to demand a reasonable reward for his Education and for the
trouble I have been at in keeping of him to be paid be paid out of his Estate
to be Judged by Impartial men and what they Judge my daughters to have, and my
Will is further in Case any of my daughters should dye before they receive
their portions that then their Children respectively to have their Mothers
portions and my Will is further Incase my Son Thomas or his heirs Executors
&t. do refuse or neglect to give good and Satisfactory Security to my
Executors for the payment of the said twelve hundred pounds as above mentioned
in three equall payments as before Exprest that then it shall and may be
lawfull for any or either of my other Executors to sell and dispose of all the
house lands Buildings and Improvements given to my Son Thomas and that they or
any of my other Executors shall give a good and lawfull Title to the purchasers
for the same or any part thereof and to pay the said twelve hundred pounds and
to put out part of the money to interest for my Wifes use and to follow the
rules and orders respecting the dispossitions thereof as before directed I Will unto my son Thomas Pearsall his heirs
and assigns a Small piece of land lying on on the East side and near the head
of Hendrick Onderdonck Mill Swamp lying in partnership with Richard Valentine I Will unto my Son Thomas Pearsall his heirs
& assigns all my undivided lands and Meadows in the Township of Hempstead
and my Will is notwithstanding I have given my Son Samuel is a Clear gift yet
it is my Will that the money he owes me for the use of James Mott shall be
taken out of his Legacy by my Executors and paid where it is due Item I Will all my Swine that I have or may
have at the time of my decease unto my Wife and to her free disposal Item my Will is that my Wife shall have the
use and proffet of all my Negroes during her Widowhood and my Will is that I
have ordered above said Sum of Money to pay my debts which I owe upon Bond and
in case the money which I have ordered for that purpose should overgoe those
debts I Will the remainder to my Wife I
also Will the use of my Clock and Cockle sive to my Wife her Widowhood and
after to my daughters Lastly I do
constitute Ordain and appoint my Son Thomas Pearsall my grand Son Israel
Pearsall my Kinsmen Daniel Underhill Samuel Underhill Abraham Underhill and
Thomas Underhill all to be my Executors of this my last Will and Testament and
to Execute the same and every part thereof in manner as above Exprest In Witness hereunto I have set to my hand and
fixed my Seal the day and year above written.
Thomas Pearsall (seal)
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and declared by the said
Thomas Pearsall as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of the
subscribers which subscribed in the presence of the Testator
William Kirk
Samuel Willis
Henry Burtis
Rickard Kirk
Probated on 5 Mar. 1760, and proved by William Kirk and
Richard Kirk, both of Hempstead, Queens County, Yeomen. Letters of
Administration granted to Thomas Pearsall, Israel Pearsall, Daniel Underhill
and Abraham Underhill, four of the Executors, on 13 Mar. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 21, p. 523-528, copied from
original Liber 21, p. 520-525.
Will of Lucia Maria Bradley Peck of Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont (1893) *
In
the name of God Amen.
I
Lucia Maria Bradley Peck being possessed of house and land in my own right
(Homestead on College Street) with contents thereof some of which belonged to
my Mother and given me by her for the use of Self, Sister Harriet now dead many
years and My dearly beloved brother George who has just died, to whom if he had
out lived me I wished it to go, he having always joined me in our wish that
when we were both gone it should go to our beloved Cousin Doctor Edward Bradley
of New York, do hereby give bequeath house contents, land every thing belonging
to me to said Dr. Bradley for his own use and comfort – not to be sold,
or mortgaged or rented – but to be kept for him in his old age as a
retreat-home for rest after his life of hard work, a Bradley home. This place
not to be in any way involved
I propose to make a Codicil to his will paying any small debts I may
have & giving to friends such gifts as I choose I am not under obligation
to any one except such of the land as is mortgaged, but knowing the uncertainty
of life to be sure the main part of my property will go as I desire make this
will as my last will & testament this 24 day of May 1893 – I do wish to
have this property which house & grounds have been mostly the work of my
own hands and which I toiled for paid for by great privation of benefit to my
own race the Bradley blood, none else have ever lived here and I never wish any
other to be here, and my husband so far as he had anything to say about it felt
the same, and very strongly express it to me though his right had passed away,
with his property
Lucia B. Peck
Signed, published and declared by the
said Lucia B. Peck as and for her last will and testament in presence of us who
at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have
hereto subscribed our names as witnesses
Viola
Phelps Whitcomb
Helen
White Wales
Isabel
Capen White
Edward Bradley of the City and State of New York was granted
administration with the will annexed of the estate of Lucia M. B. Peck, late of
Burlington, on 5 Sept. 1898, with Hiram Walker, of Burlington, as surety. The
Inventory of the Estate of Lucia M. B. Bradley of Burlington, showed her real
estate in the City of Burlington on the North East corner of College and South
Union Street valued at $15,000, and the furniture and fixtures in the house
valued $500.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Chittenden County Probate Estate Files, 1898, Box 35, File
#5710.
Will of William Peckham of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
The Nineteenth day of March AD one thousand seven
hundred and fifty seven I william Peckham of dartmouth in the County of Bristol
within his Majestys Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman
being at this Present time of a sound disposing mind and Memory thought Good to
make this my last will and Testament and as to my Worldly Estate where with it
hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give demise & dispose of the
same in the following Manner & form (viz,
Imps. My will is that all my Just debts funeral
Charges and Just Expences of all sorts, should be just paid out of my personal
Estate by my Executor here after Named
Item I Give to my well beloved wife Almy ye one
half part of all the Remaining part of my personall Estate: together with the
use & Improvement of the Whole of all my personall Estate untill my Grand
daughters viz) Sarah and Almy Willcox severally arrive to the age of Twenty one
years or time of marriage which may first happen
I Likewise Give to my sd wife the use and
Improvement of all my Real Estate dureing the time she Remains my widow all
above Given to my sd wife is not only in Lieu of her Right of dower
in my Estate but to Enable her to do towards the support of my sd
two Grandaughters what is Necessary over and above what their father may or
shall do to to wards their Bringing up
Item I Give and Bequeath to my sd Grandaughters
Sarah & Almy Willcox and to their heirs & Assigns to have all my
houseing and Lands to be Equally divided between them upon Condition, and
provided they or Either of them Survives to the age of Twenty six years or
Leaves Issue of their or Either of their bodys begotten: but in Case they both
decease before they or Either of them arives to ye Age and Neither
of them Leaves no Issue surviveing In that Case my will is that all my sd
houseing & lands shall Go to and be for all my Natural Brothers &
sisters that shall then be surviveing to them & their heirs and Assigns
forever to be Equally divided between them provided they my sd
Brothers & Sisters or Either of them that shall be surviveing do pay to the
Naturall Sisters of my sd wife or such as shall Represent them if
any of them be dead the Reasonable value of all sd Lands Except
& Exclusive of my homestead – I Like wise Give my sd two
Grandaughters ye one half part of all my personall Estate to be
delivered to them as they severally arrive to the age of Twenty one years or
time of Marriage which first happens
Item My will is that if my sd wife should Marry or
decease Leaving my sd Grand children under age that my trusty and
well beloved Brother in Law Stephen West & Kindsmen Bartholomew Taber &
Jethro Hatheway or Either one of them that shall be Surviveing should take ye
Care not Only of the persons of sd Grandaughters but their Estates
untill they arive to Lawfull age or time of Marriage
Item I Likewise Constitute make and ordain ye
abovesd Bartholomew Taber Sole Executor of this my last will &
testament hereby makeing void all other wills by me before this time made
Confirming this and and no Other tobe my last will and Testament. In witness
Whereof I the abovesd William Peckham have hereunto Set my hand and
Seal the day & year above sd
Signed Sealed Published
pronounced & declared by
the sd William Peckham
his Last will & testament
In Presence of us Ye
Subscribers
Benjn. Akin
Samuel West William Peckham (seal)
William Tallman
Stephen West
Proved on 11 June 1771 by Benjamin Akin and Samuel West, two
of the witnesses to the before written Instrument.
William Tallman, Jizeh Willis and Samuel West, Freeholders of
the Town of Dartmouth were appointed to appraise the Inventory of the Estate of
William Peckcom, late of Dartmouth, yeoman, on 16 Feb. 1771. The Inventory of
all the Estate of William Peckham, late of Dartmouth, was dated 22 Apr. 1771,
and totaled about £142.2.10.
Persuent to the within Written order, We have Sett off two
Acres of Meadow to the Heirs of William Peckham deceased at the foot of his
Land, Agreeable to the Last Will & Testament of his Father Stephen Peckham
late of Dartmouth deceased, this 29th of December 1772.
Benjamin
Akin
David
Shepherd
Samuel
Smith
[Note: this is in the
same file, but it may relate to a different William Peckham.]
Prince Peckham of Dartmouth, yeoman, was granted
Administration of the estate of William Peckham, late of Dartmouth, on 16 Mar.
1773, with Ephraim Lane Jur. of Norton Gentn, and John
Fisher of Attleborough, yeoman, as sureties.
Jireh Willis, Jedadiah Tallman and Samuel West, all of
Dartmouth & freeholders, were appointed to take another inventory of the
Estate of William Peckham, late of Dartmouth, Husbandman, on 24 Apr. 1773. This
Inventory, dated 24 Apr. 1773, totaled about £71.5.9.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “William Peckham, Dartmouth, 1771,”
from FHL microfilm #0572408.
Will of Abiel Peirce of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1795) *
In the Name of God amen. I Abiel Peirce of the Town of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Gentleman being weak of Body Yet of a sound Mind & Memory (blessed be God
for the same) considering that it is appointed for all men once to die do make
& ordain this my last Will & Testament as follows, viz~
First
I give & bequeath to my well beloved wife Theadoria Peirce for her Thirds
and right of Dower, as provided by Law one third part of all my Real Estate for
her own to improve during her natural Life. Also one third part of all my
personal Estate for her own property. —
I
give & bequeath my Son William Peirce the Sum of fifty six Pounds seven
Shillings & 3 Pence to be paid by my Executor hereafter named one third
thereof in one Year after my decease, one third thereof in two Years after my
decease & the other third thereof in three Years after my decease –
I
give & bequeath to my Son Nathan Peirce the Sum of thirty Pounds lawful
Money to be paid by my Executor hereafter named as follows the Sum of seven
Pounds ten shillings in one Year after my decease, & the Sum of seven
Pounds ten shillings in two Years after my decease & another seven Pounds
ten shillings in three Years, & the remaining seven Pounds ten shillings in
four Years after my decease –
I
give & bequeath to my eight eldest Daughters namely, Selah the Wife of
Elisha Clark, Charity the Wife of Silas Williams, Hannah the Wife of Godfrey
Robinson, Betsey the Wife of Silvanus Thomas junr. Thankful, Mercy,
Dardania & Abigail, to be paid to each of them by my Executor hereafter
named the Sum of six shillings – and also do give & bequeath to my afore
named eight Daughters all my Household Furniture & Indoor moveables to be
equally divided amongst them yet reserving for my Wife aforesaid her third part
thereof as heretofore given her –
I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Polly Peirce about one acre & a half of
Cedar Swamp being the whole which I own in Assonet Cedar Swamp so called &
is the same which I hold under hand & seal of Philip King & his Wife,
to her my said Daughter, to have & to hold to her her Heirs & assigns
forever. I also give & bequeath to her my said Daughter Polly the value of
three Pounds lawful Money for the purpose of purchasing a Case of Draws for her
which is to be delivered to her by my Executor hereafter named –
I
give & bequeath to my Son Abiel Peirce junr. all my share of
Homestead Lands on both sides of the Highway or Road which leads through my
said Lands towards Rochester Furnace some part thereof lies in the twelve Men’s
purchase and the remainder in the sixteen shillings purchase, also all my live
Stock out Door Moveables & all my Dues & demands on any person or
persons of any kind Whatever, yet excepting that part of my personal Estate
herein given to my said Wife & her Improvement of the Real as aforesaid — And my Will is & I hereby order, that all
my just debts & funeral Charges & also all the Legacies herein
mentioned shall be paid by my said Son Abiel out of that part of my said Estate
herein given to him — Also that my
youngest Daughters that are unmarried shall have one room in my new Dwelling
house to live in with privileges in the Cellar for them personal to use &
occupy after my decease as long as they shall live unmarried And my will is
& I hereby constitute & appoint, my said Son Abiel to be Executor to
this my last will & Testament, therefore hoping that this my last Will
& Testament will be carefully kept & performed, according to the true
Intent & meaning thereof I commit my Soul to God who gave it & my Body
to the Dust to a decent Burial – In Witness whereof I the said Abiel Peirce
senior have hereto set my hand & Seal this first day of May, In the Year of
our Lord, one Thousand seven hundred & ninety five –
Signed,
sealed & declared by the Said
his
Abiel
to be his Will & Testament in Abiel X Peirce (seal)
presence
of us – mark
Nehemiah
Bennet
Isaac
Thomson 2d
Eliphalet
Peirce –
Presented for probate on 7 Jan.
1812 by Abiel Peirce, the Executor therein named, and proved by Eliphalet
Peirce, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Nehemiah Bennet Esqr.
is now deceased, and Isaac Thomson 2d has removed to the district of
Maine. Letters of Administration were granted to Abiel Peirce, the before named
Executor.
Capt. Zenas Wood,
Gentleman, Job Sherman and Nathaniel Barrows, yeomen, all of Middleborough,
were appointed to appraise the Estate of Abiel Peirce, late of Middleborough,
Gentleman, on 7 Jan. 1812. The Inventory of the Estate of Abiel Peirce, late of
Middleborough, dated 24 Jan. 1812, totaled $2438.62, including his land and
buildings valued at $2109.83. Abiel Peirce, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 24 Feb. 1812.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p.
124-126, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Ebenezer
Peirce of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1792) *
Know
all men by these presents that I Ebenezer Peirce of the town of Middleborough
in the county of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being
weak of body yet of a sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, yet
considering the mortality of the body & that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament to be firm
& inviolable, and dispose of my small matter of worldly estate as follows –
vizt
Imprimis. I Give and bequeath to my
Son John Peirce of Shutesbury in the County of Hampshire one ninth part of all
my Estate both real & personal, except what I herein order to be paid out
as hereafter expressed to have and to hold the same to him my said son John
Peirce his heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give and bequeath to my Son Abiel Peirce of said Middleborough one ninth
part of all my estate both real & personal, except what I herein order to
be paid out as hereafter expressed, to have & to hold the same, to him my
said Son Abiel Peirce his heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to my Son Job Peirce of said Middleborough one ninth
part of all my estate both real & personal, except what I herein order to
be paid out, as hereafter expressed, to have & to hold the same, to him my
said Son Job Peirce, his heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to my Son Seth Peirce of the town of Hardwick in the
county of Worcester one ninth part of all my estate both real & Personal,
except what I hereby order to be paid out as hereafter expressed, to have &
to hold the same, to him my said Son Seth Peirce his heirs & assigns
forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to two of my grand children vizt. to
Ebenezer Peirce & Henry Peirce two of the sons of my Son Henry Peirce late
of said Middlebo. deceased one ninth part of all my estate both real
& personal except what I hereby order to be paid out as hereafter
expressed, to have & to hold the same, to them my said grand children
Ebenezer & Henry, their heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to the other children of my said son Henry deceased not
herein named Six Shillings to each of them to be paid out of that ninth part
herein before given to the afore named Grand children Ebenezer & Henry
Item
– I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Judith Hathaway the wife of Maltiah
Hathaway of Dartmouth or New Bedford, in the County of Bristol, one ninth part
of all my estate both real and personal, except what I hereby order to be paid
out as hereafter expressed, to have & to hold the same to her my said
Daughter Judith Hathaway her heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Anna Cole of Freetown in said County of
Bristol, widow of Abiel Cole deced, one ninth part of all my estate both real
& personal, except what I hereby order to be paid out as hereafter
expressed, to have & to hold the same to her my said Daughter Anna Cole her
heirs & assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to my Grand Daughter Lurania Peirce the wife of Abner
Peirce of said Middlebo, which Grand Daughter is one of the children
of my Daughter Mary Spooner, the deceased wife of Benjamin Spooner of sd.
Middleborough, one ninth part of all my estate both real & personal, except
what I hereby order to be paid out as hereafter expressed, to have & to
hold the same to her my sd Grand Daughter Lurania Peirce her heirs
& assigns forever
Item
– I Give & bequeath to the other children of my abovesaid Daughter Mary
Spooner deceased, Six Shillings to each of them to be paid out of that ninth
part of my estate herein before given to my said Grand Daughter Lurania Peirce
Item
– I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Hopestill Hathaway the wife of Stephen
Hathaway of Taunton in the County of Bristol aforesaid, one ninth part of all
my estate both of real & personal, except what I hereby order to be paid
out as hereafter expressed, to have & to hold the same, to her the said
Hopestill Hathaway, her heirs & assigns forever, and my will is, & I
hereby order & direct that all my just debts, my funeral charges & the
expence of Settling my estate shall be paid out of all my estate at large, and
my will is, & I hereby Constitute & appoint Nehemiah Bennet of said
Middleborough to be Executor to this my last will & testament, therefore
hoping that this will & testament will be carefully kept & performed
according to the true intent & meaning thereof. I commit my soul to God,
who gave it, & my body to the dust to a decent burial. In Witness whereof I
the said Ebenezer Peirce have hereto Set my hand & Seal this tenth day of
January, in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred, ninety & two.
~
Signed, Sealed & declared by
the sd Ebenezer Peirce (seal)
Ebenezer Peirce, to be his last
will
& testament in presence of us
Elkanah
Bennet
Elisha
Bennet
Joseph
Donham
Presented for probate on 2 Jan.
1797 by Nehemiah Bennet Esqr., the Executor therein named, and
proved by Elkanah Bennet and Elisha Bennet, two of the witnesses.
John Nelson, Esqr., Hugh Montgomery, yeoman, and
James Peirce, Gentleman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel Perkins of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
Be
it Remembered, that I Daniel Perkins of Middleborough and County of Plymouth,
Yeoman, being weak in body, but of sound mind and memory, do this twentieth day
of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, make and
publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say
1st. I give to my
beloved wife Lydia Perkins all my Real and Personal estate for her use and
improvement, so long as she remains my widow.
2d I give to my seven children, viz, Daniel
Huntington, Harriet Jane, Azel, Isaac Newton, Henry, Sarah and Hannah Perkins
one dollar each, to be paid them severally by my Executor hereafter named
And lastly I do constitute and ordain my said wife Lydia Perkins sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written.
Daniel Perkins (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Daniel Perkins as and
for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request,
and in his presence, hereunto set our names as witnesses to the same.
Seth
Eaton
Edward
Cole
Nahum
Keith.
Presented for probate on 5 Apr.
1836, and proved by Seth Eaton and Edward Cole, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Lydia Perkins, the
Executrix, on 5 Apr. 1836.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
120-122, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of David Perkins of Bridgewater, County of
Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1736) *
In the Name of God Amen. January 21 : 1735/6. I David Perkins
of Bridgewater in ye County of Plymouth in the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay in New-England Gent. being very weak of Body, tho. of
perfect Mind & Memory, Thanks be given to the Great God therefor; Calling
to Mind the Mortality of my Body & Knowing that it is appointed for all Men
once to dy do Make & Ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to
Say Principally & first of all, I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
Hands of that God who gave it & my Body I Commit to the Earth to be
decently buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named Nothing
doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Receive ye same
again by the Mighty Power of God; and as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith
it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I Give Demise & Dispose of ye.
same in ye. following manner & form that is to Say —
1st. I Give & Bequeath to my Well beloved Son
David Perkins besides the two Lots of Land, where his Dwelling House now Stands
already made over to him by Deed of Gift, Twenty Acres of Land joyning in Part
to ye. Land of Elkanah Rickard now of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth, & also two Eighths & a Sixteenth of a Forge standing near my
Grist Mill—
2ly. I Give & Bequeath to my two Grand
Children David & Jonathan Perkins Sixty acres of Land joyning to ye
Land abovewilled to my Son David their Father to be equally Divided between
them —
3ly. I Give & Bequeath to my well beloved Son
Abraham that Lot of Land which I bought of Job Winslow & Kenelm Barker
which is the Ninth Lot in Number called the Great Lots in Quantity one hundred
acres & also fourty Pounds in Bills of Credit~
4ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my Grand Child Nathan Perkins My now Dwelling House & Barn & twenty
acres of Land which I bought of Deacon Fobes, Excepting a Bit of Land upon
which that Forge of which I own a Part & my Grist Mill do now stand, Beginning
at the Corner of the Fence by the highway near the Coal House & running in
a Straight Range three Rods below the Forge to a Stake & Heap of Stones,
and my Grand son Nathan is to Pay his Sister ten Pounds in Money his Sister
Martha when She is come to the Age of 21 Years. Also I Give my sd
Grandson two Acres of Land which I bought of Ebenezer Washburn —
5ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my Grand Son James Perkins twenty acres of Land joyning to his Brother
Nathan’s Land, which Land I bought of Samuel Leonard, & also two acres
& an half of Land which I bought of Ebenezer Washburn —
6ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my Grand Son Timothy Perkins twenty & five acres of Land joyning to
Solomon Pratts Land, and to his Brother James’s and also two acres & an
half of Land which I bought of Ebenezer Washburn, & the sd.
Timothy is to Pay his Sister Silence ten Pound in Money when She is come to the
age of twenty one Years —
7ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my Grand Son Solomon Perkins One Great Lot of Land in the Titicutt, the
twenty Second Lot in number lying near Benjamin Washburn’s adjoining to the Lot
that was formerly Joseph Howards, butting upon ye four Mile Line
& so to ye. River –
8ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my Well beloved Son Thomas Perkins, whom I likewise Make & ordain Sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament, the House & Land where he now
lives, which I bought of Thomas Washburn, and also the Grist Mill, With all the
Priviledges as for going to & from sd Mill, Except so
much as is wanted for ye Use of the Forge to lay ore & Coals on
for the Use of the Forge. I also Give & Bequeath to him a Bit of Land where
the above mentioned Forge & Grist Mill do now stand, bounded as follows,
Beginning at ye. Corner of ye. Fence by the highway, the
East Side of the Way near the Coal House & running a Straight Line three
Rods below the Forge to a Stake & Heap of Stones by the Forge French, &
from thence running direct East to the River & from the River up Stream to
the first high way, and from thence by the high way to the Bounds first
Mentioned. Moreover I Give & Bequeath to him the sd
Thomas Two great Lots in Titticutt being the 20 - & 21 in number, joyning
to the Lot which is above Willed to Solomon Perkins and also 25 Acres of Land
joyning to ye. Same Lots Which Land I bought of Samuel Chandler,
within the four Mile Line, and also one Lot of Cedar Swamp at great Meadow it
being the ninth Lot in number and also one half of ye Iron Ore which
is on ye 14 Acres of Land last laid out at the Head of Hause’s Lot —
9ly. Itm I Give & Bequeath
to my four Grand Children Nathan & Solomon & Timothy and James Perkins
Eight acres of Land at the head of Hause’s Lot, it being Part of the 14 Acres
last laid out, With one half of the Iron ore on the Whole fourteen acres, and
also one Lot of Cedar Swamp at Great Meadow, it being the 19th. Lot
in number, and also one third Part of a Purchase Right in the Old Swamp, and
furthermore my Will is that all the Estate that I have Willed away to my Son
Nathan’s Children, is to be left in the Hands of the Executor until they come
to be of full age & to be Improved for their Profit, They paying him for
his Trouble. Each One of these my Grand Children is to Recieve what is Above
Willed to them at the Age of One & twenty Years —
10ly. I Give & Bequeath to my three Sons David
& Abraham & Thomas Perkins all the Lands & Moveable Estate which is
not above disposed of to be equally Divided between them. Only it is to be
Understood that the fourty Pounds which Above is Willed to my Son Abraham is
first to be paid to the sd. Abraham, & the Remainder to be
equally Divided – And I do hereby Ratify Hold & Confirm this & no other
to be my last Will & Testament, And do utterly Disallow all Other Wills
before this by me made In Witness whereof I the sd. David Perkins
have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the Day & Year Above written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by ye.
sd. David Perkins as his last Will and Testament In Presence of us
Witnesses —
John Shaw Davd. Perkins (seal)
Eleazar Carver
Solomon Pratt
Octobr. the 5th 1736. The Within Named
John Shaw – Eleazr. Carver & Solomon Pratt Made oath that they
Saw ye. Within named David Perkins late of Bridgewater in the County
of Plymo Deceasd. Sign Seal and heard him Declare the
Within written Instrumt. to be his last Will & Testament And
that they at the Same time in the Presence of ye sd.
Testator Set to their Hands as Witnesses, and that according to the best of
their Observation he then was of a sound & disposing Mind & Memory –
Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate ~~
Presented for probate on 18 Nov. 1736 and allowed.
Administration of the estate was granted to Thomas Perkins, one of ye.
Sons of ye. sd. Deceased & Sole Execr. in
the Same Will named.
The Inventory of the Goods Chattels & Credits of David
Perkins of Bridgewater Gentleman Deceasd, taken by Josiah Edson,
Daniel Hudson & Jonathan Cary of Bridgewater aforesd Gentlemen
on 16 Oct. 1736, totaled £5562.2.2, including his real estate which totaled
£5365. Thomas Perkins, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19 May
1737.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 7, pp. 246-247, 304-305, from FHL microfilm #0551533.
Will of James
Perkins of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—On the Seventh day of April A Dom
1791
I James Perkins of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth,
being under decays of body, but of a sound disposing mind & memory, proceed
to make this my last will & testament; In the first place, I give &
recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it, trusting in the mercy of
God thro’ Christ for pardon, grace & glory, and my body to the earth, to be
decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named. In the next
place, I give and dispose of my worldly Interest, in the following manner vizt—
my will is, that all my just debts & funeral charges be paid in convenient
time after my decease
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my only Daughter Mathew +,
all my houshold furniture and indoor moveables of every kind, some of which are
now at Lebanon in the State of New Hampshire & some at sd
Bridgwater
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my eldest son James Perkins
one hundred pounds to be paid in notes of hand for Cash
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my 2d Son Barnabas
Perkins Seventy Six pounds also to be paid in Cash notes
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my youngest Son Seth Perkins
one hundred pounds, to be paid as aforesaid, in notes of hand for Cash
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my aforesaid Sons, James,
Barnabas & Seth, all my Estate, whether real or personal, if any there be,
after paying the aforesaid Legacies, together with my wearing apparell, to be
equally divided between them the sd James, Barnabas & Seth
Item—I do hereby nominate & appoint my eldest Son James
Perkins Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament.—In witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my hand, the day & year aforesaid
Signed, Sealed, Published & Declared by James Perkins (seal)
the said James Perkins to be his Last will
& testament, before us
Nathan
Mitchell
Nathan
Pratt
Daniel
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 4 May 1795 by James Perkins, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathan Mitchell & Nathan Pratt, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
+ This name was clearly written “Mathew” in the recorded will, but she was born as Martha Perkins.
Will of Jonathan
Perkins of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen. – The thirtieth day of September in
the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred & two, I Jonathan Perkins
of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, husbandman, being in perfect mind
& memory, thanks be to God, therefor calling to mind ye
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make and ordain this my last will & testament that is to say,
principally & first of all, I give & recommend my soul into the hand of
God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in a
decent manner, at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting, but at the
resurrection I shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of God, and
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in
this life, I do give and demise and dispose of, in the following manner and
form
Imprimis.– I Give unto my Son Jonathan Perkins, all my Estate
of every name & description which I may have at the time of my decease,
after the legacies, my just debts, funeral charges and expences of settling my
estate are paid
Item – I Give unto my Son George Perkins, one dollar, to be
paid in one year after my decease
Item – I Give unto my Son Daniel Perkins, one Dollar, to be
paid in one year after my decease ~
Item – I Give unto my Daughter Abigail Cary, one Dollar to be
paid in one year after my decease.
Item – I Give unto my Daughter, Ruby Cary one Dollar to be
paid in one year after my decease
Item – I Give unto my Daughter Susanna Howard one Dollar to
be paid in one year after my decease –
Item – I Give unto my Daughter, Parma Perkins, all my
houshold furniture and one Cow, also, two hundred Dollars, to be paid in one
year after my decease & also one half the butter & cheese, one third of
the Corn when harvested, one third of the Sauce, & one half of my old
Swine, when fatted.– And, I do hereby constitute and appoint Jonathan Cary junr.
to be Executor of this my last will & testament.– And, I do hereby utterly
disallow, revoke & disannul all and every other former will &
testament, legacies, bequeath and Executor by me in any ways before named,
willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this and no other, to be my
last will & testament.–
In witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal
the day and year above written –
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronoun-
ced & delivered by the said Jonathan Jonathan Perkins (seal)
Perkins as his last will & testament
in the presence of us, the subscribers.–
Jonas
Packard
Jesse
Perkins
Presented for probate on 8 Nov. 1802 by Jonathan Cary junr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Jonas Packard and Jesse Perkins, the
witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Jonathan Perkins, late of
Bridgwater, Gentleman, was appraised by Jesse Perkins, Ephraim Jackson, and
Jonas Packard on 9 Nov. 1802, and totaled $614.68, no real estate, but he had
Notes of Hand due him worth $311.82. Jona.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Josiah Perkins of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Josiah Perkins of North Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman do make ordain and declare this
instrument to be my last Will and testament.
Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna
Perkins the improvement of all my real Estate, except the Blacksmith Shop, coal
house, and one half the dwelling house with one half of the other buildings,
the use of a horse and chaise when she has occasion to ride, one half the meat
Tubs and Cider casks, Two Cows and all the household furniture, the improvement
of the real estate only during the time said Anna remains my widow, the
personal Estate to be at her own disposal.
Item. I give and
bequeath to my son Jonas Perkins ten Dollars
Item. I give and
bequeath to my daughter Mehitable Thirty Dollars
Item I give and
bequeath to my son Nahum Perkins my Black Smith Shop coal house one half the
Dwelling house and one half the other Buildings with the residue and remainder
of my estate real and personal to him his heirs and assigns forever.
And I do
hereby appoint the said Nahum Perkins sole Executor of this my last will and
testament
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of
January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two
Josiah Perkins (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the above named Josiah Perkins
to be his last Will and testament in the presence of us who in the presince of
the Testator and of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
John
Thomson
Robert
Packard
Marcus
Copeland
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1848 by Nahum Perkins, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Robert Packard and Marcus Copeland, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Nathan [sic] Perkins,
the Executor therein named.
Nahum Perkins, of North
Bridgewater, was appointed as Executor of the estate of Josiah Perkins, late of
North Bridgewater, Yeoman, on 3 Oct. 1848, with Robert Packard and Marcus
Copeland, both of North Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 377-379, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 1G, p. 496.
Will of Isaac Perry Sr.
of Northumberland,
In the name of God Amen. I Isaac Perry Senr. of the Town of
Northumberland County of Saratoga and State of New York, being weak in body but
of sound and perfect memory and mind blessed by Almighty God for the same
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and publish this my
last Will and Testament, in manner and form following Vizt. 1st
I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah a competent living during her
remaining my widow, after all my just and lawfull Debts are paid, provided she
lives with either of my sons Eli or Levi Perry 2ndy I give
and bequeath to my eldest son Isaac Perry Ten Shillings New York currency 3dly
I give and bequeath to my son Abner Ten Shillings 5thly I
give and bequeath to my son Josiah Ten Shillings 6thly I give
and bequeath to my son Seth Ten Pounds New York currency 7thly
I also give and bequeath to my daughter in law Abigail Ten Shillings and to
each of her Daughters she had by my son Elihu Deceased Ten Shillings 8thly
I give and bequeath to my grand son Elihu the offspring of my son Elihu Twenty
Pounds to be paid to him when he is twenty one years of age 9thly
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Ten Shillings 10thly
I give and bequeath to the Children which are now alive of my Daughter Elenor
Ten Shillings each 11thly I give and bequeath to my Daughter
Mary Ten Shillings 12thly I give and bequeath to my Daughter
Rebecca Ten Shillings ~ I further also give and devise to my two sons Eli Perry
and Levi Perry their heirs and assigns all that my Messuage or Tenement,
situated lying and being in the Town of Northumberland in the County of
Saratoga and State of New York together with all my other Estate both reall and
personal whatsoever to hold to them the said Eli and Levi their heirs and
assigns, for ever, equally to be divided between them ~ And I hereby appoint my
two sons Eli and Levi joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament,
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made,
In wittness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty first day of September one Thousand seven hundred & Ninety nine ~
his
Isaac X Perry
mark
Signed sealed Published and declared by the above named Isaac
Perry to be his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the Testator. Seth
Perry witness (seal)
Jno. F. Williams
(seal) Roswell Herod (seal)
Probated on 14 Dec. 1799, proved by Seth Perry and John F.
Williams.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Record of Wills,
Will of Jacob Peterson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the Name of God Amen—upon the tenth day of March in the
year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy Eight – I, Jacob
Peterson of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman upon Good and Serious Considerations,
and being under some decays of nature and being of perfect mind and memory
thanks be Given unto God for the same, and therefore Calling unto mind the
mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make and ordain this to be my Last will & testament, that is to say
principally and first of all I do Give and Recommend my Soul into the hand of
God that Gave it and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent
and Christian manner at the discretion of my Executor herein after named,
nothing doubting but at the Great and General Resurrection I shall Recieve the
same again by the almighty power of God, and as touching such worldly Goods and
Personal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life with – I
Give demise and dispose thereof in the following manner and form
Imprimis – my will is that all my just debts and funeral
Charges be defrayed & paid out of my Estate.
Item–I do Give and bequeath unto my Grandson Benjamin
Peterson the sum of five shillings
Item– I do Give and bequeath unto my two Grand, daughters
Sarah Smith the wife of Benjamin Smith and Hannah Peterson, all and the whole
of my moveable or Personal Estate whatsoever it is or wheresoever it may be
found, (Excepting this abovesaid Legacy to the said Benjamin, and my farming
tools and my blacksmiths Shop tools, which I have Given my said Grandson
Benjamin Peterson a deed of Gift of) I do Give and bequeath unto my two said
Grand-daughters, Sarah Smith & Hannah Peterson their Heirs and assigns
forever, to be equally alike divided between them
Item–I do hereby Constitute and appoint my trusty son in Law
Benjamin Smith to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament;
and I do hereby Utterly disallow Revoke and disannul all and every other and
former wills testaments Legacies and bequests and Executors by me in any before
named, willed & Bequested Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other to be
my Last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Jacob Peterson have
hereunto Set to my hand and Seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced and
declared by the said Jacob Peterson to be his Last
will & testament in the presence of us the Sub- Jacob Peterson (seal)
scribers
George
Partridge
Judah
Hunt
Deborah
Hunt
Presented for probate on 6 Dec. 1784 by Benjamin Smith, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Judah Hunt and Deborah Hunt, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Benjamin Smith, the before named Executor.
Gaml. Bradford Esqr, John Sampson
yeoman, and Israel Sylvester junr, yeoman, all of Duxbury, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Jacob Peterson, late of Duxbury, yeoman, on
6 Dec. 1784. The Inventory, dated 5 Mar. 1785, totaled £31.19.4, no real
estate. Benja. Smith, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 2 May 1785.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, pp. 219-221, 270-271, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of John Phinney of Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
In the name of God Amen – I John Phinney of Kingston in the
county of Plymouth in the State of the Massachusetts Bay, being in Good health
& in & of perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given unto God, calling to
mind the mortality of my body knowing it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make & ordain this to be my Last will & testament, that is to say,
principally & first of all, I recommend my soul into the hands of almighty
God that Gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent
burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but at General
resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
Life, do Give, demise and dispose of the same in the following form &
manner – vizt – after my just debts & funeral charges are paid,
I Give & bequeath to my beloved friend Mary Fish the wife of Mr.
Adam Fish one Cow & six sheep –
Item – I do Give and bequeath to my affectionate brother
Joseph Phonney his heirs & assigns all my wearing apparell & one half
of my indoor moveables, excepting my eatables & Loom & tackling &
one feather Bed
Item – I Give & bequeath to my kindsman John Phinney, son
of Pelatiah Phinney, his heirs & assigns, my smallest fire arm & the
other half of all my indoor moveables, excepting my eatables & Loom &
tackling & one feather bed.–
Item – I Give & bequeath to my well beloved friend Enoch
Hall his Heirs and assigns (he the said Enoch Hall paying my just debts &
funeral charges) my Largest fire arm & all my eatables & Loom &
tackling & one feather bed & all the residue of my Estate of what kind
or nature soever, excepting what is Given as above expressed, and I do hereby
constitute and appoint the said Enoch Hall sole executor of this my Last will
& testament–and I do hereby utterly revoke & disallow all other wills,
Legacies, bequeaths or executors by me before named willed or bequeathed,
ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my Last will and testament
– In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the seventeenth Day
of November in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & seventy
nine ~~
Signed, Sealed & declared this to be my John Phiney (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of
John
Johnson
Rana
Randell
Jedh.
Holmes –
Presented for probate on 3 Dec. 1787 by Enoch Hall, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Johnson and Jedediah Holmes, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Enoch Hall, the before named Executor.
Enoch Hall, Executor to the will of John Phinney, Late of
Kingston, yeoman, notified the court on 3 Dec. 1787 that the estate was
insolvent & insufficient to pay all the just debts which the sd.
deceased owed.
The Inventory of the estate of John Phinney, late of
Kingston, was appraised on 29 Feb. 1788 by John Johnson, Jedh.
Holmes, and Noah Simmons, and totaled only £26.11.3, no real estate. Enoch
Hall, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Mar. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 262-263, 280, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Jonathan Phinney of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1738) *
In the name of God Amen the ninth Day of September Anno Domi
1738 – I Jonathan Phinney of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New
England being Sick & Weak in Body but of prfect mind & Memory Thanks be
given unto God therefore calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body, and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dy do make & ordain this
my last Will & Testament That is to Say Principally & first of all I
Give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it, and my Body I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at ye
Discretion of my Executors Nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I
shall recieve ye Same again by the Mighty Power of God: And as
touching State wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me with in this Life I
Give Demise & Dispose of ye Same in the following Manner and
form Imprims. My Will is yt my just Debts & funeral
Charges be first pd out of my Estate.
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Joseph Phinney the
House & Land whereon I now dwell together with the Fence & Fences
standing thereon Excepting the One half of the Cedar which growth upon the sd
Lot the Lot Contains twenty Six Acres Only Reserving unto my loving Wife
Deborah Phinney the Use of ye Great Room of ye House so
long as she remains my Widow – Also my Will is that my Son Joseph Phinney shall
have the One quarter Part of my Meadow Land lying at the Old Place or Farm
where I first dwelt near Mr Thomas Nelson’s Land: Item I Give &
Bequeath unto my Son Jonathan Phinney one Lot of Land lying adjoyning unto Mr.
Thomas Nelsons Land the Lot Containing twenty acres be it more or less as it
was originally laid out Together with the House & Barn & Fence standing
on sd. Lot Excepting the One quarter Part of ye. Meadow
Land which I have already Given unto my Son Joseph Phinney out of ye.
whole three Lots which lyeth altogether: Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Son
Joshua Phinney my other Lot of Land containing twenty acres be more or less as
it was originally laid out lying adjoyning unto the aforesd. Lot
which I have Given unto my Son Jonathan Phinney together with the Fence
standing on sd. Lot Excepting the One quarter part of the Meadow
Land which I have already Given unto my Son Joseph Phinney out of the whole
three Lots with lyeth altogether: Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Timothy
Phinney My other Lot of Land Containing twenty acres be it more or less as it
was originally laid out adjoyning unto the aforesd. Lot of Land
which I have given unto my Son Joshua Phinney with the Fence standing on sd.
Lot Excepting the one quarter Part of ye. Meadow Land which I have
already Given unto my Son Joseph Phinney out of the Whole three Lots which
lyeth altogether: And my Will is that my Son Joseph Phinney & my Son
Jonathan Phinney & my Son Joshua Phinney & my Son Timothy Phinney shall
pay unto my Daughter Thankfull Phinney the Sum of ten Pounds in Money within
one Year after my Decease: And my Will is that my aforesd. Four Sons
Joseph Jonathan Joshua & Timothy shall pay unto my Daughter Elizabeth
Phinney the Sum of Thirty Pounds in Money to be paid when the aforesd
Elizabeth Phinney shall arrive to the Age of twenty one Years: My Will is that
my three Sons Jonathan Joshua & Timothy shall have the other Half of ye.
Cedar which I have reserved out of ye. Lot which I Gave unto my Son
Joseph Phinney.
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my loving Wife Deborah Phinney
all the moveable Estate which She brought with her which may be found after my
Decease Excepting two Cows which I have already Disposed of: and my Will is yt.
My Wife shall have two Cows more in stead of them two Cows which I have
Disposed of: and my Will is that my two Daughters Thankfull & Elizabeth
Phinney shall have all my Houshold Stuff of all Sorts Excepting my Arms equally
to be divided between them two –
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my aforesd.
four Sons Joseph Jonathan Joshua & Timothy all my Creatures of all Sorts
& my Cart & wheels & Plows & Chains arms & my Wearing
Apparell to be equally Divided among them: I likewise Constitute my loving Wife
Deborah Phinney & my Son Joseph Phinney to be Executors of this my last
Will & Testament & I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke & Disanull
all & every other former Wills by me in any Ways before Named willed &
bequeathed & Confirm & no Other to be my last Will & Testament. In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this ninth Day of
September – 1738.
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & his
Deliverd by ye. sd.
Jonathan Phinney as Jonathan J Phinney (seal)
his last Will & Testament In Presence of us mark
Philip Cannon Benjamn
Booth junr
Jacob X Smith his mark
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1738, and proved by Philip
Cannon, Benjamin Booth junr. and Jacob Smith, the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to Deborah Phinney ye. Wife and
Joseph Phinney ye. Son of ye. sd. Deceased,
Executors in the Same Will named.
Capt. Nathl. Southworth, Mr.
Thomas Nelson, and Mr. Benja. Booth, all of
Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Jonathan Phinney, late
of Middleborough, on 12 Oct. 1738. The Inventory, dated 18 Oct. 1738, totaled
£874.11.10, including his real estate valued at about £435. Deborah Phinney and
Joseph Phinney, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 6 Nov. 1738.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 7, p. 445-447, from FHL microfilm
#0550513.
Will of Joseph
Phinney of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1726) *
Know all men by these Presents That I Joseph Phinney of ye
town of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth in New England being at
this present time in health & of Sound & disposing memory & under
Standing: Blessed be God for ye Same: yet being Sensible of my own
morality: & knowing That it is appointed for all men once to dye: Do make
& ordain this to be last my Will & Testament To Remain firm &
Inviolable for Ever. Imprimis, I give & Bequeath unto my Loving Wife Esther
Phinney one Cow to be at Her own disposing: and my Will is That my said wife
Shall Have ye use & Improvement of all my Real Estate whatsoEver
during Her widdowhood and also that She Shall have ye use &
Improvement of all ye Rest of my Personal Estate during Her
widdowhood: Excepting ye five Shillings next mentioned. Item I give
& Bequeath unto my Son John Phinney five Shillings out of my moveable
Estate which together with ye Lott of Land whereon He dwells and ye
third Part of my meadow on Jones River: which sd Land & meadow I
have already given unto Him by deed of gift: my Will is That He Rest Satisfyed
therewith as His full Part & Portion of my Estate. Item, I give &
Bequeath unto my two Sons Joseph Phinney & Palatiah Phinney all my Real
Estate WhatsoEver to be Equally divided between them: Except what I have
formerly given to my Son John by Deed of gift as aforesaid; as also Reserving
unto their mother: ye use & Improvement of ye Sd
Real Estate during Her widdowhood as is above Expressed. Item, I give &
Bequeath unto my Said two Sons Joseph & Palatiah after their
mothers Marriage or decease all my Stock of Creatures Except ye
aforesaid Cow: and also I give unto my Said two Sons after their
Said mothers marriage or decease all my out doors moveable Estate WhatsoEver:
and whereas There is Three Pounds due to me from my aforesaid Son John Phinney,
by one bill under His Hand, my will is That five Shillings thereof be Paid unto
my daughter Alice Hamblin; and ye other twenty Shillings there of
unto my daughter Mary Hamblin; which together with what I have formerly given
them is their full Portion of my Estate and my will is that after ye
marriage or decease of my aforesaid wife my two daughters mercy Phinney &
Patience Phinney Shall Have all my Indoors moveable Estate whatsoEver to be
Equally divided between them and my Will is that my aforesaid Son John Phinney
Shall be Executor of this my Last Will & Testament thus Hoping that this my
Last Will & Testament will be kept & Performed according to ye
true Intent & meaning thereof: I comitt my Body to ye dust &
my Soul to God that gave it: In Wittness whereof I ye Sd
Joseph Phinney have here unto Sett my Hand & Seal this 27th day
of June one thousand Seven Hundred twenty Six.
Signed Sealed & declared by ye above named
Joseph Phinney to be His Last will and
Testament: In ye Presence of us
Samuel Briant Joseph Phinney (seal)
Isaac Waterman
Samuel Bryant Junr
Probated on 15 July 1726, and proved by Samuel Briant, Isaac
Waterman, and Samuel Briant Junr.
The Inventory of all the Estate both Reall & Personell of
Joseph Phinney, late of Plympton, was appraised by Isaac Cushman Junr.,
Richard Everson, and Samuel Briant on 28 July 1726, and totaled £262.10.6,
including his farm with the meadows and buildings lying on Jones River valued
at £186. John Phinney, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 23 Sept.
1726.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac Pinney of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1791) *
in the name of God amen this 27 Day of July AD
1791
I Isaac Pinney of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State
of Connecticut in america, being far advanced in Life but of a Sound and
perfect mind and memory Thanks be Given to God therefor, but Calling to mind
the mortallity of my body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
Die do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, first of all, I give
and Recommend my Sole into the hands of God who gave it, and my Body to the
Earth to be buried in Decant and Christian Buriel nothing Doubting but at the
general Reserection I Shall Receive the Same by the mighty power of God and as
touching Such worldly Estate as it has pleased God to bless me in this Life, I
Dispose of in the following manner ~~
Itim my will is that
(my Just Debts & funerel Charges be Paid out of my moveble Estate by my
Executer Here after namd—
Itim I Give and
Bequeath unto my well belovid wife Susanah Pinney all my moveble Estate to her
own Disposel for Ever, Except my oxen and my farming tolls which oxen and
farming tools, I Give to my Belovid Son Daniel Pinney~
I also Give unto my sd wife Susanah the Use and
improvment of all my Lands and Buldings so Long as She Shall Remain my wido
all in Lieu of her Dowr
Itim , and further my
will is that all my Real Estate left after my Sd wife Susanah has
Dun with it Shall be Devided among all my heirs as follows Viz
to my Loving son oliver Pinney one ninth Part~
to my Loving Son Isaac Pinney two ninths Partes~
to my Loving Son Danniel Piney three Ninths Partes~
to my Loving Daughter Susanah Richerdson Wife of Saml
Richerdson one Ninth part
to my Loving Daughter Lydia Alden wife of Zenas Alden one
Ninth Part, and one Ninth Part to to my Loving Daugher Sarah Edson wife to
Josiah Edson, to them their Heairs and assignes for Ever
and if any of my Children shall bring in any Debts against my
Estate Executrix as being Due against my Estate, my will is it be Paid
out of his or hir Legasey, I do Nominate and appoint my Loving wife Susanah
Pinney Executrix to Execute this my Last Will and Testament, and In testimony
Whareof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day & Year before
mentined, Signd Seald
pronounsed and Declared by the Sd Isaac Pinney to be his Last
will and testement, in Presents of
John Willard Isaac Pinney (seal)
Lydia Willard
Abigal Willard
Proved on 18 Oct. 1791 by Revd John Willard mis
Lydia Willard and Abigal Willard, the witnesses to the within Will.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 4, p. 10-11, from FHL microfilm #0005743.
Will of Isaac Pool of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the name of God Amen the Eighth Day of Septr
1758 I Isaac Pool of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New England being
of a Sound & Disposeing Minde and Memory Thanks be given to the great god
for it Calling to minde ye. mortallity of My bodey and Knowing that
it is appointed unto all men onc To Die I Do make and ordain this my Last will
& Testament that is To Say principally and first of all I give &
Recommend my Sole unto the hands of God who Gave it and my bodey I Recommend I
Recommend to the Earth to be buried with Cristian decent Burial at the
Descresion of My Exectx. hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the
Resurrection I Shall Receve the Same again by the Power of God all mighty and
as Touching Such worldly Estate where with it has pleased god To bless me in
this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the Same in the following Manner and
forme – that is To Say
1st. It is My will that all my Debts an Funeral
Charges be well & Truly Paid in Convenient after my Decease
2dly I give and Bequeth unto my weell beloved wife
Bethiah the Improvment of all my Estate During her nauteral Life I Give unto
hir all my Indore Moveable Estate and all My Live Stok and all my out Door
moveables of Every Sort and Kinde her & her heirs and Asignes for Ever.
3dly I give & bequeth To the Children of my
well beloved Son Isaac Pool Deceased five Shillings to be Equally Devided
amongst them
4hly. I give To my weel beloved Son Joseph Pool
five Shillings
5hly. I give to my well beloved Daughter Hannah
Pain in Providence five Shillings
6hly I Give To my weel beloved Mary Cook in
Providence five pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence to be Paid out of My
Moveble Estate
7ly. I Give To My weel beloved Daughter Mercy Pool
& Sarah Pool and To my grand Son John Pool all my home farme to be Equally
Devided between them uppon ye. Decease of My wife but My will and
Pleasure is that my Two Daughters Mercy & Sarah Pooll Should have the
Improvement of what I have given To my gran Son John Pooll Til he Comes to the
age of Twenty one years in Cace my well beloved wife Should die before that
Time and if he Said John Pooll Die before the age of 21 years all that I have
given To him I give To my two Daughters Mercy & Sarah Pooll to be Equally
Devided betwee them this and all that I have Given them is To them their heirs
and asignes forever finally I Constitute appoint my weell beloved wife Bethiah
Poole Executrix of this my Last will & Testament & I hereby Ratifye
hold & Confirm this & no other to be my last will & Tetament and
Disallowing all other wills before this Time by me made in Testimony whereof or
in witnes whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day and year above
written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Delivd
by the Said Isaac Pool as his Last will Isaac Pooll (seal)
and Testament in Presence of us
William Hudson
Isaac Washbourn
Hezekiah Hooper
Presented for probate on 2 July 1759 by the Executrix within
named, and proved by Isaac Washbourn and Hezekiah Hooper, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to the widdow Bethiah Poole, the
Executrix, on 2 July 1759.
The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac Pool late of Bridgwater
yeoman, was appraised on 29 Aug. 1759 by
Ebenezer Whitman, Cornelius Washburn and Jacob Hayward, and
totaled £380.19.8, including his homestead with buildings valued at £293.6.8.
Bethiah Pool, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 13 Oct. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 237-237½, from FHL microfilm
#0551543, and Vol. 16, p. 18-19.
Will of Thomas Pope
of Dartmouth, Colony of New Plymouth (1683) *
July the 9th 1683
The Last Will and Testament of Thomas Pope being aged and
weake of body But yett in prfect understanding and Memory wherin I
have of my estate as followeth; I Give unto my son Seth as an adition to what I
have formerly given him ten shillings in Mony alsoe I give unto my Grand son
Thomas Pope all that my twenty five acrees of upland and two acrees of Meddow
Lying and being on the west syde of Acushenett River be it more or lesse, and
it is my desire that his father may take the said Land into his hands, and make
the best Improvement of it that hee can for the good of my said Grand son
untell hee comes of age to Make up of it himself; alsoe it is my mind that my
son Seth shall in consideration of the aforesaid Land pay three pound sterling
unto my Grand son Jacob Michell when hee Comes to age of twenty one yeares of
alsoe I give unto my Daughter Deborah Pope five pound in Mony and to each of my
other Daughters five pound a peece in Mony alsoe my meddow Lying att the south
Meddowes in Plymouth or the vallue of it I give to be equally devided amongst
all My Sones and Daughters; alsoe I give and bequeath unto my Son Isack all my
seat of Land where I now dwell with all the Meddowes belonging thereunto and
all the privilidges thereunto belonging To him his heires and assignes forever;
But an if it should please God that hee should Decease without an heire before
hee comes to the age of twenty and one yeares then my said seat of Lands shall
belonge unto the sonnes of my son Seth, alsoe I give unto my son Isack all my houseing
and houshold Goods of all sorts alsoe all my Cattle, and horse kind and swine;
alsoe all sorts of Provisions alsoe Cows and plowes with all the takeling
belonging unto them alsoe I Give unto my Son Isack all my mony except that
which I have Given to my Daughters and I order my said Son Isack to pay all my
Just Dues and to Receive all my Debts that are Due unto mee alsoe I order my
Indian Lydia to live with my Son Isack untill he is one and twenty years of age
and my Indian Gerle I Give to him During his life alsoe it is my mind and will
that my Son Isack shall mak Noe conveyance without the Consent of his
overseers; untill he be twenty yeares of age, I have made Choice of John Cook
and My son Seth and Thomas Tabor to be for overseers, To see this My will prformed
Signed
Signed and sealed in presence Thomas
Pope his T Mark
of John Cook
and Thomas Tabor;
Agust The 4th: 1683
A true Inventory of the Lands goods and Chattles of Thomas
Pope of the Towne of Dartmouth Late Deceased,
[Total £204.0.0, including his housing and the seat of Land
belonging thereunto valued at £100, his 25 acres of upland and 2 acres of
meadow lying on the west side of Cushenett River valued at £10, and his 7 acres
of upland and 7 acres of meadow at Plymouth valued at £20.]
Taken by us the Day & year above written
Thomas Tabor
Arthur hathaway
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Powell of Westbury, Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen the Last Will and Testament of Thomas
Powell Senr late of Bethphage now of Westbury in the Limits of
Hampstead in Queens County of Nassau Island in the Colony of New York Whereas
the Certainty of Mortallity is before me and the uncertainty when the time of
My Desolution shall come and now being Indiferent in Health and perfect Memory
do hereby Make Ordain and Appoint this my Last Will and Testament for the
Disposeing of what is Disposeable by me and in order thereunto I do in the first
place give and Bequeath my Soul to God my Maker from whom I have Received Mercy
and hope and beleive I ever shall as Keep in his fear and Stand in his Councell
through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour who Suffered the Shamefull Death of
the Cross without the Gates of Jerusalem and Ascended upon high and Led
Captivity Captive and hath given Gifts unto Men for the Edifying of the Body
his Church for the perfecting the Saints Among whom my Lott is fallen as well
to beleive in his Gift as to Receive it so that by the prevailing of the Gift
the giver working with it (I come to Know his Righteousness imparted as well as
Imputed to me And in a sence thereof my Soul doth praise the Lord Jehovah who
with his Glory Enlightens his Holy City the Lamb is the light thereof And the
Nations of them that are saved shall walk in the light thereof so that by the
Revelation of the Son of God in my inward parts which is Manifested by the
Light for whatsoever makes Manifest is light I come to Witness the light of the
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ, but we have this
Treasure in our Earthen Vessells that the Excellency of the power may be of God
And not of use And With the Holy Apostle Paul to Witness that God who Commanded
the light to Shine out of Darkness to shine in our hearts Secondly I Give my
Body to the Earth from whence it was taken to be Buried in Decent Manner at
Discretion of my Executors herein After named and as to my Outward Estate after
all my Just Debts are paid I Do Dispose of as followeth Imprimis I Will and
Bequeath unto my Son Thomas Powell and to his heirs and Assigns for ever Twenty
Acres of plain Land that I bought of John Wascoat and all the other Land and
Right of Land that I have Given him Deeds of Gift for I Will and Bequeath unto
my Daughter Abigail Willits one wainscoat Chest and a Box of Small Drawers that
was her Mothers together with what other things she hath already had I Will and
Bequeath unto my Sons John Powell and Jonas Powell and Caleb Powell and Wait
Powell and Elisha Powell to them and to their heirs and Assigns forever all the
Lands and Rights of Land and Meadow as is particularly Mentioned in their
Several Deeds of Gifts for the same I Will and Bequeath unto my Son Caleb
Powell and unto my Son Elisha Powell and to their heirs and Assigns forever the
Equall two third parts of my said Lot of Meadow of Meadow lying on the
great Neck at Huntington South lying on the West side of the third part of said
Lot of Meadow that I sold to my Son Thomas Powell to be Equally Divided between
them or their heirs and Assigns forever and Bequeath unto my Youngest Son
Solomon Powell the Sum of Two Hundred pounds Currant Lawfull Money of New York
to be paid unto him When he shall arrive to the age of one and Twenty Years of
Age or shall have some Lawfull Issue begotten By his own Body or Which of them
shall first happen but if my Son Solomon Powell happen to Dye before he arrive
at one and Twenty Years of Age and have no lawfull Issue Begotten by his own
Body Then the Abovesaid Two Hundred pounds shall be the Equall two third parts
thereof Divided between all my Daughters that I have now living and the
Children of my Deceased Daughter Elizabeth Titus to have one Equall Share
Divided amongst them and all my Daughters to have and Equall Share & Share
alike and if my Daughter Abigal Willits shall Dye before my Son Solomon Powell
and my Son Solomon before he arrive at one and Twenty Years of Age or have any
Lawfull Issue her part and Share of said Money shall be Equally Divided amongst
all her Children and Whereas the said Two Hundred pounds Bequeathed unto my Son
Solomon and in case of his Decease before he arriveth at the Age of one and
Twenty Years or without Lawfull Issue the Equall two third parts thereof
Bequeathed to All my Daughters is now due in the hands of my Son Thomas Powell
My Will is that all the Mean profits and Rents thereof shall also be Equally
Divided as the said Two third parts of The Two Hundred pounds Allowing to my
Executors all their Just Charges About the Executing of this my Will and in
case my Son live to the Age to Receive his portion Abovesaid he shall also have
all the mean profits and Rents thereof Allowing the Charges of the Executors as
abovesaid I Will and Bequeath in case my Son Solomon Dye Without Lawfull Issue
or before he be one and Twenty Years Old the Equall one third part of the Two
Hundred pounds Bequeathed to him to be Equally Divided between all my Sons (Vizt)
my Son Thomas Powell and my Son John Powell and my Son Jonas Powell and my Son
Caleb Powell and my Son Wait Powell and my Son Elisha Powell and in case of any
of their Decease to their heirs and Also the Mean profits and Rents thereof as
abovesaid I Will unto them I Will and Bequeath unto Samuel Titus the Sum of one
pound and Ten Shillings Currant Money of New York in full for the Remaining
part of his Wifes portion I Will and Bequeath unto my Two Youngest Daughters
Sarah Powell and Amey Powell my Bed and Bedding And furniture belonging unto it
I Will and Bequeath unto my Son Elisha Powell All my Apparell and Wearing
Cloaths and all the Remaining part of my Estate in Money Goods and Chattells
after my Just Debts are paid shall be Equally Divided amongst my Six Youngest
Daughters Vizt my Daughters Mercy Powell and and my Daughter Sarah
Powell Pheeby Willis and my Daughter Rachell Willits and my Daughter Mercy
Powell and my Daughter Sarah Powell and My Daughter Amey Powell I do hereby
Constitute Authorize Appoint and Ordain my Loving Brother Thomas Townsend and
my Trusty and Loving Friend Benjamin Seaman and my Two Sons in Law William
Willis and Henry Willis to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament And
I do hereby Disallow Revoke and Disannull all and every other and Former
Testaments Wills Legacies Bequests and Executors by me in any wise before this
named Willed and Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my
Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal
this Third Day of the first Month One Thousand Seven Hundred and Nineteen
Twenty the word (whom) and the words (The Equall two thirds thereof Bequeathed)
Interlined before Signing and Sealing thereof
Thomas Powell (seal)
Signed Sealed published and Declared by the said Thomas
Powell as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers
Nathaniel Seaman
Silas Titus
John Willis
Jacob Willis
William Willis
Letters of Administration granted to Thomas Townsend,
Benjamin Seaman, William Willis and Henry Willis, the Executors, on 27 Dec.
1722.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Powell of Bethpage, Oyster Bay,
The
Last Will and Testament of Thomas Powell of Bethpage in the Township of Oyster
bay in Queens County made the Sixteenth day of the ninth month called November
And in the Year of our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred & thirty
& one revoking whatsoever formerly by me made And this being my Last Will
& Testament I being weak of body but perfect in mind & Memory I being
willing to dispose of my outward Estate as followeth
And
my will is that all my Just Debts shall be well and truly paid as I Shall
hereafter appoint by my Executors hereafter named
Item
in the first place I Give & bequeath to my Wellbeloved Wife Mary Powell My
Dwelling house & the use and profitts of one third part of all my Lands and
Meadows every where And my will is that My Wife Shall have half my moveable
Estate in the House & one third part of my moveables without Doors Except
my Carts & ploughs & Tackling belonging to them And my Smiths tools
& My Will is that my wife shall keep them untill such a time Youngest Son
Isaac Powell shall come to the Age of twenty years then to return to all my
Sons Equally Amongst them
And
my Will that my Son, Thomas Powell Shall have four Acres of Land and Housen
that Stands upon it my Fathers Homested more than any of the rest of my sons
Meaning the four Acres of Land with the Housen & Orchard to him his heirs
and assigns forever
And
I Give all the rest of my Land & Meadows both Salt & Fresh to my Seven
Sons Namen my Son Thomas Powell and Wait Powell And Amos Powell and Moses
Powell & Richard Powell & Joshua Powell & Isaac Powell to be
Equally divided Amongst them to them their heirs and Assigns forever
And
if either of my Sons dye without Children or before they come to take their
part into possession it Shall be that their part Shall be Equally divided
Amongst the Surviving Sons
In
the next place I Give unto my Six Daughter by Name Abigail Hallick the of Peter
Hallick And Mary Prior the wife of Samuel Prior And Elizabeth Powell And Hannah
Powell & Martha Powell & Deborah Powell the one half of all my moveable
Estate that that is not already disposed of & So two thirds of my Moveable
without Doors what is not already disposed to them their heirs & Assigns
forever
And
in case any of my Daughters dye without Issue before they are in the possession
of portion it shall be Equally Divided amongst my Surviving Daughters
My
Will is if She Marry again that she shall have the half of the Indoors
Moveables & one third of the outdoor Moveable to her for her own disposal
I
do constitute And appoint my Son Thomas Powell And my Son Wait Powell And my
Brother Wait Powell And my Wife Mary Powell All to be my Executors hoping they
will this my Will Executed according as it is the Intent of it
And
Lastly I desire my Brothers in law
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & Year first
above written before Signing and Sealing my will is that my Executors Shall
have full power to sell Land Where they think best for to pay the debts and
their Deed or Deeds shall be Good
Thomas Powell (seal)
Signed Sealed published & declared this My Last Will and
Testamt. in the presence of the Subscribers
John Whittson
David Whitson
Henry Whitson
Letters of Administration on the Estate of Thomas Powell
granted to two of his sons, Thomas Powell and Wait Powell, and to Wait Powell,
his brother, and to Mary Powell, the widow of the deceased, on 18 Apr. 1732.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Powell of Bethpage, Oyster Bay,
I Thomas Powell of Bethphage in the Township of Oysterbay in
Queens County on Nassau Island Yeoman being this second day of the second month
called February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
fifty-five much indisposed of Body but of perfect mind and memory Do make and
ordain this writing to be my last Will and Testament in manner following –
First – I order that my debts and other Incidental Charges about my Estate
shall be fully paid out of my moveable Estate in some reasonable time after my
decease – Item – I will and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Abigail Powell
the Issues and profits of the one third part of all my Lands and meadows
wheresoever for her support and the East dwelling House that I dwell in all for
her to use during the time she remains my widow – Item – I will unto my son
Samuel Powell his heirs and assigns forever the Lot of Land that I bought of
Caleb Powell which was John Powells – Item – I will and bequeath unto my son
Thomas Powell his heirs and assigns twenty acres of my Land before a Division
be made in general amongst my sons Item – I will & bequeath unto my son
Joshua Powell his heirs and assigns forever Ten acres out of my Lands before a
Division be made – Item – I will that my son Samuel his heirs & assigns
shall have five acres of my Land before a Division – Item – I will that after
my son Samuel has five Acres of Land my son Thomas twenty Acres my son Joshua
Ten acres of Land that that then all the remainder part of my houses Lands
Rights of Lands, and Meadows whatsoever and wheresoever shall be Equally
divided amongst my Eight sons Viz’: Samuel, Thomas, Joshua, Joseph, Elisha,
Amos, Israel and Jesse and to remain unto them In severalty their heirs and
assigns forever so to be understood as not to Infringe or debar my wife from
her priviledge of my House Lands and Meadows above mentioned to her during her
widowhood And I do hereby fully and absolutely Impower my Executors or such of
them that shall Execute this my will to make a full and Clear Division of my
Lands amongst all my Sons In quality according to the above devise as they
shall Judge equal and Just and the division so made by my Executors or such of
them that shall so qualifie as aforesaid shall be good Stable and authentick to
my Sons and to each of them in fee simple in as full a manner as if I had don
it my self in my Life time to all Intents and purposes whatsoever and my Will
is after my Debts are fully paid and other Charges accrewing about my Estate
that the remainder part of my moveable Estate to be divided thus my wife to
have the Indian Girl named Roda during her Widowhood and then my Daughter Mary
Powell to have the said Indian Girl to her Disposal I also will unto my
Daughter Mary Powell so much out of my moveable Estate as will make her portion
equall with one of my two Daughters or what each of my two Daughters has had
that are married. Then my will is that my wife shall have the one Equall third
part of the remainder of my moveable Estate and the other two thirds to be
Equally divid amongst my three Daughters – Elizabeth Post, Ruth Mott and Mary
Powell to their free disposall and my will is that what I have above given to
my wife shall be taken and Esteemed in lieu of her Right of Dower and not
otherwise And my will is further that my Executors shall be Tutors and
Guardians to all my Children under age and shall have full power to put and
bind my three youngest Sons out to Trades according to their Inclinations and
furthermore to explain my will in respect what I have given my son Samuel which
is thus the Lott above mentioned which I bought of Caleb Powell is to be
reconed as part of his portion (to be equall with the common division amongst
my Sons only the five acres to be taken out first before the common division is
made aforesaid) Lastly – I do Constitute
ordain and appoynt my Brother Isaac Powell my Brother in Law John Whitson and
my Cousin Richard Willets of Islip to be my Executors of this my last Will and
Testament impowering them or any of them to execute this my last Will and testament
and every article Clause and Condition above expressed and further to make a
division with the rest of the proprietors of Bethphage and to take what Land
that falls to my right and to give releases when the division is finished to
the other proprietors as fully as I could myself in my life time if I were
personally present.
In witness hereunto I have set to my hand and fixed my seal
the day and date above expressed.
Thomas Powell (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
Thomas Powell as and for his last Will and testament in the presence of the
subscribers which subscribed as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Mary Powell
Henry Whitson
Samuel Willis
Probated on 28 May 1757, and proved by Samuel Willis, a known
Quaker, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Isaac Powell
and John Whitson, two of the Executors, on 22 July 1757.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Pratt of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In The Name of God
Amen. the thirtyfirst day of December 1753. I Benjamin Pratt of Bridgwater in
the County of Plimouth in New-england yeoman being now of a disposing mind and
memory thanks be given to God yet calling to mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my
last will and Testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and
recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body I recommend
to the earth to be buried in a decent christian Burial at the discression of my
executor hereafter named nothing doubting but at the resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the power of God almighty and as touching such
worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give
demise and dispose of the same in the following manner & form that is to
say
1. ‘Tis my will that all my debts & Funeral Charges be
well & truly paid in convenient Time after my decease 2. .
. .
2. I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah all my
indoor Houshold stuff of every sort & kind two Cows, and one Horse, to be
her,s forever, and for improvement one third part of all my land and half my
dwelling house the east part of it, and half the Cellar and Well and order my
Executor hereafter named to provide a sufficiency of fire wood for her at the
Door fitt for the fire & all this while she remains my Widdow.
3. I give and bequeath to My well beloved Son Benjamin
besides what I have already given him five shillings & no more.
4. I give and bequeath to my two grand daughters Sarah and
Abigail the daughters of my well beloved Son Nathan decd. besides
what I gave him five shillings and no more.
5. I give and bequeath to my well beloved Son John one part
of my Homestead begining at the river the north side of the land that was Capt.
woodwards running by the land that was Capt. woodwards when he
decease,d to the head of his hundred Acre lot then running north eighty Rod and
from thence to a strait line to the river eighty rod above the bounds first
mentioned with all my Buildings upon the same –
6. I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughters Bethiah
and Susannah thirteen pounds six shillings & eight pence each to be paid
them out of moveable Estate not above disposed of when they shall come to the
age of eighteen years.
7. I give and bequeath to my well beloved daughters Silence,
Ann, Bethiah, & Susannah, all my lands and all my moveable estate not above
disposed of to be equally divided among them the six and twenty pounds thirteen
shillings & four pence Above mentioned to Bethiah and Susannah to be first
taken out of my moveable Estate.
8. Finally I constitute and appoint my well beloved Son John,
sole Executor of this my last will and Testament and do hereby ratifie and
confirm this & no Other to be my last will & Testament and disallowing
all other wills before this time by me made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & seal the day & year
before written.
Signed Sealed published and pronounced
& declared by the said Benjamin Pratt Benjamin Pratt (seal)
as his last Will and Testament in
Presence of us.
Benjamin Willis
Josiah Leonard
Jabez King
Presented for probate on 2 Aug. 1762 by John Pratt, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benja. Willis and Jabez King,
two of the witnesses. Administration was granted to John Pratt, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Benja. Pratt, late
of Bridgwater, Yeoman, was appraised on 17 Aug. 1762 by Benja.
Willis Jur., Jacob Hayward, and Daniel Snell, and totaled about
£601, including the land with the buildings thereon which was given to John
Pratt valued at £400, and the lands given to Silence, Ann, Bethiah and Susannah
valued at £126. John Pratt, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6
Sept. 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 335-336, 386, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of David Pratt of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In the name of God amen. I David Pratt of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts knowing that it is
appointed for all Men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and
Testament and firstly I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God who
gave it and my Body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executrix, firmly believing that Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life
& that therefore though I die yet shall I live and receive my Body again at
the general Resurrection by the mighty Power of God & as touching such
worldly Estate with which God hath been pleased to bless me in this Life, I do
hereby given and dispose thereof in Manner following viz –
Imprs. I give and bequeath unto Phebe my well
beloved Wife the Improvement of all my Real Estate untill my Son David arrives
to the Age of twenty one Years and after that one half of the Improvement,
untill my Son Isaac shall arrive to the Years of twenty one, & after that
time she shall have one third part of the Improvement of my Real Estate,
together with the Improvement of one Room in my House one half of the Cellar
one Bed & Furniture, one Cow & one third part of my indoor Moveables,
all the above to be for her use, so long as she remains my widow & no
longer. & I do hereby constitute make, & ordain my well beloved Wife
Phebe Pratt my sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament & I do
hereby order & direct my Executrix to pay all my just debts & funeral
Charges out of my quick Stock, but if that should not be sufficient, then the
remainder to be taken out of my real Estate –
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Pratt the
wife of Joshua Pratt one Dollar, this together with what she has already had, I
judge to be her full share out of my Estate. –
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Oliver Pratt one Dollar,
this together with what he has already had I judge to be his full share out of
my Estate. –
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Jeremiah Pratt Fifty
Dollars to be paid the one half by my Son David, and the other half by my Son
Isaac in one year after my Son Isaac arrives to the Years of twenty one. –
Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Allen Pratt one Dollar,
which together with what he has already had I judge to be his full share out of
my Estate –
Item I give and bequeath unto my two Sons David & Isaac
all my Real & personal Estate to be equally divided betwixt them after my
just Debts and Legacies are paid ~~
And I do hereby ratify and confirm this & no other to be
my last Will & Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& seal this ninth day of March in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven
hundred & Ninety six –
The above named David Pratt signed, sealed
and declared the before & above written Instrument
to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us
Nathan
Dawes junr. David Pratt (seal)
Jacob
Dawes
Simeon
Gannett
Presented for probate on 5 Feb. 1810 by Phebe Pratt, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Jacob Dawes and Simeon Gannett, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Phebe Pratt, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 121-122, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Eleazer Pratt
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen.—I Eleazer Pratt of Middleborough in the county of
Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being far advanced in
life, and labouring under infirmities of body, but of a sound and disposing
mind & memory, blessed be God for the same, wherefore calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make & ordain this to be my last will & testament, to remain firm
and inviolable forever, principally & first of all I give my soul to God
that gave it and my body I recommend to the dust, to be buried in a christian
decent burial at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing
doubting but that I shall recieve the same again at the general resurrection,
by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it
hath pleased almighty God to bless me with, I do dispose of the same in the
following manner & form vizt
Imprimis—I
Give and bequeath to my true & well beloved wife Hannah Pratt as her right
of dower & power of thirds in my estate, yearly & every year, during
her natural life, the use & improvement of all my indoor moveable estate
except my desk, & also one good cow, well kept on my farm for her use, both
winter & summer, and also the use of so much of my dwelling house, as she
shall need for her use in that part that she shall best like, & also seven
bushels of Corn & three bushels of Rye & one hundred pounds of good
pork & fifty pounds of good beef, yearly, and also fire wood sufficient for
her own use at her door fitted for her fire, and also all other necessaries
suitable for her support in sickness & in health, including Doctors bills,
nursing teas sweetning, cloathing, Sauce & every other necessary article to
be provided & delivered to her as I shall hereafter in this my last will
order—
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my Son Kimbal Pratt & to his heirs and assigns
forever, that part of my Homestead Farm lying in said Middlebo,
which I bought of John Leonard, and also one half of my Interest in Lands &
mills in Dartmouth in the County of Bristol in sd Comonwealth,
together with one half of the privileges & appurtenances thereunto
belonging, and also one half part of all my out door moveable estate, always
reserving & hereby ordering my said son Kimbal and his heirs & assigns
forever to provide & deliver to my said wife the one half part of all, each
& every article that I have by this my last will given to my said beloved
wife, according to the true intent & meaning of the same in every
particular, as I have expressed it in this my last will, Furthermore I hereby
order & direct my said son Kimbal to pay to my Daughter Susanna Macumber or
to her heirs, the sum of Fifty good silver Dollars, after the note of silver at
six shillings & eight pence to the ounce, in one year after my decease, I
also order him to pay to my Daughter Hannah Barden or to her heirs in one year
after my decease Fifty Dollars of like money as aforesaid, I also order him to
pay to my Daughter Lucy Leonard or to her heirs, in one year after my decease
Fifty Dollars of money of like value as aforesaid. I Further give to my said
son Kimbal & to his heirs & assigns the one half of all debts due to me
& the one half of all my money on hand at my decease, and do hereby order
him to pay the one half of my just debts, Funeral charges, and to be at one
half of the expence of settling my estate. I also give to my said son Kimball
one half of my wearing apparell
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my Son Paul Pratt & to his heirs forever, that part
of my homestead farm which I bought of Elnathan Wood, with the buildings
thereon, and also one half of my Interest of Lands & mills in the town of
Dartmouth in the county of Bristol in said Commonwealth, together with one half
of the privileges & appurtenances thereunto belonging, and also one half
part of my out door moveable estate, always reserving to, and I do hereby order
my said son Paul Pratt & his heirs & assigns forever, to provide for
and to deliver to my said beloved wife, the one half part of all, each &
every article that I have by this my last will given to my said wife, in every
particular according to the true intent & meaning of the same in every
particular, as I have expressed it in this my last will, & Furthermore I
hereby order & direct my said son Paul to pay to my Daughter Susanna
Macumber or to her heirs in one year after my decease Fifty good silver
Dollars, of the value that I have described in this my last will. I also order
my said son Paul to pay to my Daughter Hannah Barden or to her heirs Fifty
silver Dollars of the value aforesaid in one year after my decease. I also
hereby order my said son Paul to pay to my Daughter Lucy Leonard Fifty Dollars
of the aforesaid value in one year next after my decease, I further give to my
said son Paul Pratt & to his heirs & assigns forever, the one half part
of all the debts that shall be due to me at my decease, & the one half of
all my moneys on hand, my desk & one half of my wearing apparell, and I
hereby order him my said son Paul to pay one half of my just debts, one half of
my funeral charges & one half of the expence of settling my Estate
Item—I
Give and bequeath to each of my three Daughters vizt—Susanna
Macumber, Hannah Barden & Lucy Leonard & to their Heirs & assigns
Forever one Hundred Silver Dollars of the value of silver at six shillings
& eight pence pr oz. to be paid to them or their heirs in one
year after my decease, by my two afore named sons as I have afore directed in
this my last will. I also give to my said Daughters to be equally divided
between them or their Heirs, all of the personal estate that I have given the
use of to my said beloved wife, after her decease,—I further order and hereby
declare my will to be, that if in case any of my afore-named children should
bring in any demands against my estate for any Labour that they have done for
me since they arrived to the age of freedom, that the same sum being allowed
should be deducted from their shares given them by this my Last
will.—Furthermore my will is & I do hereby order my son Paul Pratt to
improve that part of my estate that I have by this will given to my son Kimbal
untill he shall return after my decease & take possession of it himself. I
also order my said Son Paul to pay to my said wife & Daughters the same
sums that my said son Kimball is to do, as directed in this will, if he shall
not return seasonable to do it himself, and to charge for what he pays & to
Credit for his improvements & equitably to settle the same with my son
Kimball, if he should ever return, but if he my said son Kimbal should never
return to take possession of the property that I by this will have given him,
then my will is, and I hereby order that my said son Paul Pratt & his heirs
& assigns forever should own & enjoy all of the afore described
property that I have given to my said son Kimbal by his my said son Paul’s
paying all of the several sums that I have in this my last will ordered my son
Kimbal to pay
Lastly—my
will is, and I do hereby appoint my two aforenamed sons Kimbal Pratt & Paul
Pratt Sole Executors to this my Last will & testament and I do hereby
revoke & disannul all former wills made by me & establish this to be my
last will & testament, hoping that the same may be kept & performed
according to the true intent & meaning of the same. In witness whereof I
the said Eleazer Pratt do hereunto Set my hand & Seal this second day of
April in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & ninety one
Signed, Sealed, Delivered,
Published, pro-
nounced, declared & delivered
in the Eleazer Pratt (seal)
presence of us
Edmund
Weston
Micah
Bryant
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 3 Nov.
1795 by Kimball Pratt & Paul Pratt, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Edmund Weston & Isaac Thomson, two of the witnesses.
The receipt of Henry Macumber of
Taunton, cooper, and Susanna his wife, to Kimball Pratt & Paul Pratt,
Executors of the will of our Hond father Eleazer Pratt, late of
Middleborough, deceased, for the sum of thirty seven pounds lawful money in
full of the legacy given to us…dated 2 July 1795.
The receipt of Hannah Barden of
Dartmouth, who was the wife to Nathan Barden, late of Freetown, who hath been
absent from me for more than five years & hath not since that time made any
provision for my support, and I have heard nothing from him for several years
Last past and do no know but he is dead, to Kimbal Pratt & Paul Pratt,
Executors of the will of my Hond father Eleazer Pratt, late of
Middleborough, deceased, for the sum of thirty seven pounds, which is in full
of what was given to me by my said father…dated 2 July 1795.
The receipt of Henry Leonard of
Middleborough, Husbandman, & Lucy Leonard his wife, to Kimball Pratt &
Paul Pratt, Executors of the Last will & testament of our Hond
father Eleazer Pratt, late of Middlebo, deceased, for thirty seven
pounds in full of the legacy given to the said Lucy by the said deceased…dated
3 July 1795.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Hannah Pratt of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
The 30th. day of June 1764, I Hannah Pratt of
Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in New England Spinster &– being very
weak in body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God –
Therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is
appointed for all man once to die do make & ordain this my last will &
Testament (that is to say) principally & first of all I give and recommend
my Soul into the hands of God that gave it & my Body I recommend to the
earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named in decent
Christian Burial nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God & as touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form. —
Imprimis. I give & bequeath to my eldest Brother Joseph
five shillgs.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Brother Jonathan five shillgs.
Item. I give to my Brother Job five shillings. ~
I give to the heirs of my Sister Lidia five shillings –
Item. I give & bequeath to Hannah Curtis the Daughter of
Edward & Abigail Curtis) my best Feather bed with the Furniture thereof to
be delivered to her by my Executor when she arrives to the age of eighteen
years & also my best suit of Cloaths & Gold Necklace & Stone
Jewels, & one Gold Ring and Bible. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my sister Thabitha Hayward my
other feather bed & furniture & Chest of Draws & tea Table &
Silver Shoe Buckles & Gold Ring.
And of the remainder that my debts shall be paid out of what
is left & after all my debts are paid the remainder to be equally divided
among all my Sisters which are now living. I likewise constitute & appoint
my Brother & Law Seth Hayward my sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament & confirm this my last will & Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & Seal the day & year above written. — Hannah Pratt (seal)
Signed Sealed & pronounced by the
said Hannah Pratt as her last Will &
Testament in the Presence of us
the Subscribers.—
Seth
Pratt
John
Davenport
Joseph
Washburn Junr.
Presented for probate on 8 Oct. 1764 by Seth Hayward, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Seth Pratt and Joseph Washburne Junr.,
two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Hannah Pratt, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 15 Oct. 1764 by Jacob Hayward, Seth Pratt, and
Joseph Washburne Jr., and totaled £107.15.8, included notes against Joseph
Washburne Jr., Jacob Hayward, Jeremiah Washburn, and Jonathan Pratt. Seth
Hayward, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 13 Oct. 1767.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, pp. 114-115, 546, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of John Pratt
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1730) *
In the Name of God Amen. I John Pratt of Plimton in the
County of Plymouth in New-England, Yeoman being Sick of Body but of sound &
disposing Memory Thanks be given unto God for the same; but calling to Mind the
Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to dy
do Make & Ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner and Form
following That is to Say My Soul I Give unto God that gave it My Body I Commit
to the Earth to be decently interred at the Discretion of my Executr
hereafter named Nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
recieve the Same again by the Almighty Power of God ) And as for Such worldly
Goods as it hath pleased God to bless Me withall in this Life I Dispose of as
follows – My just Debts & Funeral charges being first paid—
Imprims I Give unto my Wife Margaret Pratt the
Sole Improvement of my Whole Estate during her Life Excepting Such Lands as
that I have already given unto my Son Thomas Pratt by one Deed of Gift bearing
date before this present Will and also Excepting Such Lands as I shall give
unto my Son John Pratt & unto the Children of my Son Ebenezer Pratt in this
present Will. — —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto unto my
loving Son John Pratt the one half of my Land lying upon South Meadow Plain so
called in the Township of Plimton aforesd. I Give it unto him his
Heirs & assigns forever as a farther addition to what I have already given
him as by One Deed of Gift as on Record may appear —
Itm My Will is that after my Wifes Decease
that then my loving Son Thomas Pratt shall have my Housing uplands & Meadow
Lands and Cedar Swamps Excepting Such Lands as I shall hereafter give unto the
Children of my loving Son Ebenezer Pratt deceasd. I do Give it unto
my Son Thomas Pratt & unto his Heirs and assigns forever And father I Give
unto my Son Thomas Pratt my arms Together with my farming Utensils wch.
sd. Housing Lands & Meadows I Give unto my sd Son
Thomas Pratt with the Debts owing to me Provided he shall faithfully pay all my
just Debts & funeral Charges —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto the Children
of my loving Son Ebenezer Pratt deceased the other Half of my Lands lying on
South Meadow Plain abovesd. I Give it to them their Heirs and assigns
forever equally to be divided amongst them I having heretofore Given unto my sd
Son Ebenezer Pratt his full Proportion of my Estate —
Itm I Give & Bequeath unto my four
Daughters Namely Joanna the Wife of John Cushman and Margaret the Wife of
Richard Dwelley & Patience the Wife of Jabez Eddy & Mehetabel the Wife
of Jabez Pratt as a farther addition to what I have already given them All my
within door Moveables to be equally divided amongst them that is to Say after
my Wifes decease always Excepting my Wearing apparrell
Itm I Give unto my sd Son John
Pratt ye one half of my Wearing Apparrell—
Itm I Give unto my sd Son Thomas
Pratt the Other Half of my Wearing Apparrell Together with my Neat Cattel Sheep
Horse hine & Swine that is to Say after my Wifes Decease—
Lastly I Nominate & appoint my loving Son Thomas Pratt
abovesd to be the Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament
Hereby Revoking & disallowing all other and former Wills by Me made either
by Word of mouth or in Writing & Establishing this my last Will &
Testament in Manner & form as is before Expressed. In Witness whereof I the
aforesd John Pratt have hereunto Set my hand & seal the twenty
third day of May in ye Year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred
& thirty — 1730 —
Signed Sealed Published & Declared as Memorandm
the Words (With ye Debts
his last Will & Testament by ye aforesd owing
to me) were Interlined before ye
John Pratt In Presence of us Signing
& Sealing of this present Will
Jeduthun Robbins
Abel Crocker John Pratt (Seal)
Joseph
Lucas
March the 5: 1730/31 The above named Jeduthun Robbins, Abel
Crocker & Joseph Lucas made oath that they Saw the Above name John Pratt
Sign Seal & heard him declare this Instrument to be his last Will and
Testament and that they at ye Same time in the Presence of the sd
Testator set to their hands as Witnesses and that according to the best of
their observation he then was of a sound & disposing Mind and Memory Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The Inventory of the Estate of John Pratt, late of Plympton,
was appraised by Joseph Lucas, Jeduthan Robbins, and Abell Crocker on 18 May
1731, his real estate totaling £290.6.0, including his housing, lands and
meadows appertaining to his homestead valued at £278.16, a cedar swamp valued
at £6, his land lying on the south meadow plain valued at £5.10, and his
personal estate valued at £120.16.2. Thomas Pratt, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 18 May 1731.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Pratt
of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1743)
*
I John Pratt of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in
New England being apprehensive of my Mortallity the day & hour being
uncertain, & being now Sick & weak but of a perfect Memory and a
Disposeing mind through Gods goodness to me, do Make this my Last will and
testament ~ I do in the first place humbly and hopefully Resign up my selfe
Soul & body unto god my heavenly father through Jesus Christ my Only
Saviour & blessed Redeemer upon whom I wait for an Enterance into his Everlasting
heavenly kingdom, when it shall please God to call me out of this present
world, Adoreing that Infinite Mercy notwithstanding my Exceeding Great
unworthiness has Discevered his beloved son Jesus Christ unto me as an
Allsufficient Saviour in whom I trust for Salvation, and my beloved wife &
Children I do Council & Commend unto the Saveing grace of God According
unto his Everlasting Covenant. – My Will
is that after my Decease my body be Decently buried at the Discretion of my
Executors nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I shall receive ye
same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching my worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased god to bless me with in this life I give and Dispose
of the Same in the following manner & form –
Im primis: That my funerall Expences be discharged and all my
Just Debts honestly paid ~ Item I give & bequeath unto my well well beloved
wife Elizabeth Pratt the Sole use and Improvement of one third part of my
Estate bothe Real & personall so long as She Shall Remain my widdow and one
third part of the personall Estate to be disposed of by her among my Children
as She shall think best –
Item I give and bequeath unto my Eldest son John Pratt when
he Shall arrive to the age of twenty one years all my homestead both housing
& lands Excepting the lower feild next to mr. Jabez Edys land
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my yonguest son Jedediah Pratt
when he Shall arrive to ye. Age of twenty one years, The lower feild
next to mr. Eddys as Above mentioned as the fence now runs between
my homestead and sd. Feild also the same range to Setruct Meadows,
and allso all my land where Edward Hackett formerly Dwelt, and it is to be
understood that my sons abovenamed shall not molest their mother in the
improvement of her part as is above Expres’d, Item I give and bequeath unto my
Eldest daughter Hannah Pratt the sum of fifty pounds in bills of Creditt of the
old tenour as her part or portion out of my Estate Item I give and bequeath
unto my Second Daughter Kezia Pratt the Sum of fifty pounds in bills of Creditt
of the old tenour as her part or portion out of my Estate, Item I give &
bequeath unto my youngest daughter Sarah Pratt the Sum of Fifty pounds in bills
of Creditt of the old tenour as her part and portion out of my Estate and my
will is that my son John Pratt shall pay to my three Daughters The before
mentiond Sums in the following manner vizt That he pay to my Daughter Hannah
Pratt Fifty pounds in bills of the old tenour or Equal thereto when he Shall
arrive to ye. age of twenty two years and that he pay my Second
Daughter Kezia Pratt fifty pounds in bills of Creditt of the old tenour or
Equal therto when She Shall arrive to ye. age of Eighteen years and
that he pay to my yonguest daughter Sarah Pratt fifty pounds in bills of the
old tenour or Equal thereto when she Shall arrive to ye age of Eighteen
years, And my will is that if Either of my Daughters before named Should not
arrive to ye age or time when they Should receive their parts or
portions as before Expresed, my will is that my Son John Pratt Shall pay the
respective part he should have paid to them at ye. time they Should
have Receivd ye. Same unto his brother Jedediah Pratt if then
Liveing, and my will is that my well beloved wife Elizabeth Pratt Shall have
the whole Improvemt. of my Estate both Real and personall untill ye
time that my abovenamed son John Pratt Shall arrive to the age of twenty one
years for her Support and to Enable her to bring up my Children ~ And I do
Constitute and appoint my wellbeloved Wife Elizabeth Pratt to be my Executrix
and my Loving Brother Israel Turner of Pembrooke to be Joynt Executors with her
to see this my will fullfild and I do declare this to be my last will and
Testament and have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Eighteenth Eighteenth
day of April one thousand Seven hundred & forty three and in the Sixteenth
year of his Majties Reign –
Signed Sealed & publishd John Pratt (seal)
In the presence of
Benja White
Jacob Green
Benjamin White Junr.
Presented for probate on 6 June 1743, and proved by Benjamin
White and Jacob Green, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted
to Eliza. Pratt, of Middleboro., widdow, and Isral Turner
of Pembrooke, yeoman, Joynt Execrs, on 6 June 1743.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 86-88.
Will of Joseph Pratt of
In the Name of God-Amen; the tenth Day of Septr
Anno Domi, One Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty three, I Joseph Pratt the
Second of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth in the province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman being Infirm in Body, but of perfect
mind & memory Thanks be given to God; therefore calling unto mind the Mortality
of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to Dye, Do make
and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to Say Principally and
first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that Gave it,
& my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christain Burial
at the Discretion of my Execr, nothing Doubting but at the Generall
Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same again by the mighty power of God, and as
Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this
Life I Give, Demise and Dispose of the same in the Following manner and Form—
Imps. I Order all my Just Debts and Funeral
Charges to be Justly and Truely paid by my Execr, hereafter to be
Named Out of my Moveable Estate in Convenient time after my Decease
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my well beloved Wife Else
The Improvement of one third part of my Improved Land, the use of the West Room
in my Dwelling House with the Bed Room Adjoyning thereto the use of the Cellar
under the sd West Room, the use of the Oven & Well as She Need,
them and a Supply of Fire Wood at the Doore and the Priviledge of a Horse to
Ride on when she thinks Necessary. also this to belong as She Shall remain my
Widow; also I Give and Bequeath unto her one Cow, six Sheep, Freely by her to be
Injoyed, and the use of the Houshold Goods and moveable Effects which She
Brought with her During her Life
Item, I Give and Bequ to my Well Beloved Son Joseph
the sum of Five Shillings and no more—
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Well Beloved Son
Jonathan all my Right or Title in or unto that Tract of Land on which he now
Liveth, and one half of the Cedar Swamp which I have in Bridgwater
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my well=Beloved Son Job
all the Land Belonging to my Homstead, or else where not above Disposed off and
half apurchase right in the Common & Undivided Lands in said Bridgwater,
also One Yoke of Oxen One Cow, One Horse and all my Sheep not above Disposed of
and all the Husbandry Tools and Implements Belonging to my Farm—
Item I Give and
Bequeath to the Children of my well=beloved Daughter
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Susanna five
Shillings and no more—
Item, I Give and Bequeath to my well=beloved
Daughters, Hannah, Tabitha, Charaty, Deliverance & Abigaill all my Moveable
Estate not above Disposed off, after my Debts and Funeral Charges Shall be paid
Out of same, always excepting one Half of the money which Belonged to my
well=beloved wife Else before my Marriage to her
Item I Give and
Bequeath to Thomas Cushman, Son to my well Beloved wife Else One half of the
money which belong’d to her the sd Else before my Marriage to her,
and two third parts of the Other moveable Effects which Belong’d to her the sd
Else before my Marriage to her by him Freely to be Enjoyed after her Decease—
Item I Do
Hereby Constitute and Appoint my well=beloved son Job Sole Execr of
this my Last Will and Testament, and I Do Hereby Utterly Disalow, Revoke and
Disanull all and every Other Former Testamt, Will, Legacies and
Bequests of Execrs by me in any ways Before named will’d &
Bequest’d Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other to be my Last Will and
Testament – In Witness whereof I have Hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Day
and Year abov written
Joseph
Pratt (seal)
Sign’d
Seal’d Published, Pronounced
and
Declared, by the sd. Joseph Pratt
as
his Last Will and Testament
In
the presence of us the Subscribers
Seth
Pratt
Joseph
Orcutt
Jacob
Hayward
Probated
on 3 Feb. 1755, proved by Seth Pratt & Jacob Hayward, and Job Pratt was
confirmed as the executor.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Pratt of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the Name of God Amen the thirteenth day of March 1755. –
I Joseph Pratt of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in
New-England husbandman, being now of a sound disposing mind & memory;
thanks be given to the great God, Yet calling to mind the mortality of my body,
& knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this my last will & testament. – (that is to say) principally &
first of all, I give & recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave
it, & my body I recommend to the dust, to be buried with christian decent
burial at the discression of my executors here afternamed, nothing doubting but
at the resurrection I shall receive the same again, by the power of God
Almighty. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me, I give & dispose of the same in the following manner & form
(that is to say) ‘Tis my will that all my Debts & funeral charges be paid
in convenient time after my decease. —
I give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Anna, a
third part of my moveable estate, within doors to be her,s forever; & a
third part of my out door moveables, & a third part of my estate, one room
in my dwelling house for her to live in, the room which she chooses, all this
to be improved by her, whilst she remains my widdow. One Cow to be kept for her
through the year & a sufficiency of fire wood at the door.
With respect to my well beloved Son Joseph Pratt decd.
having given him his portion while he lived, I further give unto his two sons
Jonathan & Job Pratt, one half of my cedarswamp, in the little cedar swamp,
(so calld.) that part of it, of later years improved by their father
to be equally divided between them. –
I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Benjamin
besides what I have already given him, four pounds, to be paid him in Moveables
~
I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Solomon six
pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid him in moveables. ~
I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son David, besides
what is already here given him one half of my wearing apparel. ~
I give & bequeath unto my well beloved son Samuel, that
tract or parcel of land, which I bought of Mr. Benjamin Allen
formerly of Bridgwater in the east Precinct in Bridgw. on which his dwelling
house now stands, containing by estimation about seventy five acres; & one
half of my wearing Apparel. –
I give & bequeath unto my grandchildren, the children of
my well beloved daughter Sarah, deceasd., Ebenezer, Nathaniel &
Caleb Snow, thirteen shillings & four pence, each, to be paid them when
they come to the Age of twenty one Years. ~
I give & bequeath unto my grandson Seth Pratt the son of
my well beloved Son Nathll. Pratt decd. to him his heirs
& assigns forever all my homestead, or home lying according to the known
bounds thereof & all my out lands & all my outlands & half my
cedarswamp besides what I,ve already given away & all my outdoor moveable
estate of every sort & kind.
I give & bequeath unto my grand daughter Anna, the
daughter of my well beloved Nathaniel decease,d ten pounds thirteen shillings
& four pence, with all my indoor moveable estate, of every sort & kind,
besides what I have disposd. off before mentioned. ~
I give & bequeath to my grand daughter Joannah Conant,
one pound six shillings & eight pence. ~
‘Tis my will that my daughter in law Hannah the widdow of my
son Nathll. should have the use of the west part of my dwelling
house while she remains his widdow. ~
And I do hereby constitute & appoint, my grandson Seth
Pratt, above mentioned, together with Jacob Hayward of Bridgwater to be
executors of this my last will & Testament, & I do hereby order him
(namely my grandson Seth Pratt to pay the legacies in this will mentioned; the
respective sums to one and another, as before specified; & do hereby ratify
this, & no other to be my last will & testament, & disallowing all
other wills before this time by me made. In Witness whereof I,ve hereto set my
hand & seal the day & Year abovewritten.—
Signd., seald., publishd.,
pronouncd. &
declard., by the sd. Joseph Pratt as
his Joseph Pratt (seal)
last will & Testament in ye prescence of us
Cornelius Washburn, Josiah Washburn, Thomas Cushman.
Presented for probate on 1 Apr. 1765 by Seth Pratt, one of
the executors therein named, and proved by Josiah Washburne and Thomas Cushman,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Seth Pratt, the
before named Executor, with Thomas Mitchel and Thomas Cushman, both of
Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 188-190, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Joshua Pratt of
Be it known to all men by these presents that I Joshua Pratt
of ye Town of Plimouth in ye County of Plimouth in New
England, Being weak & sick of Body but of disposing mind and memory praysed
be God yet not knowing how soon it may please God to take me out of this vale
of tears do therefore make & ordayn these presents to be my last will and
testament And I do by these presents make and ordaine this Instrument to be my
last will and Testament In manner following. Impris I Give and Bequeath my Soul
to God that Gave it and And my Body to the Dust & to a decent Burial in
hopes of a joyfull Resurrection through the merrits of my Dear redeemer And as
to my outward Estate that God hath Given unto me I Dispose of as followeth Item
I do give unto my Dear and Loving wife Mary pratt All ye
Improvements of my whole Estate both personall and Real to be for her use
support and comfort And for ye Bringing up of my son and daughter
untill my said Son comes to ye Age of twenty one years if my said
wife Mary pratt continues my widdow so long But if my said wife should be
married to another man then my will is that she shall have one third part of my
personall Estate that then shall be found And not in this my Last Will Disposed
of for her to Dispose of as she shall see cause for—
Item I Do Give unto my son Joshuah pratt all my upland meadow
lands and Housing upon them for him to have and Enjoy when he comes to ye
Age of Twenty one years said Housing lands I do Give unto my said son Joshua
Pratt And to his Heirs and Assigns for ever.
Also I do Give unto my son Joshua Pratt that Gun that was my fathers And
my sword—
Item I Do Give unto my daughter Elizabeth ten pound to be
paid by said son Joshua Pratt upon his Entrey upon said Land that I have here
Given him my will is that in case my said wife should marrey again then my
other two thirds of my Estate shall be Equally Divided between my two children
above named But in case she should remain my widdow then my whole personall
Estate I do give unto her During her naturall Life as also one third of ye
Improvement of my Housing and Lands During ye time of her
widdowhood Lastly I Do nominiate and
appoint my Loving wife Mary Pratt to be ye sole Executrix of this my
last will and Testament to receive such debts as is owing unto me and to pay
such debts as I do owe and to see my Body Decently Buryed and to Defray ye
charge thereof—Thus knowing that this my Last will will be observed and kept
hereby revoking all former wills Either verball or written I the said Joshua
pratt have hereunto set my hand and Affixed my seal on ye Twenty
fifth day of January one thousand six hundred ninety seven Eight.
Signed sealed and Declared to be his The ξ mark of
Last will and Testament in presence Joshua
Pratt (seal)
of John
Carver
Giles
Rickard junr
Thomas
Faunce
Plimouth
March 16th 1697/8
Thomas Faunce John Carver and Giles
Rickard the witnesses as here named made oath before Wm Bradford Esqr
Judge &c That they were present and saw and heard Joshua Pratt ye
Testator above named Signe Seal and Declare The above written Instrument to be
his last Will and Testament And that to ye Best of their Judgment he
was of sound disposing mind and memory when he did ye same
Attest
Saml Sprague Registr
Letters of Administration on the
estate of Joshuah Pratt were granted to Mary, his wife, the Executrix, on 16
March 1697/8.
An Inventory of ye Estate of Joshua
Pratt Late of Plimouth deceased Taken and Aprized on ye 2 cond of
March 1697/8 by us whose names are here unto subscribed [Not totaled]
John Carver
Giles Rickard junr
Mary Pratt Relict & widdow
Joshua Prat above named deceased & Executrix of his last will made oath in
Plimouth March 16th: 1697/8 Before William Bradford Esqr
Judge &c That ye above written is a true Inventory of all &
singular ye Goods Chattels Rights & Credits of sd
deceased so far as she yet knoweth & that when she knows of more it shall
be Added.
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Pratt of Pembroke, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen,
The fourteenth day of December one thousand seven hundred and
sixty nine I Joshua Pratt of Pembroke in the county of Plymouth in New-England
cordwainer being in a poor state of health, but of perfect mind and memory
thanks be given to GOD, therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye, do make and ordain this
my Last will and testament, that is to say, principally and first of all I give
and recomend my soul into the hands of GOD that gave it, and my body I recomend
to the earth to be buried in decent, christian burial at the discretion of my
well beloved wife Deborah Pratt whom I apoint my sole executrix of this my Last
will, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same
again by the mighty power of GOD; and as touching such worldly estate wherewith
it hath pleased GOD to bless me with in this Life, I give, demise, &
dispose of the same in the following manner and form. ~
Imprimis,
I give and bequeath to my well-beloved wife Deborah Pratt all the personal
estate which she brought to me together with all the repairs of the same, also
all my quick-stock that shall be left after the legacies are paid which are
hereafter-mentioned. ~
Item,
I give and bequeath to my son Joshua Pratt the one half of my wearing aparel. ~
Item,
I give and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Studley,s heirs one shilling, to be
paid in two months after my decease by my executrix.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my daughter Barsheba Pratt, one shilling, to be paid in
two months after my decease, by my executrix.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Bowker one shilling, in two months
after my decease to be paid by my said executrix.
And
the remainder part of my said estate not heretofore mentioned, I give and
bequeath to my grandson Joshua Pratt. ~
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year
abovesaid. –
Signed, sealed, published &
delivered by Joshua Pratt (seal)
the said Joshua Pratt as his last
will &
testament in the presence of us the
Subsrs.
Edward Thomas, Bildad Soul, John
Thomas
Presented for probate on 25 June
1773 by Deborah Pratt, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Edward
Thomas, Bildad Soul and John Thomas, the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Deborah Pratt, the before named executrix.
The Inventory of the estate of
Joshua Pratt, late of Pembroke, was appraised on 25 June 1773 by Edward Thomas,
Bildad Soul, and John Thomas, and totaled only £19.4.7, no real estate or
livestock.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 288-289, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Joshua Pratt of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen. the eleventh day of July 1772.
I Joshua Pratt of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in
New-England blacksmith, being advanced in age and knowing it is apointed for
all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, that
is to say, principally, and first of all I give and recomend my soul into the
hands of GOD that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in
decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but
at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power
of GOD, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this life, I give demise and dispose of as follows, viz. ~
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to Experience my beloved wife the use and improvement of
all my indoors movables, and one third part of the yearly produce of my farm,
and one third part of the use of one half my quick-stock, and the use of two
cows together with a sufficient room in my dwelling-house, during her natural
life. – Item, I give and bequeath to Joshua Pratt my beloved son all my
buildings and lands both my homestead-farm and outlands, to him his heirs and
assigns forever, he paying my just debts and funeral-charges, and the several
legacies hereafter-named. I also give to my son Joshua (whom I constitute make
& ordain the sole executor of this my last will & testament) two yokes
of oxen, cart & wheel’s, and all my farming-tools, & smith tools, and
the use of one half of my quick-stock in thirds with my said widow, during her
life. I also give to my son Joshua all my wearing-aparel, and all my books of
every kind. – Item, I give to my daughter Mary Ramsdell four pounds, to be paid
her by my executor, which (together with what she has already had) I judge to
be her full share out of my estate.
Item,
I give to my daughter Sarah Pratt forty pounds to be paid her by my executor as
also sufficient house-room for her so long as she shall live unmarried, and I
give to my daughter Sarah Pratt, and to my daughter Hannah Allen, and to my
daughter Experience Lowden, the one half of my quick-stock (excluding two yokes
of oxen already given to Joshua) to be equally divided betwixt them at my
decease; and the other half quick-stock, and all my household goods, I order to
be divided betwixt them in like mañer after my wife,s decease. – Item, I give
to my grandaughter Margaret daughter to Mary Ramsdell aforesaid ten pounds, to
be paid by my executor in household goods within one year after my decease. ~
And the rest of my estate (if any
there be) I give to my said executor, ratifying and confirming this and no
other to be my last will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal the day and year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, & pronounced
& declared by Joshua Pratt (seal)
the sd. Joshua Pratt as
his last will & testament
before us the subscribers Isaac Otis
Josiah
Otis
David
Kingman
Presented for probate on 2 Nov.
1772 by Joshua Pratt, the Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Otis and
David Kingman, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Joshua Pratt, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Joshua Pratt, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 6 Nov. 1772 by Edward
Mitchell, Isaac Otis, and David Kingman, and totaled £661.6.10, including his
homestead farm with the buildings and outlands valued at £466.13.4. Joshua
Pratt, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Dec. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 202-203, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Joshua Pratt
of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In The Name of God Amen.—I Joshua Pratt of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts, Husbandman, do by these
presents, this Seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord, One thousand
Eight Hundred & one, make & ordain this to be my last will &
testament, that is to say, first of all; I give & recommend my soul to God,
who gave it, and my body, to the earth, to be decently, buried at the
discretion of my Executrix, hereafter named; and as touching such worldly estate,
as it pleased God to bless me with, after my just debts & funeral are first
paid, I give, bequeath & dispose of in the following manner and form—vizt—
Imprimis.—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Rebeccah
Pratt, all my Estate, both real & personal, to be enjoyed, improved and
disposed of by her, as she sees cause forever, enjoining on her as my will that
she my said wife shall support my Honored Mother, Mary Pratt in an honorable
& comfortable manner, in sickness & health, during her natural life,
and at her deceased, give her a decent christian burial.—And I do also by this
my last will & testament, appoint my well beloved wife Rebeccah Pratt Sole Executrix
to this my last will.—In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal the day and year above written.—
Signed Sealed, Published & De- Joshua Pratt (seal)
clared, in presence of us witnesses
Joel
Ellis
Jonathan
Nye
William
Shaw
Presented for probate on 1 Feb. 1802 by Rebeccah Pratt, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Joel Ellis, Jonathan Nye and William
Shaw, all the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joshua Pratt of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
This is the last Will and Testament of me, Joshua Pratt of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Gentleman which I do make being weak in Body but of sound Mind, Memory &
understanding & I do publish in manner & form following, viz –
My Body I commit to
the Earth to be decently interred at the Discretion of my Executor herein after
named, resigning my Soul into the hands of the Almighty Author of its Existence
humbly hoping for Salvation, through the Merits of our Saviour – And as to the
Estate Real & personal, of which I am seized & possessed or shall die
seized & possessed of, all my debts & funeral charges being first paid
by my Executor I give & dispose of the Remainder & Residue thereof as
follows —
First
I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Mary Pratt the Use & Improvement of
one third part of my Real Estate & one third part of my Dwelling house
during her natural Life. also I give & bequeath to her two Cows & all
my Household Furniture —
Item
I give and bequeath to my eldest Son William Pratt & to his Heirs &
Assigns my Homestead Farm with the Buildings thereon standing except the Lands
that I have given to my Son Dexter Pratt, also about twelve acres of Wood land
near Benjamin Pincin’s which I bought of Isaac Lazell – Also all the Meadow
& other Lands I own in Pembroke lying on Poor Meadow River (so called)
excepting about three Acres of Meadow Land I have given to my Son Dexter Pratt
& one Acre & half of the Land I bought of Abner Magoun, I have given to
my said son Dexter Pratt, & also one half my wearing Apparel–
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Son Dexter Pratt & to his Heirs & Assigns
about fourteen acres of Land that I bought of Winslow Thomas & is bounded
by James Thomas’s Lands on the southerly side by Winslow Thomas on the Easterly
side, by Welcome Otis’s Land on the Northerly side & by the road leading to
Abington on the westerly side – also twelve Acres & half of Land I bought
of Ambrose Allen – Also a privilege of living in my house ‘till he marries,
also a piece of Land adjoining the southerly side of the said Land I bought of
Ambrose Allen bounded as follows, beginning at the southerly corner of said
Land by the Road leading to Abington, thence by said Road southerly to a large
heap of Stones by a Stone Wall, thence running westerly by said Stone Wall &
in that direction ‘till a parallel drawn from said Range to the said Land I
bought of said Ambrose Allen will make nine Acres – also about three Acres of
Meadow Land lying in Pembroke on (Poor Meadow River (so called) bounded by
George Briggs’s Land on the southerly side by Daniel Beals’s Land on the
Easterly side to the Upland & by the upland to the River – also one half of
three Acres of Land that I bought of Abner Magoun adjoining said Meadow &
comes to the Road leading by Elisha Sherman’s & also one half of My wearing
Apparel —
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Nabby Whitman Wife of Eleazer Whitman
Junr. fifty Dollars in Money to be paid out of my Estate by my
Executor in two years after my decease –
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Polly Pratt three hundred Dollars in
Money to be paid out of my Estate by my Executor in two years after my decease
– also a privilege of living in my House untill she marries —
Item
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Sally Crane, Widow, one hundred Dollars
in Money to be paid out of my Estate by my Executor in two years after my
decease, & also a privilege of living in my House untill she marries again
—
Lastly
As to all the Rest, Residue & Remainder of my Estate Real & personal,
Goods & Chattels of what kind or nature soever not by me devised or
bequeathed I give & bequest the same to my eldest Son William Pratt, whom I
hereby appoint sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand & seal the twentieth day of July in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & thirteen —
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the above named Joshua Pratt
to be his last Will & Testament
in the presence of us who have here- Joshua Pratt (seal)
unto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses in the presence of the Testator ~
Ezra
Kingman
Lewis
Chamberlin
Welcome
Otis –
Presented for probate on 6 Dec.
1813 by William Pratt, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ezra Kingman
Esqr. and Welcome Otis, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to William Pratt, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p.
170-172, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Nathaniel Pratt of Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1779) *
The
Seventeenth day of February Anno Dom. 1779 I Nathaniel Pratt of Abington in the
county of Plymouth and State of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, yeoman,
being weak and infirm in body, but of sound mind & memory, calling to mind
the mortality of my body & being desirous to Settle and dispose of the
outward Estate which God hath Graciously Given me, do make and Ordain this my
Last will & Testament, that is to say principally and first of all, I
Recommend my soul into the hand of God that Gave it and my body to the Dust to
be Interr’d in a Christian manner according to the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, and as touching such temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this Life, I Give demise & dispose of the same in the
following manner & form
Imprimis—my mind & will is that as soon as my Grandson
Daniel Lincoln Pratt arrives at the age of twenty one years, the Land on which
my Son Whitcomb Pratt (now deceased) Lived should be sold by my Executor &
that one half of my Debts be paid with the money that may be obtained by the
Sale of said Estate provided it be not done before my decease, and that the
other half of sd money be Equally divided between my Grand Children
vizt. Thomas Pratt, Whitcomb Pratt Daniel Lincoln Pratt and also
Nathaniel Pratt Son to my Grandson Nathaniel Pratt deceased, provided he should
Live to the age of twenty one years; and my Grand daughters vizt.
Elisabeth Stetson, Olive, Chloe and Lydia Pratt
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Betty Pratt
now widow to my Son Whitcomb Pratt Late of Abington deceased, the south part of
my house in which she now Lives for her use and improvement, so Long as she
continues my son’s widow, together with the priviledge of keeping one Cow upon
the place summer & winter, one half of the Apples in the Orchard, Land for
a Garden, use and improvement of the well, Room to Lay wood, one half of the
Cellar under the house, and also four Cords of wood found her annually by my
Executor, all without any charge to her, also Fifty pounds of Beef, 8 Bushells
of Indian Corn and two Bushells of Rye, and Sauce Sufficient for her meat to be
found by my Executor out of the produce of the place where she Lives
Item—I Give and Bequeath unto my beloved Grandson Robert
Pratt his heirs & assigns, the one half of my homestead on which I now Live
being the southermost part of said homestead, provided he discharges the Other
half of my Just Debts, and the mortgage Deed be taken up which is given to
James Humphrey Esqr.
Item—I Give & Bequeath unto my beloved Grandsons, Robert,
Noah & Seth Jones Pratt the Other half of my homestead being the northerly
part of my homestead before mentioned, to be equally divided between them, and
I order the abovesaid Robert, Noah & Seth Jones Pratt to pay unto their
Sister Molly Hearsey Ten pounds each of them their equal part of sd
Sum in one year after my decease
Item—I Give and Bequeath unto my beloved Grandson Whitcomb
Pratt the Ivory Cain that was my Fathers ~
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Grandson Robert
Pratt my black walnut round table
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Grandson Seth Jones
Pratt my Annotations
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Grand daughter Molly
Hearsey the Bed, her Grand mother Lay upon, the Iron dish kettle and Brass
kettle which I Look upon as her proportion out of my Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Grand daughter,
Lydia Pratt my Looking Glass and Case of Draws that was her Grand mothers ~
Item—I Give and bequeath the Remaining part of my Estate not
heretofore mentioned to be equally divided among my Grand children — In Witness
hereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Seventeenth day of February
Anno Domini 1779 –
Signed, Sealed, Published and declared by Nathll. Pratt (seal)
the sd Nathaniel Pratt to be his Last will
and testament in Presence of ~
Micah
Stockbridge
Daniel
Bicknell
David
Jones
Presented for probate on 12 Aug. 1779 by Samuel Brown, who is
appointed Administator cum testamento annexo, (no Executor being in said
instrument named), and proved by Micah Stockbridge, Daniel Bicknell and David
Jones, the witnesses. Letters of Administration cum testamento annexo were
granted to Samuel Brown of Abington, Gentleman.
The Inventory of the Estate of Nathaniel Pratt, late of
Abington, was appraised on 3 Feb. 1780 by Thomas Wilks, David Jones, and Daniel
Shaw, and totaled £599.10.10, including his real estate valued at £550. Saml.
Brown, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 22 Mar. 1780.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 354-356, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Nathaniel
Pratt of Hanover, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Nathaniel Pratt of
I
give & bequeath to my son Nathaniel O. Pratt one half of all my property
after the payment of my just debts, funeral charges & all necessary
expenses attending the settlement of the same. His share to be in the homestead
including the buildings.
I
also give & bequeath to my daughters Harriet, Phebe
Lastly,
I do hereby constitute & appoint David Darling of Hanover Executor of this
my last Will & Testament hereby revoking and disannulling all former Wills
by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Sixth day of January
AD One thousand eight hundred & forty.
Nathaniel Pratt (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the said Nathaniel Pratt to be his last Will & Testament in
presence of us who have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses at his request
& in his presence.
Spooner
Ellis
John
Little
David
J. Davis
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of February 1840 by David Darling, the Executor, land proved by John
Little and Daniel [sic] J. Davis, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Nathaniel Pratt, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel
Pratt Sr., of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of Massachusetts
Bay (1745)
Know All Men by these Presents that I Samuell Pratt Senr
of the Town of Middleborough In the County of Plymouth in NewEngland being at
this Time sick & Weak yet of A Sound & Disposing memory &
understanding, Blessed be God for the same & being sensible of my own
mortality & Knowing that it is Appointed for all men once to Die Do make
& ordain this to be my last Will & Testament to Remain Firm &
inviolable for Ever
Imprimis: I Give & Bequeath unto my son Phineas Pratt my
Gun & sword, I haveing Already Given to my son Samuell Pratt & my son
John Pratt Decd. Each of them A Gun & sword, & also I Give
unto my son Phineas Pratt all my Wearing Appearel Also I Give & Bequeath
unto my son Phineas Pratt his heirs & Assigns for Ever all my Tools &
Utensils for Husbandry, Also I Give & Bequeath to my son Phineas Pratt his
heirs & Assigns for Ever All my homestead, housing & Lands, as also two
half Lots that Lye Adjoyning to Cadman Lot so Called, also I Give &
Bequeath to my Son Phineas Pratt & Children or heirs of my Son John Pratt
Late of Middleborough Deceased Equally to be Divided between him & them all
that my spruse swamp Lying between titicut Great meadows & the Cowe[?],
Item. I Give & Bequeath to my Eldest son Samuell Pratt to him his heirs
& Assigns for Ever all my Lands in the Purchase Called the fourth Purchase
in Middleborough, Item. I Give & Bequeath to my son Phineas Pratt & the
heirs of my son John Pratt Late of Middleborough Decd. Equally to be
Divided between him & them all my Right Title & interests in & unto
any Land Lying & being in Dunstable, Notingham or Elsewhere in the County
of Essex, Item, I Give & Bequeath to my two Daughters, viz. Sarah Barrow &
Mary Washbourn Each of them A Cow, & my will is that my other stock of
Creatures, with my In Door moveables be Equally Divided between my Children
Namely, Samuell & the Children of my Son John Decd. Phineas,
Sarah Barrow & mary Washbourn, & my Will is that my Son Samuell pratt
& my son Phineas pratt should be the Executors of this my Last Will &
Testament will be kept & performed According to the True intent &
meaning thereof I Commit my Body to the Earth & my soul to God that Gave
it, In Witness whereof I the sd. Samuell Pratt Senr. have
hereunto set my hand & seal this 27th. Day of June Anno Domini
1745
Signed Sealed & Declared by the his
sd Samuell Pratt senr. to be his Samuell X Pratt senr. (seal)
Last will & Testament in Mark
Presence of us
John Tinkham
Barnabas Eaton
Benja. White
Proved by Benjn. White on 10 July 1745, and by Jno.
Tinkham & Barnabas Eaton on 18 Sept. 1745. Letters of Administration
granted to Samuel Pratt and Phineas Pratt, both of Middleborough, Joynt
Executors, on 10 July 1745.
The Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Pratt, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by Samuel Warren, Elnathan Wood, and Nathl.
Southworth on 19 July 1745, and totaled £1157.18.0 Old tenour, including his
home farm with the buildings valued at £840. Phineas Pratt, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 18 Sept. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 511-513, from FHL microfilm
#0551533, and Vol. 10, p. 16.
Will and Codicil of Sarah Pratt of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1874) *
Know all Men by these presents that I, Sarah Pratt of
Middleborough in Plymouth county and State of Massachusetts, considering the
uncertainty of life, and being of sound mind and memory do make this my last
will and testament.
I give, devise and bequeath my Estate and property as follows
that is to say,
First. I give and bequeath to my husband Ebenezer Pratt the
sum of one hundred dollars. Also one bed and bedding.
Second. I give, devise and bequeath to my two brothers
Ichabod Wadsworth and Luke Wadsworth in equal shares all the land that I shall
own at the time of my decease situated in Marshfield, and which came to me from
my fathers estate.
Third. I give & bequeath to my sister Mary Wadsworth the
sum of fifty dollars.
Fourth. I give & bequeath to Mary W. Shurtleff one china
Set.
Fifth. I give & bequeath to my sister Ruth W. Chandler of
Marshfield the sum of five dollars.
Sixth. I give, bequeath and devise to Mrs Eliza A. Shurtleff
of Middleborough all the residue of my estate both real and personal.
In
witness whereof I have signed and sealed and published and declared this
instrument as my last will at Middleborough on Saturday the seventh day of
February in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and seventy four.
Sarah Pratt (seal)
Ebenezer Pratt (seal)
The said Sarah Pratt at Middleborough on said seventh day of February
signed and sealed this instrument and published and declared the same as and
for her last will. And we at her request and in her presence and in presence of
each other, have hereunto written our names as subscribed witnesses.
Augustus
H. Soule
Willis
Shurtleff
Obed
H. Shaw
Codicil
Know all men by these presents,
That I, Sarah Pratt of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of
Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory do make and declare this codicil.
I hereby expressly confirm my former will dated February Seventh, eighteen
hundred and seventy four excepting so far as the disposition of my property is
changed by this codicil.
First. It is my will that all my debts at my
decease, the expenses of my last sickness, doctor’s bill, and funeral charges
be paid out of my personal estate before any of the legacies named in my former
will are paid.
Second. I hereby direct my executor
to cause to be erected suitable Stones or monuments at my grave.
In
witness whereof I have signed, sealed, published and declared this instrument
as a codicil to my aforenamed will at Middleborough this twenty seventh day of
July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and seventy four.
Sarah Pratt (seal)
And I Ebenezer Pratt her husband
consenting to this codicil as I do to her former will sign my name at the same
time and place.
Ebenezer Pratt (seal)
The said Sarah Pratt on the twenty
seventh day of July above named signed & sealed this instrument &
published and declared the same a codicil to her last will. And we at her
request and in her presence and in presence of each other have hereunto written
our names as subscribed witnesses.
Augustus
H. Soule
Elmer
E. Gallagher
Wm
W. Atwood
John Chandler, of Marshfield, petitioned for the probate of
the estate of Sarah Pratt, late of Middleborough, on the second Monday of July,
1875, there being no executor named in the will. John Chandler, of Marshfield,
was granted administration with the will annexed of the estate of Sarah Pratt,
late of Middleborough, on 12 July 1875, with Martin Kent and Luke Wadsworth, of
Marshfield, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 141, p. 424-426, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, and Vol. 120, p. 98.
Will of Solomon Pratt of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In the
Name of God Amen., the twenty third day of July AD1757, I Solomon Pratt
of Bridgwater in the County of Plimouth Tanner being of a Sound and Disposing
mind, thanks to God for it, but calling to mind the mortality of my body &
knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die doe make and Ordain this
my last Will and Testament; in the first place I give and Recommend my Soul
into the Hands of the Great God, who Gave it Hoping thro’ the merritts of
Christ to Obtain the pardin of all my Sins & inherit eternall life and my
body I Committ to the earth to be Decently buried at the discretion of my Execr.
hereafter named Trusting thro’ the power of Almighty God to receive the same
again at the resurrection; and my worldly Estate I Give and Dispose of in the
following Manner Viz, My Will is that all my Debts and Funerall Charges be paid
in convenient time after my decease by my Execr.
Item I
give and Bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah the Improvement of one half of my
Dwelling House & Home Land Adjoyning; also the Improvement of one horse and
one Cow while she shall continue my Wido. also the Improvemt.
of the whole of My indore moveables during her Naturall life ~
Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Solomon his Heirs and
Assigns forever my Homestead, Chattles, Buildings Lands, fences Orchard &
tan yard and appurtenances, Also my Seven acres lying by Walkon Mitchell’s
& John Harlow’s land; also my two Lots of Cedarswamp the one Lying in the
old Swamp and the other in the Little Swamp, so called in said Bridgwater,
Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Ebenezer all my Lands in
Middleborough which I bought of John Miller with the appurtenances thereof; to
him his Heirs and assigns forever ~
Item, I give and Bequeath unto my son Isaac Ninty three
pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence, to be paid to him by my Execr.
in twelve months after my decease
Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Daniel, Ninty three
pounds Six shillings & Eight pence, when he shall arrive to the Age of
twenty One years, then to be paid by my Execr.
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my four Daughters, Sarah,
Abiel, Mary and Hannah, all my Indoore moveables, the Improvement of which I
have herein given to my wife, to be equally Divided between them, after the
decease of my said Wife, Further I Give & Bequeath unto my said Daughter
Hannah the feather bed & furniture, Chist puter, & Linnen, one oval
table and table Linnen & twelve Chairs, which things are Still in my House,
and also two Spinning weels the One Great & the other Small, also I Give
unto her ten pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence in Household Goods,
which my Execr. must provide for her, within twelve months after my
decease, ~
Item Further I give and Bequeath unto my son Solomon, besides
what has been already mentioned, twelve Acres & three quarters of Land
which I Lately Bout. of Ephraim Leach & Benjamin Sprague both of
Bridgwater, to him his Heirs and assigns forever, I also Give unto My sons
Solomon, Ebenezer, Isaac & Daniel my apparell equally to be divided between
them. ~
Item, I Give unto my Son Solomon, the whole of my personall
Estate including my Quick Stock Farming tools, Stock of Leather & Hides,
Boards Nails, Book accounts, Cash and provision besides what shallbe Necessary
for the familie’s use thro’ the year; also every thing whatsoever not before
disposed of, and my said son Solomon I appoint sole Execr. Of this
my Last Will and Testament,
Item I Give to my four sons and Daughters before mentioned my
Books to be Divided between them after the decease of my wife
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced
and Declared, by the said Solomon Pratt Solomon Pratt (seal)
to be his Last Will and Testament
before us the Subscribers~
Eleazer Carver
Benjamin Johnson
Simeon Leonard
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1757 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by Eleazer Carver and Simeon Leonard, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Solomon Pratt, of
Bridgwater, Tanner, the Executor, on 1 Aug. 1757, with Eleazer Carver and John
Johnson as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 359-361, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of William Pratt of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1808) *
In
the Name of God amen I William Pratt of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
Gent. being weak in body but of a sound, disposing Mind & Memory &
calling to Mind that it is appointed to all men once to die, do proceed to make
& publish this my last Will & Testament in the following Manner, that
is to say: In the first place it is my will that all my just debts should be
paid in a convenient time after my decease, out of my personal Estate by my
Executor hereafter named —
I
give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Mary Pratt one third part of my Dwelling
house viz the lower Room in the southerly part of the House and such other
parts of said House as she shall choose, to compleat said third part—two
Feather Beds with their Furniture & a sufficiency of other Furniture or
Household Goods to keep house, two Cows to be kept where it shall be most
convenient for her, the charge & Expence of keeping them shall be equally
divided among all my Sons except Enoch & Benjamin Pratt, I also give her my
Clock for her use.~ Ten bushels of Indian Corn & three Bushels of Rye
annually. – a sufficiency of Meat and Sauce—Also a sufficiency of Fire Wood cut
off at the Door, for her use & benefit, the above supplies of provision
& Firewood shall be made & provided by all my sons, Enoch and Benjamin
excepted; I also give her the sum of five hundred Dollars & if the Interest
of this sum with her other means of support & subsistence should be
insufficient for her support, she shall have a right to make use of the
principal in whole or in part, all the above Legacies, I give & bequeath to
my said Wife so long as she shall continue my Widow ~
Item
I give and bequeath to my son Calvin Pratt his Heirs & assigns forever, one
half of the upland & Meadow below the Mills, adjoining the River, which I
bought of Isaac Shaw & James Boies – also a piece of Land I bought of Hosea
Leach lying in Bridgwater– also my half of a piece of Land which was bought of
Bezer Leach, in partnership with one of my Sons, lying in said Bridgwater,
together with a piece of Cedar Swamp, in the westerly part of Raynham adjoining
the Turnpike —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Isaac Pratt his Heirs & assigns forever, all
the Lands which I bought of Zechariah Eddy, lying in Middleborough excepting
what is herein after disposed of, being part of the Dean Farm so called. Also
one half of an undivided piece of land lying in the Revd. Mr
Craft’s parish, which I bought in Co. with my son last mentioned. Also one half
of a piece of land situate in new-Freetown bought in Co. as aforesaid of David
Bolton. And also the House & Barn standing on the said Dean Farm —
Item
I give and bequeath to my sons namely Greenleaf & Zebulon Pratt their Heirs
and assigns forever, all my Homestead lying between the two Roads to wit that
leading from my house to Titicut Bridge & the Road leading from the Dam at
the Falls to & by Zephaniah Shaw’s (reserving & excepting the Buildings
thereon standing, to be disposed of, as shall be herein after mentioned) I also
give & bequeath to my two Sons last mentioned, to hold as aforesaid, my
Meadow at Pachade (so called) which I bought of Robert Cushman & Edward
Thomas – also a piece of Woodland I bought of John Fobes – also seven acres of
woodland I bought of said Zechariah Eddy undivided between my son Isaac &
myself, also my Cedar Swamp lying in Easton which I bought of Job Thing – also
the other one half of the Land below the Mills bought of Shaw & Boies
herein before mentioned excepting one acre of Land which I reserve for
accommodating the Mills adjoining, to be deducted from the whole, to be equally
divided between them, & further I give & bequeath to my son Greenleaf
Pratt, to hold as aforesaid my Dwelling house (with the before mentioned
reserve to my said Wife) my Barn near to sd. House – my Corne house
& stable – Also my Horse called Dimon – my oldest Yoke of oxen, Waggon
& Cart & one half of my farming Utensils & to my Son Zebulon Pratt
& his Heirs, I give & bequeath my Barn on Fort Hill, so called.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Enoch Pratt the sum of seven hundred Dollars.
Item
I give & bequeath to my son Benjamin Pratt his Heirs & assigns forever
my Eastern Lands containing two Lots lying in the County of Oxford which I
bought of Job French & also two hundred Dollars —
Item
I give & bequeath to my son William Pratt & his Heirs forever all the
Lands which I bought of Zechariah Eddy aforesaid lying in Bridgwater on the
East and west side of the road leading from Titicut Bridge to Raynham with the
Dwelling-house & barn thereon standing, also a piece of Land lying in
Raynham, adjoining the Land belonging to the Heirs of Nathan Hall deceased
which Polycarpus Edson gave to his son Charles containing sixteen acres, also
my Cart & Wheels which I bought of David Pollard —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Keith the House & Land which
formerly belonged to Solomon Beal, also two Cows & the Sum of two hundred
Dollars to hold to her & her Heirs —
The
Morton Lot (so called) situate in Middleborough & all my other out Lands
wheresoever lying not before disposed of I give & bequeath to my sons
namely, Calvin, Isaac, Greenleaf & Zebulon Pratt their Heirs & Assigns
forever to be equally divided between them —
I
give and bequeath all my Mills on Middleborough side of the River to my sons
namely Isaac Greenleaf & Zebulon Pratt, with my half of the Dwelling house
standing on the Mill Lot, to hold to them & to their Heirs & to be
equally divided among them —
With
respect to my Son Calvin Pratt, it is my will that he should have an equal
share of the Main Dam at the Falls with the rest of his Brothers who are
interested in the Mills, & that each of them who are thus interested
therein, shall contribute his proportional part ~ towards keeping the same in
repair, to answer the purpose for which it was erected, & further it is my
Will that each & every one of the owners on each side of the River, shall
have an equal privilege in proportion to the right which he holds in sd.
Mills, to the benefit of using the water, that no undue advantage may be taken,
one of the other. —
All
my right & Title in & to the Mills on Bridgwater side of the River with
the privileges thereunto belonging not before disposed of, I give &
bequeath to my Son William Pratt to hold to him & his Heirs & assigns
forever, he paying to his Mother the Sum of one hundred & fifty Dollars,
one half of which sum to be paid in one year after my decease & the other
half in two years after, without Interest. —
I
give and bequeath to my son Greenleaf Pratt in addition to what I have herein
before given him the sum of two hundred Dollars out of the Securities, which I
hold against him —
I
give to my Son Isaac Pratt besides what I have herein before given him the Sum
of one hundred and fifty Dollars out of the Securities which I hold against him
—
The
rest & residue of my personal Estate not before disposed of after their
paying the sum of four hundred Dollars equally to my son Zebulon Pratt for
building him a House shall be equally divided among all my Children, on whom I
enjoin equally the Expence of an honourable support of my aged & honoured
Mother during her natural Life—
Lastly
I constitute & appoint my sons namely Calvin & Greenleaf Pratt
Execution of this my last will & Testament. In Witness whereof I the said
William Pratt have hereunto set my hand & seal the twenty fourth day of May
in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & eight —
Signed sealed published &
declared by the sd.
William Pratt to be his last will
& Testament William Pratt (seal)
in the presence of —
Jonathan
Crane
Solomon
Keith
David
Gurney
Presented for probate on 16 June
1808 by Calvin Pratt and Greenleaf Pratt, the Executors, and proved by Jonathan
Crane Esqr. and Solomon Keith, two of the witnesses.
Solomon Keith, Avery Fobes, and
Salmon Keith, all of Bridgewater, Gentlemen, were appointed to appraise the
estate of William Pratt, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 16 June 1808.
The Inventory of the Estate of Capt.
William Pratt, late of Middleborough, dated 15 May 1809, totaled $18,410.99,
including his homestead farm with the buildings valued at $6611, the Mills,
half in Middleborough and half in Bridgewater was valued at $1983, the
Zechariah Eddy farm valued at $2500, the Petrade Meadow valued at $450, one
half of the Dean farm valued at $800, the Solomon Beals farm valued at $500,
the Morton lot valued at $360, and several other parcels of land, as well as
$3303.17 in securities. Calvin Pratt, one of the Executors, gave his oath to
the inventory on 17 May 1809.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of William Pratt of Bridgewater, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
In the
name of God Amen, I William Pratt of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth and
commonwealth of Massachusetts being of sound and disposing mind and memory do
make this my last Will and Testament
I
commit my soul to God the author of it and my body to the earth to be decently
buried at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter mentioned. As to my
worldly estate I hereby dispose of the same in the following manner.
First. I give
and bequeath to my beloved wife Polly all my household furniture and one cow
which ever she may choose of those of which I may die seized. Also the use and
improvement during her natural life of the following described real Estate to
wit, Beginning at the northeasterly corner of my dwelling thence northerly by
the wall to the corner by the road leading from Titicut Bridge to Tanton,
thence westerly by said Tanton road to the northerly end of a stone wall about
15 or 20 rods southeasterly of Zadock Leachs house thence southerly in said
wall untill it comes to the southernmost gap in said wall where there are two
lengths of port and rail fence and from thence running easterly to the
Northermost row of appletrees in my orchard southerly of the Barn and in said
row to the second appletree therein and from thence easterly to northwest
corner of my dwelling house and thence southerly by the house to the bound
first mentioned. Also the south room on the lower floor and south chamber in my
dwelling house and the bedroom adjoining to each of them; one third of the
cellar and the right at all times to pass to and from said rooms and to and
from the cellar and also to and from my well for water togather with a right to
do or have her washing and baking done in the kitchen and what room she may
need in the woodhouse and wood yard for depositing wood &c Also one third
of my barn the northerly part thereof and also of my barn yard and right to
water at the barn well and privelege of passing to and from the same likewise
the right to pasture a cow in my millpond pasture on the northerly side of the
Taunton road annually
Secondly, I give
and devise to my son Anthony S Pratt about six acres of my homestead lands to
be the same more or less bounded as follows viz. Beginning at the northerly end
of the stone wall above mentioned, thence westerly by the said Taunton road
about 35 or 40 rods to a swamp white oak tree on the west side of a pondhole by
the road thence running southerly across said homestead lands to a stake and
stones by the bend of the river at the old shipyard thence upstream by the
river to the second brook, thence northerly by said brook to the southerly end
of the wall aforesaid and thence in said wall and fence to the road aforesaid.
Also my lot of Cedar swamp in Titicut swamp which I bought of Peleg Leach.
Thirdly I give and
devise to my son Albert G. Pratt about 14 acres of my homestead lands to be the
same more or less bounded as follows viz. on the northerly part by Taunton road
aforesaid on the west by land of Salmon Keith and Philo Leonard on the
southerly part by the river and on the easterly side by the above described
westerly line of the tract which I have given to my son Anthony S. Pratt
Fourthly. I give
and devise to my three sons Albert G. Pratt William Pratt, and Anthony S. Pratt
in equal shares my wood lot in Raynham on the condition that from time to time
and at all times during the natural life of my wife Polly (their mother) they
shall furnish her with a good supply of firewood in her dooryard cut and fitted
for her fire without expence or trouble to her.
Fifthly I give and
devise to my daughters, Mary K Alden the wife of Charles H. Alden Cassadana
Washburn the wife of Seth Washburn and Betsey B. Perkins wife of Daniel Perkins
in equal shares the tract of land which I bought of Capt Abram Washburn and
which lies adjoining to my Mill pond pasture lot.
Sixthly. I give
and devise to my daughters Jane W. Pratt and Maria L. Pratt each one hundred
and fifty dollars in six months from the day of my decease to be paid to them
by my son William Pratt. I also give to them the said Jane W. and Maria L.
after the decease of my wife and so long as they shall remain single and
unmarried the same rights and privileges in the dwilling house cellar and
woodhouse yard and well that I have givin to my wife during her natural life,
Also all the apples that may annually grow on the four southerly trees in the
two rows back of my house with the right to pass to and from said trees to
gather the fruit
Seventhly. I give
and devise to my son William Pratt all the rest residue and remainder of my
homestead lands and buildings and rights therein not herein before disposed of
and also the reversion of the real Estate the use whereof is herein before
given to my wife during her natural life and to my daughters Jane W. Pratt and
Maria L Pratt during their unmarried state whenever their legal rights thereto
shall cease to exist
Eighthly I give and
devise to my sons William Pratt and Anthony S. Pratt in Equal shares my Mill
pond pasture lot which lies adjoining to the northerly side of the Taunton road
aforesaid
Finally. I hereby appoint my sons
Albert G. Pratt and William Pratt to be executors of this my last will and
testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and declaring this and
this only to be my last will and Testament
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand this sixth day of February in the year
of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty seven
William Pratt (seal)
Signed
published pronounced and declared by the said William Pratt to be his last Will
and Testament in presence of the subscribers who in his presence and at his
request and in presence of each other hereunto set our hands as witnesses
Zebulon
K Pratt
Z.
Pratt
P.C.
Pratt
Isaac
Fobes
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Feb. 1849 by Albert G. Pratt and William Pratt, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Zebulon K. Pratt and Isaac Fobes, two of the witnesses
whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Albert
G. Pratt and William Pratt, the Executors.
Albert G. Pratt was appointed as
Executor of the last Will and Testament of William Pratt, late of Bridgewater,
on 19 Feb. 1849, with Isaac Fobes and Zebulon K. Pratt as sureties.
Isaac Fobes and Zephaniah Keith, of
Bridgewater, and Solomon White, of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise
the estate of William Pratt, late of Bridgewater, on 6 Jan. 1849.
The Inventory of the Estate of
William Pratt, late of Bridgewater, was appraised by Isaac Fobes, Zephaniah
Keith and Solomon White, but not dated, his personal estate totaled $374.74,
but his real estate was not listed. Albert G. Pratt, Executor of the last will
and testament of William Pratt, late of Bridgewater, gave his oath to the
inventory on the third Monday of Feb. 1849, and he made application to sell the
personal estate of the deceased.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p. 50-55, from FHL microfilm #0555640,
and Vol. 2H, p. 182.
Will of Benjamin Price of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In
the Name of God amen, I Benjamin Price of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
Joiner being of sound Mind & Memory but realizing the Uncertainty of Life
do make this my last Will and Testament. And first of all calling to mind the
important Events of Fraturity, I do humbly through the Merits of a Redeemer
recommend my soul to the Mercies of God who gave it and my Body to the Earth
from whence it was taken to be buried with decent Christian Burial.—And with
respect to my Estate both real & personal Which I enjoy through the
Blessing of God, I order my Executor in the first place to pay all my just
debts and funeral Charges, after which I dispose of the remainder in manner
following viz
1st. I give and bequeath
unto my beloved Wife Mehitabel Price such part of my Estate as the Law has
provided for Widow’s of Intestate, provided she survives me, to enjoy the same,
as the Law respecting Widow’s of Intestates has provided ~~~
2d.
I give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Price junr. all my Estate
both real and personal excepting such part as may be set off to my Widow as her
right of Dower and it is hereby intended that my said Son Benjamin shall have
the remainder & Reversion of that part of my real Estate which may be set
off to my Widow – and provided my Wife does not survive me I give and bequeath
all my Estate to my said Son Benjamin without any exception as above mentioned
– Provided in each of the above mentioned Cases my said Son Benjamin shall be
held & obliged to pay all the Legacies mentioned in this my last Will and
Testament —
3. I give and bequeath unto my Daughters Mary
Price & Susanna Price Twenty Pounds of which Ten pounds shall vest in &
be paid to my said Daughter Mary and ten pounds shall vest in and be paid to my
Daughter Susanna and in case either of both should not survive me the provision
herein made for her that is deceased shall become ~~ a lapsed Legacy —
4th.
I give and bequeath unto my Daughters Silence Palmer Wife of Benjamin Palmer,
Sarah Colwell Wife of Ebenezer Colwell, Hannah Pool Wife of John Pool, Betty
Soper Wife of Nathaniel Soper and Lydia Parris Wife of Benjamin Parris five
shillings each together with what they have already received
5th.
It shall be at the Election of my Executor to pay one half of the Legacies
above mentioned in Household Furniture or the whole in Cash —
6.
I do hereby constitute and appoint my Son Benjamin Price junr. Sole
Executor to this my last will & Testament ratifying & confirming this
to be my Last Will and Testament & disallowing all other Wills heretofore
by me made. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this
Sixteenth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand & seven hundred
& Ninety one.
signed, sealed & declared to be
his last Will
and Testament in presence of
Nathan
Hayward
Beza
Hayward Benjamin Price (seal)
Abigail
Hayward
Presented for probate on 5 June
1805 by Benjamin Price, the Executor therein named, and proved by Beza Hayward
Esqr., one of the witnesses, Nathan Hayward and Abigail Hayward
being since deceased.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
230-231, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Kimball Prince of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In
the Name of God amen the second day of June Anno Domini 1791 I Kimbal Prince of
Kingston in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
being weak in Body but of a sound & disposing Mind & Memory & being
desirous to set my House in order before I go hence, do make & ordain this
my Last Will & Testament, & first I commend my Soul to God that gave
it, & my Body to the Earth to be decently buried according to the
discretion of my Executors hereafter named hoping for a joyful Resurrection
through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer; and as touching my outward
Estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I dispose
of the same as follows — viz —
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my well beloved Wife Deborah Prince the Improvement of
all my Real & personal so long as she shall remain my Widow. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Sons Christopher Prince, Kimball Prince &
Hezekiah Prince, & my Daughters Sarah Bradford wife of Perez Bradford, Ruth
Fuller wife of Jesse Fuller & Deborah Washburn Wife of Elisha Washburn
& their Heirs & assigns, all my personal Estate after the aforesaid
time is expired to be equally divided between them. —
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son John Prince & his Heirs & his assigns all
my Real Estate also my Pews in Kingston Meeting house, & my Will is, that
my Son John pay to my two Sons Noah Prince & Job Prince, and their Heirs
& assigns forty Pounds after the Expiration of the aforesaid time to be
equally divided between them, and also my Will is that my Son John Prince pay
all my just debts & funeral Charges. —
Lastly I do constitute &
appoint my well beloved Wife Deborah Prince & my Son John Prince, Executors
of this my last Will & Testament, revoking all other Will & Testament
by me formerly made, & do ordain this, & this only, to be my last Will
and Testament. In Testimony whereof, I the said Kimball Prince, do hereunto set
my hand and Seal the day & Year before mentioned — signed sealed and
pronounced and declared by the said Kimball Prince to be his
last Will & Testament in presence of us
John
Faunce Kimball Prince (seal)
Eliezer
Faunce
Elijah
Faunce
Presented for probate on 2 May 1814 by John Prince, one of
the executors therein named, Deborah Prince the other Executor having refused
said Trust, and proved by John Faunce Esqr. and Eliezer Faunce, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
John Prince, the before named Executor.
To the Hon Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of Probate
for the County of Plymouth –
The Subscriber having been appointed one of the Executors, in
the last Will & Testament of Kimball Prince late of Kingston in said County
Yeoman deceased, hereby informs your Honour of her refusal to execute said
Trust.—
Kingston
May 2d. 1814.~~ Deborah Prince –
John Faunce Esqr.,
Ebenezer Cushman and Jehiel Washburn yeomen, all of Kingston, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Kimball Prince, late of Kingston, yeoman, on 2 May 1814.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr Kimbal Prince, late of Kingston,
totaled $1677.47, including his homestead farm lying in Kingston and Plympton
valued at $1200. John Prince, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4
July 1814.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp. 351-352, 422-423, from FHL
microfilm #0550903.
Will of Benjamin Prior of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
Upon the third day of February in the year of our Lord one
thousand, seven hundred & sixtythree, I Benjamin Prior of Duxborough in the
county of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New:England
Tanner, being under some decays of nature but of perfect mind & memory,
thanks be given unto God for the same, and therefore calling to mind the
mortality of my body, & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
die, do make & ordain this to be my last will & testament. That is to
say.
Principally, & first of all, I give & recommend my
soul into the hands of God that gave it, & my body I recommend to the earth
to be buried in a decent christian manner at the discretion of my executors
hereinafter-named; nothing doubting but at the great & general resurrection
I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God, And as touching
such worldly goods & temporal estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me in this life with I give demise & dispose of the same in the following
manner & form. ~
Imprimis. My will is that all my just debts & funeral
charges be defrayd, & paid out of my estate. ~
Item. I do give & bequeath to my dear & welbeloved
wife Deborah Prior one third part of all my personal estate, with the
improvement of all my salt meadow, with one third part of my dwelling house
with the privilege of cutting her fire-wood off of my land so long as she
remains my widdow or lives in my dwelling house. ~
Item. I do give & bequeath unto my eldest son Eliphas
Prior all my two tracts or parcels of pine land, being by estimation eleven
acres lying between his dwelling-house & the land of John Chandler, &
my lot of land that I bought of Edward Tinkham lying in Kingston being by
estimation about forty acres, his heirs & assigns forever. But nevertheless
my will is that my said son Eliphas Prior shall pay to my two daughters
Rebeccah Prior & Lois Prior each of them thirteen pounds, six shillings
& eight pence a piece lawful money to each of them, their heirs &
assigns forever. ~
But if in case that my said son Eliphas Prior shall not see
fit, nor think good, nor proper for himself to pay to my two sd.
daughters Rebeccah & Lois that said thirteen pounds, six shillings &
eight pence a piece, that then the my will is that my two sd.
daughters Rebeccah Prior & Lois Prior shall have the one half of these two
aforesd. tracts or parcels of land their heirs & assigns
forever.~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my three sons Eliphaz Prior,
Benjamin Prior & Joseph Prior all my salt meadow equally between ‘em, their
heirs & assigns forever.
Item. I do give unto my two sons Benjamin Prior & Joseph
Prior all the residue or remainder of my lands with the housing, buildings,
fences & orchards thereon equally between them their heirs and assigns
forever. And my will is, that my two sons Benjamin & Joseph, the sum of
three pounds a Year, that they shall pay their mother for the use of the old
farm. ~
Item. I do give and bequeath unto my daughter Eunice Lowden
the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence. ~
Item. I do give & bequeath unto my two daughters Rebeccah
Prior & Lois Prior two thirds of my houshold goods of what is commonly used
in my house, equally between them & their heirs & assigns forever. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my daughter in law the wido.
Abigail Prior the sum of Six Shillgs.
Item. I do give & bequeath unto my two grandaughters
Abigail Prior & Deborah Prior twenty shillings a piece.
Item. I do give & bequeath unto my three sons Eliphas
Prior, Benjamin Prior & Joseph Prior all the residue or remainder of my
personal estate equally between them their heirs & assigns forever. ~
Item. I do hereby appoint & constitute my trusty &
welbeloved sons Eliphas Prior & Benjamin Prior the sole executors of this
my last will & testament & I do hereby utterly disallow revoke &
disanul all & every other & former wills, testament & bequests
& executors by me, in any ways before namd, willed, &
bequested, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will
& testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the
day & year above written.
Benjamin Prior (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the sd.
Benjamin Prior to be his last will & testament in the presence of us the
subsrs.
Salumith Wadsworth, Sarah Wadsworth, John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 2 Feb. 1767 by Eliphas Prior and
Benjamin Prior, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Wadsworth,
Salumith Wadsworth, and Sarah Wadsworth, the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Eliphaz Prior and Benjamin Prior, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of mr. Benjamin Prior
late of Duxborough, was appraised by Israel Sylvester, Peleg Wadsworth, and
Wait Wadsworth on 27 Mar. 1767, and totaled £974.17.6¾, including his homestead
farm, buildings and tan yard valued at £400, his woodland in Duxborough valued
at £96, and his salt meadow valued at £180. Eliphaz Prior and Benjamin Prior,
the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Aug. 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 419-420, from FHL microfilm
#0550711, and Vol. 21, p. 10.
Will of Anna Ramsdell of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the name of God Amen. I Anna Ramsdell of Pembroke in the
County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, weaver, being of a sound
mind & memory, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, as
for my body, I recommend to a christian burial, and my soul to God that gave
it, and as for my estate, I give as followeth
Imprimis. I Give unto my Cousin Sarah Hanks, a feather bed
which stands in my kitchin, together with the bedstead & all the furniture
thereunto belonging
Item. I Give unto my daughter Content Whitman all the rest of
my estate, both real & personal of all kinds, together with what she
carried from my house when she moved away, which said Goods I have a bill of
Sale of; and my will is that my said daughter have the sole privilege of
disposing of all & every part of my estate after my decease, to whom she
pleases (excepting the bed I have given to my cousin Sarah Hanks) I say, to her
& to her heirs or to whom she may give it forever, I say, all my estate of
all denominations whatsoever and I do appoint Benjamin Parris of Halifax to be
sole Executor to this my last will & testament. In witness whereof, I do
hereunto Set my hand & Seal, this tenth day of June A D.1785
Signed Sealed & declared by the sd
Anna Ramsdell, to be her last will Anna Ramsdell (seal)
& testament in presence of us
Stephen
Richardson
Benjamin
Darling
Mercy
Damman
Presented for probate on 2 Oct. 1797 by Benjamin Parris, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Darling and Mercy Damman, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Benjamin Parris.
Levi Everson, John Oldham and Elijah Whitman, all of
Pembroke, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of Anna Ramsdell, late
of Pembroke, widow, on 2 Oct. 1797. The Inventory of the Estate of Anna
Ramsdell, late of Pembroke, totaled $644.76.3, including her real estate valued
at $450. Benja. Parris, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 6 Nov. 1797.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 36, pp. 240-241, 254, from FHL
microfilm #0550719.
Will of Samuel Ramsden of Pembroke, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
In The Name of God Amen. I Samuel Ramsden of Pembroke in the
County of Plimouth Yeoman being of perfect Mind & remembrance Praised be
God do make & ordain this My last Will & Testamt. in Manner
& form following first of all I give my Soul into the Hands of God my Maker
hoping that thro: the Meritorious Death of Jesus Christ my only Saviour &
redeemer to receive free Pardon of all my sins & my Body to be buried in
Christian Burial at the Discression of my Execr.
Item I give & Bequeath to Anne my Wife two Heifers &
all my sheep & a Cow Bell & all my Rye & Corn & allso all my
Wool & flax & a pr of Irons Dogs & all my houshold goods
wch she had before I was married to her
Item I give and Bequeath to My Son Samuel Ramsden my Great
Coat. Item I give & & Bequeath to my Grandaughter Mercy Hersey my
Feather Bed & the furniture that now belongs to it. Item I give &
Bequeath unto my Grandson Samuel Ramsden my Powder horn Cartherage Box &
Cut lash. Item I give & Bequeath to my Grandaughter Betty Crooker my Great
Iron Pot & my Trammel & all my Pewter Ware & all other my Goods
& Effects of all Denomination after my Just debts & funeral Charges are
pd.
Item I give & Bequeath to my two Daughters Mary Crooker
& Susanna Hersey to be Equaly divided between them I say all my Goods &
Moveable Effects to them all that is not mentd. in this my last will
& Testament & I do make Daniel Crooker Sole Excr. of this my
last will & Testament & I do hereby utterly disallow revoke &
disanul all & Every other former Testamts. wills & Bequests
& Exer by me in any ways before namd. ratifying &
Confirming this & no other to be my last will & Testament In Testimony
whereof Ive hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the 21st. day of augst.
AD
1759—
Signed Sealed & Published pronounced
& declard. by the sd. Saml.
Ramsden to be Samuel Ramsden (seal)
his last will & Testamt. in Prescence
of us the Subscribers
Thomas
Parris
William
Cocks
Benja.
Parris
Presented for probate on 3 Dec. 1759 by the Executor, and
proved by Thos. Parris, Wm. Cocks, and Benja.
Parris, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Daniel Crooker
of Pembroke, Yeoman, the Executor, on 3 Dec. 1759.
The Inventory of the estate of Samuel Ramsden, of Pembroke,
was appraised on 5 Dec. 1759 by Josiah Cushing and David Darling, and totaled
only £55.11.4, no real estate. Daniel Crooker, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 4 Feb. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 451-451, 440, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Rev. William Rand of Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In
the Name of God Amen ~
I,
William Rand of Kingston in the county of Plymouth in the State of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England, minister of the Gospel, having through the
Goodness of God arrived to old age, and having sound mind and memory, do ordain
this as my Last will and testament—I trust I need not give particular order
concerning my funeral, expecting that the kind people of Kingston will afford
me a decent burial—and as to the Estate which Providence has bestowed upon me I
bequeath it in the following manner
Imprimis—To my Grandson William
Rand, upon the conditions and Limitations hereafter mentioned, I Give my
dwelling house and Barn and Cyder mill with other Buildings upon the place with
30 or 40 acres of Land adjoining be it more or Less, contained in the Lines
following vizt, beginning at the Bridge, running upon the road to
the upper corner of the field, near to a place called Dukes hole, and from a
Stake at the corner of the fence to run in a Streight Line northwardly to the
north west corner of said field and to continue the Line Streight to the River,
and then to run down by the River to the Bridge, the first mentioned bound ~
The
Rest of my Land in Kingston, vizt the upper part of my Farm or
homestead, I Give to my daughter Miss Mary Turner, also I Give to her all my
household furniture and utensills
And
it is my will that when my Grandson William aforesd shall arrive at
the age of 21 years, he shall pay to his Sister Lucy out of what I here
bequeath to him the full and Just sum of Sixty pounds Sterling or an equivilant
to that sum in the currency of that time
I
Give my Books to my daughter Turner, and my two Orphan Grand children William
and Lucy Rand, Let them be divided into 3 equal parts and be assigned to Miss
Mary Turner, to William Rand and to Lucy Rand by Lot
And
it is my will that what I have done for my Orphan Grand children Lucy &
William for Board, Cloathing, be shall not be charged to them by my Executor ~
And
what I have bequeathed to them Lucy and William, I Give them upon this
condition, that they shall not trouble or molest my Executor under pretence of
any Error, mistake or Omission in me as Executor to their Father’s will
And
I desire my Son in Law Mr. Charles Turner now of Scituate to be
Executor of this my will, and to be Guardian to my Grandson William Rand ~
And
I bequeath to my executor my Lands in Sunderland, vizt. one Lot at a
place called hatchet brook containing 30 Acres, and a Lot in the Sequestred
miles—and what other Estate shall be found not mentioned above, after my debts
are paid, I bequeath to Miss Mary Turner and my two Orphan Grand children, to
be equally divided between them – and it is my will that if my Grandson William
aforesaid should die before he shall come to the age of 21 years, that then
what I have bequeathed to him shall be divided equally between Miss Turner and
Lucy Rand
In
witness of this testament I hereunto set my hand and affix my Seal this third
day of February anno Domini 1778
In the presence of William Rand (seal)
Nathaniel Gilbert
Samuel Gilbert
Hannah Gilbert
17th.
October 1778 having now perused the within written will, I do approve and
confirm the same with this explanation, that whereas I have Since the Date of sd.
will sold to Mr. Nathl. Gilbert a small house plot upon
which he has already erected a dwelling house; therefore the first Line in
describing the Land which I bequeathed to my Grandson Willm. Rand
must be considered as excluding sd house plot
And
then what is mentioned in my will as bequeathed conditionally to Lucy and
William Rand, is to refer only to boarding, cloathing, &c as mentioned in
the sentence immediately foregoing – and it is my will that my grandson William
Rand aforesaid should have my wearing apparell—In witness whereof I set my hand
the day of the date above
In presence of William Rand
~
Nathaniel Gilbert
Hannah Gilbert
Presented for probate on 5 April
1779 by Charles Turner, the Executor therein named, and proved by Nathaniel
Gilbert and Samuel Gilbert, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to the Revd. Charles Turner, the before
named Executor.
The Inventory of the Real and
Personal Estate of the Revd. Mr. William Rand, late of
Kingston, was appraised on 22 Apr. 1779 by John Gray, Robert Bradford and Ebenr.
Washburn, and totaled £3032.11.5, including his homestead land and buildings
valued at £1933.6.8, and 2 lots of land at Sunderland containing in both 50
acres valued at £100. John Gray, Robert Bradford and Ebenezer Washburn gave
their oath to the inventory on 22 Apr. 1779, and Revd. Charles
Turner, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 11 May 1779.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 251-254, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Benjamin Randall of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the Name of God Amen the 30th of June A.D.
1756. I Benja. Randall of Scituate in the county of Plimo.
in N.E. Gent. being in good health & of sound mind & memory
thanks be given to God for it & calling to mind the mortality of my body
& knowing it is appointed unto man once to die do therefore make &
ordain this my last will & Testament. first I recomend my Soul to God that
gave it & my body to a decent burial at the discretion of my Exx.
hereafternamd. & as touching such worldly Estate as it hath
pleasd. God to bless me with in this Life I give & dispose of
the same in manner & form following.—
Imprimis. I give to my well beloved wife Sarah Randall her
heirs & assigns forever my Lot of land lying in Scituate near where Ann
Dwelly livd. which I purchd. of Thos. Briant
Esqr. since decd. also I give her the use & improvemt.
of one third part of my Real Estate during the whole term of her natural life
& also the improvemt. of my Real Estate I hereafter give in this
my will to my Sons Paul Wm. & Daniel till they arrive to the age
of twenty one Years each of them to have their part when they arrive to that
age also I give her the whole of my moveable & personal estate within doors
& without upon Condition she Pays all my Just debts & my funeral
Charges & the Legacies given in this my Will.
Item I give to my two Sons Benja. Randall &
Ezra Randall the Sum of five shill. each of them, they having already recd.
the rest of their portions out of my Estate.
Item I give to my Son Isaiah Randall his heirs & Assigns
forever nine acres & an half of Salt meadow land lying in Marshfield in the
county aforesd. on the south side of John Littles Island which I
purchasd. of my father in Law Tobias Oakman since decd.
also I give him fifty pounds lawfl. money to be pd. him
in one Year after my decease.
Item. I give to my daughter Sarah Briant the Sum of five
shillgs. she having Already received the rest of her portion out of
my Estate. ~
Item. I give to my daughter Huldah Randall the sum of
sixtysix pounds thirteen shillg. & four pence to be paid her out
of my personal Estate at the value thereof in lawfll. money
Item. I give to my daughter Eliza. Randall the Sum
of sixtysix pounds thirteen shillg. & four pence lawfull money
at the value thereof in personal Estate. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my Sons Paul Randal William
Randall & Daniel Randall their heirs & assigns forever my pew in the
Southerly meeting house In Scituate, and also all the rest of my Estate
wheresoever lying or being to be equally divided amongst them excepting the
improvement given to my wife as aforesaid & in case any or either of them
dye before they arrive to the Age of twenty one Years & have no Issue then
the estate to belong to the other of them surviving & I give it to them
accordingly. –
Lastly I do hereby nominate & appoint my said wife Sarah
Randall to be Excecutrix of this my last Will & Testament. In Witness
whereof I,ve hereunto set my hand & Seal the day & Year first above
written. –
Signed Sealed published & declared by Benjamin Randall (seal)
the said Benjamin Randall to be his
last Will & Testament in Prescence of us,
Caleb Torrey, Thomas Hyland, & William Hyland. ~
Presented for probate on 23 Mar. 1764 by Sarah Randall,
widdow, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Thomas Hyland and William
Hyland, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Sarah
Randall, the Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 17-18, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Ephraim
Randall of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen. This fourth day of September, Seventeen hundred &
ninety nine.—I Ephraim Randall of Pembroke in the county of Plymouth yeoman,
being under indisposition of body, but of sound mind & memory thanks be
given to God for the same, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, and
knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, make and ordain this my last
will & testament, and touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God
to bless me with in this life, I Give and dispose of the same in manner &
form following ~
Imprimis,
and First of all, I Give up & recommend my soul into the hands of God that
gave it, and my body to the earth, to be buried in a Christianlike manner, at
the discretion of my Executor hereafter named –
Item.—I
Give & bequeath to my well beloved wife Mercy Randall, the use &
improvement of all my homestead farm, whereon I now dwell, laying in Pembroke,
land & buildings, so long as she remains my widow, excepting the
improvement of my wood land, I give to her a right to cut for fencing, repairs
& one fire only; I also give to my wife, one yoke of oxen, three Cows, ten
sheep, one horse, one Chaise, one cart & wheels, one large plow & one
horse plow & one chain & horse tackling, all my Silver, Peuter, Brass,
Iron & earthen, all my green chairs, all my spinning wheels, all my tables,
half dozen kitchen chairs & Desk; I also give my wife all my beds &
furniture except one with furniture, she my said wife bringing up my children
to good common education, and giving trades to my two sons, Ephraim &
Elisha by putting them at the Carpenters trade at Sixteen years of age, the
above articles of personal estate, I give free & clear to my said wife
forever.
Item.—I
Give and bequeath to my Daughter Mercy Randall my best bed & furniture, to
be delivered by my Executors at the age eighteen or marriage.
Item—I
Give and bequeath to my two sons, Ephraim & Elisha, all my Real Estate,
laying in Pembroke, to be equally divided, between them and come into
possession of the same at the time my said wife shall cease to be my widow, to
them, their & assigns forever—and it is my mind and will, that if either of
my sons Ephraim or Elisha, die before coming into possession of what I have
given them in this will, the surviving son shall have the whole—I further order
my Executor to sell my land at gravelly beach, for the payment of my debts—all
the remainder & residue of my personal estate, I order sold for the payment
of my debts, funeral charges &c.
I furthermore, constitute &
appoint my wife Mercy Randall & my brother in law Elisha Phillips joint
Executors to this my last will & testament—In witness whereof, I have
hereunto Set my hand & seal, the Day and year above written and declare
this my last will and testament –
In
Presence of
Betsey
Hatch Ephraim Randall (seal)
John
Hatch
John
Turner
Presented for probate on 2 Dec.
1799 by Mercy Randall & Elisha Phillips, the Executors therein named, and
proved by John Hatch & John Turner Esqr, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of David
Ransom of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1798) *
In the Name of God Amen. – David Ransom of the town of Carver
& County of Plymouth, yeoman, being sensible of the mortality of my body,
but now of perfect & disposing memory, thanks be given to almighty God for
the same; after calling to mind, the mortality of my body, knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament.-
Imprimis.
– I will and bequeath my Soul to God that gave it me, & my body, to the
dust to be decently buried, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named,
nothing doubting but at the general resurrection, I shall recieve the same by
the mighty power of God –
Item
– I will & bequeath to my loving wife Content Ransom, the whole of the
improvement of all my estate, both real & personal, so long as she remains
my widow, and no longer, but in case she shall marry again, my will is, she
shall have my best bed & furniture & warming pan & Eight Pounds in
money, to be paid her by my loving Son Joseph Ransom, at the day of her
marriage, to be her own forever, to be paid in money equal to silver money at
six shillings & eight pence per ounce –
Item
– I will & bequeath to my loving son Joseph Ransom, all my Real Estate,
containing all my lands, meadow & Swamp, wherever it may be found, and all
my buildings thereon—I further give to my said Son all my farming utensills,
& all my wearing apparell, & my half Pew in the meeting house, always
provided that he my said son pay all my just debts & funeral charges, and
such legacies, as I have, or shall appoint him in this will to pay, he, his
heirs, Executors or administrators, all the abovesaid Real & Personal
Estate I do give to my said son, to him & his heirs & assigns forever.—
Item
– I will & bequeath to my loving daughter Lois Ransom, two thirds of all my
moveable estate, excepting my farming utensills and what I have already given
to my loving wife Content Ransom – the abovesaid moveable estate, I give to my
said daughter Lois Ransom, to her, her heirs & assigns forever—I further
give to my said daughter the bed room in the north east end of the house, to
her own command, and the privilege of a fire, so long as she remains unmarried,
and no longer.–
Item
– I will & bequeath to the children of my daughter Abigail Ripley the wife
of Thaddeus Ripley, the one third part of all my indoor moveables, excepting
what I have given to my loving wife Content Ransom, and also, one third of my
neat Cattle, the abovesaid moveable estate, I give to the children of my
daughter Abigail Ripley, to them, their heirs & assigns forever, to be
equally divided amongst them –
Lastly
– I Do nominate and appoint my loving son Joseph Ransom, to be the Sole
Executor of this my last will & testament, hereby revoking all other &
former wills, either written or verbal, by me heretofore made, hereby ratifying
& confirming this my last will to remain firm and abiding.— In Testimony
whereof, I the abovesaid David Ransom, have hereunto Set my hand and Seal, this
twenty first day of November, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand, Seven
Hundred ninety & eight.~
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced and David Ransom (seal)
Declared by the said David Ransom
to be his last will &
testament, in
presence of –
Samuel
Lucas
Lois
Lucas
Jemima
Lucas
Presented for probate on 18 Nov.
1801 by Joseph Ransom, the Executor, and proved by Samuel Lucas and Lois Lucas,
two of the witnesses. Barnabas Cobb, Gentleman, and Samuel Lucas, Yeoman, both
of Carver, were the sureties on the bond of Joseph Ransom.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer
Redding of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1751) *
In the Name of God Amen I Ebenezer Redding of Middleborough
In The County of Plimouth In New-England being Sick and Weak of Body but of a
Sound and Disposing mind memory and understanding blessed be God Therefor
Calling To mind The Mortallity of my Body and Knowing That It is appointed for
all men once To Dye Do make and ordain This To be my Last Will and Testement To
Stand firm and Remain Inviolable for Ever – Principaly and first of all I give
and Recomend My Sole Into The hands of God That Gave It and My Body I Recomend
unto The Dust To be Buried in Decent Christian burial at The Discrition of My
Executor nothing Doubting but at The General Resurrection I Shall Receive The
Same again and as Touching Such Worldly Estate Wherewith It hath pleasd God To
Bless Me in this Life With I Do Dispose of The Same In the following Manner and
form – Imprimas – I Give and bequeath unto My True and Well Beloved Wife Joanna
Redding all The Household Goods That is yet to Be found of Them She Brought To
me When She Came To Me To Be at her Disposal for Ever I also Give her one of my
fier Rooms BeLow and Roome In The Chamber To Set her Warping Bars, and one
Third part of the Room In ye. Sellor and one Third part of ye.
Roome in My Barn and one Third part of The Improvement of My Farm and So much
of My Honseal[?] Stuff Besides What I Gave her for Ever as she Stands In Need
of for her Comfortable Keeping house So Long as She Shall Remain My Widow and I
allso order My Two Sons William and Thomas to find her one Cow So Long as She is
My Widow –
I Give and Bequeath unto My Two Sons William Redding and
Thomas Redding all My Land With The Buildings and fences There on Equally to be
Divided the Length Ways of The Lot according To Quantyty and quallety – Item –
I Give and Bequeath unto My Son Ebenezer Redding The Sum of Two pounds Thirteen
Shillings and four pence Lawfull Money To be paid Him In Two Years after my
Decease by My Two Sons William and Thomas. Item. I Give and Bequeath unto My
Son Moses Redding The Sum of Two pounds Thirteen Shillings and four pence
Lawfull Money to be paid him In Two Years after My Decease by My Two Sons
William and Thomas - Item - I Give and Bequeath unto My Daughter Mercy Hatch
The Sum of Two pounds Lawfull Money To Be paid her Two Years after My Decease
by My Two Sons William and Thomas - Item - I Give and Bequeath unto My Daughter
Merget Cain The Sum of Two pounds Lawfull Money To be paid Two Years after My
Decease by My two Sons William & Thomas - Item - I Give and Bequeath unto
My Daughter Deborah Williamson The Sum of Two pounds Lawfull Money To be paid
her Two Years after My Decease by My Two Sons William and Thomas: Item - I Give
and Bequeath unto My Daughter Leddia Core The Sum of Two pounds Lawfull money
To Be paid her Two Years after My Decease by My Two Sons William and Thomas
Item - I Give and Bequeath unto The heirs of My Daughter hannah White Deceast
The Sum of two Shillings and Eight pence Lawfull Money To be paid Them Two
Years after My Decease by My Two Sons William and Thomas . . Item - I Give and
Bequeath unto My Grand Daughter Silence Redding The Sum of Two Shillings and
Eight pence Lawfull Money To be paid her Two Years after My Decease by My Two
Sons William and Thomas - Item - I Give and Bequeath unto My Grand Son David
White The Sum of Two Shillings and Eight pence Lawfill Mooney To be paid him
Two Years after My Decease by My Two Sons William and Thomas - Item - I Give
and Bequeath all My Moveable Estate Within Doors and Without unto My Two Sons
William and Thomas Besides What I Disposed of To My Wife and the Said Movables
To Be at the Disposal of my Executor until he hath paid My Just Debts and
funarel Charges With What he Can Call in that is Due To me and then What
Remannts Equaly To be Divided Between William and Thomas – Finelly I Constitute
My Son Thomas Redding To be Executor of this My Last Will & Testament
hereby Confirming this & no other to be my Will as Witness My Hand and Seal
The Twenty Nineth Day of Aprail anno Domini: 1751
Ebenezer Redding (seal)
Signed Seald & Declared by Ebenezer Redding to be his
Last Will and Testement in presents of us
Noah Thomas
Peter Tinkham
Ephraim Wood
Probated on 3 June 1751, and proved by Peter Tinkham and
Ephraim Wood, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Thomas Reding of Middleborough, the Executor, on 3 June 1751.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ebenezer Redding late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 12 June 1751 by Ephraim Wood, Joseph Tinkham,
and William Cushman, his real estate valued at £100, and his personal estate
valued at £45.13.4. Thomas Reding, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 10 July 1751.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 183-185, 274, from FHL
microfilm #0551539.
Will of Ebenezer Reed of Abington, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1790) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Ebenezer Reed of Abington in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bay Gentleman being of
sound and disposing mind (praised be God) do make this my Last will and
testament, as follows viz~ –
I Give to my three Children David & Barnabas Reed &
Abigail Dyer, all my Right in a Saw mill known by the name of Tirrell’s mill in
equal Shares
Item – I Give to my two sons David & Barnabas Reed all my
wearing apparell in equal halves
I Give to three Children of my Son Jonathan Reed deceased six
shillings each
I Give to my Son David Reed a State of three pounds seven
shillings, Likewise two thirds of all my other notes of hand
The other third of my Notes, together with all my Houshold
furniture at Mr. Jacob Dyer’s, I Give to my Daughter Abigail Dyer –
my will is that my debts and funeral Charges shall be paid out of my Notes of
hand
I Constitute Capt. Luke Bicknell of the town and
County aforesaid sole Executor of this my Last will and testament – In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of April in
the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Ninety – NB the
interlineation above was made prior to the signing & sealing of this will
and testament ~
Sealed published & declared by the above
named Ebenezer Reed for and as his Ebenezer Reed (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of
Joseph
Pool
John
Norton
Seth
Porter
Presented for probate on 3 April [sic] 1790 by Luke Bicknell,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Pool and Seth Porter, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Luke Bicknell, the before named Executor. [The
probate must have been on 3 May 1790, the same day the appraisers were
appointed.]
Joseph Pool and Seth Porter, yeomen, and John Norton, trader,
all of Abington, were appointed to appraise the estate of Ebenezer Reed, late
of Abington, Gentleman, on 3 May 1790. The Inventory. Dated 26 May 1790,
totaled £106.11.6, his real estate valued at only £3.12. Luke Bicknell, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 May 1790, and the appraisers
gave their oath to the inventory on 19 Aug. 1790.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, pp. 181-185, 255-256, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Rev. John Reed
of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I John Reed of West Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth, Minister of the Gospel being of sound disposing mind
and memory Do make ordain and Establish this my last Will and Testament in
manner following VIZ. Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my five children John
Reed, Daniel Reed, Hannah Copeland, Caleb Reed and Sampson Reed and to the
children of my Deceased Son Solomon Reed my Library to be Equally Divided
between them the children of my Deceased Son having one Share or sixth part of
the same. Item– I give and bequeath unto
my Son Daniel Reed my Real Estate at home, and a lot of Swamp containing
Fourteen Acres more or less also a lot of
John Reed (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared by the Said John Reed to be his
last will and Testament in
Presence of us who in the Presence of the Testator and of
Each other have hereunto Subscribed
our names as Witnesses
Abrier Alger
Abrier Alger Jr.
Cornelia Alger
Probated on 5 April 1831, and proved by Abrier Alger Jr., one
of the witnesses, Abrier Alger is since deceased. Letters of administration
granted to Daniel Reed of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Guardianship and Will of Simeon Rhoads of Sharon, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825, 1827) *
From the
Probate Docket Index:
Aug. 16,
1825 the Selectmen of the town of
April 1,
1828 the Will of Simeon Rhoades of
May 6, 1828
the Will of Simeon Rhoads of
June 3,
1828 David Morse petitioned for administration of the estate of Simeon Rhoads
of
Dec. 2,
1828 the Inventory of the estate of Simeon Rhoads of
Jan. 4,
1831 the Account of David Morse, administrator of the estate of Simeon Rhoads
was filed, and allowed, and the estate was ordered distributed.
To
all People to whom these Presents shall come
SS. Edward H. Robbins Esquire,
Judge of the Probate of Wills &c. in the
Whereas
it hath been made to appear to me, on [smeared]tation
of the Selectmen of the town of Sharon, made to me as the Law directs that
Simeon Rhoads of said town of Sharon is a person of mental infirmity as
described in a [smeared] of this
Commonwealth; Therefore Know ye, That I the said judge, trusting in the care
and fidelity of Benjamin Reynolds of Sharon aforesaid Esquire, have and by
these Presents do (pursuant to the power and authority to me granted in and by
an act of Law of the said Commonwealth, entitled, “An act empowering the Judges
of Probate to appoint Guardians to Minors & others”) assign and appoint the
said Benjamin Reynolds to be Guardian of the said Simeon Rhoads hereby
directing and empowering him in said capacity, to take care as well of the
person as estate, both real and personal, of the said Simeon Rhoads, and to
make a just and true Inventory of the said Estate, to be exhibited into the
Register’s office of Probate for the County aforesaid. And the said Guardian
shall improve frugally, and without waste and destruction the estate
aforementioned, and apply the annual profits and incomes thereof for the
comfortable maintenance and support of the said Simeon Rhoads and also of his
household or family (if any such he have) And the said Guardian is hereby
empowered to settle accounts, receive, and (if need be) sue for, and recover
all such Debts as are due to the said Simeon Rhoads from any person or persons
whomsoever, and to manage, improve, divide, and take care of his real estate in
as full and ample a manner, as he would or might do were he not under any legal
disability. And the said Guardian shall also pay all such debts as are owing
from the said Simeon Rhoads out of his personal estate: or in case that be not
sufficient, then out of his real estate (being first empowered to make sale
thereof, or of such part thereof as shall be sufficient for that end, by the
Supreme Judicial Court, upon application to them made therefore) and he shall
render a plain and true account of his guardianship, when and so often as he
shall be thereunto lawfully required, And in case the said Simeon Rhoads should
be restored to the use of his powers, he shall return and deliver the residue
and remainder of his estate, real and personal unto him, or in case of his
death, to his heirs, executors or administrators.
In
Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this
sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty five.
Samuel Haven Regr. Edward
H. Robbins Judge of Probate
In
the Name of God Amen, I Simeon Rhoads of Sharon in the County of Norfolk &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being through the blessing of God of
sound mind and disposing memory for which I am thankful, but being convinced of
the uncertainty of this Life I do make & declare this my last Will and
Testament.
First. My Soul I commend to God who
gave it hoping to receive mercy and happiness according to his great mercy and
goodness—I commit my body to dust to be interred by my Executor hereafter
named.
As
to my estate I dispose of it as follows viz.
Item 1. My Just debts and funeral
expenses I would have paid by my Executor hereafter named out of my personal
estate.
Item 2d. To my Daughter
Jemima Clap I give and bequeath one Dollar, which together with what I have
before given her is in full for her portion of my estate.
Item 3d. To my Daughter
Lucinda Smith I give and bequeath One Dollar, which together with what I have
before given her is in full for her portion of my Estate.
Item 4. To Mr. Ellis
Morse the son of my Daughter Sybil now deceased I give and bequeath One Dollar,
which is to be in full for such share and as he might be entitled to as son of
my Daughter or as being heir to my estate.
Item 5. To Mrs
Fanny Rhoads the widow of my last son Nathaniel Rhoads I give & bequeath
the sum of five dollars.
Item 6. To my two grand daughters
Fanny Melaney Rhoads and Lucinda Ann Rhoads & both daughters to my late son
Nathaniel I give to each the sum of fifteen dollars each.
Item 7. The residue of my property
and estate whether real or personal I give and bequeath to be equally divided
between my other grand children by my son Nathaniel Rhoads viz. Nathaniel
Addison Rhoads, Lewis Sabin Rhoads, William Bishop Rhoads and James Albert
Rhoads, to each an equal Division.
Item 8. And I do constitute and
appoint David Morse of Walpole in said County of Norfolk to be my sole Executor
to this my last Will and Testament and I do utterly revoke disannul and make
void all former Wills and bequests, declaring this and no other to be my last
Will & Testament—In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty seven. his
Simeon
X Rhoads
(seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the Testator to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us.
Jeremiah Draper, Elijah Thompson, Abner Fairbanks
Having
heard the Testimony to establish this Will by examination of the subscribing
Witnesses thereto and other Testimony to the Competency of the Testator Simeon
Rhoads to make and execute the same, the same being objected to for that cause,
I do decree a refusal to approve the same. Edward
H. Robbins J. Probate
SS.
By the Honourable Edward H. Robbins Esquire, Judge of the Probate of Wills, and
for granting Letters of Administration in the estate of Persons deceased,
having goods, chattels, rights or credits in the County of Norfolk, within the
Commonwealth aforesaid.
To
David Morse of
Whereas
Simeon Rhoads, late of Sharon in the said County, Yeoman deceased, having while
he lived, and at the time of his decease, goods, chattels, rights and credits
in the County aforesaid, lately died, intestate, whereby the power of
committing administration, and full disposition of all and singular the goods,
chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased, and also the hearing,
examining and allowing the account of such administration, doth appertain unto
Me,—Trusting, therefore, in your care and fidelity, I do by these Presents,
commit unto you full power to administer all and singular the goods, chattels,
rights and credits of the said deceased, and well and faithfully to dispose of
the same according to law: and also to ask, gather, levy, recover and receive
all and whatsoever credits of the said deceased, which to him, while he lived,
and at the time of his death, did appertain and to pay all debts in which the
said deceased stood bound, so far as his goods, chattels, rights and credits
can extend, according to the value thereof: and to make a true and perfect
inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits: and to
exhibit the same into the Registry of the Court of Probate for the County
aforesaid, at or before the third day of September next ensuing, and to render
a plain and ture account of your said administration upon oath, at or before
the third day of June, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty nine,
And
I do hereby ordain, constitute and appoint you Administrator of all and
singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits aforesaid.
In
Testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court
of Probate. —Dated at
Samuel Haven Regr.
You
are hereby appointed a Committee to appraise (on oath) all the Estate of Simeon
Rhoads, late of
Samuel Haven Regr. Edward
H. Robbins J. Probate
An
Inventory of the estate of Simeon Rhoads late of
Wearing
apparel $3.50
1
Bed 6.00
1
Chest 1.00
1
Brass Kettle 0.75
Cash 1.11
David Morse’s note date March 1,
1828 328.60
Sharon Decr. 2, 1828 $340.96
David
Andrews
Lewis
Morse } Appraisers
Samuel
G. Fuller
The
foregoing Inventory having been duly exhibited on oath I hereby accept the
same. Edward H. Robbins J.
Probate
I
David Morse Morse [sic] testify and
declare that I have caused notification of my being Administrator of the estate
of Simeon Rhoads, late of Sharon deceased, to be posted as some public places
in Sharon aforesaid; And also gave further notice thereof by causing the same
to be published in the Village Register printed in Dedham within three months
from the time of my taking upon myself the trust aforesaid, according to order:
And the following is a copy of the original notifications published as
aforesaid. David Morse
At
the same Court Ordered, That the foregoing affidavit be filed, and recorded. Edward H. Robbins
Judge Prob.
Notice
is hereby given, that the subscriber has been duly appointed administrator of
the estate of Simeon Rhoads, late of Sharon, in the County of Norfolk, Yeoman,
deceased; and has taken upon himself that trust, by giving bonds, as the law
directs. And all persons having demands upon the estate of the said deceased
are required to exhibit the same, and all persons indebted to the said estate,
are called upon to make payments to David Morse Admin.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Norfolk County Probate, Vol.46, p. 31-32; Vol.51, pp. 239-241,
356-357, and Vol. 52, p. 199-200, from FHL microfilm #1509414 (Docket Index),
#0843593 (Guardianship), and #0843595 (Will, Administration and Inventory.)
Will of Benjamin
Richards of
In the Name of God Amen the twenty fourth day of January Anno
Domini 1740/41 I Benjamen Richards of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in
New England being Weak in body but of perfect mind & Memory Thanks be to
god therefor Calling to mind ye mortallity of my body do make &
ordain this My Last Will and Testament in ye following manner first
I give my Soul into Hands of God, & my body I commit to ye Earth
to be decently buried at ye discretion of My Executor hereafter
named, and as touching my worldly Estate I dispose thereof as followeth My just
debts funerall Charges and other Expenses being first allowed. —
Impri. I Give to my Son Joseph Rickards to him his Heirs
& Assigns forever (besides what I formerly gave him) Six acres of Land at
Pecked point Swamp, and allso a fourty acre Lott of land in Brantrey in a place
Called Covlate Obligeing him to pay to my son Daniel Rickards the sum of Twenty
pounds. —
Item, I give To My son Daniel Rickards to him His heirs &
Assigns forever the fifty Acres of Land which I bought of Hannah Bradford
joyning to Abiel Packard, and allso two Acres of Meadow land at Snells meadow
and allso ye sum of Twenty pounds to be paid to him by my Executor
hereafter named.
Item I give to My two sons John Rickards and Josiah Rickards
to to them theire Heirs and Assigns forever all my
Item I give to my son Ezra Richards to him his Heirs and
assigns forever a lott of Land in Quabin numbered fourty One which I bought of
David Nevins allso another lott in sd Quabin which I bought of ye
Committe of ye Narragansett Township Numbered Seventy Eight together
with all my undivided Rights belonging to said Lotts —
Item I Give to My Daughter Mehetable Packard ye
wife of David Packard the sum of fifty pounds with what she hath recd.
allready.
Item I Give to my Daughter Sarah Packard ye wife
of William Packard the sum of Fifty pounds with what She hath Recd.
already.
Item I Give To my Daughter Lydia Richards the sum of Fifty
pounds when She shall Come to Eighteen years of age. —
Item I give to my Daughter Hannah Richards the sum of Fifty
pounds when she shall Come to Eighteen years of age
Furthermore I Give to My four daughters above named all my
houshold goods or indoore moveables to be Equally divided amongst them after ye
Decease of my wife or at the marriage if She Shall Marry Again.
Item I Give to my Well beloved Wife Lydia Richards (whom
allso I Constitute and appoint to be the Sole Executrix of this My last Will
and Testament The improvement of my buildings and the improvement of One half
of my improved land in My homestead for her Support dureing the time of her
widdowhood, And furthermore I Give unto My sd wife all my personall
Estate without Doors and allso my money, Bonds Notes, & Book debts, Onely
Obligeing her to pay Out ye Severall Legacies or sums before
mentioned
Signed Seald pronounced Benjamin Richards (seal)
and Declared by the said
Benjamin Rickards to be
his Last Will & Testament
in the presence of us.
Joseph Edson
John Edson
David Edson
Proved on 20 May 1741 by Joseph Edson, John Edson and David
Edson, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel Richards of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In the name of God Amen, The fourth day of March in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine – I Daniel Richards of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being sick and weak in body, but
of perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given to God, therefore calling unto mind
the mortality of the body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
die do make and ordain this my Last will and testament, that is to say,
principally and first of all, I Give and Recommend my soul into the hands of
God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent
manner at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the
Resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
Life, I Give, Demise & dispose of the same in the following manner and
form.
Imprimis – I Give to my well beloved wife Mary Richards all
my Indoor moveables, except my wearing Apparell
Item – I Give unto my trusty friend Isaac Brett, whom I
constitute and appoint Executor of this my Last will and testament, all my
farming tools & wearing apparell, with all my Live stock, whether it be
neat Cattle Horses, Sheep or Swine (except one Cow and two sheep) which I may
own at the time of my decease, also all the monies and Securities for money,
and also all and every other Estate (whether it be Real or Personal or mixed)
that I may die seized of, that is not dispose of in this will
Item – I Give unto Abigail Brett, one Cow and two Sheep
and I do hereby
utterly disallow all and every other former Testaments, wills, Legacies and
bequests and Executors by me in any ways before named, willed, and bequeathed,
Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last will and testament–In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
mentioned –
Signed Sealed, Published, pronounced and
declared by the said Daniel Richards as his
Last will & testament in presence of us the Daniel Richards (seal)
Subscribers
Sarah
Dunbar
Olive
Drake
Daniel
Howard 2d
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1789 by Isaac Brett, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Olive Drake, and on the first day of June
Last Daniel Howard ye. 2d, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac Brett, the before
named executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 24-25, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Rev. Abel Richmond of Halifax, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
In the name of God Amen I Abel Richmond of of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth being in a feeble state of health but of sound mind and
memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and constitute this my last
Will and testament in manner and form following that is to say after the
payment of my just Debts and Funeral charges I give and devise to my dearly
beloved son Abel Richmond jur all all my Real Estate.
I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife the sum of Four
hundred Dollars or so much of it as she shall think necessary for her
comfortable support if after her decease a balance of said sum should remain my
will and pleasure is that it be equally divided among my children Abel, Maria
Ruth S and Louisa.
I give and bequeath to my two Daughters Ruth S. and Mariah
all my money in the saving Bank in Plymouth in equal shares. I also give and
bequeath to my said wife the use of all my household Furniture during her
natural life and after her decease to be equally divided between my said Son
Abel and my Daughters Ruth S. & Mariah in equal shares, I further give to
my said wife my chaise and Sleigh. I further give and bequeath to my said Son
Abel Richmond whom I constitute and appoint Executor of this my last Will and
Testament all my Neat Stock Horse and Farming utensils all the rest of my
Estate not before disposed of I give to my said Son Abel and my Daughters Ruth
S. and Mariah in equal shares.
In testimony whereof I the said Abel Richmond have hereunto
set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of April in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred & Forty three
his
Abel X Richmond (seal)
Mark
Signed Sealed published & declared by the above named
Abel Richmond to be his last Will and testament in the presence of us who at
his request & in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses –
Obadiah
Lyon
George
Drew
Hannah
Fuller
We the subscribers children of Revd. Abel Richmond
late of Halifax deceased, have been duly notified by our brother Abel Richmond
Executor named in the last will and Testament of our honoured Father that he
should present said Will for Probate at a Probate Court to be held in
Middleborough on the last Tuesday of May instant, and are satisfied that the
same be proved at that time, the widow of the deceased also concurs in the same
Ruth Richmond
Halifax May 22d 1843 Ruth S. Richmond
Hon. Wilkes Wood Esq Marcia Richmond
Judge of Probate Louisa R. Morton
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of May 1843 by Abel
Richmond, the Executor therein named, and proved by Obadiah Lyon and George
Drew, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Abel Richmond, the Executor therein named.
Abel Richmond, of Halifax, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the estate of Abel Richmond, late of Halifax, Clerk, on 30 May 1843, with
Obadiah Lyon and George Drew, both of Halifax, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 85, p. 339-341, from FHL microfilm #0555268, and Vol. 1G, p. 243.
Will of Abigail Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In the name of God
amen. I Abigail Richmond of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now of a sound Mind but considering the
Shortness of Life, think proper to make & establish this following as my
last Will & Testament for concerning my remains & such Goods &
Estate & Effects as I may die seized & possessed of –
Imprimis
I order & direct that my Body be decently interred after the Manner of a
Christian Burial, at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named —
Item
I give and bequeath to Stephen Cornish my Nephew all my real Estate, which I
bought of Joseph Richmond in connexion with my Brother, Sisters and Stephen
Cornish, it being undivided. —
Item
I give to said Cornish all my personal Estate & moveable property he paying
all my just debts & Funeral Charges, & I do hereby nominate &
appoint my sd. Nephew Stephen Cornish the Executor of this my last
Will & Testament, hereby revoking & annulling all former Wills &
Bequests — In Witness of all which I
hereunto put my hand & Seal this eighth day of October in the Year Eighteen
hundred & sixteen.
Signed Sealed published &
declared in presence
of us the Subscribers as the last
Will & Testament
of the above named Testator &
we do in presence
of her & each other hereto
subscribe our Names. Abigail Richmond (seal)
attest Joseph Richmond
Joseph
Richmond Junr.
Benjamin
Richmond.
Presented for probate on 11 Nov.
1816 by Stephen Cornish, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph
Richmond, Joseph Richmond Junr. and Benjamin Richmond, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration on the estate of Abigail Richmond, late of
Middleborough, Singlewoman, were granted to Stephen Cornish, the before named
executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p.
228-229, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Andrew Richmond of Halifax, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be it remembered that I, Andrew Richmond of Halifax, in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, do on this
Seventh day of May in the Year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and
forty four, make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in the manner
following, Viz.
First. My Will is that
all my just debts and funeral charges be paid out of my Estate.
Second. I
give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Susanna Richmond, the improvement of all
my Estate both Real and Personal during her natural life.
Thirdly. I
give and bequeath unto Andrew Richmond my Son all my Wearing Apparel.
Fourth. I give and bequeath unto John Waterman my
Grand Son – Five Dollars.
Fifthly. After all my debts & the above bequests
are paid,
I do give and bequeath unto
Cyrus Richmond my Son, Two Thirds of all that remains of my Estate.
Sixth. The other remaining third part
I give and bequeath to Susanna
Soule my Daughter the Wife of Jabez Soule and Lydia L. Holmes the wife of
Thomas Holms to be equally divided between the said Susanna and Lydia.
Lastly. I
do appoint Cyrus Richmond and Andrew Richmond my Sons, Sole Executors of this
my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this
day and year above written.
Signed, sealed and
published by the said Andrew Richmond, declaring this to be his last Will and
Testament, in presence of us, who at his request, were called as Witnesses to
the same, and in his presence did hereunto Subscribe our name.
Andrew Richmond (seal)
Reuben
Sylvester
Darius
Holmes
Joseph
Sylvester
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1845 by
Cyrus Richmond and Andrew Richmond, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Reuben Sylvester and Joseph Sylvester, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Andrew Richmond and Cyrus Richmond, the
Executors therein named.
Cyrus Richmond and Andrew Richmond, of Halifax, were granted
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Andrew Richmond, late of Halifax, yeoman,
on 7 Oct. 1845, with Zadock Thompson and Reuben Sylvester, both of Halifax, as
sureties.
Zadock Thompson, William Sears and Joseph Silvester, all of
Halifax, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Andrew Richmond, late of
Halifax, on 7 Oct. 1845.
The Inventory of the Estate of Andrew Richmond, late of
Halifax, was dated 16 Jan. 1846, his real estate totaled $1167.90, including
his homestead with the buildings standing thereon valued at $1025.90, and his
personal estate totaled $207.39. Andrew Richmond, one of the Executors, gave
his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Jan. 1846, and Cyrus Richmond
and Andrew Richmond, the Executors, were directed to sell the personal estate
of the deceased on 19 Jan. 1846.
Cyrus Richmond, of Halifax, petitioned for a division of the
Real Estate of Andrew Richmond, late of Halifax, into two undivided third parts
for himself, and the remaining third part for Susannah Soule, wife of Jabez
Soule, and Lydia L. Holmes, wife of Thomas Holmes, all of Halifax. Jabez P.
Thompson and Zadock Thompson, both of Halifax, and Samuel Thompson, of
Middleborough, were appointed to make the partition and division of the real
estate on the second Monday of Apr. 1847. The division was dated 16 Apr. 1847,
and approved in Oct. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 87, p. 386-388, from FHL microfilm #0555638, Vol. 2H, p. 54, Vol.
88, p. 40-41, and Vol. 89, p. 404-408.
Will of Benjamin
Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of the Supreme Jehovah, Amen, I Benjamin Richmond
of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Yeoman, being now of a sound and disposing mind but in a declining state of
health think proper to make & establish the following as my last Will &
Testament, of & concerning my remains and such Goods Estate & effects
as I may die seized & possessed of
Imprimis, I order & direct that
my body be decently interred after the manner of a Christian burial at the
discretion of my Executrix hereafter named.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my wife Abigail Richmond the superintendence &
improvement of all my Real & Personal Estate while she shall remain my
widow, subject however to the following allowances bequests & devices, viz.
to my Mother in Law a yearly allowance as specified in a Bond to her given, so
long as she shall remain the Widow of my Father Joseph Richmond deceased.
Item,
I devise and bequeath to my son Isaiah Richmond Eight hundred dollars to be
paid to him when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years.
Item,
I bequeath and devise to my daughter Prudence Waldron Richmond the sum of One
Thousand Dollars to be paid her when she may arrive at the age of twenty one
years.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Richmond One thousand Dollars to
be paid to her when she shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
Item.
I give & devise to my youngest daughter Mary Richmond, One thousand Dollars
to be paid to her when she may arrive at the age of twenty one years.
Item.
I give & bequeath to my youngest son Benjamin Richmond the sum of Eight
hundred dollars to be paid to him when he shall arrive at the age of twenty one
years, the above allowance & legacies to my children to be paid by my
Executrix according to the above devises & bequests, as likewise the board
and suitable education of said children while in a state of minority to be at
her discretion and expenses, provided notwithstanding if by a connexion which
any of my daughters may form for a life it shall be thought proper that they
leave the house of their parentage, then if under twenty one, she or they may
receive the said legacy bequeathed to them by relinquishing any further claim
from the Estate.
Item,
I give and bequeath to my two sons Isaiah & Benjamin my
Finally
I devise & bequeath to my said Wife Abigail Richmond any and all the Estate
of whatever name that I have not devised or bequeathed in the foregoing
instrument, to be disposed of among our said Children according to her
discretion, she paying out all the aforementioned legacies together with all my
just debts & funeral charges.
And
I do hereby nominate & appoint my said Wife the Executrix of this my last
Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills and bequests. In witness of all which I hereto set
my hand & seal this first day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred & twenty nine.
Benjamin Richmond (seal)
Signed
sealed published & declared in presence of us
us the subscribers as the last Will
& Testament of the above named
testator, and we do at the request
of said testator in presence of him
and of each other hereto subscribe
our names
Samuel
Miller Junr.
Elisha
Tinkham Jun.
Tisdale
Leonard
I
hereby cordially acquiesce in & agree to abide by the foregoing Will of my
said husband, in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal in
presence of the abovesaid witnesses & of him –
Abigail Richmond
Probated on 15 Feb. 1830, proved by
Samuel Miller Junr. & Tisdale Leonard, two of the witnesses. Letters of
administration given to Abigail Richmond of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Joint Will of Bethsheba Richmond, Reliance R. Shaw
and Samuel Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1833) *
We
Reliance R. Shaw widow, Bethsheba Richmond Spinstress and Samuel Richmond
Yeoman all in the town – Middleborough County of Plymouth and State of
Massachusetts do give and bequeath unto the survivor of Either the above named
Reliance, Bethsheba & Samuel all our personal property of whatever name or
nature to have and to hold to either of us during our lives and then we give it
to Solomon Richmond Tanner in the town Plymouth & County of Plymouth &
State of Massachusetts to him the said Solomon and his heirs forever.
Signed
sealed & delivered this 12th day of December 1833.
In presence of
David Richmond Samuel Richmond
Mercy Samson Reliance Shaw
Hannah R. Shaw Bethsheba Richmond
The last Will and Testament of
Reliance R. Shaw late of Middleborough was presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of May 1845 by Samuel Richmond, therein named, and proved by Hannah R.
Shaw, one of the witnesses therein subscribed, David Richmond and Mercy Sampson
both now deceased.
The last Will and Testament of
Bethsheba Richmond late of Middleborough Spinstress was presented for probate
at the same time by Samuel Richmond, therein named, and proved by Hannah R.
Shaw, one of the witnesses therein subscribed, David Richmond and Mercy Sampson
both now deceased.
Samuel Richmond, of Middleborough,
petitioned that Micah Richmond, of Plymouth, be appointed as Administrator with
the Will annexed of the Estate of Bathsheba Richmond, late of Middleborough,
Singlewoman, on 6 May 1845, which was granted, with Samuel Richmond and Ruel
Richmond, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
Samuel Richmond, of Middleborough,
petitioned that Micah Richmond, of Plymouth, be appointed as Administrator with
the Will annexed of the Estate of Reliance R. Shaw, late of Middleborough,
Widow, on 6 May 1845, which was granted, with Samuel Richmond and Ruel
Richmond, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of either estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 144-146, from FHL microfilm #0555638,
and Vol. 10A, pp. 541-542.
Will and Agreement of the Heirs of Ebenezer Richmond of
In ye name of God amen I Ebenezer Richmond of
Middleborough in ye County of Plymouth being weak & low in Body
but of perfect Memory do make this my last Will & Testament: I Commit my
Soul to God who gave it & my Body to be buried in decent Christian Burial:
as to my outward Estate which God hath blest Me with as followeth: My Funeral
Charge & just Debts to be first paid
I Give & Bequeath to my true & well beloved Wife
Hannah Richmond all & whole & sole Improvement of my whole Estate real
& personal during her Life: I Give to my Eldest Son Ebenezer Richmond all
that my Lot of Land lying on Assawamsett Neck which I have heretofore given to
him by a Deed of Gift from under my Hand and Seal
I Give to my Son Robert Richmond the one half of ye
Farm I now live on with the Housing and Fencing on it that is to Say the So.
I Give to my Son Silvester Richmond the other Half of my sd
Farm beginning at ye
I Give to my Daughter Anna Richmond one Feather Bed &
Bedding & ten Pound to be paid by my Son Robert Richmond at my Wifes
Decease and ten Pound to be paid by my Son Silvester Richmond at my Wifes
Decease: And I Give to my Daughter Rachel Richmond one Feather Bed and Bedding
& five Pound to be paid by my Son Robert Richmond at my Wifes Decease and
five Pound to be paid by my Son Silvester Richmond at my Wifes Decease
I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Washburn the Wife of Edward
Washburn five Pound to be paid by my Son Silvester Richmond at my Wifes Decease
I Constitute & appoint my Wife Executor to this my last
Will & Testament and my Son Ebenezer Richmond to be Executor with my
Wife_______and all ye rest of my moveable Estate to be divided
equally to my three Daughters at my Wifes Decease
his
James Sprout Ebenezer H Richmond (seal)
Benja. Spooner
mark
July ye 8th 1729. Benjamin Spooner made
oath that he was desired by Ebenezer Richmond late of Middleborough deceased to
write his Will & when I had written it I read it to him & asked him
whether it was according to his mind & he said it was & afterwards I
Saw him Sign & Seal it and I together with James Sprout Set to our Hands as
Witnesses & that to ye best of my Judgment he then was of a
Sound & disposing Mind & Memory
Taken upon oath ye Day abovesd
Before
me Nathl. Thomas Justice of Peace
October ye 6, 1729. The Within named James Sprout
made oath that he Saw ye Within named Ebenezer Richmond Sign Seal
& heard him declare ye Within written Instrument to be his last
Will & Testament and that he together with Benjamin Spooner at ye
Same time in the Presence of ye Testator Set to their Hands as
Witnesses and that according to ye best of his observation he then
was of a Sound & disposing mind & memory – Before Isaac Winslow Judge
of Probate
To all People to whom these Presents shall come Ebenezer
Richmond & Robert Richmond of ye Town of Middleborough in ye
County of Plymouth in ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay
in New England Sons of Ebenezer Richmond late of ye Town of
Middleborough aforesd now deceased & Anna Richmond & Rachel
Richmond both of Middleborough in ye County & Province aforesd
Daughters of ye sd Deceasd & Elizabeth
Washburn another of ye Daughters of sd Deceasd
& Edward Washburn her Husband both of Bridgewater in ye County
aforesd Sendeth Greeting &c. Whereas ye sd
Ebenezer Richmond our Hond Father did in his Life time make a
Will and for the true Intent & meaning thereof We ye aforesaid
Ebenezer Richmond Robert Richmond Anna Richmond Rachel Richmond Elizabeth
Washburn & Edward Washburn being willing do mutibly by Agree that this our
Fathers last Will shall stand & remain in full force according to the true
Intent & Meaning of ye Same. In Witness whereof We have hereunto
Set Our Hands and fix Our Seals this twelfth Day of May Anno-1729
Signed Sealed in ye Presence of us Ebenezer Richmond (seal)
Benja. Spooner – Nathl Southworth Robert Richmond (seal)
Anna X Richmond (seal)
Silvester Richmond Signed & Sealed ye Rachel Richmond (seal)
above in Presence of Elizabeth + Washburn (seal)
Edward Winslow Mary
Winslow Edward Washburn (seal)
June ye 29 – 1730
The Within named Ebenezer Richmond Anna Richmond &
Rachell Richmond Children of Ebenezer Richmond late of Middleborough in ye
County of Plymouth Deceasd acknowledged ye Within written
Instrumt to be their act & Deed Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Septembr the 13 – 1731. The Within named Robert
Richmond One of ye Sons of ye Within named Ebenr
Richmond acknowledged ye Within written Instrument to be his act
& Deed Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Novembr ye 24, 1733. The Within named Edward
Washburn of Bridgewater in ye County of Plymo &
Elizabeth Washburn his Wife which Elizabeth is ye Daughter of
Ebenezer Richmond late of Middleborough aforesd deceasd
acknowledged ye Within written Instrumt to be their act
and Deed
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Septembr ye 6, 1737 The Above named Silvester
Richmond of
In Observance of a Warrant Directed to us ye
Subscribers from ye Judge of Probates We have taken an Inventory of
ye Estate of Ebenezer Richmond late of Middleboroh deceasd
both real & personal
[Not totaled, but his homestead valued at £350, and his four
lots in Assawamsett Neck with the fencing & house valued at £180.]
Ichabod
Southworth
Ebenezer
Hamlin
Nathl.
Southworth
March ye fift 1729/30 Ebenezer Hamlin &
Nathaniel Southworth made oath yt the wthin written is a
just & equal apprisement of ye Estate of Ebenezer Richmond late
of
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 7, p. 419-421, from FHL microfilm
#0550513.
Will of Eleazer Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1797) *
In the Name of God amen I Eleazer Richmond of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being in
Health of Body & of a sound composing Mind & memory, thanks be given to
almighty God for it, having seriously called to mind the transitory state of my
mortal Body & knowing that it is appointed for man once to die, I make,
ordain or establish this to be my last will & Testament that is to say
principally & first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hand of
Almighty God that gave it & my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried
in decent christian Manner at the Discretion of my Executor nothing doubting
but at the general Resurrection, I shall receive the same again by the mighty
power of God— And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased
almighty God to bless me with in this Life, I give devise & dispose of the
same in the following Manner and Form,—
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to Deborah my dear & loving Wife, all my personal
Estate of what kind soever, together with all the net Income of all my real
Estate for her only use & Benefit during the full term of time that She
remains my Widow —
Also I
give to my well beloved sons Josiah Richmond & Eleazer Richmond All my real
Estate, that I am in possession of at the date of these presents to be equally
divided between them, they paying all my just debts & funeral Charges &
also to pay to each one of my other Children what I shall hereafter assign
them, they allowing their Hond. Mother as above expressed the
Improvement of all my real Estate during her Widowhood to them their Heirs
& Assigns forever.—
Item I
give to my Daughter Sally Richmond seventeen Cents over & above what I have
already given her, to her, her Heirs & Assigns forever.—
Also I
give to my Daughter Rebeckah Richmond seventeen Cents over & above what I
have already given her, to her, her Heirs & Assigns.—
Item I
give to my Daughter Chloe Richmond forty Dollars to be paid her out of my
Estate, after my decease, if not sooner wanted, to her, her Heirs & Assigns
forever —
Also I
give to my Daughter Deborah Richmond forty Dollars to be immediately paid her
out of my Estate, after the Date of these presents, to her, her Heirs &
Assigns forever–
Item I
give to my Daughter Susanna Richmond forty Dollars, to be paid her out of my
Estate after my decease if not sooner wanted, to her, her Heirs & Assigns
forever—
Also I
give to my Daughter Polly Richmond forty Dollars to be paid her out of my
Estate, after my decease to her, her Heirs & Assigns forever —
Item I
give to my well beloved Son Hercules Richmond forty Dollars to be paid him out
of my Estate soon after my decease, to him, his Heirs & Assigns forever –
Finally
I do hereby constitute and appoint my Son Josiah Richmond to be the sole
Executor of this my last will and Testament and I do by these Presents ratify
& confirm this and no other to be my last Will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty sixth day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninety seven –
Signed sealed & declared by the
said Eleazer Richmond to be his
last Will & Testament in presence of us,
Elisha
Tinkham
T
Paddock Tinkham Eleazer Richmond (seal)
Rufus
Richmond
To the
Hon. Joshua Thomas Judge of Probate. Sir having been appointed by my Father
Executor of his last Will & having neglected my Duty untill my Health
rendered me incapable, I do now with the advice of the Heirs request that you
accept Hercules Richmond my Brother to do sd. Business in my Stead –
Yours
with respect Josiah Richmond
Middleboro’ January 4th. 1817 –
Presented for probate on 6 Jan. 1817 by Hercules Cushman, of
Middleborough, Housewright, Josiah Richmond, the Executor therein named having
refused said Trust, and proved by Elisha Tinkham and Thomas Paddock Tinkham,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Hercules Richmond to well and faithfully execute the said Will and to
administer the Estate.
Hercules Richmond, of Middleborough, Housewright, was granted
administration with the will annexed of the estate of Eleazer Richmond, late of
Middleborough, yeoman, on 6 Jan. 1817, with Elisha Tinkham and T Paddock
Tinkham as sureties.
Thomas P. Tinkham, Elisha Tinkham, and Ephraim Leonard, all
of Middleborough, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Eleazer Richmond,
late of Middleborough, yeoman, on 6 Jan. 1817. The Inventory of the Estate of
Eleazer Richmond, late of Middleborough, dated 7 Apr. 1817, totaled $1397.50,
including his homestead farm valued at $1000. Hercules Richmond, the
Administrator with the Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 17 Apr.
1817.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp. 318-320, 440, from FHL
microfilm #0550905, and Vol. 46, p. 446.
Will of John Richmond of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In
the Name of God, amen.
I John Richmond of Middleborough in the county of Plimouth in
the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, being of sound mind &
memory blessed be God, but seeing it is appointed by God for man once to die,
& I not knowing the time of my death, therefore do make this to be my last
will & testament, my soul I commit to God in Christ, my body to the earth
to be decently buried in hopes of a joyful resurrection. The worldly estate
that God hath given me, I dispose off as followeth. ~
Imprimis. I give to my beloved wife Sarah, besides her right
of dower or power of thirds in my estate which I now give her, viz. I give her
the sum of two pounds. –
Item – I give my son John Richmond all my lands, & all
the buildings yt. is thereon, he to have the same, his heirs &
assigns forever.—
Item. I give to my daughter Abigail forty pounds in moveables
at money price to be paid by my executor within four years time after my
decease. –
Item. I give to my said son John all the rest of my estate
not given away in this my will he to have the same, his heirs & assigns
forever. and I do constitute & appoint my said son John to be my executor
to this my last will & testamt. he to pay my just debts, &
legacies & funeral charges, & he to have my credits.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
the twenty third day of August, anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred fifty
seven, in the thirty first year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the
second of Great Brittain &c. ~
signed, sealed, pronounced, published, & declared John Richmond (seal)
to be his last will & testament in presence of us
James Williams, Ann Williams, Seth Williams.
Presented for probate on 22 May 1767 by John Richmond, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Seth Williams and James Williams, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John Richmond, of
Middleborough, yeoman, the Executor, with James Williams of Taunton, County of
Bristol, esquire, as surety.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 471-472, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Joseph Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In the name of God Amen– I Joseph Richmond of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Weaver, being in
a declining state of Life – yet of a sound disposing mind and memory, thanks be
given to God; Calling unto mind the Mortalitiy of my Body and knowg
it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will
& Testament, that is to say Principle and first of all, I give and
recommend my Soul into the hands of allmighty God that gave it, and my Body I
recommend to the Earth to be Buryed in decent Christian burial, at the
discretion of my executor hereafter named, Nothing doubting but at the general
Resurrection I shall recieve the same again, by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in
this Life, I give devise & dispose of the same in the following manner and
form,
Imprimis, my will is that my Just debts and funeral charges
be well and truly paid – Item I give and bequeath to Anna Richmond my dearly
beloved Wife all the houshold Goods and furniture she brought to me of any kind
whatsoever that is not worn out, with all her wearing Apparel, and One Cow and
a debt due to her from Abiel Williams of Raynham, all to be at her disposal,
also one third part of the improvement of the estate whereon I now live, as
Long as she Lives, with the best room in the easterly part of the dwelling
house
I also give to my son Rufus Richmond, one shilling
I also give to my son Joseph Richmond junr. one
shilling
I also give to my Daughter Hannah the wife of Seth Richmond a
Red Chest
I also give to my Daughter Elisabeth, the wife of Joseph
Leonard the fourth, a square kitchin table
I also give to my Daughter Rhoda Miller my great bible after
I & my wife have done with it
I also give to Samuel Miller, whom I Likewise constitute make
& ordain, the sole Executor of this my Last will & testament, all my
neat Stock of Cattle, and all my wearing apparell & Indoor and out door
moveables, including my Loom and weaving tackling, that I have not before given
away Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my Last will &
testament.— In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this twenty
second day of July and in the year of our Lord 1789
Signed Sealed Published & pronounced Joseph Richmond (seal)
& declared by the said Joseph Richmond
to be his Last will & testament in pre-
sence of us
Zebulon
Leonard
Noah
Leonard
Leonard
Sears
Presented for probate on 4 July 1792 by Samuel Miller, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zebulon Leonard and Noah Leonard, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Samuel Miller, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 99-100, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Joseph Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In the Name of God
amen I Joseph Richmond of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being now of a sound & disposing
Mind, but considering the Mortality of Man think proper to make & establish
the following as my last Will & Testament of & concerning my remains
& such Goods, Estate, & Effects as I may die seized & possessed of—
Imprimis
I order & direct that my Body be decently entombed after the Manner of a
Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named–
Item
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Phebe Richmond one third part of my
Dwelling house to be of the easterly part thereof for her use & Enjoyment
so long as she continues my Widow —
Item
I devise & bequeath to my Son Joseph Richmond that half of the Farm which I
purchased of my Brother Rufus (the other half being now owned by my said Son)
also ten Acres of Land Which I purchased of the Gilberts, also one half of the
Lot of Land which I purchased of Joseph Paddock & Lydia Paddock, and also
one other small Lot called the Southworth-Slough Lot.—
Item
I bequeath & devise to my Son Benjamin Richmond my homestead Farm with all
the Buildings thereon, subject however to the provision which I have above made
for my said Wife with the privileges & appurtenances thereof also the Farm
lying south of John Richmond’s Dwelling house called the Hacket Farm, Also a
Lot of Woodland situate in Raynham, which I purchased of Ebenezer Robinson
& also all my Lands, which I have not above disposed of, the premises
devised as above mentioned to be holden by my said Sons their Heirs &
Assigns respectively forever —
Item
I give & bequeath to my Grandson Silas Hathaway junr. Son of
Silas Hathaway one hundred Dollars to be paid to him when he shall arrive to
the Age of twenty one years by my Executors herein named —
Item
I give & bequeath to my two Sons above named all the remainder of my Estate
which I shall leave of whatever kind to be equally divided between them they
first paying the above mentioned Legacy to my sd. Grandson, &
all my just Debts & funeral Charges & I do hereby nominate &
appoint my two said Sons Joseph and Benjamin the Executors of this my last Will
and Testament hereby revoking and annulling all former Wills and Bequests —
In Witness of all which I hereto put my hand & Seal this twenty
first day of March in the Year eighteen hundred & fourteen —
Signed sealed published &
declared in presence
of us the Subscribers as the last
Will & Testament of
the above named Testator and we do
at the request Joseph Richmond (seal)
of sd. Testator and in
presence of him and of each
other hereby Subscribe our Names —
Samuel
Miller Junr.
Jeremiah
Tinkham
Nabby
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 5 Feb.
1824 by Joseph Richmond and Benjamin Richmond, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Samuel Miller Junr. and Jeremiah Tinkham, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Joseph
Richmond and Benjamin Richmond, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, p.
251-252, from FHL microfilm #0550907.
Will of Josiah Richmond of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the Name of God Amen this twentysixth day of January in
the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & sixty two I Josiah
Richmond of Middleborough in the county of Plimouth in his majesties Province
of the Massachusets Bay in New-England Blacksmith being in the decays of nature
but of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God for it – therefore
calling unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed
for all Men once to die do make & ordain this my last will & testament,
that is to say principally & first of all I give & recommend my soul
into the hands of God that gave it & my Body I give to the earth to be
buried in a decent christian manner at the discression nothing doubting but at
the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the allmighty power
of God & as touching such worldly Estate as wherewith it hath pleased God
to bless me in this life I give & demise & dispose of the same, in the
following manner and form.
Imprs. I give & bequeath Lidia Richmond my
beloved wife all the goods she brought with her that is left besides what is
wore out. & her thirds out of my Estate or dowry so long as she remains my
widdow—
Item. I give to Mary Leonard my beloved daughter five
shillings beside what I have allready given her.
Item. I give to Josiah Richmond my beloved son five shillings
besides what I have allready given him –
Item. I give to Gershom Richmond my beloved son all the land
that he hath now fenced in with his house being about twelve or fourteen acres
the easterly corner of the hundred acre lott & a little piece where his
blacksmiths shop stands the same side of the road being some of the hundred
acre lott and my Gun –
Item. I give to my loving sons Benjamin & George Richmond
four acres of land the west corner of my land joining to mr. John
Warren & Leonards land that he bought of Jones –
Item I give to my loving daughter Mary Hacket five shillings
besides what I have allready given her –
Item I give to my loving son Ephraim Richmond all the land
that I have upon the south side of the great road that belongs to the hundred
Acre lott & half the barn standing on the same land but Eleazer Richmond
shall have the other half & liberty to go to it & I give to Ephraim
& Leazer Richmond a thirty acre lot of land that I bought of Zachariah Eddy
to be divided equally between them –
Item. I give to my loving son Lemuel Richmond five shillings
besides what I have allready given him. –
Item I give to my loving daughter Miriam Walker five
shillings besides what I have allready given her –
Item. I give to my loving daughter Zirah Richmond eight
pounds lawfl. money
Item. I give to my loving son Eleazer Richmond whom I
likewise make & ordain sole Executor of this my last will & Testament
all the land lying on the north side of the country road that belongs to me
except four acres that I gave to Benja. & George Richmond &
Gershom Richmond which is above written & I give Eleazer Richmd.
all the house besides the back lower fire room which I give to Ephm.
Richmd. –
Item. I give to Eleazer Richmond all my stock & moveables
to him & his heirs & assigns forever. the money is to be paid in three
Years by my Executor to his brothers & sisters in three years after my
decease & I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannull all &
every other former Testaments wills & Legacies & bequests named willed
& bequeathed ratyfying this & no other to be my last will &
testament—
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day & Year abovewritten –
Josiah Richmond (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, & declared, by the
sd. Josiah Richmond, as his last will & Testament in presence of
us the subscribers.—
John Hacket
Joseph Richmond
Rufus Richmond
Presented for probate on 5 Apr. 1763 by Eleazer Richmond, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Richmond and Rufus Richmond, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Eleazer Richmond,
the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 399-400, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Josiah Richmond of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1824) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Josiah Richmond of Middleboro, in the County of
Plymouth Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being of sound disposing mind
and memory, Blessed be God therefor Considering that it is appointed for all
men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and testament
First. I recommend my soul to God
that gave it and my body to the earth to be decently buried and as to my
worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me with in this life do
dispose of in manner following. I give to my brother Eleazer Richmond one
dollar. I give to the children of my sister Sally Richmond deceased the late
wife of Seth Richmond Jun. one dollar each
I give to my sister Rebecca
Richmond the wife of Abraham Richmond one dollar
I give to my sister Deborah
Richmond the wife of William Richmond one dollar
I give to Polly Leonard the wife of
George Leonard 2d one dollar
I give to my sisters Chloe Richmond
and Susanna Richmond the improvement of all my Estate both real and personal
during their natural lives
I give to my brother Herculas
Richmond the whole of my estate both real and personal to him his heirs and
assigns forever after the decease of my two sisters to whome I have given the
improvement he performing such duties and paying all legacies herein mentioned
and to pay all my Just debts and charges and to receive all debts that may be
due to me
Lastly I constitute and appoint
said Herculas Richmond Sole Executor of this my last will and testament
Signed sealed and declared this
thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred
and twenty four
in presence of us
James
Leonard Josiah Richmond (seal)
Isaac Tinkham
Otis L Tinkham
Presented
for probate on the first Tuesday of May 1849 by Hercules Richmond, the Executor
therein named, and proved by James Leonard and Otis L. Tinkham, two of the
witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Hercules Richmond, the Executor therein named.
Hercules
Richmond, of Middleborough, was appointed as Executor of the last Will and
Testament of Josiah Richmond, late of Middleborough, on 1 May 1849, with James
Leonard and Otis L. Tinkham, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
No
inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 91, p. 201-203, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 1G, p. 502.
Will of Saloma Richmond of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
Commending
my Soul to God who gave it, and trusting in his mercy through Christ for
salvation, I Saloma Richmond of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, dispose of
my estate as follows –
I give
and bequeath to my daughter Hannah Burgess, and at her decease to go to my
grand-daughter Lydia Anderson Atwood the Southerly half of my house and land in
said Plymouth, as far as the centre of the chimney, with all the land and
appurtenances, on the South end of said lot as far as a line through the centre
of the chimney to run Easterly at right angles with the front of said house
imbracing the whole width of the lot, reserving a right of way to the lane to
the owners of the other end of said house and land ~~
Also I
give and bequeath all the rest of my estate to be divided equally among my
children – Alpheus Richmond, Hannah Burgis, Nathan Richmond and Polly Richmond.
Also I
order my Executors to pay one dollar to Susanna Richmond, daughter of Simon
Richmond my son; and one dollar to each of my grand children, Joseph Wm
Burgess, Simon Richmond, Burgis – and if my daughter Polly Richmond be not now
alive, I give one dollar to each of her children tho’ I don’t know their names
~~
And I
hereby appoint Joseph Burgis and Capt Solomon Davie both of Plymouth
Executors of this Will. The above legacies are void if not called for in one
year from my decease.
In
Testemony of which I have set my hand and seal at Plymouth March 30th,
1826.
Signed
sealed & delivered to be her Saloma Richmond (seal)
Will in
presence of us
Z.
Bartlett
Barnabas
Holmes
Nathan
Richmond.
Presented for probate on 5 Dec.
1836 by Joseph Burgis, the Executor therein named, and proved by Barnabas
Holmes and Nathan Richmond, two of the subscribers. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Joseph Burgess, the Executor therein named.
The Inventory of the estate of
Saloma Richmond, late of Plymouth, widow, deceased, was appraised on 27 Aug.
1836 by Schuyler Sampson, Bridgham Russell, and Leander Lord, and totaled
$234.28, including her real estate valued at $225. Joseph Burgess, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Dec. 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
521-522, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Benjamin Rickard of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God Amen– I Benjamin Rickard of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New-England, yeoman,
being weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be Given to God
therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last will and
testament and desire it to be recieved by all as such, that is to say
principally & first of all, I Give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the earth to be buried in decent
Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing
doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the
mighty power of God & as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give, demise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form.~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to Thankful my well beloved
wife the improvement of the whole of my Dwelling House, and one third part of
my whole Estate during her natural Life. Excepting a small piece of fresh
meadow hereafter mentioned
Item – I Give to my Daughter Deborah Stranger and to her
Heirs and assigns forever the whole of two thirds of all my Real Estate,
Excepting my Dwelling House & the aforementioned piece of fresh meadow.~
Item – I Give to the Heirs of my kindsman John Rickard Late
of Plymton deceased, and to their Heirs and assigns forever the above mentioned
piece of meadow containing by estimation about three acres, be the same more or
Less, Lying and being in a place called Doten’s meadows in Plymton, being all
the meadow I own at that place.–
Item – I Give to Seth Fuller Son to Benjamin Fuller Late of
Plymton deceased, all my wearing apparell and two Good Store Sheep
Item – I Give to Rebecca Rickard Daughter to Theophilus
Rickard Late of Plymton deceased, and to her Heirs and assigns forever my Loom
warping bars & Seven Slays together with all the other utensills belonging
to the Loom – I also Give her one Feather Bed with the Smallest Striped
ticking, together with the under Bed, a new turned Bedstead, Bed cord, pillows
& Bolster belonging to the same with one Coverlid with a Linnen warp black
& morse coloured–I also Give to the said Rebecca three new Chairs two black
ones and one red one, one pewter platter three pewter plates and one Quart
Bason all marked T R together with my warming pan Looking Glass three blue and
white earthen plates, a Glass vinegar Cruse a candle stand a Great Spinning
wheel, a foot wheel a pair of Flat Irons and one trammel, the Rest and Residue
of all my Estate not before disposed of in this my Last will and testament, I
Give to my Daughter Deborah Stranger and to her Heirs and assigns forever, and
my will is, and I do positively order my Daughter Deborah Stranger to pay all
my just debts and funeral Expences.~
Lastly – I do constitute make and ordain my trusty friend
Elijah Bisbe junr my Sole Executor of this my Last will and
testament, and do hereby utterly disallow, Revoke and disanul all and every
other former will & testament, Legacies & bequeaths & Executors by
me in any way before named, willed & bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming
this & no other to be my Last will & testament – In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty Second day of April in the
year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty & five
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced
& declared by the said Benjamin Rickard his
as his Last will & testament in the pre- Benjamin Z Rickard (seal)
sence of us the Subscribers ~
mark
Elijah
Rickard
Asa
Donham
Simeon
Rickard
Presented for probate on 2 June 1788 by Elijah Bisbe junr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Rickard and Simeon Rickard,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Elijah Bisbe junr, the before named executor.
Thomas Gannet, Gentm, James Churchill Gentm.,
and Ebenezer Soule, yeoman, all of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Benjamin Rickard, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 12 Sept. 1788. The Inventory,
dated 6 Oct. 1788, totaled £323.15.5, including his homestead farm and
buildings valued at £192. Elijah Bisbe junr., the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 410-412, 450, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Eleazer Rickard of Plympton, Plymouth County, State of the Massachusetts Bay (1783) *
In the name of God Amen—Eleazer Rickard of the Town of
Plymton in the County of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, Labouring under many
infirmities of body which are Symptoms of approaching mortality, but of perfect
and disposing memory, thanks be Given to almighty God for the same, but calling
to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die to make & ordain this my Last will & testament ~
Imprimis—I will and bequeath my Soul to God that Gave it me,
and my body to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God; and having disposed of the
Greatest part of my Estate already amongst my Children, and taken bonds of some
of them for my maintenance & the maintenance of my wife, during our natural
Lives, I do now dispose of the Remainder of my Estate amongst my children in
manner following
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Mercy Wright
the wife of James Wright junr. the one fifth part of all my Bedding
& Linnen, pewter Earthen and Glass ware to her, her heirs & assigns
forever.~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Mary Chase
the wife of Consider Chase the sum of Six Shillings to be paid her out of my
moveable Estate to be paid by my Executor hereafter named, the abovesaid six
shillings I do Give unto my said daughter Mary Chase, to her, her heirs and
assigns forever.~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Sarah Wright
the wife of Perez Wright the one fifth part of all my Linnen, Bedding, pewter,
Earthen & Glass ware, to her, her heirs & assigns forever.~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Kezia Ransom
the wife of Joseph Ransom, the one fifth part of all my Bedding & Linnen,
Pewter & Earthen & Glass ware, to her, her heirs and assigns forever.~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving Grandson Lewis Chase
Son of the aforesaid Consider Chase, the one fifth part of all my Bedding,
Linnen, pewter Earthen & Glass ware, to him, his heirs and assigns forever;
but if in Case sd. Lewis Chase dies before he shall arrive to the
age of twenty one years old, that then the abovesaid fifth part Given to the
abovesaid Lewis Chase shall be equally divided amongst all my Children, to them
& their heirs & assigns forever.~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Deborah
Rickard the one fifth part of all my Bedding Linnen, pewter, Earthen &
Glass ware, I also Give to my said daughter my best foot wheel all the above
articles I do Give to my said daughter Deborah Rickard and to her heirs &
assigns forever
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Mercy Wright
the wife of James Wright junr. the one 8th part of all the
Remainder of my Estate both Real & personal that I have not heretofore
disposed of, to her, her heirs & assigns forever my funeral charges &
my wifes funeral charges being first paid out of said Estate –
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Sarah Wright
the wife of Perez Wright the one 8th part of all my Estate both Real
& personal that I have not heretofore disposed of, to her, her heirs &
assigns forever, my funeral charges & my wife’s funeral charges being first
paid of said Estate
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Kezia Ransom
the wife of Joseph Ransom the one 8th part of all my Estate both
Real & Personal that I have not heretofore disposed of, unto her, her heirs
and assigns forever, my funeral charges & my wife’s funeral charges being
first paid out of said Estate ~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Deborah
Rickard the one 8th. part of all my Estate both Real & Personal
that I have not heretofore disposed of, to her, her heirs and assigns forever,
my funeral charges & my wife’s funeral charges being first paid out of said
Estate ~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving son Eleazer Rickard
one 8th. part of all my Estate both Real & personal that I have
not heretofore nor in this will disposed of amongst my daughters &
Grandson, to him, his heirs & assigns forever—my funeral charges & my
wife’s funeral charges being first paid out of said Estate
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving son Abner Rickard one
8th part of all my Estate both Real & personal that I have not
heretofore disposed of nor in this will disposed of amongst my daughters and
Grandson, to him, his heirs & assigns forever, my funeral charges & my
wife’s funeral charges being first paid out of said Estate ~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving Son Elijah Rickard
one 8th part of all my Estate both Real & personal that I have
not heretofore disposed of, nor in this will disposed of amongst my daughters
& Grandson, to him his heirs and assigns forever, my funeral charges &
my wife’s funeral charges being first paid out. ~
Item—I will and bequeath unto my Loving Grandson Lewis Chase
son of the aforesaid Consider Chase the one 8th part of all my
Estate both Real & Personal that I have not heretofore disposed of nor in
this will disposed of amongst my daughters, to him his heirs & assigns
forever, but if in Case my said Grandson Lewis Chase should die before he
arrives to the age of twenty one years of age, my will is that the aforesaid 8th
part Given to my said Grandson shall be equally divided amongst all my
Children, my funeral charges & my wife’s funeral charges being first paid
out of said Estate, to them and their heirs and assigns forever ~
Lastly—I nominate and appoint my Loving Son Eleazer Rickard
to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament, hereby Revoking all
other & former wills either written or verbal by me heretofore made or
done, hereby Ratifying & Confirming this my Last will to Remain firm and
Irrevokable, and in Testimony whereof I the abovesaid Eleazer Rickard have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the twenty ninth day of October and in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred Eighty and three—1783
Signed, Sealed & pronounced & declared
by the sd. Eleazer Rickard to be his Last will Eleazer Rickard (seal)
& testament in presence of us
Sylvanus
Donham
Samuel
Lucas
John
Rickard
Presented for probate on 1 March 1784 by Eleazer Rickard, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Sylvanus Donham and Samuel Lucas, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Eleazer Rickard, the
before named Executor.
Sylvanus Donham, John Sherman and Thomas Doten, all of
Plymton, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of Eleazer Rickard, late
of Plymton, yeoman, on 1 March 1784. The Inventory, not dated, totaled only
£44.6.2, including a piece of cedar swamp valued at £6.12, and pew, but no
other real estate. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 15 Mar.
1784, and Eleazer Rickard, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19
May 1784.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 104-107, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Giles Rickard of
Be it knowne unto all whome these presents may concern that I
Giles Rickard Senior of the Town of plimouth in the County of plimouth within
the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in NewEngland Being sick & weake
& not knowing how soon it may please God to call me to leave this world Doe
therefore make & ordaine this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament
to Remaine firm and Inviolable forever In manner following. Imprimis I doe Give
& bequeath my soul to God who gave it me & my body to the dust & to
Decent burial in hopes of a Joyfull Resurrection through the merets of Jesus
Christ; And as to that Estate that God hath given to me I dispose of as
followeth Item I do give unto my sons that is to say John Rickard & Samuel
Rickard all that my fifty acres of land that was Given to me by my honoured
father Giles Rickard late of Plimouth deceased; being within the Township of
Plimouth at a place commonly called & known by the name of Annasuappott sd
50 acres is divided between sd John & Samuel above named by a
path that cometh from Lakenham to Colchester, sd land above
Mentioned I do Give unto my sd sons John Rickard & Samuel
Rickard to them & their heirs & assignes forever. Item I doe give unto
my son Henery Rickard & to his heirs & assignes forever all that my
thirty acres of land that was Granted to me by the Inhabitants of Plimouth
lying at Annasuapott above named, Item that whereas my honoured father in his
last Will & Testament gave unto my Son Giles Rickard some Considerable
Estate in lands wherein I have some right unto dureing his life time or what
further right I may have or might pretend to have unto that Estate I do by
these presents freely give & Bequeath it unto him my sd son
Giles Rickard to him & his heirs & assignes forever; Item I do Give
unto my son Eleazer Rickard and to his heirs & assignes forever all that my
lot of land that was my fathers lying above Wollonsly being in Estimation 18 or
20 acres more or less lying on the Northwest side of the wadoy[?] that leads to
Wollonslo; Item my will is that all my Interest of meadows Lying about the
abovesd Annasuapott shall be Equally devided between my four sons
now Inhabiting those viz John Rickard Samuel Rickard and Henery Rickard &
Eliazor Rickard most convenient for Each of them Item I doe give unto my son
Josiah Rickard & to his heirs & assignes forever viz: after my decease
& my wives decease the house I now live in together with the land I have
about it that is to say the garden spots & the field formerly Caleb
Southards field as also the field lying by the high way to the Northward of
Joseph Faunces land: as also six acres of land on the southward corner of
Billingtons sea near to small games so called as also six acres of meadow at
Southers marsh so called as also all my Interest of meadow & upland that I
have at the south meadow so Called, as also one acre of meadow at the high
pines so called; Item my Will is that after my wives decease that my four
daughters shall have each of them a bed & alike furnature to them As also
my will is that all my personal Estate that shall be found after my wives
decease shall be Equally devided between my four daughters that is to say
Abigall Judeth Hannah & Marcy, Item my will is that all my personall Estate
togather with my house & land belonging to it shall be at my wifes dispose
during her Naturall Life for her support & Comfort; And I do by these
presents constetute & appoint my dear & loving wife Hannah Rickard to
be the sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament to Receive such
debts as is owing to me, & to pay such debts as I owe & to see my body
decently buryed & to defray the Charge thereof, Thus hoping that this my
Last Will & Testament will be kept & observed hereby Revoking all
former Wills Either written & verball I the sd Giles Rickard
have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seals on the ninth day of febuary
Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & one or 1701/2
Signed Sealed & declared to be the
mark of
his last will & Testament in Giles C Rickard
(seal)
presents of us
Nathaniel Morton
the marke of R Rebeckah Wood
Thomas Faunce
Memorandum that on the Eighteenth day of December Anno Domini
1702 Elder Thomas Faunce & Ensign Nathaniel Morton made oath before
Nathaniel Thomas Esq: Judge of the Probate of Wills &c that they did see
& hear the abovenamed Giles Rickard signe seal & declare the above
written Instrument to be his last Will and Testament & that he then was of
a disposing mind to the best of their knowledge & Judgements & that
Rebeckah Wood then set to her hand as a witness
Nathll
Thomas Register
The inventory of the Estate of Giles Rickard Senior late of
Plimouth, taken by John Churchell, Nathaniel Morton & Thomas Faunce, was
dated 4 Dec. 1702, but not totaled.
* Transcried by John A.
Maltby from
Will of Giles
Rickard of
In the name of God Amen The Last Will and Testament of Giles
Rickard of plymouth in the County of plymouth In New England—I Giles Rickard
being wake & infirm in body but thrô Gods Goodness of a sound &
Disposing mind & Memory Considering the unsertainty of Life & sertainty
of Death & being senceable tis my Duty to set my house in order before I Dy
Do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament as follows That is to
say first of all I bequeath my Imortall soal to God wch Gave it
Intirely Depending upon the merrits of Jesus Christ for salvation And my body
to the earth (in hopes of a Glorious Resurection to Life & Glory throh
Christ the first fruits from the Dead) to be Decently buried according to the
Direction of my Executrix Herein below Named
And as to what temporall Estate it hath Pleased God to Lend
me my Just Debts & funerall Charges being first paid & Defrayed—I
Dispose of the same as followeth (viz)
Impr I Give & bequeath unto my Dear &
Loving wife Hannah Rickard all my whole Estate both Reall & persinall
Dureing the time of her widow hood for her support & subsistance allowing
her to make sale of any part thereof for her suport & Livelihood if it
shall be judged nesessary by my frends below mentioned whome I have Desired to
advice and Counsell my sd wife Excepting that which I have below
bequeathed & made Disposall of ~ ~
Item I Give & bequeath unto the
Item I Give & bequeath unto my adopted Child Desire Doton
the sum of five pounds to be paid out of my moveable Estate when she shall
arrive to the age of 21 years or at her marriage which shall first happen—
Item I Give & bequeath to my Kinsman Samll
Rickard the son of my brother Henry Rickard the sum of five pounds to be paid
to him when he shall arrive unto the age of twenty one years
Item It is my will that if my sd Dear wife shall
se Good to Change her Condition & Marry again that she have fifty pounds of
my Estate for her self & for her heirs for Ever in such Estate as she shall
so Cause to Chose & also If she Remain my widow till Death & shall not
Marry that she have power by her Last Will & Testament to Dispose of fifty
pounds of my Estate as she shall so cause and to whome she pleaseth—
And as for what Estate shall be Remaining after ye
2d Marriage or Decease of my said dear wife I dispose of ye
same as followeth: (viz)
Impr: I Give & bequeath to my kinsman John
Rickard the oldEst son of my Brother John the sum of five pounds to be paid
within one year after my wifes Decease or 2d Marriage—
Item: I Give & bequeath unto my kinsman Giles Rickard the
Eldest son of my Brother Josiah five pounds
Item I Give & bequeath unto Samll Rickard ye
son of my Brother samll 5 pounds
Item I Give & bequeath to Sarah Rickard ye
Daughter of my Brother Eliezer Rickard five pounds
Item I Give & bequeath unto John Whiteing ye
son of my sister abigall 5 pounds
I Give & bequeath to Eliezer faunce ye son of
my sister Judeth 5 pounds
Item I Give & bequeath to myrcy Eaton the Dafter of my
sister Hannah 5 pounds all these Last mentioned Legacies to be paid within on
year after my sd Dear wifes Decease or second marriage—
Item all Residue of my whole Estate both Reall &
personall whatsoever & wheresoever I Give & bequeath to my kinsman Samll
Rickard ye son of my brother Henry & to Desire Doten My sd
adopted Child who doth now Dwell with me & are under my Care & Charge
to them their heirs & assigns forever to be Equally Divided between them—
Item I nominate & Constitute & appoint my sd
Dear wife Hannah Rickard sole Executrix in this my Last will & Testament
Trusting in her Care and prudence in Manageing of the same & do with all
Request & Desire my frends Mr Ephraim Little & Mr
Stephen Barnibe to advice Counsell & assist my sd Executrix in
all the promiseces & Do hereby revoak make null & void all former wills
& Testaments by me heretoford made—Ratifying and Confirming & allowing
this & no other as my Last will & Testament & in witness hereof have
hereunto sett my hand & seall this Twentieth Day of December anno Domini
1709
Signed Sealed & Declared to be
his Last will & Testament Giles Rickard (seal)
In pesents of us
Eliezer Churchell
Stephen Barnibe
Ephraim Little
Memorand—on the 10 Day of March 1709/10 before Nathaniel
Thomas Esqr Judge of the Probate &c Elieazer Churchell Stephen
Barnibe & Mr Ephraim Little made oath that they weare pesent
& Did se & here the above named giles Rickard sign seall & Declare
the above writen to be his Last Will & testament & then he was of a
Disposing mind & memory to the best of their Judgement as attest
Nathll
Thomas Register
An Inventory of the Estate of Mr Giles Rickard
Deceased Taken on febuary 7th 1709/10 by John dyer & John
foster, not totaled, but included his homestead housing & upland valued at
£200, and 30 acres of Land & 6 acres of Meadow valued at £26, sworn to by
Hannah Rickard, relict widow of the deceased, on 10 Mar. 1709/10.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Gyles
Rickard of
The
Last Will and Testament of Gyles Rickard senir:
mad
ordained and appointed the 8th of January 1684 )
Gyles Rickard senir: of the Towne of Plymouth in
the Jurisdiction of Plymouth in New England in America yeoman being being sicke
and weake in body but of disposing Mind and Memory doe ordaine this to be my
Last Will and Testament in Manor and form followinge; Imprimis I Doe heerby
Disanull and Make void all former wills and Testaments by me formerly made
macking these prsents to be my Last Will and Testament bequeathing
my soule to God that Gave it and my body to the Dust to be decently buried; And
for the disposing of my outward estate my will is that my deare and Loveing
wife hannah Rickard Shall have and enjoy and posesse the Ne[?]st prte
of my house sittuate in Plymouth aforesaid (viz) the Lower and uper Rome and
the Garrett about them; and the Little bed for bed Rome on the Southerly
Side of the house; and the use of one halfe of my shopy and Leanto and barne
and Leantoo; and the benifitt and use of halfe of my orchyard and the benifitt
and Improvement of half my Land and feild both that above my house and att
Wellingsley both upland and Meddow and the use of one halfe of my Meddow during
her Widdowhood; Item I Will and bequeath unto my said deare hannah Rickard my
second best bed; and suitable furniture (viz) the homade Ruge and the wrought
Coverlidd the best I have and two paire of good Sheets and a bolster and two
pillows and a paire of Good blanketts to be att her dispose for ever; Item my
will is that the bedsteeds and Table and formes; in the uper Rome and the
Curtaines and vallence shall not be Removed out of the said uper Rome but that
my wife hannah Rickard shall have the use of them there during her widowhood
I Give unto my wife one pewter platter and two Cowes or the
vallue thereof and an Iron pot and pothooks and pothangers which I bought of
Cobb of Taunton to be att her Dispose for ever; and the use of the Great kettle
during her widowhood forever Item I will and dispose to my said wife
halfe a dosen of Table Napkins for ever and a Table Cloth for ever; Item I give
and bequeath unto my Grand Son John Rickard the son of my son John Rickard
deceased my fifty acrees of upland att Winatuxett; and my thirteen accrees and
an half of meddow att Winatuxett To him his heires and assignes for ever; Item
I give and bequeath unto my said Grandson John Rickard a smale Chist and key to
it and my wrought pewter plater Item my will is that incase my Grand son Gyles
Doe Carry himself well here towards mee whiles I live and be Carefull of
mee that hee shall have and I doe bequeath unto him all and singulare the house
and orchyard I now Live in and upon with the feild above the house and my Land
att Wellinsley both upland and meddow excepting a smale peece of upland that I
lately sold to William Churchill of Plymouth aforesaid and alsoe A prsell
of Land of myne lying above the Little Towne To him the abovesaid Gyles Rickard
The son of my son Gyles Rickard To him and his heires and assignes forever to
be posessed by him soon after my decease excepting that Interest which my wife
hath therin; which Likewise I doe bequeath unto my said Grandson to be posessed
by him when my wifes Interest therin is ended; Likewise I doe Give unto my said
Grandson Gyles Rickard the Loomes which I did use to weave in; with the warping
bones with the furniture to be Injoyed att my decease and Likewise one bed and
Green (can’t read) and one bolster and one paire of blanketts, of the best, and
a paire of sheets and a Cow, incase my said Grandson Gyles Rickard doe decease
before his father and die without issue Then my will is that the said Lands Now
bequeathed unto my Grand son Gyles Rickard shalbe settled upon and I doe hereby
bequeath to my son Gyles Rickard; his father To him and his heires for ever;
But incase that my Grand son Gyles Rickard Leave a widdow, my will is that shee
shall have a thirde of the proffits of the Lands next above Mensioned during
her widdowhood Item my will is & I doe heerby bequeath unto my Grandson
John Rickard the son of Gyles Rickard all my Right all my Right and Interest in
Lands att Middleberry allies Namassasett; to him and his heires and assignes
for ever; further My Will is That all my whole estate consisting of Lands Cattles
and Chattles, with theire appurtenences and all my Right title and Interest of
and Into them and any prte and psell therof with the exceptions
above excepted and all my debts Legacyes and funerall Charges expenses
being discharged; I the said Gyles Rickard Senir: doe heerby will
and bequeath and Make over unto my son Gyles Rickard the Reserve to him and his
heires for ever whom I doe like wise by these prsents Make ordaine
and Constitute to be the sole executor of this my Last Will and Testament; and
I heerby Request and appointt my beloved friends Lieftenant Ephraim Morton; and
Serjeant William to be the overseers of this My Last Will and Testament; much
Confiding in theire faithfulnes to see this my Last will and Testament prformed
according to the tenor thereof; In witnes wherof I the said Gyles Rickard have
have heerunto sett my hand and seale this eight day of January one thousand six
hundred eighty and four 1684
Signed and sealed in prsence Gyles Rickard and a (seal)
of us Ephraim Morton
William
The G mark of Gorge
Ephraim Morton Senir and William harlow senir
made oath in Court the fift of March 1684/85 that they see Gyles Rickard signe
seale this to be his Last Will and Testament and that to the best of theire
understandinge hee was of a Disposing Mind when hee soe did; Attest
Nathaniel
Morton
Secretary
A true Inventory of the estate of Gyles Rickard senir
Late Deceased taken and Apprised by Lieftenant Ephraim Morton and Serjeant
William harlow the first of February 1684 as followeth;
[Not totaled]
Ephraim
Morton senr.
William
harlow senr:
hanah Rickard the Relict of Gyles Rickard Deceased made oath
that this is a true Inventory of the estate of her said husband and when shee
knowes More shee will Cause it to be added to this Inventory March the fift
1684/85
as
atteste Nathaniel Morton
Secretary
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob Rickard of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In
the Name of God amen I Jacob Rickard of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman tak into consideration the Uncertainty of
this Mortal State do make & ordain this my last Will and Testament in the
Manner and form following viz— I give
and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Hannah Rickard the Improvement of one half of
my real Estate during her natural Life and one half of my personal Estate to
improve while she lives — I give my
Daughter Salome Pratt four Dollars to be paid in one year after my decease
— I give my Daughter Hannah Rickard
one half of my real Estate and half of my personal Estate at my decease with
all my property of whatsoever name or Nature, to her & her Heirs or Assigns
including the property after my Wife’s decease, and I do appoint her sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, who is to pay all my just debts
funeral Charges & the Legacy aforesaid and I do hereby revoke and disannul
all Wills by me heretofore made ratifying & confirming this to be my last
Will & Testament. In Witness whereof do set my hand & Seal this eighth
day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seven
—
Signed sealed published &
pronounced in presence of us who in
the presence of each other & at
said Rickard’s request sign our Names as
witnesses to the same ~~
Adin
Packard junr. Jacob Rickard (seal)
Davis
Packard
Jesse
Perkins
Presented for probate on 7 Aug.
1809 by Hannah Rickard, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Adin Packard
junr. and Jesse Perkins, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Hannah Rickard, the before named
Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p.
13-14, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Abstract of the Will of John Rickard of
Will of John Rickard, of
To my dear & loving wife Mary Rickard during her
widowhood one third part of my moveable estate except what I may below except,
the west end of my dwelling house with the old house adjoyning, one third part
of the house lot or garden spot adjoyning with my old barn, two cows, and if my
son James marries before the decease or marriage of my wife, that he should
have the liberty of dwelling with my wife in the west end of the house, also
she to have the use of part of the cellar under the east end of the house, and
two lots of cedar swamp to be sold if she needs it for the payment of debts.
To my eldest son John Rickard the easterly end of my dwelling
house with two thirds of the garden spot adjoyning with my new barn, plus two
thirds of all my land and meadows in Plympton, and 15 acres of land laid out to
me in Plymouth between the South Meadow path and Lakenham path with my said
son’s 60 acre lot.
To my son James Rickard the west end of my dwelling house
with the old house adjoyning and the old barn with one third of the garden spot
after the marriage or decease of my wife, also the use of part of the cellar
under the east end of the house given to my son John, also one third of all my
lands and meadows in Plympton, and my 45 acres of land being part of my 60 acre
lot near West pond in Plymouth adjoyning the land of Eleazer Jackson together
with all my common right in undivided lands in the townships of Plymouth and
Plympton.
To my sons John and James an equal part in my wharf with the
buildings upon the same and the land adjoyning that I purchased of Robert
Ransome deceased, John to have the Cooper’s shop and warehouse adjoyning, and
James to have the old warehouse. Sons John and James also to have my 8 acres of
land lying between the first and 2 brook in Plymouth, that part lying above the
way to John and that part lying below the way to James, and my executors to
have the profits of James’ part until he reaches the age of 21. All my wearing
apparel and arms are to be equally divided between John and James, and each to
have a feather bed and furniture.
To my four daughters Marcy Cushing, Mary Rickard, Hester
Rickard, and Elisabeth Rickard all the residue of my moveable estate equally
divided among them, when they are married or of full age, or within one year of
my decease, and also my wife’s portion upon her decease or marriage. My Negro
man Toby is to serve my wife and heirs for 10 years, then to have his freedom.
Witnesses: John Rickard (seal)
John Dyer
John Foster
Ephraim Little Junr.
Probated on 20 June 1712, and proved by John Dyer, John
Foster, and Ephraim Little Junr.
The inventory of the goods, chattels and credits of John
Rickard was taken 4 June 1712 by John Dyer, Thomas Faunce, and John Foster,
totaled about £421, including a sloop valued at £90, and £60 in cash.
* Abstracted by John A.
Maltby from
Will of John
Rickard Sr. of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1726) *
In the Name of God amen. This twenty Seventh Day of September
in ye year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & twenty Six:
I John Rickard Senr. of Plympton in ye County of Plymouth
In His Majestys Province of ye Massachusetts Bay In New: England
Husbandman, being Sick & weak in Body, but of Perfect mind & memory,
Thanks be given unto God; Therefore Calling unto mind ye mortality
of my Body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to dye, Do make &
ordain this my Last Will & Testament: That is to Say, Principally &
first of all, I give & Recomend my Soul into ye Hands of God
that gave it, & my Body I Recomend to ye Earth to be Buried in
Decent & Christian manner at ye discretion of my Executor;
nothing doubting but at ye generall Resurrection I Shall Receive ye
same again by ye almighty Power of God. and as touching Such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life; I Give Demise
& dispose of ye same in ye following manner &
form: First of all, I Give and Bequeath to my two Sons John & Joseph
Rickard all my Proper Right in ye Sheep folds lying in Plympton in ye
County of Plymouth. Item I give to my Granddaughter Mary Rickard wife to Giles
Rickard one Large Book title ye Explication of ye ten
Comandments. Item, I give to my Daughter Mary Eddy one Large bread grater,
& one Book titled ye Blessedness of ye Death of those
that die in ye Lord; Item, I give to my Daughter Lediah Tilson one
Book title Wigglesworths verses, & one Small Bible; Item, I give to my
Daughter Mercy Tilson one Large Bible. Item: I give to my Daughter Johanna
Donham one Book title how to keep ye Heart. Item, I give to my Grand
Child Samuel Ransome one Book title ye true Watch & Rule of
Life. Item I give to my Daughter Rebeckah Pratt one Iron Pott, Called ye
middle Pott. Item, I give to my Grandson James Rickard one Sword. Item, I give
to my Grandson John Rickard Son to Joseph Rickard one Gun, and to my Grandson
Joseph Rickard Son to Joseph Rickard I give one Cutlass. Item, I give to
Deborah Rickard Daughter to Joseph Rickard one Small Book title ye
Body of Death anatomized; all which Legacys I order to be distributed after my
Wifes decease; and I Constitute make & ordain my dearly beloved wife &
my Son Joseph Rickard my Executors of this my Last Will & Testament, and
what Estate may be found not disposed of in this my Will Shall after my Wifes
decease be divided Equally amongst my Daughters & my Grandson Ransome, and
I do hereby utterly disallow, Revoke & disanul all & Every other former
Testaments, Wills, Legacys & Bequests, and Executors, by me in any ways
before named, Willed & Bequeathed; Ratifying & Confirming this & no
other to be my Last Will & Testament. In Wittness whereof I have hereunto
Sett my Hand & Seal ye Day & year above written
Signed, Seal, Published Pronounced
& declared by ye Said John Rickard
as His Last Will & Testament John Rickard (seal)
In ye Presence of us ye Subscribers
Samuel Rickard Junr.
Benjamin Rickard
John Bell
Probated on 7 Nov. 1726, and proved by Samuel Rickard Junr,
Benjamin Rickard, and John Bell, of Plympton.
Letters of Administration granted on 12 Jan. 1726 [27] to
____ Rickard, Relict widdow of Sd deceased, and Joseph Rickard, one
of ye sons, & Executors in ye same will named.
The inventory of John Rickard, late of Plympton, was
appraised by Benony Lucas, James Harlow, and Isaac Cushman Junr.,
and totaled £67.16.10.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Rickard of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1785) *
In the name of God amen—I Jonathan Rickard of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in new England yeoman
being weak in body but of perfect mind & memory thanks be Given unto God
therefor, Calling unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will &
testament, and desire it to be Recieved by all as Such, that is to say
principally & first of all, I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands
of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in
decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named
nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall Recieve the same again
by the mighty power of God, & as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give, demise & dispose of the
same in the following manner & form
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to my Honored mother Hannah
Rickard the sum of twenty Six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be
paid her by my brother Simeon Rickard when and at what time she shall be
pleased to Call for the same, nevertheless meaning & intending that at the
decease of my Hond. mother the above Sum shall Return back to my
brother Simeon again as his property.– Item–I Give to my true and Loving Sister
Hannah Rickard my Case of Draws – Item–I Give to my Loving brother Lemuel
Rickard my Great Coat
Item– I Give to my kind & Loving brother Simeon Rickard
and unto his Heirs & assigns all the Rest of my wearing apparell, and all
my farming tools & utensills, and also all the Rest & Residue of my
Estate both Real & personal not before disposed of I Give to my brother
Simeon Rickard and to his Heirs and assigns forever– and my will is & I do
positively order my brother Simeon Rickard to pay all my just debts and funeral
Expences. ~
Lastly–I do Constitute make and ordain my trusty friend
Elijah Bisbe junr my Sole Executor of this my Last will &
testament, and do hereby utterly disallow, Revoke & disanull all &
every other former testaments will Legacies Bequests & Executors by me in
any ways before named, willed & bequeathed Ratifying & Confirming this
& no other to be my Last will & testament In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this twenty fifth day of February in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty five ~
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced and his
declared by the said Jonathan Rickard as his
Jonathan X Rickard (seal)
Last will & testament in the presence of us
mark
the Subscribers.
James
Harlow
Melatiah
Cobb
Eleazer x Rickard
Presented for probate on 2 May 1785 by Elijah Bisbe junr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by James Harlow and Melatiah Cobb, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elijah Bisbe junr, the before named Executor.
James Harlow Gentm., Isaiah Cushman yeoman and
Gideon Sampson yeoman, all of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Jonathan Rickard, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 2 May 1785. The Inventory, dated
31 Sept. 1785, totaled £228.8.4, including his homestead & buildings valued
at £118, and his fresh meadow & swamp valued at £57.10. Elijah Bisbey, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 3 Oct. 1785.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, pp. 287-289, 396-397, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of Josiah
Rickard of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1750) *
In the Name of God Amen the seventeenth day of December A.D.
1750. I Josiah Rickard of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in New England
Calling to mind the Mortallity of my body, knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die, Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament and
principally and first of all I Recomend my Soul unto God that gave it, Trusting
in the Merrits of Chrit death and suffering to receive the free pardon of my
Sins and my body, I recomend to the Earth to be decently buried at the
Discretion of my Execrs. hereafter named, Beleiveing that by the
mighty power of God I Shall receive the same again at the General Resurrection,
And as touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me in this
life, I Give and Bequeath in the following manner and form, that is to say,
First. I will that all my Just Debts and funeral Charges
Shall be paid out of my moveable Estate by my Execrs.
hereafternamed.
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Well beloved wife Rebecca
the Improvement of one third part of all my Estate both Real and moveable so
long as she shall remain my widdow.
Item. I Give and Bequeath all my Estate both Real and
moveable unto my Children and their heirs and assigns forever (viz) Giles
Rickard, Benjamin Rickard David Rickard and Josiah Rickard & Desire Frazier
and Deborah Allen to be Equally divided amongst them their heirs and assigns
forever Except my said daughters which my will is that my aforesaid daughters
shall not have so much of my said Estate in the Division by one third part as
my said sons, and also my will is that the Estate that I now bequeath unto my
daughter Desire Frazier after her decease Shall Descend unto my Granddaughter
Elizabeth Dogget and also my will is that my aforesaid son Benjamin Shall have
the Care and Order the Improvement of that part of my Estate hereby Given unto
my aforesaid son David for the support of my said son, And Lastly I do Constitute and appoint my a
foresaid sons viz, Giles Rickard and Josiah Rickard Sole Execrs. of
this my last will and Testament and Do by these presents utterly disallow and
Revoke all other and former will by me before made Ratiefieing and Confirming
this and no other will to be my last will & Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Sealed the day and year above written—
Signed Sealed published & pronounced and
Declared by the said Josiah Rickard
as his last will and Testament in presents of Josiah Rickard (seal)
of us the Subscribers. Josiah
Perkins
Isaac
Lobdel
John
Perkins
Probated on 4 Feb. 1765, and probed by Josiah Perkins, Isaac
Lobdell and John Perkins, the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Giles Rickard and Josiah Rickard, the Executors, on 4 Feb. 1765.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr Josiah Rickard,
late of Plimton, was appraised on 22 May 1765 by Ebenezer Soule, Isaac Bonney,
and Amos Fuller, and totaled £312.15.9, including his real estate valued at
£230.10.8. The Executors gave their oath to the inventory on 22 May 1765.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 19, pp. 160-161, 229, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Samuel Rickard of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In
the Name of God, Amen. –
The thirteenth day of May one thousand, seven hundred &
fifty four,—I Samuel Rickard of Plimton in the county of Plymouth in
New-England yeoman, being weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, Thanks
be given unto God,– therefor. and calling to mind the mortality of my body,
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye, do make and ordain this
my last will and testament. That is to say, principally & first of all I
give and recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I
recomend to the earth to be buried in a decent, christian burial, at the
discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such
worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and
dispose of, in the following maner.
Imprs.
I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Rachel, one good feather bed
& furniture, with all other household goods sufficient for house-keeping.
Item. I
give & bequeath unto my four sons viz, Lemuel Rickard, Samuel Rickard,
Theophilus Rickard, & Lazarus Rickard, their heirs and assigns forever, all
the remaining part of my moveable estate to be equally divided between them,
together with my right in the saw-mill at Lakenham. ~
Item. I
give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth, twenty pounds.
Item, I
give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel, twenty pounds.
Item, I
give and bequeath unto my daughter Rebeccah, twenty pounds.
And also my will is that my four sons before mentioned shall
pay unto my daughters before-mentioned the several sums herein given out of my
estate, in equal proportion. – And also my will is that my said sons shall have
the liberty to pay the legacies in house-hold-goods, and not be obliged to make
payment unto my daughters arrive at the age of twenty one years or time of
marriage, also my will is that my just debts shall be paid by my four sons in
equal proportion. ~
Lastly,
I do appoint my son Lemuel Rickard sole executor of this my last will and
testament. and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke, & disanul, all other
wills before by me made, confirming this, and no other to be my last will and
testament. Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, & seal, the day and
year above-written.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, & declared,
by the said Samuel Rickard, as his last will and Samuel Rickard (seal)
testament, in the presence of us the subscribers.
James Harlow, James Fuller, & Josiah Perkins.
Presented for probate on 5 Sept. 1768 by Theophilus Rickard,
of Plimton, yeoman, the executor therein named being dead, and proved by Amos
Fuller and Josiah Perkins, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration cum
testament annexo were granted to Theophilus Rickard on 5 Sept. 1768.
The Inventory of the estate of mr. Samuel Rickard,
late of Plimton, was appraised on 16 Sept. 1768 by Josiah Perkins, Silvanus
Donham, and Amos Fuller, and totaled £121.5.1, including livestock, but no real
estate. Theophilus Rickard, the administrator, gave his oath to the inventory
on 30 Sept. 1768.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 117-118, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Samuel Rickard of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1784) *
In the name of God Amen—February ye 6th
1784 – I Samuel Rickard of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being weak in body, but of a disposing
mind & memory, thanks be Given to God therefor, Calling unto mind the
mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die
do make & ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say
principally & first of all, I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands
of God that Gave it & my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in a
decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but
at the General Resurrection I shall Recieve the same again by the almighty
power of God & as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this Life I do Give, demise & dispose of the same in the
following manner & form vizt.–
Imprimis—I Give & bequeath to Zeruiah Rickard my well
beloved wife the improvement of one third part of all my Real & Personal
Estate during her natural Life
Secondly—I Give & bequeath to my four Sons vizt.
Samuel Rickard & Israel Rickard Abner Rickard & Calvin Rickard all my
Real & the other two thirds of my Personal Estate to be equally divided
among them after my Just debts & funeral Charges are all paid; to them
their heirs & assigns forever ~
Thirdly—I Give & bequeath to my daughter Ellis Reed five
shillings to be paid her after my decease by my Executor, whom I shall
hereafter appoint. ~
Fourthly—I Give & bequeath to my Other five daughters vizt.
Chloe Tinkham, Molly Holmes, Deborah Rickard, Hannah Caswell & Lydia
Rickard, to each of them or their heirs a three year old heifer or the value
thereof in money in three years after my decease Said heifers to be equally
paid by my three youngest sons, vizt. Israel, Abner & Calvin –
Lastly—I do appoint my Son Samuel Rickard above named Sole
Executor of this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby utterly
disallow, Revoke & disannull all and every former testaments, wills,
Legacies & bequests & Executors by me in any wise before named, willed
& bequested, Ratifying this & no other to be my Last will &
testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day
& year above written
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced & his
declared by the sd Samuel Rickard as his
Samuel S. Rickard (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of us mark
the Subscribers
Elijah
Alden
Elijah
Hackett
Rufus
Alden
Presented for probate on 1 March 1784 by Samuel Rickard, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Alden, Elijah Hackett and Rufus
Alden, the witnesses thereto Subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Samuel Rickard, the before named Executor.
Joshua White esqr, Zadock Leonard Gentm.
and Isaac Tomson yeoman, all of Middlebo, were appointed to appraise
the estate of Samuel Rickard, late of Middlebo, yeoman, on 1 March
1784. The Inventory, dated 8 March 1784, totaled £326.3.11, including his farm
and buildings valued at £275. Saml. Rickard, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 8 Oct. 1793.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 109-111, from FHL microfilm
#0550715, and Vol. 33, p. 436.
Will of William Rickard of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1766) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
William Rickard of Plimouth in the county of Plimouth in New:
England shopjoyner, taking into consideration my own frailty & mortality,
especially considering the weak state of my body, tho’ blessed be God am of a
sound disposing mind & memory, think it my duty to dispose of that worldly
estate God hath blessed me with, do hereby make & ordain this my last will
& testament as follows, hereby revoking all other or former wills by me
made. First, I give & recommend my precious Soul into the hands of God,
hoping for acceptance with him thro’ the merits of Jesus Christ alone, my body
I commit to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor
hereafternamed not doubting of it’s being raisd. again at the great
day, & my will is that after my just debts & funeral charges are paid
the rest of my estate be disposd. off as follows.
Imprimis, I give to my dear & loving wife Martha Rickard,
after my just debts & funeral charges are paid the one half part of all my
personal estate to her & her heirs forever, as also I give to my said wife
the whole use & improvement of all my real estate during her continuance as
my widdow, or to the time of her second marriage, then in case she should marry
again, then from the time of her second marriage the use & improvement of
one third of my real estate during her life & this I give to my said wife as
her full right of dower or power of thirds in my said estate. ~
2. Considering the needy circumstances of my honrd.
Mother I give & bequeath to her the use & improvement of all the rest
of my estate, to be usd. for her comfort & relief in her
desolate state of widdowhood as she shall think best, that is to say, real or
personal estate. –
3. Whatever of my personal estate shall be left together with
all my real estate that shall be left after the decease of my mother &
wife, I give to the children of my brothers James Rickard, decd.
& to the children of my brother John Rickard, that is to say the one half
of said estate to the children of my brother James Rickard to them or their
heirs forever, & the other moiety or half to the children of my brother
John Rickard to them & their heirs forever. And further my will is &
its my true intent & meaning that what of my estate either real or personal
as shall be found at the decease of my honrd. mother the improvement
of which I have given her during her life shall at her decease be divided, the
one half thereof to the heirs of my sd. brother James Rickard, &
the other half thereof to the heirs of my sd. brother John Rickard.
~
It is also my will that at the decease of my wife, if she
dies before she marries again, that my whole real estate shall then be equally
divided the one half to the children of my brother James & their heirs,
& the other half to the children of my brother John & their heirs,
& if any part of my real estate be in the hands of my mother, as two thirds
of it will in case my wife should marry again before my mother,s decease the sd.
real estate be divided between the children of sd. John & James
& their heirs in equal halves at my wife,s decease & my mother,s Right
to the improvement of the real estate shall cease in case she survives my wife,
that so the whole of the real estate may be settled.
And finally I do constitute & appoint my deal &
loving wife sole executrix of this my last will & testament, hereby
revoking all other & former wills, ratyfying & confirming this to be my
last will & testament. Witness my hand & seal this fifteenth day of
August An.Dom. 1766.
Signed, sealed, published & declared William Rickard (seal)
to be his last will & testament
in Presence of.
John Russell
Benjamin Churchill
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 8 Sept. 1766 by Martha Rickard, of
Plimo. widdow, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Thomas
Foster Esqr. and Mr. John Russell, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Martha Rickard, the Executrix.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Rickard, late of
Plimouth, was appraised on 3 Oct. 1766 by Thomas Foster, Ezra Allen, and John
Russell, and totaled £371.5.1, including his dwelling house and lot valued at
£120, half the Schooner Betty valued at £126.13.4, and two shops valued at £27.
Martha Rickard, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, pp. 392-393, 405, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Benjamin Rider of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen I Benjamin Rider of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
Yeoman being far Stricken in Years & knowing it to be Appointed to all Men
Once to die (though now being in Bodily Health in perfect Mind & Memory do
Appoint & Ordain this to be my last Will & Testament And first of all I
bequeth my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God that gave it hoping thro the
merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour to receive the free Pardon of all my Sins My
Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buried after my decease believing by
the mighty Power of God to receive the Same at the General Resurrection And as
to my worldly estate which God in his Providence hath endowed me withal I Give
& dispose of in manner following ~
Imp: Having already given to my Son Benjamin what I tho’t
proper for his Portion I now Give & Bequeath to him five Shillings
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son William one third Part
of all my Real Estate Viz my Homsted including my fatting Pasture which I
bought of Israel Tupper also my out Lands & Meadows Viz my Salt Meadow
& Cottens Lott & Lott I have in Partnership with Sylvenus Bartlet
bought of Mr. Packer & a Peice of Cedar Swamp lying in Plimton
& a Peice of Meadow at Eal River & my Wood Lot I bought of Drew & a
Wood Lot on Pine Hills I bought of Mr. Packer the one third part of
my above expressed real Estate together with the whole of my Buildings now
Standing upon Sd. Farm ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Grandson Amos Rider one
third Part of the above mentioned real Estate & it is my Will that my Said
Grandson pay out of the Same Thirteen Shillings & Eight Pence to my
Daughter Mary Packer –
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Grandson James Rider one
third part of my Real Estate & it is my Will my Sd. Grandson
should Pay out of the Same Twenty Pounds to his Sister Bethia Johnson
Item I Give to my Son William all my Utensils of Farming and
My Wearing Apparel & it is my Will that my Sd. Son Willm.
Should Pay out to his Sister mary Packer thirteen Pounds Six & Eight pence
Item It is my Will with respect to my Daughter Hanner (she
being unable to provide for herself) that my above Sd. Son William
& Grand Sons Amos & James should do their equal Parts for her
Maintainance & Pay to that Sister of hers which she Chuseth to live with
& if the above Sd. Parties refuse to make Sattisfaction to the
Person that has the Care of her then the Sd. Person providing for
her shall get her Recompence out of the Premisses ~
Item It is my Will that in case my before mentioned Grand
Chilldren Viz Amos & James Bethiah should have no Heirs that what I have
bequeathd to them should at their decease return back & be eqully divided
among the other Heirs Viz William Lydia Abigail Elizabeth Mary & Sarah ~
Item It is my Will that my five Daughters Viz Lydia Abigail
Elizabeth Mary & Sarah Should be Equal Shares in whatsoever I leave behind
me at my decease viz in Notes of Hand Bonds Book Debts Moneys with my Stock
Cattle & Indoor Goods House furnature of all kinds &cc and it is my
Will that the above Sd Notes Bonds Moneys &cc be commited to the
Custody of Mr James Clark at my decease in order to be divided among
my above Sd. Daughters as above expressd ~
Finaly I do hereby appoint & ordain my
abovesaid Son William & Grandsons Amos & James to be Sole Executors of
this my last Will & Testament they paying my funeral Charges & Lawfull
Debts In Testamony Whereof I hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this Twenty first
day of July Anno Domini 1773
Signed Sealed & Declared
In Presence of Benjamin Rider (seal)
Ivory Hovey
John Blackmer
Josiah Clark
Presented for probate on 3 April 1775 by William Rider, Amos
Rider and James Rider, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Blackmer
and Josiah Clark, two of the Witnesses thereto Subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to William Rider, Amos Rider and James Rider, the
before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Benjamin Rider,
late of Plymouth, was appraised on 6 Apr. 1775 by John Blackmer, Silvanus
Bartlett and Stephen Doten, his personal estate and buildings totaled
£229.10.5, his real estate not totaled, but his homestead land valued at £300,
and several other parcels. William Rider and Amos Rider, the Executors, gave
their oath to the inventory on 4 Dec. 1775.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, pp. 32-33, 56-57, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Samuel Rider
of
In the name of God amen I Samuel Rider of ye Town
& County of Plimouth in new England yeoman Being under many infirmitys of
Body but of a Sound & disposing mind & memory through ye
mercy of God to me Do make & ordaine this my last Will & Testament as
followeth viz. I Do in ye first Place Comitt my Immortall Soul to
God yt gave it Intirely trusting in ye meritts of Jesus
Christ, & my frail Body to ye Dust to be decently Buried
according to ye Discretion of my Executrix, & as to what
Temporall Estate I shall leave at my Decease I Dispose of ye same as
followeth –
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my son William Rider his
heirs & assignes forever, all yt my sixty acre Lott at or near a
place Called moreys holes having by Deed conveyed all ye rest of my
Lands & reall Estate to my two Sons Samuel and Benjamin . . . . .
Item: I Give & Bequeath unto my Dear wife Lydia Rider
(whom I also Constitute Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament)
the whole of my morall Estate not already disposed of during her naturall Life
& at her Decease to be Distributed in Such Proportion as She Shall See
Cause among my Six Daughters Hannah, Sarah, Lydia, Mary, Elisabeth and Abigail:
And whereas in this my last will & Testament: I have Bequeathed nothing to
Sundry of my Children the Reasons are as followeth viz. as To my Sons John,
Samuel, Benjamin, & my Daughter Mercy, I have done Competently for them in
my life Time, as To my son Joseph he went when young To his uncle who has done
for him Considerably, and as to Josiah I have ordered for him five pounds to be
paid by Samuel & Benjamin & he also is going to a trade, & for
these Reasons I think it Just not to make any Bequest unto them. And I Do by
these presents Revoke & make null & void all former wills &
Testaments By me heretofore made ratifying allowing & Confirming this &
no other as my last will & Testament and In witness hereof have hereunto
Sett my hand & seal ye Seventh Day of Aprill anno Dom: one
thousand seven hundred & fourteen his
Signed Sealed & declared to be Samuel 3 Rider
his last will & Testament mark
In presence of us . . . ||
Ephraim Little
Thomas Clarke Junr.
Josiah Morton
PlymSs: On ye
23d day of September 1715 || Mr. Ephraim Little Thomas
Clarke Junr. & Josiah Morton made oath yt they Say ye
abovesd Samuel Rider Signe & Seal ye above written
Instrument & heard him declare it was his last will & Testament &
that he was then of a Disposing mind & memory to ye best of
their knowledge Before me
Nathaniel Thomas Judge of Probate
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Rider of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
I, Samuel Rider of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth yeoman, being sick of body, but of sound
memory, thanks be to God for the same, and being penitently sorry for my past
sins, and most humbly desiring forgiveness for the same, I give & commit my
soul to the God that made it, hoping thro’ the merits of Jesus Christ to be
saved: and calling to mind my temporal estate, do make and declare this for my
last will & testament in manner & form following that is to say. ~
First – I would that all my debts which I of right owe to any
person, together with my funeral charges be paid within a convenient time after
my decease, by my Executor hereafter named.~
I Give and bequeath
unto my well beloved wife Jane Rider, all my Personal Estate, to her own
disposal, also I do give & bequeath unto my said wife, the improvement of
all my Real Estate, after my debts & funeral charges, and expence of
settling my estate are paid, so long as she remains my widow. And after her
decease, or not remaining my widow, I do give my Real Estate in manner &
form following, that is to say ~
I do Give &
bequeath unto my Son George Rider, the one half of my wood Lot. ~
I do Give &
bequeath unto my other two sons, Samuel Rider & Ezekiel Rider, all the rest
of my real estate in equal halves, they paying my debts & funeral charges,
and they also paying to my two daughters Lucy Rider & Sarah B. Rider Thirty
Dollars, each, within a convenient time after they come in possession of the
same. –
Also – I Give to my Grandson Caleb Battles, a Calf, two
months old, to be delivered from my Stock.
And, I do nominate my Son Samuel Rider, to be Executor to
this my last will & testament.— Also, it is to be understood, that, my two
sons Samuel & Ezekiel shall keep the fence in repair, so that their mother
may improve the lands, also, if she should be in want, they are to help her.—
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 26th.
day of December 1803. ~
Signed in the presence of
Thomas
Morton junr Samuel Ryder (seal)
Nathl.
W. Leonard
Nathan
Whiting
Presented for probate on 7 Feb.
1804 by Saml. Ryder, the Executor therein named, and proved by Thos.
Morton jr. & Nathan Whiting, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted unto Saml. Ryder, ye.
before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, p. 514-516, from FHL microfilm
#0550720.
Will of Samuel Rider of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1832) *
In the name of God Amen. I Samuel Rider of West Bridgewater
in the County of Plymouth considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and
being of sound mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make and
publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to
say, First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Anna Rider the improvement
of one half of my real estate during her natureal life with a priviledge of
cutting wood and timber for her use and comfort togather with one half of my
farming tools and the whole of my chaise with all of my indoor moveables also
all my dues on accounts, Notes and Bank stock, she paying my honest debts
provided however if my said wife should marry then in that case the above
priviledges are to cease and determine, I do also give to my daughter Eliza Ann
Rider after the decease of my wife (so long as she shall remain unmarried) the
use of one front chamber in my dwelling house with a privilege in the Cellar
oven and well also to house wood in a back chamber with a privilege to pass to
and from the same. I also give to my sons William Rider Joshua Rider and George
Dunham Rider and my daughter Eliza Ann after the decease or marriage of my wife
all the remainder of my real and personal estate of whatever name or nature
provided however if either of the four last named children should die without
lawfull issue then my will is that my son Lewis Rider should share said estate
with the survivors. It is further understood if my decease should take place
before the sixteenth day of February which shall be in year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and forty, then in that case my wife is to have and improve
the remaining half of my Real Estate farming tools &c untill said sixteenth
day of February in the year aforesaid. My other children not named in this
instrument viz Samuel anad Polly I have otherwise provided for. And I hereby
appoint my son William Rider my sole executor of this my last will and
testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twelfth day of April
in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty two –
Signed
sealed published and declared by the above named Samuel Rider to be his last
will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Anna
Rider Jr Samuel Rider (seal)
James
Bates
Wm
Colwell
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July, 1845, by
William Rider, the Executor therein named, and proved by William Colwell, one
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 235-237, from FHL microfilm
#0555638.
Will of Andrew Ring
of
The Last Will and Testament of Andrew Ring of Plimouth. I
Andrew Ring Being now stricken in years & weak in Body But of disposing
mind and memory Not Knowing how near ye day of my Death may be Do
make this my Last Will and Testament Hereby Revoaking all former Wils. Imprimis
I Bequeath my Soul into ye hands of God Who made it And my Body to ye
Earth by decent Burial in hopes of a joyfull Resurrection to Eternall Life by ye
Merrits of Jesus Christ my onely Lord & Redeemer And as for ye
worldly Estate which God hath Given me my Will is it be disposed of as
followeth, I Give to my Eldest Son William my now Dwelling house & the Land
and housing adjoyning thereunto Excepting yt Portion I have taken
out of it to Give to my son Eliezer as hereafter Expressed Also I Give to my
Son William my twelve acres of upland lying in ye New fields and
five acres lying at Lout Swamp Both within the Township of Plimouth Also to my
son William I Give four acres of meadow Lying at Southers marsh at ye
Easte End of ye Cedar Swamp and three acres of meadow in ye
Cove and two acres of meadow at ye oaks and one acre of meadow at
Doteys Meadow All Which meadows are within ye Township of Plimouth.
Also I Give to my son William one hundred acres of upland and Eight acres of
meadow which I have Lying within the Township of Middleborough All ye
above mentioned Lands Whether uplands or meadows Lying and being Either in the
Town of Plimouth or Middleborough I do hereby freely and absolutely Give and
Bequeath to my said Son William his heirs and assigns for Ever. Also to my Son
William I Give my Pough and Plowirons all ye iron ware in ye
cart house Gears Chains Copples Staple of ye Cop yoak working tooles
Augurs Gouges Spades handsaws axes Hoes Hamer & such like Also to my Son
William I Give all ye Corne and Provision Layd in for ye
year. Moreover I Give to my Son Eliezer That Portion of Land adjoyning to his
house Containing about a third part of an acre and two acres of upland and
Swamp lying near thereunto Also I Give to my Son Eliezer four acres of Meadow
Lying at Polipody Cove Also I Give to my son Eliezer my twenty acre lot of
upland and my five and twenty acre Lot of upland Lying in ye
Township of Middleborough this homestead now Exprest and ye Lands
uplands and meadows in ye Townships Either of Plimouth or
Middleborough I do hereby freely and absolutely Give and Bequeath to my said
Son Eliezer his heirs and assigns for Ever Also I Give my Land at Middleborough
Commonly Called and known by ye name of ye Sixteen
shilling Purchase to my Grandson John Mayo Son to my Daughter Elizabeth Mayo
Late of Eastham Deceased. My Will further is that in Case sd John
Mayo dye before he Come of age or without Lawfull Issue that then sd
Land or ye value of it be Given to his Surviving Sisters ye
Daughters of my said Daughter Elizabeth Mayo By my Executor hereafter named
Also I Give my Cow Called Short Bobtaild Cow to my Grandson Andrew Ring Son of
my Son Eliezer also I Give my heiffer to my Grand Daughter Mary Morton Daughter
of my Daughter Mary Morton Also my will is that all my debts be paid out of my
moveables before division of them further my will is that all ye
Rest of my Estate in moveables of any sort Whatsoever within doores or without
Be Equally and justly divided Betwixt my Son Eliezer and my three Daughters
Mary Deborah and Susanna Also I do make and Constitute my son William Ring Sole
Executor of this my Last Will and testament also I do hereby desire and appoint
my loving friends Deacon Thomas Faunce and Ephraim Morton junr to be
overseers of this my Will In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal this fourteenth day of December one thousand Six hundred ninety and one.
Signed Sealed and Declared by Andrew Ring to be his — Andrew Ring (seal)
Last Will and Testament In ye presence of us
John Cotton
James Cole
Elizbeth Dotey
Mr John Cotton and James Cole two of ye
Witnesses here named appeared on ye 22th day of March
1692/3 Before William Bradford Esqr judge &c and made oath in
Plimouth that they were present and Saw and heard Andrew Ring ye
Testator afore named Sign Seal and Declare the above & within Written to be
his last will & testament and that to ye best of their judgment
he was of sound & disposing mind & memory when he did ye
same and yt they saw Elizabeth Dotey now deceased Subscribe with ym
as a witness also.
William Ring, the Executor, was granted letters of
administration on 22 Mar. 1692/3.
An Inventory of ye Estate of Andrew Ring Late of
Plimouth deceased Taken & apprised by us whose names are hereunto
Subscribed on ye 18th day of March 1692/3. [Not totaled]
Ephraim
Morton junr
Thomas
Faunce
William Ring ye Executor of ye last
Will & Testament of his late father Andrew Ring deceased made oath Before
William Bradford Esqr in Plimouth ye 4th day
of Aprill 1693 that ye above Written is a true Inventory of ye
Estate vizt Goods & Chattels of sd Deceased So far as
he knoweth and that if more shall come to his knowledge he Will Discover it Attest Saml
Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 1, p. 163-164, from FHL microfilm
#0550708.
Will of Samuel Ring of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
the Name of God, Amen,
The third day of May one thousand, seven hundred, & sixty
eight. ~
I Samuel Ring of Kingston in the county of Plymouth in
New-England, being weakly & sick, but of disposing mind & memory, &
calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, that
is to say, First & principally I recomend my soul into the hands of God
that gave it trusting thro’ the death & suffering of Jesus Christ to
receive the free & full pardon of all my sins & inherit glory, & my
body I recomend to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my
executor, hereafter named, believing at the general resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of God. and as touching such worldly
estate as it hath pleasd. God to bless me with in this life, I give
& dispose of in the followg. maner & form.
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my welbeloved wife Ruth Ring the use & improvement
of one half of my house, & out-houses & Lands, so long as she shall
remain my widdow. Also I give unto my wife one half of my personal estate free,
& clear, to her own dispose. ~
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my son George Ring his heirs & assigns forever
twenty shillings in furnace ware, together with what I have heretofore given
him.
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my three daughters namely Grace Bradford, the wife of
Samuel Bradford, Lidia Ripley the wife of William Ripley Jr.
Elizabeth Hunt, the wife of Samuel Hunt the other half of my personal estate
equally to be divided between ‘em.
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my sons Francis Ring & Eliphaz Ring, their heirs
& assigns forever, the houses & Lands whereon I now dwell together with
out-lands & meadow & cedar swamps to be equally divided between them,
and furthermore my will is that my two sons pay my just debts & funeral
charges out of what I have above given them. And I do by these presents
constitute & appoint my welbeloved sons Francis Ring & Eliphaz Ring
joint executors of this my Last will & testament, & do by these
presents revoke & disanul all wills by me before made, ratifying &
confirming this and no other, to be my Last will & testament. In testimony
whereof I have signed & sealed, the day & year above-written.
Signed sealed, published, pronounced, & declard. Samuel Ring (seal)
by the sd. Samuel Ring to be his Last will &
testamt.
in presence of us,
Ebenr. Dean, John Fuller, John Bradford. ~
Presented for probate on 6 June 1768 by Francis Ring and
Eliphaz Ring, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Fuller and John
Bradford, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Francis Ring and Eliphaz Ring, the Executors, with John Fuller, all of
Kingston, and John Bradford, of Plimton gent. as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 79-80, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jonathan Ripley of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Jonathan Ripley of Hallifax in the county of Plymouth in
New England founder, being sensible of my frailty and mortality, and being
infirm of body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain
this to be my last will and testament. and first I comit my soul to GOD who
gave it when he shall please to call for it, and my body to the dust to be
decently buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter-mentioned. and
touching my temporal estate wherewith GOD hath blessed me with, I give, devise,
bequeath and dispose of in the following manner, viz. – Imprimis, I give and
bequeath unto my well beloved wife Hannah Ripley the use and improvement of one
third part of all my real estate of housings lands and buildings during her
natural life, and one third part of all my movables indoors & outdoors,
except my wearing aparel to be delivered her before the debts are paid. ~ ~
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my two sons Perez & Jonathan, my pew in Hallifax meeting
house, equally betwixt them, to them & their heirs forever.
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my three sons Perez, Jonathan & Silvanus all my real estate
of lands & buildings in Hallifax, and my right in Plimton old furnace, two
fifth parts of all my real estate to Perez, and two fifth parts of it to
Jonathan, and one fifth to Silvanus, to them their heirs & assigns forever,
reserving to my wife the use & improvement of one third part of my real
estate during her natural life. – Item, I give & bequeath unto my two sons
Perez & Jonathan all my wearing-aparel, to be equally divided betwixt them.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my three daughters Abigail Sturtevant the wife of Caleb
Sturtevant, Rebeccah Dunbar the wife of Daniel Dunbar, & Hannah Fuller the
wife of Thomas Fuller, two third parts of all my indoors movables to be equally
divided betwixt them three, excepting my wearing aparel, and the provisions of
all sorts that shall be left at my decease. ~ Item. I give and bequeath unto my
three sons Perez, Jonathan & Silvanus, two third parts of all my outdoors
movables and also two third parts of all the provision that shall be left at my
decease, towards paying my just debts & funeral charges. And it is my will
that my three sons Perez, Jonathan & Silvanus shall pay all my just debts
& funeral charges out of what I have given them in the same proportion that
I have given to them. And lastly I nominate & apoint my son Perez Ripley of
Hallifax founder to be my sole executor of this my last will & testament.
In witness whereof I the said Jonathan Ripley have hereunto
set my hand and seal this thirtyfirst day of March annoque Domini one thousand,
seven hundred & seventy two.
Signed sealed & declared by the sd. Jona.
Ripley to be Jonathan Ripley (seal)
his last will & testament in presence of
Noah
Cushing
Micah
Allen
Mercy
Cushing ~
Presented for probate on 7 Sept. 1772 by Perez Ripley, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Noah Cushing, Micah Allen, and Mercy
Cushing, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Perez Ripley,
the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Jonathan Ripley, late of
Hallifax, was appraised on 29 Oct. 1772 by Noah Cushing, Moses Inglee, and John
Waterman, and totaled £435.17.7½, including his real estate valued at £337.6.8.
Perez Ripley, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 22 Nov. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, pp. 206-207, 218, from FHL
microfilm #0550712.
Will and Codicil of William P. Ripley of
Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
Be it remembered that I William P. Ripley do make and
publish, this my last Will & Testament in the manner following viz. I give
and bequeath to my beloved wife, the improvement of my Dwelling house in North
St. and the furniture for one year after my decease, also one
hundred dollars in money to be paid her at my decease & one hundred at the
end of one year, also two hundred dollars in furniture at the appraisal at the
end of one year. Also the interest of four thousand dollars to be paid her
semiannually during her life. I give & bequeath to my son Wm Z.
Two thousand dollars advanced to him in April 1827. I give & bequeath to my
Daughter Ann Elizabeth March one thousand Dollars advanced to her in July 1835.
– Also one thousand dollars more to make her equal to my son – I give &
bequeath to my Daughter Betsey Foster Morton two thousand dollars making her
equal to my other children, the remainder of my other property to be equally
divided between my three children, after the decease of my beloved wife the four
thousand dollars she has received the ints. of to be equally divided
between my three children.
I nominate & appoint Wm Z. Ripley & Andrew S. March
Executors to this my last Will & testament. I authorise my Executors to
sell any of my property real & personal that may be for the benefit of my
heirs –
I Witness whereof I
hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of September in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six
Wm P. Ripley (seal)
Signed sealed & declared by the above testator as his
last Will & Testament in presence of us who have hereunto affixed our names
at his request & in presence of each other
J.
H. Loud
E.
L. J. Loud
H.
Taylor
Be it known that I William P. Ripley of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth, Esquire, being in feeble health but of sound mind, having
heretofore made & executed my last Will & Testament in writing, the
date of which I do not now recollect as the same is in the hands & keeping
of my son in law Andrew S. March who with my son William Z. Ripley are named as
Executors thereof, do now make, publish & declare this Instrument to be a
codicil to my said last will & Testament and to be taken as part &
parcel thereof.
I do give, devise & bequeath to my wife Nancy Ripley
& to her heirs & assigns forever all my right, title & interest in
& to the Pew in the broad Aisle of the Meeting house of the first Parish in
this town which I now occupy with all its furniture books &c. with all my
right, title & interest in the bond or bonds which I hold of Josiah Moore
& William Sturtevant to give me a title deed thereof meaning &
intending to vest in my said Wife & her heirs & Assigns all my right
therein & in the bonds aforesaid.
Any
part of my said will inconsistent with this devise & bequest is revoked
& annulled but in all other respects I do affirm & confirm the same.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand this first day of October in the year eighteen hundred & forty
two.
Wm. P. Ripley
Signed, sealed published & declared by the said William P. Ripley as
a Codicil to his last will & Testament in presence of us who in his
presence & in presence of each other subscribed our names as Witnesses
Jacob
H. Loud
Elizabeth
L. Loud
Jane
B. Gordon
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of Dec. 1842 by William Z Ripley & Andrew S. March, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Jacob H. Loud and E L. J. Loud, two of the
witnesses. Letters Testamentary granted to William Z. Ripley and Andrew S.
March, the Executors therein named.
William Z. Ripley, of Boston, and
Andrew S. March, of Roxbury, were granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of
William P. Ripley, late of Plymouth, on 5 Dec. 1842, with Adolphus Davis and
James M. Whiton, of Boston, Merchants, as sureties.
John B. Thomas, Timothy Gordon and
Johnson Davee, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of
William P. Ripley, late of Plymouth, on 5 Dec. 1842.
The Inventory of the Estate of
William P. Ripley, late of Plymouth, Esquire, was appraised on 1 Feb. 1843, his
personal estate valued at $312.22, and his real estate not totaled, but his
dwelling house and lot in North Street valued at $3300. Andrew S. March, one of
the Executors, gave his oath to the inve nroy on the third Monday of Feb. 1843.
Andrew S. March of West Roxbury in
the County of Norfolk petitioned to be appointed as Trustee of the $4000 sum
set aside for the use of Nancy Ripley, now of Portland, Maine, on the first
Tuesday of Apr. 1856, which was granted on 6 May 1856.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 618-621, from FHL microfilm #0555267,
Vol. 1G, p. 230, p. 85, p. 605-607, and Vol. 98, p. 186-187.
Will of Benjamin Robbins of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In
the Name of God amen I Benjamin Robbins of Kingston in the County of Plymouth
Yeoman being weak in Body, but of sound & perfect Mind & memory blessed
be almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner & form following (that is to say)
First I give and
bequeath unto my beloved Wife Esther Robbins all my Estate both Real and
personal, goods & Chattels, of what kind & nature soever, she to pay
all my just debts, and bring up my Children viz my Daughter Esther Allen my
daughter Betsey, my Son Benjamin, my Daughter Sally, my Daughter Nancy & my
Son Allen.
Secondly I hereby
appoint my beloved Wife Esther Robbins to be my sole Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me mde –
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this seventh day of
January in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & five. 1805
signed sealed published &
declared
by the above named Benjamin
Robbins to be his last Will &
Testament Ben Robbins (seal)
in presence of us –
Elijah
Sturtevant
John
Gray junr
Samual
Alexander
Presented for probate on 19 Oct.
1805 by Esther Robbins, the Executrix therein named, and proved by John Gray
junr. and Samuel Alexander, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of administration were granted to Esther Robbins, the before named
Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
279-280, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will and Codicil of William A. Robbins of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1871) *
Know all Men by these presents that I William A. Robbins of
Kingston in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, being in ill
health but of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time
hereto fore made.
First: I give and devise to my beloved wife Martha Robbins
the swamp lot that I purchased of William Gray.
Second. I give and devise to my son Benjamin T. Robbins the
woodlot that was my father’s Benjamin Robbins which I purchased of my mother,
in consideration of his name.
Third. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Martha Robbins
all my personal estate, and the improvement of the residue of all my real
estate of which I shall die seized and possessed, or to which I shall be
entitled at the time of my decease after the payment of all my debts and
funeral expenses, with the right to take wood from the unimproved land. And if
the improvement shall be insufficient for her support, she shall have a right
to sell and convey any of said real estate as shall be necessary to supply said
deficiency
Fourth. I hereby constitute and appoint my wife Martha
Robbins to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal and
publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, in the presence of
the witnesses named below, this twenty fourth day of October in the year
eighteen hundred and seventy one.
W. A. Robbins (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said William A.
Robbins, as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who in
his presence and in the presence of each other and at his request have
subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Edward
Gray
Samuel
W. Gray
Frances
L. Gray
I William A. Robbins of Kingston in the County of Plymouth do
hereby make this my Codicil to my will dated October twenty fourth eighteen
hundred and seventy one.
After the decease of my wife if there should be any of my
estate left not disposed of for her support, I give and devise the remainder
thereof equally between my two children Benjamin T. Robbins and Lucy W. Robbins
to them and their heirs. As for my daughter Rebecca Finney I have heretofore
given her all I intend her to have of my estate.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare this
to be a codicil to my last will & testament, this seventeenth day of
October eighteen hundred and seventy six.
W. A. Robbins. (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said William A.
Robbins as and for his first codicil to his last Will & Testament in the
presence of us, who in his presence & in the presence of each other &
at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Edward Gray. Samuel
W. Gray. Frances L. Gray.
Presented for probate on the second Monday of May 1877 by
Martha Robbins, of Kingston, with Francis L. Gray of Kingston and Ella F. Brown
of Boston as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Martha Robbins, of
Kingston, on 14 May 1877.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 248-249, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 133, p. 431.
Will of Jeduthan
Robens of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1740) *
In The Name of God amen, Jeduthan Robens of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth in New England yeoman Being Very Sick But of Sound &
Disposeing memory, Thanks be given unto Almighty God for ye same –
But Calling to Mind the Mortality of my body And Knowing it is Appointed for
all Men Once To Dye Do make and Ordain This my Last Will and Testament.
Imprimis I Will and Bequeath My Soul unto God That Gave it me
and my Body to the Dust To be Decently buried at the Discretion of my Executrix
hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the Generall Resurection I Shall
Receive the same again by the Mighty power of God, and as Touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath please God To bless me in this life I dispose of in
the following manner,:
Item. I Will and Bequeath unto My Well beloved wife Rebecca
Robins The Improvement of One Third part of all my Real Estate so Long as She
Shall Remain my Widdow and allso the use or Improvement of One third part of my
Moveable Estate My Just debts and funerall Charges being first paid out of my
said Moveable Estate I doe allso Give unto My said wife The Sum of Fifty
pounds, To be Sett Out to her by a Just apprizement Out of my Moveable Estate
Valued Equal To Silver money at Twenty Eight Shillings pr. Ounce: To
be her own forever I Doe further Will and Bequeath unto my sd wife
the Sole Improvement of the Remaining two third parts of my Real Estate Dureing
The Naturall Life or Widdowhood of Hourd. Mother Hanah Robens And
further my Will is That if my said wife Shall Stand in need of more then the
Incomes of the Two third parts of my said Real Estate To Support My Aged Mother
abovesaid Agreeable To what I have obliged My selfe by bond to doe for her,
Then and in such Case I doe by these presents Authorize and Impower My said
wife to make Sale of The One half of my Cedar Swamp I now Own at Bever Damm
Swamp That is to Say the One half The Cedar Swamp I now possess That was my
Hourd. Father, Jeduthan Robens Deceasd, all which
moveable Estate & Improvement of my Lands and the produce of the sd
Cedar Swamp, I give unto my sd wife in manner as above Expressd
allways provided That She Shall well and Truly fullfill and perform all That I
have bound my selfe, and Heirs To performe Towards the Support of my said aged
mother in one bond Obligatory Bearing date the fifteenth day of June A.D. 1726.
—
Item I Will and Bequeath unto my Loveing Son Eleazer Robens
My now Dwelling House, Out houseing and all my Lands both upland and meadow
land That I have lying in Plymton aforesd. Between Swan hold River
and Dotens Plain and allso Six Acres of Meadow lying in a place Called Swan
hold neck in Plymton aforesaid To be Sett out To him by a true measurement at
the upper End of My Meadow there; I allso Give unto my said Son My Two acres
and a half of meadow that I have lying in Plymton aforesaid at a place Called the
Island at the uper South Meadows, I allso give unto my said Son my Cedar Swamp
lying in Beaver Damm Swamp, That I purchased of Nathll Thomas of
Middleborough all which Houseing Upland & Meadow lands and Cedar Swamp I
Give unto my said Son and unto his Heirs and assigns forever After ye
Improvement thereof, before Granted To my Loveing wife provided he my said Son
or his Heirs Shall pay the following Legacies unto my Children hereafter named,
That is to say, unto my Loveing Son Rufus Robens, The Sum of fifty pounds in
good bills of Creditt Valued Equal To Silver money at Twenty Eight Shillings pr
ounce and to pay ye same to him the sd Rufus when he
Shall arrive to the age of twenty one years.
And allso To pay unto my Loveing son Benja Robens
the Sum of Fifty pounds The Sum of Fifty pounds in paper Currency Equal To
Silver money at twenty Eight Shillings pr ounce and to pay ye
same when he the said Benjamin shall arrive to the age of Twenty One years.
And allso pay unto my Loveing Son Ebenezer Robens The Sum of
Twenty pounds in bills of Creditt Valued Equal To Silver money at Twenty Eight
Shillings pr Ounce as abovesd. And to pay the Same when
he my sd Son Ebenezer Shall arrive to the age of Twenty One years;
And allso To pay unto my Loveing Daughter Mary Robens The Sum of Thirty pounds
in Good bills of Creditt Valued Equal To Silver money at Twenty Eight Shillings
pr Ounce and to pay the Same to my sd daughter within
four years after he my sd Son Eleazer Shall Come unto ye
possession of the Land & Meadows above Granted unto him.
Item I Will and Bequeath unto my Loveing Son James Robens all
my
Item I Give unto my Loveing Daughter Mary Robens as a further
Addition To what I have orderd my Son Eleazer to pay unto her The
Sum of Twenty pounds in Household Utensills Valued Equal to Silver Money at
Twenty Eight Shillings pr. Ounce, I allso Give unto my said daughter
Two Cows & half a year & Vantage Stear which she now Calls her own.
Item+ My Will is That all the Residue of my Estate
both Real and Personall whatsoever and wheresoever it may be found Shall belong
and appertain unto unto my Loveing Son Eleazer Robens his Heirs and assigns
forever He or they paying the Severall Legacies Before mentioned That I have in
this present Will orderd him or them to pay—
Lastly I Nominate and appoint My Loveing wife Rebecca Robens
to be The Sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, Hereby Revokeing
all other and former Wills Either written or Verbell by me heretofore made or
done Hereby Ratyfieing & Confirming This My Last Will To Remain firm &
Inviolable In Testimony whereof I the
aforenamed Jeduthan Robens Have hereunto Sett my Hand and Seal the The Twenty
Sixth day of November One Thousand Seven Hundred & fourty 1740
Signed Sealed and Pronounced
and Declared By The said Jeduthan
Robens To be his Last Will & Testamt.
In
presence of us
Joseph
Bridgham Jeduthan Robens (seal)
Abel Crocker
Joseph Lucas
Proved on 23 Dec. 1740 by Joseph
Bridgham, Abel Crocker and Joseph Lucas, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Jeduthan Robins, late of Plymton, was appraised by Joseph Lucas, Abel Crocker
and Abraham Jackson in Mar. 1740[/41], his personal estate totaled £399.4.0,
and his real estate totaled £783, including his dwelling house, barn and upland
valued at £568. Rebecca Robens, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory
on 7 Mar. 1740[/41].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Gain Robinson of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the Name of God Amen the 13 day of May 1763. I Gain
Robinson of Bridgwater in the county of Plimouth in the New England husbandman
being advanced in years & weak of body but of perfect mind & memory
thanks be given unto god therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body
& knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain
this my last will & testament that is to say principally & first of all
I give & recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body
to the earth to be buried in a decent christian burial at the discression of my
Executor nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the
same again by the mighty Power of god & as touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise and
dispose of the same in the following manner & form
Imprs. I give & bequeath to Margaret my
beloved wife the use & improvement of my whole farm together with all my
moveable Effects both indoor & out during her natural life or wido.
hood
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Alexander Robinson the
sum of thirteen shillings & four pence which I look upon to be his share
out of my Estate with what he has already had –
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Joseph Robinson the sum
of thirteen shillings & four pence which I look upon to be his share out of
my estate together with what he has already had.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Gain Robinson the sum
of thirteen shillings & four pence which I looke upon to be his share out
of my estate together with what he has already had.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son John Robinson the sum
of thirteen shillings & four pence which I look upon to be his share out of
my Estate together with what he has already had.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Susanah Asken the
wife of Christr. Asken the sum of thirteen shillgs. &
4d. which I look upon to be her share out of my Estate with what she
has already had.
Item. I give & bequeath to my sons James Robertson &
Robert Robinson all my buildings & lands to be equally divided between them
James to have the southerly side where his house now stands and Robert to have
the north.erly side where my house stands allowing to each one as
good a share in the orchard as the other to them their heirs & assigns
forever as a good perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee simple they
paying all all my Just debts and funeral charges and all the Legacies mentioned
in this my last will and Testament equally alike & I give to Robert my fire
Arms.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Betty the wife of
William Corbet the sum of four pounds which with what she has already had I
look upon to be her Share out of my Estate.
Item I give & bequeath to my daughr. Mary the
wife of Richd. Bartlett the sum of six pounds thirteen shillgs
& 4d. which I look upon to be her share out of my estate with
what she has allready had.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughr. Martha
the wife of Archabel Thomson the sum of four pounds which togethr.
with what she has already had I look upon to be her share out of my Estate.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Margaret Robinson
the sum of Six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence & I also give her a
comfortable maintenance for & so Long as she Shall live a single life &
also liberty of living in my dwelling house that length of time.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Jane Robinson the
sum of six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence & my will is that
after my wifes decease all the moveables that she leaves shall be equally
divided between Margret & Jane Robinson.
And I also constitute make & ordain my son James Robinson
my sole Exr. of this my last will & testament allowing to him
& to my son Robert two full years after my decease to pay the several
Legacies heretofore mentioned in & I do hereby utterly disallow revoke
& disannul all & every other former Testaments Wills & bequests
before named willed & bequeathed ratifying & confirming this & no
other to be my last will & Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand & seal the day & Year above written. —
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the
said Gain Robinson to be his last will and Testament
in the presence of us the Subscribers Gain Robinson (seal)
John Orcutt
Mary X
Orcutt
Susannah Orcutt
Presented for probate on 1 Aug. 1763 by James Robinson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Orcutt, Mary Orcutt, and Susannah
Orcutt, the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to James Robinson, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Gain Robinson,
late of Bridgwater, was appraised on 27 Sept. 1763 by John Orcut, Joseph Keith
and Eleazer Whitman, and totaled £463.6.0, including his home farm valued at
£315, buildings at £55, and meadow at £10. James Robinson, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 1 Oct. 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 487-488, 509, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of William Rogers of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
In
the name of God Amen. I William Rogers of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth,
being of sound & disposing mind and memory do hereby make and declare this
to be my last Will and testament. I give to my daughter Polly Davis, to my Son
Ichabod and to my Son Ellis each the sum of One dollar. I give to each of my
grand-children viz. America B. Rogers, Rebecca Rogers & Betsey Rogers
Children of my deceased son William each the sum of one dollar. I give, bequeath & devise the residue of
my estate, real and personal to my daughter Nancy B. Rogers and her heirs
forever.
I
Constitute and appoint the said Nancy B. Rogers to be sole executrix of this my
last will and testament.
In
Witness Whereof I the said William Rogers have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty first day of July A.D. 1840
Wm. Rogers (seal)
Signed.
sealed, published and declared by the above named William Rogers as & for
his last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in
his presence & in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
Witnesses thereto.
Nathl.
M. Davis
Thomas
Hedge
A.
G. Goodwin
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Aug. 1844 by Nancy B. Rogers, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Nathaniel M. Davis and A. G. Goodwin, two of the Witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters Testamentary granted to Nancy B. Rogers, the Executrix
therein named.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p. 383-384, from FHL microfilm #0555637.
Will of Mary Rowland of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1776) *
I Mary Rowland of the Township of Hempstead in Queens County
and in the Province of New York being sick and weak in Body but of sound mind
and memory Blessed be God, do this twelfth day of November Anno Domini One
thousand seven hundred and seventy six, make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in the manner and form following vizt Imprimis I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter
Zorada Rowland, two of my best Feather Beds, six pair of Sheets, four
Coverleds, two Bedsteads and the furniture thereunto belonging, two of my best
pewter platters, six pewter plates, three table Cloths, six towels all which
she may Chuse and my Cupbord and Chest. – Item all the Residue and Remainder of
my Estate after my Just Debts and funeral expences are all paid and discharged
(excepting the Legacy Ordered for me in my Father Robert Marvin’s Last Will and
Testament) I give & Bequeath unto my three Daughters Abigail Thorne, Phebe
Wagner and Zorada Rowland equally to be divided amongst them. Item my Will and
mind is that the Legacy above mentioned shall be equally divided amongst all my
children Marvin Rowland and my Daughters above mentioned provided my said son
is a Loyal Subject to his Majesty King George, the Third and a true friend to
Government, if he my said Son is otherwise my Will and mind is that the said
Legacy shall be equally divided amongst my said Daughters. Lastly I constitute
and appoint my two friends Samuel Denton and James Cornwell, both of Herricks
in the Township County and Province aforesaid Executors hereof to this my last
Will and Testament. In Witness hereof I the said Mary Rowland have hereunto set
my hand and fixed my Seal the day and year above written. Mary Rowland (seal)
Signed Sealed published and by the said Mary Rowland
pronounced as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us. – John
Searing, William Hewlett, Emry Hewlett
Presented for probate on 27 Nov. 1776, and proved by William
Hewlett of said County Yeoman. Letters of Administration were granted to Samuel
Denton and James Cornell, the Executors in said will named, on 25 Apr. 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 34, p. 216-218, copied from
original Libor 34, p. 171-173.
Will of William
Salmon of Southold, Suffolk County, Province of New York (1759) *
In the name of God Amen this 29th of April 1759 I
William Salmon of Southold in the County of Suffolk and Province of New York
being weak in body but of sound disposing minde and memory thanks be to God
therefor and calling to minde the uncertaintis of life and knowing it is
appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will &
Testament First I Recommend my Soul into
the hands of God which gave it and my Body to the Earth to be buried in dessent
Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but I Shall
receive the same again by the mighty Power of God and as touching such Worldly
Estate wherewith itt hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give and
dispose of the same in the following manner and form Item I give to my Eldest Son Joshua Salmon
all my Farming Implyments as Carts Plows Chains Geers Yoakes Hoes Oxen and all
my Carpenters Tools of every kinds and ten Shillings in money Item I give to my Son William Salmon Twentie
Shillings in money Item I give to my Son
Nathaniel Salmon Ten pounds in money
Item I give to my Son Stephen
Salmon twentie pounds in money above what I have allready given him Item I give to my Son John fiveteen Pounds in
money Iteem I give to my daughter Hannah
Hempstead my Negro Girl named Margaret
Iteem I give to my daughter Abigail twentie pounds in money my two Cows
two Swine four Sheep and lambs all the Provisions I have to Eate or Eatable as
Wheate Meale Corn Butter Meloses Sugar Salt Meal flower all my Household goods
Beads and furniture Blankets Sheets Table linin Towell Cloath if any not worked
up Yarn &c. togather with the whole of my household Stuff of every kind my
Baggs and the Negro Girl called Luce which I bought in her name and my Will and
mind is that my Executors Sell and dispose of all my lands & Meadows and
all my moveable Estate not herein disposed of pay all my just debts Legacies
and funeral Charges and allso sell my Negro Boy called Enok and the remainder
of the money togather with whatever is due to me by Bond Note or any Obligation
whatsoever which shall be left after Just debts Legacies and funeral charges
are payd I order to be devided equally between my four youngest Sons Namely
William Nathaniel Stephen and John and to their heirs & assigns forever Lastly I Nomenatt and appoint my Friends and
Relations Brother Benjamin Bayley and Cousen Robert Hempsted each of Southold
abovesd. to be Executors of this my Will and my Will is and I do
hearby impower them to Sell my lands and Meadows and movable Estate as above mentioned
and deal oute to my Children and pay my debts and legacies according as is
above described and I do hearby revoke disanull and make voide all former Wills
and bequests by me att any time before made Ratifying and Confirming this and
no other as my last Will In Witness
whereof I have hearunto sett my hand fixed my Seal the day and year above
written.
Wm. Salmon (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the above
named William Salmon as his last Will and Testament in presence of Interlining
between ye. 12 & 13 line from ye bottom before Sealing
John Salmon
Daniel Tuthill jun
Pheb Goldsmith
Probated on 14 May 1759, and proved by John Salmon
Cordwainer, and Daniel Tuthill the third Yeoman, two of the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to Benjamin Bayley and Robert Hempsted, the
Executors, on 3 Jan. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 21, p. 471-473, copied from
original Liber 21, p. 468-470.
Will of Abner Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Be it remembered that
I Abner Sampson of Duxbury in the county of Plymouth, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory, Blessed be
God for the same do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form following (viz.) First I give and bequeath unto my wife Ruth Sampson
all the use and improvement of all the property both real and personal I may
die possessed of Provided however the above named property is given to the said
Ruth Sampson for her own use and comfortable support and not that she may
bestow alms or spend it in a manner not for her own comfort
I also give and bequeath unto the said Ruth Two hundred
dollars in money and the value of fifty dollars in household Furniture now in
my house to dispose of by will to whom she pleases.
I also give and
bequeath unto the children of Sarah Brewster wife of Joseph Brewster ten
dollars each.
I also give and
bequeath unto Jane Ramsdell wife of Elbridge G. Ramsdell and unto Deborah
Crooker wife of Daniel S. Crooker twenty dollars each.
I also give and
bequeath unto Hiram Hunt, Albin M. Hunt and Edward G. Hunt Ten dollars each and
to Mary wife of Weston Freeman Jr. fifteen dollars and to Nathaniel Sampson
Twenty dollars and to Barker Baker twenty five dollars and to Henry Hunt one
hundred dollars and to Ziba Hunt I give and bequeath – all the property both
real and personal except the above legacies that may be remaining at my wife’s
decease.
All the above
legacies except that of Ziba Hunt are to be paid by my Executor within three
months after my decease. I have at this time a perfect recollection of all my
connexion none of which are to inherit (except those above mentioned) any of
the property I may have. And I hereby appoint Ralph Partridge sole Executor to
this my last will and Testament. Hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I
the said Abner Sampson have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty eighth
day of October A. D. 1837
Abner Sampson
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the Above named
Abner Sampson to be his last will and Testament in presince of us who at his
request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to
the same.
Ralph
Partridge
Welthea
L. Partridge
Hannah
Partridge
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of June 1843 by
Ralph Partridge, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ralph Partridge and
Hannah Partridge, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Ralph Partridge, the executor therein named.
Ralph Partridge, of Duxbury, was granted Letters Testamentary
on the Estate of Abner Sampson, late of Duxbury, Yeoman, on 6 June 1843, with
Martin Winsor and William W. Winsor, of Duxbury, as sureties.
Seth Sprague Jun., Galen Weston and Martin Sampson, all of
Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of Abner Sampson, late of
Duxbury, on 6 June 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of Abner Sampson, late of
Duxbury, was appraised on 14 June 1843, and totaled $2916.00, including his
real estate valued at $912, and notes of hand from various persons totaling
$1913.00. Ralph Partridge, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the
third Monday of Jan. 1844.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 85, p. 273-275, from FHL microfilm #0555268, Vol. 1G, p. 247, and
Vol. 86, p. 45-46.
Will of Anne Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1830) *
Be
it Known that I Anne Sampson of Kingston in the County of Plymouth,
Singlewoman, do make and publish this Instrument to be my last Will and
Testament, hereby revoking all others by me heretofore made, viz
I
give and devise to my Nephew Joseph Sampson Esq. of Kingston my Pew in the
first Congregational Meeting house in said town, to him and his heirs
forever. I also give and bequeath to him
my small silver pitcher, Mahogany desk with the old family papers, and all my
furniture not herein-after disposed of.
I also give and devise to said Joseph Sampson the use and improvement of
my half of a dwelling-house, and the lot of land adjoining thereto, for and
during the term of his natural life.
I
give and bequeath to my Nephew Josiah Sampson my Silver Pepper Castor, Carving
Knife and Fork.
I
give and bequeath to my Nephew Dr Joseph Sampson of Brewster a
Silver Spout Cup and an old Looking Glass.
I
give and bequeath to my Nephew William Sampson my press bedstead, feather bed,
green curtains, window curtains, green bedquilt and Calico bedquilt belonging
to the same, and two table spoons with double mark.
I
give and devise to my Nephew Frederick Jackson my wood lot in Kingston,
containing eighteen acres, to him & his heirs forever. I also give him my
Easy Chair and dark Mahogany Table.
I
give and bequeath to my Nephew George Jackson four Table Spoons marked A.S.
I
give and bequeath to my Nephew Thomas Jackson eight Tea Spoons marked S. and my
Quarto family bible.
I
give to my Nieces, Caroline Jackson and Lucy Jackson two feather beds, best
bedstead, and one bedstead from the back chamber, a Mahogany tea stand,
Mahogany Chamber table, two small Looking-glasses, a small brass kettle,
skillet & copper tea kettle, all my yellow chairs, one stuffed chair, white
bed curtains, window curtains, one cotton bed covering, one blue & white
calico bedquilt, Furniture Chinter bed and window curtains, and a worked
Counter jin.
I
give and bequeath to Lucy Anne S. Jackson my best gown, pelise, bonnet &
veil, and also the sum of fifty dollars to be paid her by my Executor within
six months after my decease.
I
give and bequeath to Ellen Brewster fifty dollars. ~ I give and bequeath to
Judith Drew Beal my small silver porringer.
I
give and bequeath to Deborah Sampson of Kingston the sum of fifty dollars
I
give and bequeath to my nephew Benjamin Sampson my Silver Watch.
I give and bequeath to my Niece
Mary Adams, the wife of Charles Adams of Kingston my Maple Dining Table, Desk,
Book Case, the old books, large brass kettle and warming pan.
I
give and bequeath to Lucy Sampson of Kingston my case of draws, Small trunk
marked D.S. and a Cedar Table & Iron dogs, shovel & tongs and
warming-pan usually kept in my chamber.
I
give and bequeath to my nine nieces, Mary Adams, Susan Sampson, and Lucy
Sampson, the children of my brother Josiah Sampson, Harriet Fish, Lucy Sampson
and Rebecca Crocker, the children of my brother Crocker Sampson, Betsey Beal
the wife of Y. P. Beal, and Caroline Jackson and Lucy Jackson, the children of
Thomas Jackson of Plymouth, three leather trunks and contents viz: Wearing
apparel, linen, tin, pewter, iron, crockery and glass ware – and all my
carpeting except what is in the front room and chamber over it, to be equally
divided between them, but not to be appraised or inventoried: And as to all the
residue of my estate, real and personal, after the payment of my debts and the
charges of settling my estate, I do give, bequeath and devise the same to my
said nine nieces above enumerated and named in the next preceeding bequest, to
be equally divided between them, to them and their heirs.
I
appoint Nathaniel Thomas Esq. of Kingston sole Executor of this my Will.
In
Witness Whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty.
Anne Sampson (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Ann Sampson to be her last
Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at her request, and in her
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses.
Isaac
Sampson
Elizabeth
Sampson
James
Cox
Presented for probate on 5 Dec.
1836 by Nathaniel Thomas, the Executor therein named, and proved by Elizabeth
Sampson and James Cox, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Nathaniel Thomas, the Executor therein named.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
512-514, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Benjamin Sampson of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the
Name of GOD Amen, the twentyeth day of February In the Year of Our Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred & fifty or fifty one, I Benjamin Sampson of Kingston
in the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusetts bay in New
England Merchant, upon Good & cerious Considerations & being of Perfect
mind & Memory, thanks be Given unto God for the same, & therefore
calling unto mind the Mortality of my body & Knowing that it is appointed
for all men Once to die do make & Ordain this My last will & Testament,
that it to say Principally & first of all, IG & recommend my soul into
the Hands of God that Gave it, & my body I recommend to the earth, to be
Buried in a decent & Christian manner at the discretion of my Execr.
herein afternamed, Nothing doubting but at the Great & Generall
Resurrection I shall Receive the Same again by the Almighty Power of GOD, and
as Touching such Worldly Goods & Temporall estate wherewith it hath Pleased
God to Bless me with in this Life I give Demise and Dispose of the same in manner
& form Following ~
Imprs. My Will is that all my Just debts &
funerall charges be defrayed & pd. out of my Personall Estate ~
Item I Give and Bequeath to my dearly & Beloved wife
Rebecca Sampson the whole Improvement of one half of my now Dwelling House
& one halfe of the Household Goods during her naturall Life ~
Item, I give and Bequeath unto my Grandson Micah Sampson
three Acres of Land & it lyes Adjoyning to the Northerly side of Seth
Chipman Junrs. & by the Easterly side of the Country road, and a
Lott of Land I formerly bought of Israel Bradford called twenty five acres
where a sawmill stands upon it, and One Hundred & thirty three pounds Six
Shillings & eight pence that is One Third of said sum in Lawfull money, and
the other two thirds of said sum in sutiable Lumber that will well answer to
Building adwelling House, and all this is to be Paid as abovesaid when my said
Grandson Micah Sampson Arrives to Twenty one years of age, & if my said
Grandson Micah Sampson should dwell or Settle in Kingston aforesaid, My two
sons Cornelius Sampson & Benjamin Sampson hereafter named shall be obliged
to keep him a Cow both winter & Summer along with their own for the Space
of twelve years upon free cost, but if in case said Grandson Micah Sampson
should dye, without Issue or Heirs Lawfully begotten of his Body then all this above
given Premisses to said Micah is to go to my said Two sons Cornelius &
Benjamin their Heirs & assigns forever, but if said Grandson Micah should
have Issue or Lawfull Heirs of his body then the abovesd. Premisses
to be for him the said Micah his heirs & Assigns forever ~
Item I do Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Deborah Veazie the
wife of the Revd. mr. Saml. Veazie the sum of
One Hundred & thirty three pounds Six shillings & eight pence in
lawfull Money or Equivlent thereto in the form following that is to say, this
One hundred thirty three pounds six shillings & eight pence is to be Paid
in with what she has Already received so far as it amounts towards said sum
aforesaid and the Residue or remainder of the abovesaid sum she is to have one
third Part if Lawfull Money and the Other two thirds or parts in that sort of
Pay or Species that she the said Deborah Veazie and my Execr.
hereafter named shall agree to take her Pay in & all this Last above
mentioned Legacie to be Paid in One year after my decease ~
Item, I do Give & Bequeath unto my two Sons Cornelius
Sampson & Benjamin Sampson all the residue or remainder of all my real or
Personall Estate of what kind or nature whatsoever & wheresoever it may be
found that is to say two thirds or adouble Share of my sd. Last mentd.
Estate to my Eldest son now Surviving that is the said Cornelius Sampson but my
Intent & Meaning is that what I have already Given said son Cornelius by
deed of Gift shall be apart towards making up a double share or two thirds as
aforementioned to my said Son Cornelius Sampson in my sd. Estate
Last mentioned ~
Item, I do Give and Bequeath unto my youngest son Benjamin
Sampson, all the Other third or Share as last afore mentioned of my Estate in
whatsoever or wheresoever it may be found shall be to my son Benja.
Sampson as abovesaid, and my will is that my well beloved wife Rebecca Sampson
shall have a Good Comfortable & Honourable Maintenance or Support out of
the estate that I have given as abovesaid to my two Sons the said Cornelius
Sampson & Benjamin Sampson during her Naturall Life and my will is that all
of my abovesd. Estate that is Given to each of my Children as
abovesaid shall be to each of them their Heirs Execrs. admrs.
and assigns forever,
Item, I do hereby Constitute and appoint my Trusty, well
beloved & dutifull Son Cornelius Sampson to be the sole Execr.
of this my Last Will & Testamt. and I do hereby utterly dissalow
and revoke and disanull all & every Other former Wills Testament &
Bequests by me in in anyways before named, made, willed or Bequested, Ratifying
& Confirming this & no other to be my Last Will and Testament. In
Witness whereof I the said Benja. Sampson have hereunto set my hand
& Seal the day & year above writen
Signed, Sealed Published, Pronounced, & Declared
by the said Benjamin Sampson that this Benja. Sampson (seal)
within writen is to be his Last Will & testamt.
in the Presence off us the Subscribers
Lemuell Kent
Sarah Chipman
John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 1 May 1758 by the Execr.
therein named, and proved by Saml. [sic] Kent, Sarah Chipman, and
John Wadsworth, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Cornelius Sampson, of Kingston, Merchant, the Executor, on 1 May 1758.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Received of Cornelius Samson Executor of the last Will and
Testament of mr. Benjamin Samson late of Kingston Decd
One hundred thirty three pounds Six shillings & Eight pence being in full
of the sum my Honrd. Grandfather the abovesaid Benjamin Samson gave
me in his said Will, Therefore do acquit him the said Cornelius and his heirs
forever hereafter from any further demands on the abovesd. Sum of
One hundred thirty three pounds six shillings & Eight pence Given under my
hand and Seal this 24th. day of February A.D. 1762
& in presence of
Wrestling Brewster jur. Micah Sampson (seal)
Seth Tupper
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 523-526, from FHL microfilm
#0551542, and Vol. 16, p. 324.
Will of Benjamin Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the Name of God Amen—This the fourth day of November Anno
Domini 1778 I Benjamin Sampson of Kingston in the county of Plymouth in the
State of the Massachusetts Bay, yeoman, being weak in body, but of a sound and
disposing mind & memory, and being desirous to set my house in order before
I Go hence, do make and ordain this my Last will and testament and first I
commend my soul to God that Gave it, and my body to the Earth to be decently
buried according to the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named, hoping for
a Joyful resurrection through the merits of Jesus christ my redeemer, and
touching my outward Estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in
this Life I dispose of the same as follows vizt
Imprimis—I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Benjamin Sampson and
his heirs, my Right in the Furnace in Kingston, and a Bond of Elijah Sampson
and my arms and Accoutrements & my Great coat
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Son Crode Sampson, and his
heirs the Southerly half of my dwelling house, and the one half of my Barn,
& corn Barn, with half of my Cellar, and my Best suit of wearing Apparell
and my Sabout[?] and my Gold Sleeve Buttons
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my son Micah Sampson, and his
heirs the remainder of my wearing Apparell which I have not Given to my son
Croad, and and the Other half of my dwelling house, and Other Buildings, which
I have not Given to my son Croad; only my wife Esther Sampson to have the use
of them Buildings during her widowhood; and my will is, after the aforesaid
term, that my son Micah shall pay to my two daughters, Deborah Sampson and
Priscilla Sampson and their heirs, what the half of the house and Other
Buildings shall then be Appraised at to be equally divided between them ~
Item—I Give & Bequeath unto my three sons Benjamin
Sampson and Croad Sampson and Micah Sampson, and their heirs, all my Land &
meadow Lying in Kingston and Duxborough, besides what is hereafter exempted, to
be equally between them
Item—I Give & Bequeath unto my beloved wife Esther
Sampson and her heirs the One third of all my personal Estate which I have not
Given to my three Sons, and also that my wife Esther shall have the improvement
of One third of my Lands Lying in Kingston, excepting my Salt meadow, during
her widowhood, and my will is that my three Sons Benjamin, Croade & Micah
find their mother one Load and a Quarter of Salt hay a year, yearly during the
aforesaid term between them
Item—I Give unto my two daughters, Deborah Sampson and
Priscilla Sampson and their heirs the Other parts of my Personal Estate, which
I have not Given to my three Sons and my wife to be Equally divided between
them, notwithstanding the above mentioned, I determine that my funeral charges
and Just Debts to be paid out of my Personal Estate, which I have Given to my
wife Esther, and my two daughters Deborah and Priscilla – my will is that my
daughter Deborah Sampson have a priviledge of Living in my dwelling house which
I have Given unto my son Croade as Long as she shall remain unmarried
Lastly—I do constitute and appoint my Beloved wife Esther
Sampson Executrix of this my Last will and testament, hereby revoking all Other
will & testaments by me formerly made, and allow and confirming this only
as my Last will & testament. In witness whereof I the said Benjamin Sampson
do hereto set my hand and Seal the day and year above mentioned
Signed, Sealed and delivered by the
said Benjamin Sampson to be his Benjamin Sampson (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of us
Joseph
Sampson
Isaac
Cook
John
Faunce
Presented for probate on 1 March 1779 by Esther Sampson, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Joseph Sampson and John Faunce, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Esther Sampson, the
before named Executrix.
John Gray Esqr., Elisha Brewster, and John Faunce,
yeomen, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the estate of Benjamin
Sampson, late of Kingston, on 1 Mar. 1779. The Inventory, dated 22 Feb. 1780,
totaled £19,645.14.9, including his extensive real estate holdings which
totaled £15,820. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 3 Mar.
1780, and Esther Sampson, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 6
Mar. 1780.
To John Faunce of Kingston, yeoman, Greeting
Whereas Benjamin Sampson Late of said Kingston yeoman
deceased, on the Fourth day of November Anno Domini 1778 made his Last will and
testament in writing, and signed, sealed and delivered the same before
sufficient witnesses, which Will was duly proved and approved, and after Gifts
& Legacies then made he appointed his wife Esther Sampson sole Executrix of
the same Will, but she dying before she had completed her administration—and
whereas the power of committing administration and full disposition of all &
singular the Goods Chattels Rights and Credits of the said deced remains still
to be administered upon, and to be done and Finished, and also the hearing
examining & allowing the account of such Admon doth appertain unto me
Trusting
therefore in your care and fidelity I do by these presents commit unto you full
power to administer all and singular the remaining Goods, Chattells Rights and
Credits of the said deced Benjamin Sampson first mentioned, and well and
faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law and the direction of the
said Will, and also to ask Gather Levy, Recover and Recieve all and whatsoever
Credits of the said deced which to him while he Lived, and at the time of his
decease did appertain, which are not paid, and to pay all remaining debts in
which the said deced stood bound, so far as his Goods Chattells, Rights &
Credits can extend, according to the value thereof and render a plain and true
account of your said Admon upon Oath, within twelve months next coming, and I
do hereby ordain constitute and appoint you Admor. cum Testamento annexo et de
bonis non of all & singular the Goods, Chattells, Rights & Credits
aforesaid—In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of the Court
of Probate the third day of March Anno Domini 1783 ~
Jos. Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, pp. 196-197, 452-453, from FHL
microfilm #0550713, and Vol. 27, p. 495-496.
Will of Chandler Sampson of Marshfield,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1849) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Chandler Sampson of Marshfield in
the County of Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, do hereby make
and declare this instrument to be my last Will and Testament revoking hereby
all wills heretofore made by me. –
First I hereby appoint
Asa Waterman of said Marshfield, and my my son Calvin C Sampson of Charlestown
in the County of Middlesex, to be Trustees under this will
Second All my estate
Real and Personal after the payment of my just debts, I devise to my said
Trustees to be held by them, in trust, for the benefit, equally – of my six
children, viz: Esther C, Sarah B. Nancy T. Martha, Eliza and Calvin C.
Third I empower said Trustees to pay over the portion of my
personal estate coming to each individual for whose benefit above bequest is
made, immediately or otherwise to invest the same for the benefit of such
individuals as shall seem most expedient – And in case of my married daughters
shall decease, before their husbands respectively, I give such daughters share
to her children equally; to be retained in trust by said Trustees (or their
successors in said Trust) and paid over to the legal Guardians, either in the
whole, or the income only, as they shall deem most for the interest of said
minors. And on the arrival of said minors at the age of twenty one years, or on
their marriage, their portion shall be paid over to them
4 Sensible of the good
understanding existing among my children, I request of them (if they shall
desire it) to retain my real estate, among themselves. I therefore request
that, as soon as convenient after my decease, a family meeting of all my
children shall be held for the purpose of arranging among themselves some just
division of said estate; and my Trustees are directed to request each member of
my family (i e, each child) irrespectively of any husband they may have, to
meet at a certain time and place, for the purpose aforesaid.
5. If at such meeting,
no arrangement can be entered into among my children, I give my said Trustees
the power to sell said Real Estate either at public auction or private sale at
their option; and said Trustees shall not be obligated to apply to any Court
for leave to sell my real estate The proceeds of said Real Estate (if so sold
shall be held in the same manner, applied to the to the same purposes, and for
the benefit of the same persons named in the second and third clauses of this
instrument.
6th. I
believe I do best for the interests of my children and their husbands as well
as any children whom my daughters shall or may have, by directing that the
bequests so made shall never be liable for the debts or engagements of any
husband or husbands of my said daughters; nor shall the portions of my said
daughters be at all subject to the control or interferance of any such husband
or husbands.
7 At the decease of
either of my said Trustees, the survivor shall have the same powers and
discretion in all matters as is herein given to both. And if the survivor shall
at any time, think the interests of my children or grand children can be
promoted by his having a co trustee he shall with the consent of my children,
then living select some proper person to act in said capacity of co trustee. –
8. The receipts of my
daughters respectively, and of the guardians of my grand children respectively,
without the interferance of the husband or father, shall be sufficient
discharge to my trustees for any payments they may make to said daughters or
guardians.
9 I desire to act not
only equally, but kindly with each of my children, and therefore hereby declare
that whenever and as soon as my said Trustees shall deem it expedient and
proper, they shall be at liberty to deliver over to each of my said daughters,
or to any one or more of them, or to the guardian of the children of any
deceased daughter, the portion that shall be coming to them respectively, and
if the said real estate shall not have been sold, by said Trustees, they (said
Trustees) shall be a liberty at such time as they think proper, to pass good
and sufficient deeds of said real estate to the parties entitled thereto under
this will – Provided said Trustees shall deem it prudent to relinquish said
portion or portions or any of said real estate
I
hereby nominate the said Asa Waterman and Calvin C Sampson to be Executors of
this Will
Dated
at said Marshfield this fourteenth day of September in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and forty nine
Chandler Sampson (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Testator as his last will and
testament in the presence of us, who at his request, in his presence and in the
presence of each other hereto subscribe our names as witnesses
Nahum
Packard
Seth
Williamson
John
Ford
Presented for probate on the last
Monday of Sept. 18[50] by Asa Waterman and Calvin C Sampson, the Executor
therein named, and proved by Nahum Packard, Seth Williamson and John Ford, the
witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted
to Asa Waterman and Calvin C Sampson, the Executors therein named.
Calvin C. Sampson, of Charlestown, County of Middlesex, and
Asa Waterman, of Marshfield, were appointed as Executors of the last Will and
Testament of Chandler Sampson, late of Marshfield, on 30 Sept. 1850, with John
Ford and Nahum Packard, both of Marshfield, as sureties.
John Ford, Eleazer Harlow and Nahum Packard, all of
Marshfield, were appointed to appraise the estate of Chandler Sampson, late of
Marshfield, on 12 Nov. 1850.
The Inventory of the Estate of Chandler Sampson, late of
Marshfield, Yeoman, was dated 14 Nov. 1850, his real estate valued at
$13,854.50, including his homestead in Marshfield containing 29 acres valued at
$2000, and the Brewster wood lot in Pembroke containing 118 acres valued at
$6500, and his personal estate totaled $2785.22, including $553.84 in cash on
hand. Calvin C Sampson and Asa Waterman, the Executors, gave their oath to the
inventory on the second Monday of Jan. 1851.
Martha S. Magoun gave her receipt to Calvin C. Sampson and
Asa Waterman, Executors & Trustees of the Estate of her father, Chandler
Sampson, for $1397.97 on 31 Dec. 1852. Sarah B. Thomas gave her receipt to
Calvin C. Sampson and Asa Waterman, Executors & Trustees of the Estate of
her father Chandler Sampson, for $1877.39 on 31 Dec. 1852, Nancy Waterman gave
her receipt to C. C. Sampson and Asa Waterman, Executors & Trustees of the
Estate of Chandler Sampson, for $2410.39 on 31 Dec. 1852, Esther C. Sampson gave
her receipt to Calvin C. Sampson and Asa Waterman, Executors & Trustees of
the Estate of Chandler Sampson for $2446.05 on 31 Dec. 1852, Eliza S. Magoun
gave her receipt to Calvin C. Sampson and Asa Waterman, Executors &
Trustees of the estate of her father, Chandler Sampson, for $2640.51 on 31 Dec.
1862, and Calvin C. Sampson gave his receipt to Calvin C. Sampson and Asa
Waterman, Executors & Trustees under the will of his father Chandler
Sampson for $3882.50 on 31 Dec. 1852.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 92, p. 380-382, from FHL microfilm #0555640, Vol. 2H, p. 246, Vol.
93, p. 29-30, and Vol. 95, p. 31.
Will of Crocker Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In the name of God
Amen; I Crocker Sampson of Kingston, in the County of Plymouth, A. M. &c.
being weak in body but of sound & perfect mind and memory and considering
the uncertainty of this mortal life: Do make & publish this my last will
& testament in manner & form following. (viz) First I give & bequeath unto my loving wife Rebecca Sampson the
improvement of the one third part of all my Real Estate during her natural
life, I also give to her the improvement of all the remainder of my Real Estate
untill my Son Benjamin shall arrive to the age of twenty one years if she shall
remain so long unmarried. I also give & bequeath unto my said Wife so much
of my indoor personal estate as may be necessary for her convenient
Accommodation for her self & children
I give & bequeath unto my son Benjamin Sampson one United States
three per cent Note of the sum of one hundred & seventy seven dollars &
five cents. I give & bequeath unto my
three daughters, (Viz) Harriot, Rebecca & Lucy, three United States three
per cent notes amounting to the sum of three hundred & thirty seven dollars
& twenty four cents to be equally divided between them.
I also give &
put into the hands of my beloved Wife aforenamed all the remainder of my
personal estate of what name or nature so ever hereby directing her to pay my
Just Debts therefrom and if the same should be insufficient, or she should
judge it expedient, to retain such part thereof as she may think proper, &
to sell such part or parts of my real estate (when it may best be spared) as
may be sufficient to discharge said debts and to bring up my children.
I do also appoint my
said wife to be guardian to all my children aforenamed during their minority if
she remains so long unmarried.
Also my will is that
when my son Benjamin shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, my real
Estate shall be divided into five equal parts or shares & my said son shall
have two shares thereof, and my Daughters aforenamed shall each of them have
one share thereof.
And Lastly, I do
hereby appoint my loving wife aforenamed and my Friend Mr. Nathaniel
Thomas, to be executors of this my last will and Testament, and do hereby
revoke all former Wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal this twenty eighth day of January, Anno. Domini, One Thousand
eight hundred and six – 1806
Signed, sealed,
published, & declared
in presence of us –
John
Gray Crocker Sampson (seal)
Samuel Stetson
Seth Perkins.
Presented for probate on 21 July 1823 by Charles Fish of
Kingston, Housewright, Rebecca Sampson and Nathaniel Thomas Esqr,
the Executors therein named having refused said trust, and proved by Samuel
Stetson, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Charles Fish, the before Executor [sic].
To the Probate Court
for the County of Plymouth. This certifies that We decline accepting the trust
of Executing the will of Crocker Sampson late of Kingston in said County,
Esquire, deceased.
Rebecca Sampson
July 21st. 1823~ Nathaniel Thomas
To Charles Fish of Kingston in sd county
Housewright, Greeting.
Whereas Crocker
Sampson late of said Kingston Gentleman decd, on the twenty eighth
day of January anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and six made his last
will & Testament in writing and signed, sealed & declared the same
before sufficient witnesses by which will after gifts, and Legacies then made
he appointed his wife Rebecca Sampson & Nathaniel Thomas Esqr
Executors of the same will, but they having refused said trust and the said
will having been proved approved and allowed, Administration with the said will
annexed is therefore by these presents committed unto you the said Charles Fish
of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the said
deceased will & faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law &
the direction of the said will…
In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office the 21st day of
July in the year of our Lord 1823.
Wilkes Wood J. Prob.
Nathaniel Thomas Esq., John Gray, Gentleman, and Charles
Adams, Trader, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Crocker Sampson, late of Kingston, Gentleman, on 21 July 1823. The Inventory of
the estate of Crocker Sampson, late of Kingston, was dated 5 Aug. 1823, his
real estate totaled $4102.00, including his homestead farm and buildings valued
at $2810, and his personal estate totaled $254.45. Charles Fish, the
Administrator with the will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 11 Aug.
1823.
To the Hon Judge of Probate for Plymouth County. The
subscriber, the widow of Crocker Sampson late of Kingston in said County
gentleman deceased testate, hereby gives your Honour to know & be informed
that she hereby waves the provision made for her in the will of her deceased
husband – And intends to claim her dower at law from his Estate & such
allowance from his personal estate as your honour shall judge to be just &
equitable.
Kingston Aug 11.
1823. Rebecca Sampson
Plymouth Ss. Court of Probate, To Charles Fish Administrator
with the will annexed on the estate of Crocker Sampson late of Kingston in said
County Gent deceased, Greeting
You are hereby directed to deliver to Rebecca Sampson the
widow of said deceased, so much of his personal Estate in such articles as she
may choose as shall amount to the sum of two hundred dollars, at their
appraisement in the Inventory of the same being an allowance made her for
necessaries. Given unto my hand this eleventh day of August A. D. 1823.
Wilkes Wood
J. Probate
To the Hon Wilkes Wood Esquire Judge of Probate for the
county of Plymouth
The petition & representation of Charles Fish
Administrator with the will annexed on the estate of Crocker Sampson late of
Kingston in said County Gent. deceased, humbly shows that the personal estate
of said deceased is insufficient by the sum of Fifteen hundred Dollars for the
payment of his just debts & incidental charges, he therefore prays that he
may be licensed to sell so much of said deceased’s real Estate as shall produce
the sum aforesaid.
Charles Fish
Approved on 11 Aug. 1823.
John Gray, Gentleman, Charles Adams, Trader, and Nathaniel
Thomas Esqr., all of Kingston and all freeholders, were appointed to
set off to the widow Rebecca Sampson her dower in the real estate of Crocker
Sampson, late of Kingston, Gentlemen, for her use during her natural life, on
11 Aug. 1823. The division was dated 1 Sept. 1823, and approved on 7 Oct. 1823.
John Gray and Spencer Bradford, Gentleman, and Lewis Gray,
yeoman, all of Kingston, were appointed to divide the real estate of Crocker
Sampson, late of Kingston, Esq., excepting that part which has been sold for
the payment of debts and also that part improved by his widow as her Dower
therein, into five equal shares and assign to Benjamin Sampson two shares, to
Hariet Fish one share, to Rebecca Crocker one share, and to Lucy H. Sampson one
share, agreeably to the direction of the last Will and Testament of said
deceased, on 19 July 1824. The division was dated 20 Sept. 1824, and approved
on 21 Mar. 1825.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, p. 205-207, from FHL microfilm
#0550909, Vol. 52, p. 456-457, Vol. 57, pp. 251-253, 367-369, and Vol. 59, p.
78-80.
Will of Daniel Sampson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
Be it remembered that
I Daniel Sampson of Middleborough & County of Plymouth, being weak in Body
but of a perfect mind & memory, blessed be almighty God for the same, do
make & publish this my last will & Testament in the manner & Form
following (that is to say)
First I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Catharine Sampson the use and
Improvement of the one half of my improved Lands & the one half of my my
part of the House wherein we dwell, while she remains my Widow – I also give
her all my indoor Moveables, Household Furniture, neat Cattle, Swine &
Sheep (except such as I shall hereafter name) to her use, Behoof & Disposal
forever – also Wood from off my Woodland sufficient to support one Fire – also
to be furnished with a Horse & Chaise to use herself whenever she may
desire it out of the proceeds or Income of the Residue of my Estate not
bequeathed to her (as above mentioned.)
I do
also give and bequeath unto Elias Sampson Junr. (Son of my Brother
Elias) & to his Heirs & Assigns forever, one Bed & Furniture for
the same & also my wearing Apparel & also all my Lands Tenements &
all other Estate both Real & personal of all kinds & Nature whatsoever
not heretofore named after paying all my just Debts & funeral Charges.—
And
lastly I hereby appoint my Brother Elias Sampson Executor of this my last Will
& Testament – hereby revoking all former Wills by me made –
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty first day of
June in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & fourteen –
signed,
sealed, published & declared by the
above
named Danl. Sampson to be his last Will
&
Testament in the presence of us, who at his
Request
& in his presence have hereunto subscribed Daniel Sampson (seal)
our
names as Witnesses to the same. –
Stephen
B. Pickens
Ebenr.
Pickens
Samuel
Pickens
Presented for probate on 2 Aug.
1814 by Elias Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Stephen B.
Pickens, Ebenr. Pickens and Samuel Pickens Esqr., the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Elias
Sampson, the before named Executor.
Samuel Pickens Esqr.,
Samuel Bates, yeoman, and Ephraim Ward Esqr., all of Middleborough,
were appointed to appraise the Estate of Daniel Sampson, late of Middleborough,
yeoman, on 2 Aug. 1814. The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Sampson, late of
Middleborough, dated 13 Aug. 1814, totaled $3145.60, including his real estate
valued at $2700. Elias Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
10 Nov. 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, pp.
441-442, 541, from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Deborah Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Deborah Sampson of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Spinster, being by the
Goodness of God in the Exercise of reason, but under infirmity of body, do
proceed to make this my Last will and testament—I commend my soul to God the
Great Author of it’s being, in hope of pardon and salvation thro’ the merits of
his son Jesus Christ; and my body I commit to the dust in the usual manner in
hope of a Resurrection—my worldly property I dispose of in the following manner
~
To my Brother Croad I Give a note of hand I have against him
and twenty Dollars in money –
To my Brother Micah I Give a Large table Silver Spoon and a
wrought Pocket Book
To my Sister Priscilla I Give a Callico Gown and Skirt and my
plain Gold Ring
To Lydia Daws I Give a Large Damask table Cloth
To my Brother Benjamin I Give all my remaining property of
every name upon condition of his paying out of it my Debts and Funeral Charges;
and I do hereby appoint him Executor to this my Last will
In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of
November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight
Witness
her
Zephh. Willis Deborah X Sampson (seal)
Saml. Stetson
mark
Cephas Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 5 Jan.
1789 by Benjamin Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel
Stetson and Cephas Wadsworth, two of the witnesses thereto Subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Benjamin Sampson, the before named Executor,
with Samuel Stetson, Cordwainer, and Cephas Wadsworth, Housewright, all of
Kingston, as sureties. No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 497-499, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will & Codicil of Desire Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1799) *
In the Name of God Amen I, Desire Sampson of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow; being far
advanced in age, yet, thro’ the mercy of God, have my reason continued so as to
be of disposing mind & memory – I do make and publish this my last will
& testament, in manner and form following, And first, I commend my spirit
to almighty God who gave it me, and my body I commit to the earth to be
decently buried by my hereafter named Executors, in hope of an happy renion
& glorious resurrection to life immortal. And as to my worldly property I
may have remaining to me at my decease, I dispose of it in the following
manner~
First. I Give to my
Son Crocker Sampson of my Personal Estate, three small notes or continental
securities of different Interest, bearing date ye. 17th.
of July 1798 signed by Thomas Perkins, it being the share assigned to my son
Josiah, in his decease’d Father’s estate and transfer’d to me by him amounting
to the sum of 572 Dollars & 95 Cents –
Also, one half of a
Note I have on my son Josiah of 150 Dollars, if at that time to be found – also
of my houshold furniture, Sundry articles as described to him in a note from
under my hand in my life time – I also give him one quarter part of a well, I
lately rebuilt standing near his house, with all its privileges &
appurtenances.
I Give and bequeath
to my son Joseph Sampson, three larger Notes on continental securities dated ye.
9th. day of April 1798 signed by Nathaniel Appleton of different
Interest, amounting to Seventeen Hundred & Eighteen Dollars 87 Cents.
I Give & bequeath
to my son Josiah Sampson of Barnstable, all my real estate, laying in the town
& County of Barnstable, which descended to me from my Hond.
Father Mr Benjamin Crocker deceased– vizt. one half the farm.
Commonly called & known by the name of Catarit farm. I also give him, one
half of the note I have against him of 150 Dollars, if the same be unpaid at my
decease. ~
I Give and bequeath
to my two daughters, Nancy Sampson & Desire Sampson, all my Household
furniture & utensills & goods of all sorts, and implements for
husbandry or gardening, that may be found in or about my house – Also my Chaise
Harness & tackling, excepting some articles given my son Crocker by a Note
under my hand – I also give them, one half of a well I rebuilt in Kingston in
the year 1796.
I also Give and
bequeath to my three daughters Nancy Sampson, Lucy Jackson & Desire
Sampson, all my wearing apparell of all sorts & kinds whatever, to be
equally divided between them as they shall agree without any legal
appraisement. ~
I Give and bequeath
to the Church of Christ in Kingston, the one half of a note I have on the State
of Massachusetts for the sum of Five Hundred & three Dollars & three
Cents, to be laid out in Silver Cups for the use of the Communion table, at the
discretion of the Pastor & Deacons of said Church; the other half of said
Note I give & bequeath to the Town of Kingston for the express purpose of
building, rebuilding repairing or enlarging the School House on the lot
Formerly given by Mr John Bradford deceased, for that purpose in the center of
the town, to be under the direction, and at the discretion of the Select men
for the time being, of the town of Kingston.–
I do also constitute
and appoint my two sons, Crocker Sampson & Joseph Sampson, to be the
Executors of this my last will & testament, and to see every part and
parcel thereof duly performed, and furthermore, my just debts & funeral
charges to be paid from ye. amount of my Stock of Neat Cattle &
Sheep, if any remain, I give the same to them equally.
Also, My will is,
that if any of my heirs shall bring any debt or demand against my estate, thus
given away, it shall be paid them from that part of my estate by this will
given to them. And, I do hereby revoke
& disannul all & every other will or testament, legacies or Executors
ratifying and confirming this to be my last will & testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord, one
thousand seven hundred and ninety nine. ~
Signed & Sealed
in ye presence Desire Sampson (seal)
of us, who have hereunto subscri-
bed our names as witnesses in ye
presence of the testator
Seth
Drew
Wrestling
Brewster jr
Harvey
Stetson ~
I
Desire Sampson of Kingston, in the County of Plymouth widow, do make and
publish this Codicil to my last will and testament in manner following, that is
to say, that, whereas in and by my last will & testament, I have given
& bequeathed to my son Josiah Sampson of Barnstable, all my real estate
laying in the town & county of Barnstable as therein described, and also,
the one half of a note I have against him of the sum of one hundred & fifty
Dollars – I do hereby order & declare, that, my will is, that only the real
estate mentioned in my last will & testament be given to him in full of the
said legacy, I have as aforesaid given & bequeathed to him, and the
remaining part, to wit, the one half of a Note of the sum of 150 Dollars, be
given & paid to my son Crocker Sampson, in addition to the legacy given
& bequeathed to him, in my last will & testament. And whereas, in & by my last will &
testament, I did give and bequeath to the Church of Christ in Kingston, the one
half of a Note on the State of Massachusetts for the sum of 203 Dollars & 3
Cents, to be disposed of in manner as therein directed. And the other half to
the town of Kingston for the building or repairing a School House, as therein
mentioned. And whereas since the
Execution of my last will & testament, said Note hath been paid in part by
order of the Legislature, and a note of recent date given for the remaining sum
of 162 Dollars — I do further declare, that my will is, that the said Note of
the State of Massachusetts of the sum of 162 Dollars be given in equal Moieties
in manner & for the purposes as stated in my last will & testament, in
full for the legacy therein given & bequeathed, and — Lastly, it is my
desire, that this my present Codicil be annexed to, and made a part of my last
will & testament, to all intents & purposes.
In
Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of
July in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred & three ~
Signed, Sealed, Published & Desire Sampson (seal)
declared by ye. above
named De-
sire Sampson, as a Codicil to be
annexed to her last will &
testa
ment, in presence of
Seth
Drew
Samuel
Stetson
Wrestling
Brewster jr
Presented for probate on 10 March
1804 by Crocker Sampson and Joseph Sampson, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Seth Drew Esqr. and Wrestling Brewster junr, two of ye.
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Crocker
Sampson, Gentleman, and Joseph Sampson, Esqr, the before named Executors, with
Seth Drew Esqr. and Wrestling Brewster junr. yeoman, all of
Kingston, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, p.
522-526, from FHL microfilm #0550720.
Will & Codicil of Desire Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Desire Sampson of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth do make this my last Will, hereby revoking all others,
viz I give to my sister Anne Sampson
forever all my Household Furniture & Wearing Apparel, the same not to be
inventoried.
Item, I give and devise to my said Sister Anne, during her
life, the annual improvement, income & interest of all my other property
Real & Personal. And in case the above, together with her own property, be
not sufficient for the comfortable & decent support of said Anne, I then
authorise and hereby require my Executor to provide for her support out of the
principal of my Personal property, and, if necessary, by the sale of my Real
Estate.
The above legacies and devises is to be in full of my said
Sister’s share of my Estate as heir at Law.
I
hereby appoint sd Anne Sampson my sole Executrix.
In witness whereof I have hereto
set my hand & seal, this Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred & twenty two.
Desire Sampson (seal)
Signed sealed & published by
the above named
Desire to be her last Will &
Testament in the presence of us who have
hereto subscribed our names as
witnesses in their presence –
Thomas
P. Beal Samuel
Stetson
Joseph
Sampson Nathl.
Cushman
Lucy
Jackson.
Codicil
to Desire Sampson’s Will
As to all the Estate both Real
& Personal which I may leave, and which may not be disposed of by virtue of
the provisions of my will,
I
give and devise the same to be equally divided between such of my nine Nieces
and their heirs forever, as may survive me and my sister Anne Provided that if
any of them should decease during either of our lives leaving children alive at
the death of both of us, such children shall take the same share their Mother
would have taken in case she had survived us both –
In
witness whereof I have to this Codicil to my Will set my hand & seal
October 23 A D 1823 –
Desire Sampson (seal)
Signed sealed & published in
the Will
and Codicil of & by Desire
Sampson in our presence who subscribed
the same in her presence
Samuel
Stetson
Nathl
Cushman
Probated on 12 Apr. 1830, and
proved by Nathaniel Cushman and
James N. Sever, Merchant, Nathaniel
Thomas, Gentleman, & John Sever, Esquire, all of
* Transcribed from
Will of Ebenezer Sampson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
The Last will and testament of Ebenezer Sampson of Duxborough
in the county of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay New England
yeoman—I The said Ebenezer Sampson being under many bodily infirmities yet of
perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given to almighty God therefor, calling to
mind the mortality of my Body, do upon Serious consideration make and Ordain
these presents to my Last will & testament, to remain firm and inviolable
forever—that is to say First of all I Give and recommend my soul into the hands
of God that Gave, and my Body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent
christian manner at discretion of my Executor herein after named, nothing
doubting but at the General resurrection I shall receive the same again by the
almighty power of God, and touching such worldly Estate wherewith it has
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give and dispose of in the following
manner & first.
Imprimis I Give and
bequeath unto Zeruiah Sampson my dear and Loving wife, all my moveable Estate
after my debts and Funeral charges are paid out of the same, excepting what I
shall hereafter name during her Life, to dispose of as she pleases, but if any
thing remain after her death, to be equally divided among all my children
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son Nathan Sampson all my
homestead Farm of Land, house and Barn, and all my Salt meadows and wood Land,
all my Real Estate that I own, also my two Guns and Sword, Obliging him to pay
as hereafter expressed and his taking care of and assisting his mother
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Rachel Sampson Five
pounds Six shillings & eight pence Lawful money to be paid by my son Nathan
Sampson in three years from my decease – I also Give my Daughter Rachel Six
Good Sheep
Item—I Give and bequeath to my daughter Joanna Sampson Two
pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence Lawful money, to be paid by my son
Nathan in three years from my death
Item—I Give &c to my daughter Abigail Sampson Four pounds
Lawful money to be paid by my son Nath in three years as above
Item—I give &c to my daughter Eunice Sampson Four pounds
Lawful money to be paid by my son as above
Item—I Give &c to daughter Hannah Sampson Four pounds
Lawful money to be paid by my son in three years as above
I Give each of my daughters that are unmarried a right to
Live in the house while they remain unmarried, my will further is that my son
Nathan Sampson be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament thus
hoping that this Last will be kept and performed according to the true intent
and meaning thereof—In witness whereof I the aforesaid Ebenezer Sampson, have
hereunto sett my hand and seal this twenty third day of May One thousand seven
hundred and seventy One
Signed Sealed and delivered by the his
aforenamed Ebenezer Sampson to be his Ebenezer X Sampson (seal)
Last will and testament in presence
mark
of us
Nathaniel
Sprague
Daniel
Loring
Silvanus
Drew ~
Presented for probate on 1 March 1779 by Nathan Sampson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nathaniel Sprague and Silvanus Drew, two
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan Sampson, the
before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Ebenezer
Sampson, late of Duxborough, not dated, was appraised Warren Weston, Cornelius
Delano and Simeon Soul, and totaled £2439.13.6, including his home farm and
buildings valued at £1000, his salt meadow valued at £750, wood lot valued at
£250, and £274.12 in livestock. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory
on 27 July 1779, and Nathan Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 Aug. 1779.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 198-200, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Elijah Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825) *
Be it remembered that I Elijah Sampson of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being
of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do
make & publish this my last Will & Testament, (Viz.:)
First I give &
bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah Sampson Two hundred dollars to be paid to
her within ninety days after my decease by my Executor, which sum was mutually
agreed upon at our marriage and these two hundred dollars according to our
agreement and according to this my Will is all that she is to receive at my
decease except what furniture she brought with her. It is my Will and it was
our agreement that she is to have no part of my Real Estate or any other of my
property besides the two hundred dollars.
I also give and
bequeath unto my son Martin Sampson Two hundred dollars.
I also give and
bequeath unto my son Thomas Sampson Two hundred dollars.
I also give &
bequeath unto Eden Sampson my son Two hundred dollars.
I also give &
bequeath unto the four children which my daughter Hannah Ventress left Twenty
five dollars each to be put out at interest and paid to them severally with the
compound interest when they come of age.
I also give &
bequeath to my son Thomas Sampson in addition to the above legacy all my Real
Estate together with the wood that may be remaining in the Wood house at my
decease.
The
above legacies will be in proportion as I may leave money to be divided, except
my Wife who is to receive Two hundred dollars.
It
is my Will that my wife shall have the quite possession of the house, the
provisions, wood &c till she receives her legacy after which she is to
remove as soon as may be convenient.
It
is my Will also that my wearing apparel, tools, household furniture, beds,
linen &c be equally divided (except the Clock which I give to my son
Thomas) between my two sons Thomas Sampson & Eden Sampson.
And
I hereby appoint Martin Sampson my son Sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this first day of January in the
Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty five, 1825.
Elijah Sampson (seal)
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the above named Elijah Sampson to be his last Will & Testament
in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same
Seth
Sprague Jr
Ralph
Partridge
Welthea
Sprague
Presented for probate on 25 Nov.
1834, and proved by Seth Sprague Jr and Ralph Partridge, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Martin Sampson on 25 Nov.
1834.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Elijah Sampson was appraised on 29 Nov. 1835 by Seth Sprague Jr., Ralph
Partridge and George P. Richardson, his real estate totaled $670, including his
house and homestead valued at $650, and his personal estate totaled $91.50.
Martin Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 15 Feb. 1836.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 76, p. 537-539, from FHL microfilm
#0555263, and Vol. 78, p. 20.
Will of Esther Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the name of God Amen – I Esther Sampson of Kingston in the
County of Plymouth; Labouring under indisposition of body, but of perfect mind
& memory, make this my Last will & testament as follows
Imprimis– I Commit my body to the dust to be decently buried
by my Executor hereafter mentioned & my Spirit into the hands of God who
Gave it in hopes of a Glorious Resurrection to Immortal Life – after my funeral
Charges & my Just Debts are paid, I Give unto my Son Micah Sampson Two
pounds in money, also a pair of Silver Shoe buckles
Item– I Give and bequeath all the Remainder of my Estate
wherever it may be found unto my Daughter Priscilla Sampson, & I Constitute
& appoint my trusty & well Respected friend Cornelius Sampson to be the
Guardian of my two aforesaid Children, Micah & Priscilla. I also Constitute
& appoint Cornelius Sampson to be my Executor of this my Last will – In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this tenth day of May
in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & Eighty two 1782 –
& in the presence of
Samuel Stetson
Abner Holmes Esther Sampson (seal)
Joseph Sampson
Presented for probate on 7 Oct. 1782 by Cornelius Sampson,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Stetson and Joseph Sampson,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Cornelius
Sampson, the before named Executor.
John Faunce and Jedediah Holmes, yeoman, and Samuel Stetson,
Cordwainer, all of Kingston, were appointed to appraise the estate of Esther
Sampson, late of Kingston, widow, on 7 Oct. 1782. The Inventory, dated 24 Feb.
1785, totaled £59.8.3, no real estate. Cornelius Sampson, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 4 Apr. 1787.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, p. 481-482, from FHL microfilm
#0550715, and Vol. 30, p. 116.
Will of George Sampson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
Be it
remembered, that I George Sampson of Plympton, in the State of Massachusetts,
being of sound mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following.
First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah
Sampson the use and improvement of my homestead farm, with the Bisbee lot so
called, with the buildings thereon, lying and being in sd. Plympton,
during her life. I also give and bequeath to my sd. wife Hannah Sampson, my
camblet cloak, my chaise, and my part of the farming tools, on sd.
farm, and also my part of the cattle, sheep, & horse on sd.
farm. – also six cords of oak, & four cords of pine wood, to be delivered
at my dwelling-house on sd. farm annually, and cut up for the fire,
to be delivered by my Executors and herein after provided.
I also give to my wife Hannah Sampson the use of one third
part of my pew, on the lower floor of the Revd. Mr. Dexter’s meeting
house, during her life. I also give to my wife Hannah Sampson for her use
during her life all the interest arising on such sums of money as may be left
of my Estate after paying my debts and funeral charges, and bequeath to my sd.
wife Hannah Sampson all my household furniture for her own to dispose of as she
thinks best.
Secondly. I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Sampson all my
wearing apparel, except the cloak given to my wife Hannah Sampson. I give to my
son George Sampson my silver headed cane. I give to my son Schuyler Sampson my
ivory headed cane. I give and devise to my sons John Sampson and Joseph Sampson
equally my pew on the lower floor of the Revd. Mr. Dexter’s
meeting-house and my one half of a pew in the south gallery of the same meeting
house reserving to my wife Hannah Sampson her right in the sd. first
mentioned pew as above stated.
Third, I give and devise to my sons Zabdiel Sampson, John
Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and Schuyler Sampson, equally all my woodlands, viz. a
wood lot lying & being in the town of Carver known by the name of the pine
hill lot, also a lot of Cedar swamp lying & being in that part of the town
of Carver called south meadows, and is the same of which my father died seized,
also a wood lot known by the name of the Snappit lot and near to the farm in
Plympton formerly owned by Capt. Nathaniel Carver, deceased.
Fourth, I give and devise unto my sons Zabdiel Sampson, John
Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and Schuyler Sampson, all my homestead farm with the
buildings thereon including the Bisbee lot so called, lying in sd.
Plympton, reserving only the improvement of the same to my wife Hannah Sampson
during her life, as given in the first article aforesd.; on
condition that they the sd. Zabdiel, John, Joseph, & Schuyler,
pay the following Legacies to the following legatees, and for the payment of
which sd. homestead farm is to remain a security, viz. to Sally
Sampson wife of my son George Sampson, one hundred & fifty dollars; to my
grand-child William M. Sampson, one hundred dollars; to my grand-child Leonice
M. Sampson, forty dollars; to my grand-child Caroline M. Sampson ten dollars;
to my grand-child Susan C. Sampson seventy five dollars; to my grand-child Mary
B. Sampson, seventy-five dollars; to my daughter Hannah S. Ballard one hundred
and fifty dollars; and to my son Joseph Sampson, two hundred dollars; and that
the sd. Zabdiel, John, Joseph, and Schuyler pay sd.
legacies to sd. legatees, in two years after the decease of my wife
Hannah Sampson, with interest after the decease of my sd. wife; and
I do give & devise sd. farm to my wife six cords of oak and four
cords of pine wood, annually during her life, the wood to be delivered and cut
for use in pieces suitable for burning, which wood is the same as given to my
wife, by the first article aforesaid.
Fifth, As to the remainder of my estate real and personal, my
will is that it be sold by my Executors, and that the proceeds together with
all debts, cash, dues, & demands, when collected by my executors, shall,
after payment of all my debts and funeral charges, be by them put on interest,
either in public stocks or notes, as they shall think most proper, and the
interest arising thereon I give and bequeath to my wife Hannah Sampson during
her life, to be paid to her annually by my executors when received, and at the
decease of my wife Hannah Sampson, my will is that the money thus secured on
interest be then divided, and paid over by my executors to the following
persons or their heirs in the following manner and proportions, viz. to my son
Zabdiel Sampson, one eighth part; to my grand-child George W. Sampson one
eighth part; to my grand child Leonice M. Sampson one third of one eighth part;
to my grand-child William M. Sampson two thirds of one eighth part; to my son
John Sampson one eighth part; to my grand-child Susan C. Sampson one half of
one eighth part, and to my grand-child Mary B. Sampson one half of one eight
part; to my son Joseph Sampson one eighth part; to my son Schuyler Sampson one
eighth part; and to my daughter Hannah S. Ballard one eighth part; and I do
give to my grand-son William M. Sampson my watch.
Sixth. Whereas I hold a note against my son Zabdiel Sampson
for five hundred dollars; one against my son George Sampson, one against my son
Marston Sampson, deceased, one against my son John Sampson, one against my son
Alvan Sampson deceased, one against my son Joseph Sampson; one against my son
Schuyler Sampson, and one against my daughter Hannah S. Ballard, each for the
same sum of five hundred dollars, my will is, and I do hereby direct my
Executors, to give up sd notes to the promisors or their heirs, and
that no demand be made for them either for the principal or interest. And,
lastly, I do hereby appoint Zabdiel Sampson, John Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and
Schuyler Sampson Executors of this my last Will & Testament, hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and twenty-six.
Signed, sealed, published,
and declared by the above George Sampson (seal)
named George Sampson to
be his last Will & Testament, in the presence of us, who
at his request and in his presence, have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses to the same.
Simeon
Loring
Richard
Cooper Jr.
John
Sampson 2d.
Presented for probate on 19 Feb. 1827 by Zabdiel Sampson,
John Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and Schuyler Sampson, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Simeon Loring and John Sampson 2d, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Zabdiel
Sampson, John Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and Schuyler Sampson, the before named
Executors.
Pelham Holmes Esqr., Jonathan Parker Esqr. and Simeon Loring,
Yeoman, all of Plympton, were appointed to appraise the Estate of George
Sampson, late of Plympton, yeoman, on 19 Feb. 1827. The Inventory of the Estate
of George Sampson, late of Plympton, totaled $10,046.18, including his real
estate valued at $3991. Zabdiel Sampson, John Sampson, Joseph Sampson, and
Schuyler Sampson, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 18 June
1827.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 63, p. 313-317, from FHL microfilm
#0550912, and Vol. 64, p. 109-111.
Will of Hannah Sampson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
Be
it Remembered, that, I Hannah Sampson of Plympton in the County of Plymouth,
Mass. Widow, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament –
To
my son George Sampson of Duxbury, I give the bed and clothing attatched to it,
in the South bed-room.
To
my daughter Hannah, the wife of Roswell Bullard, I give the bed in the front
room, with the clothing attatched to it, a pair of Andirons with brass tops,
and all of my wearing apparel.
To
my son Joseph Sampson I give the remainder of all my household and kitchen
furniture, and every other species of property and debts due me, on condition
that he pay the demands I may owe, with my burial charges – and further the
above named legacies to my son George, and daughter Hannah, shall be a bar
against any claim that the said George, or Roswell the husband of the said
Hannah may bring against my estate –
The
above legacies are given also considering that the said Legatees have in the
distribution of my late husbands estate received so much less than my other
children, whose names are as follows, Zabdiel, Marston, John, Alvan, Schuyler
and Caroline,
Finally
I desire my son Joseph Sampson to execute this my last Will and Testament in
Plymouth Sept 1st, 1836
her
Hannah +
Sampson (seal)
mark
Witness ourselves, being present,
and in the textatrix presence.
Martha Churchill
Sarah T. Sampson
Schuyler Sampson
Presented for probate on 5 Dec.
1836 by Joseph Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Sarah T.
Sampson and Schuyler Sampson, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Joseph Sampson, the Executor therein named.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
504-506, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Henry
Sampson of Duxbury, Colony of New
Duxburrow this 24th of the :10th 1684
The Last Will and Testament of henery Sampson of duxburrow
In the Name of God Amen
Know all prsons whom it my Concerne the I henery
Sampson being in my Right understanding doe thuse will and bequeth my estate to
be disposed of, after my death
1 I doe Comitt and Comend my soule to God that gave it mee
whom I trust hath Redemed it; and my body to the earth for a season; desiring
that I may be decently buried;
2 It is my will that all psonall debts be payed
out of my psonall estate; and that my funerall Charges before my
Legacyes
3 I doe Give and bequeath unto my son Stephen one third prte
of my whole estate after purchase of Land lying and being in the
4 I doe Give unto my Son John one thirds of my whole purchase
of Lands lying and being within the
5 I Give and bequeath unto my Son James The Remaining prte
of the other third of my Land lying within the Towneship of Dartmouth; that is
thuse Joseph Russell is to have the Land which was my son Jameses
Sold to him the said Russell; and I [can’t read] it taken out of the Last
third; and the Remainder is that which I doe bequeath to my son James for hee
had the Money for the Land that was sold to the abovesaid Russell;
6 I doe further give and bequeath unto my son James one
shilling;
7 I doe give and bequeath unto my son James Caleb one
Shilling;
8 I doe Give unto my daughter Elizabeth now the wife of
Roberd Sprout one shilling;
9 I doe Give and bequeath unto my daughter hannah now the
wife of Josias holmes one shillinge;
10 It: I doe give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mon the wife
of John Rammone ten shillings;
11 I doe Give and bequeath unto Won of my Daughter Now the
wife of John Summers; one shillinge
12 I doe give unto my Daughter Dorcas now the wife of Thomas
Bony one shillinge
13 I doe Constitute ordaine and appoint; my son Stephen to be
executor of this my Last Will and Testament to pay all my Debts and Legacyes
and to Receive all dues,.
14 It is my desire that my trusty and honored friend Mr
Wiswall would be the overseer of this My last Will and Testament; Thuse
desireing to waite untill my Change shalbe; and that those that Come after mony
be all Psone[?]; I shall subscribe with my hand and seale the Day & yeer
above expressed; signed and sealed in the prsense of the
witnesses; Thomas Delano Henery
Sampson (seal)
Joseph
Chaundeler his
H Marke
Thomas Delano & Joseph Chandeler made oath in Court the 5th
of March 1684/85 that they see
henery Sampson signe seale and declare this to be his Last will and Testament;
and that to the best of theire Judgment hee was of a Disposeing mind when hee
soe Did;
Duxburrow
this 24 of the 12 1684
An Inventory take of the estate of the Late deceased henery
Sampson of duxburrow by us whose Names are underwritten;
[Totaled £106.14.0]
Thomas
Delano
Joseph
Chandeler
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Sampson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God. Amen. This Twenty Third Day of February
Annoq Domini one thousand Seven hundred & Forty Eight I Isaac Sampson of
Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay
in New England Yeoman Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testeman First I
Give my Soule To God that Gave it and my Body To the Ground To be Buryed after
my Decease at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named and as Touching my
Worldly Estate that it hath pleased God To Bless Me I Give and Dispose of the
Same in the Following Mannor and Form Imprimis I Give To Eliza My
Dearly Beloved Wife the use and Improvement of ye. one Half of my
Now Dwelling house During her Being my Widow and Two Milche Cows and Twelve
Sheep and also Fifteen Bushels of Indian Corn a year yearly During her Being my
Widdo. And Five Bushels of Rye Yearly also During her Being my
Widdow and her Firewood Yearly and Every Year of her Widow hood Cutt fit for
the fire at the Door and the use of a riding Beast as she Shall need for her
occation and the use of Such a part of the Househould Stuff During her Widow
hood as She Sees Cause, and also I Give her one Bed and the Furniture Belonging
to it For Ever as the Cows and Sheep are.
Item. I Give To My Son Uriah BeSides What I have alredy given
him Five Shilling Old Tenour or an Equivalent in New and that With What I have
already Given him To be his portion Now Ratifying his Deed of Gift of his
Lands.—
Item I Give To my Son John and the Same to be To him and his
Heirs and assigns for Ever all my Real Estate that I have In Middleborough
aforesaid or Else Where Consisting of Housen and Lands on Conditions hereafter
Mentioned that is to Say he in No ways Interupting his Brother Uriah in what I
have Given him By Deed of Gift and also his providing for his Mother her
Firewood at the Door keeping her Two Cows and Twelve Sheep Winter and Sumer and
finding her a Beast To ride on as above Expressed and also the Fifteen Bushels
of Indian Corn and five of Rye Yearly During her Being my Widdo.
& quieting her in ye. Possession of ye. one Half my
Dwelling house During her Widdowhood & paying unto the Rest of his
Breatheren Such Legacyes as I Shall hereafter order him also I do hereby
appoint and authorize him My Said Son John Sole Executor of this my Last Will
& Testement & I Do also on ye. Same Conditions give him all
My out Door Moveables He Delivering To My Said Widdow her Two Cows and Twelve
Sheep as above Given her and giving her the Bed and Furniture as above
Expressed & also he To pay all Just Debts and Funeral Charges ~
Item~ I Give To My Son Isaac The Sum of Three Hundred pounds
To be Paid By my Son John Accounting it at Silver at Fourty Five Shillings an
ounce and that To be payed him Within Eighteen Months after my Decease –
Item~ I Give To My Son Jacob the Sum of three Hundred Pounds
Accounting it as Silver at Fourty five Shillings an ounce and the Same To be
paid him by my Executor Within Two years after my Decease: Item: I Give To my
Seven Daughter viz Sarah Elizabeth Margrett Lydia Anna Hannah & Phebe
Twelve pounds apeice that is to Say Twelve Pounds Each of them To be accounted
at Silver at Forty five Shillings an ounce and the Same To be paid By my Said
Son John My Executor Within Two Years after my Decease & In Case of the
Death of Either of them before payment To be paid To there Heirs also I Give
them all my Indoor Moveables Tobe Equally Divided Betwen them after my Widdo.
Has Taken out What I have given her and also her Moveables at her Marriage I
Give her an Equal Shair With my said Daughters To Carray To another Husband if
She See Cause and marry again, but if She Dye my Widdo. then what
Moveables I Give her Be Equally Divided Betwen My Daughters: and my Will is
that my Son John in no Ways Interupt My Widdo. & Daughters by
Taking any part of my Indores Moveables To pay any Legacyes with, but that he
do it out of the Estate Given him as above Expresed he To Suport his aged
Grandmouther During her Natural Life & also my Will is that my Other Estate
Whether Real or personal that I Shall Dye Seized of that I have not in this
Will disposed of I Give it my Sd. Son John & to be to him &
his Heirs for Ever, Finally I Revoke any former Will By me Made and Ratifying
this only to be my Last Will & Testamt. In Witness Whereof I have
hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the Day and Year above Written –
Isaac Samson (seal)
Signed Sealed Published pronounced & Declared
By the Said Isaac Samson as his Last Will & Testament
in presents of
Nathll. Samson
Joseph Paddock
Barnabas Samson
Stephan X
Macomber
Presented for probate on 7 May 1750 by Uriah Samson, John
Samson ye. Execr. therein named being dead, and proved by
Joseph Paddock and Nathll. Samson, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac Samson, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by Nathll. Southworth, Thomas Nelson
junr., and Mark Haskall, on 10 May 1750, and totaled £785.3.2,
including his real estate house and land with other buildings and a saw mill
valued at £613.6.8. Uriah Samson, the Execr. Cum Testamento annexo
on the Estate, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 June 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 12, pp. 342-343, 70, from FHL
microfilm #0551539.
Will of Jeremiah
Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen, I Jeremiah Sampson of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Housewright, being
of sound and perfect mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life, make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say
first of All, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it,
hoping through the merits of Christ for eternal life, my body I commit to the
earth to be decently buried at the direction of my Executor and with respect to
my worldly estate which God has blessed me with in this life, I give and demise
and dispose in manner following, (that is to say)
Imprimis,
All my debts of which there are but few and none of magnitude are to be
punctually and speedily paid.
Item,
to my dearly beloved wife Sarah Sampson I give and bequeath the use, profit and
benefit of my whole estate Real & Personal for the term of her natural
life, except my household furniture, I give and bequeath to my said wife Sarah
all my household furniture free and clear at her disposal.
Item,
Upon the decease of my wife it is my Will and desire that all my real and
personal estate be divided amongst all my legal heirs in the same manner as if
I had died intestate except such parts thereof as are specially disposed of.
And
I do hereby appoint Zebadiah Thomson of
In
witness of all and each of the things herein contained I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this eleventh day of September in the Year of Our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
Jeremiah Sampson (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
above named Jeremiah
Sampson to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us who in
the presence of the Testator and of
each other have hereunto sub
scribed our names as witnesses.
Benjamin
Waterman
Stephen
Bradford
Otis
Waterman
Probated on 5 Oct. 1830, and proved
by Stephen Bradford and Otis Waterman, two of the witnesses. Letters of
administration granted to Zebadiah Thomson of
Dexter C. Thomson of Halifax, Esq.,
and Otis Waterman & Oliver Everson, both of Kingston, yeomen, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Jeremiah Sampson, late of Kingston,
Housewright, on 5 Oct. 1830. The Inventory, dated 7 Oct. 1830, totaled $1327.17,
including his Real Estate valued at $241.66, Personal Estate valued at $920.65,
furniture $136.71, and his wearing apparel $28.15. Zabadiah Thomson, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Apr. 1831.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Job Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Job Sampson of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth,
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound and perfect
mind & memory, blessed by Almighty God for the same, do make and publish
this my last will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say.
First I give and
bequeath unto my beloved wife Betsey Sampson the whole of my household
furniture for her sole use and improvement during her natural life; I also give
and bequeath unto my said wife comfortable and convenient apartments in my
Dwelling house, and also in my pew in the meeting house, for her separate use
and improvement during her natural life; and it is my will herein that in
consideration of her right and power of thirds in my Estate which I give and
bequeath unto my two sons herein after named, that she shall be by and at the
expense of my said sons suitably and comfortably provided for, with all the
necessaries of life both in sickness and health; and it is my will herein, that
at or before the proving of this my last will and Testament, my two said sons,
shall give to my said wife, good & sufficient security, by Bond or
otherwise for the faithful performance of the abovesaid conditions.
Secondly. I give and
bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Betsey Power wife of Thomas Power one hundred
dollars in addition to what I gave her at her marriage.
Thirdly. I give and
bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Judith Sampson four hundred dollars. I also
give unto my said Daughter Judith the use and improvement of one room in my
dwelling house suitable for her to live in, and other necessary privileges for
convenience in and about, said house, and also a right to one seat in my pew in
the meeting house so long as she shall remain single and unmarried, all which
said several legacies or sums of money I will, and order shall be paid by my
Executors as soon as may be after my decease.
Fourthly. I give and
bequeath unto my two sons Henry B Sampson and William Sampson their heirs and
assigns forever, all the messuage or tenement, situate, lying and being in
Duxbury aforesaid together with all my other freehold or real Estate whatsoever
and wheresoever situate, equally to be divided between them.
And as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal
Estate, goods and chattels, of what kind and nature soever (excepting my
household furniture) I give and bequeath the same to my said beloved sons Henry
B Sampson and William Sampson equally to be divided between them.
And Lastly as to my
household furniture, my will is, that after the decease of my beloved wife, the
same shall be equally divided between my four beloved Children legatees above
named.
And I do hereby
appoint my beloved sons Henry B Sampson and William Sampson joint Executors of
this my last will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of August
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
Signed, Sealed, published & declared
by the above named Job Sampson
to be his last will and Testament
in presence of us, witnesses Job Sampson (seal)
Studley Sampson
Zeneth Wadsworth
Joshua Cushing Jr
Presented for probate on 8 Nov.
1822 by Henry B Sampson and William Sampson, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Studley Sampson, Zeneth Wadworth and Joshua Cushing, the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Henry B Sampson
and William Sampson, the before named Executors.
To the Hon Wilkes Wood Esquire Judge of Probate of wills &c for the
County of Plymouth.
This
is to signify to your Honour that I have thought proper to wave, and I do
hereby wave the provision made for me in the will of my late husband Job
Sampson, late of Duxbury deceased, and claim my Dower of his Estate; I
therefore pray that your honour would order the same to be assigned and set off
to me, as the law in such cases directs.
Betsey Sampson
Dated
at Duxbury the fifteenth day of November A D 1822.
Studley Sampson, Gent,
Avery Richards, chaisemaker and Joshua Cushing, shipwright, all of Duxbury,
were appointed to appraise the Estate of Job Sampson, late of Duxbury, Mariner,
on 18 Nov. 1822. The Inventory of the Estate of Job Sampson, late of Duxbury,
was dated 12 Dec. 1822, his real estate valued at $2800.00, and his personal
estate totaled $750.00, including one third of the Schooner Francis valued at
$333.33. William Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 16
Dec. 1822.
Studley Sampson, Gent.,
Avery Richards, Chaisemaker, and Joshua Cushing, Shipwright, all of Duxbury and
all Freeholders, were appointed to set off one third part of the Real Estate of
Job Sampson, late of Duxbury, to the widow Betsey Sampson as her dower in the
estate on 18 Nov. 1822. The division was dated 12 Dec. 1822, and approved on 16
Dec. 1822.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, pp.
248-251, 318-320, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of John Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the Name of God
amen I John Samson of Duxbury calling unto mind the mortality of my Body &
knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my
last Will and Testament that is to say principally & first of all I give
& recommend my Soule into the hand of Almighty God that gave it, & my
Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the
discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God & as touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life, I
give demise & dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
First I give to my
wife Abigail Samson the Improvement of the Southerly half of my dwelling house
and the Improvement of one third of my real Estate & one half my indoor
moveables to improve so long as she remains my Widow & one Cow I order my
two Sons Andrew Samson junr. & Lewis Samson to provide wood
sufficient for a fire for their Mother at the Door off of her third part of the
Wood Lot so long as she remains my Widow.
Also I give to my
Son Silvanus Samson ten Dollars to be paid out of my Estate by my Executors –
Also I give to my
Son Andrew Samson junr. the southerly part of my homest.
farm & the Sat meadow adjoining together with all the Buildings thereon
being the whole that I bought of Samuel Feza & the one half of my Salt
meadow lying at the Gurnet so called and the one half of my Wood lot that I
bought of Prince Wadsworth —
I
give to my Son Lewis the northerly part of my homest. farm together
with the Buildings thereon being the whole that I bought of Samuel Partridge
excepting a a lane down to the Brook twenty four feet wide so that Andrew shall
have the privilege of coming to water with his Cattle along by the Meadow fence
and Andrew shall maintain the fence of said Lane — Also I give to Lewis the
other half of my woodlot I bought of Prince Wadsworth & the other half of
my Salt Meadow at the Gurnet, & the whole of my Meadow lying at Duck hill
so called –
Also I give to my two sons Andrew & Lewis my land lying on the
westerly side of Plymouth road that I bought of Uriah Wadsworth to be equally
divided between them both. –
Also I give to my two Sons Andrew & Lewis my out door moveables and
and my Stock to be divided equally betwixt them both —
Also
I give to Hannah Samson Widow Relict of my Son John Samson deceasd.
five Dollars to be paid by my Executor —
Also
I give to my six Daughters Lucy Bradford the Wife of William Bradford Selah
Samson, Polly Samson, Dolly Samson, Clarissa Cobb the Wife of Lemuel Cobb &
Rebecca Samson the other half of my indoor moveables to be equally divided
betwixt them all, & what remains of the other half of the indoor moveables
at my Wifes decease, if any their be equally alike —
Also
I give to my six daughters above mentioned one hundred Dollars to each of them
making six hundred Dollars to them all to be paid out of my Estate by my two
Sons Andrew & Lewis equal alike And lastly as to all the residue and
remainder of my Estate of what kind & nature soever I give to my two Sons
Andrew & Lewis. And I hereby appoint
my son Andrew Samson junr Sole Executor of this my last will and
Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & Seal this eighth day of February in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four 1804
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above
named John Samson to be his last
Will and
Testament in the presence of us who
at his
request & in his presence have
hereunto sub-
scribed our Names as Witnessess to
the same John Sampson (seal)
Ezekiel
Soul
Freeman
Loring
Lot
Hale
Presented for probate on 11 Nov.
1805 by Andrew Samson junr. the Executor therein named, and proved
by Ezekiel Soul, Freeman Loring and Lot Hall, the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Andrew Samson junr. the
before named Executor.
Ezekiel Soul, yeoman, Freeman
Loring, Gentleman, and Benjamin Alden, yeoman, all of Duxbury, were appointed
to appraiser the estate of John Sampson, late of Duxbury, yeoman, on 11 Nov.
1805. The inventory, not dated, totaled $4225.65, including his homestead farm
and buildings and meadow adjoining valued at $2538. Andrew Sampson junr.,
the Executor, gave is oath to the inventory on 29 Nov. 1805.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, pp.
299-301, 349, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of John Sampson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
In
the name of God Amen. I John Sampson of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
Yeoman, being weak in body but of sound mind and memory, blessed by Almighty
God for the same, do make & publish this my last will & Testament in
manner & form following, that is to say.
First
I give & bequeath to my beloved sons Samuel & Obadiah Sampson all my
land Cedar swamp & Meadow laying in Middleborough, Plympton & Carver,
that I have not already disposed of in equal undivided shares, between the said
Samuel Sampson, & Obadiah Sampson, by their settling my Estate paying all
charges & all my just debts.
Secondly
I give & bequeath to all my beloved Children viz Samuel Sampson, Obadiah
Sampson, Nathan Sampson, Mercy Sampson, & Rebecca Hollis & Elizabeth
Soul, all my live stock, farming implements, & household goods of every
kind soever to be equally divided between & among the abovsaid Samuel,
Obadiah & Nathan & Mercy Elizabeth & Rebecca in addition to what I
have done & paid for them heretofore. In particularly I have heretofore
given to my said son Nathan Sampson one undivided half of a farm laying in Hartford
in the province of Maine & to my beloved Daughter Mercy Sampson a Deed of
one undivided halff of all my real Estate laying in Middleborough, Plympton
& Carver.
Lastly
I do hereby appoint my two sons the said Samuel Sampson & Obadiah Sampson
joint Executors of this my last Will & Testament hereby revoking all former
wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the twelfth day of
November in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & nineteen.
Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the
above named John Sampson to be his last
will & Testament in the presence of us who John Sampson (seal)
have hereunto subscribed our names as wit-
nesses in the presence of the Testator
Samuel Shaw
Lydia Shaw
Neheh Cobb
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1821 by Samuel Sampson and
Obadiah Sampson, the Executors therein named, and proved by Samuel Shaw and
Nehemiah Cobb Esquire, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Samuel Sampson and Obadiah Sampson, the before
named Executors.
Nehemiah Cobb Esq. of Carver, Samuel Shaw yeoman, and
Benjamin Pratt yeoman, both of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the
estate of John Sampson, late of Middleborough, yeoman, on 6 Nov. 1821. The
inventory, dated 13 Nov. 1821, totaled only $195.99, no real estate. Samuel
Samson and Obadiah Samson, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 4
Mar. 1822.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 54, pp. 99-100, 375, from FHL
microfilm #0550908.
Will of Joseph Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the name of God
amen. the ninth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and four — 1804.
I Joseph Sampson of
Kingston in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr.
considering the uncertainty of this mortal Life & being of sound and
disposing Mind & Memory do make and ordain this my last will and Testament
in Manner & form following, that is to say ~
In the first place I
give and bequeath unto my loving Wife Judith Sampson all & the whole of my
indoor & outdoor personal Estate, Goods and Chattels of what kind and
nature soever, excepting publick and private Securities for money, to belong to
her without the formality of an appraisment I also give and bequeath to my said
Wife the one one third part of all my publick and private Securities for money
she paying all my just debts funeral Expences, and charges of settling my
Estate therefrom, I also give and bequeath to my said Wife the use and
Improvement of the whole of my real Estate untill my Son Joseph shall arrive to
the Age of twenty one years or untill her second Marriage after either of which
she to have the Improvement of but one third part thereof during her natural
Life. –
I
give and bequeath unto my Son Joseph Sampson two third parts of all my real
Estate to come into possession thereof when he shall arrive to the Age of
twenty one years, or on my Wife’s second Marriage I also give and bequeath to
my said Son the one third part of my publick and private Securities for money
to come into possession thereof immediately after my decease –
I
give and bequeath unto my Daughter Betsey Sampson one third part of my real
Estate, to come into possession thereof when my Son Joseph shall arrive to the
Age of twenty one years, or at my Wife’s second Marriage, I also give and
bequeath unto my said daughter the one third part of my publick & private
Securities for Money, to come into possession thereof immediately after my
decease –
I
do also hereby appoint my Wife Judith Sampson to be guardian to my Son Joseph
and Daughter Betsey during their Minority if she remains so long unmarried –
Lastly
I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving Wife Judith Sampson and Mr
John Faunce of Kingston, to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made in Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the day & Year above mentioned ~~
Signed sealed and declared by the
said Joseph
Sampson to be his last Will &
Testament in presence
of us - John Gray
Crocker
Sampson Joseph Sampson (seal)
William
Bradford
Presented for probate on 23 Aug.
1804 by Judith Sampson and John Faunce, the Executors therein named, and proved
by John Gray and Crocker Sampson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Judith Sampson and John Faunce, the
before named Executors.
John Gray Esqr. and
Nathaniel Thomas, Gentleman, both of Kingston, and Samuel Loring, of Duxbury,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Joseph Sampson, late of Kingston, Esqr.,
on 23 Aug. 1804. The Inventory of the Estate of Joseph Sampson, late of
Kingston, was dated 1 Oct. 1804, his real estate totaled $11,405.08, including
his homestead with the buildings and 27 acres of land valued at $2700, a tract
of land lying in Duxbury of 70 acres valued at $4200, 2 pieces of salt meadow
lying in Duxbury valued at $2600, a tract of land purchased of Anne Sampson on
Jones’s River, and several other parcels of land, about $3123.74 in public
securities, and $996.90 in private securities, but his other personal inventory
was not listed. Judith Sampson and John Faunce, the Executors, gave their oath
to the inventory on 1 Oct. 1804.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
109-110, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Mercy Sampson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In
the Name of God amen I Mercy Sampson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth &
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Widow, considering the great uncertainty of human
Life & being of sound & perfect Mind & Memory, blessed be Almighty
God for the same, do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in
Manner & form following –
In
the first place I commend my immortal Soul to God who gave it hoping &
trusting in his infinite Mercy & Grace wholly through the perfect
righteousness of Jesus Christ, God Mediator for acceptance & eternal Life –
my mortal Body I consign to the Dust from which it was taken, believing that it
will be quickened raised & reunited to the immortal Soul, at the Judgment
day & direct that it be decently interred – with
respect to the Disposition of my Estate, –
In the first place, I give &
bequeath to my Sons Thomas, Lazarus & Gamaliel Sampson one Dollar each —
In
the second place, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mercy Sampson one Dollar
together with one half of all my personal Estate –
In
the third place I give and bequeath to my Grand daughters Hannah, Elizabeth,
& Mary Sampson Daughters of my Son Lazarus Sampson all my Real Estate
together with one half my personal Estate —
In
the fourth place. I constitute my Son Lazarus Sampson the Executor of this my
last will and Testament.—
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Name & Seal this day the
twenty ninth of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred &
nine –
Signed Sealed and published and
declared
by the above named Mercy Sampson to
be
her last Will & Testament in
the presence her
of us who at her request & in
her presence have
hereunto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses to the same Mercy X Sampson (seal)
Thomas
Crafts
Joshua
Haskins Mark
Levi
Haskins
Presented for probate on 10 Nov.
1812 by Lazarus Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by the Revd.
Thomas Crafts and Levi Haskins, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Lazarus Sampson, the before named
Executor.
Joshua Haskins, Yeoman, Isaac
Sampson, Yeoman, and Enoch Haskins, Housewright, all of Middleborough, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Mercy Sampson, late of Middleborough, on 10
Nov. 1812. The Inventory, dated 12 May 1813, consisted only of Real Estate,
which was 16 acres of land together with one half a dwelling house and barn,
valued at $332.00. Lazarus Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 Nov. 1813.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p.
374-375, from FHL microfilm #0550903, and Vol. 45, p. 138-139.
Will of Nathaniel Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In the name of God amen. I Nathaniel Sampson of Duxbury in
the County of Plymouth being weak in Body but of sound & perfect mind &
memory, blessed be almighty God for the same do make & publish this my last
will & Testament in Manner & form following –
First
I give & bequeath unto my beloved Wife Hannah Sampson the Improvement of
all my Estate both real & personal, so long as she remains my Widow &
after that I give & bequeath the whole of my Estate to my Children equally
to be divided between them: Wadsworth Chandler I hereby appoint sole Executor
of this my last will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me
made. — In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the twenty
day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & thirteen –
Sign sealed published & declared by the
above named Nathaniel Sampson to be his
last Will & Testament in the presence of us
who at his request & in his presence have
hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses Nathaniel Sampson (seal)
to the same —
Ichabod
Delano
Asa
Joyce
William
Watson
Presented for probate on 30 Oct.
1813 by Wadsworth Chandler, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ichabod
Delano and William Watson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Wadsworth Chandler, the before named Executor.
Isaiah Alden, Jesse Simmons, and
Ichabod Delano, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Nathaniel Sampson, late of Duxbury, yeoman, on 30 Oct. 1813. The Inventory of
the Estate of Nathaniel Sampson, late of Duxbury, not dated, totaled $2476.57,
including his real estate valued at $1924. Wadsworth Chandler, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1813.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p. 130-131,
from FHL microfilm #0550903.
Will of Paul Sampson of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1806) *
In
the Name of God amen I Paul Sampson of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth
being weak in Body but of a sound Mind & Memory do this twenty fifth day of
February one Thousand eight hundred & six make & publish this my last
Will & Testament in the Manner following—
I give and bequeath unto my Wife
after my Death & funeral charges are paid, one half of the use &
Improvement of my Real & personal Estate during the time she shall remain
my Widow.
I give unto my Six Sons Luther
Sampson, Caleb Sampson, Chandler Sampson, Calvin Sampson & Procter Sampson
& Martin Sampson the other half of my Real & personal Estate in equal
Shares at my decease & at their Mother’s decease the whole both real and
personal—
I give unto my four Daughters
Silvia Turner, Olive Foord, Martha Bourn & Esther Magoon fifty Dollars
apiece out of my Real or personal Estate within one Year after my decease
besides what they received at their Marriage at my Wife’s decease, I give unto
my sd. daughters twenty five Dollars apiece within Year after her
decease, my two Pews in the Meeting burying Yard & right in a Stable I give
unto my wife my Children & Grandchildren to own & improve.
Lastly I do constitute and ordain
my Son Chandler Executor of this my last Will & Testament whereof I set my
hand & Seal this day & Year as it is above written –
Signed sealed & published by the said
Paul Sampson, at his desire we have
set
our hands thereunto as Witnesses to
sd Will Paul Sampson (seal)
Luke
Wadsworth
Thomas
Bourn
Ichabod
Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 3 June
1811 by Chandler Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Luke
Wadsworth and Ichabod Wadsworth, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Chandler Sampson, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p.
463-464, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Priscilla Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
I
Priscilla Sampson of Kingston in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, widow, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in
manner following Viz
I give
and bequeath to my Grand Children George Sampson and Elizabeth Sampson of
Plymouth the children of my son Isaac Sampson deceased the sum of ten dollars
each
I also
give divise and bequeath to my daughter Deborah Sampson the rest and residue of
my estate both real and personal to her and her heirs forever. I appoint my
said Daughter Deborah Sampson sole Executrix of this my will
In
Witness whereof I the said Priscilla Sampson have hereunto set my hand and seal
this sixth day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
thirty eight.
Priscilla Sampson (seal)
Signed sealed
published and declared by the above named Priscilla Sampson to be her last Will
and Testament in presence of us who at her request in her presence and in
presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Constant
Sampson Jr
Joseph
Stetson
Thomas
Russell
Presented for probate on the second Monday of August 1838 by
Deborah Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Stetson and
Thomas Russell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Deborah Sampson, the Executor therein named.
Deborah Sampson, of Kingston, was granted Administration of
the Estate of Priscilla Sampson, late of Kingston, on 13 Aug. 1838, with Joseph
Stetson and Thomas Russell as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, p. 260-261, from FHL microfilm
#0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 327.
Will of Rebecca Sampson of Kingston, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1834) *
I, Rebecca Sampson of Kingston in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow, do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament, in the manner following, viz.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet Fish, the use and
improvement of the one half part of all my real estate, during the term of her
natural life. I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Harriet, the Bed in
the easterly chamber of the House where I live with the furniture belonging to
the same.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Lucy Sampson, the use and
improvement of the one half part of all my real estate during the term of her
natural life. I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Lucy, the Bed in the
Westerly Bedroom on the lower floor of the House where I live with the
furniture belonging to the same.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet Fish and Lucy
Sampson the rest of my furniture (moveables and all my clothing to be equally
divided between them.
I give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Elizabeth Hawley
Fish, to her heirs and assigns forever, the remainder of all my real estate, to
come into possession of the different moieties thereof, at the termination of
the respective life estates given to my said Daughters Harriet Fish and Lucy
Sampson.
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Rebecca the wife of Zenas
Crocker of Barnstable, the sum of Five dollars.
I hereby constitute and appoint my daughter Harriet Fish
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal
this twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight
hundred and thirty four.
Rebecca Sampson (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Rebecca Sampson, as her last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who at
her request, in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses
Joseph
Stetson
Charles
A. Foster
Joseph
Sampson
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1844, and
proved by Joseph Stetson and Charles A. Foster, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed, Joseph Sampson being now deceased.
James N. Sever, of Kingston, was granted Administration with
the Will annexed of the Estate of Rebecca Sampson, late of Kingston, widow, on
2 Dec. 1844, with Joseph Stetson, of Kingston, and William R. Sever, of
Plymouth, as sureties, Harriet Fish named as Executor therein having since
intermarried.
No inventory of the estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 86, p. 601-603, from FHL microfilm #0555637, and Vol. 10A, p. 539.
Will of Rebekah Sampson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1797) *
In the name of God
amen, upon the twenty first day of December in the Year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & Ninety seven I Rebekah Sampson of Plympton in the
County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow upon good &
serious consideration & being under some decays of nature, but of perfect
Mind & memory thanks be given unto God for the same, Thefore calling to
mind the mortality of my Body, and knowing that it is appointed unto all men
once to die, do make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament that
is to say, principally and first of all, I do give and recommend my Soul into
the hand of God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the Earth, to be
buried in a decent and christian manner at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter
named nothing doubting but at the great and General Resurrection I shall
receive the same by the Almighty Power of God. And as touching such worldly
Goods and temporal Estate, that God hath been pleased to bless me with in this
Life, I do give, demise & dispose of the same in the following Manner and
form. –
Imprimis I do give
and bequeath unto my Kinsman Nephew Joseph Cushman two Acres of salt Meadow
lying on the northerly side of Great Wood Island, said two acres of Meadow are
to be taken both together, and where the said Joseph pleases to take them in
said Meadow; And also five Acres of the forty ninth lot in number of the second
Division of the commons of upland adjoining to said Joseph’s ten acres in said
Lot, All which I do give and bequeath unto the said Joseph Cushman, his Heirs
and assigns forever —
Item I do give and
bequeath unto my Kinsman or Nephew Joshua Cushman, the one half part of
Woodneck Salt meadow, to him his Heirs & assigns forever —
Item I do give and
bequeath unto my Kinsman or Nephew Soule Cushman’s Children begotten of his
Body, four hundred & eighty Dollars to be paid out of my Estate in the
following Manner (viz my Will & meaning is, and I do hereby order &
appoint my Executor hereafter to be named, to sell unto my Kinsman or Nephew
Joseph Cushman for five hundred thirty Dollars Dollars to be paid in two years
after my decease the one half of my homestead farm with all the Housing
Buildings, Fencing & Orchards thereon (only excepting the small Building
thereon that the abovesaid Joseph Cushman has built upon the said farm, which
the said Joseph has a right & Liberty to carry off or otherwise to dispose
of, when he shall see cause so to do) & also one acre of Great Wood Island
Salt Meadow, my Will & meaning it that my Executor pay out of the five
hundred Dollars above mentioned to the above mentioned Heirs of said Soule
Cushman four hundred & eighty Dollars & to my Kinsman Alerton Cushman
fifty Dollars —
Item I do give and
bequeath unto my Kinsman George Cushman, the Son of the said Joseph Cushman the
the other other half part of my Homestead farm with all the buildings Fencing
and Orchard thereon (only excepting the small building that the abovesaid
Joseph Cushman has built thereon, which the said Joseph has Liberty to carry
off, or otherwise to dispose of, as shall think fit so to do) also one acre of
my Great Wood Island Salt Meadow, all which I do give and bequeath unto my said
Kinsman George Cushman his Heirs & assigns forever, But my Will and meaning
is that the said George Cushman is to pay a Legacy out of his part to my
Kinsman Ephraim Cushman the said Alerton Cushman’s brother fifty Dollars to be
paid in two years from my decease. ~
Item I do give &
bequeath unto my Kinsman or Nephew Cephas Cushman my six Acres of Woodland
lying at a place commonly called Westsridge together with all my Salt Meadow
not before disposed of to him his Heirs & Assigns forever but my will is
that the said Cephas Cushman is to pay out of what I have given him as above
all my just debts and funeral Charges and my Will is that all the residue &
remainder of my Woodland that is not before given away or disposed of my Will
is, that the said Cephas Cushman shall sell to the best Advantage & pay out
of the produce of it to my Kinsman & Nephew Paul Cushman twenty five
Dollars & to my Kinsman and Nephew Apollos Cushman Ten Dollars, and my Will
is that all the residue and remainder of the produce of my Woodland, that I
have ordered to be sold after the said Legacies as above are paid out, I do
give and bequeath unto my Neice or Kinswoman Mary Chandler the Wife of Ezekiel
Chandler & the three daughters of my Sister Alethea Cushman decd.
(viz) Asenath Downer, Lydia Foots & Mary Soule, together with all the
residue of my moveable or personal Estate Whatsoever it is or wheresoever it
may be found, I do give and bequeath unto the said Mary Chandler, Asenath
Downer, Lydia Foots & Mary Soule to be equally alike divided among them all
their Heirs & Assigns forever. —
Item I do hereby
constitute & appoint my trusty Kinsman & Nephew Cephas Cushman to be
the sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament & do hereby utterly
disallow revoke & disannul all & every other former Wills Testament
& and bequests & Executor by me in any other Wills be named willed or
bequested ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last Will
& Testament, In Witness whereof I the said Rebekah Sampson have hereunto
set my hand & Seal the day & year above written –
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the
said
Rebekah Sampson to be her last Will & Testament in the
presence
of us the Subscribers —
attest Joshua
Loring
Arthur
Chandler Rebekah Sampson (seal)
Mercy
Chandler
Presented for probate on 1 Jan. 1805 by Cephas Cushman, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Arthur Chandler and Mercy Chandler, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Cephas Cushman, the before named Executor.
Judah Alden Esqr., Reuben Peterson and Malachi
Delano, yeoman, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Rebekah Sampson, late of Duxbury, Widow, on 1 Jan. 1805. The Inventory of the
late Widow Rebekah Sampson totaled $2061.62, including her home farm with the
buildings valued at $1500, a wood lot lying above and adjoining Levi Weston
valued at $460, Great Wood Island Salt Marsh valued at $536, Little wood neck
valued at $300, and 6 acres lying below sd Westons valued at $30.
The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 3 Jan. 1805, and Cephas
Cushman, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Jan. 1805.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 147-150, from FHL microfilm
#0550901.
Will of Ruth Sampson of Duxbury, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Ruth Sampson of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth do hereby
make this my last Will and testament, being of sound and disposing mind and
memory, I Commit my soul to God the author and my body to the earth decently
buried by my Executor hereafter mentioned.
And
as to my worldly estate I hereby dispose of the same as follows Viz. My money
the most of which is in the Savings Bank, Plymouth I will to be divided, after
my debts, funeral charges and cost of executing my Will are paid, into four
equal shares, one share I bequeath to my two brothers John Burgess and Nathan
Burgess in equal halves.
The
three remaining shares I bequeath in equal portions to my three Sisters Lucy
Glass, Mercy Taylor, and Saviah Sampson.
My household furniture I give in equal shares
to my brothers and sisters who may be living at my death.
And
I hereby appoint Ralph Partridge sole Executor of this my last will and
Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I the said Ruth Sampson have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty eighth day of June, Eighteen hundred and forty four.
Signed
published, and declared by the said Ruth Sampson to be her last Will and
Testament in presence of us, the subscribers who in her presence and at her
request and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as
Witnesses.
Ruth Sampson (seal)
Ralph
Partridge
Ziba
Hunt
Diana
Hunt
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Feb. 1847 by Ralph Partridge, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Ziba Hunt and Diana Hunt, two of the witnesses therein subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Ralph Partridge, the executor therein named.
Ralph Partridge, of Duxbury, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Ruth Sampson, late of Duxbury, on
15 Feb. 1847, with William Ellison and George Faunce, of Duxbury, as sureties.
George P. Richardson, Martin
Sampson and Ziba Hunt, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Ruth Sampson, late of Duxbury, on 18 Jan. 1847.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ruth
Sampson, late of Duxbury, was not dated, but totaled $728.09, including $500
deposited in the Savings Bank in Plymouth, but no real estate. Ralph Partridge,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Feb. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p. 63-65, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 2H, p. 103.
Will of Samuel Sampson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
Be it remembered that I Samuel Sampson of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth Yeoman — Considering the uncertainty of this mortal life
and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this last Will and
Testament in manner following that is to say
1st I give to my son Richard Sampson his heirs and
assigns forever all my Real Estate wherever it may be found, he the said
Richard paying out to my son Ira Sampson One hundred Dollars in one year after
my decease, and as my son Richard has heretofore received considerable of my
personal Estate in stock that was on the farm, he the said Richard is in
consideration thereof to pay out one hundred and thirty Dollars which sum is to
be added to what Personal Estate I may leave at my decease, all which is equally
to be divided among my several heirs hereinafter named
I firstly give to my son Richard one Bed and bedding out of
the above named personal estate, my daughter Lydia Staples and my son John
Sampson, and my daughter Betsey Leach & Jane King, and the children of my
son Samuel Sampson calling them one heir & to the children of my son Holmes
Sampson calling them one heir, I give the remaining part to be equally divided
among them, — I hereby appoint my above named son Richard Sampson sole Executor
of this my last Will and Testament and hereby revoking all former Wills made by
me. ~
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of May in the year of
our Lord eighteen hundred & forty
Samuel Sampson (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above
named Samuel Sampson to be his last Will and testament
in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Seth
Eaton
Charles
White
Reuel
W. Eaton
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1850 by
Richard Sampson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Charles White and
Reuel W. Eaton, the witnesses whose names are subscribed, Seth Eaton being now
deceased. Letters Testamentary were granted to Richard Sampson, the Executor
therein named.
The Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Sampson, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 1 Nov. 1850 by Charles White, Reuel W Eaton and
James J. Cushman, and totaled $2045.64, including his real estate valued at
$1875. Richard Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the
first Tuesday of Nov. 1850.
Richard Sampson, of Middleborough, was granted Administration
of the estate with Will annexed of Samuel Sampson, late of Middleborough,
Yeoman, on 5 Nov. 1850, with Charles White and Ruel W. Eaton, of Middleborough,
as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 92, p. 432-434, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 2H, p. 247.
Will and Codicil of Sylvanus Sampson of
Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
In the
name of God Amen. I Sylvanus Sampson of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth do
make this my last Will and Testament.
First I give and
bequeath to my son Ezra W. Sampson the farm I had of Capt. Richard Soule and
the Lewis Sampson place so called, and my shares estate and interest I have in
the Kingston Factory – to have and to hold the same to him his heirs and
assigns– I also give up and release all claims and charges I have against him,
he releasing all claims against my Estate except such as be my devise under
this my will.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my son Sylvanus Sampson Junr. my Homestead
farm on the East side of the wall including buildings, salt works &c. also land
in the Nook so called near by lying togather and consisting of about twenty
five acres, also a piece of wood land I had of Joseph Wadsworth, also a piece
of Cedar swamp I own in my own right, also my Pew in the Revd Mr
Moores Meeting House and horse shed also all my stock except my best horse,
Viz. cows oxen sheep, swine, poultry, hay and grain and all my farming utensils
including my boat, provided however, in making this bequest and that which is
hereinafter named and in the acceptance thereof, my estate is to be free and
quit of all claims for services, and all other claims in favour of my said son,
and claims against him are hereby discharged, to have and to hold said
bequeathed premises, in case of acceptance, to him the said Sylvanus Sampson
Junr. his heirs and assigns.
Third, I give and bequeath to my daughter Salumett W. Soule the House
and land on the west side of the way from my Homestead, the House being now
occupied by my son Sylvanus. Also a wood lot I had of Lewis Sampson lying near
the Revd Mr Moore’s Meeting House Also fifty eight shares in the
Roger William’s Bank, also five shares in the Plymouth Bank. Also fourteen
shares in the Merchant Insurance Company, also thirty six shares in the United
States Insurance Company, also five shares in the Franklin Insurance Company,
my best horse, chaise and harness, and one half of all my furniture, plate,
books, clothing, and provision of every kind, the same being to be equally
divided between my daughters Salumiett and Elizabeth, To have and to hold all
and singular, said bequeathed premises to her the said Salumiett W. Soule her
heirs and assigns – and I release my said daughter from all claims – in favour
of my estate, she having none against me except such as she shall derive under
this will.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Sampson the Shares,
property and interest I have in the Factories in Duxbury and Marshfield also
fifty seven shares in the Roger Williams Bank, also forty shares in the United
States Insurance Company, also five shares in the Franklin Insurance Company,
also one half of all my furniture, plate, books, clothing and provisions of
every kind, the same being to be equally divided between her and my daughter
Salumitt, also the sum of twenty four hundred dollars to be paid to her by my
son-in-law John Owen, or otherwise collected of him or from his Estate for her,
by my Executor herein after named, to have and to hold the same to her and her
heirs and assigns, and I release my said daughter from Claims in favour of my
estate she having none except such as she shall derive under this my will.
Fifth I release to my daughter Sylvia C. Owen all
claims in my favor against her. I also direct that my Executor deliver over to
her the notes I now hold for money I have paid to said John Owen or to him and
his late partners (he being the husband of my daughter Sylvia) prior to the day
of the date of this my will on his paying to my daughter Elizabeth within two
months from my decease the twenty four hundred dollars herein ordered to be
paid by him to her, and should the said John Owen neglect to pay said twenty
four hundred dollars to the said Elizabeth, I then order my said Executor to
collect of the said John Owen or from his Estate such a sum as shall enable him
to pay the Expence of collecting and paying over to the said Elizabeth the said
sum of twenty four hundred dollars togather with interest from the day of my
decease that the said Elizabeth may receive the said sum from the said Owen
with interest free from deduction from charges or expences
Sixth I direct that my Executor or whoever shall
administer on my Estate do sell my vessels and all other property I may own at
the time of my decease, not herein bequeathed and collect all sums of money
which may be due to my estate, and pay my just debts and funeral Expences and
Expences of administration, and that the residue be divided equally to my son
Sylvanus Sampson Jr and to my daughters Salumitt W. Soule and Elizabeth Sampson
equal sums to Each – not meaning hereby to revoke the order as to the claims
and demands to be given up as is herein before directed.
Seventh, Having executed a power of
attorney to transfer my stock in the Roger Williams Bank to my daughters
Salumitt W. and Elizabeth as herein bequeathed to them, and now intending to
Effect a conveyance of that stock to them as soon as the same can be
conveniently done, I will and order that if this is done in my life time that
this my will remain in all other respects and that the bequests only in this
particular be no longer under the charge of my Executor – My will is in this
respect having been Executed by me If so
be that the stock shall have been transferred by me.
Eighth, I have assumed that the
real Estate which I have in right of my wife now deceased, belongs to my
children after use as heirs to their mother in equal portions – the Estate
which so came to me as are follows viz
About 35 acres of mixed wood-oak and pine back of Levi Weston’s, about
100 acres of wood land Swamp &c fenced in known as the Ruth Simmons Place
and 2 or 3 acres without the fence, 5 acres more of swamp white oak timber
&c lying West of the Ruth Simmons place 40 acres of wood land in Marshfield
known as the Ray Thomas lot 4½ acres of salt meadow known as the Gotham meadow
joining the Marshfield line about 17 or 18 acres of salt marsh at the place
called the Skirt in Duxbury Marsh described as follows viz 4 acres at a place
called the Hummock adjoining Major Judah Aldens 7½ acres in the center of the
Skirt adjoining Ezra Weston called the Manler Meadows 4½ acres on do down at
the bow of the beach so called and lands in South Boston.
Ninth, I appoint Samuel K. Williams of Boston Executor of this my last
Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills, some of my stocks stand in
the name of Sylvia C. Sampson late my wife now deceased, and should it become
necessary to take letter of administration on her estate in order to transfer
said stocks as herein bequeathed then I direct that my Executor take such
letter of Administration and do as shall be required, and should I require any
sum of money from my son in-law Mr John Owen in my life time, it will be only
such a sum or sums from time to time as will still leave the payment to be made
by him to my daughter Elizabeth the sum as herein ordered, the amount I have
advanced to him and my daughter Sylvia C. Owen being as is now on interest, and
my intention being to do justly by all my children. and should I hereafter by
reason of any endorsement by me made for Mr Owens or which I may hereafter make
for him, pay any further sum for him – or should I hereafter lend him any sum
of money my will and intention is that all such sum or sums be collected and
constitute no part of the provision and portion intended for my daughter his
wife, and should any of my stocks or other property herein devised be
transfered in my life time, or should I acquire any other property real or
personal not now owned by me, I will and order that this my will be and remain
as to all such I may acquire, and that the same be not revoked except so far as
regards such stocks and property as shall be actually transfered and conveyed.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fifth day of
July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight.
Executing,
publishing and declaring this instrument to be my last Will and Testament in
presence of the witnesses hereto who have signed the same in my presence and
the presence of each other.
Witnesses Sylvanus Sampson (seal)
Andrew
Sampson
Paraclete
Alden
Mary
T. Soule
I
Sylvanus Sampson of Duxbury do make this Codicil to my last Will and Testament
viz,
The
legacy and provision made by me in my will for my daughter Sylvia C. Owen and
her husband John Owen I hereby wholly revoke, and in lieu thereof I provide and
devise as follows viz,
The
furniture &c which I leased to Mr John Owen about the time or soon after
his marriage amounting to about twenty eight hundred and thirty four dollars,
as by the schedule annexed to the lease will appear, I devise and bequeath to
my daughters Salumitt W. Soule and Elisabeth Sampson and to the survivor of
them and to the executor of the survivor of them in trust for the use of my
daughter Sylvia C. Owen for and during her continuance in life, in the bonds of
wedlock with her present husband; and in case of her surviving him then the
same to be at her sole disposal without restriction or control. The same also
to be subject to her disposition by appointment in the nature of a last Will,
in writing or otherwise, Should she decease before her husband, and in case of
her decease leaving her husband, without having made such appointment then the
same or so much thereof as shall remain to go to such of her children as shall
then be living
And
I direct that at or soon after my decease an account be raised between my
estate and my daughter Sylva C. Owen in which she shall be charged “pro forma,”
with all sums paid for said furniture &c together with all sums by me in
any way leased to her husband or to him and his late partner James Munroe &
Company or otherwise furnished to his or their use, up to the day of my will,
viz, July 25th A D 1838, together with interest cast annually on all such sums,
including also the cost of said furniture viz compound interest on the whole
use to the time of raising said account viz soon after my decease; and after
such account is thus stated, I direct that my executor, or such person as shall
administer on my estate, require and take of the said John Owen, if he shall
then be in life his promisory note for the sum of twelve thousand and two
hundred dollars, payable to my daughters Salumitt W. Soule and Elisabeth
Sampson, trustees or Order, on demand with interest and deliver the same note
to the said trustees, to be by them and the survivor of them held as trustees
of Sylvia C. Owen, to be collected and otherwise invested or the proceeds
applied as the trustees shall think proper, but always as well principal as
interest for the sole use and benefit of the said Sylvia C. Owen during her
natural life, and for the benefit of her children, should she decease without
any appointment, or disposition thereof, and from the residue or balance of the
account, so to be raised, and stated, after deducting the sum of twelve thousand
and two hundred dollars, and the further sum of twenty eight hundred and thirty
four dollars the amount of the cost of the furniture, I direct my executor or
the administrator on my estate, to collect of the said John Owen the further
sum of twenty four hundred dollars, and to pay the same to my daughter
Elisabeth Sampson, and the further sum of one hundred dollars, and pay the same
to my daughter Salumitt W. Soule to the entire satisfaction of each of them,
and the residue and balance after all these sums are deducted to collect and
recover of the said John Own, or from his Estate and the sum to be divided,
after paying debts funeral charges and Expences of administration to my son
Sylvanus and daughters Salumett and Elizabeth, equal sums to each, and I direct
that all sums for which I have or shall hereafter become liable for, or for the
account of the said John Owen, by endorsement, or as surety, or otherwise, and
all sums which I have or shall loan or furnish to him, or pay for his account,
after the twenty fifth day of July AD 1838 the day of the date of my Will, be
paid by the said John Owen with interest.
And in case the said John Owen shall refuse to comply with the
requisitions of this my will, I then direct my Executor, or the administrator
of my estate, to collect all sums which I have loaned to him, or to his late
copartners, and all sums due from him or them, by note, account, or otherwise,
and make such disposition of the sums collected, or which shall be collected,
as shall most nearly accomplish the object of this my Codicil to my last Will.
It being my intention that any loss
which shall arise in collecting the sums which I have loned and furnished to
the said John Owen and Sylvia his wife, and the sums due as aforesaid, from any
cause whatsoever, lapse of time or otherwise, all and Every such loss, shall
fall on the share of my estate I have intended for my daughter Sylvia C. Owen,
having estimated her shares at about fifteen thousand dollars viz. twelve
thousand and two hundred dollars for which her husbands note is to be taken
payable as aforesaid, and the furniture &c about twenty eight hundred and
thirty four dollars.
And
whereas in my will I amongst other things, gave to my daughter Salumitt W.
Soule fourteen shares in the Merchants Insurance Company, and it now turns out
that I had only thirteen shares in said Company, I hereby revoke that legacy so
far as regards the one share in the Company, which I had not, confirming to her
the thirteen shares which I have, and in lieu of the one share giving to her
the one hundred dollars to be collected from Mr Owen as is herein provided
And
in all other things I confirm my last will heretofore made as aforesaid.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day of November in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and forty three
Sylvanus Sampson (seal)
Signed,
sealed published and declared to be the Codicil of the Testator to his last
will, in our presence and we in his presence and in presence of each, have
hereunto at his request subscribed our names as witnesses
Andrew
Sampson
Mason
Maglathlin
Mary
T. Soule
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Apr. 1848 by Samuel K. Williams, the Executor therein named, no
person appearing to show cause against the same, and proved by Mary T. Soule,
one of the witnesses to the Will and the Codicil. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Samuel K. Williams, the Executor therein named.
Samuel K. Williams, of Boston, in
the County of Suffolk, Counsellor at Law, was appointed as Executor of the last
Will and Testament of Sylvanus Sampson, late of Duxbury, on 10 Apr. 1848, with
Ezra W. Sampson, of Dedham, in the County of Norfolk, as surety.
Seth Sprague, George P. Richardson
and Benjamin Alden, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Sylvanus Sampson, late of Duxbury, on 18 Apr. 1848.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Sylvanus Sampson, late of Duxbury, was appraised on 25 Apr. 1848, his real
estate totaled $6584, including his homestead farm, salt works, wharf and store
valued at $3300, and his personal estate totaled $7202.45. Samuel K. Williams,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 June 1848.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, pp. 101-108, 240-241, from FHL microfilm
#0555639, and Vol. 2H, p. 150.
Will of Thomas
Sampson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Sampson of Plympton in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being weak in
body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God therefor calling
to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament and desire it
may be received by all as such, And principally and first of all, I give and
bequeath my soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body I recommend to
the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named nothing doubting that at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God—And as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased god to bless me in this life I give,
demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form —
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Ruth
Sampson the use and improvement of all my household furniture together with the
use & benefit of one cow and three sheep for and during her natural life.
Item. I give and bequeath to my two daughters (viz) Olive
Randall widow and Ruth Soule the wife of Aaron Soule and to their heirs and
assigns forever, all my household furniture to be equally divided between them
after the decease of my wife —
Item. I give and bequeath to my grand-son Thomas Randall
& to his heirs and assigns forever, one half of my pew on the lower floor
in the meeting house in said Plympton, together with all my wearing apparel,
and my carpenters tools.
Item. I give and bequeath to my grandson Charles Soule a
certain piece of land lying and being in Plympton aforesaid adjoining Joseph
Sherman’s land, containing by estimation about five acres, Also one half of my
pew on the lower floor in the meeting house in Plympton also all my stock of
cattle and sheep, except the cow & sheep above disposed of, Also all my
farming tools &c. utensils to him the sd Charles Soule and to
his heirs & assigns forever, together with the above mentioned one cow
& three sheep after the decease of my wife.
And I do positively order my grandson Charles Soule to pay
all my just debts and funeral expenses and to receive all debts due to my
estate of every name and nature for his own use and benefit —
Lastly, I do constitute make and ordain my Grandson Charles
Soule my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby
utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all and every other former will,
testament, legacies, bequeaths, and Executors by me, in any wise willed, named
and bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last
Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this seventh day of
May, the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two—1822
Signed sealed pronounced & declared
by the said Thomas Sampson as his Thomas Sampson (seal)
last Will and Testament in presence
of us the subscribers
Elijah
Bisbee
Ebenezer
Standish
Peleg
Sampson
Plymouth Ss. Court
of Probate March 15th 1824 The foregoing Instrument
purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Thomas Sampson late of Plympton
Gentleman deceased being presented to me for Probate and having examined the
subscribing witnesses thereto and no objection being offered to the probate
thereof I decree that said Instrument be allowed as the last Will and Testament
of said deceased and the same is approved as such accordingly
Wilkes Wood J. Prob.
Elijah Bisbee, Esquire, Jonathan Parker & Joseph Sherman,
Gentlemen, all of Plympton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Thomas
Sampson, late of Plympton, Gentleman, deceased, on 15 Mar. 1824.
The Inventory of the estate of Thomas Sampson, late of
Plympton, totaled $386.65, including 5 acres of wood land & meadow valued
at $95, a pew on the lower floor in the meeting house valued at $33, and
various livestock, including oxen. Charles Soule, the executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 21 June 1824.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Abner Samson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the Name of God Amen. The Eleventh day of February in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty I Abner Samson of
Duxbury in the county of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts Bay, yeoman
upon serious consideration and being of perfect mind and memory thanks be to
God and calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men to die do make and ordain this to be my Last will and
testament that is to say principally and first of all I do Give and Recommend
my soul into the hand of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth
to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing
doubting but at the Resurrection I shall Recieve the same again by the almighty
power of God, and as touching such worldly Goods and temporal Estate as God hath
blessed me in this Life with I Give, demise and dispose of the same in the
manner and form following
Imprimis—my will is that all my Just debts and Funeral
charges be defrayed and paid out of my personal Estate
Item—I do Give and bequeath to my dear and beloved wife
Deborah Samson the improvement of all my Real and Personal Estate so Long as
she shall remain my widow and no Longer
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Eldest son Abner Samson Twenty
pounds the money to be as money passed in the year one thousand seven hundred
and Seventy Eight Ten pounds to be paid by son Isaac Samson Five pounds by my
Son Nathl. Samson and five pounds by my Son Aaron Samson to be paid
at their mothers decease or marriage
Item—I Do Give and bequeath unto my three youngest son’s
Isaac Samson Nathl. Samson and Aaron Samson the whole of my Real
Estate that is to say the one half of it unto my son Isaac Samson and the Other
half equally between my two youngest sons Nathl. Samson and Aaron
Samson at their mothers decease or marriage
Item—I do Give and bequeath unto my daughters Mary Hunt,
Sarah Samson Deborah Sprague, Lucy Samson, Luna Samson and Wealthy Samson all
my personal Estate equally between them Excepting one Case of Drawers my
daughter Sarah Samson hath Recieved and one Bed with the furniture my daughter
Deborah Sprague hath Recieved to be deducted out of their parts or shares after
their mothers decease or marriage
Item—my will is that all the premises and bequests as
abovesaid are Given to Each of my Children as above and to their heirs and
assigns forever—and I do hereby constitute my dearly beloved wife Deborah
Samson with Capt. Calvin Partridge to be the Sole Executors of this
my Last will and testament, and I do hereby Revoke and utterly disallow and
disannull all and every other former will and testament and bequests by me
made, willed or bequeathed, Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my
Last will and testament—In witness whereof I the said Abner Samson have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Eleventh day of February one thousand seven
hundred and Eighty
Signed, Sealed and Published, pronounced his
and declared by me the said Abner Sam- Abner X Samson (seal)
son in presence of us the Subscribers mark
C.
Partridge
Thomas
Chandler
Oliver
Samson
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1780 by Deborah Samson and
Calvin Partridge, the Executors therein named, and proved by Thomas Chandler
and Oliver Samson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to Deborah Samson and Calvin Partridge, the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Abner Samson,
late of Duxbury, was appraised by Perez Howland, Thomas Chandler, and John
Hanks, and totaled £10,607.15.7, including his homestead farm with the
buildings &c valued at £6864. The appraisers gave their oath to the
inventory on 5 June 1780.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 483-485, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Abraham
Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1725) *
In the Name of God Amen on the 2d day of
August in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred twenty five I Abraham Samson of Duxborough in the County
of Plimouth in his Majesties Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
husbandman being of a disposing mind & memory Thanks be given to God
therefor & calling into mind the mortality of my body & Knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to dye do make & ordain this my last will
& testament that is to say principally & first of all I give & Recomend
my soul into the hands of God that gave it & my body to the earth to be
buried in decent hoping I Shall receive the same again by the allmighty power
of God and as touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me
with in this life I Give & Dispose of the same in the following manner
& form
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Loving wife Lorah Samson
my Dwelling house my land & meadow during her naturall life & all my
movable Estate during her naturall life Excepting what I Shall here after name
Item I give & bequeath unto my Son Nathaniel Samson the
Item I give unto my three Sons Abraham Miles & Ebenezer
Samson all my upland & meadows after my wives decease to them & their
heirs & assignes forever provided my son Abraham Samson through up &
divide that one half of my upland given him by deed already with his Brothers
Miles Samson & Ebenezer Samson which if he refuses[?] to do then my will is
that my two Sons Miles & Ebenezer Samson shall have the other half of my
upland & all my meadows & housing upon sd land to them &
their heirs & assignes forever.
Item I give to my Son Abraham Samson my small bored gun.
Item I give to my Son Miles Samson my long gun
Item I give to my Son Ebenezer Samson my _____ & cutlass
Item I give unto Rebeckah Samson one feather bed
Item I give to my daughter Gracye Samson a feather
bed & one Cow
Item I give unto my three Daughters Rebeckah Sarah &
Grace Samson all my moveable Estate that is not disposed off after my wives
Decease.
Lastly I make & ordain my Son Ebenezer Samson my sole
Executor & I Do hereby utterly Revoak Disannull all other & former
wills by me heretofore made Ratifing & confirming this & no other to be
my last will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& seal the day & year above written
Signed Sealed & Declared to be his Abraham Samson (seal)
last Will & Testament in the
presence of us the Subscribers
Saml Sprauge
Samuel Sprague Jur.
Sarah Sprague
September the 4 1727 Samuel Sprague Jur. &
Sarah Sprague made oath that they saw the within named Abraham Samson late of
Duxborough in the County of Plimouth deceased Sign Seal & heard him Declare
the within written Instrument to be his last will & testament & that at
the same time they together with their father Samuel Sprague set to their hands
as Witnesses & that according to the best of their observation he then was
of a disposing mind & memory
Before
me Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
November the 6 1727 Samuel Sprague made oath that he saw the
above named Abraham Samson Sign seal & heard him Declare the within written
Instrument to be his last will & testament…
The inventory of the estate of Mr. Abraham Samson, late of
Duxborough, taken by John Alden, Samuel Nelson, & Joshua Soul, not totaled,
was presented on 12 Sept. 1727.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, p. 477-478,
480, from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Abraham Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
The
Last Will & Testament of Abraham Samson of Duxborough in the County of
Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts bay in Newengland yeoman: I the
Said Abraham Samson being under Many Bodily Infirmityes yet of perfect Mind
& Memory Thanks be Given To Almighty God therefor & Calling to mind the
Mortallity of my body & Knowing that It Is Appointed for all men once to
Die Do uppon Serious Consideration Make & ordain these presents to be my
Last Will and Testament to Remain firm & Inviolable forever that Is to say
first of all I Give & Recomend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave It
& my body I Recomend to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Manor at
the Decretion of my Executor herein After Named Nothing Doubting but at the
General Resurection I Shall Receve the same again by the Almighty power of God
& as touching Such Worldly Estate Wherewith It hath pleased God to bless me
in this Life I Give Divise & Dispose of the same in the following manor
& forme viz—
Imprs I Give & bequeath unto my Dear &
Loving Wife Mary Samson one third part of my Movable Estate after my Debts
& funeral Charges are paid out of the Same & the Improvement of one
third part of Real Estate to Improve So Long as She Shall Remain my Wido—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Abraham Samson a Gun—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Stephen Samson five
pounds Lawful money provided he shall bring in no bill or Demand on my Estate
for Service Done for me in my Life time—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Henry Samson four
acres of Land Including the Land I Gave him to Set his house on on the
Northeasterly Side of my farme Ajoying to the Land of Aaron bisby from Side to
Side on bisby Range of an equal Wedth providing he Bring in no bill or Demand
for Service Don for me in my Life time
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah Holmes
wife to Holmes one fifth part of
my moveable Estate after my Debts & funeral Charge & the Legueses
herein Named are paid—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Grandaughter Rhoda
Chandlor wife to Thomas Chandlor one fifth part of my Movable Estate after my
debts & funeral Charges & the Legueses here in Named are paid
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Penelepy Samson
one fifth part of my movable Estate after my Debts & funeral Charges &
the Leguses herein Named are paid & a priveledge of Living in my Dwelling
house & a Cow Keept Winter & Sumer provided my Son Abraham Samson
Above-Named Doth not Sell the farme that I Shall herein Give to him but If he
Doth then I ordor him to pay in the Lew of Keeping ye Cow &
Improvement of the house thirteen pounds & Six Shilings & Eight pence
Lawfull money to my said Daughter Penelopy Samson—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Grand Children the
Children of my Daughter Ruth Delano Deseased Late Wife to Amaziah Delano ten
Shilings to be Divided amongs them all—
Item– I Give & bequeath unto my Son Abraham Samson before
Named all the Remainder of my Estate both Real & personal that Is not
before here in Given away after Debts Legueses Dowery & Gifts are paid
provided he Doth not bring in any Demand on my Estate for Service Don in my
Life time & Also pay to his Sister penelepy the thirteen pounds Six
Shilings & Eight pence If he Sels the Said Real Estate
Lastly my Will is that Jonathan Peterson of said Duxborough
be the Sole Executor of this my Last will & testament thus Hoping that this
my Last will be Keept & Performed According to the trew Intent &
meaning there of—
In Witness Whereof I the Said Abraham Samson have hereunto
Sett my hand & Seal this twenty second Day of may Anno Domini one thousand
Seven hundred Sixty & four – 1764
Signed Sealed & Declaired by the
Afore Named Abraham Samson to be his
his Last Will & Testament Abraham + Samson
In presents of—
mark
Caleb Oldham
Silvanus Drew
Jona Peterson
Where as the above named mr peterson being Decst and i being
in perfect mind and memory; do thear fore Constute and apoint joseph Soul of sd
Duxborough to be the Sole executor of this my Last will and testament whare
unto i do set my hand this 30 th Day of may iny iin the year 1765
Sind in presants of his
Jonathan Peterson Abraham X
Samson
joseph Soul
mark
Messrs. Ebenezer Delano, Eliphaz Prior and John
Samson, all of Duxborough, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Abraham Samson, late of Duxborough, on 8 Mar. 1776. The Inventory totaled
£238.08.8, including his homestead farm valued at £173.06.8, his blue reaver
meadow valued at £30, and his Pine hill meadow and flat ajineing valued at
£13.06.8. The appraisers and Joseph Soule, the Administrator, gave their oaths
to the inventory on 16 Aug. 1777.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #17434, the will not recorded in
the Plymouth County Probate books.
Will of Andrew Samson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
In the Name of God Amen – the fifth day of November 1785 I
Andrew Samson of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth in New England, being weak
in body, but of perfect mind and memory thanks be Given unto God therefor,
Calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will and testament, that
is to say, principally and first of all I Give and Recommend my Soul into the
hands of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth, to be buried
in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting
but at the General Resurrection I Shall Recieve the same again by the mighty
power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God
to bless me in this Life, I Give, demise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form.
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to Abigail my dearly beloved
wife one third part of my Estate both Real and Personal as Long as she shall
Remain my widow
Item—I Give unto my Eldest Son Samuel twenty Shillings
Item—I Give unto my Eldest Daughter Jedidah twenty Shillings
Item—I Give unto my Son Andrew a Certain piece of wood Land
beginning at a Stake between my Land & Thomas Phillips Land thence by the
Stone wall to the Corner of the pole fence Strait to the Road thence by the
Road to said Phillips fence, thence in said Phillips Line to the Stake first
mentioned, this Road is known the name of the Forge Road –
Item—I Give unto my Daughter Abigail twenty Shillings
Item—I Give unto my well beloved Son William Samson (whom I
Likewise Constitute make and ordain my Sole Executor of this my Last will and
testament) all the Remainder of my Estate both Real and Personal, he paying all
my just debts and funeral Charges– and I Give him all my wife’s Dower or thirds
at the Expiration of her widowhood freely to be possessed and enjoyed–and I do
hereby utterly disallow Revoke and disanul all and every other former
testament, wills, Legacies and bequests, and Executors by me in any ways before
named, willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be
my Last will and testament—In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand &
Seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published, pronounced
and declared by the said Andrew Sam- Andrew Samson (seal)
son as his Last will & testament in the
presence of us the Subscribers
Thomas
Phillips
Seth
Chandler
Perez
Chandler
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1786 by William Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Thomas Phillips, Seth Chandler and Perez
Chandler, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to William
Samson, the before named Executor, with Thomas Phillips and Perez Chandler, all
of Duxbury, as sureties.
No inventory was filed for his estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 40-42, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Barnabas
Samson of
In the Name of God Amen the fourth Day of May one thousand
seven hundred & forty Nine – 1749 – I Barnabas Samson of Midleborough In
the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusetts bay in New-England
– Yeoman Being sick But of Sound minde thinks Be to God therefor Calling to
minde ye mortality of my Body & knowing that yt is
appointed for all men once to Dye I Do make & ordaine this my Laste Will
and Testement that is to Say prinsepaly & first of all I give &
recomend my Soule into ye hands of god that gave it & for my
Body I recommend it to ye Earth to be Buried in a Christian like
& Decent manner at ye Discretion of my Excetor and nothing
Doughting but that at the general resurection I shall Receive ye
Same againe by ye myty power of God and as touching Such worldly
Estate Wherewith it hath plesed God To Bless me With in this Life I give &
Demise & Despose of ye same In ye following manor and
forme namely first I make & Constute my dearly Beloved Wife Experence
Samson To be ye Sole and only Executor of this my Last will &
Testement & By these presents I do give my Wife full power & Liberty to
Sell all or so much of my Real Estate as shee shall see Cause giveing her full
power to Execute Deeds or deed of the Same as She Shall See Cause – & what
shall be Left of the produce thereof to gether With all the rest of my Estate
both Real and personal I give to my said Wife during her Being my Widow for the
Bringing up my Children and if shee shall see Cause to Intermarey, againe, my
Will is that She Divide what was my Estate Betwene all my Children as She Shall
Judge Best & as She please – Except her Thirds of it Which She may Improve
Dureing her natural Life I allways Recommending it to her to Be Kinde to our
Children & if She Should marrey againe To Settele her Estate Before & I
would have her give our Eldest Son Barnebus my gun and Sworde
Hereby Ratifing this and no other to Be my Last Will and
Testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal
this fourth Day of may 1749 as abovesd
Signed Sealed pronounced & Declared by ye said
Barnabas Samson as his Last Will and Testament In presents of us Barnabas Samson (seal)
Benjamin Ruggles
Joseph Paddock
Steven X
macomore
Probated on 6 Nov. 1750, and proved by Joseph Paddock and
Stephen Mucamore, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Samson of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the Name of God
Amen. I Benjamin Samson of Plimton in the County of Plimouth in the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay in New-England Yeoman being in good Health and perfect
mind and Memory thanks be given to God. Therefore calling to mind the mortality
of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die do make and
ordain this my last will and Testament (viz) principally and first of all I
give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it & my Body to
the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the Discression of my Excr.
nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again
by the Mighty Power of God and as touching such worldly Estate as it hath
pleased God to bless me with in this Life I give demise and dispose of the same
in the following Manner.
First of all. I give and Bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife
Margret the East End of my dwelling House and all my wearing Shop adjoining to
it also all my Cellar & the one third part of my orchard and a lot of land
I bought of Reuben Bisbee at Annosnapet in said Town all for her improvement as
long as she remains my Widdow. Also my will is that my wife shall have the one
third part of my moveable Estate forever also besides the said third part of my
moveable Estate that she shall have twenty Dollars to be given her by my
Executor to be hers forever –
Secondly. I give and Bequeath to my loving son Nathll.
Samson & to his Heirs & Assigns the one half part of my Pew in the
Meeting House in the first Precinct in said Town to be his and their forever.
Thirdly. I give and Bequeath to my beloved Son Philemon
Samson & to his Heirs & Assigns forever the other half of my sd.
Pew in sd. meeting House.
Fourthly. I give & Bequeath to my grandson Thomas Samson
my Gun.
Fifthly. I give & bequeath to my grandson Joseph Samson
the Loom which his Father used to weave in in his life time together with all
my double Gean for weaving, allso my Sword, also my Cart and Wheels, &
ploughs, together with all other tackling for my Team whatsoever & my half
of the corn=House & also my right in the Barn both standing on my
Homestead, all which I give to my sd. Grandson Jo. Samson
provided he finds fire wood ready cut fit for the fire at the Door for my wife
so long as she remains my widdow But my will is that if the sd. Jo.
or his Heirs Exrs. or Admrs do not provide fire wood as
aforesd. that then my wife if left a widdow shall have all these
said Things to purchase her fire wood with or to dispose of at her Pleasure.
Sixthly. My Will is that after my Just Debts and Funaral
Charges are paid & those Things above mentioned disposed as abovesd.
out of my Moveable Estate that all the rest of my moveable Estate shall be
divided as followeth. That the sd. Nathll. Samson or his
Heirs shall have one quarter part thereof & that my Daughter Ruth Darling
or her Heirs shall have one quarter thereof & that Mary & Hepsiba The
two daughters of my Son Benja. Samson decd. shall have
the other qur. Part of moveables aforesaid.
7thly & lastly I Constitute appoint & make and ordain
my sd. Grandson Jo. Samson to be my sole Excr.
of this my last will & Testament. & I do hereby utterly
disallow revoke disanul all and every other former Testament Will Legacies
Bequeaths & Exrs. by me in ways before named willed or
bequeathed ratyfing and confirming this and no other to be my last will and
Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty
fourth day of January In the twenty Eighth Year of his Majesties Reign Annoque
Domini one thousand seven Hundred and fifty five
Benja. Samson (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and De
Delivered By the said Benjamin Samson
to be his last will and Testament
In
Prescence of us.
Joseph Wright
Zabdiel Samson
Benja. Weston
Presented for probate on 2 Aug. 1762 by Joseph Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zabdiel Samson and Benja.
Weston, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Joseph
Samson, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Benja.
Samson, late of Plimton, was appraised on 24 Sept. 1762 by Benja.
Weston, Zebedee Chandler, and Ebenezer Soule, and totaled £108.13.2, plus an
additional £10.16.8, but no real estate. Jo. Samson, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 9 Nov. 1762, and added an additional £7.18.8
to the inventory on 25 Feb. 1764.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 333-334, 385, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of David Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1767) *
The Last will and testament of David Samson of Duxborough in the county of Plymouth, in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England yeoman. I the said David Samson being under many bodily infirmities, yet of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to allmighty GOD therefor; and calling to mind the mortality of my body, do upon serious consideration make and ordain this my last will and testament. ~~~~~ That is to say.
First of all, I give and recomend my soul into the hands of
GOD that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in decent
christian manner at the discretion of my executor herein after-named, nothing
doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the
allmighty power of GOD; and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath
pleased GOD to bless me in this life I give and devise and dispose of the same
in the following manner & form.
Imprs. I give and bequeath to my eldest son
Charles Samson the one half of all my lands & meadows lying in said
Duxborough excepting fifteen acres of land at the southeast corner of my farm;
which said fifteen acres I give to my son David Samson who is labouring under
bodily weakness & indisposition, provided he should recover his health.
Item, I give to my son Ebenezer Samson six pounds, thirteen
shillings & four pence lawful money, to be paid by my abovenamed son
Charles Samson within one year after my decease. –
Item, I give to my son Jonathan Samson six pounds, thirteen
shillings & four pence lawful money, to be paid by my son Chaphen Samson,
within one year after my decease. ~~
Item, I give to my son Chaphen Samson the one half of all my
lands & meadow lying in Duxborough aforesaid, excepting the above mentioned
fifteen acres. ~~
Item, I also give my son David Samson liberty to live in my
house, and my mind & will is that if my said son David should not recover
his health, that my two sons viz Charles Samson & Chaphen Samson, shall
have the abovesaid fifteen acres of land, and to maintain my said son David
Samson equally between them. ~~
Item, I give to my son Chaphen Samson the one half of my
barn, and all my dwelling-house. ~~
Item, The other half of my barn, I give to my son Charles
Samson –
Item, I give and bequeath to my five daughters, viz Lidia
Bozworth wife to Nathan Bozworth, & Mary Little wife to John Little, Mercy
Hutchinson wife to Timothy Hutchinson, & Elizabeth Peneo wife to Peter
Peneo, & Eleanor Farnum wife to Joseph Farnum, the remainder of my moveable
estate, that I have not herein before given away, at my said wife’s decease, to
be equally divided among my abovesaid five daughters. ~~
Lastly, My will is that my son Chaphen Samson before named,
Be the sole executor of this my last will & testament, thus hoping that
this my last will be kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof. In witness whereof I the aforesaid David Samson have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twentysixth day of March anno Domini one thousand
seven hundred & sixty seven, 1767.
Signed, sealed & declared by the aforesd.
David Samson his
To be his last will & testament in presence of— David
Samson X (seal)
William Thomas, Nathll Thomas, Nehh.
Thomas mark
Presented for probate on 17 June 1772 by Chaphen Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Thomas and Nathaniel Thomas, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 164-165, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of George Samson of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen. I George Samson of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman being Weak in Body but of Perfect mind
& Memory thanks be Given unto God therefor, calling unto Mind the Mortality
of my Body & knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die do Make
and Ordain this My Last Will & Testament & Desire it may be Receivd by
all as Such that is to Say Princepally & first of all I Give &
Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it & my Body I Recommend
to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my
Executor hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I
Shall Receive the Same again by the Mighty Power of God and as Touching Such
Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give
Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following Manner and Form Imprimis I Give
& Bequeath to Hannah my Well Beloved Wife the Improvement of One Third Part
of my Whole Estate During her Natural Life
Item I Give to my Son
Gideon & to his Heirs and Assigns forever, all my Right & Interest in
my Mills both Grist Mill & Fulling Mill Standing on Winetuxet River, with
all the Priviledges belonging to the Same Also I Give to my Son Gideon and to
his Heirs & Assigns forever, about four Acres of Land which was Part of my
Homestead Lying on the Westey Side of the Ditch that Leads from the
Caurey Mill so called to Winnetuxet River, together, with my Lot of Meadow
Lying in Donhams Neck which I Bought of Francis Miller Called & known by
the Name of Millers-Meadow Also I Give to my Son Gideon and to his Heirs &
Assigns forever my Lot of Meadow Lying at Whetstones Brook where Said Brook
Emties itself into Winetuxet River, Also I Give to my Son Gideon my Smallest
Iron Crowbar, & my Hens
Item I Give to my Son
Zebediel and unto his Heirs & Assigns all my Farming Tools & Utensills
not before Given to my Son Gideon In this my Last Will & Testament ~
Item I Give to my Two
Sons Gideon & Zebediel my Weareing Apparrel to be Divided Equally between
them ~
The Rest & Residue of my Estate both Real & Personal
not before Disposed of I Give in Equal Division to my Four Daughters Viz
Deborah Bisbe Hannah Perkins Rebecca Killey Elizabeth Cushman to them their
Heirs & Assigns forever my Will is & I do Positively Order my son
Zebdiel Samson to pay my Just Debts & funeral Expences. Lastly I do
Constitute make & Ordain my Trusty & Well beloved Son Zebdiel Samson my
Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament and Do hereby Utterly
Disallow Revoke & Disannul all and Every Other former Testaments Will
Legacys & Bequests & Executors by me in any Ways (before) named Willed
& Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no Other, to be my Last Will
& Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal This
Twenty Seventh Day of August In the Year of our Lord 1773 ~
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
& Declared by the Said George
Samson as his Last Will & Testament
In the Presence of us the Subscribers George Samson (seal)
Thomas
Loring Junr.
Joseph
Samson
Zebedee
Chandler
Presented for probate on 8 Apr.
1774 by Zabdiel Samson, the Executor therein named, who at the same time
renounced the Executorship, and proved by Thomas Loring Junr. and
Zebedee Chandler, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration Cum
Testamento Annexo were granted to Gideon Samson.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr.
George Samson, late of Plymton, was appraised on 16 June 1774 by Jabez Newland,
Francis Shurtleff, and Thomas Waterman, and totaled £183.5.2, including a fresh
meadow valued at £13.6.8, mills and remainder of meadow valued at £61.6.8, and
cedar and spruce swamp valued at £14. Gideon Samson, the Administrator Cum
Testamento annexo gave his oath to the inventory on 4 July 1774.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 607-609, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Gideon
Samson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen—upon the
twenty eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
& ninety four, I Gideon Samson Senr of Plymton in the county of Plymouth, within the
Commonwealth of the Massachusetts bay in New England, yeoman, upon good &
serious considerations & Labouring under the infirmities of old age, and
being very sick & weak of body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be
given to God for the same, and therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my
body & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this to be my last will & testament, that is to say, principally
& first of all, I Give & recommend my Soul into the hands of God that
gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in a decent &
christian manner at the discretion of my Executor herein after named nothing
doubting but at the great a General resurrection, I shall recieve the same
again by the power of almighty God, and as touching such worldly Goods and
temporal Estate that God has been pleased to bless me in this life with I do
give & dispose thereof in the manner and form following
Imprimis—my
will is, that all my just debts & funeral charges be defrayed and paid out
of my estate
Item—I
do Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Rebecca Samson all & the whole
use & improvement of all my real & personal estate during the whole
time of her natural life, the whole of it
Item—I
do Give and bequeath unto my three kinswomen Hannah Perkins, Rebecca Killey
& Elisabeth Cushman, all & the whole of my real & personal estate
whatsoever it is (excepting what is hereafter mentioned) to them the said
Hannah Perkins, Rebecca Killey, to them, their heirs a assigns Forever—and
further it is to be understood and that my will is that the moveable Goods or
Estate that my wife ye sd Rebecca brought with her at
the time of her marriage to me shall be returned to her again or her heirs, at
the time of my decease or at her decease if she should die before me
Item—I
do Give & bequeath unto my young kinswoman Abigail Cushman one feather Bed
with the furniture, she being the Daughter of Joseph Cushman of Duxbury, to her
heirs & assigns forever. and I by presents hereby constitute & appoint
my trusty friend & relative Joseph Cushman of Duxbury to be the Sole
Executor of this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby utterly revoke
& disannul all other & former wills, testaments & bequests &
Executors before by me willed, named & bequested, Ratifying &
confirming this & no other to be my Last will & testament In witness, whereof, I have hereunto Set to
my hand & Seal, the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced & his
declared by ye sd Gideon Samson to be his Gideon X Samson (seal)
Last will & testament in the
presence mark
of us the witnesses
Arthur
Chandler
Mercy
John
Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 9 Dec.
1794 by Joseph Cushman, the Executor therein named, and proved by Arthur
Chandler & John Wadsworth, two of the witnesses.
Benja Bryant, yeoman,
Thos Gannet, Gentleman, and Joshua Loring, Gentleman, all of
Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Gideon Sampson Senr,
late of Plymton, yeoman, on 9 Dec. 1794. The inventory of the estate of Gideon
Sampson, late of Plymton, yeoman, totaled £365.16.8, and included his lands and
buildings at £177.6, various livestock, and farming utensils. Joseph Cushman,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Jan. 1795.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Hannah Samson of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1774) *
In The Name of God Amen I Hannah Samson of Plympton In the
County of Plymouth In New England Widdow Being Weak In Body But of Perfect Mind
and Memory Thanks be Given to God There for Calling unto Mind the Mortality of
my Body and Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die Do Make and
Ordain this my Last Will and Testament And Desire it to be Received by all as
Such that is to Say Principally And First of all I Give and Recommend my Soul
into the Hands of God that Gave it and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be
Buried In Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executor Hereafter
Named Nothing Doubting But at The General Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same
Again By The Mighty Power of God And as Touching Such Worldly Estate Wherewith
it Hath Pleased God to Bless me With I Give Demise And Dispose of the Same In
the Following Manner And Form
Imprimis I Give In Equal Division to my Four Daughter viz - -
- - Deborah Bisbe Hannah Perkins Rebeckah Killey and Elisabeth Cushman My
Wareing Apparel With all my Rael and Personal Estate to Them Their Heirs and
Assigns Forever my Will is and I Do Constitute Make and Ordain My trusty and
Well Beloved Daughter Deborah Bisbe My Soul Executor of This my Last Will and
Testament and Do Hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanul all and Every Other
Former Testaments Will & Legacies and Bequests and Executors by me In any
Ways Before Named Willed and Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and No
Other to be My Last Will and Testament In Witness Whereof I Have Hereunto Set
my Hand and Seal This Twenty fourth Day of May In the year of our Lord 1774
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
and Declared by the Said Hannah Samson
as Her Last Will and Testament
In the Presence of us The Subscribers
Jabez Newland her
Job Weston Hannah + Samson
Elijah Bisbe Jur mark
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #17525, the will apparently never
probated in court.
Will of Henry Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In the Name of God Amen – upon the twenty sixth day of April
in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred and sixty eight, I Henry
Samson of Duxborough, in the county of Plymouth, in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England, mariner, upon good and serious consideration,
and of perfect mind and memory, thanks be Given unto God for the same, and
therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this to be my Last will
and testament, that is to say, principally and first of all, I Give and
recommend my soul into the hands of God the Gave it, and my body I recommend to
the earth to be buried in a decent and christian manner at the discretion of my
executrix herein after named, nothing doubting but at the great and general
resurrection I shall recieve the same again by the almighty power of God, and
as touching such worldly Goods and temporal estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this Life with, I Give, Demise and dispose thereof in the
following manner and form –
Imprimis – my will is that my just debts and funeral charges
be defrayed and paid out of my estate
Item – I do Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Joanna
Samson all and the whole both of my Real and personal estate, whatsoever it is
& wheresoever it may be found, to her and her heirs and assigns forever –
Item – I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty and well
beloved wife Joanna Samson to be the sole executrix of this my Last will and
testament, and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disannul all and every
other & former wills, testament and bequests and executors by me in any
ways before me named, willed and bequested, Ratifying and confirming this and
no other to be my Last will and testament — In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal the day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced and
declared by the said Henry Samson to be his Henry Samson (seal)
Last will & testament, in the presence of us
the subscribers. ~
Salumith
Wadsworth
Sarah
Wadsworth
John
Wadsworth
Plymouth Ss. novr.
1. 1787. whereas I am appointed sole executrix to the will of my Late husband
Henry Samson decêd – and as it will be inconvenient for me to accept the trust,
I do therefore hereby wholly refuse the same
Joanna Samson
Presented for probate on 1 Nov. 1787 by Joanna Samson, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Salumith Wadsworth, one of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration cum testament annexo were granted to
Joanna Samson, she having refused the trust of executrix.
Jephtha Delano, labourer, Ezra Weston, shipwright, and
Silvanus Drew, shipwright, all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Henry Samson, late of Duxbury, on 1 Aug. 1787. The Inventory of the
estate of Mr. Henry Samson, late of Duxbury, was appraised on 1 Aug.
1787, and totaled £66.17.10, including his real estate valued at only £45.
Joanna Samson, the Administrator cum testament annexo, gave her oath to the
inventory on 1 Nov. 1787, and notified the court that the estate was insolvent
to pay its debts.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 247-249, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Isaiah Samson of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1840) *
Be it known that on
this tenth day of September eighteen hundred and forty that I, Isaiah Samson of
Pembroke in the County of Plymouth yeoman being advanced in age but of a sound
mind and memory do make this my last will & testament.
I give to my two sons Isaiah Samson jun and Thomas H. Samson
the sum of ten dollars each.
I give to my daughter Betsey Wetherell the sum of fifty
Dollars. I also give to my son Ahira Samson the use and improvement of the Farm
whereon he now lives called the Fish Farm during his natural life. I give to my
grand son George H. Samson son of Thomas H. Samson after the death of my son
Ahira Samson the Farm whereon the said Ahira now lives with all the buildings
on the same to the said George H. Samson his heirs and assigns forever and I
hereby direct my executor hereafter named to pay all my just debts and legacies
within one year from my decease out of any property that I have not disposed
of. And I hereby appoint my son Thomas H. Samson sole Executor of this my last
will & Testament. And I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by
me made
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year above written
his
Isaiah X
Samson (seal)
Mark
Signed, sealed published & declared by the above named
Isaiah Samson to be his last will & Testament in the presence of us who
have subscribed our names as Witnesses –
David
Oldham
Hervey
Stetson
Edward
L. Stetson
Presented for probate on the third Monday of Jan. 1842 by
Thomas H. Samson, the Executor therein named, and proved by David Oldham,
Hervey Stetson and Edward L. Stetson, the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Thomas H. Sampson was granted administration of the Estate of
Isaiah Sampson, late of Pembroke, Yeoman, on 17 Jan. 1842, with Joseph Boylston
and Isaac O. Stetson, all of Pembroke, as sureties.
David Oldham, Joseph Boylston and Harvey Stetson, all of
Pembroke, were appointed to appraise the estate of Isaiah Sampson, late of
Pembroke, on 17 Jan. 1842.
The Inventory of the Estate of Isaiah Sampson, late of
Pembroke, Yeoman, was appraised on 22 Jan. 1842, his Real Estate, the Fish Farm
so called, was valued at $800, and his personal estate totaled $103.03. Thomas
H. Sampson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of
Feb. 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, pp. 4-5, 49-50, from FHL
microfilm #0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 186.
Will of Joseph
Samson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen
I Joseph Samson of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in
body, but of perfect mind & memory thanks be given to God therefor, calling
unto mind the mortality of my body & knowing it is appointed for all men
once to die do make and ordain this my last will & testament, & desire
it may be recieved by all as such, that is to say, principally & first of
all, I Give & recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my
body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial, at the
discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless in this
life, I Give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner &
form
Imprimis—I
Give & bequeath to Bethiah Samson, my well beloved wife & to her heirs
& assigns Forever, one third part of all my houshold Furniture. I also give
to my beloved wife the improvement of one third part of all my real estate for
& during her natural life
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my Son Peleg Samson & to his heirs & assigns
Forever, the whole of my homestead Farm, with the buildings, privileges &
appurtenances thereunto belonging including all the lands I have purchased
adjoining my homestead farm, and also two Lots of wood Land at annasnapch[?] so
called in Plymton, whereof one lot contains by estimation six acres and the
other lot Five acres. I also give to my Son Peleg my oxen & horse, together
with all my farming tools & utensills. And also a feather bed, bedstead
& bed cord, & sufficient Furniture to dress bed decently
Item—I
Give to my Grandson Joseph Ripley & to his heirs and assigns all my wearing
apparell
Item—I
Give to my Grandson Joseph Samson Waterman & to his heirs & assigns
forever, one half of a Pew on the lower floor in the meeting house in Plymton
being all the Pew I own in said house
Item—I
Give to my two Daughters vizt Phebe Ripley the wife of Samuel Ripley
& Lucy Waterman the wife of Isaac Waterman, and to their heirs and assigns
Forever, after paying all my just debts & funeral charges, all the rest
& Residue of all my estate not before disposed of in this my last will
& testament, to be divided in equal shares between them
Lastly—I
do constitute make and ordain my Son Peleg Samson & my Friend Elijah Bisbe
junr my Sole Executors of this my last will & testament, & I
do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
will & testaments, Legacies & bequeaths & Executors by me in any
way before named, willed or bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming this and no
other to be my Last will & testament.—In witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & seal, this tenth day of January in the year of our Lord one
thousand Seven hundred & ninety four
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced &
declared by the said Joseph Samson,
as his Joseph Samson (seal)
Last will & testament in the
presence of us
the Subscribers
Thomas
Sampson
John
Bisbe
John
Wright
Presented for probate on 7 Apr.
1795 by Peleg Samson & Elijah Bisbe junr, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Thomas Sampson & John Wright, two of the witnesses.
Thomas Samson Gentleman, James
Churchill Gentleman, & John Bisbe, yeoman, all of Plymton, were appointed
to appraise the estate of Joseph Samson, late of Plymton, yeoman, on 7 Apr.
1795. The inventory of the Estate of Joseph Samson, late of Plymton, dated 5
Oct. 1795, totaled £330.11.3, including the homestead farm & buildings
valued at £219, and a lot of wood land at £8.8. Peleg Samson & Elijah Bisbe
junr, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Oct.
1795.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel
Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1749) *
In the Name of God Amen the fifteenth day of May in the Year
of our Lord One thousand seven Hundred & forty Nine I Nathaniel Samson of
Duxborough in the County of Plimouth & province of the Massachusetts bay in
New England Yeoman, upon Good & Serious Considerations & being of
perfect Mind & Memory Thanks be Given to god, and therefore Calling unto
Mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men
Once to die Do make & Ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament that
is to say principally and first of all I Give & recomend my Soul into the
Hands of God that gave it & my body I recomend to the Earth to be buried in
a Decent & Christian manner at the Discretion of my Executor herein after
Named Nothing doubting but at the General resurrection I Shall receive the same
again by the almighty power of God, and as touching such worldly Goods and
Temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life with I
give demise & dispose of the same in the Maner and form following ~~~ Imps.
my Will is that all my Just Debts & Funeral Charges be Defreyed & paid
out of my personal Estate—
Item. I do give & bequeath to my Dearly & Beloved
wife Keturah Samson all my real & personal Estate dureing the whole Term of
time that She remains my Widdow Only Excepting & reservieng a room in my
dwelling house with the privilige of Room in my Battine and Cellar for my
Daughter Anna Samson that inwhich room my said Daughter Anna Shall Chuse to
take & improve and to improve the whole of sd room with the
privilige in ye said Buttine & Cellar while my said Daughter
Anna shall remain unmarried & no longer. —
Item. I do give & bequeath unto my Eldest son surviving
Robert Samson Twenty pounds Old tenour which he has allready received and all
my Salt Meadow lying & being at a place Comonly Called Gotham in Duxborough
Salt Marshes, and Likewise twenty pounds more in the Old tenour the said Meadow
to take possession of and the twenty pound aforesaid old tenour money to be
paid by my son Abner Samson at the Expiration of my wifes widdowhood — Item I give and bequeath unto my Grand
Children the heirs of my Eldest son Noah Samson deceased the sum of twenty
pounds old tenour which he their Father has already received & likewise
twenty pounds of the old tenour bills more to be paid by my son Nathaniel
Samson at the Expiration of my Wife’s widdowhood ~~~
Item I Give &
bequeath unto my two youngest sons at the Expiration of my wife’s widdowhood
all my Homestead farme of Land with all the Buildings Orchards & fences
thereon and Fresh Meadow that is my two sons: Nathaniel Samson & Abner
Samson with all my Salt Meadow at the Beach provided that my said son Nathaniel
Samson quit & make void and of none Effect his Accompt of Debt that he has
against me but if sd son Nathaniel Samson Should Neglect or refuse
to quit or make Void his account as abovesd; that then his aforesd
part of the said Farm of it to be Sold or otherwise disposed of at the
Discretion of the Executor herein after Named for to pay the sd
Nathaniel Samson his demand that is reasonable returning the overplus if any be
to the sd Nathll. Samson (Only Excepting and reserveing
my said Daughter Anna Samsons premises or priviliges as above Expressed)
—
Item I Give &
bequeath to my two daughters Fear Simons and Keturah Cullifer to Each of them a
Bed with the furniture which they have allready received and likewise to the
said Fear Simons Ten pounds in Good bills of Credit in the Old tenour or in
Good Moveable Goods to be paid by Thomas Cullifer or the said Anna Samson as
they can agree about it at the End of my wife’s widdowhood.~~~
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my son Abner Samson One Bed
with the furniture at my wife’s decease
Item I Give and
bequeath all the rest of my Moveable Estate to my two daughters Keturah
Cullifer & Anna Samson Excepting a Bed with the furniture & my bigest
brass kittle which I do wholy give unto my daughter Anna Samson, ~~ Item my
Will is that all these premises abovesaid and bequests as abovesaid are given
to Each of my Children as abovesd. to Each of them & their Heirs
and assigns forever ~~
Item, I do hereby Constitute and appoint my trusty dutifull
and wellbeloved son Abner Samson to be the sole Executor of this my last Will
& Testament & I do hereby revoke and utterly disallow and Disanull all
& Every other Former Wills & Testaments & bequests by me in any
Before Named made Willed or Bequested, Ratifyieing and Confirming this & no
Other to be my last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I the said Nathaniel Samson have hereunto set my hand
& Seal the sd fifteenth day day of May in the year abovewritten—
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
and Declared by the said Nathaniel
Samson to be his last Will & Testamt.
In Presence of us the Subscribers— his
Mary Wadsworth
Nathaniel
X Samson (seal)
Elizabeth Alden marke
John Wadsworth jur
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1749 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Jno Wadsworth junr., Mary Wadsworth
and Eliza Alden.
The Inventory of the Real & Personal Estate of Nathaniel
Samson late of Duxborough, dated 30 Nov. 1749, was appraised by Joseph Delano,
Samll. Seabury and Isaac Partridge, and totaled £3352.49.0,
including his homestead farm valued at £1880, a piece of Salt Meadow at the
beach valued at £300, a piece of Salt Meadow at a Place called Gotham valued at
£100, and 80 bushels of Indian corn.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathaniel Samson of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
The Last will and
testament of Nathaniel Samson of Duxborough in the County of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, yeoman – I the said
Nathaniel Samson being under many bodily infirmities, yet of perfect mind and
memory, for which I bless God, and calling to mind the mortality of my body do
upon Serious consideration make and ordain these presents to be my Last will
and testament to remain firm and inviolable forever, first of all I Give &
recommend my soul to God that Gave it, and my body to the earth to be buried in
a decent Christian manner at the discretion of my Executor herein after named
nothing doubting but at the Resurrection I shall recieve it again by the power
of God, and touching such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me
with in this Life I Give and devise and dispose of the same in the following
manner and form ~
First—I Give and bequeath to Mary Samson my dearly beloved
wife the whole of all my Real and Personal Estate during her Life, that is the
Personal Estate to be at her disposal as she shall think proper and if she
should be in want she shall have Liberty of Selling any thing of off the farm
to supply her wants
Item—I Give to Abner Samson and Mary Hunt his Sister who was
son and daughter to Abner Samson of Duxborough deceased, the one third part of
what shall remain after the abovesaid widow Mary Samson deceased to be a
dividable Interest equally between them
Item—I Give to my Brother Robert Samson and my Sister Fear
Simmons who are deceased, I Give to their Heirs one third of what shall remain
at my wife’s decease ~
Item—the other third that is to be disposed of is in the
following manner that is, one third part I Give to Thomas Gullifer son to my
Sister Caturah Gullifer, and what yet remains I Give the one half to my Sister
Anne Samson’s three Children, that is, to Anne Samson and Keturah Samson &
Thomas Samson, and the other part that remains I Give to my Brother Abner
Samson’s Children that he had by his Last wife, to be equally divided amongst
them
Lastly—my will is that Gideon Harlow of Duxborough in the
County of Plymouth, yeoman, be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and
testament thus hoping that this my Last will & testament be kept and
performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof in witness whereof I
the aforesaid Nathaniel Samson have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty
second day of April Anno Domini, one thousand seven hundred eighty eight 1788
Signed, Sealed & delivered by the above
named Nathaniel Samson to be his Last Nathaniel Samson (seal)
will & testament in the presence of us
John
Hanks
Joseph
Pearce
Ichabod
Delano
Presented for probate on 4 Nov. 1788 by Gideon Harlow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Hanks and Ichabod Delano, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Gideon Harlow, the before
named Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Nathl. Samson, late
of Duxborough, yeoman, not dated, was appraised by John Hanks, Joseph Pearce
and Ichabod Delano, and totaled £284.5.3, including his real estate valued at
£202. Gideon Harlow, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 12 Dec.
1788.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, p. 491-493, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Rebeccah Samson of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of God, Amen,
I Rebeccah Samson of Kingston in the county of Plymouth,
being of a sound and perfect understanding & memory, do make this my last
will & testament as follows. –
Imprimis,
I give to my son Cornelius Samson twenty six pounds, thirteen shillings &
four pence, and also one feather-bed with all the appurtenances thereof. Item,
I give to his wife Desire Samson, my velvet cloak & velvet hood. ~
Item. I give to my son Benjamin Samson twenty six pounds,
thirteen shillings & four pence, & also my cloth riding-hood, & all
my houshold furniture of all kinds, which is not herein-mentioned. Item, I give
to his wife Deborah Samson my black gown. ~
Item, I give to my grandson Micha Samson, thirteen pounds,
six shillgs. & eight pence.
Item, I give to my grandson John Veazie, thirteen pounds, six
shillgs. & eight pence.
Item, I give to my grandson Samuel Veazie, thirteen pounds,
six shillgs. & eight pence.
Item, I give to my two grandchildren Deborah Veazie &
Rebeccah Veazie, the bed I have in use, & all the appurtenances thereof,
and also my old trunk, & what it contains, and also two large pewter
platters to be equally divided between them. –
And
I constitute & appoint my son Cornelius Samson my executor of this my last
will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal
this 6th. day of January in the year of our Lord, 1769. –
Signed & seald. in presence of us. Rebeccah Samson (seal)
Samuel Kent
Silvanus Cook
Lidia Cushing
Presented for probate on 15 May 1769 by Cornelius Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Samuel Kent and Silvanus Cook, two of the
witnesses.
The Inventory of the estate of Ms Rebeccah Sampson
was appraised by Samuel Kent, William Drew, and Silvanus Cook, not dated, but
totaled £157.14.5½, including an obligation on Zadock Thomas and Isaac Churchel
with the interest valued at £117.13.0. Cornelius Samson, the administrator,
gave his oath to the inventory on 15 Aug. 1769.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 226, 265, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Robert Samson of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Robert Samson of Duxborough in the
County of Plymouth Yeoman being in a Poor State of Health And of Perfect mind
& Memory thanks be Given to God Calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body
& knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die Do make & Ordain
this my Last Will & Testament that is to Say Principally & first of All
I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it & my Body
I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a Decent Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executor nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I
Shall Receive the Same Again by the Power of God And as Touching Such Worldly
Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give Demise
& Dispose of the Same in the following Manner & Form.
First I Give & Bequeath to Alice Samson my Dearly Beloved
Wife the whole & Sole Improvment of all my Real & Personal Estate
during her Widowhood & if that Should not be Sufficient full Power to Sell
of the Estate for her Support after my Funeral Charges & Just Debts are
Paid my son Noah Samson Whom I Constitute & Ordain the Sole Executor of
this my Last Will & Testament with what Assistance he Shall Chuse
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son Perez Samson One Pound
with what he has Already had to be paid after his Mothers Decease
Item I Give my Daughter Alice Samson One half Share with my
Four Sons of my Real & Personal Estate Except what I Shall Mention
hereafter. Item I Give to Noah Samson my Son Six Pounds. Item I Give to my Son
Levi Samson four Pounds out of my Estate after my Wifes Decease And After these
Legacies above taken out I Give to my son Noah Samson One fifth Part Levi
Samson my Son One fifth Part Robert Samson my son One fifth Part & Consider
Samson One fifth Part and to Edeth Samson my Daughter I Give One half Shear with
four Sons which makes the Whole of my Real & Personal Estate after their
Mothers Deceas And do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke & Disanul all and
Every Other former Testaments Wills Legacies Bequests & Executor by me in
any Ways before made Willed & Bequeathed Ratifying & Confirming this
& no Other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness Whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Twenty fourth Day of January One Thousand
Seven hundred & Seventy five. Signed Sealed Published Pronounced &
Declared by the Said Robert Samson as his Last Will and Testament In Presence
of us who in Presence of Each Other have hereto Set our Names ~
Perez Randal Robert Samson (seal)
Anthony Samson
Sarah X
Samson
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1775 by Noah Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Perez Randal and Anthony Samson, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Noah Samson, the
before named Executor.
Perez Howland, Ebenezar Chandler and Perez Chandler, all of
Duxborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Robert Samson, late of
Duxborough. The inventory, dated 1 Feb. 1776, totaled £329.19.3, including his
homestead farm valued at £160. Noah Samson, the Administrator, gave his oath to
the inventory on 4 Mar. 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, pp. 43-44, 60, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Samuel
Samson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1744) *
Know all men by these presents That I Samuel Samson of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New England being at this
present time Very Sick & Weak of body but of a sound and Disposeing mind
& memory and being sensible of my own Mortallity and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this to be my last will
and Testament to remain inviolable for ever.
Imprimis all the lands building and Improvements that I have Given to my
two sons Obediah Samson & Gershom Samson by Deeds of Gift under my hand
& Seal I Confirm to them their Heirs and Assigns forever. Item I Give and
bequeath To my well beloved son Ichabod Samson all my Six Acres of meadow that
I bought of Isaac Wadsworth and allso all my Other lands that I have not yet
Disposed of to him his heirs assigns forever. Futhermore after my Just debts
& Funeral Charges are paid I give and bequeath to my Aforesd Son
Gershom Samson all my Wearing Apparell and all my Goods & Chattles that I
shall have at the day of my Decease Excepting that he Shall pay to his brother
Samuel Samson the Sum of five pounds old tenour & to his brother Ichabod
Samson one of my Cows and to his brother Obediah Samson three Sheep & to
his daughter Ruth One Sheep & to all the rest of his Children two Sheep
more to be Equally Divided among them and allso that he Shall pay to his Sister
Esther Burden one Cheap bible & he Shall pay to his Sister Mary Fuller the
sum of five shillings old tenour –
Item I do Give & bequeath to my Aforesd. son Gershom
Samson all my Debts due to me at the day of my decease whom I likewise
Constitute make and ordain my Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament
and I the Abovesd. Samuel Samson do Confirm this & no other to
be my last will and Testament and In Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this thirty first day of August one thousand Seven hundred
forty & four
Signed Sealed published & Declared his
By the sd. Samuel Samson as his Samuel X Samson (seal)
Last will and testament In marke
Presence of us –
Benjamin Gurney
John X Savery Junr
Nehemiah Bennett
Probated on 20 Sept. 1744, and proved by Benja.
Gurney, John Savery Junr and Nehemiah Bennett, the witnesses.
Letters of Administration granted to Gershom Samson of Middleboro.,
the Executor, on 20 Sept. 1744.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 338, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Seth Samson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Seth Samson of the
town of Middleborough, in the county of Plymouth, in New-England, being weak of
body, yet of a sound & disposing memory & understanding, blessed be God
for the same, yet being sensible of the mortality of my body, and that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will and
testament to be firm and inviolable forever.—
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my well beloved
wife Thankful Samson one third part of all my movable estate, after my just
debts & funeral charges are first paid out of the same. and also all the
movables that she brought with her when she came to live with me; and further I
give & bequeath to her my said wife the use & improvement of one third
part of all my Lands & buildings during her natural life. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Jemima the wife of
Lemuel Jackson, (beside what I have already given to her,) one dollar, to be
paid her by my son Seth Samson jr.
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Kezia the wife of
Jedediah Wood, (beside what I have already given her,) one dollar, to be paid
to her by my aforesaid son Seth.–
Item, I give & bequeath to my daughter Betty the wife of
Gideon Hacket (beside what I have already given her,) one dollar, to be paid
her by my aforesaid son Seth. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my son Abner Samson, (beside
what I have already given him,) one dollar, to be paid him by my aforesaid son
Seth. —
Item, I give & bequeath to my grandson Issachar Samson
the son of my son Issachar deced the sum of ten dollars if he shou’d live to
the age of twenty one years, to be paid him by my aforesaid son Seth. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my aforesaid son Seth Samson
all my estate real & personal, not already disposed of, to him his heirs
& assigns forever. — And my will is, and I do hereby constitute &
appoint my aforesaid son Seth Samson, sole executor of this my Last will &
testament. Thus hoping that this my Last will & testament will be kept
& performed according to the true intent & meaning hereof, I comit my
body to the dust, and my soul to God who gave it. – In Witness whereof, I the
aforesaid Seth Samson have hereunto set my hand & seal this thirtieth day
of January one thousand, seven hundred & seventy.
Signed, sealed, & declared by the sd. Seth
Samson Seth Samson (seal)
as his last will & testament in presence of us.
Silvanus
Cobb
Jedediah
Bennet
Jacob
Bennet
Presented for probate on 16 May 1770 by Seth Samson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jedediah Bennet and Jacob Bennet, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Seth Samson, the
Executor, with Ichabod Wood and Jacob Bennet, all of Middleborough, yeomen, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 372-373, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Capt. Simeon Samson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1787) *
In the Name of God Amen – I Simeon Samson of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth, within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire, being
under infirmity of body, but of sound and disposing mind & memory, do make
this my Last will and testament – after recommending my soul into the hands of
almighty God, and my body to the earth, to be buried in a decent & becoming
manner, I Give, Devise and bequeath my Estate wherewith God has been pleased to
endow me (after the payment of my just debts and funeral Charges), in the
following manner & form vizt–
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Deborah
Samson the Sole use and improvement of my whole Estate both Real and Personal
so Long as she remains my widow, and no Longer, saving and excepting what is
hereafter in this my will excepted–and if she should marry again, then, &
in that case, I Give to her, her wearing apparell, and no more, during her Life
–
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Lydia
Cushing Goodwin to be paid by my Executrix hereafter named in convenient time
after my decease, twenty eight shillings Lawful money in Specie to be Laid out
in a handsome Gold Ring, which Together with what she hath heretofore had of my
Estate in Houshold Goods &c, I consider as her full share and portion of my
Estate
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter Deborah
Samson out of my Houshold furniture, a feather Bed with Suitable Covering
thereto, and a trunk – I also Give her (to be purchased out of my other Estate)
as much furniture both for Quantity & Quality, as I have Given my Daughter
Lydia Cushing Goodwin, agreable to a memorandum thereof which I have made, and
to which I Refer, to be delivered to her by my Executrix hereafter named, at
the time of her my said Daughter’s marriage or when her mother hath done with
the same by her death or marriage—I also Give to my said Daughter Deborah, the
priviledge of a comfortable & suitable Residence in my Dwelling House in
Plymton so Long as she remains unmarried
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my two beloved Daughters
Mercy & Marie each of them, a feather Bed with suitable covering thereto,
and a trunk, to be taken out of my Houshold furniture, together with the whole
of the remainder of my Houshold furniture, and their mother’s wearing apparell,
to be equally divided between them, that is to say, when their mother shall
have done with the same, by her death or marriage–I also Give to each of them a
privilege of a comfortable & Suitable Residence in my Dwelling House in
Plymton so Long as they or either of them shall remain unmarried ~
Item – my will is, that my Pew on the Lower floor in the
meeting House be and remain for the use of the family so Long as they Live
& remain together in my Dwelling House in Plymton
Item – I give and bequeath unto my beloved Son George
Washington Samson out of my Houshold furniture (when his mother has done with
the same by her death or marriage) a feather Bed & Covering suitable for
the same, and my trunk, my Easy Chair and one Windsor chair, any thing in the
beforegoing contained to the contrary notwithstanding–together with all my
wearing apparell my Sea Chart, all my warlike instruments, Books, maps and
Charts–I also Give Devise and bequeath unto my said Son George Washington Samson,
all the remainder of my Estate, whether Real, Personal, or mixt, wheresoever
the same is or may be found, to be to him the said George his heirs and assigns
forever, that is to say after his mother’s term ceases and expires –
Item–I do hereby ordain, nominate and appoint my beloved wife
Deborah Samson, Sole Executrix of this my Last will and testament–In Testimony
and Confirmation of all which I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this
fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred
and Eighty Seven –
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared by ye.
sd. Simeon Samson, as & for his Last will and
testament, in the presence of us the subscri- Simeon Samson (seal)
bers & in ye. presence of each other
Isaac
Lothrop
Stephen
Sampson
Joshua
Thomas
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1789 by Deborah Samson, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Isaac Lothrop and Stephen Sampson, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Deborah Samson, the before named Executrix.
The Inventory of the Estate of Capt. Simeon
Sampson, late of Plymton, was appraised on 17 Sept. 1789 by Kimball Prince and
Seth Cushing, and totaled £891.17.7, his real estate valued at £638.14,
including his homestead farm and buildings valued at £580. Deborah Sampson, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 28 Oct. 1796.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 27-29, from FHL microfilm
#0550716, and Vol. 35, p. 574.
Will of Uriah Samson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
Know all men, that I Uriah Samson of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak of
body yet of a sound and disposing memory & understanding, blessed be God
for the same, yet considering the mortality of the body, knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will &
testament, to be firm & Inviolable forever.~
Imprimis—As a consideration to answer in the room of the
Dowry to my beloved wife Anna in my Real & Personal Estate, I Give &
bequeath to her my said wife two Good Cows – twelve Sheep– & the one third
part of my Indoor moveables as her own proper Estate, and at her own use &
disposal, also the use & Improvement of the one half of my Dwelling House
where I now Live with the privileges thereof as Long as she shall remain my
widow with fire wood ready at the door Cut of Sufficient for the Support of one
fire during said term, with the use of a horse to Ride free from expences at
any time she shall see cause during said term, together with the use of my
Riding Shay at any time she shall see cause to visit any of her Daughters –
also to be delivered to her yearly after my decease the following Articles –
viz~. Fifteen bushels of Indian Corn – five bushels of Rye one
hundred & twenty pounds of pork, Sixty pounds of beef, three bushels of
tirnips three bushels of Potatoes, four pounds of bohea tea, three pounds of Chocolate
half a hundred weight of Sugar, Six Gallons Molasses, Sixty pounds of Cheese,
twenty pounds of Butter, half a hundred of flour & twenty four shillings in
Silver money as Long as she shall remain my widow all the above enumerated
articles to be Good & merchantable–also to be kept well for her winter
& Summer two Cows & twelve Sheep during said term, yet excepting out of
the said improvement of said half the said House for my two Daughters viz~–
Mary & Phebe to have priviledges of Living in as Long as they shall remain
unmarried, which privilege I do hereby Give them
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Ezra Samson besides what
I have already Given him Six Shillings to be paid as hereafter expressed ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son John Samson, his heirs
and assigns forever, about thirty acres of Land & a Dwelling House, being
part of that Land & the same Dwelling House which I hold by Deed under the
hand & Seal of Experience Samson, being the whole of what is contained by
said Deed, lying on the north-westerly side of the high way – also one fourth
part of my new barn & privileges thereof – Also three acres of Land to be
measured of my Land Lying near Mr Turner’s meeting house, which is
known by the name of the Bolon Land said three acres to be measured of in an
equal square as near as may be in the southerly corner of said Land, to be
bounded by the high way on one side, and by the Line of my said Son John’s Land
on one other side each Line an equal distance
Item – I Give and bequeath to my four Sons, Uriah Samson –
Isaac Samson – Elias Samson & Daniel Samson all the remaining part of my
Real Estate which I have not here before disposed of, containing my Homestead
& out Lands & buildings to be equally divided between them to them
their Heirs and assigns, and also to my said four Last named Sons, all my Live
Stock & out door moveables (my Riding Shay excepted) together with two
thirds of my Indoor moveables to be equally divided amongst them, to have and
to hold the same by their paying out of the said Estate the debts, Legacies
&c hereafter in this instrument provided & directed, and also all my
debts dues or demands on any persons –
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah the wife of
Capt Josiah King the value of Eighteen pounds Lawful money in any
Houshold Furniture which she may stand in need of or see cause to recieve –
also Six pounds Lawful money in Cash, within the term of twelve months after my
decease ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Hannah the wife
of the Revd. Mr. John Reed my Riding Shay (excepting the
privileges which I have Given my said wife as before described) Also the sum of
Fifteen pounds Lawful money to be delivered her in Cash in twelve months after
my decease
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Anna the wife of
Hugh Montgomery the value of twelve pounds Lawful money, to be in some Specific
articles that shall be merchantable, in twelve months after my decease –
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Samson the
value of Fifty four pounds Lawful money in Houshold Furniture or some Specific
articles & Six pounds Lawful money in Cash, in twelve months after my
decease ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Phebe Samson the
value of fifty four pounds Lawful money to be in Houshold furniture or other
Specific articles, and also Six pounds Lawful money in Cash in one year after
my decease
Item – I Give & bequeath further to my Son Isaac Samson
the value of Thirty pounds Lawful money, to be in some merchantable Specific
articles in twelve months after my decease ~
Item – I further Give & bequeath to my Son Uriah Samson
the value of Fifteen pounds Lawful money, to be in some merchantable Specific
articles in twelve months after my decease. ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my five Sons vizr
John Samson, Uriah Samson, Isaac Samson, Elias Samson & Daniel Samson, to
be equally divided amongst them, all my wearing apparell, together with my Pew
on the Lower Floor & my half a Pew in the Gallery of the meeting house
where Mr. Turner now preaches, excepting privileges for my wife
before mentioned & my two Daughters Mary & Phebe to use & occupy
for their own persons as Long as they see cause, which privileges I do hereby
Give them — and all my just debts Funeral Charges, with all the afore mentioned
Legacies, with the allowances, provisions & privileges Given & assigned
for my wife as before described, shall be made out of & by the Estate which
I have here before by this Instrument Set & bequeathed to my said four Sons
Isaac, Uriah, Elias & Daniel & performed as abovesaid
And my
will is, and I do hereby Constitute and appoint my said two Sons Uriah Samson
& Isaac Samson to be joint Executors to this my Last will &
testament—thus hoping that this my Last will & testament will be kept &
performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof I commit my Soul
to God who Gave it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial—In Witness
whereof I the said Uriah Samson have hereto Set my hand and Seal this Ninth day
of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred Eighty & Nine
Signed Sealed & declared
In presence of Uriah Samson (seal)
Nehemh.
Bennet
Seth Hoar
Jonathan Caswell junr
Presented for probate on 7 June 1790 by Uriah Samson and
Isaac Samson, the Executors therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Bennet and
Seth Hoar, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Uriah Samson and Isaac Samson, the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Uriah Samson, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 7 Sept. 1790 by Nehemiah Bennet and John
Nelson, and totaled £1658.10.4½, including his homestead lands with two
dwelling houses and other buildings valued at £999. Uriah and Isaac Sampson,
the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Oct. 1790.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, pp. 187-190, 269-270, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of James Sands
of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York (1730) *
In the Name of God Amen this twenty first day of September in
the year of our Lord Christ Seventeen hundred & thirty I James Sands of the
Township of Oysterbay in Queens County Yeoman being in bodily health and at the
same time in perfect mind and memory calling to mind the mortality of my body
and Knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do make ordain and
constitute this my last Will & Testament and principally and first of all I
give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it me my body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian decent manner att the
discretion of my Executors and as att Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I after my funeral Expences and
Just debts are paid and discharged, I give devise and dispose of the same in in
the manner and form following Viz: Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my well
beloved Son Othniel Sands the West Lott that I bought of Anthony Wright and
half my right in the old purchase besides what I have already given him by Deed
of Gift withall I oblige my Son Othinel his heirs Executors or Administrators
to pay out of the said Lands given him unto my two Sons Abijah and John twenty
six pounds New York Money that is thirteen pounds to each of them and in case
my Son Othniel refuse to pay the said sum of twenty six pounds as aforesaid
within one year after my Decease my Will is that on his refusal or neglect my
Executors sell so much Land of that Lott purchased by me of Wright as will
amount to the sum of twenty six pounds besides the necessary charges and the
same to pay to my Sons Abijah and John or to their heirs or Executors or
Administrators and this Will of mine shall be sufficient for my Executors to
give Title for the same in Case of neglect or refusal of my Son Othniel as
afore Item I give and bequeath unto my
Son James Sands to him his heirs and assigns for ever all my farm or Lands
Messuages buildings Ediffices &c with all Medows Marshes Creeks and Sedges
or Shedg bank as Appertaining thereunto now in my possession at Matenecock so
called that is my home farm and besides all that I lately bought of Isaack
Foreman and half my right on the East end of the Plains and I further give my
son James two young Oxen two cows three horses Mares and ten Sheep six Swine
and all my Carts and plows and plow irons and all Utensills or tackling
thereunto belonging with all my Carpenters and Coopers tools and my Will is
that my said Son James and my Will is that my Son James out of the Lands that
by this my Will I have given him pay and discharge all my funeral Expences Just
debts whether bonds or otherwise and also that he my said Son pay or cause to
be paid unto my Sons Abijah and John forty Pound York money that is twenty
Pounds to each of them Each of their heirs Executors or Administrators and that
within the space of one year after my Decease and in case my Son James refuse
or neglect to pay the said Legacys or Debts bonds or other securityes as
aforesaid I Will that my Executors Sell as much of my Lands at Matenecock given
him as shall amount to a sum sufficient to pay and discharge my debts and bonds
and pay the said Legacies as aforesaid
Item I give and bequeath unto my two Sons Abijah and John all that half
Share of Land of mine which is at Goshen in Orange County in New York Province
which is in partnership with Richard Cornwell except one hundred acres out of
the undivided given to Samuel Everett I
further give my said Sons Abijah and John half my right in Oyster bay old
purchase to them their heirs and assigns for ever besides what I have given
them by Deed of gift in Goshen and if either of them die without Issue the survivor
to have all my Lands in Goshen given them in case the pleasure of God be that I
dye before next spring that James pay out of what I have given & Shall give
him ten pounds unto Abijah and John besides the forty pounds above I further give Abijah and John a bed and
covering boulster and two pillows convenient to the same and two Cows and
Calves two two year old Steers and ten sheep when they can keep them and I Will
that all the rest of my Personal Estate be Inventoryed after my Decease and
that my Son James Sands for and in conderations of the payment by him to be
made as above have the profitts and advantages of the said Personal Estate of
mine for four years after my decease and then according as the inventory
amounted to the same to be equally divided between my four Daughters Viz Mary
Zerviah Jerusha and Sarah equall alike only I Will that James shall Keep the
one half of Sarah part in his hands till Sarah hath a Child and if that never
be then to James to remain, and I do hereby appoint and constitute my trusty
and well beloved friends, but I Will and give unto my Grand daughter Sarah
Everett ten pounds out of my Personal Estate before any division be made in my
Personal Estate Caleb Cornell Esqr. of Hemstead and Samuell
Underhill of Oysterbay Yeomen both of Queens County my whole and sole Executors
of this my last Will & Testament hereby giving and Granting them hereby my
whole power Strength & Authority to act and do as Executors as fully and
largely as if the matter was more fully inlarged and I do hereby utterly revoke
and disannull all and every other former Will Testament Legasie bequeath
Executor &c. by me before this time Willed named &c. Ratifying and
confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the day and year first above written
James Sands (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced Declared and delivered by
the said James Sands to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us
Wm. Burch
Pete Hegeman
Benjamin X
Carpenter
Probated on 19 Jan. 1733, and Letters of Administration were
granted to Caleb Cornnell, one of the Executors, Samuel Underhill the other
Executor having relinquished his right to the Office of Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 12, p. 126-128, copied from
original Liber 12, p. 129-131.
Will of John Savory of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen. This twentieth day of May in the
year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & Seventy Eight. I John Savory
of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the Massachusetts State being
weak in body but sound in understanding and memory Blessed be God, yet being
sensible of my own mortality and knowing that it is appointed for all men once
to die do make and ordain this my Last Will and testament, that is to say,
principally & first of all I Give & recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that Gave it and my body to the Earth to be decently buried at the
discretion of my Executor, not doubting but at the General resurrection I shall
recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and touching such worldly
Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with–I Give & dispose of the same
in the following manner ~
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my Loving wife Mary Savory
the use & improvement of all my Estate during Life if she shall see fitt to
improve the same ~
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my daughter, Mary Savory the
One half of my indoor moveables excepting what I shall hereafter mention, also
one Cow, also Liberty so far as she needs in my house, so Long as she remains
unmarried, with the improvement of one half of my Real Estate during the
continuance of her remaining unmarried
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my daughter Lydia Tinkham the
other half of my indoor moveables excepting what I shall hereafter mention, to
her, her heirs and Assigns forever ~
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Grandson, Daniel Savory
all my Real Estate to him, his heirs and assigns forever for him to come into
possession of the one half thereof after his Grandmothers decease, by his
Guardian, if then a minor and the other half at the decease of his Aunt Mary
Savory, or at her marriage–also I Give him my Arms & ammunition, & also
all my wearing Apparell, also all my outdoor moveables excepting so much as to
discharge my Just debts & funeral charges ~
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Grandson Nehemiah Savory
the sum of Ten pounds to be paid to him at the age of twenty one years by his
Brother Daniel Savory, & my will is that my provisions that shall be Left
in case my wife shall not Live to spend them, shall be divided between my
daughter Mary & my Grandson Daniel Savory in Equall proportion
And I do by this my Last Will & Testament, constitute and
appoint my trusty friend William Shaw of Middleborough sole Executor to his my
Last Will and testament, as also a Guardian to my Grandson Daniel Savory. In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year above
mentioned
his
Signed, Sealed, published & declared John X Savory (seal)
in presence of – mark
William
Bennett
Nathan
Cobb
Joseph
Ellis
Presented for probate on 6 July 1778 by William Shaw, the
Executor therein named, and proved by William Bennett and Joseph Ellis, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
William Shaw, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Savory, late of
Middleborough, not dated, was appraised by Samuel Smith, Charles Ellis, and
William Bennett, and totaled £318.0.3, including his real estate valued at
£240. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 25 July 1778, and
William Shaw, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Oct. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 71-72, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will and Codicil of David Seaman of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York
(1759) *
In the name of God Amen this twenty third day of March in ye.
year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine I David
Seaman of Oyster Bay in Queens County on Nassaw Island and in ye.
Province of New York being at this time in a poor State of health but my mind
and memory Sound and good and considering the uncertainty of this life and
knowing that all men must dye and leave this transitory World sooner or later
do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally and
first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it me
and my body to the Earth to be buryed in a decent manner at ye.
discretion of my Executors hereafter named and appointed and as touching such
Worldly Estate which it hath pleased God in his great Bounty and goodness to
bless me with all in this life I give devise and dispose of ye. same
in ye. following manner and form
Imprimis it is my Will that all my just debts be fully paid and
Satisfied with all convenient Speed out of my movable Estate by my Executors
hereafter named and appointed Item I
give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife Mary Seaman her Choice of my beds
with ye furniture thereunto belonging and also her Choice of my
Mares with her side Saddle and Bridle and my Gold Shirt Sleeve Buttons and
three Cows such as she shall chose out of my Cows Item I give and bequeath unto my Eldest Son
and heir David Seaman and to his heirs and assigns forever all that of my half
of ye. Plain Inclosure (which is in Company with my Brother Zebulun
Seaman) and also fifty Acres of Plain land out of my Share which lyes to the
Southward of ye. aforesaid Inclosure
I also give unto my sd. Son David my Silver headed Cane and
Mathematical Instruments and all my Books with all ye residue of my
apparel It is further my Will and I do
hereby order my sd. Son David to pay unto his Mother ye aforesaid
Mary Seaman when he arrives at ye. age of twenty five years ye Sum
of Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence and unto each of his Brothers
Willits Seaman, Micah Seaman Robert Seaman and Isaac Seaman ye. Sum
of Thirteen pounds six Shillings and Eight pence and unto each of his Sisters
(Mary Seaman, Temperance Seaman Rebeca Seaman Abigal Seaman Hannah Seaman and
Martha Seaman the sum of six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence which sd.
Severall sums of money Amounts to ye sum of one hundred pounds I also Will and bequeth unto my aforesd.
Son David and to his heirs and assigns forever all my right Title and Interest
in my Hill Lott so Called and the Orchard that I have at Jericho and ye Wood
land that I have between Jeremiah Robbins his land and the Plains and further
it is my Will and I do hereby impower and direct my Executors hereafter named
and appointed or ye Major part of ye. Survivors of them that in case
my said Son David Shall refuse or neglect to pay out ye aforesaid Sums of money
to my aforesd. Wife and Children to Sell and dispose of so much of ye
aforesd. Plains as to Satisfye ye. aforesd.
Legacies and to pay ye. same as above directed it is further my Will
and I do hereby require direct and fully impower my Executors hereafter named
and appointed or ye. major part of the Survivers of them that shall
take upon them ye Execution of this my last Will and Testament to Sell and
dispose of all ye. remaining part of my Estate of what kind or
Nature soever or wheresoever the same may be found and to give a good and
lawfull Title to ye. purchaser or purchasers of my lands or any part
or parcell thereof and when my Estate is Sold and turned into money as afore
directed my Will is that when all ye. incidential charges is fully
paid and to my Executors for their time and Expence about my affairs that my
Executors shall pay to my aforesd. Wife Mary Seaman ye.
Equall fifteenth part of the remainder of ye. money ariseing by the
Sale aforesd. to her own propper use in case she Release her dower
and not otherwise and I give and bequeth unto my Son Willits Seaman and to his
own propper use two fifteen parts of the money ariseing by ye Sales as aforesd.
and I give and bequeth unto my Son Micah Seaman and to his own propper use two
fifteen parts of ye money ariseing by ye Sales as aforesd. and I give
and bequeth unto my Son Robert Seaman and to his own propper use two fifteen
parts of sd. money ariseing by ye Sales as aforesd. and I
give and bequeth unto my Son Isaac Seaman and to his own propper use two
fifteen parts of sd. money ariseing by ye. Sales as
aforesd. I give and bequeth unto each of my Six daughters and to
each of their propper uses (Viz.) Mary Seaman, Temperance Seaman Rebecca Seaman
Abigal Seaman Hannah Seaman and Martha Seaman in equall Shares all ye.
remaining part of ye. money ariseing by ye. Sales afsd.
Which is to each of them one fifteenth part and my Will is that each respective
Childs part of ye. sd. money shall be put out at interest
by my Executors and ye interest of such Childs part or so much as my Executors
shall judge convenient to be paid to my Wife for ye. Educateing and
bringing them up untill they attain to ye. age of thirteen years if
she keeps them so long and do not Marry and not otherwise but if my sd.
Wife should Marry or dye before my Children or either of arrives at ye.
age aforesd. that then and in such case I do hereby impower my
Executors or ye. Major part of the Survivors of them to take ye.
Children into their care and to Educate them at their discretion keeping back
such Childs part of ye interest as aforesd. or so much as is
necessary for their satisfaction and when each Child shall arive at ye
age of thirteen as aforesd. the money shall be kept at interest each
ones part for their and each of their advantages at ye discretion of my
executors and my Sons to be put out to Trades at ye discretion of my
sd. Executors and each Childs legacy to be paid to them respectively
as they shall arive at Lawfull age or day of Marriage And in case any Contest or dispute should
arise in and about my Real or Personal Estate or any part thereof that then and
in such case I do hereby fully impower and Authorize my sd.
Executors or the Major part of ye Survivers of them to Compound
agree Settle Arbitrate defend and Prosecute in Law or otherwise as they shall
think propper for the Advantage of my sd Legatees in as full and
ample manner as I myself could do in my Life time against or with any Person or
Persons whatsoever. Lastly I do hereby
constitute Ordain and appoint my loveing Brother Zebulun Seaman and my beloved
Brother in Law Richard Willits and my loveing Couzen William Seaman and my
dutifull Son David Seaman all of Oyster Bay aforesd. to be ye.
Extrs. of this my last Will and Testament giveing unto them or ye.
Majer part of them that is ye Survivers and do take upon them ye
Execution of this my last Will and Testament my full Power and Authority to
Execute the same and I do hereby utterly disallow and disanull all and every
former Wills Legacys bequeths and Executors before this time given and named
Ratefying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and
Testament In Witness whereof I the sd.
David Seaman have hereunto set to my hand and Seal the day and date first above
written.
David Seaman (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and declared by ye
sd David Seaman as his last Will and Testament in ye
presence of us ye Subscribers
Peter Vanderwater
Robert Hubbs
William X Parsilo
Be it know To all men by these presents that whereas I David
Seaman of Oyster Bay in Queens County on Nassau Island within ye.
Province of New York having made and declared my last Will and Testament in
writing bearing date the twenty third day of March in ye. year of
our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine I the sd.
David Seaman by this present Codicil do ratify and confirm my sd.
last Will and Testament and do give and bequeath unto my two Sons David Seaman
and Willits Seaman my Smiths Shop and all ye. Smiths Tools of what
kind soever to be equally divided between them and likewise I give to each of
them a Gun and Sword which I have Item I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Mary Seaman ye. use
& proffits of all my Houses lands and all other of ye appurtenances
thereunto belonging untill ye same be sold by my Executors and
likewise ye Grain that is now on ye ground and likewise all ye yarn
Flax and Cloth both Linnen and Woollen that is prepared for Clothing for my
Family and all ye. Wool that is on my Sheeps backs for ye. use of
her and my Family and not otherwise and my Will and meaning is that this
Codicil or Schedule be, and be adjudged to be part and Parcel of my sd.
Last Will and Testament and that all things contained and mentioned herein be
faithfully and truly performed and as fully and amply in every respect as if ye.
same were so declared and set down in my sd. last Will and
Testament Witness my hand this twenty
fourth day of March in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred
and fifty nine.
David Seaman (seal)
Signed and Sealed in ye presence of Robert Seaman,
James Townsend.
Probated on 25 Apr. 1759 at Oyster Bay, the will proved by
Peter Vanderwater, Robert Hubbs and William Parslo, the Witnesses, and the
codicil proved by Robert Seaman and James Townsend, the Witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Zebulun Seaman, David Seaman, William Seaman,
and Richard Willets, the Executors, the said Zebulun Seaman and David Seaman
being first sworn, and the said William Seaman and Richard Willets being duly
affirmed, on 13 Jan. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 21, p. 483-488, copied from
original Liber 21, p. 481-485.
Will of Jacob
Seaman of
Know all men by these presents that I Jacob Seaman of Jericho
in the bounds of Oyster Bay in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Province
of New York Yeoman being this tenth day of the forth Month in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine Sick and weak of body but my
understanding sound and memory good and well remembring the uncertainty of this
life do make and Ordain this present writing to contain my last Will and
Testament in manner following first of all I Will and bequeath unto my Son
Gilbert Seaman one of my fether Beds & full furniture and half a dozen
Chears to his free disposall Item I Will
and bequeath unto my three Children Viz. Jacob Seaman Gilbert Seaman and my
daughter Amey Kirbe all my Books to be equally divided amongst them and to
their free disposall Item I Will and
bequeath unto my daughter Amey Kirbe all my Household goods of all kinds
whatsoever (except what is above given away) I also Will and bequeath unto my
said daughter Six Cows and Six Calves Ten Ewes and Ten Lambs and Ten other
Sheep and my Sorriel Horse and my rideing Chair and her side Saddle and Six
three years old Cattle all to her free disposal
Item I Will and bequeath unto my Son Gilbert Seaman my Gun and two Cows
and two Calves and four young Cattle to his free disposall Item I Will and bequeath unto my two Sons
Jacob Seaman and Gilbert Seaman all my houses buildings Lands and improvements
of what nature circumstance or condition soever both lotted lands and lying in
Common and all my meadow ground both Salt and frest lying in the Township of
Oyster Bay or Hempstead or elsewhere to be equally divided between them and to
remain unto them their heirs & assigns forever together with all the
remainder of my Personall or moveable Estate except what is before given away
to be equally divided between them and to their free disposal on Condition that
my said two Sons pay and discharge all my just debts which I do owe to any
manner of Person or Persons whomsoever and my Will is that each of my Sons pay
the equall half of my said debts Lastly
I do constitute ordain and appoint my two Sons Jacob Seaman and Gilbert Seaman
my Executors of this my last Will and Testament and my Will is further
notwithstanding what is above written that in case either of my two Sons should
happen to dye before my debts are fully paid then in that case it is my Will
and I do fully impower the survivor of my Sons to Sell so much of my lands
& Meadows as Will fully pay and discharge all my just debts and that such
Survivor of my two Sons shall have full power to give a good Title to the
purchaser or purchasers and out of the money ariseing therefrom my debts to be
fully paid. In Witness hereunto I have set to my hand and fixed my Seal the day
and year above written.
Jacob Seaman (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the sd.
Jacob Seaman as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of the
Subscribers which Witnessed the same in the presence of the Testator
Isaac Doty
Willet Seaman
Samuel Willis
Probated on 7 Feb. 1760, and proved by Isaac Doty, of the
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Seaman of Hempstead,
In the Name of ye Lord Amen I John Seaman the
Elder of Hempstead in Queens County upon Long Island (Alias Nassow) in ye
province of New-Yorke Being weak & Indisposed in body but of perfect mind
and memory glory be given to God for ye same but considering wth
my self ye frailty and uncertainty of this Life wch
is mortall & yt it appertaineth to every man to sett in order
all worldly concernes so yt after Deceas noe suite trouble or
controversy may ensue or arise for ye same and being well advised
with that great and weighty work I am now about Doe make and Declare this my
Last will and Testamt in manner and form following That is to say
First and Principally I Doe recommend my Soul and Spirit to God and my body to
ye Earth of wch it was framed to be Decently Interred att
ye Discretion of my wife and my sons that may survive and as
touching that outward estate that God had endeared me with all concerning of
Lands goods & chattells I give bequeath and Divise in manner and forme
following Item I do give and bequeath to my Eldest Sone John Seaman A certaine
Two and twenty acre lott of Land more or less of which he is now In possession
of where he now lives as also a certain Twenty acre lott of meadow more or less
scituate upon a neck called by ye name of ye great Neck
Lying Eastward and wthin ye bounds of ye said Town of
Hampstead to him & to his heyres and Assignes for ever Item I doe give and
bequeath to my five Sons namely Jonathan Benjamin Solomon Thomas and Samuell
Seaman Four hundred acres of Land according to a pattent granted by Collonell
Richard Nicolls Scituate and Lying at a Place commonly called and Known by ye
name of Jerusalem within the bounds of Hempstead aforesaid to bee equally
Divided amongst them and to them and to their heirs and Assignes for ever also
to my said five Sones namely Jonathan Benjamin Solomon Thomas and Samuell
Seaman I give and bequeath a certaine neck of meadow Lying Eastward from said
Towne of Hempstead called in ye Indian tongue Ruskatux neck bounded
Easterly wth Oyster bay Line and upon Hempstead westward to be
equally Devided amongst them and to their heirs and assignes for ever Item I
doe give to my three Sones namely John Nathaniell and Richard Seamans ye
Remaining of my meadow whereof ye one Mayetia of it is already
confirmd to my son in Law Nathanell Pearsall wth four or
five acres of ye Upland for his convenience for Yardage for
wintering his cattle wch said meadow Lyes and is Scituate upon a
neck called by ye name of ye half neck or in ye
Indian tongue Muskachim to be equally Devided amongst my said three Sones and
to their heirs and assignes forever (Item) I Doe give more to my Eight Sones To
witt John Jonathan Benjamin Solomon Thomas Samuell Nathanell and Richard
Seamans all ye Upland Lying and Scituate Upon Ruskatux Neck as also
upon ye neck called by ye name of ye halfe
neck excepting ye four or five acres confirmed to my Sonn in Law
Nathanell Pearsall all wch Said Upland to be Equally Devided amongst
my Eight Sones aforesd and to their heirs and Assignes forever
(Item) I doe give and bequeath to my two Sones Nathanell & Richard Seamans
all that my Lott of meadow Lying att a certaine neck called Stuklins Neck as
also a parcell of meadow Lying upon New Bridge neck to be equally Devided
betwixt them and to their heirs and assignes forever Also I Doe give and
bequeath to my said Two Sones Richd & Nathaniell Seaman one
hundred and Fifty acres of Upland Scituated and Lying att a Place commonly
called Success by Vertue from an order from sd towne to be Equally
devided betwixt them and to their heirs and Assignes for ever Item I doe also
to my sones Nathanell & Richard Seamans a Certaine parcell of Land by
estimation Three hundred and sixteen acres more or less Lying att or near ye
harbor head so called being already confirmed to my Said two Sones by Deed of
Gift to be equally Devided betwixt them and to their heirs and assignes for
ever. Item I Doe give and bequeath all my rights of ye Undevided
Land wthin ye bound of Hempstead to my Eight Sones Namely
John Jonathan Benjamin Solomon Thomas Samuell Nathanell and Richard Seamans to
be equally Devided amongst them and to their heirs and assignes forever Item I
Doe give and bequeath to my welbeloved wife Marth Seamans a certaine home Lott
adjoyning to ye Land of James Pine by estemation three acres more or
less For and During her naturall Life or marriage and att her Marriage or Death
my will is yt ye said home lott of Land Shall Descend to
my two Sones Nathll & Richard and to their heirs and
assignes for ever. Item I doe also give to my two Sones Nathll
& Richard Seamans ye Remainder of my home Lotts ye
Pasture and ye field att ye Eastend of ye
towne called ye holly wth ye barne to be
equally Devided betwixt them and their heirs and Assignes for Ever. Item I do
give and bequeath to my welbeloved wife Martha Seaman ye one half of
my Dwelling house and at her Death or Marriage my will is that ye
said halfe of ye Dwelling house Shall Decend to my Sone Rich: Seaman
and to his heirs and Assignes for ever. Item I Doe give ye other
halfe of my Dwelling house to my son Nathanell Seaman and To his heirs and
assignes forever. Item I Doe give and bequeath to my Loving wife Martha Seamans
ye one third part of my moveables within Doors to give and Despose
of as to hir Shall Seeme Meet. Item I doe give to my two Sones Nathanll
and Richard ye other two thirds of my moveables wthin
Doors to be Equally Devided betwixt them. Item I doe give to my Loving wife
Martha Seamans one Paire of Oxen one horse and one breeding mare Four cowes
Tenn ewe Sheep and one breeding Sow. Item I Doe give to my Sone Richd
one three old mare, Item to my Sone Nathanell Seaman one Parie of oxen also to
my sone Richard Seaman I give one paire of Oxen one Paire three year old Steers
and two Cowes as also To Nathall one Paire of three year old
Steers and two cowes. Item I doe give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Six
acres of meadow Lying att hay bridge and att her death or Marriage ye
said Shall Decend to my Sones Nathanll Richard Seamans in
equall & portion to them and to their heirs and Assignes forever Also I
give to my Daughter Mary Pearsall two cowes and six Ew Sheep Item I doe give
and bequeath to my Son Samuell one pr of oxen and one cow and as for
ye rest of my Stock of Neat cattle an Sheep my will is that the two
third Shall be Equally Devided amongst my five Daughters namely Martha
Pearsall, Hannah Carman, Mary Pearsall, Sarah Mott and Deborah Kirk and ye
other third Part of my Stock of neat catle and Sheep to be equally Devided
amongst my eight Sones John Jonath. Benj: Solomon Samll Tho.
Nathll and Richd Seamans Item I doe give
and bequath to my Daughter Elizab Jackson twenty Shill to be paid her when
Division is made of ye Estate. I doe give and bequeath to Nathanll
and Richard all my Instraments of husbandry of all Sorts to be Equally Devided
betwixt them. Item I doe give to my Eight Sones above mentioned all my horse
Kind to be Equally Devided amongst them I doe give to my Sones Nathanell and
Richard Seamens all my armes excepting my Large Gun which my will is Shall be
for the use of all my Sones Item I give to my Loving wife Son Nathanell and
Richard ye rest of my Swine I doe appointe ordaine & make my
Loving wife Martha Seamans my Sones Benjamin and Tho: Seamans to be my Sole
Executors of this my Last will As also requesting my two Loving friends Tho:
Powell & John Townsend sens’r to be overseers Desiring them to
be helpfull in assisting my Executors to See this my will truely prformed in
all thinges according to ye true Intend and meaning thereof revoking
all former wills by me made and Doe Declare this to Stand & remaine my Last
will and Testamt In confirmation whereof I have hereunto Subscribed
my hand and affixed my Seale this ye twenty fifth day of August
1694.
Signed
Sealed and Published to be my Last will and Testament in ye Prsence
of
John Smith John Seaman (seal)
John Carle
George fowler
James Clement
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard
Seaman of Hempstead,
I Richard Seaman of hemsted in Queens County on Nassaw Island
in the province of New York being pretty well in helth and of sound mind and
memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament to dispose of my
outward Estate in the following manner first my will is that my Executors
hereafter named shall sell all my Orchard and ye land the orchard is
on lying at the South side joyning to James Pines Land and all my woodland
lying in the South Woods Southward of the Towne and if any or either of my executors
should die before it is sold the Servivors or servivor shall sell it and his or
their deed or deeds shall be authentick and stand good in Law for the same and
the Money it shall be sold for shall be to pay my just debts with debts with I
do give unto my son Giles Seaman all my Land and Meadow lying on a neck
commonly called Stickleys Neck to him his heirs Executors Administrators and
Assigns forever only my will is that my well beloved Wife Jane Seaman shall
have the use of it during her natural life my will is that my well beloved Wife
Jane Seaman shall have the use of all my houses and Land that I have in the
Town spot of Hempsted for and during her natural life and then my Executors or
Executor that shall be living shall sell it and his or their deed shall be
authentick and stand good in Law for the same and the Money it shall be sold
for shall be disposed of after the following manner Ten pounds of it my Son
Adam Seaman shall have and ten pounds of it I do give to my Son Daniel Seaman
and Ten pounds of it I do give to my daughter Mary Seaman and all the Remainder
I do give to my Six daughters Viz. Jane Titus Sarah Dusenbury Hanah Doty Phebe
Seaman Elizabeth Townsend and Mary Seaman to be equally divided amongst them I
do give to my son Richard Seaman all my land that lyeth joyning to his land
where he now lyeth near a place caled hericks to him his heirs and assigns
forever I do give all my right of undivided Land that I have in the whole
township and patten of hempsted to my five sons upon equal shares that is to
every one of them a fifth part to them their heirs and assigns forever that is
to Richard Thomas Adams Giles and Daniel Seaman I do give to my son Thomas my
Great Coat I do give all my moveable Estate excepting said Great Coat to my
well beloved Wife Jane Seaman But if my wife should die before me then my will
is that my Daughters Phebe Seaman and Mary Seaman shall have the one half of my
said Moveable Estate and the other half shall be equally divided amongst my
other four Daughters Viz: Jane Titus Sarah Dusenbury Hanah Doty and Elizabeth
Townsend and I do nominate Constitute and appoint my son Thomas Seaman, and Son
in Law Benjamin Dusenbery and Cusen Patrick Mott my Executors to execute
perform and fullfill this my last will and Testament And I do hereby disanul
disalow and make void all other former Wills made by me Ratifying and
confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament as Witnes my hand
and seale the fifth day of the second Month called April In the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty-nine
Richard Seaman (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared this to be my
last Will and Testament in the presence of us
John Cochle
Joseph Thuston
Georg Fowler
Probated on 5 Apr. 1750, and proved by Joseph Thurston and
George Fowler, two of the witnesses, George Fowler being a known Quaker.
Letters of Administration granted to Thomas Seaman, Benjamin Dusenbery, and
Patrick Mott, the Executors, on 14 Apr. 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel
Seaman of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1754) *
In the Name of God Amen the eleventh day of May in the year
of our Lord seventeen hundred and fifty four I Samuel Seaman of the Township of
Hempstead in Queens County & in the Province of New York being sick and
weak of body but of sound mind and memory & being very sensible of my
Mortal State do make this my Last Will & Testament in the following manner
& form first I give and Recommend my Soul to Almighty God that gave it
& my body to the Earth to be buried at the discretion of my Executrs.
hereafter named & touching such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God in
this life to bless me withall I give devise and dispose of the same in
following manner my Will and desire is that all my Estate Real and personal be
sold by my Executors hereafter named to whom I give full power and authority to
sell my Land & rights of Lands they or either of ym. or the
Survivor or Survivors of ym. & such Deed or Deeds so executed by
my Executrs. or the Survivors of them to be good valid &
Authentick in Law as if myself had executed the same I will that all my Just
debts be fully discharged I will and bequeath unto my four daughters Anne
Seaman Margret Seaman Isabel Seaman & Millicent Seaman all the money
arrising from the Sale of my Estate after my debts are paid to be equally
divided amongst them share & share alike & to their heirs and Assigns
for ever excepting such exceptions as shall be hereafter named that is to say
may daughter Margaret Seaman to have twenty pounds less than my daughters Anne
Seaman & Millicent Seaman & my daughter Isabell Seaman to have five
pounds less my said two daughters Anne & Millicent Seaman I Will &
bequeath unto my daughter Anne Seaman my looking glass & if my daughter
Margaret Seaman does make apear to my Executors that she hath not had already
to the Value of twenty pounds then my Will is that it shall be made up to her
Lastly I hereby constitute ordain and appoint my Kinsman Jacob Seaman of
Jericho & my friends John Hall & David Batty of Hempstead Executors of
this my Last Will and Testament Ratifieing allowing & confirming this and
no other to be my Last Will and Testament
Samuel Seaman (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared by me
Samuel Seaman as my Last Will and Testament in the presence of Thomas Weeks,
Thomas Birdsall John Birdsall Junr.
Presented for probate on 28 Oct. 1754, and proved by Thomas
Weeks and John Birdsall Junr., two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 19, p. 165-166, copied from
original Liber 19, p. 155-156.
Will of Samuel
Seaman of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York (1780) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Samuel Seaman of
Oysterbay Township in Queens County on Nassau Island, and in the Province of
New York, being this sixteenth day of ye seventh month one thousand
seven hundred and Eighty, sound in mind and Understanding and am willing to
settle my outward affairs before my final change doth come, therefore do make
this present writing to contain my last Will and Testament in manner following.
Item I will and order all my Just Debts to be fully paid and all necessary Charges
that may happen in the performance of my Will by my Executors herein after
named. Item I give to my Daughters viz Rachal Hicks, Martha Titus, Abigail
Willets, Phe Hicks, Meriam Robens and Ester sands each of them at my Decease
the sum of one hundred pounds and all my Household Goods to be equally divided
between them. Item I give to my Grand Children viz Samuel Seaman, Samuel Robens
and Samuel Hicks, my Grandsons and Martha Hicks, Martha Willets, Martha Seaman,
Martha Titus and Elizabeth Seaman, all my Grandaughters the sum of ten pounds,
each of them Respecfully or to be preserved in my Executors hands hereafter
named for there use and to receive their Legacies as they respectfully come of
Age, and having taken into Consideration that I am now in possession of divers
black People do hereby virtue of these presents give them all both male and
female entirely free and full discharge all them and all them from me and my
Heirs for ever at my Decease, feeling and entire freedom so to do in my mind,
then as to the Remainder of my Estate both real and personal that is not given
away already I give to my three sons Viz Willet Seaman, Obediah Seaman and
Samuel Seaman, all to be equally divided between them and all my Lands and
meadows both here and elsewhere, But having deliberately Considered the Leagacy
given to my son Obediah Seaman, I have thought proper for his benefit and
advantage to impower my Exeters hereafter named, and I do impower them and Each
of them to take my son Obediah Seaman eaquil Part or portion of Lands and Goods
into their care and possession, and Carefully to let my son Obediah have the
Previledge and benefit of all his portion at the Desirtion of my Executors
during his life or as they may think proper to dispose of to him for his good
and I do give my Executors full power and Lawful authority if they find it
necessary and most convenient to sell my son Obediah Seaman Lands to give a
Deed or Deeds for the same as the Law Directs in such cases and if my Exts
should have any of my Estate in their hands at my son Obediah Decease then my
will is that his Wife Phebe seaman should have the use of the one third of the
Estate left by him, and the other two thirds that that remains I give unto my
son Obediah Seama’s Children, in the following manner Item I give his sons two
thirds and his Daughters one third as they respectfully come of age, further
observe the Leagacy given to my Son Obediah Seaman Wife is to be understood
what is above written or given to her is during her Widowhood and no longer and
her Portion to go to Obediah Children as their portion is directed, lastly I do
Constitute ordain and appoint my Brotherinlaw John Williams, Samuel Way and my
Kinsman Henry Post all to be my Executors of this my last Will and Testament in
every part agreeable to the derections herein mentioned.
Samuel
Seaman X his mark.
Signed Sealed and Declared to be my last Will and Testament
in the presence of us –
Jonathan Wright
Joshua Titus
Henry Post
Probated on 12 June 1781, and proved by Joshua Titus yeoman.
Letters of Administration were granted to John Williams, Samuel Way, and Henry
Post, the Executors, on 27 June 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 34, p. 284-285, copied from
original Liber 34, p. 225-227.
Will of Thomas
Seaman of Hempstead,
I Thomas Seaman of Hempsted in Queens County on Nassau
Island, Yeoman Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament That is to
say principally and first of all I do give and recommend my Soul into the hand
of God that Gave it and my body I do Commit to the Earth to be decently buried
at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named and as touching my Worldly
Estate where with it hath pleased God to bless me Withal in this Life I do give
devise and dispose of in the following manner and form Imprimis I Will that all Such Just debts as I
do owe to any person or persons Shall be well and truly paid and Contented by
my Executors hereafter Named Item I do
give and bequeath unto my Loving Wife Mary Seaman The Equal third part of all
my Moveable and houshold Stuff within Doors only what herein Shall be Otherwise
disposed of Item I Give unto my Loving
Wife four Cows twelve Sheep two horses and two Mares Item I Do Give and Bequeath
unto my Son Thomas Seaman and unto his heirs and Assigns for Ever the Lot of Land
where his house now Stands that I have given him a Deed for Item I do give and bequeath unto my son
Samuel Seaman and to his heirs and Assigns forever the Lot of Land that runs
across the East run where his house now Stands
Item I give unto my Son John Seaman And to his heirs and Assigns forever
my houshold and Dwelling house and barn And all the Land over in the Neck So
Called and Swamp pasture so called Item
I do give unto my Son Samuel Seaman and to his heirs and Assigns forever A
peice of Land and Fresh meadow that was Solomon Seamans that lyeth on the West
Side of the neck between the Indian path and my own Lott of Land Item I do give unto my Son John Seaman and to
his heirs and Assigns for Ever my Lot of Land with the peice of Fresh meadow
thereunto belonging that lyeth on the West Side of Seamans Neck so called above
the Cross New fence Item I do give unto
my three Sons and unto their heirs and Assigns forever all my meadow both Salt
and fresh upon the neck and Island Viz. my son Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and
John Seaman to be equally divided amongst them all Item I give unto my son Nathaniel Seaman the
full sum of fifty pounds of Current money of New York to be paid unto him by my
three sons Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and John Seaman in form and manner
following or hereafter mentioned Item I
do give unto my Son Silvanus Seaman the full and Just sum of fifty pounds of
Currant money of New York to be paid unto him by my three Sons Thomas Seaman
Samuel and John Seaman as it shall hereinafter be mentioned Item my Will is that my Loving Wife Mary
Seaman Shall have the Southern room of my old house and the new East room that
is built on the East side of my old house during her widdowhood and the use of
the equal third part of all my homestead the Swamp pasture and the Land over in
the neck and the use of one half of the barn During her widdowhood and the use
of the equal third part of all my meadow both on the neck and Island and use of
the equal third part of the Land within the neck that I have given my son John
during her Widdowhood with A priveledge to Cut Timber on any of my Land Item I do give unto my three Sons Thomas
Seaman Samuel Seaman and John Seaman and their heirs and Assigns forever all
the remaining part of my Land both in the patten of my Father John Seaman
Deceased and in the undeeded Land in the Township of Hempsted to be equally
divided amongst all Item I do give unto
my daughter Hannah Seaman one Feather bed and furniture and one Iron pot Six
plates three platters two Basons one Drinking pot one Cupboard worth three
pounds and Six Chairs three Cows Six Ews and one Table Item I do give and bequeath unto my Grandson
Isaac Seaman one two year old heifer and one two Year old mare Item I give unto my Son John Seaman Two
Oxen Item I give and bequeath unto my
Loving Wife Mary Seaman and unto my Son Samuel Seaman and unto my son John
Seaman All my Tooles and Tackling to be Equally divided amongst them all Item I
give unto my Son John Seaman ten sheep and to my son Samuel five Sheep Item I give unto my Loving Wife Mary Seaman
one Feather bed and furniture. Item my Will is that my son John Seaman Shall
pay unto my Son Nathaniel Seaman Forty pounds of Currant Money of New York
within A twelve month after my Decease and my Son Samuel Seaman shall pay unto
my son Nathaniel Seaman ten pounds of Like Currant as aforesaid within a
twelvemonth after my decease as aforesaid
Item my Will is that my son Thomas Seaman shall pay unto my Son Silvanus
Seaman Thirty pounds of Currant money of New York within a Twelve month After
my decease as aforesaid Item my Will is
that my Son Samuel Seaman Shall pay unto my Son Silvanus Seaman twenty pounds
of like money as aforesaid within a Twelve month after my decease Item my Will is that if in Case that my Three
Sons Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and John Seaman will not the money as
aforesaid Then my Will is that my Two Sons Nathaniel Seaman and Silvanus Seaman
and their heirs and Assigns forever Shall have and Enjoy two equal fifth parts
of all my below the Cross Fence upon Seamans Neck and the Island to be equally
divided between them and the other three fifth parts of the meadow to be
Equally divided between my three Sons Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and John
Seaman and their heirs and Assigns for Ever also my Will is that if my three
Sons Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and John Seaman Will not pay the money unto my
two Sons Nathaniel Seaman and Silvanus Seaman as aforesaid then my two Sons
Nathaniel Seaman and Silvanus Seaman shall also have and enjoy the equal two
fifth parts of all my Land upon Seamans Neck above the Indian path and the
equal two fifth part of all my right of the undivided Land in the Township of
Hempstead to be equally divided between them and their heirs and Assigns for
ever and the other three fifths to be equally divided between my three Sons
Thomas Seaman Samuel Seaman and John Seaman their heirs and Assigns
forever Item I give unto my Daughter
Abigail Jackson Wife of Samuel Jackson one Cubbard Item my Will is one third part of all the remaining
part of my moveable Shall be equally divided between my Six Sons Thomas Seaman
Richard Seaman Samuel Seaman John Seaman Nathaniel Seaman and Silvanus Seaman
and the other two third parts to be equally divided amongst my four daughters
Mary Smith Abigail Jackson Elizabeth Alling and Hannah Seaman Item I do hereby make ordain Constitute and
appoint my Loving Son Richard Seaman and my two friends Thomas Parsall and
Benjamin Seaman Juñ: Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Lastly I do
hereby Disallow disannul and ___ all other Wills Legacies and Testaments and
Extors by me at any time Willed and bequeathed ratifying allowing this and no
other to be my Last Will and Testament In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this fourteenth day of November and in the Year of our Lord
Seventeen hundred and twenty two
Thomas Seaman (seal)
Signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
Thomas Seaman to be his last will and Testament in the presence of
Jacob Seaman
James Seaman
Solomon Seaman
Probated on 29 Dec. 1724, and Letters of Administration
granted to Thomas Parsall and Benjamin Seaman Jun., two of the Executors, with
power being reserved unto Richard Seaman, the other Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Seaman of Jerusalem, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1762)
*
These Presents Witnesseth that I Thomas Seaman of Jerusalem
of the Township of Hempstead in Queens County in the Province of New York being
this twenty ninth day of March Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and Sixty
two far advanced in years and indesposed in Body but my memory and
understanding Good and sound and calling to mind the uncertainty of my time in
this Life and being Desirous to Settle my Worldly affair before my Final Change
Commeth I do therefore make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament as
followeth I give and bequeath to my well beloved Wife Hannah Seaman all my
Moveable Estate Except my Farming Utensils and if she should Die before this
Will is in force then my Will is that the same Legacy be equally divided
bettween my two Daughters Elisabeth Titus and Hannah Seaman and my Will further
is and I do give to my said Wife the use of my Eastermost Room where we now
dwell and a priviledge in my Kitchen Seller and Orchard and it is also my Will
and I do Order and Direct my two Sons Richard Seaman and Thomas Seaman Each to
pay the sum of Fifteen Pounds Currant Money of said Province annually to my
said Wife during the term of her natural Life if she demandeth the same I give
and Devise to my Son Richard Seaman and to his heirs and assigns forever a
Certain part of my Homested Lands bounded as followeth beginning at the South
East Corner of said Devised Land Joining to Land belonging to Samuel Seaman
from thence running Westerly along a partition Fence as the Fence now Standeth
which divideth said land from another part of said Homested so far until it
cometh in a Direct Range with the Eastermost Row of Apple Trees Standing on the
North Side of said Fence thence Northerly ranging with the Said Row of apple
Trees so far and until it Commeth to another Partition Fence thence Westerly by
the said Fence as it Stands across the hollow to the Edge of the Hill thence
Northerly by the said Hill edge until it cometh to the Land that my Son Thomas
Bought of Uriah Van de Water taking in some apple trees standing on said Hill
edge called the Nussery and all the Land northward of the said Nussery as far
Westward as the same hath been Commonly Plowed bounded Northerly by said Land
bought of Vandewater and Easterly by lands of said Richard Seaman and also all
my meadow and upland which I have lying on Oysterbay West Neck and also the
Equal half part of my Meadow lying at the bottom of Seamans Neck I give and
Devise to my son Thomas Seaman and to his heirs and assigns forever all the
remainder of my Homestead Lands with all the appurtenances thereof and also a
Small piece of Land called Josephs Lott and also apiece of Land lying on
Seamans Neck near South whereon now Liveth the Widow Rachel Stivers and also
another small piece of Land on said Neck Joining on the South side of the high
way that leadeth across the said Neck and also Joining to half Neck Creek and
also all my Meadow lying on the said Neck and half neck (Except what I have
herein devised to my Son Richard) all which Lands and Meadows which I have devised
to my said Son Thomas is under this Restriction and upon Condition that he Pay
or cause to be paid all my Just Debts which shall be due from me at the time of
my Decease and pay or cause to be paid to his Brother Richard Seaman or to his
heirs Executors or Administrator the Just and full sum of one hundred and Five
Pound Currant money of said Province within twelve months after my Decease and
also Annually pay his Mother fifteen Pounds as is afore Ordered and Directed
and not otherwise and all the residue of my moveable Estate that is not already
herein bequeathed I give and bequeath to my said Son Thomas Except an Ox yoke
and Irons and an Ox Chain which I give and bequeath to my Son Richard above
named and all the remaining part of my Lands Meadows Plain Land or Right of
Lands and Meadows whatsoever I give and Devise to my two Sons above named and
to each of their heirs and assigns forever to be equally divided between them,
and Lastly I do constitute and appoint and Impower my two Sons above named and
William Seaman of Jerico to be the Executors of this my Will and if my Son
Richard shall refuse or neglect to pay to his Mother fifteen Pounds Annually as
I have herein Ordered and Directed in such Case I fully impower my other two
Executors above named and each of them to Sell so much of the Land or Meadow
herein Devised to said Richard as shall be Sufficient and pay the money arising
thereby to my said Wife and my Will Further is that in the Division of my Plain
Land above devised to my two Sons that Thomas shall have all the Plains that is
inclosed Joining to the Homestead Land which is given him in part of his Share
of said Plain, In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Seaman have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the year and day first above written.
Thomas Seaman (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by him the said Thomas
Seaman as and for his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who have
Subscribed out names at Witnesses in the Presence of the Testator
Samuel Seaman
Elijah Seaman
James Poole
Probated on 2 Sept. 1762, and proved by Elijah Seaman and
James Poole, of Queens County in the Township of Hempstead, both Cordwainers.
Letters of Administration granted to Richard Seaman and Thomas Seaman, two of
the Executors, on 19 Oct. 1762.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 23, p. 517-519, copied from
original Liber 23, p. 477-479.
Will of Zebulon
Seaman of Jerusalem, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1778)
*
These Presents Witnesseth that I Zebulon Seaman of Jerusalem
in the Township of Hempstead in Queens County and Province of New York being
this Tenth day of October in the year of Our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy
eight of perfect and sound mind and memory and Calling to mind the uncertainty
of my Time in this Life, do therefore make ordain and publish this my last Will
and Testament as followeth– First it is my Will that all my Estate both real
and personal be put to sale and Sold by and at the discretion of my Executors
hereafter named and I give and bequeath my whole Estate both real and personal
unto my three nephews namely Jacob Seaman, Zebulon Seaman and Rowland Seaman
and to their heirs and assigns for ever, Equally to be divided amongst them share
and share alike, after all my lawful Debts and Funeral Charges are first paid
out of the same– And Lastly I do appoint and impower Jonathan Rowland and
Thomas Seaman Schoolmaster, to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament,
giving unto them and each of them respectively my full power and Authority for
that purpose –
In
Witness whereof I the said Zebulon Seaman have hereunto set my hand and Seal
the day and year above written.
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the said Zebulon Seaman as his last Will and
Testament, in the presence of us, who have subscribed our names as Witnesses in
the presence of the Testator
Zebulon Seaman (seal)
Israel Seamans
Samuel Jackson
Almy Seaman
Probated on 12 Mar. 1783, and
proved by Israel Seaman and Samuel Jackson, both of Hempstead, yeoman, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Thomas Seaman, one of the
Executors, on 20 Mar. 1783.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 35, p.
389-391, copied from original Liber 35, p. 224-225.
Will and Codicil of Zebulun Seaman alias Zebulun Williams of Oyster Bay, Queens County,
Province of New York (1781) *
These presents Witnesseth that I Zebulun Williams late
Zebulun Seaman of the Township of Oister Bay in Queens County in the province
of New York being this thirty first day of May Anno domini one thousand seven
hundred and eighty one indisposed in body but my memory and understanding good
and sound and remembering and considering the uncertainty of my time in this
life do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament as followeth (Imprimis)
I give and bequeath to my well beloved Wife Phebe Seaman her Choice of my
horses and my riding Chair (Item) I give and bequeath to my Son Zebulun Seaman
John Williams Seaman and Leonard Seaman all my wearing apparrel to be equally
divided between them (Item) I give and bequeath to my son John Williams Seaman
my Ivory head Cane (Item) I give and bequeath to my Son Leonard Seaman the sum
of twenty five pounds or choice of my horses after my above named Wife has had
her choice I also give and bequeath to my Wife above named Sufficient
provisions for the use and Support of my family untill my lands shall be sold
by my Executors herein hereafter named and appointed and my Will is and I do
order and direct said Executors or any or such of them as shall qualyfy and
take the trust upon them of executing this my Will in some convenient time at
their discretion to sell my whole estate both real and personal (the above
legacies only excepted) and the money arising by the sale thereof to be divided
(after my just debts are paid) amongst my Wife aforenamed and my Children
namely my Sons Zebulun Seaman John Williams Seaman and Leonard Seaman and my
daughters Leah Willits Mary Seaman, Martha Doty and Phebe Seaman to be divided
amongst them in this proportion my Sons to have each a double share with my
Wife and daughters and they each a single share or half as much as one of my
Sons which division is to be made with this reserve that inasmuch as my
daughter Leah and my Sons Zebulun and John hath already received a part of
their portions my Will is that my aforesaid daughter Leah shall have sixty
Pounds less then any one of the other daughters and my Sons Zebulun and John
shall have one hundred Pounds each less that my son Leonard and my Will is that
the legacies above bequeathed to my Wife be in lieu of her right of Dower and
not otherwise and notwithstanding the general order for the Sale of my estate
my Will is that my Wife shall have such articles thereof as she shall Chose
according to the apprisement of impartial men in part of her legacy and my Will
further is that when my Executors shall have sold my estate and turned it into
money that they give each Legatee his or her Legacy as soon as they arrive to
lawfull age or day of marriage and my Will is that the legacies belonging to
those under age be put at Interest at the discretion of my Executors for their
respective uses and if it should happen that either of my said Children should
die before the time above limited for them to receive their Legacy in such case
my Will is that such disceased Childs legacy shall be divided amongst my Surviving
Legatees in the same proportion as the Legacies are given Viz the Sons double
to the daughters and whereas there is a body of land at Jericho belonging
between William Seaman disceased & me of which there hath been no division
Setled and Confirmed by us and also an exchange of land between Richard Willits
and me which is not confirmed by writing I therefore impower my Executors of
this my Will namely John Williams Seaman and Leonard Seaman my Sons &
Thomas Willits my Son in law and John Williams my brother in law or either of
them that shall Quallify to make a Settlement with any persons appointed by the
said William Seaman Desseased for that purpose and Richard Willits respecting
said lands and to give and receive such writings as may be proper for the same
all which lands after such settlement hath been made that doth belong to my
estate I do also order and direct my Executors to sell and the money arising
thereby to be applied to the same purposses and divided in the same manner
amongst my legatees above named as abovesaid and for the performance and
Execution of this my Will I do give unto my said Executors and to each and
every of them that shall quallify and take the trust upon them full power and
Authority to Sell my said lands and give a good title to the purchaser thereof
and to do all things relating to the Execution of this my Will and also a
discretionary power to adjust and Settle all contests and disputes which may
arise respecting my estate or any part thereof in such manner as they shall judge
proper for the advantage thereof ~
Zebn. Williams (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared by him the said Zebulun
Williams as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
Subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testator —
Jacob Willits
Noah Seaman
Thomas Williams
Whereas Since my making my within Will I have conceived that
my Sons Zebulun Seaman and John Willms Seaman will have more
than their proportion of my estate I have therefore added this as a Codicil to
my within Will that is to say that my Son Leonard Seaman shall have two hundred
Pounds more than my sons Zebulun and John instead of the one hundred pounds
given him in the Will and I likewise give and bequeath unto my Wife Phebe
Seaman one bed and furniture and six Silver Spoons more than is given her in
the Will I have therefore published the above as a Codicil to be annexed to my
Will aforesaid this thirteenth day of March Anno Domini one thousand seven
hundred and eighty two.—
Zebulun Williams (seal)
Jacob Willits
Thomas Williams
Noah Seaman
Probated on 17 Mar. 1784, both the Will and the Codicil and
proved by Jacob Willitts of Oyster Bay, yeoman, and Thomas Williams of
Hempstead, Yeoman, both of Queens County. Letters of Administration were
granted to John Williams Seaman, Leonard Seaman, Thomas Willitts and John
Williams, the Executors, on 10 May 1784.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 36, p. 557-560, copied from
original Liber 36, p. 461-464.
Will of Bartlett Sears of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Bartlett Sears of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Mariner, being sensible of the certainty of Death and
uncertainty of the time of it, being desirous of making a disposition of the
Estate that I am possessed of, do make this my last Will & Testament in
manner following viz
First
and principally I resign my soul to God who gave it hoping through the merits
of Jesus Christ for eternal salvation and my body to the dust to be decently
buried according to the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named.
Imprimis. I
give to my Brother Thomas Sears all my Wearing Apparel.
Item. I
give to my Sister ___ a handsome suit of Mourning cloths
Item. I
give to my Beloved wife Bathsheba Sears all the remainder & residue of my
Estate whatsoever, wheresoever it may be found to her and her heirs forever,
she being careful to discharge the above legacies immediately after my decease.
Lastly. I
hereby appoint my said wife Bathsheba Sears Executrix of this my last Will and
Testament.
In
Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Plymouth
December 13th Anno Domini 1805.
Signd, Seald, & Delivered &
Declared
by the said Bartlett Sears to
be his last Will and Testament
in presence of us Bartlett Sears (seal)
Ephraim Spooner
Eliza Spooner
Sally Spooner
Presented for probate on 20 Aug. 1821 by Bathsheba Sears, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Sally Spooner, one of the witnesses
thereto subscribed, Ephraim Spooner Esqr. and Eliza Spooner being
now deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Bathsheba Sears, the
before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Bathsheba Sears, the widow of Bartlett Sears, late of
Plymouth, Mariner, petitioned that her dower may be assigned her in certain
real estate purchased by the Testator after the Execution of his last will and
Testament, which was granted on 15 July 1822.
Nathan Hayward Esquire, Thomas Paty, Merchant, and Charles
Whiting, yeoman, all of Plymouth and all Freeholders, were appointed to set off
one third part of all the Real Estate of Bartlett Sears, late of Plymouth,
mariner, that he purchased after the Execution of his last will and testament
to his widow Bathsheba Sears as her dower in said real estate, on 1 Oct. 1822.
The division was dated 30 Oct. 1822, and approved on 18 Nov. 1822.
* Trasnscribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, p. 543-544, from FHL microfilm
#0550907, and Vol. 56, pp. 131, 274-276.
Will of Holmes Sears of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1834) *
In
the name of God, Amen. I Holmes Sears of
Halifax in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of
sound and perfect mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of this mortal
life, make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say, first of
all I give and recommend my Soul to God, who gave it, hoping through the merits
of his Son Jesus Christ for eternal life, ~ my body I commit to the earth to be
decently buried at the discretion of my Executor ~ And with respect to my
worldly estate which God has blessed me with, in this life, I give and dispose
and demise in the manner following, that is to say, all my debts, of which
there are but few and none of magnitude, are to be punctually and speedily paid
–
1st I give and
bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, Mercy Sears, one fifth part of the produce
of my improved land, to be paid annually by my Executor, and also fire wood
sufficient for one fire annually, to be cut and drawn from my wood land, and
cut up at the door by my said Executor, and also the use of one Cow, to be kept
summer and winter by my said Executor, during her natural life – and also the
use of my household furniture during her life – excepting one bed and bedding
herein after to be disposed of ~
2d – I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved son,
Ward Sears the sum of two hundred dollars, to be paid by my Executor two years
from my decease.
3d I give and
bequeath to my dearly beloved daughter Lucinda Johnson one bed and bedding at
my decease, – also fifty dollars to be paid to her by my Executor at the
decease of my wife.
4th – I give and bequeath to my Grand-son William Holmes
Sears, fifteen acres of wood-land on the Easterly end of my lot of land on the
Neck, so called.
5th I give and
bequeath to my Grand-son Henry Ward Sears all of that lot of Cedar swamp that I
own in Turkey swamp, so called, said lot is undivided betwixt me and Zebedee
Chandler.
Lastly – I give and bequeath to my son William Sears all the remainder
of my real estate and personal, of whatsoever name or nature, after the payment
of my just debts and funeral charges and legacies above named – and I do hereby
constitute and appoint my said son William Sears sole Executor of this my last
Will and Testament – revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
Testimony Whereof, I, the said Holmes Sears have hereunto set my hand and seal
this twenty second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty four.
Holmes Sears (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Holmes Sears to be his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence and at his
request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. ~~
Dexter
C. Thompson
Jabez
Soule
Susanna
Soule
Presented for probate on 16 Jan.
1837 by William Sears, the Executor therein named, and proved by Dexter C.
Thompson and Jabez Soule, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were
granted to William Sears, the Executor therein named.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p.
10-11, from FHL microfilm #0555265.
Will of Judah Sears of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
I Judah Sears of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Yeoman
being Advanced in years But thro’ Gods Goodness of sound Mind & Disposing
of my Estate & Calling to Mind the Uncertainty of this Life do make &
Ordain this my Last Will & Testament Recommending my Soul to the Mercifull
hands of God that Gave it & my Body to be Buried in Decent Christian manner
after my Decease at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter mentioned, and as
to Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me with in this World
I Give & Dispose of the Same In Manner & Form Following.
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Beloved Wife Mary the
Use and Improvement of One third Part of my Real Estate During her Natural Life
Also I Give to my Said Wife All Indoor & Outdoor Moveables my Farming Tools
& a Good Feather Bed & Furnature Excepted during her Natural Life ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Judah Sears to his Heirs
and Assigns forever the One half Part of my Real Estate Whatsoever or
Wheresoever the Same is or may be found his Mothers Right Excepted as Above ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my son David Sears to him his
Heirs & Assigns forever the Other half Part of my Real Estate Whatsoever or
Wheresoever the Same is or May be found his Mothers Right Excepted as Above
& in Case my Dwelling House Shall Want Repairs while my Said Wife Lives it
is my Will & I Order my Said Sons Judah & David at their Cost in Equal
Parts to keep my Said Wifes Part of said House in Good Repair ~
Item I Give to my Son Alden Sears Six Pounds Thirteen
Shillings & four Pence Lawfull Money to be paid him in Equal Parts by my
sons Judah & David in two Years After my Decease ~
Item I Give to my son Nathan Sears Six Pounds Thirteen
Shillings & four Pence Lawfull Money to be paid him in Equal Parts by my
sons Judah & David in Two Years after my Decease ~
Item I Give to my son Richard Sears Six Pounds Thirteen
Shillings & four Pence Lawfull Money to be paid by my sd. Sons
Judah & David in Equal Parts in Two Years after my Decease ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Ann Gage the Wife of Anthony Gage
One Shilling to be paid her by Sons Judah & David in two Years after my
Decease –
Item I Give to my Daughter Mary Hatch the Wife of Jonathan
Hatch One Shilling to be paid by my Sons Judah & David in Two Years after
my Decease ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Alice Church the Wife of Charles
Church One Shilling to be paid her by my Said Sons Judah & David in Two
Years after my Decease ~
Item I Give to my Daughter Sarah Sears One Good Feather Bed
& Furnature it being the Same Bed & funature that I have Reserved in
the former Part of this my Will Also I Give to my Said Daughter Sarah five
Pounds Lawfull Money to be paid her by my Said Sons Judah & David in Equal
halfs in One Year after my Decease or on the Day of her Marriage Also I Give my
said Daughter Sarah Liberty to live in my Dwelling House so long as She Lives
Single ~
Item I Give to my said Sons in Equal Parts to Judah &
David to be Equally Divided between them all my Farming Tools & all my
Indoor & our Door Moveables after my Said Wifes Death with the Exception
before mentioned also I Give the Said Judah & David to be Equally Divided
between them the Debts Due to me & All other my Estate Real & Personal
that I have not herein Disposed of Also I hereby Order my Said Sons Judah &
David Equally between them to pay my Just Debts & funeral Charges
furthermore I Do Constitute & Appoint my sd. Son Judah Sears to
be Sole Executor to this my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have
here unto Set my hand & Seal this fifth Day of February A.D. 1773.
Signed Sealed Published &
Pronounced to be the Last Will
& Testament of the Said Judah Sears
In Presence of us ~~ Judah Sears (seal)
Nathan
Nye Junr.
Charles
Sturtevant
Wm.
Nye
Nathll.
Ruggles Junr.
Nathl.
Ruggles
Presented for probate on 2 Sept.
1776 by Judah Sears, the Executor therein named, and proved by William Nye and
Nathll. Ruggles Junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration Cum Testamento annexo were granted to David Sears.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Judah Sears, late of Rochester, was appraised on 2 Nov. 1776 by John Doty,
Ebenezar Barker Junr. and Phillip Turner, and totaled £399.15.0, including
his real estate valued at £320. David Sears, the Administrator Cum Testamento
Annexo gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Sept. 1776.
David Sears, of Rochester, State of
Massachusetts, Yeoman, was granted administration of the estate of Judah Sears,
late of Rochester, Yeoman, on 2 Sept. 1776, with John Doty and Jonathan Church,
both of Rochester, as sureties.
To David Peckham of Rochester in
the county aforesaid yeoman, Greeting
Whereas Judah Sears Late of said
Rochester yeoman deced on the Fifth day of February Anno Domini 1773 made his
Last will & testament in writing, and signed, sealed and delivered the same
before sufficient witnesses, which will was duly proved & approved, and
after Gifts & Legacies then made he Appointed his son Judah Sears Sole
Executor of the same will, but he Refusing the Executorship, Administration cum
testament annexo was therefore committed unto him the said Judah [sic] Sears, who died before he had completed
his said Administration—and whereas the power of committing administration
& full disposition of all and singular the Goods, Chattells, Rights and
Credits of the said deced remains still to be administered upon & to be
done & finished and also the hearing, examining & allowing the account
of such admon doth appertain unto me—Trusting therefore in your care &
fidelity I do by these presents commit unto you full power to administer all
and singular the Remaining Goods Chattells Rights and Credits of the said deced
Judah Sears first mentioned, and well and faithfully to dispose of the same
according to Law and the direction of the said will, and also to ask, Gather,
Levy, Record & Recieve all & whatsoever Credits of the sd.
deced, which to him while he Lived, and at the time of his decease did
appertain, which are not paid and to pay all Remaining debts in which the sd.
deced stood bound so far as his Goods, Chattells, Rights & Credits can
extend according to the value thereof, & Record a plain & true account
of your said administration upon Oath within twelve months next coming—and I do
hereby ordain constitute & appoint you Administrator de bonis non, Cum
testament annexo of all and singular, the Goods Chattells Rights & Credits
aforesaid
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and the Seal of the Court of
Probate the Sixth day of May, Anno Domini 1782
Jos. Cushing ~
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 216-219, from FHL microfilm
#0550713, Vol. 23, p. 122, and Vol. 27, p. 493-494.
Will of Nathaniel Sears Jr., of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
I Nathaniel Sears Junr.
of Rochester in the County of Plymouth yeoman calling to mind the Mortality of
Man & being of sound & disposing Mind & Memory do make this my last
Will & Testament, & in the first place I give my Soul to God, who gave
it, & my Body to the Earth to be buried in a decent christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executor herein after appointed & as to that portion of
earthly Estate with which it has pleased God to bless me, I dispose of it in
the following Manner & form.—
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my four Sons, William, Jesse, Nathaniel & Joseph
all my real Estate with all the Debts due to me, all my Monies, all my farming
Utensils, live stock of all kinds & mechanical Tools, the same to be to
them their Heirs & Assigns forever, they paying all my just Debts, funeral
Charges, the Charges of settling my Estate, the Legacies herein after mentioned
& doing & allowing whatsoever is by this Will directed for them to do
& allow, & if either of them should die without Issue my Will is that
the Share of such one, shall go to the survivors & my will further is that
the three youngest of them be brought up to & learn some Trade
respectively.—
Item I
give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Hannah the use & Improvement of one
half of my Dwelling house on my homestead Farm during the time she remains my
Widow for her to use & occupy for herself & my Daughters remaining in
single Life, this I direct my said Sons to allow, & I further direct my
said Sons, to find provide & allow to my said Wife a decent, comfortable,
sufficient support, in all respects during her Widowhood, & if the Support
& Maintainance, which they shall so find & provide for her shall at any
time be not satisfactory to her, I direct that Referees mutually appointed by
them shall determine what support & Maintainance they shall find provide
& allow to her, I also give to her the Use & Improvement of all my
household Furniture during the term of her Widowhood, & if my said Widow
should marry again I give her the Use of my household Furniture during the Term
of her natural Life –
Item I
give to my Daughter Hannah the Wife of Jonathan Tobey together with what I have
already given her, so much more household Furniture, as to amount in the whole
to one hundred Dollars, this to be paid by my said Sons.—
Item. I
give to my three Daughters Lucy, Clarissa & Susanna, a right to live in my
Dwelling house with their Mother, while they respectively remain in single Life
& their Mother remains my Widow, & if any of them remain in single Life
after their Mother ceases to be my Widow, I order & direct my said Sons to
allow them & each of them the same right & privilege during the time
they may respectively remain in single Life, & I further order & direct
my said Sons to pay to each of my said Daughters, the value of one hundred
Dollars in household Furniture at the time of their respective Marriages, or
when they shall arrive at the Age of eighteen Years, which shall first happen.–
these Legaises not to be paid to the Heirs of any one of them
who may die under that Age & unmarried
I also give to the whole of my four Daughters my household
Furniture after their Mother has done with the same excepting my Clock &
best Looking Glass which I give to my said Sons.—
Item I
order my said Sons to pay to my two Granddaughters the Daughters of my Son
Stephen deceased one hundred Dollars each in household Furniture when they
arrive respectively at the Age of eighteen Years, or the time of their
respective Marriages, which may first happen, but those Legacies are not to be
paid to the Heirs of either of them, which may die under that age &
unmarried. And I do earnestly recommend
it to my said Sons to grant & allow to the Widow of my said Son Stephen the
same privileges, Advantages & Helps, which she has had from me, since the
Death of her said Husband, and also to see that my two said Granddaughters are
well brought up.— whatever Estate is not before disposed of, I give to my said
Sons as aforesaid —
I
appoint my Son William Sears to be the Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, & do disallow & revoke all other Wills made before this time
& establish this as my last Will & Testament—
In
Testimony of all which I do hereto set my hand this twenty seventh day of
November Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred & eleven —
Signed & declared by the said
Nathaniel Sears to be his last Will
& Testament in presence of us Nathaniel Sears Junr.
Deborah
Davis
James
Simmons
Abrm
Holmes
Presented for probate on 10 April
1816 by William Sears, the Executor therein named, and proved by Deborah Davis
and James Simmons, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to William Sears, the before named Executor.
Charles J. Holmes Esqr.,
Peleg Whittridge Esqr. and Lemuel Winslow, Gentleman, all of
Rochester, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Nathaniel Sears Junr.,
late of Rochester, Housewright, on 10 Apr. 1816. The Inventory of the Estate of
Nathaniel Sears Jr., late of Rochester, Yeoman, not dated, totaled
$6565.05, including his real estate valued at $5243. The appraisers gave their
oath to the inventory on 18 Apr. 1816, and William Sears, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 10 May 1816.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp.
11-13, 63-65, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Nathaniel Sears of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
I Nathaniel Sears of
Rochester in the County of Plymouth Housewright do this twenty ninth day of
March in the Year of our Lord 1816 make this my last Will and Testament—
First of
all I give to my Wife Elizabeth the Improvement of one third of my Estate to
for her to dispose of her wearing Apparel as she thinks fit.—
viz I
give to Son Nathaniel’s Heirs one Dollar.—
viz I
give to my Son Prince Sears’ Children a Farm that I own lying in the Town of
Calais in the State of Vermont with all the Stock & Buildings that belong
to it to be divided among them a Daughter to have one quarter as much as a
Son.—
viz All
my household Furniture I give to my Daughter Susanna Keen besides what shall
hereafter be mentioned fifteen Dollars worth of the Household Furniture —
I give
to my Daughter Elizabeth Bryant to be paid in Furniture or as my two Daughters
can agree & it is my Will that the things that my Daughter Deborah Peirce
carried away to keep house with should be equally divided among her Children
---
To my
Son Silas Sears I give one Dollar —
To my
Son John Sears out of the Household Furniture, I give him my Mahogany Desk, my
best Looking Glass my round back great Chair & and four bannister back
Chairs one Feather bed to the value of twenty Dollars and all the Remainder of
my Estate I give to my Son John that is not given to others. —
I
appoint my Son John to be my Executor to this my last Will and Testament and I
revoke all the Wills heretofore made by me and establish this my last, to which
I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this first day of April in the Year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred & sixteen – Signed sealed in presence of us
by Nathaniel Sears to be his last Will –
William
Sears Nathaniel Sears (seal)
Major
Pool
Nathaniel
Sears
Presented for probate on 25 May
1816 by John Sears, the Executor therein named, and proved by William Sears and
Major Pool, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to John Sears, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
Jesse Martin Esqr.,
Abiel P. Robertson, and Charles Brightman, yeomen, all of Rochester, were
appointed to set off to the widow Elizabeth Sears her dower in the real estate
of Nathaniel Sears, late of Rochester, on 19 Feb. 1827. The division was dated
12 Apr. 1827, and approved on 2 May 1827.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p.
75-76, from FHL microfilm #0550905, and Vol. 64, p. 4-6.
Will of Thomas Sears of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In
the Name of God Amen I Thomas Sears of Plimouth in the County of Pilmouth in
New England, Husbandman being under Low Circumstances as to my bodily Helth and
Apprehending my Great change to be Drawing near, but Yet of a sound Dispossing
Mind & Memory blessed be God for it, First I Do Give my Presious Soul to
God hoping for Acceptance with him thro’ the Merritts of Jessus Christ, my body
I committ to the Dust to be decently buried, at the Discretion of my Execr.
hereafter named Hoping for a Resurrection to Eternall life and as to my Estate
That God has Given me I Dispose of as Followeth after my Just Debts and
Funerall charges are paid
First I Give to my Dear & Loving Wife Mehitable
Sears the use & improvement of one third part of my Real Estate During her
life, Also One Third part of my Personall Estate, after my Just Debts and
Funerall charges are paid, To Her & her heirs forever & Over &
above the One Third part of my Personall Estate I Further Give to my said Wife
the warming pan & one Small Iron pott
Secondly I Give to my Two Loving Sons Thomas Sears
& Williard Sears to them & their heirs & assigns forever in Equall
halves or Proportion, the One half part of my Real Estate always Reserving the
Improvemt. of One Third of the Estate hereby Given to my two Sons to
my wife Dureing her naturall Life, also I Give to my said Two Sons all my
wareing Apparel
Thirdly. I Give to my Five Daughters vizt.
Betty Sears, Rebecca Sears, Chloe Sears, Sarah Sears & Marcy Sears to them
& their heirs & assigns forever in Equall part or Proportion, the Other
half part of my Real Estate allways Reserving the Improvement of one third part
of the Real Estate hereby Given to my said five Daughters to my wife During her
Naturall life; and Further I Give to my Daughter Marcy Sears, My Silver Spoon
marked as followeth P.S.M. And all the remainder of my personall Estate I Give
as Followeth vizt. The One half part thereof to my said Two Sons Thos.
& Williard & their heirs & the Other half part thereof to my said
five Daughters Betty, Rebecca, Cloha, Sarah & Marcy & ther heirs, and
further I do hereby Appoint my Trusty & well beloved Jeremiah Hows of
Plymouth to be Sole Execr. of this my last Will & Testament,
Hereby revoking all Other & Former Wills, I do publish & Declare this
to be my Last Will & Testament as Witness my hand & Seal this Second
Day of July 1755 in the Twenty Ninth Year of his Majesty’s reign
Signed, Sealed published,
Pronounced Thomas Sears (seal)
& Declared to be his last Will
&
Testament in presence of
Nathaniell Morton
Rebecca Morton
Thos. Foster
Presented for probate on 17 July
1755 by the Execr. therein named, and proved by Thos.
Foster Esqr., Nathl. Morton, and Rebecca Morton, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Jeremiah Hows of Plimo.,
the Sole Execr.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Thomas Sears, late of Plimouth, was appraised by John Torrey, John Finney and
Silvanus Bartlett on 14 Aug. 1755, and totaled £145.4.3½, including his
homestead with his house and 30 acres of land valued at £106.13.4. Jeremiah
Hows, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 Dec. 1755.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 507-508, from FHL microfilm
#0551540, and Vol. 14, p. 16-17, from FHL microfilm #0551542.
Will of Nicholas Sever of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In
the name of God Amen.
I Nicholas Sever of Kingston in the county of Plymouth Esq:
being of a sound mind & memory but apprehensive of human frailties and the
uncertainty of the life Man. do make & ordain this my last will & Testat.
first of all I commit my Soul into the hands of Almighty God thro: Jesus Christ
the Redeemer of Mankind & then my Body to the Earth to be decently buried
at the discression of my Executor hereafternamed & My worldly Estate which
God has blessed me with I give & devise in manner following viz. I give to
my well beloved wife Susannah one hundred & thirty three pounds six
shillings & eight pence lawfull money one moiety thereof to be paid soon
after my decease & the other moiety twelve months after. ~
Item. I give to Mrs. Baxter one Johannes & to
Mrs. Dorothy one Johannes
Item. I give to my Grandchildren William, Sarah, & James
Sever, to each of them one Johannes. —
Item. I give to my only Son William Sever Esqr:
the remainder of my Estate both real & personal to him & his heirs
forever whom I also make & ordain sole Executor of this my last will &
Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand & Seal. Dated at
Kingston Aprill 26, 1762.
Signd. seald. & declard.
as my last will & Nicholas Sever (seal)
Testament. Wrestling
Brewster Junr.
Lemuel
Holmes
Joshua
Ransom
Presented for probate on 24 Apr. 1764 by William Sever Esq.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Josha. Ransom and
Wrestling Brewster Jun., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Wm. Sever Esq., the Executor, with James Warren, of
Plymouth, Esq., as surety.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 34-35, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jane Eliza Shapley of Binghamton, Broome County, New York (1896) *
I, Jane Eliza Shapley of the City of Binghamton, Broome Co.
N.Y. being of sound mind and memory, do make, ordain, publish and declare this
to be my last Will and Testament, that is to say:
First.
~ After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, and sufficient money used
to purchase a footstone the same pattern of those in the ground, I, Jane Eliza
Shapley give devise and bequeath to Mary Ann Dugan provided she stays with me
while I live or her sickness prevents $500.00 Five Hundred Dollars, My gold
watch I give to Mary A. Dugan. My black & white woolen shawl I give to Mary
A. Dugan.
I
give devise and bequeath $300.00 Three Hundred Dollars to the Old Ladies Home
of the City of Binghamton.
I,
Jane E. Shapley give devise and bequeath the remainder of my Life Insurance
with all the Interest also my House & Lot to be equally divided between my
two sons James Edward Shapley and William Martin Shapley.
I
give devise and bequeath to William M. Shapley the following items, Tan
coloured embroidered chair Large Red Rocker the large Old Gold Rocker, Piano
and spread, silk Bed quilt two best & two common Dresser spreads two Hair
Pillows, Half of my large and half of my small framed Pictures, Two small ones
that Charley gave me hanging in my room, Half Doz. solid silver spoons marked
T~ Half Doz. marked C.B. Half Doz. best plated spoons. Half Doz Table spoons
Half of the eighteen Forks, three common ones and Half Doz. marked T~ with the
case containing them Half Doz large knives, half Doz Tea Knives, Half Doz white
Handle Knives. One silver Card Receiver Berry Dish, two silver Salts, Silver
& Glass Sugar Bowl Glas Pitcher one Glass standard preserve dish, one flat
glass dish one Silver Berry spoon, and silver candle Sticks. Cake Knife, The
two cut glass Bottles in my room I give to William M. Shapley, Two walnut
Stands one marble Top belong to him, with hat Rack, Half of the China Breakfast
Dinner and Tea set to William Shapley and half doz Oyster Plates
I
give devise and bequeath to James Edward Shapley now used in Bay window room
all the Black Walnut set Bedstead Dresser wash stand two chairs and easy chair,
two Tables one Marble Top belonging with the set the other Black Walnut, Half
of the China Breakfast Dinner, Tea, Oyster, Plates one small & one large
Platter one vegetable Dish and Butter Plates. All the remaining silver
including two Teapots one Coffee Pot Sugar Bowl Slop Bowl Milk Pitcher Spoon
Holder Sardine Fork Sugar spoon Pickle Fork and Castor, Butter Dish, Water
Pitcher & Goblets one Card receiver, & Salver Half of the Knives large
and small, half of the Forks Teaspoons & Table spoons, Half of the large
and half of the small ones also half of my large & small framed pictures Fathers
Picture, and Lucius Picture with Gold headed Cane. All the remainder of glass
ware and crockery Dining room furniture and house hold articles with Kitchen
and Pantry articles.
Half
of the articles following equally divided, i-e-Sheets Pillow Cases Table
Cloths, Napkins, Towels Pillow shams white spreads quilts &c. All household ornaments equally divided to
suit each other, Carpets divided between my boys as they please, also dispose
of the beds to suit themselves. Parts of things have already been given William
Shapley the remainder are to go to him. My Gold Glasses with Chain which was a
gift from Charlie I give to Will M. Shapley W W Shapleys Glasses I give to J.
E. Shapley
All
the little keepsakes given me by J. E. Shapley and wife I wish given back to
them. All given by Wm M Shapley & wife given back to
them.
The
Bedroom set in my room I give to Ida Lawyer consisting Dresser Bedstead &
Wash Stand also the Shawl she made for me Do with the Couch and Bureau what you
please The Picture of my mothers house I
wish Ed to keep. My worsted Afgan I give to Mary A. Dugan. The Oak Bedroom set
Will M. S. has given to Mary A. Dugan –
(My
personal disposal to my friends.)
My
large Testament with Psalms, I give to William M. Shapley My Black Satin Banner with Pond Lillies I
give to Will & Mary Shapley My best Black Shawl I give to Mrs Jennette
Stowe.
Painted
China Plate, Pitcher, with Gold Thimble I give to Kate A. Prickard
To
Sophie Van Horzon her mothers Gold Pen found in my writing Desk the little
Flower vase and Red Vinegar Bottle which she gave me. I give to Mary John
Shapley, My Cloak my best Polenaise & skirt my Black Dress with plaited
silk front, farmers satin Petticoat (if I do not live to wear them out) my best
undershirt (only one to lay me out in) Four Shimers, Black beaded wrap, best
black Nuns Vail (in the draw) Six corset covers, night Dresses & six best
Handkerchiefs. Fannie Fales two Painted Jugs, Smoked Pearl Cuff Buttons &
long Pin to match, steel comb & Black Bracelets. To Mrs Jennette Stowe my
second Polenaise with Nuns vailing skirt, wrapper with Polka dots. All my under
wrappers & drawers, stockings Boots Gloves and remainder of Handkerchiefs.
Likewise,
I make, constitute and appoint James Edward Shapley & William Martin
Shapley to be executors of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all
former Wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the
twelfth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety six.
Jane Eliza Shapley (seal)
The
above instrument, consisting of 2 sheets was at the date thereof subscribed by
Jane E. Shapley in the presence of us and each of us: she at the time of making
such subscription acknowledged that she made the same, and declared the said
instrument so subscribed by her to be her last Will and Testament. Whereupon we
then and there, at her request, and in our presence and the presence of each
other, subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Julius
E. Rogers residing at
Binghamton NY.
Homer
B. Boss residing at
Binghamton N.Y.
Proved by Julius E. Rogers and
Homer B. Boss both of the City of Binghamton on 9 Mar. 1897, who testified that
Jane E. Shapley was aged 80 years or thereabouts when she made her will. James
E. Shapley and William M. Shapley, the executors and only heirs of the deceased
were granted Letters Testamentary on 9 Mar. 1897.
* Transcribed by Broome County Probate Wills Vol. 25, p. 481-485, from
FHL microfilm #0808985.
Will of Ambros Shaw of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Ambros Shaw of Rochester in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of a sound Mind
& Memory – blessed be almighty God for the same do make & publish this
my last Will & Testament in Manner & form following –
1st.
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Abigail Shaw the use & Improvement
of one third part of all my Estate both real & personal during her Natural
Life —
2d.
I give and bequeath to my Son Isaiah Shaw seventy Dollars to be paid in one
year after my decease–
3d.
I give & bequeath to my Son Ezra Shaw one Dollar to be paid in one Year
after my decease –
4th.
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Abigail Pope thirty Dollars to be paid
in one year after my decease–
5.
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Rebecca Pope thirty Dollars to be paid in
one Year after my decease–
6th.
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Hannah Shaw seventy Dollars to be paid in
one year after my decease–
7th.
I give & bequeath to my three Daughters, Abigail Pope Rebecca Pope &
Hannah Shaw all my household Furniture of every kind & nature to be equally
divided between them & also my Wife’s wearing Apparel–
8th.
I give & bequeath to my four Sons Levi Shaw, Ezra Shaw, Isaiah Shaw &
Lewis Shaw all my wearing Apparel to be equally divided between them —
9th.
I give and bequeath to my Son Lewis Shaw all the rest, residue & remainder
of my personal Estate, goods and Chattels of whatever kind or nature soever, he
paying all my just Debts & funeral Charges –
10th.
I do constitute & appoint my Sons Levi Shaw & Lewis Shaw to be sole
Executors of this my last will & Testament hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made—
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighteenth day of
November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seventeen —
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above
named Ambros Shaw to be his last
Will and
Testament, in presence of us, who
at his request &
in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our Ambros Shaw (seal)
Names as witnesses to the same.—
Caleb
Briggs
Delia
Briggs
Elijah
Briggs –
The Instrument purporting to be the last Will & Testament
of Ambros Shaw late of Middleborough Yeoman was presented for probate on 17 May
1819 by Levi Shaw and Lewis Shaw, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Caleb Briggs Esqr. and Delia Briggs, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Levi Shaw and Lewis Shaw,
the before named Executors.
Caleb Briggs Esqr., John Bennet
Gentleman and Joshua Peirce yeoman, all of Rochester, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Ambrose Shaw, late of Rochester, yeoman, on 17 May 1819.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ambrose Shaw, late of Rochester, dated 26 June
1819, totaled $384.59, including some livestock, but no real estate. Levi Shaw
and Lewis Shaw, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 4 Nov. 1819.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, pp. 210-211, 405-407, from FHL
microfilm #0550906.
Will of David Shaw of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen. This third day of May Anno Domini
1782, I David Shaw of Middleborough, in ye. county of Plymouth,
yeoman, being advanced in years, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be
given to God therefor, calling unto mind ye. mortality of my body
& knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make &
ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say, principally &
first of all, I give & recommend my soul into ye. hands of God,
that gave it, and my body I recommend to ye. earth, to be buried in
a decent christian burial, at ye discretion of my Executor, nothing
doubting but at ye. general resurrection, I shall recieve ye.
same again by ye almighty power of God, and as touching such worldly
estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I do give,
demise & dispose of ye. same in the following manner & form
vizt
Imprimis. I Give and bequeath to Abigail, my well beloved
wife, the one third part of all my improvement of, & profits of my real
estate with a privilege of two Cows, and the use of all my indoor moveables,
during her natural life, and her fire wood brought to the Door & cut fit
for the fire
2ly– I Give & bequeath to William Drake &
to his heirs forever, the whole of my estate both real & personal, his
paying all my just debts & funeral charges for me & my wife abovesaid,
and I do hereby appoint the abovesaid William Drake sole Executor of this my
last will & testament. And I do hereby, utterly disallow, revoke &
disannull, all & every former testament, will, legacies & bequests
& Executors by me in any wise, before named, willed & bequeathed,
ratifying and confirming this & no other, to be my last will &
testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal ye.
day & year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published Pronounced David Shaw (seal)
& declared by ye. sd. David Shaw as
his last
Will & testament in presence of us
Edmund
Hall
Joshua
White
Daniel
White
Presented for probate on 9 Aug. 1797 by William Drake, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joshua White Esqr. and Daniel
White, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were
granted to William Drake, yeoman, the before named Executor, with Joshua White
Esqr. and Daniel White, yeoman, all of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 36, p. 207-208, from FHL microfilm
#0550719.
Will of Ebenezar Shaw of Bridgewater, Plymouth County,
Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name
of God Amen the 19th Day of September 1775 I Ebenezar Shaw of
Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth In New-England Husbandman being Now of a
Disposeing Mind & Memory Yet Calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body &
knowing that it is Appointed unto All Men Once to Die do make and Ordain this
my Last Will & Testament i.e. Principally and first of all I Recommend my
Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, & my Body I Recommend to the Earth
to be Buried with Christian Decent Burial at the Discretion of my Executor
hereafter Mentioned & as Touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
Pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give & Dispose of the Same in the
following Manner & Form ~~
1st
Tis my Will that all My Debts & Funeral Charges be Well & Truly Paid in
Convenient Time after my Decease ~
2dly
I Give & Bequeath to my Well Beloved Wife Mary Shaw all my Indoor Household
Stuff to be her’s forever with One Third Part of the Improvement of all My
Buildings & of my Farm during her Widow hood ~
3dly
I Give & Bequeath to my Well Beloved Son Ebenezar Shaw all my Lands with
all my Buildings & all the Utinsills upon my Farm & all my Live Stock
to be his Forever, Allowing his Sister the Priviledge of Liveing in the House
While Unmarried ~
4thly
I Give & Bequeath to my Well beloved Daughters Mary Deborah, Huldah, Betty,
Mehitable Shaw Thirteen Pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence to Each of them
this Sum to be paid in Money or Household Goods within a year after my Decease
~
5thly
I Give and Bequeath to my Well beloved Daughter Abigail Harris five Shillings
& no More having Given her What I Designed for her Already ~
6thly
I Give & Bequeath to my Well beloved Daughter Susannah Snell five Shillings
& No more haveing Given her what I Designed for her Already ~
7thly
I Constitute & Appoint my Well beloved Son Ebenezar Shaw Sole Executor of
this my Last Will & Testament to pay all my Debts & the Legacies in
this Will Specifyed I make & Ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day & year
above written i.e. Septr. 19th Anno Domini 1775 ~
Signed
Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared
by me
Ebenezar Shaw As my Last Will & Testament Ebenezar Shaw (seal)
In Presence
of us ~ Isaac Allen
Joshua
Barrell
Isaac
Allen Junr.
Presented
for probate on 3 June 1776 by Ebenezar Shaw, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Isaac Allen and Isaac Allen Junr., two of the Witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Ebenezar Shaw, the
before named Executor, on 3 June 1776, with Isaac Allen and Isaac Allen Junr.,
all of Bridgewater, as sureties.
No inventory
of his estate was filed.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 131-132, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of Esther Shaw of Plymouth, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In
the name of God. – Amen.
I
Esther Shaw of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth widow do make and publish
this my last Will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say.
First I direct that all my just debts be paid as soon as possible after
my decease.
Secondly,
I direct my Executor to sell and convert into money at such time and in such
manner as he may deem necessary or expedient all the estate real and personal
of which I may die seized except as hereafter provided.
Having
already made provision which I consider equivolent to six hundred dollars, for
my brother Ellis Holmes in the sale of a mortgage which I had upon the
homestead place on which he lives to Capt. Henry Whiting, I hereby give him a
further sum of two hundred dollars.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew William M. Holmes, son of my brother Samuel
Holmes the sum of two hundred dollars.
I
give and bequeath to my nephews John H. Bradford, Thomas Spooner Horatio N.
Spooner Ichabod S. Holmes, Atwood Holmes, Allen Holmes, Ellis Holmes Junior,
and Kendall Holmes, and to my nieces Sally Bradford, Betsey Holmes, Widow
Rebecca Burgess Deborah Holmes, Hannah Morton wife of Lemuel Morton, Mary
Spooner wife of Ephraim Spooner Esther S. Bartlett wife of Amasa Bartlett Phebe
Sylvester wife of Nathaniel Sylvester, Susan Holmes, Mehitable Holmes and
Rebecca Doten wife of Samuel Doten, the sum of fifty dollars each.
I
give and bequeath to Rebecca H. Faunce widow of Nathaniel Faunce, Laura Turner
wife of Capt. E. Stephens Turner, and Susan Hayward daughter of the late Beza
Hayward Esq. the sum of thirty dollars each.
I
give and bequeath to Nancy Battles Caroline Goddard and Huldah Harlow,
daughters of my nephew Ichabod Harlow deceased the sum of twenty dollars each.
I
give and bequeath to my nephew Davis Holmes the sum of fifty dollars.
I
give and bequeath to my nephews Ellis Holmes Junior and Ichabod Shaw Holmes and
their heirs forever, a certain lot of woodland situated at Gravelly Hill so
called known as the “Ten Acre lot” which fell to me in the distribution of the
estate of my father the late Ichabod Holmes.
I
give and bequeath to Caroline Miller Spooner, Ellen Otis Spooner and Catharine
Brimley Spooner, daughters of my late nephew William Spooner the sum of ten
dollars each.
I
give and bequeath to Allen C. Spooner and Nathaniel Spooner sons of my late
nephew Capt. Nathaniel Spooner Junior the sum of fifty dollars to be equally
divided between them.
I
give and bequeath to Esther Shaw Spooner daughter of Ephraim and Mary Spooner
the sum of fifty dollars.
I
give and bequeath to the Rev. James Kendall and the Rev. George W. Briggs, both
of Plymouth the sum of thirty dollars, each.
I
give and bequeath to the First Congregational Society in Plymouth of which said
James Kendall and George W. Briggs are associate pastors, the sum of one
hundred dollars, to be held by said Parish in trust, and the income of the
same, I direct shall be divided annually among such poor persons belonging to
said Parish as the Standing Committee thereof, or any special Committee duly
appointed for this purpose by said Parish, shall direct.
Lastly,
as to the rest and residue of my property my will is that the same together
with any of the above legacies which may become lapsed by the death of any
legatee, be equally divided among my nephews, John H. Bradford and William M.
Holmes son of my deceased brother Samuel Holmes, and the surviving daughters of
my deceased sisters Rebecca Bradford, Deborah Barnes and Mary Spooner or among
such of said last mentioned nephews and nieces as may survive me.
And
hereby revoking all former Wills I appoint my nephew Joseph Bradford sole
Executor of this my last will and testament or in case of his decease my nephew
Ellis Holmes Junior.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of
May A.D. eighteen hundred and forty five.
Esther Shaw. (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Esther Shaw as and for her last will
and testament in our presence, who at her request, in her presence, and in
presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto.
Nathl.
M. Davis
Wm.
Davis
Elizabeth
Doten
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1847 by Joseph Bradford, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Nathaniel M. Davis and William Davis, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph Bradford, the
Executor therein named.
Joseph Bradford, of Plymouth, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Esther Shaw, late of
Plymouth, widow, on 18 Jan. 1847, with George Harlow and Lewis Perry, both of
Plymouth, as sureties.
George Harlow, Silvanus Harlow and
Samuel Sherman, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Esther Shaw, late of Plymouth, on 7 Dec. 1846.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Esther Shaw, late of Plymouth, not dated, totaled $4966.00, including the wood
lot valued at $100, and shares of stock in the Old Colony Rail Road, Plymouth
Bank, and Market Bank of Boston, but no other real estate. Joseph Bradford, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Feb. 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, pp. 4-6, 65, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 2H, p. 104.
Will of Ichabod Shaw of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
According
to a good old usage, and in concurrence with my right and my duty, I Ichabod
Shaw of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth, commending my soul to a merciful
Maker, do then dispose of my Estate at my decease. I give to my wife, Esther, all my
interest in the Ship Fortune, now on a whaling voyage, from this port, and the
improvement of the rest of my Estate.
I give
to my Nephew, Ichabod Shaw Junr my undivided half of a shop and land
on Leyden & Sea Street in said Plymouth, if owned by me at my decease: –
And I direct that the rest of my Estate be distributed according to the present
law or laws.
In
testimony of which I hereto set my name and seal this seventh day of March
1826.
Ichabod Shaw (seal)
Signed
and sealed
in
presence of
Z.
Bartlett
I.
LeBaron
Mercy
Churchill
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1837 by
Esther Shaw, a Devisee therein named, and proved by Isaac LeBaron, one of the
witnesses thereto subscribed, Z. Bartlett and Mercy Churchill being both now
deceased.
Esther Shaw, of Plymouth, was
granted administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of Ichabod Shaw,
late of Plymouth, Yeoman, no person having been named in said Will as Executor
thereof, on 3 Oct. 1837, with Southworth Shaw and Ichabod Shaw, both of
Plymouth, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Ichabod Shaw, late of Plymouth, was appraised on 4 Dec. 1837 by Nathl. M.
Davis, Coomer Weston, and Ellis Holmes, his real estate totaled $3968,
including his house and lot on Court Street valued at $2800, and an undivided half
of a Blacksmith Shop on Water Street valued at $800, and his personal estate
totaled $2755, plus a number of notes which were not totaled or included in the
personal estate. Esther Shaw, the Administratrix with the Will annexed on the
Estate of Ichabod Shaw, late of Plymouth, gave her oath to the inventory on 4
Dec. 1837.
Whereas
Ichabod Shaw late of Plymouth deceased by his last Will and Testament devised
and bequeathed the use and improvement of his Real and Personal Estate to his
wife Esther Shaw during her life, and the remainder thereof with the Exception
of a devise of a Shop, to us the subscribers his heirs at law: now for divers
good reasons and considering we do hereby release and relinquish to the said
Esther all our right and claim upon the remainder and reversion of the
furniture and household goods of which the said Ichabod died in possession for
her the said Esther to hold, enjoy and dispose of at her Will and pleasure
forever.
Witness
our hands this eighth day of March 1839
Experience
Hayward
Lucy
Lewis
Southworth
Shaw
Benjamin
Shurtleff
Sally
Shurtleff
John
Tillson
Desire
Tillson
Ichabod Shaw, of Plymouth, was
granted administration de bonis non with the Will annexed of the Estate of
Ichabod Shaw, late of Plymouth, on 7 Dec. 1846, Esther Shaw, who was appointed
as Administrator with the Will annexed having deceased.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, pp.
434-435, 538-539, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 81, p. 211-212, and Vol.
10A, pp. 489, 553.
Will of James Shaw
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I James Shaw of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, being weak
of body yet of a sound mind & memory, blessed be God for the same,
considering the mortality of the body, that it is appointed for all men once to
die, do make & ordain this my last will and testament to be firm &
inviolable, in manner following, that is to say ~
First—I Give and bequeath to my wife Lois, the use &
improvement of one third part of all my real estate during her natural life as
her right of dower therein, also, one half of all my indoor moveables &
houshold furniture, and two Cows, all as her own property, & the use of a
horse to ride when it is convenient.–
2d—I Give & bequeath to my son James Shaw, in
addition to what he has already recieved out of my estate, Two Dollars –.
3d.– I Give & bequeath to my son Chipman Shaw
in addition to what he has otherways recieved, the sum of one Hundred &
thirty Dollars.~
4th– I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Chloe,
the wife of James Shaw of Carver in sd County, the value of one
Hundred Dollars in houshold furniture & specific articles of moveable
estate at a reasonable value, which property shall be confined to her own
particular use & benefit & under the particular care & direction of
my son Joseph Shaw.–
5th– I Give & bequeath to my three sons –vizt–
James, Joseph and Chipman, all my wearing apparell, to be equally divided
between them.
6th.– I Give & bequeath to my son Joseph Shaw,
all my real estate which I have not already by Deed disposed of, of every kind,
excepting the improvement of that part thereof which is allowed to my said
wife, which she is to improve during her natural life, to have & to hold
the same, to him my said son Joseph, his heirs and assigns forever — I also
give & bequeath to him my sd son Joseph, all my personal estate
of every kind & my debts due, excepting what is herein otherways disposed
of, he paying all the legacies herein mentioned & my just debts & funeral
charges.– And I do constitute & appoint him my said son Joseph to be
Executor to this my last will & testament. – Thus hoping that this my last
Will & testament will be carefully kept & performed according to the
true intent and meaning thereof – I commit my soul to the hands of God who gave
it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial — In Testimony whereof I the
said James Shaw have hereto set my hand & seal this 23d day of
December, in the year of our Lord one thousand & Eight Hundred. –
Signed Sealed & Declared by the
said James Shaw, to be his last will James Shaw (seal)
& testament in presence of us. ~
Isaac
Perkins ye 2d.
Barnabas
Perkins
Nemiah
Bennet
Presented for probate on 19 Feb. 1803 by Joseph Shaw, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Perkins ye 2d.
& Barnabas Perkins, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of James H. Shaw of Hamden, Delaware County, New York (1888) *
In the name of God Amen I James H Shaw of the town of Hamden
Delaware County NY of the age of sixty years being of sound mind and memory do
hereby make publish and declare this my last will and Testament in manner
following viz:
First I give and bequeath unto my son Edwin L. Shaw Eight
hundred dollars ($800)
Second. I give and bequeath to my son son Robert R Shaw
fifteen hundred dollars $1500
Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Anna Bragee
Five hundred dollars $500
Fourthly. I give and bequeath to my son James A Shaw fifteen
hundred dollars $1500
Fifthly I give and bequeath to my daughter Ida Shaw Six
hundred dollars $600
Sixthly. I give and bequeath to my son Charles Shaw fifteen
hundred dollars $1500
Seventhly. I hereby will to my wife Hannah Shaw the use or
interest on two thousand dollars during her lifetime. After her death I will
that the said two thousand dollars be equally divided between Robert R Shaw,
James A Shaw & Charles Shaw each to share alike in same. I do hereby revoke all former Wills made by
me. If there is more or less of my
estate then the amounts named each shall have in proportion to the amounts willed
to them and lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint William Bryce of the town of
Hamden Executor of this my last Will and Testament
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
Sixth day of January 1888.
James H. Shaw (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one half sheet of legal
cap paper was at the date thereof signed sealed published and declared by the
said James H Shaw as his last Will and Testament in presence of us at his
request and in his presence and in presence of each other have subscribed our
names as witnesses thereunto
Charles E. Huebert } Downsville
Del Co
Alston W Huebert } as witnesses also to the interlining
of seven hundred changed to
read
five also one thousand to read sixhundred
Downsville
Del Co N.Y.
Proved on 9 May 1889 by Charles E. Huebert of the Town of
Colchester and Alston W Huebert of the Town of Colchester.
William Bryce was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate
of James H Shaw, late of Hamden, on 27 May 1889.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probaste Wills Vol. M, p. 268, from FHL
microfilm #0833513, and Letters Testamentary Vol. I, p. 314.
Will of Jonathan Shaw
Sr., of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1728) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Jona Shaw
Senr of Plympton in ye
First: My will is that all my Just Debts & funeral
Charges be payd out of my personal Estate by my Executor hereafter named;
Item. I Give Unto my Wife Mary Shaw the sum of ten pounds to
be levied & raised out of my personal Estate & payd by my Execr.
whensoever She Shall marry or Leave my Homestead which sd sum of ten
pounds She Shall take up Satisfyed with for her whole Dowry, as may appear by
agreement under her Hand & Seal before marriage to me. But So long as She
remains my widow My will is yt She Shall have the third part of the
Improvement of my personal Estate So far as may be for her own proper use &
Benefit.
Item. I Give and Bequeath to my three sons (Viz.) Jonathan
Shaw, James Shaw, & Samll. Shaw all my wearing apparell to be
Equally Divided amongst them. I also Give to my three Sons above named all my
Undivided Lands lying within ye
Item. I Give to my Son Jona. Shaw all that my
third part of my meadow Laying at Pope’s point So Called within the
Item. I Give to my Daughter Phebe Shurtleff ye sum
of twenty pounds.
Item. I Give to my Daughter Mehetabel Weston the Sum of
twenty two pounds.
Item I Give to my Daughter Hannah Harlow—the Sum of twenty
four pounds.
Item I Give to my Daughter Priscilla Bosworth the Sum of
twenty Six pounds.
Item. I Give to my Grand Children, the Children of Joseph
Lucas ye Sum of twenty one pounds to be equally Divided amongst ym.
Item. I Give to my two Grand Daughters (Viz.) Mary &
Repentance Lucas, Children of Samll. Lucas the sum of thirty
pounds—and my will is further that ye abovesd Legacyes be
all payd unto the Partyes within named in Six year times after my Decease by my
Executor.
Item I Give to my Daughter Rebekah ye Sum of
fourty pounds to be payd unto her by my Execr. wn She
Shall come at age
Item. I Give to my Son Samll. Shaw all that my Lot
of Land Laying near the Herring Pond within ye Township of Plymo
Consisting of one hundred fifty two acres, Together with all my personal Estate
by him to be possessed & Enjoyed, and I also Constitute, make & ordayn
my Sd Son Samll. Shaw to be my Sole Executor to this my
last Will & Testament.
Thus Hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be
kept & performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof, I
Commit my Body to the Dust & my Soul to GOD that Gave it.
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal,
this fourteenth Day of December and in ye year of our Lord, one
thousand Seven hundred & twenty Eight 1728.
Memo. the words between the first & Second
Lines of this page was interlined before the Ensealing of this will.
Jonathan Shaw Senr (seal)
Signed, Sealed & Declared by the sd Jonathan
Shaw Senr. to be his Last Will & Testament
In Presence of us the Subscribers Samll Barrow
Ebenezr
Ransom. Jno.
Probated on 6 Mar. 1729/30, and proved by Samll
Barrow, Ebenezer Ransom, & Jno.
The Inventory of the Estate of Lieut. Jonathan Shaw of
Plimton, was appraised by George Barrow, Ebenezer Ransom, and George Sampson
junr. on 19 Mar. 1729/30, not totaled, but his Land & Meadow at
Popes Neck was valued at £80.6.8, and his livestock was valued at £85.16.0.
Samuel Shaw, the administrator on the Estate of his father Mr.
Jonathan Shaw, late of Plimton, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 July 1730.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, pp. 681-683,
740, from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Jonathan Shaw of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In the Name of God Amen – This first day of April 1765, I
Jonathan Shaw of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, yeoman being very
Sick but of a sound and disposing mind & memory, thanks be Given to God
therefor, wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to dye Do make and ordain this my Last will and
testament, that is to say principally and first of all I Give & Recommend
my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend to the Earth,
to be buryed with Christian Decent burial nothing doubting at the General
Resurrection I shall Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I
Give Demise & Dispose of the same in the following manner and form
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath unto my true & beloved
wife Persus Shaw all my household Goods for her to use and improve as her own
during the term of her natural Life, and also the best Cow I Give to my said
wife which Cow I order my Son Thomas Shaw to keep for his mother winter &
Summer without any Cost to her, and also four pounds Lawful money I Give to my
said wife out of my Other moveable Estate which I order my sd. Son
Thomas to pay to her in One year after my decease ~
Item – I Give and bequeath unto my Son Thomas Shaw all my
husbandry tools & Live Stock (Except said Cow) and to his heirs forever
after my Just Debts and funeral Charges being first paid out of the same
Item – I Give to my Son Constanant Shaw (if he be Living and
Should Return home) Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid
to him by my said Son Thomas immediately after the decease of my wife
—furthermore my will is and I Do hereby appoint my sd Son Thomas
Shaw the Sole Executor to this my Last will & Testament – In witness
whereof I the sd Jonathan Shaw have hereunto Set my hand and Seal
the day and year above written –
Signed Sealed, published pronounced and Jonathan Shaw (seal)
declared by the said Jonathan Shaw to be his
Last will and testament in presence of us the subscribers
Elkanah Shaw jr. – Joseph Tinkham – Azubah Cole
Presented for probate on 1 April 1782 by Mary Shaw of
Middleborough, widow, the Executor therein named being deceased, and proved by
Elkanah Shaw junr and Azubah Cole, two of the witnesses, the other
witness, Joseph Tinkham, also being deceased. Letters of Administration Cum
Testamento Annexo were granted to Mary Shaw.
The Inventory of the Estate of Jonathan Shaw, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 1 May 1782 by Samuel Lucas, Francis Shurtleff
and Elkanah Shaw, and totaled £102.1.6, including his homestead and buildings
valued at £78.14, and a small piece of cedar swamp. Mary Shaw, the Admx. C.T.
Annexo on the estate, gave her oath to the inventory on 6 May 1782.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 304-305, 390, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of William Shaw of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1804) *
In the Name of God
amen on this eighteenth day of April in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred & four, I William Shaw of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being of advanced Age but of sound Mind
& Memory thanks be to God therefor calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body
knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die do make & ordain this
Instrument to be my last Will & Testament, namely, first of all I give
& recommend my precious & immortal Soul into the hands of God who gave
it & my mortal Body I resign to the Earth to be buried at the discretion of
my Executor herein after named & respecting my worldly Estate, which God
has been pleased to bestow upon me I give & bequeath to the following
persons herein named in Manner & form herein mentioned namely—
In
the first place I order that all my just debts & funeral Charges be paid by
my Executor named in this Will in convenient Time after my decease —
2dly.
I ordain for the Support & Maintenance of Mary my well beloved wife the
following provision in the Lieu of her Dower of right of thirds in my Estate,
namely I give & bequeath to her the Improvement of my South east room in my
present Dwelling house & and My Cloathes room & Cupboard adjoining
between that & the Middle room together with the east porch Bedroom &
Buttery & Easterly half of the old Kitchen with the privilege of the oven
& well when and so often as she pleases also the northerly part of the East
Cellar, said Cellar to be pointed & well finished by my Executor, moreover
the use of as much of the Chamber as she may need over sd. premises,
& the use of the Stairs leading thereunto, also a third part of the Pew on
the Ground floor of the north Meeting-house in Bridgewater also the privilege
of riding to meeting & privilege of sowing some Garden seeds in the Garden
reaping the Fruits thereof for her own use also the privilege of picking of
picking apples out of the Orchard for her own use when she pleases & also
when the said Mary shall be sick my Executor shall provide her with a good
Nurse the assistance of a Physician or Surgeon as her Case may require, also
annually eight Cords of Wood cut off fit for her Fire at her Door said wood to
be good, all these things to be done & she to enjoy & possess so long
as she continues to be my Widow & then to cease when she marries – But I
order my Executor to supply & furnish my aforesaid Wife annually during her
natural Life married or unmarried the following Articles Namely ten Bushels of
Corn two Bushels & an half of Rye, fifty Pounds of of good Pork & the
same weight of Beef & a proportion vigetable Sauce of a common Assortment,
four Pounds of Sheep’s wool, twelve pounds of Flax & one Barrel of Cyder,
Further more I give & bequeath to Mary my aforesaid Wife all & singular
the Goods that she brought at her Marriage to furnish my house, also I order my
Executor to supply my aforesaid Wife with one Good Cow to be well kept by him
through the Year every Year during her being my widow & no longer —
3dly. I give &
bequeath unto my Son William Shaw the use & Improvement of thirty seven
Acres of Land lying in the Town of Oxford in the County of Grafton in the State
of New Hampshire, which I purchased of Doctor John Dime of the Town &
County aforesaid during his natural Life & the use & improvement of the
same after his decease to his present wife during her natural Life, provided
she should remain his Widow the Fee thereof or right of Soil to the said thirty
seven Acres with the privileges thereto appertaining I give & bequeath to
my Grandson – Benjamin Shaw - Also I give & bequeath to my Son William his
Choice first of a full Suit of my wearing apparel, I also order my Executor to
deliver to him my said Son William all the obligations I have against him &
discharge him of all demands I may have against him & of What Name or
Nature soever providing, he shall at the same time relinquish all obligations
& Demands of what name or Nature soever, he may have against my Estate,
which with what he has already had & received, is his proportion of my
Estate —
4thly.
I give to my Son Dan Shaw the second choice of a full suit of my wearing
Apparel & all the demands I may have have against him, which with what he
has already received is his proportion of my Estate —
5thly.
I give to my Son Naphthali Shaw the third Choice of a full Suit of my wearing
Apparel & also sixty three Dollars in Cash to be paid by my Executor which
with the Money I have expended upon him in a Liberal Education is his full
propor- of my Estate —
6thly.
I give to my Daughter Hannah Packard the wife of Mark Packard one quarter of
household Furniture & indoor moveables, which is not already bequeathed to
my wife & also four Dollars to be paid by my Executor which with what she
has already received is her full proportion of my Estate —
7thly.
I give to my Daughter Rhoda Kingman wife of Benjamin Kingman an equal part
& Sum with her Sister Hannah Packard aforesaid which is her proportion of
my Estate—
8thly.
I give to my Daughter Betty Shaw a quarter part of my aforesaid Furniture &
Moveables & the Bed & Bedding, she has for some time past occupied in
my house and one hundred Dollars in Cash to be paid by my Executor & also I
give her the said Betty her choice of one of my cows & the Improvement of
the Middle room front in my house so long as she remains in a single or
unmarried State together with the other half of the old Kitchen & a common
use of the Well on the same terms, which together with what I have already done
for her is her full proportion of my Estate —
9thly.
I give to my Daughter Patience the Wife of Nathaniel Southworth the remaining
part of household Furniture & indoor moveables being one fourth part
thereof, provided the abovesaid Bed & Bedding was not given to Betty Shaw
this together with what I advanced at her marriage is her proportion of my
Estate —
10thly.
I give to my Daughter Abigail the Wife of Ziba Woods forty Dollars in Cash to
be paid by my Executor, which together with the Money I have delivered &
advanced at & since her Marriage & the Goods which did belong to her
own Mother which I have delivered to her is her proportion of my Estate —
11thly.
I give to my Grandson Isaiah Shaw thirteen Acres of Land in the Town of Orford
aforesaid being part of the Lot I gave to my Grandson Benjamin Shaw –
12thly.
I give to my Grandson Lemuel Packard the value of five acres of Land lying at
the north west Corner of the farm which my Son William Shaw has of late
improved to be paid him by my Executor —
13thly.
I give & bequeath to my Granddaughter Jennet Packard Anna Perkins Shaw,
Experience Shaw, Molly Shaw & Parna Kingman eight Dollars to each of them
to be paid by my Executor as they shall arrive at the Age of eighteen Years
successively –
14thly.
I give & bequeath to my Son Micah Shaw, whom I constitute ordain &
appoint my sole Executor of this my last will & Testament all my Estate
both real & personal of what name or nature soever, which is not given away
or bequeathed in this my last Will & Testament Which is sufficient to
enable him to perform all the Conditions contained in this Instrument & is
besides his full proportion of my Estate —
In witness whereof I the said
William Shaw do hereby ratify & confirm the same & hereunto set my hand
& seal the day & year first mentioned – Signed sealed pronounced &
published by the Testator in the hearing & presence of us the witnesses and
witnessed in presence of each other—
Edward
Southworth William Shaw (seal)
Martin
Southworth
Peres
Southworth
Presented for probate on 6 March
1809 by Micah Shaw, the Executor therein named, and proved by Martin Southworth
and Peres Southworth, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Micah Shaw, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
501-503, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Zebedee Shaw of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
To
all people to whom these presents shall come Greeting: know ye that I Zebedee
Shaw of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts,
Yeoman, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind
and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and
form as follows viz.
First. I give and bequeath to my
sister Susannah Shaw so much of the income of my Estate as shall be sufficient
for her maintainance during her lifetime. I do also give and bequeath to my
nephew Zebulon Shaw all that part of my farm whereon I now dwell or reside
which lies on the Northwesterly side of the road leading from assawamsett pond
to Freetown. I also give and bequeath to Abraham Shaw son of my late Nephew
Abraham Shaw, deceased, the remainder of my farm aforesaid which is a lot of
land lying on the Southeasterly side of the road before mentioned and
containing by estemation about twenty two acres, he paying to his sister Hannah
Shaw daughter of said Abraham Shaw deceased, one hundred Dollars in one year
after my decease, and also I give and bequeath to my said Nephew Zebulon Shaw
and Abraham Shaw son of Abraham Shaw deceased, all the remainder of my Estate
real and personal in manner as follows viz. To Zebulon Shaw two thirds of the
same, and to Abraham Shaw one third they paying all my just debts and funeral
Charges.— in the like proportion that is to say Zebulon to pay two thirds, and
Abraham one third. in testemony I have
here unto set my hand & seal declaring this to be my last Will &
Testament and revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made
Zebedee Shaw (seal)
Signed, sealed published and
declared by the above named Zebedee Shaw to be his last Will and Testament in presence
of us who hereunto set our names as Witnesses in presence of each other and of
the Testator on this Seventh day of August one thousand eight hundred twenty
nine AD. 1829
Silas
Briggs
Pelatiah
Briggs
James
F. Briggs
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of November 1838 by Zebulon Shaw, therein named, and proved by Silas
Briggs and James F Briggs, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Zebulon Shaw, of Middleborough,
petitioned for Administration of the Will of Zebedee Shaw, late of
Middleborough, Yeoman, no person being named as Executor, on 6 Nov. 1838, and
he was granted Administration with the Will annexed, with Silas Briggs and Nathaniel
Sampson, both of Middleborough, as sureties, on 6 Nov. 1838.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Zebedee Shaw, late of Middleborough, yeoman, was appraised by Silas Briggs,
Ezra McCully, and Eli Williams, but not dated, his real estate valued at $2366,
and his personal estate valued at $227.08. Zebulon Shaw, Administrator with the
Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on the last Tuesday of May 1839.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 80, p.
387-388, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 10A, p. 498, and Vol. 91, p.
265-266.
Will of Zephaniah Shaw of Middleborough, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
In the name
of God, Amen, I Zephaniah Shaw of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, Infirm in bodily health, but of sound
disposing mind and memory, and realizing that it is appointed unto all men once
to die, do proceed to make my last Will & Testament; and publish the same
in the following manner, First of all I commend my soul unto God who gave it
through the merits and mediation of the glorious Redeemer; and my body to the
dust whence it was taken, to be buried in a christian manner in the hope of a
resurrection to a glorious immortality.
And as touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bestow
upon me in this life I give and dispose of it in the following manner, viz
1. I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife,
Reliance Shaw the use and improvement of one third of all my Real Estate during
her natural life, Also one third part of my Personal Estate to her use and
benefit forever ~
2. I give
and bequeath unto my son Sullivan Shaw, Twenty dollars.
3. I will
and bequeath unto Hannah Shaw, Widow of my son Orlando Shaw, deceased, One
Hundred dollars ~
4. I will
and bequeath unto Rebecca Shaw daughter of my son Orlando Shaw, deceased, One
hundred dollars ~
5. I will
and bequeath unto my daughters Lydia Alden, Lois Hathaway, Delany Reed, Hannah
Wilbur & Sally Harris eighty dollars each ~
6. I will
and bequeath unto my three sons Calvin Shaw – Zephaniah Shaw Jr. & Ebenezer
Shaw all the remainder of my Estate both Real & Personal after the payment
of my just debts and funeral charges, to be divided equally among them, all the
aforesaid legacies, not otherwise specified, to be paid in one year after my
decease, without interest.
7. I do
hereby appoint my sons Calvin Shaw & Zephaniah Shaw Junr. both of said
Middleborough, joint and sole executors of this my last Will & Testament –
And I do hereby revoke all former Wills & Testaments heretofore made or
named declaring, ratifying and confirming this to be my last Will and
Testament. In witness whereof I the
said Zephaniah Shaw have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of
November in the year of Our Lord One thousand, eight hundred and twenty seven.
Zephaniah Shaw (seal)
Signed sealed & delivered, published
and declared
by the said Zephaniah Shaw to be his last Will
and
Testament, in presence of us
Philip Colby
Eleanor G. Haradon
Rebekah Gwineth
Presented
for probate on 13 Jan. 1829, and proved by Philip Colby and Eleanor G. Haradon,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Calvin Shaw and Zephaniah Shaw, of
Middleborough, were granted letters testamentary on the estate of Zephaniah
Shaw, late of Middleborough, on 13 Jan. 1829.
Solomon
Alden Jur, of Bridgewater, Simon Backus and Zebulon K. Pratt, of Middleborough,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Zephaniah Shaw, late of Middleborough,
on 13 Jen. 1829. The Inventory of the estate of Zephaniah Shaw, late of
Middleborough, was dated 17 Jan. 1829, his real estate totaled $3233, including
his homestead in Middleborough estimated at 90 acres valued at $3000, and his
personal estate totaled $976.40. Zephaniah Shaw and Calvin Shaw, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 7 Apr. 1829.
Solomon
Alden Junr. of Bridgewater, Seth Eaton Esqr. and Zebulon K. Pratt, of
Middleborough, were appointed to set off to the widow Reliance Shaw her dower
in the Real Estate of Zephaniah Shaw, late of Middleborough, on 19 Jan. 1829.
The division was dated 14 Mar. 1829, and was approved on 4 Aug. 1829.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, pp. 409-410, 501-502,
from FHL microfilm #0555259, and Vol. 67, p. 432-434.
Will of William
Shearman of
In the Name of God Amen the thirtieth Day of November in the
Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and thirty nine 1739 I William Shearman of Marshfield in the
County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
Yeoman being Aged, and Infirm of Body but of Sound Minde and Memory and Calling
unto minde The Uncertainty of this Life and being Desirous to Settle things in
order do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following vizt. I Recomend my
soul to god my Creator, and my Body to the Earth to be Buried in Such Deacent
Christian manner as to my Executor hereafter named Shall be thought to be most
meet and Convenient, and as to Such Worldly Goods and Estate as the Lord in
Mercy hath given to me my minde and Will is that the Same Shall be Imployed and
Disposed of as in this my Will is hereafter Expressed that is to say —
My Minde
and will is that all my Just Debts and Funerall Charges shall be Well and
Truely paid by my Son in Law Adam Hall and Sarah Hall his wife. Item I give and
bequeath unto my two Grandchildren the Children of my Daughter Thankfull Polden
Deceased five and Twenty Pounds apeice vizt to my Grand Son John
Polden to be paid when he Cometh to the Age of Twenty one years, and to my
Grand Daughter Mary Polden when she Cometh to the Age of eighteen years
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son in Law Adam Hall and to my Daughter Sary Hall his
Wife the one halfe of all my Reall Estate to them their Heirs & assigns
forever allways provided and it is hereby Intended that theay my sd
Son in Law, and Daughter their Heirs, Executors or Adminrs, or one
of them shall and do well and Truely pay all my Just Debts, and Funerall
Charges above mentioned, and also Well and Truely pay the Legacies above given
to my two Grand Children when theay Come to the ages above Expressed
Item,
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Shearman and to my Daughter Abigail
Shearman all the other half of my Real Estate to them Equally Between them two.
to them their Heirs and Assigns for ever and further my minde and Will is that
my Daughter Mary Shearman and my Daughter Abigail Shearman Shall have all my
Moveable Estate that Shall be Left at my Decease Equally to be Divided between
them two, And Lastly I, do appoint my Son in Law Adam Hall and my Daughter Mary
Shearman Joynt Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the Day and year above Written
Memorandum the Words Just Debts
between the 29th and thirtieth Lines was Enterlined before Sealing –
Signd Seald.
Published
his
and declared by the sd William
William Shearman the
mark
Testator to be his last
Will and Testament in
the Preasance of
Samll. Shearman
Gershom Shearman
Arthur Howland
Proved on 7 Apr. 1740 by Samuell
Shearman, Gershom Shearman and Arthur Howland, the witnesses. Adam Hall is
called a “Mariner,” and Mary Shearman is called “Spinster” in the Letter of
Administration.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Zephaniah
Shepardson of
In the name of God amen: the twentieth Day of July in the
year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and two—I Zephaniah Shepardson of
Guilford In the County of Windham and State of Vermont Gentleman being in a
considerable state of health of body and mind & memory Thanks be given to
God therupon Therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last
will and testament, that is to say principally and first of all I give and
recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it and my body I recommend to
the earth to be buried in a decent and christian manner at the descretion of my
Executrix nothing doubting of the word of God that at the general resurrection
there shall be a resurrection of all things and that when he who is our life
shall appear I shall be like him, complete in body and soul preserved and
raised by the mighty power of God ~~
And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me with in this life that I have not disposed of heretofore I now
give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form –
Imprimis – I give and bequeath to Lucinda Shepardson my lawfull wife all my
cows and all my sheep and other neat stock my horse and side saddle together
with my Cutler with the tackling thereto belonging my loom and the tackling
thereto belonging and the one half of my wearing apparrel together with all my
other moveables – Item I give to my son Zephaniah Shepardson and to my son
William Shepardson and to my daughter Ruth Barney and my son Joseph Shepardson
and to my son Jared Shepardson and to my daughter Damaris Billings Shepardson
and my son David Church Shepardson each of them twelve and an half cents
together with the one half of my wearing apparrel equally divided among them
having given each of them their proportion out of my estate heretofore ~~
Item I give to my beloved grandson William Shepardson my
saddle on Which I ride. My wife Lucinda Shepardson likewise I constitute and
make and ordain my sole Executor of this my last will and testament. And I do
hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former wills
and testaments legacies bequeaths and Executors by me in any ways before named
willed or bequested ratifying this an no other to be my last will and testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and Year above
written
Signed sealed published and declared
by the said Zephaniah Shepardson
as his last will and testament
in presence of the Subscribers
John Slater Zephaniah Shepardson (seal)
William Cleaver
Hannah Palmer
Proved on 20 Nov. 1804 by John Slatar and William Cleaver
before Ebenezer Allen, Judge of Probate.
Lucinda Shepardson of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Asa Sherman of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In
the name of God, Amen – I Asa Sherman of Plympton in the County of Plymouth,
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being blessed with a comfortable
degree of health – and of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God
therefor – calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die – do make and ordain this my last Will and
Testament, and desire it may be received by all Men as such.
And principally and first of all I
give my soul into the hands of God who gave it – and my body I recommend to the
earth to be buried in decent Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named. – And as toutching such worldly estate wherewith it has
pleased God to bless me in this life I give, demise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form –
Imprimis – I give to my well
beloved wife Polly Sherman the improvement of one third part of all my Real
Estate so long as she shall remain my widow. I also give her one Cow, together
with all my household furniture, to her heirs and assigns to her to dispose of
as she shall think proper ~ ~
Item
– I give and bequeath to my son George Sherman all my homestead farm, with all
the buildings thereon standing, with all the lands, meadow and out-lands that I
now own or possess: I also give him all my stock on my farm, including my
horse, Horned cattle and sheep, one Cow excepted: I also give him all my
farming tools and utensils to him, his heirs and assigns, to his and their use
and behoof forever.
Item.
I hereby absolutely order my son George Sherman to pay to my three sons herein
named, viz – to pay Joseph Sherman fifty dollars, – to my Son Asa Sherman fifty
dollars – and to my son Zacheus Sherman fifty dollars – to be paid to them or
their heirs or assigns in six months after my decease, with interest. And I do hereby positively order my son
George Sherman to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses.
Lastly
– I do constitute, make and ordain my son George Sherman my sole executor of
this my last Will and Testament – and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and
disanul all and every other former will and Testament, legacies, bequeaths and
Executors, by me in any wise before willed or bequeathed – Ratifying and
confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament –
In
witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of
March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty six.
Asa Sherman (seal)
Signed, sealed, pronounced & declared by the said Asa Sherman to be
his last Will & Testament in the presence of us the subscribers.
Elijah
Bisbee
William
Bisbee
John
P. Ellis
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Nov. 1836 by George Sherman, the Executor therein named, and proved
by John P. Ellis, the only surviving witness thereto subscribed, Elijah Bisbee
and William Bisbee both now deceased. Letters Testamentary were granted to
George Sherman, the Executor therein named.
George Sherman, of Plympton, was
granted Letters of Administration on the estate of Asa Sherman, late of
Plympton, Yeoman, on 1 Nov. 1836, with Jonathan Parker and John P. Ellis, both
of Plympton, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of Asa
Sherman, late of Plympton, was appraised on 14 Nov. 1836 by Jonathan Parker,
Luther Bradford, and John Sherman Jr., and totaled $2392.57, including his real
estate valued at $2150. George Sherman, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 5 Dec. 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, pp.
445-446, 508, from FHL microfilm #0555264, and Vol. 1G, p. 14.
Will of Thankful Short of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1794) *
Know all men by these presents, that I Thankful Short of the
Town of middleborough in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
massachusetts widow, being weak of body, yet of a sound mind & memory,
blessed be God for the same, yet considering that it is appointed for all, once
to die, do make and ordain, this my last will & testament, to be firm &
inviolable forever in manner following – vizt
I
Give & bequeath to George Vaughan of the Town of middleborough aforesaid,
all my Estate of all kinds whatever, whether real, personal or mixed with all
my dues, claims, rights or credits of any kind, name or nature, he paying out
of the same, all my just debts & funeral charges
I also appoint, constitute & authorise the said George Vaughan to be
Sole Executor to this my Last will & testament. – thus hoping that this my
last will & testament will be carefully kept & performed, according to
the true intent & meaning thereof. I commit my soul to God who gave it
& my body to the Dust, to a decent burial. In witness whereof I hereto Set
my hand & seal, this Sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord, one
thousand, seven hundred & ninety four
Signed, Sealed & declared, by
the said her
Thankful Short to be her will &
testa- Thankful X Short (seal)
ment in presence of us
mark
Jacob
Wood
Seth
Southworth
Nehemh.
Bennet
Presented for probate on 7 Oct.
1794 by George Vaughan, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Wood
and Nehemiah Bennet, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to George Vaughan, Gentleman, the before named
Executor, with Nehemiah Bennet and Jacob Wood, yeoman, all of Middleborough, as
sureties.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 35, p.
158-160, from FHL microfilm #0550718.
Will of William Short of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
This twentyfifth day of January in the year of our Lord one
thousand, seven hundred, seventy & three. I William Short of Middleborough
in the county of Plymouth in New-England being weak in body but sound in
understanding and memory blessed be GOD for the same, and being sensible of my
own mortality, and knowing it is apointed for all once to dye do make and
ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say.
Principally and first of all, I give and recomend my soul
into the hand of GOD that gave it and my body to the earth to be decently
buried at the discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but at the general
resurection I shall receive the same by the mighty power of GOD, and as
touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased GOD to bless me with in this
life, I give and dispose of the same in manner & form following, that is to
say.
Imprimis, I give
unto my loving wife Thankfull Short the use and improvement of all my estate
real & personal, excepting what I shall hereafter mention during her
natural life. I also give unto my said wife the one half of all my movable
estate free and clear to be at her own disposal, to her and her heirs forever.—
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my four relatives viz unto Paul Pratt, Noah Pratt, William
Fuller, & Simeon Fuller, all my wearing aparel, to be equally divided among
them to them, their heirs & assigns forever.—
Item, I give and
bequeath unto Thomas Fuller now living with me my year & ‘vantage steers
and also that his aunt that is my wife shall keep them for him until he the
said Thomas arrive to the age of twenty & one years, to him, his heirs
& assigns forever.—
Item, I give and
bequeath unto Lucretia Fuller, alias Cole, my year and ‘vantage heifer, also
that my said wife keep her for her until said heifer be three years old, to her
her heirs & assigns forever.~~
And my will is and I do give & bequeath after the decease
of my beloved wife as above expressed, all my real & personal estate not
otherwise disposed unto my surviving nearest relations, to be equally divided
agreable to the letter of the law, and I do by this my last will &
testament constitute & apoint my trusty & faithful friend Nathanael
Wood of Middleborough sole executor of this my Last will & testament. ~
In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above-written. ~~
Signed, sealed, published & declared
in
presence of us William Short (seal)
Jesse Vaughan.
Nathanael Wood junr
William
Shaw
Presented for probate on 1 Mar. 1773 by Nathanael Wood, of Middleborough,
gentleman, the executor therein named, and proved by Nathanael Wood junr.
and William Shaw, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of William Short, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by Ephraim Wood, Nathan Darling, and William Shaw,
on 6 Mar. 1773, and totaled £426.18.8, including his homestead valued at £200.
Nathanael Wood, the Executor, gave his oath to inventory on 5 Apr. 1773.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 294-295, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Israel Silvester of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In the Name of God Amen I Israel Silvester of Duxborough
Being Aged But in Sound mind and Memory Expecting The the Day of my Death is at
hand Do make and ordain this My Last Will and Testement viz: first Resigning my
Soul to God Who Gave it I Commend my Bodey to a Decent and Christan Buriall at
the Descretion of my Executors heirafter named and as for my Goods and outward
Estate which shall Remain in my Posseson after the defraying debts and funeral
Charges I dispose of the Same as Follows Imprimas I Give and Bequath to my
Beloved Wife Abigail the Use and Emprovt of my Reall Estate in
Duxborough With the hous holde goods all But what heirafter Disspase of so Long
as She Remains my wido and allso to Pay to my Son Joseph Silvester at my
decease three hundred Pounds and after she Dun with it I Shall Dispose of it as
folows to my Son Joseph I Give my Cane that was my Granfather’s with what he
has all redey had with the three hundred pounds his mother is to pay him at my
decease Item to my son Israel Silvester my farm I Now Live on the farm I Bought
of william Brewster the hol of it both medow and upLand with all the
priviledges their unto belonging With one half my wood Land at Island Creek
pond and Likewise the one half the farming tols and one half the Stock and one
fether Bed and one half my Waring Cloaths Item I Give to my Son Zachriah
Silvester my old farm that was my fathers Both medow and upland with one half
my wood Land at Island Creek pond and Likewise one half my wairing Cloaths and
one fether Bed Item I Give to my Dafter Abigail Silvester two fether Beds with
the furnetuer their unto beloning At my decese With the Grat Chamber in the
hous that is on the farm that was my fathers and one Cow and her two Brothers
Israel and Zachriah are to paster her and [smear]
her for their Sister and to pay to their Sister forty pounds a peace When she
is maried and She is to have the Cow after she is maried and she is to grais
the hous and Keeping the Cow not Chargabe to them and after her mother decese
She is to have all the Movbels out of the hous that her mother has Left and it
is to be observed that for and in Consideration of What I have already given my
Sons and Dafter by deed or otherwise I Give them no more then the above
Specifyed Bequests always provided, and it is my Will that if anything be Left
that is not disposed of Detes and funeral Charges are paid my will is that it
Shall goe to my Sons Israel and Zechriah, but yil in Case nothing be Left or
not sufficent be Left at my Decese, then my Last mentiand two sons pay all
Debts finiley I Constitiuet my two Sons Israel Silvester and Zachriah Silvester
Executors of this my Last will and testement in Witness wheair of I have heair
unto Sett my hand and Seal this Eigth Day of februery anno Domini 1771 and in
the Eleventh year of the Raing of King Gorge the third
Sined Sealed published and Delivered Israel Silvester
In presence of us
Joshua Hall
Thaddeus Peterson
Samson holmes
John Samson was appointed as Administrator on the estate of
Israel Sylvester, late of Duxbury, shipwright, deceased, on 3 Mar. 1788, with
Joseph Sampson of Kingston, Gentm, and John Faunce of Kingston,
yeoman, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #19974, the will not recorded in
the probate books.
Will of Joseph and Hannah Silvester of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1734) *
In the Name of God Amen the first day of November. In the
year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty and four—
We Joseph Silvester and Hannah Silvester his wife both of
Plimouth in the County of Plimouth In his Majesty’s province of the
Massachusets Bay in NewEngland; Calling Unto mind the Mortality of our bodys
and knowing That it is appointed for all Men Once to dye; Do Make and Ordain
this our last Will and Testament, That is to Say Principally and first of all,
We Give our Soles into the hands of God yt. Gave them & Our
Bodys We Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent and Christain manner at
the Discretion of our Execrs. Nothing Doubting but at the Generall
Resurrection We Shall Receive the Same aGain by the Allmighty power of God and
as Touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless us in
this Life, We Give & Demise & Dispose of the same in the following
Manner and form—
Imprimis; We Give to our well beloved son Sollomon Silvester
Forty Acres of land of the Southerly side of our Land which Lieth at the head
of the Mill pond in Plimouth at Moniment-ponds, to him his heirs and Assigns
for Ever, togather with what he hath allready Reserved is his full part of our
Estate –
Item. We Give to the Children of our son Joseph Silvester
Deceasd One fifth part of all our Estate both Real and personall in Plimouth
and Else to them there heirs and Assigns forever. Item We Give to our four Daughters Hannah
Holmes, Mary Rider, Thankfull Rider and Content Holmes four fifths of all our
Estate both Real and personall in Pilmouth and Else where To them there heirs
and assigns for Ever, to Each of them in Equall parts that is Each of them One
fifth part of all our Estate and if it so happen that the Above named Hannah
Silvester after the Decease of her Husband She shall have the Improvement of
the above Demised premisses and all the whole of Estate Dureing her Naturall
Life and After her Decease to be Inhereted in Manner, as above Expresed We Do
also Hereby Constitute our Well beloved sons, Solomon Silvester and Eleazer
Holmes our Sole Execrs of this our last Will and Testamt.
and We do Hereby Utterly Disalow revoke and Disanull all and every Other former
Testamt., Will, Legaices & Bequests & Execrs. by
us in any ways before Named willed and Bequeathed, Ratifying and Confirming
this and no Other to be our last Will and Testamt. In Witness
whereof we have here unto sett our hands and Seal
Signed Sealed published pronounced & Declared by the sd. Joseph Silvester (seal)
Joseph Silvester and Hannah Silvester as their last Will
& her
Testamt. in presents of us the Subscribers Hannah h Silvester (seal)
Elisha Holmes marke
Josiah Morton
Elisha Holmes Junr
Presented for probate on 4 Mar. 1754 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by Elisha Holmes, one of the witnesses, Elisha Holmes Junr.
being since deceased. Letters of Administration were granted to Solomon
Silvester and Eleazer Holmes, both of Plimouth, the Executors, on 4 March 1754.
The Inventory of the Real and Personall Estate of Mr.
Joseph Silvester and Hannah his wife late of Plimo., was appraised
on 14 Mar. 1754 by Joseph Bartlett, Jonathan Bartlett, and John Blackmer, and
totaled £541.1.44, including their homestead dwelling house, barn and out
housen valued at £427. Solomon Silvester and Eleazer Holmes, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 21 Mar. 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, pp. 205-206, 249-250, from FHL
microfilm #0551540.
Will of Richard Silvester of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
The third day of January anno Domini 1765. I Richard
Silvester of Scituate in the county of Plymouth in New-England yeoman, being
aged & under infirmity of body, but of sound mind & memory, therefore
calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing it appointed unto man
once to die, do therefore make and ordain this my Last will and testament in
manner and form following. ~
Imprs. I give to my daughter Desire Liscomb one
half of all my pewter ware in the house. ~
Item. I give to my daughter Faith Rose the other half of my
pewter ware. –
Item, I give to my son Nehemiah Silvester all the rest of my
estate, both real & personal of what kind or nature soever or wheresoever
lying or being, to hold the same to him, his heirs & assigns forever, upon
condition that he or they, maintain & support my wife, during the whole
term of her natural life.
Lastly,
I do hereby nominate & appoint my son Nehemiah Silvester sole executor of
this my Last will & testament. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand & seal the day & year first above written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, &
declared by the
said Richard Silvester, to be his
Last will & Richard Silvester (seal)
testament in presence of us
witnesses. ~
Caleb Torrey, Mary Lincoln + Isaac Lincoln Junr.
Presented for probate on 19 Feb.
1768 by Nehemiah Silvester, the executor therein named, and proved by Caleb
Torrey and Mary Lincoln, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Nehemiah Silvester, the before named executor,
with Luke Silvester, of Scituate, and Seth Sylvester, of Chesterfield in the
county of Hampshire, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p.
61-62, from FHL microfilm #0550711.
Will of Zebulon
Silvester of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1766) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I Zebulon Silvester of Scituate in the county of Plimouth in
NewEngland yeoman, being infirm of body but of sound mind & memory do make
& ordain this my last will & testament, in manner following, first, I
recommend my soul to God that gave it, & my body to the earth to a decent
burial at the discretion of my executors hereafternamed, and touching my
worldly goods & estate which God has blessed me withall I give &
bequeath & dispose of the same in manner following, that is to say. ~
Imprimis. I give unto my welbeloved wife Mary Silvester the
use & improvement of all my estate both real & personal as long as she
shall remain my widdow after my just debts & funeral charges are paid out
of the personal estate, & if the improvement of said estate should not be
sufficient for her comfortable support, she may dispose of personal estate for
the same. ~
Item. I give unto three of my sons namely Jacob, Nathaniel
& Zebulon five shillings a piece lawful money to be paid by my son Elisha
Silvester after the decease of me & my wife. ~
Item. I give unto my son Israel Silvester & his heirs
& assigns forever a certain piece of land lying & being in Scituate
adjoining to the highway which goeth by my house & adjoining to some land I
sold to my son Jacob Silvester & is bounded as followeth, beginning with
the fence of sd. Land which I sold to Jacob near said Israel,s shop,
& runneth with sd. highway nineteen rods with the highway to a
stake & stones or fence, then runneth west & by South with the fence to
Joshua Jacob,s land then with sd. Jacob.s land to the land I sold to
Jacob Silvester, then with sd. Jacob.s land to the first corner saving
to my wife the improvement as long as she shall remain widdow.
Item. I give unto my son Luke Silvester & his heirs &
assigns forever a certain piece of land adjoining to the land I gave to my son
Israel, bounded as followeth, beginning at the corner of sd.
Israel,s land by the highway, then runneth with said highway twenty rods to a
stake &stones or fence then west & by south with the fence by Joshua
Jacobs,s Land, then with sd. Jacobs land, to the Land given to my
son Israel then with sd land to first corner, saving to my wife the
improvemt. so long as she shall remain my widdow.
Item. I give unto my son Elisha Silvester, his heirs &
assigns forever all my land on the easterly side of the highway where the house
standeth, between the land of Benjamin Jacobs & the land of Israel
Silvester with the buildings thereon, also the land on the westerly side of the
highway adjoining to the land I gave to my son Luke & the land of Joshua
Jacob & sd. highway with the buildings thereon, saving to my
wife the use & improvement so long as she shall remain my widdow, also I
reserve to my daughter Mary Silvester the privilege of living in the west end
of the house, & a privilege in the cellar, also of getting apples in the
orchard for her own use after my wife,s decease as long as shall remain single
or unmarried. ~ Also my son Elisha Silvester or heirs must pay to my three sons
namely Jacob, Nathaniel & Zebulon The sum of five shillings lawful money a
piece after my decease & decease of my wife, also thirteen pounds, six
shillings & eight pence lawfl. money to help pay the debts out
of the estate I have given you. ~
Item. I give unto my daughter Mary Silvester my best bed
& furniture after my wife,s decease, also the privilege of living in the
west end of the house, & a privilege in the cellar, & also of getting
Apples in the orchard for her own use after my wifes decease so long as she
remains unmarried. ~
Item. I give unto my three daughters Olive Groce, Martha
Prouty, & Mary Silvester all my personal estate that shall remain at my
wife,s decease to be equally divided among them, except what I have before
given to my daughter Mary Silvester.~
Item. I give all my estate real & personal not before
given away in this my will to my Executors. ~
Lastly, I nominate & appoint my welbeloved wife executrix
& my welbeloved Son Elisha Silvester executor to this my last will &
testamt,~
In witness whereof I,ve hereunto set my hand & seal this
26th day of april anno Domini 1766. –
his
Signed, sealed, published & declared by Zebulon \ Silvester (seal)
the sd. Zebulon Silvester to be his last will
& mark
Testament in presence of, Joshua Jacob, Thomas totman, Joshua
Jacob Junr.
Presented for probate on 4 Aug. 1766 by Mary Silvester and
Elisha Silvester, the executors therein named, and proved by Joshua Jacob,
Thomas Totman, and Joshua Jacob junr., the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Silvester and Elisha
Silvester, the Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Zebulon Silvester, late of
Scituate, was appraised on 16 Dec. 1766 by Joshua Jacob, Isaac Daman, and John
Briant, and totaled £206.9.7.1, including his real estate valued at £133.6.8.
The executors gave their oath to the inventory on 3 Apr. 1767.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Aaron Simmons of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1790) *
The Last will & testament of Aaron Simmons of Duxbury in
the County of Plymouth, in Commonwealth of Massachusetts State, in New England,
yeoman
I the said Aaron
Simmons being under many bodily infirmities, yet of perfect mind & memory
for which I thank God, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, do, upon
serious consideration make & ordain these presents to be my Last will &
testament, to remain firm & inviolable forever, that is to say first of
all, I Give & Recommend my soul to God that Gave it, & my body I
Recommend to the Earth, to be buried in a decent Christian manner at the
discretion of my Executor herein after named nothing doubting but at the
Resurrection I shall recieve the same again, and as touching such worldly
Estate which God hath blessed me with in this Life I Give and Devise and
dispose of the same in the following manner & form
Imprimis—I Give to my true and Loving wife the whole
improvement of my Real and Personal Estate after my debts & funeral Charges
are paid so Long as she remains my widow
Item – I Give to my Son Jesse Simmons, after the end of his
mothers widowhood the whole of my Real and Personal Estate he paying all my
Debts and a Hundred pounds to his Sister Mary Sherman as a Legacy or her
portion
Lastly— my will is that my Son Jesse Simmons be the Sole
Executor of this my Last will and testament, thus hoping that this my Last will
& testament be kept performed according to the true intent and meaning
there of
In Witness whereof I ye. aforesaid Aaron Simmons
have here unto Set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of March Anno Domini one
thousand seven hundred and Ninety 1790. ~
Signed, Sealed & declared by the afore- Aaron Simmons (seal)
named Aaron Simmons to be his Last
will & testament in presence of us
Elijah
Peterson
Jabez
Peterson
Reuben
Delano
Presented for probate on 29 May 1790 by Jesse Simmons, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Peterson and Reuben Delano, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jesse Simmons, the before named Executor, with Reuben Delano and William
Weston, all of Duxbury, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 185-187, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Abraham
Simmons of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1740) *
In the Name of God Amen the thirteenth day of September 1740
I Abraham Simmons of Duxborough in the County of Plymouth in New England
Cordwainer being bound On an Expedition to the West Indies & knowing that
it is appointed for all Men Once to die doe Make and Ordain this my last Will
and Testament that is to Say Principally and first of all I Give &
Recommend my Soul into ye Hands of God that gave it me, & my
body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in Decent — Christian Burial at the
Discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I
Shall Receive ye same again by the mighty power of God and as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath Please’d God to bless me with in
this life I give demise and dispose of ye Same in ye
following Manner & Form
Imprimis, I Give and bequeath to my Brother Zackariah Simmons
& his Heirs and his Heirs One fourth part of all my Estate Item I give
& bequeath To my Brother Benja. Simmons and his Heirs One
quarter part of all my Estate
Item I Give & bequeath to my Sister Mercy Simmons One
fourth part of my Estate
Item I Give & bequeath to my Sister Content Simmons &
her Heirs One quarter part of all my Estate
I Likewise appoint Samuel Weston to be my Sole Executor of
this my last Will and Testamt. Ratyfying & Confirming this and
no Other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness Where of I have hereunto
set my Hand & Seal the day & year above Written.
Signd Seald & Declard
In
Presence of
Nathaniel Simmons Abraham Simmons (seal)
Mercy Simmons
Samuel Weston Junr.
Presented for probate by the Execr.
on 2 Nov. 1741, and proved by Nathll Simmons & Samll
Weston Junr., two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Abraham Simmons, late of Duxborough, deceased, was appraised by John
Southworth, Moses Simmons and Nathll. Simmons, not totaled or dated,
but small, including no real estate. Samuel Weston, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 6 May 1742.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac Simmons of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1764) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I Isaac Simmons of Duxborough in the county of Plymouth
yeoman, being under infirmity of body but of sound mind & memory (blessed
be God for it) and calling to mind my morality, do hereby make & ordain
this my last will & testament, and first I recomend & comit my soul
into the hands of God that gave it, and my body to the earth to be decently
interrd, at the discretion of my executor hereafter-named, in hopes
of a resurrection to eternal life, and all my worldly goods, & estate with
which God has blessed me in this Life I do hereby give & dispose thereof in
maner & form followg.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my beloved wife
Lidia Simmons all my household goods & indoor moveables whatsoever, except
what is hereafter particularly disposed of, and one cow, she having liberty to
chuse the same, and I further give unto her the use & improvement of the
one half of all my real estate (Legacies & debts being first paid) from
& after my decease during her remaining my widdow, she being obliged to do
one half with my son Levi Simmons in maintaining my sister Priscilla Simmons;
But & if she should marry again then to have but one third as the law
directs. – and I also give unto her three sheep. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Jehiel Simmons the sum
of thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence lawful money to be paid by
my execor within eighteen months after my decease. And further I give unto him
the maintenance & brining up of his son Isaac, so long as he shall live
with me.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son & daughter Samuel
Holmes & Zenijah Holmes all my right, title & interest in & unto
the dwelling-house to them their heirs & assigns forever, And I further
give unto them all the houshold goods, & the cow which they have heretofore
recd. since their marriage.
Item. I give unto my daughter Martha Lowden the sum of two
pounds Lawfl. money, to be paid by my executor within the term of
eighteen months after my decease, over & above what she has already recd.~
Item. I give unto my two daughters Lusannah & Lidia one
good cow to each or the value thereof in money, & one good bed to each with
suitable furniture as their mother shall see fit to furnish the same at the
term of their arriving to eighteen years, or sooner if they should marry, &
further I give unto each of them the sum of fifteen pounds lawful money at the
aforesaid term to be paid by my executor hereafter-named, & I also give
unto the said Lidia her maintenance till she arrives to fifteen years of age. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my son Levi Simmons, whom I do
nominate & appoint my sole excor to this my Last will & testament, all
& singular the remainder of my estate whatsoever both real & personal,
not before disposd. of, with a large iron kettle, apair of iron
doggs, & a round table to him & his heirs & assigns forever, He
paying all the above legacies & all my just debts & funeral charges,
& maintaining his aunt Priscilla Simmons during life. –
In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal, the
thirty first day of August in the fourth year of his majesty,s reign a.d. one
thousand seven hundred, & sixty four.
Signed, sealed, published, & declared by the Isaac Simmons (seal)
abovenamd. Isaac Simons to be his last will &
testamt. in presence of us. Cornelius Delano,
Mary
Peterson, Nehemiah Thomas
Presented for probate on 9 Sept. 1767 by Levi Simmons, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Thomas and Mary Peterson, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Levi Simmons, of
Duxborough, the Executor, with Nehemiah Thomas and Elisha Foord of Marshfield,
yeomen, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 543-544, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Joseph Simmons of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1754) *
In The Name of God Amen The 14th. Day of March in
ye year of our Lord 1754 I Joseph Simmons of Duxborough in the County of
Plymouth yeoman being Very weakly in body but of Perfect Mind and Memory Thanks
be given to God therefor Calling unto Mind the Mortallity of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once To Die I Do make and ordain this
my Last will & Testament that is To Say first of all I give and Recommend
my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and My body I Recommend to ye.
Earth to be buried in Decent Cristian Manner at the Discretion of my Executor
nothing Doubting but at the general Resurection I Shall Receive ye.
same again by the mighty Power of God and as Touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me with in this Life, I give &
Demise in the following Manner & form
Imprims. I give & bequeath To Mary My Dearly
beloved wife 1 Cow & Six Sheep and the Improvement of half of my orchard
her Life time & I also give To Mary My wife the one half of my indore
Movables to Dispose of as She Pleases.
Item I give & bequeath To my Eldest Son Nathll.
Simmons the one half of Lands & Tenements by him firmly to be Possessed
& injoyed Likewise one bed hundogs & my warming Pan & my bigest
Pewter Plater & half of my wareing Close and half of my out Door Movables
besides what he has had in my Life Time obligeing him To Pay one half of my
funeral Charges & I also Constitute and make & ordain my Eldest Son
Nathll. Simmons Soule Executor of this my last will and Testament.
Item I Give & bequeth unto my well beloved Sone Jedadiah
Simmons ye one half of my Lands & Tenaments by him firmly to be Possessed
& Injoyed Likewise My Gun & my Loom & half of my wearing apparril
& half of my out Door Movables besides what he has had in my life Time
obligeing him To Pay half of my Debts & funeral Charges.
Item I Give unto my well beloved Daughter Rebeckah Peterson
my best bed only Reserving it To her mother Mary Simmons her life & I give
To my Daughter the one half of my indore moveables
Item I also Give To My wife Mary above mentioned ye.
one half of my Dwelling house her life Time I Do also my Two Sons Above
Mentioned Nathll & Jedediah oblige them To winter & Summer
their mothers one Cow & Six Sheep and finde her her as mush fire wood at
her Dore as She shall need for To burn.
Item I Give To My Grandson Joseph Simmons my Sea Chart what I
have what I have What I have here given To my Daughter above mentioned to wit
my best bed & half my Indoor movables is beside what she has already had
and I also Give To my Daughter ye. beding that belongs to my best
bed with the bed I Do here Verrefy Disallow Revoke & Disanul all &
Every other former Testaments & wills Legasies & bequeaths &
Executors by me in any ways before mentioned willed and bequeathed Ratyfieng
& Confirming this & no other to be my last will & Testaments. In
witness where of I have here unto Set my hand & Seal the Day & year
above written
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declard.
By the said Joseph Simmons as his Joseph Simmons (seal)
Last will & Testament in the Presenc
of us the Subscribers
Samll. Weston
Elnathan Weston
Judah Delino
Presented for probate on 1 June 1761 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Elnathan Weston and Judah Delino, two of the witnesses,
Saml. Weston having since deceased. Letters of Administration were
granted to Nathll. Simmons, of Duxborough, yeoman, the Executor, on
1 June 1761.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 152-154, from FHL microfilm
#0151543.
Will of Levi
Simmons of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen. I Levi Simmons of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in
body, but of sound mind & memory, do this twenty eighth day of June in the
year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred, and ninety eight, make &
publish this my last will & testament in manner following, that is to say
Imprimis, I Give to my beloved wife the use and improvement
of all my estate real, personal or mixed, during the time that she shall
continue & remain my widow (that shall be left and remain after my debts
& funeral charges are paid)
Item.
I Give & bequeath unto my three sons, Levi Simmons, James Simmons &
Lewis Simmons, in equal thirds to be divided, the whole of my real estate,
together with all my stock of farming utensills, after my said wife’s
improvement thereof shall cease
Item.
I Give & bequeath unto my two daughters Sarah Randall & Lydia Barstow
in equal halves, all my indoor moveables or houshold furniture of all kinds
(excepting one feather bed & furniture therefore, which I do reserve &
bequeath unto my son Lewis Simmons) after my said wife’s improvement thereof
shall cease, and
Lastly, I do constitute &
ordain my said wife Lydia Simmons & my son James Simmons, joint Executors
of this my last will & testament, and I do order & enjoin it on my said
Executors, to see to it, that my aforesaid son Lewis Simmons be brought up to
& taught & instructed in some mechanical trade or occupation, and that
if any expence shall arise thereby it shall be paid out of my real estate
before divided.
In Testimony whereof, I do hereunto
Set my and & Seal the day & year above written
Signed, Published & declared by
the said
Levi Simmons as & for his last
will & Levi Simmons (seal)
testament in the presence of use,
who at
his request & in his presence,
hereunto set
our names as witnesses to the same
Josiah
Hatch
Benjamin
Simmons junr
Asa
Waterman
Presented for probated on 17 July
1798 by Lydia Simmons & James Simmons, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Benjamin Simmons junr & Asa Waterman, two of the
witnesses.
Asa Waterman of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Mercy
Simmons of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1728) *
The last will & Testament of the widdow Mercy Simmons of
Duxborough
I Being sick & weak & not knowing the day of my death
yet being of sound mind & memory do thus Will my Estate to be disposed of
My soul I give to God my body I committ to the Earth & Will that my debts
& funerall charges be paid before any Legacy
I do give my son John Simons five shillings in silver money
all my sheep
To my son, William I give one shilling in silver money
To my son Isaac I give five shillings in silver money
To Benjamin Simons I give five shillings in silver money
To Joseph Simons I give five shillings in silver money
To Joshua Simons I give five shillings in silver money.
To my daughter Martha I give five shillings in silver money
& my riding gown & best Pollo coat & hood & scarf & red
silk wecloth
To my daughter Rebecah I give five shillings in silver money
& my best Riding hood. To my son Moses I give my bed & beding belonging
to it & my Cow & all the money not disposed of. The rest of my Estate
if any there be I give to my children Eaqually between them
I do Constitute & appoint my sons John & Moses to be
Executors of this my last Will & Testament & so desireing to live &
dye in peace I do here unto set my hand & seal this 26th day of
September in the year 1728 in presence of
John Chandler Mercy X Simons (seal)
John Fullerton her mark
Phillip Delano
Probated on 8 Nov. 1728, and proved by John Chandler, John
Fullerton and Phillip Delano, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to John Simons and Moses Simons, two of the sons of the said deceased,
to Execute the said will.
The Inventory of the Estate of the widdow Mercy Simons late
of Duxborough, dated 8 Nov. 1728, was appraised by John Chandler and Phillip
Delano, but not totaled. John Simons and Moses Simons, the Executors, gave
their oath to the inventory on 8 Nov. 1728.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 5, p. 487-489, from FHL microfilm
#0550511.
Will of Moses Simmons of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
The Last Will & Testament of Moses Simmons of Duxboroug
in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay in New
England Yeoman. I the said Moses Simmons being under Many Bodily Informetys yet
of Perfect Mind & memory thanks be given To Almighty god therefor Calling
to Mind the mortallity of my boddy & Knowing that it is appointed for all
Men once To Die Do upon Serious Considertation make and ordain these Presents
to be my Last will & Testament To Remain Firm & Invoioable forever that
is To Say first of all I give & Recommend My Soul into the hands of god
that gave it & My body I Recommend To the Earth to be buried in Decent
Cristain manner at the Descretion of my Executerix herein after named nothing
Doupting but at the general Resurrection I shall Receve the Same again by the
almighty Power of god and as Touching Such Worldly Estate wherwith it hath
Pleased god To bless me with in this Life I give & bequeth and Dispose of
the Same in the following manner and forme
Imprs. I Give & bequeth unto My Dear &
Loving wife Rachel Simmons the one half of the Improvement of all My Real
Estate Excepting what I herein given To My Son Ichabod Simmons During her
Natural Life & the one half of my moveable Estate after the Debts &
Legaseys have ben Paid out of the Same the one half that Remains
Item I Give & bequeth unto My Eldest Son Ichabod Simmons
a Pece of my Land at the Northwest End of my farme on which I now Dwell near
Teen acres already sett of
Item I Give unto My Son William Simmons the one half of my
home farme or Real Estate Excepting what I have given To my Son Ichabod Simmons
Above And the one half of all my movable Estate after the Debts funeral Charges
& Legeies are Paid out of the Same the one half that Remains
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Daughter Marcy Simmons wife
To Nathl Simmons Two Shillings by Reason She hath had her Portion
already
Item I Give & bequeth unto My Daughter Lydia Delino wife
To Judah Delino two Shilling & four Pence together with what She Already
had
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Daughter Deborah Weston
wife To Jacob Weston two Shillings by Reason She hath had her Portion already
Item I Give unto My Daughter Anna Simmons four Pounds
Item I Give & bequeth unto my Son William Simmons above
named the Remainder of my Real Estate & home farme at his Mothers Decese
Lastly My will is that My wife Rachal Simmons and
my Son William Simmons be the Sole Executor to this my Last will &
Testament – Thus Hooping that this my Last will be Kept & Performed
according To the Trew Intent & meaning thereof – In Witness where of I the
Said Moses Simmons have hereunto Sett My hand & Seal this Tenth Day of
april one Thousand Seven hundred & fifty Eight. 1758
Signed Seald. & Delivd. by the
afore Namd.
Moses Simmons to be his Last will Moses Simmons (seal)
& Testament In Presence of
John Chandler ye. 3d
Ruth Fullarton
Jona Peterson
Duxborough Feby. 24th. 1761 observe
that the Two words that are Rased out in the thirty Eighth Line of this
Testament I Don by my order
In Presence of Moses Simmons
Saml Delino
Jona Peterson
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1761 by Rachal Simmons and
William Simmons, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Chandler the 3d.
and Jonathan Peterson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Rachal Simmons and Wm. Simmons, the Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 208-210, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of William
Simmons of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen, I William Simmons of Kingston in
the County of Plymouth, being weak in body but of sound & perfect mind
& memory blessed be Almighty God for the same do make & publish this as
my last Will & Testament in a manner and form following.
First
I give unto my beloved Wife the improvement of all my Estate both real &
personal after my just debts & legacies are paid while she remains my Widow
& no longer.
2ly. I give to
six of my sons, Viz: George S. Simmons, William Simmons, Melvin Simmons, Nahum
Simmons, Francis Simmons and Augustus Simmons, all my Estate as aforesaid both
Real & Personal in equal shares.
3ly I give to my
son Joseph Simmons One Dollar, to my three daughters, Viz: Hannah, Marcia &
Lucy One Dollar each, said legacies to be paid by my Executor within three
months from my decease and I hereby appoint my son George S. Simmons sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament and hereby revoking all former
Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty second day
of October in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty two. 1832.
William Simmons (seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered by the
above named William Simmons
to be his last Will & Testament
in presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
in presence of the testator.
Charles
Holmes
Charles
Simmons
Almira
Simmons
Probated on 7 May 1833, and proved
by Charles Holmes and Charles Simmons, two of the witnesses. Letters of
administration granted to George S. Simmons of
The Inventory of the Estate of
William Simmons, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby fro
Will of Caleb Smith of Goshen, Orange County, Province
of New York (1731) *
In
the Name of God Amen the twenty Seventh day of December in the Year of our Lord
1731. I Caleb Smith of Goshen in the
County of Orange in the province of New York Yeoman being very Sick and weak in
Body But of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God therefore calling
unto mind the mortality of my Body And knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to dye Do make and ordain this My last will and Testament that is to Say
Principally
& first of all I Give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave
it, And for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in A Christianlike
and Decent manner at the Discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the
General Resurrection I shall receive the Same by the mighty power of God and as
touching Such worldly Estate Wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in his
Life I Give Devise & dispose of the Same in the following Manner and form
Imprimis
it is my Will and I do Order that in the first place all my Just Debts &
Funeral charges be paid and Satisfyed by Wait Smith Senr. and Isaac
Ludlow both of the aforesaid
Item
I Give and Bequeath unto Phebe my Dearly beloved wife the one Equal third part
of all my moveables with the use of my Dwelling House & Land that is
Improved So Long as she Shall remain My widdow the moveables for Ever
Item
I Give and bequeath to my wellbeloved Sons Henry Elias and Jeremiah Each of
them An Equal third part of my Homestead So that Henry pays my well beloved Son
Timothy Five pounds Current money of New York And that when the Said Timothy
comes to the Age of twenty one And Elias to pay the like sum to Isaac when he
shall be of the age of twenty one And Jeremiah the aforesaid sum To pay to John
when he shall come of age as aforesaid And Suppose My wife to bring forth a boy
which I Suspect to be big of Child the Said Supposed boy when he comes of age
shall receive five pounds like Currant Money as aforesaid from his three other
brothers Henry Elias and Jeremiah Each paying A like proportion
If
any of the Said boys dye which have no Issue the Said Legacy to be paid Equal
Among the rest of his Brothers
Item
I Give and Bequeath to my well beloved Daughters Phebe and Sarah Each an equal
proportion of the remaining two thirds of my moveables but supposing my wife to
have a girl She shall draw an equal proportion with her two Sisters if any of
the Girls dye without Issue the Said Legacy to go to the other Girls
And
I do hereby utterly dissallow revoke and dissannull all & every other
former wills Testaments Legacys & Executors by me in any ways before this
time named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this & no other
to be my Last will & Testament
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year above
written
Caleb Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published and pronounced and declared by the
Said Caleb Smith as his Last will and Testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers
John Thomson
James Tomson
Joshua Smith
Probated on 22 April 1732, Letters of Administration granted
to Isaac Ludlow, one of the Executors, Nehemiah Smith Junr., one
other of the Executors having renounced the Executorship, and the power being
reserved unto Wait Smith Senr., the other Executor.
*Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from
Will of Cornel Smith
of Hempstead,
Know All Men by these presents that I Cornel Smith of the
Township of Hempstead in Queens County and Provinc of New York yeoman, being
this twenty Eight day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and Eighty one, weak in Body but of sound mind and memory for which I bless
Almighty God, and not knowing how soon it may please the Lord to take me away
by Death thefore I do make and ordain this present writeing and no other to be
my last Will and Testament as followeth. first I do Recomend my Soul to God who
gave it and my Body I committ to the Earth to be Buried with a Descent Burial
at the Discretion of my Executors herein after named, and as touching my
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased the Lord to bless me with I will
devise and dispose of in the following manner Item I will and bequeath unto my
loveing and well beloved Wife Mercy Smith My best feather Bed and furniture,
two Cows and Calves, two horses and my Farming Utensils, ten sheep and Thirty
pounds in money all at her Own disposall in Lue of her Right of Dower; and my
Will is and I do order and direct that my said Wife shall have the use of all
my household Goods and four Cows, and the use and profitts of my Dwelling house
and Land that is to say, All the Land belonging to my homstead that Derived
unto me from my Deceased Father, and also the Lott of Salt meadow and up Land
that I Bought of Abijah Bedel so long as she shall remain my Widdow towards the
Edicution and bringing up of my Children, untill my younger Sons shall be twenty
one years of age Item I will and
Bequeath unto my Daughter Susannah Smith one Feather Bed Beding and
appurtenances thereunto belonging to her own disposall. Item I will and
bequeath unto my Son Amos my Gun and Cutlash and the sword that was My Son
Elijah’s I give unto my Son John to their Disposall) Item my will is and I do order and Direct my
Executors to sell all the Remainder of my moveable Estate not above disposed
of, and the money ariseing therefrom to be disposed of in the following
manner First the above said sum of
Thirty pounds to my said Wife as aforesaid and to my said Daughter Susannah the
sum or sixty pounds in money to be at her own disposall, and my Will is and I
do order that all my Just Debts together with my funerall Charges be fully paid
out of the money ariseing from my moveable Estate as aforesaid (It is to be
understood that my Negro Slaves is to be sold as my moveable Estate) Item I
will and bequeath unto my Son Jacob Smith all the Remainder of the Farm or Land
that I Bought of Nehemiah Lammis only Excepting the south part that I have
already Conveyed unto my Son Cornell Smith Juner, and to Remain unto the said
Jacob Smith and to his Heirs and assigns for ever) Item I will and Bequeath
unto my Son Amos Smith All the Land that I purchased of my Brother Jonathan
Smith Deceased it being about ten Acres, and also all the Land that I purchased
of Jonathan Smith Juner Deceased adjoyning to the said ten Acres, and also a
pece of plain Land and hollow Ground that I purchased of Silvanus Smith, all
which said three pieces I do give unto my said Son Amos Smith and to Remain
unto him and to his Heirs and assigns for ever) Item I Will and bequeath unto
my two youngest Sons Namely John Smith and David Smith my Homestead whereon I
now Live and appurtenances, that is to say my Dwelling House and Land near and
adjoyning that Derived unto me from my Father Jonathan Smith Deceased, which my
Wife is to have the use of as aforesaid together with my Lott of Salt meadow
and up Land Sittuate on Coes neck that I bought of Abijah Bedel and a small Hay
House on said neck to be Removed thereon, and also five Acres of Wood Land part
of the Land that I purchased of Samuel Clowes and James Wood adjoyning to the
West side of the path that Goes to Samuel Motts mill, All of which I do give
unto my said Sons John Smith and David Smith to be Divided Equell between them
and Remain unto them and to Each of their Heirs and assigns forever. But my
Will is that if either of them should Dye before they shall arive to be twenty
one years of Age not then haveing Lawfull Issue that the Deceased sons part
shall Remain unto the Surviver of them and to his Heirs and assigns for ever,
but in Case both of my last named Sons should dye under the age of twenty one
years not then haveing Lawfull Issue, that then all the Land and meadow that is
herein given unto them shall be equilly Divided amongst my surviving Sons and
amongst their Heirs and assigns for ever) Item I will and bequeath unto my Sons
Cornell Smith, Jacob Smith and Amos Smith my lott of Salt meadow and upland
lying on Coes Neck that I purchased of Elijah Bedel excepting a Small House
thereon to be equally Divided amongst them shear and Shear alike, and Remain
unto them in Severalty and to their Heirs and assigns for ever, but if either
of them should Dye under the age of twenty one years not then haveing Lawfull
Issue, that then the Deceased Sons part shall be Equilly Divided between the
survivers of them and between their Heirs and assigns for ever) Item I will and
bequeath unto my Sons Cornell Smith and Amos Smith all the Remainder of the
wood Land not above disposed of that I bought of Samuel Clowes and James Wood
as aforesaid Equilly to be Divided between them and Between their Heirs and
assigns for ever and my Will is that if my said Daughter Susannah should dye
before she shall come to be Eighteen years of Age or Day of Marriage, that then
the said Sixty pounds in Money given unto her shall be divided between my said
wife and my Daughter Mary Rainer to their own Disposall and whereas I have
given to my Wife the sum of Thirty pounds in Money as is above mentioned,
therefore My Will is that she shall have the Sum of Thirty pounds More in Money
out of My Moveable Estate and to be at her own Disposall, and further my Will
is that all the Remainder of my moveable Estate not above disposed of shall be
Divided Equill amongst my said Wife and my two Daughters Mary Rainer and
Susannah Smith shear and Shear alike and to their own Disposall. Lastly I do
hereby ordain Constitute and appoint my loveing Wife Mercy Smith and my trusty
Friends Uriah Bedel and Richard Matthews both of the Township of Hempsted to be
the Executors of this My last Will and Testament, giveing them or the Survivers
or Survivor of them full power and Authority to Execute the same and every
Article herein Contained. In Witness hereunto the said Cornel Smith hath sett
to his hand and fixed his Seal the year and Day above Written.—
Cornel
Smith
X his Mark (seal)
Signed Sealed pronounced and Declared by the said Cornel
Smith to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed to
the same as Witnesses in his presence and in the presence of Each other.
Hannah Whaley X her Mark
Moses Cornelius
Richard Ellison
Probated on 28 July 1781, and proved by Richard Ellison of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel Smith
of
In the Name of God Amen I Daniel Smith of Jamaica in Queens
County in the Province of New York Yeoman being arrived to the ninetieth year
of my age and tho’ Labouring under the Infirmities of such an advanced age yet
thanks be to Almighty God I am at this time in Good health of Body and of sound
mind memory and understanding but Knowing that according to the Course of
Nature I have but a short time to continue in this Transitory Life do make this
my Last Will and Testament in the manner and form following Viz: principally
and first of all I give and bequeath my Immortal Soul unto God who gave it my
Body I recommend to the Earth from whence it was taken to be decently interred
at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named & appointed and as
touching such Worldly Estate with which God has blessed me in this Life I give
Will devise bequeath and dispose thereof in the following manner and form Viz:
First I give and bequeath unto my Executors the sum of sixty pounds first of
all to be taken out of my Estate wherewith (if sufficient) to pay and satisfye
all my Just debts and funeral expences as also for paying satisfying and
contenting my said Executors and either of them for all their time trouble and
expences which they or either of them shall be at or put unto at any time or
times hereafter in or about providing for my funeral proving my Will taken
Inventory of and appraising and selling such part of my Estate (as shall
hereinafter directed to be sold) collecting in my debts paying out Legacys and
all and every other the Incidental and accidental charges that shall or may be
any ways or means hereafter accrue in or about the executing of this my Last
Will and Testament and the over pluss of the said sixty pounds if any there be
after paying my debts Funeral and all and singular other charges and expences
as abovesaid shall be disposed of as I shall herein after direct but in case
the said sixty pounds do fall short of answering the ends & purposes
aforesaid then my Will is that such deficiency shall be made good to my
Executors out of such other part of my Estate as I shall herinafter direct
& order I give and bequeath unto
Abigail my well beloved Wife her heirs Executors & assigns for ever the sum
of two hundred and ten pounds current money of New York to be paid to her some
or some one or other of her aforesaid within one year after my decease. Item I
also give unto my said wife the one half of my household Goods and my Negro
Girl Slave named Hannah to be at her own absolute disposal Item I further give unto my said Wife the
sole use and benefit of my now dwelling house and small Lott of Land &
premises where I now live in Jamaica aforesaid & the use also of the other
half of my house hold goods for so long a time as she shall continue my Widow &
no longer all which said Gifts so made unto her my said Wife as aforesaid shall
be in Lieu (& in full) of her right and Title of Dower of in to or out of
my Estate Item I give unto my Sister
Deborah Wood and to her heirs Executors & Assigns for ever the sum of
twenty pounds and to be paid next after my said Wife and to my Brother Samuel
Smith his heirs and assigns the sum of forty pounds (to be paid next after my
said Sister Deborah aforesaid) and all my wearing apparell both linnen &
Woolen Item I give will and bequeath
unto Elias Bayles Increase Carpenter & Nehemiah Smith Deacons & Elders
of the English presbyterian Church or Congregation in & of Jamaica
aforesaid and to their Successors Deacons & Elders which shall at all times
hereafter be chosen in & for the said Church & Congregation the sum of
forty pounds New York money by them or the Major part of them to but put out to
Interest and the said interest Yearly arising by or from the said Forty pounds
to remaine continue abid & be to the said Deacons & Elders & their
successors by them or the Major part of them to be yearly applyed to the only
use benefit and behoof of the Reverend Mr David Bostwick the present
Minister of the said Church or Congregation and to his successors in the
Ministry (being presbyterians in all succeeding ages in order to the upholding
& maintaining of a standing Ministry in the said Church & Congregation
for ever and my Will is that the said forty pounds be paid to the said Deacons
or Elders or to some of them or their successors as soon as conveniently may be
after paying my Brother Samuel aforesaid
Item I give unto Benjamin Hinchman of Jamaica aforesaid the sum of
twenty Shillings wherewith to purchase a suitable Book for the use of the said
Congregation Item I give to my Cousin
John Wilkins twenty pounds to him and his heirs for ever Item I give to my Cousin Elizabeth Smith one
of the daughters of my Brother John Smith deceased and to her heirs the sum of
ten pounds, and to my Cousin Jemima Mox (now a Widow another of the daughters
of my said Brother John Smith) & to her heirs I give the sum of twenty pounds Item I give to my Cousin John Smith (one of
the Sons of my Brother John aforesaid) of New Jersey the sum of five Shillings
and to his Brother Edward Smith I give the sum of ten pounds. Item I give to my
Cousin Samuel Smith of
Daniel Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared (the words (or either of
them) in the last line on the other side & the word (ten) in the tenth line
on this side being first interlined) by the above named Daniel Smith the
Testator as and for his Last will & Testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the
said Testator and in the presence of each other
James Cebra
Jacob Ogden
John Thurston Jur.
Probated on 21 Oct. 1754, and proved by Jacob Ogden and John
Thurston Junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
granted to Benjamin Hinchman and Thomas Read, the Executors, on 24 Oct. 1754.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob Smith of Marshfield, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
In the name of God Amen, I Jacob Smith of Marshfield in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do ordain the following to
be my last will and testament, that is to say; After the payment of my funeral
charges and all my just debts,—
First.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Deborah Smith Twenty five shares of the
capital stock of the Merchants insurance Co.– in Boston, the income of which to
go to her use and benefit during the period of her natural, and at her decease
the said twenty five shares or the proceeds thereof shall then be equally
divided among all my Children that shall then be living. And I further will and
direct that my said wife shall have at all times a Comfortable Home in the
house I now occupy in said Marshfield, or in my house in Duxbury that I lately
occupied, either of them at her option, with liberty also to change from one to
the other, and so back again as often as she shall determine, And I further
direct that my said Wife shall be entitled to all the Beds, Bedding and
household furniture that I may leave, and at her decease it shall then be
equally divided between my Two sons–viz–Ezra Smith and William Maxim Smith– And
in Order to prevent any mistake of my meaning of a “Comfortable Home” above
mentioned my meaning is that my said wife shall have as much room in either of
the houses above mentioned as she shall think her Comfort requires, with board
and lodging free from any charge to her, and in no event is she to be deprived
of a Comfortable home
Also.
I give and bequeath to my son Jacob Smith Jr– my Farm in the Town of Westford
in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, together with the
Dwelling house and all other buildings thereon, to have and to hold the same
during the period of his natural life, And at his decease it shall be held by
his Widow during the period of her natural life, if she Continue so long his
widow, & at her decease, or if she marry again, then in either of those
Cases the same shall be equally divided, or the proceeds thereof, among all his
children, that shall then be living, or if he leave no widow then in that Case
it shall be so divided.
Also
I give and bequeath to my daughter Caroline Hewett the wife of Charles Hewett
thirteen shares in the Capital Stock of the Eagle Bank Boston to have the
income for her own use and benefit during the period of her Natural life, the
principal of which, and the proceeds thereof, at her decease shall then be
divided equally among all her children that shall then be living.
Also.
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Martha Stetson, the wife of Samuel Stetson,
the Dwelling house I own in Duxbury, known by the name of the “Parish House”
and now occupied by Doct. John Porter, the lot of land on which it stands,
together with all the other buildings thereon to have and to hold the same
during the period of her natural life, and at her decease, it shall then be
divided equally, or the proceeds thereof, among all her Children that shall
then be living.
Also.
I give and bequeath to my Son Ezra Smith my homestead Farm on which I now dwell
together with the Dwelling House and all other buildings thereon situated in
Marshfield aforesaid reserving to my said the right of home as herein before
mentioned, to have & to hold the same during the Period of his natural
life, and at his decease it shall then be held by his widow on the same terms
so long as she shall remain his widow, & at her decease the same shall be
equally divided, or the proceeds thereof among all his lawful children that
shall then be living and if he leave neither widow or children, then in that
Case it shall be equally divided, or the proceeds thereof among all my Children
that shall be living at the time of his decease. – I give and bequeath also,
out outright to my said son Ezra all the live stock, tools, and farming
utensels that remain on said farm at my decease, and I give him also two Lots
of wood land lying in Duxbury Containing about Ten Acres, being the same I
purchased of Calvin Partridge and Samuel Stetson as the Deeds will shew.
Also.
I give and bequeath to my son William Maxim Smith the Farm I own in Duxbury
which I lately occupied, together with the Dwelling House and all other
buildings thereon, reserving to my said Wife a home as herein before mentioned,
to have and to hold the same during the period of his natural life, and at his
decease it shall be held by his widow on the same terms, and at her decease it
shall then be equally divided, or the proceeds thereof among all his lawful
Children, but if he leave neither widow or children then in that Case it shall
at his decease be equally divided, or the proceeds thereof among all my
children that shall then be living — I give him also Outright, two lots of wood
Land lying in Duxbury Containing About Twelve Acres, being the same I purchased
of Benj. Prior and P. & S. Sprague and also another lot of Land in the
State of Maine, Conveyed to me by the Massachusetts Land Agent, reference being
had to the Deeds of the three parcels of Land will shew.
Also
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Persis P. Smith Three thousand dollars to be
invested in good mortgages, or other good stock, to have and to hold the income
of which for her use and support during the period of her natural life, and at
her decease the principal shall then be divided equally among all her children
that shall then be living, but if she leave no children, then in that Case it
shall be equally divided among all my children that shall then be living.
Also
I hereby constitute and appoint Geo. P. Richardson of Duxbury aforesaid
Executor of this my last Will.
In
witness whereof (revoking all others and former wills heretofore made by me) I
have hereunto set my hand & seal this Tenth day of February in the year of
Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty two.
Jacob Smith (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the
said Jacob Smith to be his last will and testament in presence of us who in his
presence and of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses.
George
Winsor Jr.
Eden
Wadsworth
Martin
Waterman
Presented for probate on the last
Tuesday of Aug. 1844 by George P. Richardson, the Executor therein named, and
proved by George Winsor Jr., one of the witnesses whose names are subscribed
thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to George P. Richardson, the
Executor.
George P. Richardson, of Duxbury, was appointed as Executor
of the last Will and Testament of Jacob Smith, late of Duxbury, on 27 Aug.
1844, with Deborah Smith and Ezra Smith, of Marshfield, as sureties.
George Winsor Jun., Joseph F. Wadsworth and Dura Wadsworth,
all of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of Jacob Smith, late of
Marshfield, on 27 Aug. 1844.
The Inventory of the Estate of Jacob Smith, late of
Marshfield, was dated 13 Sept. 1845 [sic], his real estate totaled $12,414,
including his homestead farm in Marshfield valued at $4200, the Daniel
Bradford’s place in Duxbury valued at $3100, the house and lot occupied by Sam
Stetson in Duxbury valued at $1800, and the farm situated in Westford now
occupied by Jacob Smith valued at $3000, and his personal estate totaled
$9667.60. George P. Richardson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
27 Sept. 1844.
Jacob Smith, of Westford, County of Middlesex, was granted
administration with the will annexed of the estate of Jacob Smith, late of
Marshfield, on 11 Nov. 1872, George P. Richard, the appointed executor having
since died without completing the administration, with Ezra Smith, of
Marshfield, and Hambleton E. Smith, of Duxbury, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 86, p. 374-377, from FHL microfilm #0555637, Vol. 2H, p. 12, Vol.
87, p. 399, and Vol. 120, p. 404.
Will of Jeremiah Smith
of Herricks, Hempstead, Queens County, Nassau Island, Province of New York
(1725) *
In the Name of God Amen. These presents Witnesseth that I
Jeremiah Smith of Herricks in the Bounds of of Hempstead in Queens County on
Nashau Island in the Province of New York being this twenty third day of
October in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred & twenty &
five Antient in years but am through God prety well in Health & my memory
and understanding Good and Sound & Calling to mind the uncertainty of this
Life & that it is appoynted once for all men to Dye am willing to Settle my
Affairs in this Life & to dispose of my outward Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to Bless me in this Life withall and doe make and appoynt this to
be my Last Will and Testament Revoaking all and all manner of former &
other Wills Testament & Bequests by me before this time made Ratifying
& allowing this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament in ye
first Place I will and Bequeath my Immortall Soull into the hands of Almighty
God in full and Sure hopes of Eternall Life through the merrits Death and
Passion of my Dear Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ and my Body to the Earth
from whence it was taken to be decently Buried at the discretion of my
Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the generall Resurrection to
receive the same again by the mighty power of God & touching my Worldly
Estate I give Bequeath & dispose of the Same in the following manner &
form in the first place I will that all my Just debts & Funeral Charges
Shall be first paid out of my moveable Estate before any division be made
thereof I will & Bequeath unto my Dearly beloved Wife Ann Smith my Largest
Room in my dwelling House & what Celler Room she Shall have occasion of
& the garden & the Equall third part of the Aples and Fruit that shall
from year to year & every year grow in my Orchard all which Dwelling house
Cellar Room Garden and the third part of the Fruit Yearly growing in my Orchard
my wife shall have Possess and Enjoy all the time of Her Widdowhood while She
remains my Widdow and no Longer. I also Will and Bequeath unto my Beloved Wife
Ann Smith the Equall Moity or half part of all my moveable Estate after my
depts & Funeral Chararges & Legesies in this my Will mentioned is first
paid and Shee Shall have the Lyberty to take her choice I also will &
Bequeath unto my Wife aforesaid her Dyet & Washing & Lodging to be
given her by my two youngest Sons Thomas Smith and James Smith for and durring
the time that Shee Remains my Widdow and in Case my Widdow & my Sons Thomas
Smith & James Smith cannot agree to dwell together then my two Sons
aforesaid Shall pay unto my wife aforesaid durring her Widdowhood in Leiu of
her third part of my Lands five pounds pounds in Current Money of New York
yearly & every year So Long as She Shall & doth remain my Widdow and no
Longer and my two Sons Thomas and James Shall be (from the time of their yearly
paying of the five pounds as aforesaid) acquited and discharged from finding
her dyet & washing & Lodging I
will unto my Eldest Son Jeremiah Smith five Shillings over & above what I
have already given to him by deeds under my hand & Seal I will &
Bequeath unto my Son John Smith five Shillings over & above what I have
given to Him by a deed under my hand & Seall. I will and Bequeath unto my
Son Richard Smith five Shillings over and above what I have already given to
him by a deed under my Hand & Seall
Item I will & Bequeath unto my two Grand Daughters Elizabeth &
Ann Cornell the two daughters of my Eldest daughter Hannah Cornell deceased
twenty Shillings Currant money of New York to be Equally devided between them
in Lieu of the Last part of their Mothers Portion. I will and Bequeath unto my
two grand daughters Elizabeth & Hannah Cornell the daughters of my Secund
daughter Elizabeth Cornell twenty Shillings currant money of New York to be
Equally divided between them in Lieu of the Last part of their Mothers
Portion I will and Bequeath unto my two
youngest daughters Ruth Willsee and Ann Smith forty Shillings that it to say
twenty Shillings Each in Lieu of the Last part of their Portions having already
given to them what I well could Spare I
will and Bequeath unto my Son James Smith and to his Heirs & Assignes
forever Seven Acres of Land Lying Northward of my Orchard be it more or Less
which I have already given him my Deed for. I will and Bequeath unto my Son
Thomas Smith and to his Heirs & Assignes forever my dwelling house and my
Orchard Containing about four Acres of Land & as much more out of my other
Lands where it may be Convenient to be as much Land as my Son James’s Seven
acre peice is all for him my son Thomas Smith his Heirs & assignes to Enjoy
immediately after my deceas except my wifes Dowry before Bequeathed to Her: I
will and Bequeath unto my Sons Thomas Smith and James Smith and to their Heirs
and assignes forever all the remainder of my Lands & Rights of Lands both
devided & undevided in the Township of Hemsted & all my Salt &
Fresh Meadows to be Equally devided between them & in Case my Son Thomas
happens to Dye without Lawfull Ishue & hath not disposed by Will or Deed
the Land Bequeathed to him then it shall return & be my Sons James Smith
& his Heirs & Assigns forever. I will and Bequeath unto my two youngest
Sons Thomas & James Smith the Equall half part of my moveable Estate after
my Wife hath had her choice to be Equally devided betwixt them Lastly I hereby Constitute Authorize Ordain
& Impower my Beloved Wife Ann Smith & my two youngest Sons Thomas Smith
& James Smith to be to be my Executors of this my Last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set to my Hand & fixed
my Seal the Day and year above written.
Jeremiah Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published Pronounced and Declared by the said
Jeremiah Smith as his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us the
Subscribers. Memorandum before Signing and Sealing hereof I will and Bequeath
unto my wife Ann Smith Lyberty to Cut her Firewood on my Land that I have given
to my two Sons Thomas and James durring her Widdowhood.
Benjamin Seaman Junr.
Joshua Carman
William Willis
Probated on 2 Apr. 1726, proved by William Willis and
Benjamin Seaman Junr., two of the witnesses, and Letters of
Administration granted to Thomas Smith and James Smith, two of the Executors,
on 16 Dec. 1726.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Smith
of
In the
name of God Amen the ninth day of June in the sixth year of their Majesties
Reigne and in the year of Lord one thousand six hundred ninety and four I John
Smith of the ferry in Kings County upon the Island Nassau Being health of body
and of a perfict and sound memory thanks be to God doe make this my last will
and Testament in manner and forme following That is to Say first I bequeath my
Soul and Sperritt unto the hands of Almighty God my heavenly father by whom of
his meer and only Grace I trust to be Saved and Received into Eternall rest and
my body in hopes of a glorious Resurrection I bequeath to the Earth to be
decently Buryed with Such charges and in Such place as my Loveing wife Ann
Smith shall think good And touching the Disposeall of my mortall Goods and
Estate I give and bequeath all the Estate I have now in the world and what
shall be found to be mine at my Decease unto her my said Loveing wife Ann Smith
Whether the same be reall or personall of whatt nature or Kind soever moveable
or immoveable To have and to hold the said Estate reall and personall moveable
and immoveable unto her the said Ann Smith my wife her heirs and Assignes
forever. Item I make and ordain my said Loveing wife Ann Smith my Sole
Executrix of this my Last will and Testament Desireing her to See my Debts and
funerall Expences honestly Satisfyed unto of my said Estate Revoaking and by
these presents making void and of none Effect all forme Bequeath wills and
Deeds of Gifts heretofore by me Signed Sealed or Delivered published and declared
and doe now in the presence of these Wittnesses hereunder written declare this
and none other to be my Absolute Last will and Testament In Wittness Whereof I have hereunto Sett my
hand and Seal the Day and year First above written
David
Jamison D. Secry.
Probated on 12 Feb. 1697/8, and Letters of Administration
granted to Ann Smith, the Executrix.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Smith
of Hempstead,
In
the Name of God Amen I John Smith Senr. of hampstead in Queens
County yeoman being through gods mercy in perfect health sound memory &
good understanding considering ye frailty of humane nature the Certainty of
death & ye uncertainty of the time doe make & ordaine this to be Last
Will & Testament hereby revoaking & making voyd & null all former
& other Wills by me made at any time before ye date of these psents first
and principally I bequeath my Immortal Soul unto God who gave to be psented
before his throne of mercy Cleansed from its Sins & impurity in &
through the merritts of my blessed Saviour & Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ
and my body to the dust from whence it was Taken to be decently & Christian
Like interred at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named there to remaine
untill the day of resurrecon and for what Wordly Estate the Lord hath been
pleased to bestow upon me I doe dispose as followeth Impr. I give
& bequeath unto my well beloved grandsons Richard Smith & Timothy Smith
Sons of my Eldest sone John Smith Deced all that my Lott of meadow wasbornes
neck in hampstead bounded on ye east by Timothy halsted his meadow on the south
by the Creek on the West by a Creek & on the north by Nathaniell Pearshall
also a Lott of Land In the newfield adjoyning to my sone John & Samuel
Emery on the East To have & to hold ye sd parcells of Land &
meadow to them the sd Richard & Timothy their heirs & assigns to ye use
& behoofe of them the Said Richard & Timothy their heirs & assigns
as Tennants in comon in Equall proportion for ever without any pretence of
survivorshipe or Joyntenancy allways Provided & it is my Will & the
true intent & meaning of this devise that in case the sd Richard Smith
shall give unto his sd brother Timothy an Equall share of his Fathers Lands
& meadows that then and in such case the above granted Lands & meadows
to be to the sd Richard & Timothy as above Expressed otherwise give the sd
Land & meadow with ye appurtenances unto the sd Timothy his heirs &
assigns for ever also I give unto my sd grand son Richard Smith forty shillings
equivalent to money to be paid by my Executors. 2dly. I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved grand daughters Sarah Pine & mary
Smith all those three Cows three three yeare old heifers and Two Yeare old
Steer two yearlings heifers & Foure Calves delivered into the possession of
John Tredwell during my naturall Life as by a Covenant underhand & seale
bearing date the 24th day of Aprill 1694 To be equally
divided between the sd Sarah Pine & Mary Smith her Sister 3ly.
Item I give and unto my well beloved sone Joseph Smith all that my dwelling
house & home Lott in the Towne with the appurtenances (my halfe the Barne
only excepted) Twelve acres of meadow as Laid out at Rockaway thirteen acres of
meadow more or Less upon Hickeses neck ten acres of meadow more or Less upon
Cow neck withall the upland belonging to the sd parcells of meadow also three
acres of Land more or less in ye Holly a peice of Land in the old Feild and a
peice of Land at the Wind mill adjoyning to armitages To have and to hold the
sd househome Land parcells of Land & meadow with the appurtenances to him
the sd Joseph Smith his heirs & assigns for ever and I doe further give and
bequeath unto my sd son Joseph to the value of Twenty Pounds Fifteen Shillings
in Cattle which are already in his Posession 4ly. Item I give and
bequeath unto my well beloved son Jonathan Smith all that my halfe of the Barne
built between him & myself Twelve acres of meadow at Rockway five acres of
meadow in ye Indian Land upon Rockway aforesaid wth. the upland
belonging unto the sd Parcells of meadow To have and to hold to him the said
Jonathan Smith his heires & assigns to the only Proper use benifitt &
behoofe of him the sd Jonathan Smith his heirs & assigns forever also I
give & bequeath unto my sd sone Jonathan Smith all those Cattle already in
his Possession apprized at Twenty Pound fourteen shillings 5ly. I
give & bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Mary Denton the Wife of
Samuell Denton those Cattle now in her Possession Vallued at Twenty Pounds
fifteen Shillings money 6ly. Item I give and bequeath unto my Well
beloved grand Children by my daughter Martha Chappell deced to witt Anne &
Mary Ruchmore and William & Stephen Chappell those Cattle Late in the
Possession of their sd mother Deced Valued at Twenty Pounds Fifteen Shillings
to be Equally divided among them 7ly. Item I give & Bequeath
unto my well beloved daughter Hannah the Wife of John Tredwell those cattle now
in her Possession apprized at Twenty Pounds fifteen shillings & my Will is
that my sd daughter shall & may dispose of the same or any other Legacy by
this my Last Will give unto her as shee Shall see cause without the Consent or
approbacon of her husband 8ly. Item and for the Rest of my Estate
houses Tenements Land & meadows not as yet devised I give and bequeath unto
my two Sones Joseph & Jonathan their heires & assignes for Ever to be
Equally divided between them without any pretence of survivorshipe or
Joyntenancy 9ly. Item and for the Rest of my goods Chattles &
Creditts not yet disposed of after my Just debts first being Paid I give and
bequeath as followeth that is to say one Equall third part to my daughter Mary
denton one Equall third part to my Daughter Hannah Tredwell and the other third
Part to my daughter Martha Chappell deceased her four youngest Children to witt
anne and mary Ruchmore and William & Stephen Chappell to be Equally divided
amongst them 9ly. I doe hereby Constitute and appoynt my well beloved Children
Joseph Smith Jonathan Smith Mary Denton and Hannah Tredwell to be Executors of
this my Last Will & Testament to Pay & receive all such Debts as are
either owing to me or by me owing at the time of my decease Also to Pay &
deliver all such Legacys as are not allready in the Possession of the Severall
Legatees as are by this my Last Will and Testament bequeathed In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seale at Hempstead aforesaid
the 10th day of May 1695 in the Presence of those Witnesses
hereunto subscribed being thereunto Especially Called
his
John l Smith (seal)
William
Vesey mark
John
Tredwell
Phebe Patt
Andrew Gibb
Probated on
3 Apr. 1706, and letters of Administration granted to Hannah Tredwell, one of
the Executors, with the power being reserved to Joseph Smith, Jonathan Smith,
and Mary Denton, the other Executors.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Smith
of
In the Name of God Amen I John Smith of Jamaica in Queens
County on Nassau Island and in the Colony of New York Yeoman being Very sick
but being at this present sound of Mind and understanding and of perfect Memory
Blessed be God but Not knowing how soon my change may come do make this my Last
Will and Testament hereby Revoking and Annulling all former Wills Made or
Delivered by word or writing before the date hereof and this only to stand as
my Last Will and Testament Imprimis I Commit and Bequeath my Soul Immortall to
God who gave it and my Body made as the Dust Corruptible and Mortall and
whensoever it shall please the Lord to Call me out of this life to be Decently
Buried in hopes of a Glorious Resurrection and Eternal life through Jesus
Christ My only Redeemer Lord and Saviour that so being perfectly Justified And
Sanctifyed by his free Grace I may Glorifie both in Soul and Body for ever And
an Everlasting Inheritance in Heaven Among them that are Sanctified by the
Sprit of the Lord Amen MOREOVER My Goods and Worldly Estate that I shall Dye
possessed of I Will Dispose and Settle as followeth All Just and Due Debts with Funeral Charges
being first duely and Honnestly paid by my Executrix and Executors hereafter
Named Item I Will and Bequeath all my personal Estate in Linnen Stock and
Moveables that shall remain after Debts and Funeral Charges being paid unto my
Dear and Loving Wife Ruth Smith so long as she shall Remain my Widow and the
use and Benefit of my Houses and Barn with all the Home Lott and all the Land
Lying on the South side of the way over against My House and My Meadow lying at
the heither East Neck so long as she shall Remain My Widow or untill My Son
John shall come to the Age of Twenty One Years Item I Will and Bequeath unto my
Loving Son John Smith when he shall come to the Age of Twenty one Years to him
his heirs and Assigns forever hereby Obligeing my Son to take the whole care
for to Maintain my Wife so long as she shall remain my Widow but if my Wife
shall hapen to Marry then the Two Thirds of My Moveable Estate to be Divided
Equally between all my Children and the other Third to my wife forever Item I
Will and Bequeath unto my four Children Judah Nathaniel William and Thomas my
Two Lotts of Land lying over the Bogs and all my land lying between the Mill
path and the Mitter Neck and the Meadow lying on the Further east which I had
of William Jones to be Equally Divided between them to them their heirs and
Assigns forever Item My Will is that if any of my Children should Dye before
they come to the Age of Twenty one Years of age or Not having any Issue that
then these parts to be Equally Divided between all my Children to them their
heirs and Assigns forever Lastly I do hereby Nominate and Appoint Constitute
and Make my Dear and Loving Wife And Loving Brothers Nicholas Everitt and Henry
Ludlam Joint Executrix and Executors of this my Last Will and Testament
Authorizing And Impowering them to do All and every thing Necessary to the due
Execution of the premises Requesting them to see that this my last Will and
Testament be done as near as may be according to the mind of the Testator In
Witness and Confirmation whereof I have hereunto Set My hand and affixed my
Seal this Eighth Day of January Annoq 1721/2
John Smith (seal)
Signed and Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us
Saml Smith
James Lewis
Nehemiah Smith
Probated on 18 Apr. 1722, and Letters of Administration
granted to Ruth Smith, Nicholas Everitt and Henry Ludlam, the Executrix and
Executors, on 9 May 1722.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Smith
of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1732) *
The Will
of Jn Smith pved before Secry Clarke
In
the name of God Amen The twelfth day of July in the Year of our Lord Seventeen
hundred and thirty two, I John Smith of Hempsted being indisposed but of
perfect mind and memory thanks be Given to Almighty God therefore & calling
into mind the Mortality of my body, And knowing that it is appointed for all
Men once to dye do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament that is to
say principally and First of all I Give & recommend my Soul into the
mercifull hands of God that Gave it And my Body to the Earth to be buried at
the Discretion of Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but at the General
Resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the mighty power of God, And as
touching my worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this
Life, I Give Devise & bequeath as followeth, besides what I have already
Given by Sundry Deeds as by the Same may free appear, Imprimis my will and
Desire is And I do order that all my debts Justly due to any person or persons
be well truly and faithfully Paid in Some convenient time after my Decease
which said Debts I do order my Son Benjamin Smith to pay and Discharge, Item I
Give and Bequeath unto my three Sons Elias Benjamin & Silas And to Each of
them their heirs And Assigns for ever, the Sum of five Shillings New York Money
besides what I have Already Given & ordered them by Conveyance & Deeds
of Gifts Item I Give & bequeath unto my well Beloved wife Isabell one third
part of my moveable Estate, And my dwelling house during her natural Life, And
two Cows & my own Riding Mare, And also my Negro Man called London During
her Natural Life And after her Decease I Give and bequeath the Said Negro to my
Son Amos his heirs And Assigns Item I give and bequeath the remainder of my
moveable Estate after the one third of Said Estate paid to my wife unto my Son
Amos And my four Daughters Hannah, Abigail, Phebe, and Elizabeth to be Equally
Devided Amongst them Share and Share alike to them their heirs And Assigns,
Lastly I do nominate Constitute and appoint Abel Smith Robert Sutton And my Son
Benjamin Smith to be the Executors of this My Last Will And Testament
Disannulling and Revoking all former Wills be me at any time Made Ratifying And
Confirming this & no other to be my Last will and Testament, In Testimony whereof
I the Said John Smith have hereunto Set my hand And Seal the day and Year first
above written
John Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared by the Said
John Smith as his Last will & Testament in the presence of us Charles Hooless &c
Letters of Administration granted to Abel Smith, Robert
Sutton, and Benjamin Smith, the Executors, on 3 Apr. 1733.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 11, p. 488-489, copied from
original Liber 11, p. 498-499.
Will of John Smith
of
In
the Name of God Amen I John Smith of Jamaica in Queens County in the province
of New York Taylor being very sick and weak in Body but thanks be to God of
sound mind and memory but expecting speedily to pass out of time into eternity
do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following
– First I give and bequeath my soul immortal unto God who gave it my Body to
the Earth from whence it came to be decently interred in a Christian like
manner at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named and as to my worldly
estate I give devise and dispose thereof in the following manner – Item – My
will is and I do order that first of all my just debts and funeral charges all
be duely paid and satisfied by my Executors in some convenient time after my
decease out of such part of my Estate as is hereinafter directed Item It is my Will and I do order that the
dwelling house and Land and other the premises (excepting the Meadow) which I
lately purchased of John Wood shall be sold by my Executors at Publick Vendue
or otherwise as to them shall seem best and I hereby authorize and impower them
to make sale thereof accordingly and to give good sufficient deed or deeds or
other lawfull Instruments of writing to the buyer or buyers and their heirs and
assigns therefore and the moneys arising by such sale I order to go towards the
discharge and payment of my debts which if it should fall short my will is that
the remainder shall be afraid out of my moveable Estate and I do order and
impower my Executors to sell so much thereof as to answer the purposes
aforesaid – Item – My will is as I am otherwise obliged by my Fathers Will that
my mother Ruth Smith shall have her maintenance out of my Estate during her
widowhood – Item – I Give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my dearly beloved Wife
the whole and sole use benefit and profitts of all and singular my real and
personal Estate not otherwise disposed of during her widowhood for her own
maintenance and for the maintenance of my Children in their nonage I give her
also two Cowes my best bed and furniture my best Cupboard Six chairs and twenty
pounds in Money to be at her own disposal all which shall be in lieu of her
dower Item I give and devise unto my son
John and to his heirs heirs and assigns forever all and singular my dwelling
house Lands and hereditaments where I now live and the Meadow which I bought of
John Wood and all other my Lands wheresoever the same are or may be as also my
great Mare and her Mare Colt of two years Old and also my Waggon plough and
harrow and other farming utensils he paying out the following Legacies to wit
Twenty pounds to my daughter Millicent twenty pounds to my daughter Hannah and
Fifty pounds to my son Howell to be paid to them respectively as they arrive to
lawfull age or Marry which shall happen first and as to the rest remainder and
residue of my moveable Estate I give and bequeath the same unto My daughters
Millecent and Hannah and to my son Howell above named to be equally divided
betwixt them, Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my dearly beloved wife
Elizabeth aforesaid and my trusty and and well beloved friend Robert Howell of
Jamaica aforesaid to be the Executors of this my last will and testament and I
do allow this and no other to be my last will and Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of
March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty
John Smith (seal)
Signed, sealed, published declared
and delivered in the presence of us his chosen witnesses
Thos. Colgan
Thomas Smith
Benja. Hinchman
Probated on 3 Apr. 1750, and proved
by Thomas Colgan, Thomas Smith, and Benjamin Hinchman, the witnesses. Letters
of Administration granted to Elizabeth Smith and Robert Howell, the Executors,
on 6 Apr. 1750.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Smith
of Herricks, Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1761) *
In
the Name of God Amen the twenty seventh day of Jenuary in the year of our Lord
Christ seventeen hundred and sixty one I John Smith of Herricks in the Township
of Hempstead in Queens County in the Province of New York Yeoman being sick and
weak in Body but of perfect mind and sound memory Do make and ordain this my
last Will and Testament Imprimis I do
order that my Body be buryed in a Christian like and decent maner at the
discretion of my Executors herein after named and that they pay all my just
Debts and funeral Charges Item I give
and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Susanna all that part of my Household Goods
which I had with her that belonged unto her before our Marriage and Seventy
pounds in Money and I do likewise give her the use of my Negro wench Hannah and
one Room in my house as long as she inclines to live there and keep house by
herself and after the Death of my said Wife or when she inclines to break up
house Keeping then my said Wench Hannah shall belong unto my son Silvanus Smith
and it is my Will that whoever of my sons hath the House where I now live shall
find my said Wife with fire wood all which Goods Money and preveledge I give
unto my said Wife in Lieu of her Dower
Item I give and devise all my Lands unto my two sons Silvanus Smith and
Timothy Smith in the following manner (Vizt.) whereas my son
Silvanus Smith hath already forty two Acres of Land where he lives in Herricks
in Lieu whereof I give and devise unto my son Timothy as much of my Lands here
in Herricks as shall be judged equal in Quality to the said forty two acres
that my son Silvanus hath which I give to my said son Timothy Smith and to his
heirs and assigns for Ever And whereas my son Timothy Smith hath already Eighty
Acres of Land near Hempstead Harbour in Leiu whereof I give and devise unto my
son Silvanus Smith as much of my Lands near Hempstead Harbour as shall be
judged equal in Quality to the said Eighty Acres that my son Timothy Smith hath
which I give unto my said son Silvanus Smith and to his heirs and assigns for
ever and further I do give and devise unto my said two sons Silvanus Smith and
Timothy Smith and to their heirs and Assigns for ever all the remainder of my
Lands and Buildings and Meadows and Rigts of Lands and Rights of Meadows that
is the one equal half to my son Silvanus Smith and to his heirs and assigns for
ever and the other equal half unto my my son Timothy Smith and to his heirs and
assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah my Negro Girl Peg and two hundred pound in
money to be paid by my Executors within six Months after my Decease Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter
Sarah the Sum of two hundred pounds to be paid by my Executors within six
months after my Decease Item I give and
bequeath unto my Daughter Mary the Sum of one hundred and seventy four pound to
be paid by my Executors within six months after my Decease I also give her the father Sum of twenty six
pound to be layed out by my Executors in purchasing a silver Tankard for
her I likewise order that the remainder
of my household Goods not already bequeath away shall be equally Devided among
my Daughters Hannah Sarah and Mary Item
It is my Will that if my two sons pay all the abovementioned Legacies then that
they have all my money Bonds & Debts and Negros not given away and all my
Creature and moveables without Doors which if they refuse or neglect to do I do
empower either one of my Executors to sell all my said Negros and Creatures and
moveables without Doors to pay the said Legacies and the over plus if any there
be to pay unto my said Sons and if they do not sell for enough to pay the said
Leacies and my sons still refuse to pay them I hereby impower either one of my
Executors to sell as much of my Land where he shall judge proper as will pay
the remainder and I do hereby constitute ordain and appoint my two sons
Silvanus Smith and Timothy Smith and my friends Richard Thorn and Isaac Smith
Executors of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly disallow
revoke and disanul all and every other former Testaments Wills Legacies and
Executors by me in any ways before this time Named Willed and bequeathed
ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament in
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the Day and Year above
Written —
John Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and declared by the said John Smith as his last Will and Testament in the
presence of us the Subscribers
James Smith
Micah Smith
Samuel Denton
Probated on 13 May 1767, and proved
by James Smith of the Township of Hempstead Yeoman, and Samuel Denton of said
Township Yeoman. Letters of Administration granted to Silvanus Smith, Timothy
Smith, and Isaac Smith, three of the Executors, on 16 June 1767.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 25, p.
585-586, copied from original Liber 25, p. 506-507.
Will of John Smith of Merrock, Hempstead, Queens County, New York (1777) *
Know all Men by these Presence that I John Smith of Merrock
in the Township of Hempstead in Queens County and Province of New York Yeoman,
being this Eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven
hundred and seventy seven, well in Health and of sound mind and memory, for
which I bless Almighty; and Calling unto mind the mortality of my Body not
knowing how soon it my please the Lord to take me away by Death, am desirous to
set my House in order and do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament as
followeth. First of all I recommend my
Soul to God who gave it; and my Body I commit to the Earth to be buried in a
Christian like and decent manner at the Discretion of my Executors; And as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless in this
Life, I give Devise and Dispose of the same in the following Manner and form. I
give and Devise to my Son Joseph Smith his Heirs and assigns for Ever my
Homstead, that is to say all my Houses Buildings Lands and meadows at Merrock
aforesaid; and likewise the Patent Right that lieth in Common within the
Township of Hempstead, that derived unto me from my Father Jonathan Smith decd;
and do order that my said Son Joseph shall pay to my Loving Wife Rachael and to
my three Daughters, namely Phebe, Anne and Elizabeth, the sum of Thirty pounds
Current money of new York, which I give unto them to be equally Divided between
them. I Likewise give to my said Son Joseph my black bald mare, and one Feather
Bed and bedden. It’s my Will and I order that my Family shall have one years
Provision out of my moveable Estate after my Decease, It’s further my Will, and
I order that my beloved Wife Rachel shall have the use of the one third part of
my Homstead, with the Eastermost Dwelling Room in my House, and the two Bed
Rooms adjoining said Room as long as she shall remain my Widow.— I give and
devise to my three Daughters Phebe Anne and Elizabeth, their Heirs and assigns
for Ever, all the Patent Right to the undivided or Common Lands in the said Township
of Hempstead That I purchased of Samuel Totton, to be equally divided amongst
them, – I give and bequeath to my Loving Wife Rachael the sum of forty three
Pounds nine shillings Current money of New York, one Horse and Riding Chair,
six sheep, three Cows and Calves, two Feather Beds, beadsteds and Cords,
Bolsters and Pillows, Six Cover Lids, Eight Sheets, and Eight Pillow Cases, I
give and bequeath to my two Daughters Anne and Elizabeth the sum of Eighty six
Pounds Eighteen shillings current money as abovesaid, Twelve sheep, six Cows
and Calves, four Feather Beds, Bolsters Pillows, bedsteads and Cords, Twelve
Coverlids sixteen sheets And sixteen pillow Cases to be equally divided between
them, and further I order and direct my Executors to sell my House and Land on
the Plains at the East meadow and the House and Lands I purchased of John
Haviland, and also my Lands adjoining the Lands of Josiah Rainer and Isaac
Smith, situate in the South woods in the bounds of Hempstead, together with all
my moveable Estate of what kind soever, both within Doors and without (except
such as is above disposed of ) And the money arising from such sales, together
with the money I shall leave at the time of my Decease, And the Money due to me
on Bonds Bills or other wise to be disposed of as Follows, first I order that
my Just Debts and Funeral Charges be paid and satisfied and after the Charges
of Executing and performing this my Will and the above Legacies being paid I
give and bequeath the remaining part of said money to my Loving Wife Rachel and
my three Daughters Phebe, Anne and Elizabeth to be equally divided between
them, and if either of my Daughters shall Die under the Age of Eighteen years
and leave no Issue, It’s my will that her part or portion so Deceased, shall be
divided amongst my surviving Daughters. And if my said son Joseph shall refuse
or neglect to pay the said Thirty pounds as above directed, it is my will and I
do order that my Executors shall sell the Lott of salt Meadow that Derived unto
me from my Father Jonathan Smith adjoining the south side of the place Called
the Island, it being part of my Homstead; and the whole of the money arising
from such Sale to be divide equally Amongst my said Wife and three Daughters,
all which I have given unto my said Wife Rachel, I have given her in Lieu of
her Right of Dower and not other wise.– lastly I do ordain nominate and appoint
my loving Wife Rachel, my Son Joseph Smith and my Son in Law Benjamin Smith to
be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament, giving them or the
Survivers or Surviver of them full power and authority to execute the same and
to sell my Lands aforesaid and give Titles for the same, hereby rattifying
allowing and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
John Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared by the said
John Smith to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the
subscribers. – Hezekiah Bedell, Hannah Bedell, Mary Batty
Presented for probate on 20 May 1778, and proved by Hezekiah
Bedell and Mary Batty, the former yeoman and the latter spinster. Letters of
Administration were granted to Rachael Smith, Joseph Smith and Benjamin Smith,
the Executrix and Executors in the said Will named, on 21 Nov. 1781.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York
County Wills, Vol. 34, p. 456-458, copied from original Libor 34, p. 370-373.
Will of Jonathan Smith
of Hempstead,
In the name of God Amen. I Jonathan Smith of Hempsted in
Queens County on the Island of Nassaw with in the Colony of New York Yeoman
being Sick in Body Yet of Good Sound & perfect memory praised be Allmighty
God therefore Do make & ordain this my present will & Testament
Containing therein my Last Will in Manner & form Following that is to Say,
First I bequeath my Soul & Spirit into the hands of Almighty God my
Heavenly Father By whom of his meer & only Grace I hope to be Saved And
received into Eternal Rest through the death of my Saviour And Redeemer Jesus
Christ in whose precious blood I set the whole & only hope of my Salvation
My wretched body in hope of a Joyfull Resurrection I Committ the Earth to be
buryed with Such Charges And in Such place as my Dear Wife Elizabeth Shall
think Good, And touching the Distribution of my Mortal Goods I Dispose of the
Same as followeth, That is to Say I Will that my Debts which I Shall owe unto
Any person or persons at the time of my Decease Either by Law or Conscience be
well & truly Contented & paid within Convenient time, I Do further Will
and Order that my Grist Mill & the Tenements and Messuages with all the
Lands & meadow Ground thereunto Adjoyning, As far as the first Ditch
Situate Lying & being at a place Called & known by the Name of Merruck
in the Township of Hempsted aforesaid Shall immediatly after my Decease be sold
at publick Out Cry or Vendue by my Executor hereafter named Item I Give and
bequeath unto Each of my three Daughters that is to Say one hundred pounds
Lawfull money of the province of New York aforesaid, unto my Daughter Hannah
one hundred pounds of like money unto my Daughter Elizabeth And one hundred
pounds Money as aforesaid unto my Daughter Mary to be by them & Each of
them Enjoyed, And to their & Each of their heirs Executors Administrators
& Assigns forever, And I do further Order will & require That my
abovenamed Daughters Hannah & Elizabeth Shall not receive their Said
portion of one hundred pounds Each above Given & bequeathed unto them untill
my Son Richard Shall Be of the Age of Twentyone Years And when my Son Jonathan
Shall be of the Same Age my Said Daughter Mary Shall receive her portion
aforesaid But if my Said Sons Richard and Jonathan or either of them Shall
happen to Dye before they come to be of Age as abovesaid Then my Said three
Daughters Shall receive their portion Abovementioned at Such time as my Said
Sons Should have been of Age, had they Lived Also my will & mind is that if
either of my Said three Daughters being yet within Age And not marryed Do dye
or Decease before the time & times Limited herein for their Receiving the
moneys hereby given them that then the part and portion of her So deceasing
Shall be Equally Divided in And Amongst the other of them my Said Daughters
Surviving Share & Share alike And to their And Each of their heirs and
assigns forever, Item I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Elizabeth
my Negro boy called Lewey unto her & her heirs & Assigns forever, Item
I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah my Negro Boy called Jacob And to
her heirs & Assigns forever, Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter
Elizabeth my Negro boy called Jesse And to her heirs And Assigns forever, I Do
further will and order that the aforesaid two Negro boys to witt Jacob And
Jese, Bequeathed unto my Said Daughters Hannah & Elizabeth shall be
Reasonably prized and Valued by my Executors hereafter named And Shall be
Accepted by my Said Daughters for So much of the portion hereinbefore granted
unto them & in Lieu of Such A part of the Same, Item I give and bequeath all & Singular
my moveable Estate of what kind or nature Soever or wheresoever unto my Beloved
Wife Elizabeth And to her heirs and Assigns forever Excepting what thereof is
hereafter Given & bequeathed to my Sons & also Excepting Such a part
thereof which probably may be necessary to Defray part of my Debts in Case
there shall not be Enough Ordered by the Sale of that part of my Lands &
Tenements with the Mill aforesaid hereinbefore Ordered to be Sold at public Vendue
for that purpose I Do also Will and
Order that my Said Wife Shall have the Sole & Entire profitt & Benefitt
of all my Estate both real and personal until my Sons hereafter named be of
Lawful age And that whensoever any of them shall Come to be of Such Age they
Shall be Immediately Entituled to the possession of Such part or portion
thereof As I have hereafter Severally bequeathed unto them And after they Shall
all arrive to Lawful Age as aforesaid then my Said Wife Shall Only have the use
of the third part thereof During her Lifetime and in case She Shall marry She
shall no Longer be Entituled to the use of any part of my Real Estate Item I give and bequeath unto my four Sons
Richard Jonathan William And Elijah and to Each of their heirs and Assigns for
ever to be Equally Divided Amongst them Share and Share alike as they shall
Come to be of Age All and Singular my Lands Meadows and Tenements wheresoever
they may be found (Excepting what I have already hereinotherways bequeathed And
ordered to be Sold at Vendue And in Case either or any of my Said four Sons
Shall dye before they come to be of Age Then the part or portion of him or them
so deceasing Shall be Equally divided in and amongst the other of them
Surviving Share and Share alike And to their And Each of their Heirs and
Assigns forever I Do Further Order that
in case either of my Said Sons dye before they are of Age & Leave Lawful
Issue the fourth part of my Said Lands And Tenements Shall belong to Such Child
whither Male or Female And to his or her heirs and Assigns forever, Item I Give
and bequeath unto my Said Son Richard One bay horse Colt one three Year old
Heifer one two Year and another one Year old Heifer And three Ewes and three
Lambs, Item I do ordain and Appoint John Tredwell Junr. Micah Smith
And my Wife Elizabeth all of Hempsted aforesaid to be my Executors of this my
Last Will & Testament utterly revoking all Wills & Testaments by me in
any wise heretofore made or Declared In Witness whereof I the Said Jonathan
Smith have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the twenty Second day of February in
the Year of our Lord God Seventeen hundred and thirty one
Jonathan Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared (after interlining the
word Meadows in the sixteenth Line from the bottom) by the Said Jonathan Smith
as his Last will & Testament in the presence of us
Mordecai Lester
Samuel Hawlett
Will Hees
Probated on 3 April 1733, and Letters of Administration were
granted to John Tredwell Junr, Micah Smith and Elizabeth, the
Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Smith
of Hempstead,
Be it Know unto All Men by these presents that I Jonathan
Smith of the Township of Hempstead in Queens County on Nassau Island yeoman on
this thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred
and Forty Six being very week and infirm of Body but through Marcy my
understanding at this time pretty well and well knowing that my final Change
draweth nigh and that this Mortal Body must give up this transitory life
therefore I am willing to settle my worldly estate in peace and Tranquility amongst
My Family but first of all I reccommend my Soul to God that gave it me in hope
through the Merits of Jesus Christ to inherit Salvation and my Body I bequeath
unto the Earth to be buried with a Christian like Burial at ye
discretion of my Executors hereafter named and Appointed and as touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to Bless and bestow upon
me I will devise and dispose of in ye following manner first of all
my Will is that all those Just Debts which I do owe to any manner of Persons
shall be fully Satisfied Contented and paid in such manner as is hereafter
mentioned and Expressed Item I will order and bequeath unto my eldest Son
Jonathan Smith ye Sum of Five Shillings New York Money and also my
large Bible to him and his heirs and Assigns forever Item I will give and
bequeath unto my well Beloved Wife Elizabeth Smith and to her heirs and Assigns
for ever my best riding mare that I have as also all and Singular my moveable
or personal Estate of what Nature or Condition Soever (Except what I shall
dispose of hereafter) that is to say ye use and benefit thereof
after the same is Sold by my Executors at publick Vandue Item I will give and
Bequeath unto my sd. Well beloved Wife ye use and benefit
of my East Roome in the House where I now live with ye appurtenances
and the one third part of the use of my Farme of Lands &c during her
widowhood Item I will give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Phelina Smith her
heirs and Assigns one fether Bed withfull furniture thereunto belonging as also
Thirty Pounds of Lawfull Money of New York to be paid unto her in some
Convenient time after my decease by my Executors out of my Moveable Estate Item
I will and bequeath unto my Three Daughters that are married Viz Elizabeth the
Wife of Ezekiel Mathews Jane Haviland the Wife of Benjamin Haviland and Hannah
Bedle the Wife of Timothy Bedle to each of them one Cow and Calf and to each of
their heirs and Assigns for ever Item I give and Bequeath unto my Daughter
Philena her Riding Side Sadle and her dutch Spinning Wheel to her own disposal
Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son John Smith and to his heirs and Assigns my
Stalion A Cow Calf and a Gun which he now has in Keeping Item I Will give and
Bequeath unto my Son Henry Smith his heirs and Assigns Two four year Old Stears
and a Gun Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son Cornell his heirs and Assigns my
New Gun apair of Four year Old Stears and a Grey mare which are to be sold at
publick Vendue (with the rest of the Moveables) and the Money arising therefrom
to be paid unto him when he shall arrive of full age Item I will and Bequeath
order and direct that all and Singular my personal Estate shall be sold and the
Money disposed of (that is to say my Daughters Legacy of Thirty pounds which is
to be paid unto Philena as above sd and the remainder part to my Wife as above
(Exprssed) but my will is that those particular things that are given to my
Sons and Daughters shall not be sold (except what is given my youngest Son
which I order to be sold as above said) but my will is that in case my Wife
should leave any thing of my moveable Estate at her decease and not give it
away by Will that the same shall be Equally divided amongst all my Daughters as
above Named Item I will give and Bequeath unto my oldest Son Jonathan Smith Jur
his heirs and Assigns for ever all that of the equal one half part of the Tract
of Land which I bought of John Dean Except twenty Acres which I sold to my
Brother Gersham Smith deceased which said half part containes about Fifty Five
Acres by Estimation being Scituate near the plains on ye east side
of Merrock Road and also the equal one third part of a Lott of Meadow at little
Merrick containing by estimation about one Hundred Acres more or less bounded
on the North by Land which I gave By Deed to my Son John Smith Item I will give
and Bequeath unto my Son Jonathan Smith his heirs and Assigns for ever (on the
following Conditions) all that of the equal half part of a Tract of land which
I have lying Joining to the North side of Josiah Rainers Land (always excepting
Twelve acres first out of the Tract which I have gave my Son John by Deed)
containing in the whole tract by Estimation Ninety Seven Acres be it more or
less (always provided and it is hereby intended that the said Jonathan or his
heirs Executors or Admits do pay or cause to be paid unto the heirs or
Successors or Assigns of James Searring deceased and Jonathan Searring the Sum
of Twenty Eight Pounds in good lawfull Money in discharge of what I do owe for
the last mentioned piece of Land above mentioned as also the equal one fourth
part of my other debts Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son Jonathan his heirs
and Assigns forever all that of ye equal one forth part of my
undivided Lands wheresoever Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son John Smith his
heirs and Assigns for ever all that of twelve Acres of Land lying a tract of
Land which I have lying Northard of Josiah Rainers House (always provided that
he pay unto the Heirs or Executors of James Searing and Jonathan Searing the
sum of Seven Pounds ten Shillings Current Money which I owe for the said Twelve
Acres of Land) I also will and bequeath unto my Son John his Heirs and Assigns
One Certain Messuage and piece of Land and meadow lying on little Merrock being
all that was bought of Thomas Frost and Nathaniel Oakley as may apper by Deed
bearing date the twenty ninth of April In the year One Thousand Seven Hundred
and Forty Five (on Condition that he pay or cause to be paid unto Daniel Hewlet
and otherwise Where I am Indebted the sum of Seventy Pounds Current Money as
also the equal forth part of my other debts) I also will and bequeath unto my
said Son John Smith his heirs and Assigns for ever all those Lands and Meadows
which I have given him before by deed of Gift with the equal one forth part of
my undivided Lands wheresoever Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son Henry Smith
his heirs and Assigns forever all that of the equal half part of a tract of
Land that I have lying northward of Josiah Rainers house Except
Twelve Acres to be first taken out of the tract) on Condition that he pay or
cause to be paid unto James Searings Executors or heirs and Jonathan Searing
the Sum of Twenty eight pounds Current Money which I owe them for this Land as
also on Condition he pay the equal one forth part of all my other Debts) I also
will give and bequeath unto my said Son Henry his heirs and Assigns all other
Lands and Right of Lands in Common that is contained in a deed of Gift from me
to him as may appear by the same Item I will and Bequeath unto my Son Cornell
Smith his heirs and Assigns forever all those land and improvements which I
have given him by Deed (he also paying the equal forth part of my other Debts
after my Lands are paid for) and further my will is that in case either of my
Sons should neglect Omitt or refuse to pay those above limitted Sums of Money
as aforesaid that then my will is that my Executors or any two of them Shall
have full power and Authority to sell and dispose of so much of the Lands given
my Sons as will pay all those Just debts which I do owe (always provided that
if any or either of them do preforme my will in paying my debts that his part
shall not be sold) and I do fully impower my Executors to give good and lawfull
Title for the same as I could have done in my life time to all intents and
purposes Lastly I do hereby Constitute
ordain and Appoint my two Sons John and Henry Smith and my Son in Law Timothy
Bedle to be my Executor of this my last Will and Testament giving and granting
unto them or any two of them full power and Authority to Execute this my last
Will and Testament in manner as above said In Witness hereunto I have set my
hand and fixed my Seal the day and Year Abovesaid his
Jonathan
77 Smith (seal)
mark
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and Declared by me
Jonathan Smith as my last Will and Testament in the presence of the Subscribers
Benjamen Hewlett
Benjamin Smith
John Rushmore
Samuel Willis
Probated on 13 Sept. 1748, Letters of Administration granted
to John Smith, Henry Smith, and Timothy Bedle, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Smith of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
This twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord one
thousand, seven hundred, sixty & five, I Jonathan Smith of Middleborough in
the county of Plymouth in New-England, being infirm of body, but sound in
understanding & memory blessed be God, for the same, Yet being sensible of
my mortality, & knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do
make & ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say principally
& first of all I give & recomend my soul into the hand of God that gave
it & my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my
executor nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the
same again by the mighty power of God; and as touching such worldly estate as
it hath pleased God to bless me withal in this life, I give & dispose of in
manner & form as followeth, that is to say,
Imprs. I give unto my loving wife Rhoda Smith the use
& improvement of the one half of my home estate, with all the buildings,
except my saw-mill, during my widdow, and also the one half of my wood lot
lying in Plimton, to her, her heirs, & assigns forever, & also of my
personal estate, I give her two cows, five sheep, & my mare, & best
hog, & my best bed & furniture, & my pannel, & also the one half
of my indoor moveables, to her, her heirs, & assigns forever, Item. I give
& bequeath to my son Samuel Smith one acre of cedar-swamp, at the
northermost end of my lot in the Little-cedar-swamp to him, his heirs, &
assigns forever. Item. I give & bequeath to my son John Smith the one half
of the remainder of my lot in the Little-cedar-swamp, to him, his heirs, &
assigns forever, and also the one fourth of my lot in the Great-cedar-swamp.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Sarah Reading the one fourth of my
lot in the Great-cedar-swamp to her, her heirs & assigns forever, &
also six pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid to her by my
executor. Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Mary Smith the one fourth
of my lot in the Great-cedar-swamp to her, her heirs, & assigns forever,
& also six pounds, thirteen shillings & pence to be paid by my executor. Item. I
give & bequeath unto my son Benjamin Smith my lot of land lying at the
southeast of Isaac Soul,s orchard, & also five pounds, & my silver knee
buckles, & one silver spoon, & also one bed, to him, his heirs, &
assigns forever. Item. I give & bequeath to my daughters Abigail & Lois
Smith, to each of them a bed & furniture. & also to each of them five
pounds, to be paid to them by my executor, and my will is, that these legacies
be paid to these three Benjamin, Abigail & Lois, as they come of age. Item.
I give & bequeath to my son Joseph Smith all the remaining part of my
estate both real & personal to him, his heirs, & assigns, forever; and
my will is that my son Joseph Smith, pay yearly unto my wife the sum of five
pounds for the support of my daughter Rhoda Smith so long as she liveth, &
I do by this my last will & testament constitute & appoint my loving
& dutiful son Joseph Smith sole executor to this my last will & testament.—
In witness where I,ve hereunto set my hand & seal, the
day & year abovewritten.
Signed, sealed, published & declared in presence of Jonathan Smith (seal)
us witts. Zechariah
Eddy
William
Soule
William
Shaw
Presented for probate on 13 Oct. 1767 by Joseph Smith, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zechariah Eddy and William Shaw, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Joseph Smith, the
Executor, with Zechariah Eddy and William Shaw, all of Middleborough, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 541-542, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Jonathan Smith
of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1777) *
Know All Men by these presents that I Jonathan Smith of the
Township of Hempstead in Queens County and province of New York yeoman, being
this twenty second day of June in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and seventy seven, not well in Body but of sound mind and memory for
which I have reason to bless Almighty God, and not knowing how soon it may
please the Lord to take me away by Death therefore I do make and ordain this
present writing and no other to be my last Will and Testament as followeth.
First I recomend my Soul to God who gave it and my Body I committ to the Earth
to be Buried with a Deacent Burial at the Descretion of my Executors herein
after named, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased the
Lord to bless me with I will Devise and dispose of in the following manner,
Item I will and bequeath unto Mary Smith my Wife my two Feather Beds beding
furniture and appurtenances to them belonging and to be at her own disposall,
Item my will is and I do order and direct my Executors to sell all my Homestead
where I now live and Land adjoining sittuate in the south Woods within the
Township aforesaid and my land within fence on the plains together with all my
Rights of Lands and meadows of what kind soever within the patent of Hempstead
Afforesaid and also all my moveable Estate not above disposed of after my
Desease and when the money is Collected to be disposed of in the following
manner, Item I will and bequeath unto Mary My Wife, the sum of ten pounds to be
at her own disposal, Item I will and bequeath unto my Daughter in Law Coneriche
Smith the sum of ten pounds to be at her own disposal and my Will is and I do
order and direct that all my Just Debts be fully paid together with my Funirall
Charges by my Executors out of the money ariseing from the sale of My real and
personal Estate as aforesaid. Item I will and bequeath unto my three
Grandaughters Jane Smith, Sarah Smith and Mary Smith each of them the sum of
Twenty pounds in money to be put to Interest for them by my Executors and paid
to each of them when they shall arive to the age of Eighteen years and to be at
their own disposal. I will and bequeath unto Thomas Smith Rook son of Thomas
Smith Deseased the sum of six pounds in money to be paid unto him within one
year after my Desease by my Executors, Item I will and bequeath unto my
Grandson Jonathan Smith the sum of ten pounds in money to be put to Interest
for him and paid to him when he shall arive to the age of twenty one years.
Item I will and bequeath unto my two Grandsons namely Silvanus Smith and
Jonathan Smith all the Remainder of my Real and personal Estate be it in money
or otherwise equelly to be devided between them share and share alike
(Excepting my Great Bible which I do give unto the said Jonathan Smith which
before I had forgot, and my Will is that my Executors do put the said money to
Interest for the use of my two said Grandsons for their Education and bring up
which shall be at the Discretion of my Executors and to put them to such Trades
as they shall most incline to and to pay unto them each his equill part of said
money when each of them the said Silvanus Smith and Jonathan Smith shall arive
to the age of twenty One years. Lastly I do hereby ordain Constitute and
appoint my Trusty and Loving friends Richard Hewlett Esqr. of
Rockway and my Brother Cornell Smith and Benjamin Hewlett Juner to be the
Executors of this my last Will and Testament giving them or the Survivers or
Surviver of them full power and authority to Execute this my last Will and Testament,
and every Clause and Article herein Contained and to sell my Lands and to give
a good Title for the same. In Witness
hereunto I the said Jonathan Smith hath set to my hand and fixed my Seal the
year and day above written.
Jonathan
Smith X his Mark (seal)
Signed Sealed pronounced & Declared by the said Jonathan
Smith to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed to
the same as Witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other.
John Van Nostrand
Zabulon Smith
Richard Ellison.—
Probated on 20 Jan. 1778, and proved by John Van Nostrand and
Richard Ellison, both of the said County Yeomen. Letters of Administration were
granted to Cornell Smith and Benjamin Hewlett, two of the Executors, on 13 June
1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 34, p. 274-277, copied from
original Liber 34, p. 218-220.
Will of Joseph
Smith of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1746) *
In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth day of November in the
Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred forty six I Joseph Smith of
Hempstead in Queens County being sick and weak but of perfect mind and memory
thanks be given unto God and first of all I give Give and Recommend my Soul
into the hands of God that gave it and for my body I recommend it to the earth
to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner at the discretion of my
executors and as to such Worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless
me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner
and form.
Imprimis it is my Will and I do order that in the first place
all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and Satisfied I give and bequeath unto my four daughters
Hannah Mary Sarah and Elizabeth two hundred pounds New York Money apeice and
fether bed and furniture to each of them and I give and bequeath unto my
Daughter Phebe and her heirs one hundred and Seven pounds all the above said
Legacies to be paid in Six months after my decease by my Executors hereafter
named I give and bequeath unto my son
Joseph my Negro Man named CoraJoe I also
will give and bequeath unto my four sons Joseph Benjamin Richard and James all
my Lands Houses and Buildings with Meadows Marshes Beaches and plains in the
Bounds of Hempstead in Queens County with all the rights of what kind or nature
soever thereunto belonging to be equally divided between them their heirs and
Assigns for ever I give and bequeath
unto my four Sons Joseph Benjamin Richard and James after the funeral charges
Just debts and the Legacies above mentioned are all paid to my said Daughters
the remaining part of my whole estate of Moveables to be equally divided
between them and their heirs I likewise
Constitute and ordain my Brother John Smith my Son Richard and Daughter Hannah
Executors and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament And I do here
utterly disallow revoke and disannull all and every other former Testaments
Wills Legacies and Exectors by me in any ways before this time named willed and
Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and
Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and Year above written
Joseph Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
Joseph Smith last Will and Testament in
the presence of us ye. Subscribers
Timothy Smith
Charles Peters
Susannah Smith
Micah Smith
Probated on 23 Sept. 1751, and proved by Timothy Smith and
Susannah Smith, two of the Witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Richard Smith and Hannah Smith, two of the Executors, on 23 Sept. 1751.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 18, p. 16-17, copied from original
Liber 18, p. 16-17.
Will of Micha Smith
of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen the first day of Aprill in the Year
of our Lord Seventeen hundred and Forty Seven I Micha Smith of Hempstead in
Queens County within the province of New York Gent being Sick and weak in Body
but of perfect mind and Memory thanks be given unto God Therefore calling unto
mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all Men once
to dye do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say
principally and First of all I give and recommend my Soul into the Hands of God
that gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian
like and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors Nothing doubting but
at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power
of God and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me in this Life
I give devise and dispose of the same in manner and form
following that is to say Imprim: my will and desire is and I do hereby order
that all and Singular my debts be fully paid and discharged to whomsoever the
same may be Justly due Item I give and
Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Pheeby my Chaise and the Horse Carrying it
and all My Moveables within the House of what Kind Nature the same may be
Excepting my Clock and Writing Desk to her and her heirs and Assigns for ever
and all my other moveable Estate Negroes Cattle horses and uttensils for
Husbandry with the aforementioned Clock and desk with every other part of my
personal Estate I do hereby order to be sold a publick Vendue some convenient
time after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my said Wife Pheeby the sum
of two hundred pounds New York Money to her and her heirs and Assigns for ever
Item I give and bequeath unto my two Daughters Elizabeth and Pheeby after my
wife hath received her aforesaid Legacy of Two Hundred Pounds and my debts be first
paid out of the Sale of my personal estate as aforesaid the remaining part or
over plus thereof to be equally divided between them share and Share alike and
to their heirs and Assigns for ever Item
I do will and order that a piece of land lying near Richard Seaman’s containing
about Forty Eight Acres for which I have given my Father Isaac Smith a Lease
during his Life and now in Possession of my Brother Jacob Smith and my said
Father Isaac Smith after whose decease the same piece of land to be sold and
the Money therefore to be equally divided between my said two daughters
Elizabeth and Pheeby and to their Heirs and Assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Three Sons Micah Isaac and Richard all and Singular my home
stead whereon I now live and about one Hundred Acres of land lying between
Timothy Smith and Richard Seaman’s together with all my Meadow at Hungry
Harbour to be equally divided between them share and share alike to them and
each of them and their heirs and Assigns for ever with all my undivided lands
and Marshes in Hempstead if either of my said Sons dye before of Age without
Issue his part shall be to the Surviving brothers Item my will is and I do order that my Wife
Pheeby shall have the use and benefit of all my homestead and Lands and Meadows
within the said Township of hempstead while She remains my Widdow or untill my
said Three Sons shall Sepertely be of Age at which time and times they shall be
Entitled to the use and benefit of the equal third part of the said Messuage
Tenements Lands and premises and in case my said Wife shall remain my Widdow
after my said Three sons shall come of Age she shall dureing her widowhood have
the use of my west Room and the two west bedd rooms in the Leantoo Item I give
and Bequeath unto my said Three Sons Micha Isaac and Richard all my right which
I have in a Lott of Land know by Number twenty one at the nine partners in the
County of Dutchess called Stessin to be equally divided between them and to
their heirs and Assigns for ever Item I will and order that the equal Fourth
part of a Lott Number Eighteen at the nine partners aforesaid the whole Lot
being in Partnership between me and Joseph Mott Mordecai Lester and my brother
Jacob Smith shall be sold by my Overseers hereafter mentioned and also another
Lot in Partnership between the said Mordecai Lester Jacob Smith and myself my
share theirin I also order to be sold and all my other rights of Land in any
part of Dutchess County Aforesaid all which said Lands and premisses with the
Rights priviledges and Appurtenances when sold as aforesaid I do give and
Bequeath the Money arriseing from the sale thereof unto my said two Daughters
Elizabeth and Pheeby to be equally divided between them and to their heirs and
Assigns for ever Lastly I do hereby Constitute Make and ordain my beloved Wife
Pheeby Smith and my Good Friends Richard Thorne Robert Marvin to be my
Executors of this my last Will and Testament to see the Same duely Executed and
performed as far as the same relates to any part of my Estate on Nassau Island
and I do also Nominate and Appoint my loving Friends Mordecai Lester and
Cornelius Vanwyck of Dutchess County Gent overseers to this my last Will and
Testament to see the same Performed as far as relates to any part of my real
Estate in Dutchess County aforesaid and I do revoke all other wills heretofore
by me made Confirming this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and Year above First Written
Micha Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by Micha Smith as his
last Will in presence of
Jaka Mitchell
Richard Smith
Phebe Smith
Probated on 11 May 1747, and Letters of Administration
granted to Pheby Smith, Richard Thorne, and Robert Marvin, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathan Smith
of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen the eighteen day of May and in the
twenty second year of the Reign of our Lord George the second by the Grace of
God of Great Britain &c. Annoq Dom 1747 I Nathan Smith Sener of Jamaica in
Queens County on Nassaw Island and in the Colony of New York Yeoman being sick
and weak in Body but of sound memory and perfect understanding praised be the
Almighty God for the same considering the frailty of human nature the certainty
of death and the uncertainty of the time do make this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form followeth that is to say first and principally I
commit my immortal Soul to God who gave it and my body to the dust whare it was
taken in hopes of a Glorious resurrection through the merrits and intersestion
of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to be decently buried at the
discretion of my executors herein after named and to such worldly Estate as it
hath pleased God to bestow upon me after my Just debts are first paid I doe and
bequeath as followeth Imprimis Item it
is my Will and I do hereby order my Executors after named that at my decease
they shall sell a piece or part of my Lands or meadows as they shall think fit
to take in a bond of forty pounds that I gave to my Son Nathan Smith to be paid
at my decease Item it is my will and
desire that my wellbeloved Wife Martha shall have the use and benefit of all my
whole Estate that is not sold that is my houses Lands Meadows and all my
moveables Estate towards hur Educating and maintaining my Children for and during
her widdowhood Item I give to my eldest
Son Nathan my best coat that I have at my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my well beloved
Wife Martha all my moveables Goods within my house or doe belong within my
house for hur owne to dispose of as she think fit whether my said wife shall
marry or not marry Item it is my Will
and desire that at my said Wife Martha death or marriage I do hereby order my
Executors herein after named to sell and dispose of all my Lands and Meadows
that is not sold and all my houses Barnes Orchards and all my moveable Estate
that is out of my house that doth not belong within my house and to sell all as
Speedily as my Executors shall think convenient this Estate lying at
springfield in the bound of Jamaica Item
I will and bequeath unto my Son Nathan ten pounds to be paid out of Lands and
meadows after they are sold Item I give
unto my two Sons Amey and Daniel the remainder of the money that my houses
Lands Meadows and Orchards do sell for to be equally divided between them both
in equal proportion Item I do order my
Executors that when my Lands and Farm is sold to take the money that belongs to
my Sons at under age if they be so and put it out to Interest for them till
they come age, I do order my Executors that when my moveables that is out of my
house is sold Item I give the money unto my three dafters Mary Joanna and
Martha to be equally divided between them all and I do order my Executors that
if any of my dafters be under age when my moveables are sold they shall take the
money that belong to them and put it out to Interest for them till they come to
age Item it is my Will and desire that
if any one of my Sons Shall dye before he is of age or before he recieves his
part potion that the surviving Sons shall have his part equally divided between
them and also if any one of my dafters shall die before she is of age or before
she receive her part or potion that the surviving dafters shall have their part
equally divided between them Item I do
appoint and constitute my loving wife Martha and Elias Bailes Sener and William
Ludlem Senr. Executors of this my last Will and Testament to see the
same performed in all the Articles according to the true intent and meaning
thereof hereby revoking and making null and void all other Wills and Testaments
by me heretofore made declaring this only to be my Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal the day and year first above written.
Nathan Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed and published and declared by the said Nathan
Smith as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us. three words within
to dispose enterlined before ensealing and delivery.
Simeon Van Noortwyck
Christeyoan Van Noortwyck
Mathew + Van Noortwyck
Probated on 13 Nov. 1755, and proved by Simeon Van Nortwyck
and Christeyoane Van Nortwyck, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
granted to Martha Smith and Elias Bayle, two of the Executors, on 3 Dec. 1755.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathan Smith
of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1779) *
In the Name of God Amen I Nathan Smith of Flushing being weak
in Body but of sound Memory (blessed be God) do this Eight day of September in
the Year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine make
and publish this My last Will and Testament in Manner following that is to say
First, I give and bequeath to My Daughter Mary the sum of Ten pounds and after
her decease I give the same to her son James Craft Also I give and bequeath to my son Nathan Smith
all my Estate Moveable or Immovable likewise all my Goods Chattels and all my
other substance moveable or Immovable of what kind Nature or Quallity soever
the same May be or in what place or places soever the same shall be found as
well in my own Custody or possession as in the possession hands power and
Custody of any other person or person what soever whereof I shall die seized in
possession Reversion or Remainder do I give and bequeath to my son Nathan Smith
and to his Heirs forever, And I Make and ordain this My son Nathan Smith and Milecent
his Wife and James Mackrell overseers of this My Will to see the same performed
According to My true Intent and Meaning
In Witness whereof I the said Nathan Smith Senr. have to this
my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal the day and year above written~
Nathan Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed and Delivered by the said Nathan Smith as and
for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who were present at
Sealing thereof Nota bene the words and James Mackrell was interlined before
Sealing
James
Mackrell
Nathan
Smith
Emila
Smith
Probated on 16 Oct. 1779, and proved by James Mackrell
shopkeeper of the said County, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Nathan Smith and Emila Smith, the Executors, on 16 Oct. 1779.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 32, p. 183-184, copied from
original Liber 32, p. 135-136.
Will of Nathaniel
Smith of Jamaica, Queens County, Province of New York (1745) *
In the name of God Amen I Nathaniel Smith of Jamaica in
Queens County on Nassau Island in the Province of New York Yeoman being
indisposed in Body but thro Gods Goodness of Sound and perfect mind and Memory
for which I desire to magnifie and bless the Lord calling to mind the Certainty
of Death and the uncertain hour thereof and being Willing to settle or order My
Estate in life so as no trouble may Ensue after death do make this my Last Will
and Testament Principally and first of all, I Reccommend and bequeath my Soul
immortal unto God Almighty relying on his grace thro Jesus Christ his only son
for Salvation and as concerning my Worldly Estate wherewith I am now blessed
with I do Order Will bequeath and dispose of the same in the following manner Imprimis I order and Will that all my just
Debts and funeral Expences shall be duly paid by my Executors in some
Convenient time after my Decease to be made out of my Estate Real and Personal
according to the discretion of my Executors And I do hereby Authorize and
impower them to make Sale of my lands Real and personal Estate of what nature
or kind soever and out of the Sale thereof to pay and Satisfie all my Just and
due debts which are owing at the time of my decease aforesaid and I do hereby
impower them to make and Execute Deeds therefor as in their discretion shall be
thought fit And as touching the remainder or overplus of what my said Estate
real and personal shall be sold for I give and bequeath and dispose thereof as
follows that is to Say unto My loving Wife Patience and to my Children
Patitience and Ludlum to be Equally divided among them share and share alike
only my said said Wife shall have my best Bed and furniture over and above an
equal Share and I do order and appoint my loving Father in law William Ludlum
to take my said Childrens part or portions into his Hands and keeping to be
paid to them or their use when they shall respectively arrive to the Ages
following that is to say when the Boy shall Arrive to eight years and the Girl
at ten Years of Age my Will is that if either of my said Children shall happen
to dye before they come of Age that then his or her part shall go to the
Surviving Sister or Brother And I do hereby Nominate and appoint My said Father
in law and my Brother John Smith to be the Executors of this my Last Will and
Testament and do hereby Revoke and disannul all others and declare this only to
be my last Will
In
Testimony where of I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this twelfth day of
January Anno Dom: one thousand Seven hundred and forty five
his
Nathaniel X
Smith (seal)
Mark
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Nathaniel
Smith as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers
John
Ludlum
Amos
Denton
J.
Smith
Administration was granted to William Ludlam and John Smith,
the Executors, on 25 Jan. 1745.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 15, p. 482-483, copied from
original Liber 15, p. 519-520.
Will of Nehemiah Smith of Jamaica, Queens County,
Province of New York (1850) *
In the Name of God Amen I, Nehemiah Smith of Jamaica in
Queens County, within the province of New-York, Yeoman being sick and weak in
body but thanks be to God of sound mind memory and understanding and now
calling to mind that I have but a short time to continue in this transitory
life and have reason daily to expect my disolution do make this my last will
and testament in manner following
First I bequeath my
soul to God who gave it and my body to the Earth from whence it came to be
decently interred by my Executors hereafter named being in hopes of a joyfull
resurrection and re-union of my body and soul at the last day by the mighty
power of God and as to what worldly estate God hath blessed me with all I give
and dispose of the same as follows First
I order all my just debts and funeral Expences to be paid and satisfied I give devise and bequeath unto my dearly
beloved wife Ann my Negro wench named Jenn and her young female Child called
Hagar I also give unto my said wife the sum of thirty five pounds to be paid to
her or her assigns within one year after my decease, and the sum of thirty five
pounds more to be paid unto her or her assigns within two years after my
decease making in the whole to sum of Seventy pounds, also I give unto my said
wife two Cowes and half a dozen sheep with pasture and hay for all the same
winter and summer for one year after my decease I further give to my said wife
Ten Bushels of Wheat ten Bushells of Rye and ten Bushells of Indian Corn and
sufficient meat and firewood for herself and her family for one whole year
after my decease I also allow unto my said wife such priviledges in my now
dwelling house as she shall have occasion for both for herself and her family
for one whole year after my decease – Item – I also give and bequeath unto my
said wife three feather Beds and the bedding and other furniture thereto
belonging and all and singular other such household Goods which she brought
with her unto me when I married her all which abovementioned Legacys shall be
at her own absolute disposal and in lieu of her Dower Item – I give and bequeath unto my son Wait
the whole and sole use benefit and profitts of all and singular my lands
tenements and dwelling houses (excepting the priviledges above given to my said
wife) for and during the term of one whole year after my decease as also all
and singular my winter and Summer Corn now growing on the premises as also the use
of my waggon plough harrow and Geers as also the use of two horses for one year
as aforesaid I also give unto my said son Wait Two Cows and Two Hoggs in
consideration whereof my will is and I do order that he shall supply my said
wife with pasture and hay for her two Cows and half a dozen sheep as aforesaid
and also allow unto her the Wheat Rye and Indian Corn hereinbefore given unto
her and also that he do find and provide unto my said wife sufficient meat and
firewood as abovesaid Item – my will is
and I do order that all and singular my my dwelling houses messuages Meadows
and Lands with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereto belonging shall by
my Executors be sold and conveyed within two years after my decease either by
way of publick vendue as or otherwise as to them shall seem best and I do
hereby as far as in me lyeth authorize and impower them to make sale thereof
accordingly, and to seal and execute good sufficient deed or deeds or other
sufficient writings of Conveyance in the law to the buyer or buyers and their
heirs and assigns for the same – Item – My will is and I do Order that all the
rest of my moveable estate not hereinabove disposed off in any wise shall also
be sold by my Executors in some convenient time after my decease at the
discretion of my Executors and the Moneys ariseing by or from the sale of my
real and personal estate aforesaid I give and bequeath and dispose thereof as
follows (my debts being first to be paid thereout) Vizt. To my son
Thomas I give the sum of fifty pounds to be paid to him at two equal payments
the first to be one year after my decease and the other one year after that I
give to my daughter Phebe the sum of Ten pounds to my daughter Rachel the now
wife of Thomas Read I give the sum of Ten pounds I also give to my daughter
Priscilla the now wife of William Ludlam Junr. Ten pounds and to my
daughter Mary lately married to Elias Bayles I give the sum of thirteen pounds
all which said four last mentioned Legacys I order to be paid to my said
daughters respectively within three years after my decease Item – I give and bequeath unto Daniel Smith
Samuel Smith and Elias Bayles elders and deacons of the presbyterian
Congregation in and of Jamaica aforesaid and to their successors for the time
being the sum of Ten pounds to be by them or their successors put out to
Interest forever for the maintaining of a standing Ministry in the said
Congregation to the end of time to be paid within four years after my decease –
Item – whereas I have heretofore given unto my other sons to wit Noah Nicholas
Jonathan and Wait each of them the like sum of seventy pounds and the over
plush of my Estate if any be after the payment of my debts and all and singular
the Legacys abovesaid in manner aforesaid I give and bequeath the same unto my
said Sons Nehemiah Noah Nicholas Jonahan and Wait to be equally divided amongst
them share and share alike And lastly I do nominate authorize and appoint my
well beloved sons Nehemiah Noah Nicholas and Jonathan above named Joyntly and
severally to be Executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby
revoke and make null and void all other Wills and Testaments Legacys and
bequests by me at any time before in any wise made and I acknowledge and allow
this and no other to be my last Will and testament
In witness whereof I have hereunto but set my hand and
seal this fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand
seven hundred and fifty.
Nehemiah Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the above named
Nehemiah Smith, the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament (these
words to wit wheat in the fourteenth line after my decease in the twenty second
he in the twenty fourth and Ten pounds in the fortieth lines on the other side
being first interlined) in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and in the
presence of each other
Isaac Bloom
Nehemiah
Benjn. Hinchman
Probated on 30 July 1750, and proved by Isaac Bloom, Nehemiah
Denton, and Benjamin Hinchman, the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted
to Nehemiah Smith, Noah Smith, Nicholas Smith, and Jonathan Smith, the
Executors, on 6 Aug. 1750.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nicholas Smith of Jamaica, Queens
County, Province of New York (1777) *
In the Name
of God Amen I Nicholas Smith of Jamaica in Queens County in the Province of New
York Yeoman being weak and low in Body but of sound Mind and Memory (blessed be
God therefore do this twenty seventh day of March in the Year of our Lord
Christ One thousand seven hundred and seventy seven Make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in Manner and form following that is to say Imprimis I
comend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God who gave it me and my Body to the
Earth from whence it came in hopes of a joyfull resurrection through the Merits
of my Saviour Jesus Christ And as for that Worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me I dispose there of as follows First I give and devise unto Phebe my well
beloved Wife two of the best Cows to be at her own dispose I will that all my indoors Moveables and
furnuture to be equally divided between my said Wife Phebe and my five
Daughters, Patience Priscillah Elizabeth Mary and Phebe to be paid to them my
said Wife and my said Daughters as they shall arrive at lawfull Age. I also
will and order that all my Lands Negro and outdoors Moveables be sould at the
discretion of my Executors and all my Just Debts paid and that the remainder of
the Money be put to Interest for the benefit of my two sons Benjamin and Noah
My said Wife to have the use of the whole untill all the Children come of age.
And after that the use of one third of the Money for so long as she shall
continue to be my Widow but in Case of Death or remarriage of My said Wife the
use of the whole to be in the hands of My Executors to be disposed of by them
for the bringing up of the Children and when the Youngest shall come of Age two
thirds of the said Money to be equally divided among all the Children And the
other third at At the Death or remarriage of my said Wife to be equally divided
among my Children I further Will and
order that my two said Sons Benjamin and Noah be put to Trades as Soon as May
be And Lastly I hereby Nominate and Appoint Phebe My said well beloved Wife
Executrix and my trusty and well beloved friends Noah Smith and Benjamin
Everitt Executors of this My last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof the
said Nicholas Smith have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year first
above written.
Signed
Sealed and delivered by the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in
the Presence of us who were present at the Signing and Sealing thereof the
words (and form) in the 7 line and the word (between) in the 16 line and the
words (divided among) in the 34 line being interlined ~
Hendrick
Hendrickson Nicholas Smith (seal)
Bernardus
Hendrickson
John
Hinchman
Probated on 14
Apr. 1777, and proved by Barnardus Hendrickson Yeoman and John Hinchman House
Carpenter, both of Queens County, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York
County Probate, Vol. 32, p. 274-276, copied from original Liber 32, p. 198-199.
Will of Noah Smith of Jamaica, Queens County, Province
of New York (1777) *
In the Name
of God Amen=I Noah Smith of Jamaica in Queens County in the Province of New
York Wheelright being sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and
understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and
form following to wit First of all I will and order that my Executors shall as
soon as conveniently may be after my decease sell and dispose of such and so
great a part of my real and personal estate as they shall find necessary for
paying all my just debts and funeral charges and I do hereby authorize and
impower them to make sale thereof accordingly and to give and Execute unto the
purchasor or purchasors thereof his her or or their heirs and assigns forever
good and sufficient deed or deeds in the law for the same all the rest residue
and remainder of my estate both real and personal I give and bequeath unto Mary
my dearly beloved wife for her to enjoy and receive the income and profits
thereof for and during so long a time as she shall remain my widow and no
longer ITEM I give and bequeath unto
Joseph Skidmore Nicholas Smith and Daniel Bayles the present Elders and Deacons
of the Presbyterian Church and congregation in Jamaica in Queens County
aforesaid the sum of Ten pounds current money of New York to be paid to them
within one year after my decease and to be by them and their successors Elders
and deacons put out to interest for the use of the said Church and congregation
forever notwithstanding the above bequest to my said wife ITEM after the death or remarriage of my said
wife I will and order that my whole estate (not before ordered to be sold) both
real and personal shall be sold by my Executors hereinafter named and the money
arising therefrom disposed of in the following manner to wit, to my son Othniel
I give the sum of twenty pounds to my son Nehemiah I give the sum of Twenty
pounds To my daughter Mary I give the sum of Twenty pounds to my daughter Phebe
I give the sum of Twenty pounds to my daughter Theodosia I give the sum of
Twenty pounds to my daughter Tabitha I give the sum of twenty pounds and to my
grand children the children of my daughter Unice late the wife of Benjamin
Everit I give the sum of five pounds as to the remainder of my said estate I
will and order that the same shall be divided into ten equal parts one tenth
part of which I give and bequeath unto my said son Othniel Smith one other
tenth part to my son Nehemiah Smith one other tenth part to my daughter
Priscilla the wife of Nehemiah Carpenter one other tenth part to my daughter
Mary Smith one other tenth part to my daughter Phebe Smith one other tenth part
to my daughter Theodosia Smith one other tenth part to my daughter Tabitha
Smith one other tenth part to my grandchildren the children of my son Nicholas
Smith deceased namely Patience, Prissilla, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Noah, Mary,
Phebe equally to be divided amongst them one other tenth part to my
grandchildren the children of my son Noah Smith deceased namely Jeffery Phebe
and George equally to be divided amongst them and the remaining tenth I give to
my said grandchildren the children of my said daughter Unice deceased namely
Unice and Mary equally to be divided between them and it is my desire that my
son Nehemiah Smith shall be put out to learn a trade as soon as a proper place
can be got for him AND LASTLY I hereby nominate and appoint Mary my said wife
my brother in law William Ludlam and my son Othniel Smith Executors of this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all former will and wills be me
heretofore made IN WITNESS whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of August in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven.—
Noah Smith (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the above named Noah Smith as and for his last
will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our Names
as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence
of each other the words (Phebe) in two place, to wit, in the twenty
ninth line of the first side and the sixth line of the second side are wrote on
razures and the word profits in the fourteenth line the letters der
in the twenty third line of the first side being interlined before the
Execution thereof
William
Lewis
Nathaniel
Hills
Abraham
Colyer
Probated on
31 Jan. 1785, and proved by William Lewis of Jamaica, Carpenter, one of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Mary Smith and Othniel
Smith, two of the Executors, on 10 Feb. 1785.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York
County Probate, Vol. 37, p. 389-391, copied from original Liber 37, p. 384-386.
Will of Rachel Smith
of
In the Name of God Amen I Rachel Smith of Jamaica Single
Woman being Sick and weak in Body but of Sound Mind and Memory being mind full
of death and of the Uncertainty of the Hour thereof do make this my last Will
and Testament First of all I do bequeath my Soul to God who gave it and my Body
I reccommend to the Earth to be decently buried and touching my worldly Estate
I do dispose of the same as followeth Viz Item I will and order that my debts
shall be paid in Some Convenient time after my decease by my Executors Item I
do Give and Bequeath unto my loving Cousen Thomas Read of Jamaica above said on
Bond from John Ludleins of Fourteen pounds Sixteen Shillings and nine pence
with my Beed and Bolster and half a dozen humspun Shifts and my Long Cloak and
Whood for his Wife to him and his Exes. and Assigns for ever Item I
give unto my loving Sister Hannah Woolsey of Capewell wife to George Woolsey
Twenty pounds New York Money to her and her heirs forever and I also give unto
the said Hannah Woolsey my new Patesway hood with my Bleu Rapper and Red Quilt
and also a Bleu and white Coverlead Item I give and Bequeath unto my loving
Sister Kesiah Smith of Madenhead wife to Jasper Smith Ten pounds New York Money
to her and her heirs for ever Item I give unto My loving Cousen Margaret
Pierson Daughter to the Reverend Mr. John Pierson of Woodbridge Ten
pounds New York Money and desire that it be and remain in the hands and Custody
of my Exer for the use and benefit of said Margaret Pierson till she
Marries or comes to Age but if said Margaret should die before she comes to age
or Marries then I will and Bequeath that the Ten pounds shall go to my loving
Sister Judith Pierson and her heirs Item I give unto my Aunt Hannah Smith Wife
to Samuel Smith of Jamaica above said My Silver Tea Spoons and all My Cheania
and also my Velvit hood Item will and Bequeath unto my loving Cousin Samuel
Smith Junr. my Gold Sleeves Buttons and to the Wife of said Samuel
Smith Three humspun Aprons and One Hand kerchief Item I give unto Patience Smith
Wife to Nehemiah Smith Junr. One Green Quilt and three Shifts Item I
give unto my Exes. hereafter mentioned three pounds New York Money
to be paid to the present Deacons or Elders of the Presbyterian Church in
Jamaica and their Successors for the time being by them to be put at Intrest
the Intrest of which is to be made use of for the Support of a Standing
Ministry in the Presbyterian Congregation in Jamaica for ever Item I give all
the remaining part of My Money in Bonds or otherwise Except What is above
mentioned to my Cousen Hannah Pierson daughter to the Revern'd Mr
John Pierson of Woodbrigde and my Cousen Esiball Freeman daughter of Henry
Freeman of Woodbrige above’d to be equally divided between them only the same I
desire shall be in the Hands of my Exes for the and Benefit of said
Hannah Pierson and Esiball Freeman till they Marry or come to Age but if said
Esiball should die before she comes to age or Marryes The I will and Bequeath
that her the said Isiballs part as above Expressed shall be given to Kesiah
Woolsey the Grand Daughter to Hannah Woolsey above named and if said Hannah
Pierson should dye before she Marries or comes to age the I give and Bequeath
her part as above Expressed to be for the use and Benefit of Margaret Pierson
above mentioned Item I do order that the rest of my Estate all Except what is
herein mentioned shall be Equally divided between my three Sisters herein
mentioned Hannah Woolsey, Judith Pierson and Keziah Smith to them and their
heirs forever Item I do hereby Nominate and Appoint my loving Cousen Thomas
Read Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and do Impower him to
take into his hands and Possession my Estate and to use and Improve the same as
above Expressed And I do declare this and no other to be my last Will In
Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set My Hand and Seal this twenty Six day of
December One Thousand Seven hundred and Forty Three
her
Rachel X Smith (seal)
mark
Signed
Sealed deliverd and declared in the Presence of us three lines in the Margin
writ and Five words Interlined before Executed
Saml Smith
Nehemiah Smith
Saml Smith Junr.
Probated on 16 Apr. 1747, and
Letters of Administration granted to Thomas Reed, the Sole Executor.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Richard Smith
of Hempstead,
In the Name of God Amen. The Twenty third of March one
thousand seaven hundred Ten and Eleaven I Richard Smith of Hempstead in Queens
County, yeoman, being sick & weake in body, but I thank God of perfect
memory and understanding and Calling to mind the mortallity of frail Body, not
knowing how soon it my Crumble into a Dissolution, Do make and ordaine this my
Last will and Testament, my Soul I recommend to God who breathed it into me, My
Body to the Earth to be buried after a Christian Like Manner hopeing to receive
the Same at the resurrection of the Just. As for the Worldly Estate it hath
pleased God to bless me with all I give and Dispose the Same as followeth.
First I give to my welbeloved Wife Catharine one halfe of my Moveables, and to
have the full management of my Farm and whole Estate till my Son Phillip arrive
to the full age of one and Twenty, and in Case of his Death tell my Daughter
Mary arrives to the full age of one and Twenty freely to be possessed and
Enjoyed by my Said Loveing Wife Catharine tell my said Children arrive to the
Aforesaid age, in Case of her marrying again to have Fifteen pound / yeare
Dureing her Naturall Life, if not marryed, to have her abode and Sutable
accommodashions Dureing Life, as also the one half of my moveables aforesaid to
be at her Disposal and Discretion to be willed as She Shall think Convenient at
her Death, and in Case of the Death of my aforesaid Children my Farm withall
appurtenances thereto belonging to be and Remain in the possession of my
Loveing wife Catharine Dureing her Life, and after her Death to my Brother
Timothy Smith in Case of the Death of my own Naturall Children. Also it is my
will that the fifteen pound p annum is not to begin to be payable till my said
Son or Daughter are Come to the full age of one and Twenty, my aforesaid
Loveing Wife Catharine haveing the Sole and whole management of my Estate both
reall and personal till my Said Children arrive to the years aforesaid, Item, I
give to my Loveing Son Phillip all my Lands and possessions with all rights and
priviledges thereunto appertaining within the Town and bounds of Hempstead
freely to be possessed and Enjoyed by him his heirs and assignes for Ever. also
I give unto him Ten pound with the use of it, when he Comes to the full age of
one & Twenty, in Case of his Death, vizt. my Said Son Phillip,
my Estate reall to accruw to my Daughter Mary her heires and assignes for Ever,
and in Case of the Death of my aforesaid Children to be to my Brother Timothy
Smith his heires and assignes for Ever, upon the Death of my beloved wife
Catharine, Item, I give to my Loveing Daughter Mary one half of my moveables,
as also one lot of meadow lying and Situated on the West Side of Washburns neck
which I Desire And will may be Sold at the Discretion of my wife as Executrix
and overseers, and the Money to be put out to Interest, and She to receive the
principal and Interest at her Day of Marriage, or when she arrives to the full
age of Eighteen yeares, and if She Dyes without Issue her half of the moveables
to be to the use and behoofe of my Loveing wife Catharine – Also I Constitute
and ordaine my well beloved wife Catharine Executrix of this my last Will as
aforesaid, Likewise I ordaine James Jackson and James Lyrren as overseers of
this my Last will, Whome I Impower by Virtue of ~ this last Will and Testament
to Sell three acres of Land at the folly of the NorthSide of the Town of
Hempstead as also a peice of Meadow Situate on the West Side of Washburns Neck,
and I will that their Conveyance, Deeds and Seals Shall be afirm alienation
from Mind to any one who Shall purchase the said right of three acres or the
aforesaid Meadow Lying as aforementioned. And I do hereby utterly disallow and
Disannull all and Every other former Testaments wills Legacies and Executors by
me any ways before this time named, willed and bequeathed, Ratifying and
Confirming this and no other to be my Last will and Testament In Witness
Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and Yeare above written.
Richard Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published and Declared by the Said Richard
Smith as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us
John Treadwell
Jeremiah Smith
his
John + Cornwell
mark
Memorandum that the Fifteen pound a year within mentioned
bequeathed to my Wife Catharine Dureing life should have been writt Dureing her
widowhood and it is my Will & Desire that my said Wife Catharine have &
Enjoy Said Fifteen pound as long as she Continues my widow, the said Sume
Comenceing from the time that my Son Phillip, or in Case of his Death, that my
Daughter Mary arrive to ye full age of one & Twenty, ye
said Sume to be paid out of ye product of my farm, the rest to be
and Remaine as aforemenconed within the body of my will, In Witness Whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and Yeare within written. Witnessed
by us John Treadwell Jeremiah Smith John X
Cornwell ~~
Presented for probate on 17 May 1711, and Letters of
Administration granted to Katharine Smith, the Executrix, on 19 Nov. 1711.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Sylvanus
Smith of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1769) *
In the
Name of God Amen the tenth day of March in the Year of our Lord Christ one
thousand seven hundred and sixty nine I Sylvanus Smith of the Township of
Hempstead in Queens County and Province of New York Yeoman being at this Time
infirm in Body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God
therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body and well knowing that it
is appointed for all Men once to die do make and ordain this to be my last Will
and Testament principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into
the Hands of God that gave it me nothing doubting but at the general
Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God and as
for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a christian like and decent
manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named and appointed And as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in
this Life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and
form Imprimis It is my Will and I do
order that in the first Place all my just Debts and funeral Charges be fully
paid and satisfied Item I give and
bequeath unto Sarah my well beloved Wife the sum of two hundred Pounds Current
Money of New York to her as long as she remains my Widow to be in lieu of her
Dower or Power of Thirds and it is my Will and I do order that if my Wife
should marry that she shall have but one hundred Pounds during her natural Life
to be also in lieu of her Dower or Power of thirds Item it is my Will and I do order that my
Wife shall have the Priviledge of living in my House until my youngest Child
arrives to lawfull Age Provided that she remain my Widow – And I do order that
my said Wife and my Children shall have their living on my said Estate as long
as my said youngest Child is under Age provided that my Wife remain my Widow
during said Time It is my Will and I do
order that the use and profits of my Estate shall be to support my said Wife
and Children as long as they are under Age and in bringing my Children up to
Learning and Trade if Any of them chuses to learn a Trade my Wife to have her
Support from said Estate untill my youngest Child arrives to lawfull Age she
remaining my Widow during the said Time Item
I give and bequeath unto my said Wife one riding Chair Item I give and bequeath unto my said Wife
and to my Daughter Betsy all my Houshold Furniture to be equally divided among
them Item I give and bequeath unto my
said Wife one Negro Wench named Hannah to her and her heirs and Assigns forever Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter
Betsy the sum of two hundred Pounds current lawful Money of New York to be paid
unto her Item, I give and bequeath unto
my son Joseph and my son John and my son Timothy and my son Daniel all the
residue of my Estate both real and personal to be equally divided among them as
they arrive to lawfull Age to them and their Heirs and Assigns forever that is
that each and every of my said sons shall have their respective part of my said
Estate both real and personal when they arrive to lawful Age to them and their
respective heirs and Assigns forever It
is my Will and I do order that my Executors shall sell as much of my Estate
either real or Personal as will be sufficient to discharge and pay my Debts
with And I do order that my said Executors do sell my Negroe Tim Item It is my Will and I do order that if my
Wife should chance to have any other child or Children by me that such Child or
Children shall have an equal Proportion with my four sons before mentioned in
my Estate real and personal when such Child or Children arrive to lawfull Age
to its heirs and Assigns forever and it is my Will and I do order that if any
of my Children die under age that the Legacy bequeathed on such shall be
equally divided Among my surviving Children
Lastly I do hereby constitute nominate and appoint my Wife Sarah and my
Brother Timothy Smith and James Smith of Herricks to be Executors of this my
last Will and Testamant and in Case of Death the survivors of them giving and
ratifying unto them my full power and Authority to Execute the same
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and fixed my seal the Day and Year
first above written
Silvanus Smith (seal)
Signed
sealed published pronounced and declared by me the said Sylvanus Smith as my
last Will and Testament in the presence of the Subscribers.
Samuel Denton
Henry Downing
Luke Cummins
A
Codicil annexed to this my last Will and Testament made the Thirtyeth day of
March in the Year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and seventy
witnesseth that I the above named Sylvanus Smith of the Township of Hempstead
in Queens County and Province of New York Yeoman do by these Presents give and
bequeath unto my Daughter Betsey the Wife of Samuel Townsend the just and full
sum of one hundred Pounds curr’t lawfull Money of New York to be paid unto her
in a convenient Time after my decease the said one hundred Pounds I give her in
Lieu of any Part of my houshold Goods that I bequeathed unto my said Daughter
heretofore in my last Will and Testament so that she is to be excluded from any
Part of said Goods, the abovesaid one hundred Pounds I give and bequeath unto
my said Daughter to purchase houshold Goods and furniture as it suits her. Item
I give and bequeath unto Sarah my well beloved Wife all my houshold furniture
towards bringing up the remainder of my Children. Item I give and bequeath unto
my said Daughter Betsey three Milch Cows and three Calves Item I give and bequeath unto my said
Daughter Betsy eight Ewes and eight Lambs
It is my Will and I do order that my said Daughter Betsy shall be
entitled to all that I have given and bequeathed unto her in my last Will and
Testament excepting my houshold Goods and Furniture.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal as a Codicil to
this my last Will and Testament the day and Year above mentioned in this
Codicil
Silvanus Smith (seal)
Signed,
sealed published and declared by me the said Silvanus Smith in the presence of
the Subscribers
Samuel Denton
Jane Smith
Luke Cummins
Probated on 17 Apr. 1770, and proved by Samuel Denton and
Luke Cummins, of said County Yeomen, two of the witnesses to the Will and
Codicil. Letters of Administration were granted to Timothy Smith and James
Smith, two of the Executors, on 23 Apr. 1770.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 27, p. 404-407, copied from
original Liber 27, p. 383-385.
Will of Thomas Smith of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1749) *
In
the Name of God Amen the Sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord Seventeen
hundred and forty nine I, Thomas Smith alias Rock of Hempstead in Queens County
Yeoman being very sick and weak in Body but of perfect sound mind and memory
thanks be given to Almighty God therefore and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form
following that is to say principally and first of all I recommend my soul and
spirit into the hands of Almighty God that gave it in hopes of a Joyfull
Resurrection at the last day my Body I commit to the earth to be decently
buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named and as touching my
worldly Goods I give and bequeath the same as followeth that is to say First I
will that all my debts be well and truely satisfied and paid–Item–I give and
bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Pheeby Two Cowes one horse one Bedd and
Furniture and all my moveables within doors to her and her heirs and assigns
forever I also give unto my said wife the use of all my house and Lands during
her widowhood to enable her to bring up my Children Item I do will and order
that that remaining part of my Moveables of what kind soever shall be sold at
Publick Vendue Item I give and Bequeath unto my Son Zebulon all and singular my
Homestead and the Land and premisses thereunto belonging to have and to hold to
him and his heirs and assigns forever Item–I will and ordain that all my Land
adjoyning to Joseph San and Jonathan
Smith shall be sold at publick vendue and that the equal Moiety or half part
thereof shall be equaly divided between my said Wife Pheebe and my daughter
Mary and their assigns forever and that such equal half being paid to my wife
after the sale shall be in lieu of her dowry–Item–I give and bequeath unto the
Child Male or Female with which My said wife is now Supposed to be pregnant the
other equal half of the last mentioned land for which the same shall be sold as
aforesaid to him or her as it shall happen and to his or her heirs and assigns
forever But in case of failure of the birth of such Child then the same share
of Land or the Moneys ariseing from the Sale thereof as aforesaid I give unto
my said son Zebulon and to his heirs and assigns forever. Lastly I do hereby
nominate and appoint my loving friends James Pine and Benjamin Hulet and my
loving wife Pheeby to be my Executors of this my last will and Testament. And
do utterly revoke all other wills at any time heretofore by me made Confirming
this and no other to be my last will and testament. In Witness whereof I the
said Thomas Smith have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first
herein written.
Thomas Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed Published pronounced
and declared by Thomas Smith as his last will and testament in presence of
Charles Peters – Timothy Smith – James Wood
Probated on 14 Nov. 1749, Letters
of Administration granted to Phebee Smith, James Pine and Benjamin Hulet, the
Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 17, p. 26-28, copied from original
Libor 17, p. 25-26.
Will and Codicil of Thomas Smith of Jamaica, Queens County, Province of New York (1771) *
In the
Name of God Amen I Thomas Smith of Jamaica in Queens County on the Island of
Nassau in the Province of New York Cordwainer being in Good Health and perfect
Memory (blessed be God therefore) do this Twenty ninth day of July in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in Manner and form following that is to say, Imprimis I
commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God who gave it me, and my Body to
the Earth from whence it came in hopes of a joyful Resurrection through the
Merits of my savior Jesus Christ and as for that Worldly Estate wherewith it
has pleased God to bless me, I dispose thereof as follows. First I do will and
order that all my just Debts and Funeral Charges shall be duly paid by my
Executors hereinafter named Item I give and bequeath unto Deborah my dearly
beloved Wife the full and free use, benefit and profits of all and singular my
whole Estate both real and personal for and during so long a time as she shall
continue my Widow and no longer. Item if in case my said Wife shall see fit to
sell all or any part of my said Estate either Real or personal during her
Widowhood, I do hereby authorize and impower my said Executors or any two of
them to make sale thereof or any part thereof accordingly, and to give and
execute good sufficient Deed or Deeds to the purchaser or purchasers thereof,
and the Moneys arising by the Sale thereof I do will and order that the same
shall be put out to Interest by my said Executors the yearly Interest thereof I
give to my said Wife for and during the Time she shall continue my Widow and no
longer, Item after the Death or Remarriage of my said Wife, I do hereby will
and order that all my whole Estate both real and personal shall be sold by my
Executors as soon as conveniently may be, and I do hereby authorize and impower
them to sell the same accordingly, and to give and execute good sufficient Deed
or Deeds to the purchaser or purchasors thereof, and the moneys arising by the
Sale thereof I do give and bequeath the same to my seven Children namely,
Platt, Thomas, Henry, William, Oliver, Sarah and Elizabeth equally to be
divided amongst them share and share alike. Item as to such part of my Estate
as shall fall to the share of my said son Platt, it is my will that in case my
said son Platt shall happen to Dye before his now wife that the same go to my
Grandson Platt Smith Son of my said son Platt, and in case my said Grandson
shall happen to Dye without lawful Issue the I give the same to my six surviving
children above named, equally to be divided amongst them share and share alike.
And lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint Deborah my said Wife, and my sons
Thomas and Henry or any two of them Executors of this my last Will and
Testament, hereby revoking all former Will and Wills by me heretofore made
allowing this and no other to be and contain my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness whereof I the said Thomas Smith have to this my last Will and Testament
set my Hand and Seal the Day and year above written
Thomas Smith (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Thomas Smith as and for his
last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto set our Names
as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence
of each other, First interlining the Word “one” between the 4th and
5th of the first side and razing out one Word in the 17th
Line of the same side, and writing the Words “to sell” on an Erazure in the 16th
Line, and the Words “or any two” in the 18th Line of the same side,
and raizing out two Word in the 2d Line of this side. Samuel
Doughty, Waters Smith, Johannis Lott.
I Thomas
Smith of Jamaica in Queens County in the Province of New York, Cordwainer do
this twenty ninth Day of July One thousand seven hundred and seventy one make
and publish this my codicil to my last Will and testament in manner following
(to wit)
Whereas
I have in and by my last Will and Testament given and bequeathed (after the
Death or Remarriage of Deborah my said Wife) unto my said son Platt Smith in my
said Will named one seventh part of what Estate I shall leave (after debts and
other necessary Charges paid) in such manner as is in my said Will particularly
mentioned I do hereby declare that my Will is that my said son Platt shall have
such seventh of my said Estate absolutely without any Restriction whatsoever
And it is my will further and I do hereby nominate and appoint him my said son
Platt Smith to be one of the Executors of my said last Will and Testament,
giving unto him as full Power and Authority to act and do in all things
touching or concerning the Execution of my said last Will and Testament as any
of my said Executors in my said Will have by virtue thereof. Also it is my
desire that this present codicil be made part of my last Will and Testament to
all Intents and purposes.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the Day and year above
written
Thomas Smith (seal)
Signed
sealed and delivered (one word in the 9th Line being first raized
out) in the presence of us Samuel Doughty, Waters Smith, Johannis Lott.
Presented for probate on 29 May 1772, and proved by Samuel
Doughty and Johannis Lott, of the said County, yeomen. Letters of
Administration were granted to Deborah Smith, the Executrix, and Thomas Smith
and Henry Smith, the Executors, on 22 July 1772.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 28, p.
350-353, copied from original Liber 28, p. 283-285.
Will of Wait Smith of Goshen, Orange County, Province
of New York (1750) *
In the Name of God Amen I Wait Smith of Goshen in the County
of Orange in the Province of New York (yeoman) being in perfect health of Body
and of sound mind and memory and understanding (praised be to God for the same)
considering the uncertainty of Life and the Certainty of death doe make this my
Last Will and Testament in manner and form following first of all I bequeath my
Soul to God who gave it Recommending on his mercy through Christ my Redeemer
for Salvation and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be decently interred at
the discretion of my Executors herein after named and as to all such Worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I give devise and
bequeath the same in manner and form following first I will that all my Just
debts and Funeral Charges be fully paid and satisfied Item I give and bequeath and devise unto my
beloved Wife Charity Smith the third part of all my moveable Estate after my
Just debts be paid to be and Remain to her and to her own disposal also the
Remainder of my moveable Estate to her use and benefit and the priviledge of
the best Room in my dwelling House and the equal third part of the benefit and
use of my homestead so long as she shall continue my Widdow Item I give unto my Eldest Son Wait Smith my
equal half share of my Town Right with all my Wearing apparell and my Great
Bible which shall be and Remain to him and to his heirs and Assigns for
ever Item I give and bequeath unto my
Son Samuel Smith my home Lott in Goshen aforesaid known by number thirteen
Containing by Estimation eighty acres also my other equal half of the abovesaid
Town Right and his Chois of any one of my Working horses and the Farming
Utensils and one third part of my moveable Estate together with the Housing
Improvement Hereditaments & appurtenances thereunto belonging to the
aforesaid Lands Lying and being within the County of Orange in the Province of
New York which shall be and Remain to him and to his heirs and Assigns to the
only use benefit and behoof of him & his heirs and Assigns for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my two
daughters Elizabeth Smith and Charity Thomson the other equal third part of my
moveable Estate to be divided shear and shear alike between them which shall
abide and Remain to them and their Respective Assigns for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my Son Oliver
Smith the Sum of ten Shillings which shall Remain to him and to his heirs &
Assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Son James Smith the Sum of ten Shillings and to his heirs and
Assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Son William Smith the Sum of ten shillings and to his heirs
and Assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Son Joshua Smith the Sum of ten shillings and to his heirs and
Assigns for ever Item I give and
bequeath unto my Son Solomon Smith the Sum of ten Shillings which shall Remain
to him and to his heirs and Assigns for ever
And lastly I doe hereby nominate make and appoint my two Sons Wait Smith
and Samuel Smith or in case of death one of them to be the Executors of this my
Last Will and Testament and do impower and authorize them to sell and dispose
of so much of my moveable estate as shall discharge all my Just debts as
aforesaid And to see that the above divisions of my said Moveable Estate be
divided as equally as may be and I do Revoke and disannull all other Wills
& Testaments and doe declare this to be my Last In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set and putt my hand & Seal this twenty fourth day of September
and in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty.
Wait Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Wait Smith
as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who subscribed our names
in the presence of the Testator
Daniel Everett
Daniel Gales
Gilbert Denton
Probated on 12 Oct. 1753, and proved by Gilbert Denton, one
of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Wait Smith and Samuel
Smith, the Executors, on 12 Oct. 1753.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Wait Smith of Jamaica, Queens County, Province
of New York (1765) *
In the Name
of God, Amen. I Wait Smith of Jamaica in Queens County in the Province of New
York yeoman being sick and Weak in Body, but of sound mind memory and
understanding, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner
and form following to wit. First of all I order that all my Just Debts and
Funeral Charges be paid by my Executors. Item I order that all my Estate both
Real and Personal be sold by my Executors by Vendue or Otherwise as they shall
see fit within two years after my Decease, and the moneys ariseing thereby to
be disposed of in the following manner. Item I give and bequeath unto my
wellbeloved Brothers namely Nehemiah Smith, Noah Smith, Nicholas and Jonathan
Smith the Sum of Ten pounds Each. Item I give and bequeath unto my well beloved
Sisters namely Phebe Everitt, Rachel the Wife of Thomas Reade, Prissilla the
wife of William Ludlum Junr. and Mary the Wife of Elias
Bayles, Each the Sum of Ten Pounds Current money of New York. Item I give unto
my Cousins Namely John Bayles and Nehemiah Bayles Sons of the above named Elias
Bayles and Mary his Wife Each the Sum of Five pounds Current Money of New York.
Item I give and Bequeath unto the Elders and Deacons of the Presbyterian Church
and Congregation in Jamaica for the Support of the Gospel in said Town the Sum
of Ten pounds Current money of New York. Item I give and Bequeath unto my
well-beloved Wife Jane all the rest and residue of my Estate, All which above
Legacies are to be paid by my Executors within Two years after the Sale of my
said Estate. And Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint My Well-beloved Wife
Jane and My Well beloved Friend Daniel Bayles Executors of this my last Will
and Testament, hereby Revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made.— In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Twenty ninth Day of
May in the year of our Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty five.—
Wait Smith (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and Declared by the above named Wait Smith as and for his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto Subscribed our names
as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator, and in the presence
of Each other.
Thomas
Bayles
Patience
Baylis X her Mark
Robt
Hinchman
Probated on
11 May 1781, and proved by Robert Hinchman, of Queens County, Scrivener, one of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to Jane Smith, the Executrix,
on 22 Mar. 1782.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 34, p.
583-585, copied from original Liber 34, p. 461-462.
Will of William Smith
of Hempstead,
In the Name of God, Amen. This nineteenth day of May in the
year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one, I William Smith of
the Township of Hempsted in Queens County and Province of New York, being in a
Weak and low state of Health, but of sound mind and memory thanks be unto God
for the same, Calling unto mind the uncertainty of this Life and knowing that
it is appointed for all men to die, do make and Ordain this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following, that is to say. First I order all my
Just Debts and Funeral Expences to be paid. Item. I give and bequeath unto my
Daughter Elizabeth the Wife of Jacob Downing the sum of Two hundred Pounds to
be paid to her within six months next after my Decease, to be paid out of my
Personal Estate if sufficient, otherwise, I Charge the payment thereof on My
whole Real Estate, Item I give and devise unto my Sons, John, William
Treadwell, and Josep, and to their Heirs Executors Administrators and assigns
for ever, all my Real Estate, and all the residue of my Personal Estate equally
to be divided among them share and share alike as Tenants in common; and in
Case my Sons Tredwell and Joseph or either of them shall Dye under the Age of
Twenty one years and without lawfull Issue.—Then I give and Devise the share
part and portion of my Estate hereby Devised and bequeathed to such of them, or
such of them so dying unto my Surviving Sons their Heirs Executors and
Administrators, share and share alike as Tenants in Common; and in Case my said
Daughter Elizabeth should die before the time of payment of her bequest, Then I
give the said Two hundred Pounds to such Child or Children as she shall have at
the time of her Death, and I order and Direct my Executors in case of my said
Daughters Death, to put the said monies out at Interest for the use and benefit
of such Child or Children as my Daughter shall leave, to be paid to such Child
or Children as they shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and in Case my
said Daughter should die without any Children, before the time of payment, and
such Child and Children die before they attain the age of Twenty one years,
then I give the same equally among my abovesaid four Sons John William,
Tredwell and Joseph. and I do expresly declare that my Sons John and William
altho hereby appointed my Executors, shall be accountable to my other Children
for their Several and respective Shares parts and proportions of the sum and
sums of money now due or that shall be due to me from them, my said Sons John
and William or either of them at my Death, as part of my Personal Estate above
bequeathed, it not being my intention by the appointment of my said two Eldest
Sons My Executors to release or discharge them or either of them from such Debt
or Debts. Item I hereby Authorise and impower my Executors and the Major part
of them and the Survivors and Survivor of them at any time during the nonage of
my youngest Surviving Son (if my Executors shall think it best and most the
advantage of my said Sons) to sell all or any part of My Lands and Real Estate
to any person or persons in fee simple, and to make a Good Title in Law for the
same, and the monies to arise from such sale I give and bequeath to my said
four Sons in the same shares in which my Real Estate is divided to them as aforesaid,
And Lastly I do nominate Constitute and appoint my said loving Sons John and
William and my loving Brother in Law Samuel Birdsall to be whole and sole
Executors of this my last Will and Testament; and I do hereby revoke Disanul
and make void, All and all manner of former and other Will and Wills, Testament
and Testaments heretofore by me Made and Declared, Either in word or writing
and do publish and Declare this to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year first above
Written.—
William Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
William Smith as his Will and Testament, in the presence of us the the
Subscribers, who in his presence and in the presence of each other, subscribed
our names as Witnesses to the same.—
George Rapelje
Jno: Kissam
Thomas Appleby Junr.
Probated on 9 July 1781, and proved by George Rapelje and
Thomas Appleby Junr., both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Snell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1818) *
Be it remembered that I Benjamin Snell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth on the 30th. day of October A.D. one thousand
eight hundred & eighteen calling to mind the uncertainty of this mortal
life and being of sound, disposing mind & memory blessed be Almighty God
for the same do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in manner
and form following, (viz) First, I Give & Bequeath to my well beloved wife
Rebecca the use & improvement of one-third of all my real estate & two
Cows during her remaining my Widow, also I give her all my household furniture
& Books to be entirely at her disposal. I give & bequeath to my
Daughter Beckey Baker Two Hundred Dollars which, in addition to what I have
heretofore given her, is her share of my estate. I also give & bequeath to
my two remaining Daughters Sukey & Stelley four hundred dollars each, all
the aforesaid Legacies to become payable by my Executor at my decease –
Lastly. I give bequeath & devise to my son Benjamin Snell
all my Real & Personal Estate of evry description which I may die seized
of, subject however to the payment of all my just debts & the Legacies
aforesaid, to hold to him the said Benjamin his heirs & assigns forever –
And I do hereby appoint my said son Benjamin sole Executor of
this my last Will & Testament. And my will is that my youngest daughters
Sukey & Stelley afore named shall have the priviledge of living in my house
& a seat in my pew in the meeting house during their remaining single &
unmarried. & also my will is that the provisions on hand at my decease
shall be used for the support of the family the ensuing year. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above
written.~
Signed sealed published and declared
by the above named Benjamin Snell
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us,
who at his request & in his presence have Benjamin Snell (seal)
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
to the same.
Cyrus
Copeland
Ralph
Copeland
Nathan
Mitchell
Presented for probate on 17 Nov. 1823 by Benjamin Snell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Cyrus Copeland and Nathan Mitchell, two
of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Benjamin Snell, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, p. 414-415, from FHL microfilm
#0550909.
Will of Charles Snell of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen,
I Charles Snell of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in
New-England gentleman being Sick & weak in body, but of sound mind
& memory, praised be God for it; and
considering the uncertainty of my life, do make & ordain this my last will
& testament in maner & form following, that is to say, Principally and
first of all I give & recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it
hoping for the pardon of all my sins through the alone merits &
satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Lord & saviour and to inherit eternal life,
my body to the earth I recomend to be decently buried at the discretion of my
executors, and as touching such temporal estate as it hath pleased God to lend
me I dispose of in the following manner.
Imprs. I order that my just debts & funeral
charges be seasonably paid by my executors hereafter-named. –
Item, I give to my beloved wife Susannah Snell all my within
doors movables and houshold furniture with all my provisions and also my
youngest mare, and four cows to her and her heirs forever. Moreover I give to
my wife one half of the improvement of my dwelling-house, & barn &
corn-house & farm that I have within fence while she remains my widow; also
I order the she has the improvement of the other half of the aforesaid premises
for the term of three years, and I order that my wife bring up my two youngest
children, viz, Abigail Snell & Shepard Shell to the age of seven years out
of the improvement of the aforesaid premises, – and I also give all the pine
boards in my corn-house, & as many shingles as is needful to shingle the
roof of my house, to my wife for her to repare my house within and without. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my son Charles Snell all my
lands on the west side of the Bay-road, with my dwelling-house & barn
standing thereon, and also my corn-house, and he is to come into possession of
the one half of the aforesaid premises when he shall arive at the age of
twentyone years, and the other half when my widow has done with it. To him, his
heirs & assigns forever. And also two thirds of my wearing aparel & my
best saddle & bridle, one half of my pew in the meeting-house, my youngest
yoak of oxen, carts & wheels, plows & a log-chain, two draft-chains,
iron-barr & all my hoes & axes. and I order my son Charles Shell to
assist his mother in bringing up his brother Shepard Snell to the age of seven
years, and to find his mother a sufficiency of fire wood brought to & cut
off at the door. ~
Item, I give to my son Nathaniel Snell one third part of all
my wearing-aparel, and one half of my pew in the meeting-house to him and his
heirs forever.
Item, I give to my eldest daughter Silence Snell twenty six
pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence lawful money, to be paid out of my
estate by my executors when she shall arive to the age of twenty & one
years. ~
Item, I give to my daughter Susannah Snell twenty six pounds,
thirteen shillings & four pence lawful money, to be paid out of my estate
when she arives to the age of twentyone years by my executor. –
Item, I order that my negro woman be sold, and all my quick
stock, & husbandry-tools that I have not given away, and all my plank &
boards & shingles besides what my wife is to have be sold to defray charges
& to pay debts. Likewise I order that my executors sell so much of my
nonimproved lands as shall be sufficient to pay the remainder of my debts,
& the two legacies to my two eldest daughters; and the land that I order to
be sold is part of the land that which I bought of Nathaniel Snell lying on the
south side of the road that leads to Adam Howard’s begining at Jabez Field,s
north corner the other lands at the east end of my Land next to Seth Harris,
and any other part of my wild lands that may be most beneficial & least
prejudicial. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my three sons Charles Snell,
Nathaniel Snell & Shepard Snell, all my lands lying on the east side of the
Bay-road, excepting the land that I have ordered to be sold; to be equally
divided between the said Charles Snell, Nathaniel Snell & Shepard Snell
quantity & quality, when my son Charles Snell comes to the age of twentyone
years. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my two eldest sons Charles
Snell & Nathaniel Snell my cedar swamp, & my part of the saw-mill
standing on my land to be equally divided between the said Charles &
Nathaniel, and if there be any estate that I have that is not disposed off, I
give it to my three sons viz Charles, Nathaniel & Shepard Snell to be
equally divided between them. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my two youngest daughter viz
Hannah Snell and Abigail Snell twentysix pounds, thirteen shillings & four
pence apiece, to be paid to them when they shall arrive to the age of twentyone
years, by my son Charles Snell for the reason that I have given him much more
than I have to any one of my other children. therefore I order that my son
Charles Snell pay to my daughter Hannah Snell twentysix pounds, thirteen
shillings & four pence lawful money when she shall come to the age of
twenty one years; and also that he pay to my daughter Abigail Snell twentysix
pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence lawful money, when she shall come
to the age of twenty one years.
Lastly, I apoint & ordain Capt. Barnabas
Howard & Nathaniel Reynolds both of Bridgwater, my sole executors of this
my last will & testament, and do hereby utterly disallow, revoke &
disanul all & every other former testaments, wills, legacies &
bequeaths & executors, by me in any way before named willed and bequeathed,
ratifying & confirming this & no other to be my last will &
testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
this twenty third day of April anno Domini one thousand, seven hundred &
seventy-one.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced,
& declared by the said Charles Snell as his
Last will & testamt. in presence of us the
subscribers. Charles Snell (seal)
Jonathan Shurtleff, Jonathan Snell
Simeon
Alden. –
Presented for probate on 23 May 1771 by Barnabas Howard and
Nathaniel Reynolds, the executors therein named, and proved by Jonathan
Shurtleff and Jonathan Snell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Barnabas Howard and Nathaniel Reynolds, the
before named executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Charles Snell, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 4 June 1771 by Shepard Fisk, Simeon Cary, and John
Howard, and totaled £1526.7.0½, including his land on the west side of ye. Bay
Road with the buildings valued at £420, land on the east side of the road
valued at £744, and 43 acres of land he bought of his brother Nathl.
Snell valued at £103.16. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 10
June 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 532-533, from FHL microfilm
#0550711, and Vol. 24, p. 30-31.
Will of Daniel Snell of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God
Amen on the Eighth Day of December Anno Domini One Thousand Seven hundred &
Seventy three I Daniel Snell of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman
Labouring at Present under Some Bodily Indisposition yet Blessed be God am of a
Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory & Do now Proceed to Make this my
Last Will & Testament. In the first Place I Give & Recommend my Soul
into the hands of the Great God that Gave it, Trusting in his Mercy thro Jesus
Christ for Pardon Grace & Glory & my Body I Commit to the Earth to be
Decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named and as to my
Worldly Interest I dispose of in the following Manner Vizt. my Will
is that my Debts & funeral Charges be paid by my Executors in Convenient
Time after my Decease out of that Part of my Estate which I have Given them ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Well beloved Wife Johanna
the Improvement of One Third Part of my Homestead Farm & Buildings & of
my Pew in the Meeting House I Give unto
her for her Dispose Thirty Eight Dollars best Bed & Furnature Best Brass
Kettle Best Looking Glass & Piliow & further I Give unto her the One
half of my Household Goods that are not Particularly Mentioned in this Will
further I Give unto her a Cow Which I Let to David Mahurin Last Spring upon a
Lay She to have the Said Cow & another with it at the Three Years End also
a Yearling Heifer which is called Hers the Improvement of the Real Estate to my
Said Wife is to be understood during the Time She Shall Remain my Widow. also I
Give unto her my Books of Divinity She to Dispose of Part of them Among the
Children ~
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son Daniel my Best Coat Wigg
& Cane which together with what I have Given him & Done for him
heretofore is his Part and Portion of my Estate ~
Item I Give to my Daughters Namely Susannah Orcutt &
Joannah Hayward Six Shillings a Piece which together with what I have
heretofore Given them is their Part & Portion of my Estate ~
Item I Give unto my Daughter Keziah Six Pounds thirteen
Shillings & four Pence To be paid In Twelve Months after my Decease
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Thirteen
Shillings & four Pence to be paid in Twelve Months after my Decease.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Said Daughters Namely
Keziah Lydia & Sarah the Other half of my House hold Goods which are not
Particularly Mentioned in this Will (Excluding all Particular Articles of House
hold Goods that I have Provided for any or all of them or they Provided for
themselves & are now in my Dwelling House) to be Equally Divided between
them.
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my sons Namely Benjamin &
William Namely to them their Heirs & Assigns forever – My Home Farm &
Buildings Pew in the Meeting House & my Interest in the Common &
undevided Lands in Bridgwater to be Equally divided between them. Further I
Give unto them my Quick Stock & all of my out of Door Moveables also my
Second best Bed & Furnature my Desk Halyards Saddle & Bridle Cyder
& meat And Dry Casks the Remainder of my apparrel & my Doctors Books.
further I Give to them all my Other Personal Estate not Disposed of in this my
Will In Equal Shares between them hereby Enjoyning them to pay all my Debts
& Legacies before Mentioned in Equal Parts between them & In Case
Either of them Shall Decease without Issue before Division then the Survivor to
Enjoy all that is Give to them both & I Do hereby Nominate & Appoint
them Executors of this my Last Will & Testament ~~
Item I hereby Order my Said son Benjamin to pay unto my said
Son William Forty Dollars In Twelve Months after my Decease ~
Item I Give unto my Said Wife, Benjamin & William all the
Famely Provisions that I Shall Die Seized of In Witness & Confirmation
hereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day & Year afores’d ~
Signed Sealed Pronounced
Published & Declared by the
Said Daniel Snell to be his his
Last Will & Testament before us Daniel X Snell (seal)
Josiah
Edson mark
Daniel
Conant
Moses
Orcutt
Presented for probate on 3 March 1777 by Benjamin Snell and
William Snell, the Executors therein named, and proved by Daniel Conant and
Moses Orcutt, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Benjamin Snell and William Snell, the before
named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Snell, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 16 Jan. 1777 by Jacob Hayward, Seth Pratt, and Job
Pratt, and totaled £447.18.10, including his Homestead with the Buildings
valued at £300. The Appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 25 Mar.
1777, and Benjamin Snell and William Snell, the Executors, gave their oath to
the inventory on 7 Apr. 1777.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 238-242, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Ephraim Snell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1805) *
In the Name of God amen I Ephraim Snell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Gentleman being of sound disposing Mind & Memory, thanks
be to God for the same do this twenty second day of August in the Year of our
Lord eighteen hundred and five make publish pronounce & declare this my
last Will & Testament as followeth viz
First I will
that all my just debts funeral charges & such Legacies as is herein after
willed & given shall be paid by my Executor herein after named —
Item I give and
bequeath to my Wife Hannah all that part of my household Furniture & indoor
moveables that she brought to me when I married her, also two Cows one Heifer
of three years old with calf, one yearling Heifer & my riding Mare to her
use & benefit forever & I further give and bequeath to my Wife Hannah
the use and Improvement of all the Improved part of my land & Buildings,
herein after willed & given to my Youngest Son Ephraim for the time untill
he the said Ephraim shall arrive to the Age of twenty one years excepting my
land in Easton, she supporting and bringing up my two youngest daughters viz
Polly and Hannah & giving to each of them as good an Education as she is
able from her income to do, untill they shall arrive to the Age of eighteen
years or to the day of Marriage if that should happen sooner, and him my said
Son Ephraim untill he shall arrive to the Age of twenty one years – and also to
give him as much schooling & as good an Education as she is able to do, and
to put him out to apprenticeship if she shall think best at her discretion, and
I further give to my wife Hannah a Sufficiency of Firewood cut & drawn to
the door of my Dwelling house & cut fit for the Fire to support one Fire
for so long time as she shall remain my Widow and no longer, and when my
youngest Son Ephraim shall arve to the Age of twenty one years then my Will is
that my wife Hannah shall have one third part of the use & improvement of
my Real Estate & no more & to be taken equally from the land, which is
herein after willed & given to my two Sons viz Jonathan & Ephraim &
that she my said Wife shall have a right to cut on any of my unimproved Lands
as much Timber as shall be necessary for fences & the repair of Buildings
on her part of the Improvement but shall be taken equally from the Lands of my
two Sons & her Fire wood shall also at all times be taken equally from the
Lands of both my said Sons —
I further give to my Wife Hannah one half part of all the
plank timber that is now down, & the other half to my Son Jonathan to be
divided and taken off before any Division of the Land shall take place – And my
Will is that all the produce of my Farm, which I have raised this present Year
of every kind also a dry Cow which I have prepared for Beef & my Swine
which is intended for pork, shall be spent in & for the General use of all
my Family. —
Item I give
& bequeath to Amelia the Wife of Salmon Howard one undivided quarter part
of all that part of my house hold Furniture & indoor moveables that was her
Mothers, that I had previous to Marrying my present wife (excepting my Great
Chair) & the Linen, she having received her proportion of that part also
three Dollars & fifty cents to be paid her by my Executor herein after
named this together with what I have heretofore given her I consider to be her
full share of my Estate that I intended for her —
Item I give & bequeath to my Daughter Patty two
hundred & Sixty Dollars to be paid her in one Year after my decease by my
Son Jonathan also five Bushels of Indian Corn and two Bushels of Rye to be paid
her annually for so long time as she shall remain unmarried to be done by my
son Jonathan also one undivided third part of the linen Cloathes & one
quarter of the residue of my household Furniture & indoor moveables that
was her mother’s that I had previous to marrying my present wife —
Item I give
& bequeath to my daughter Semantha two hundred & Sixty Dollars to be
paid her by my Son Jonathan in one Year after my decease also five Bushels of
Indian Corn & two Bushels of Rye annually for so long time as she shall
remain unmarried to be paid her by my Son Jonathan also one undivided third
part of the Linen Cloath & one quarter of the Residue of my household
Furniture & indoor moveables that was her Mother’s that I had previous to
marrying my present Wife
Item I give
& bequeath to my Daughter Bathsheba two hundred & sixty Dollars to be
paid her by my Son Jonathan in one Year after my Decease also five Bushels of
Indian Corn & two Bushels of Rye annually to be paid her by my Son Jonathan
for so long time as she shall remain single & unmarried. Also one undivided
third part of the Linen & one quarter of the residue of my household
Furniture and indoor moveables that was her Mother’s that I had previous to
marrying my present wife —
Item I give and bequeath to my three daughters last named
a privilege of living in that half of my Dwelling house which in the Division
shall be set to my Son Jonathan, with the advantage of a Fire or fire wood
& the keeping of a Cow in the Way & manner as I shall herein after
order & direct him to do, for so long time as they shall remain single
& no longer – I further give & bequeath to these my three Daughters
last named the use & improvement of twenty square rods of Land for a Garden,
to be set off to them from Jonathan’s part in a fertile place as near the
Dwelling house as it can conveniently be had for their use so long as they or
either of them shall remain single—
Item I give and bequeath to my two youngest daughter viz
Patty & Hannah five hundred & twenty Dollars to be paid to them in
equal half parts by my Son Ephraim when he shall arrive to the Age of twenty
one years with Interest from & after they & each one of them for
herself shall arve to the Age of eighteen Years, provided however that if it
should so happen, that they or either of them should marry before my said Son
Ephraim shall arve to full age, in that case it is my Will that the Guardian of
him the said Ephraim shall sell & dispose of so much of the Land which I
have herein given to him as shall be sufficient to pay the Legacy of such
married daughter & at such place as will be the least prejudicial to the
remaining part – I further give to these my two last mentioned Daughters the
use & improvement of about twenty rods of Ground for a Garden to be set off
to them from Ephraim’s part in a fertile place as near the Dwelling house as it
can conveniently be had for their use so long as they or either of them shall
remain unmarried and no longer, & shall have kept for them a Cow through
the year for their use they finding such Cow for so long time as they shall
remain unmarried & no longer I also give them a privilege to live and do
their work in that part of the Delling house which shall be assigned to him the
said Ephraim & shall have a privilege to work by his fire at all times
while they or either of them shall remain single & no longer & shall be
furnished with five Bushels of Indian Corn & two Bushels of Rye annually to
each of them while remaining unmarried and no longer —
Item I devise and bequeath to my oldest Son Jonathan Snell
his Heirs & Assigns forever one undivided half part of my Homestead Farm
whereon I now live which contains in the whole by Estimation about ninety acres
together with one undivided half part of all the Buildings thereon only
reserving to my unmarried daughters such privileges & Improvements as I
have herein before willed & given to them also about eight acres of upland
& meadow lying at west Meadow so called and is bounded northerly by Thomas
Ames & Ephraim Jackson easterly by Caleb Packard, southerly by Jonathan
Copeland junr. westerly by Perez Williams Also one undivided half
part of one other Lot of Meadow lying in said west Meadow & is bounded
northerly by Marthew & Anna Snell Easterly by Caleb Snell, southerly by
Richard Perkins & westerly by the Brook also one undivided half part of
about three Acres & an half of swamp land lying in the old pine Swamp so
called a little northeasterly from Caleb Kingmans. Also all my right in the
first Great Lot in the West Cedar Swamp so called in said Bridgwater together
with two undivided third parts of my farm lying in Easton in the County of
Bristol, the whole of which contains by Estimation about forty four acres more
or less including the use & Improvement of the other third part untill my
Son Ephraim shall arrive to the Age of twenty one years and no longer,
reserving a privilege to my Wife to pasture one Cow upon Condition that he my
said Son Jonathan pay the several Legacies & perform the several Services,
which I herein order & direct for him to do viz it is my will that my said
Son Jonathan shall cut & draw to the door of my Dwelling house & cut
suitable for the fire sufficient fire wood to support one fire at all times for
the use of my Wife, & sufficient Timber and fencing stuff necessary to
repair her part of the Buildings and for her part of the fence to be delivered
at the place where the same shall be wanted & shall be taken equally from
his Land which I have given him & from the Land which I have given to my
Son Ephraim, shall also tend the Cattle for my Wife that she may keep during
the Season of foddering in a careful and prudent manner provided she shall
procure fodder & not otherwise & shall continue to do that Service for
my Wife untill my Son Ephraim shall arrive to the Age of twenty one years
provided she remains my Widow so long and not otherwise & when my said Son
Ephraim shall arrive to the age of twenty one years then all the foregoing
Services for my Wife shall be done in equal half parts by him & my Son
Jonathan so long as she remains my Widow & no longer & shall pay the
several Legacies which I have herein willed & ordered for him to pay in
Money & in other Matters & things which I have willed & given to my
daughters herein before named and I further give & bequeath to my Son
Jonathan my Desk, my Great Chair & my wearing Apparel to his use &
benefit forever —
Item I give, devise and bequeath to my Son Ephraim Snell
his Heirs & Assigns forever one undivided half part of my homestead farm
whereon I now live Which contains in the whole by Estimation about ninety acres
together with one undivided half part of all the Buildings thereon, only
reserving to my Wife & unmarried daughters such use & Improvement as I
have herein before willed & given to them. – Also one Lot of Meadow lying
in West Meadow & is bounded northerly by Issacher Snell easterly by Caleb
Snell southerly Marthew & Anna Snell westerly by the Brook – Also one Lot
of Cedar Swamp lying in the West swamp, it being the same Lot that I bought of
Joshua Ames. Also one undivided half part of one other Lot of meadow lying in
west meadow & is bounded Northerly by Marthew & Anna Snell Easterly by
Caleb Snell southerly by Richard Perkins & westerly by the Brook – Also on
undivided half part of about three acres & an half of swamp land lying in
the old pine swamp so called a little north easterly from Caleb Kingman’s
together with one undivided third part of my farm lying in Easton in the County
of Bristol, the whole of which contains by Estimation about forty four acres
more or less he my said son to come into possession when he shall arrive to the
Age of twenty one years & not before, upon Condition that he my said Son
Ephraim, when he shall arrive to the Age aforesaid shall pay the several
Legacies & perform the several Services which I herein order & direct
for him to do, viz It is my will that he shall cut from the Land which I herein
give to him one half part of the firewood necessary to support one fire at all
times and draw the same to the door of my Dwelling house & cut the same fit
for the fire for the use of my Wife, also one half part of a sufficiency of
Timber necessary to repair her part of the Buildings and for her part of the
fence to be delivered at the place where the same shall be wanted for so long
time as she shall remain my Widow & no longer, leaving the other half part
to be done by my Son Jonathan, that he shall do & perform one half part of
all the Services which I have herein ordered my Son Jonathan to do for my Wife
during his Minorship. And shall pay all such Legacies as I have herein willed
& ordered for him to pay and it is my will that my Son Ephraim furnish for
the use of my two youngest daughters five Bushels of Indian Corn & two
Bushels of Rye annually to each of them or either of them that shall remain
unmarried after he shall arrive to full age, shall keep for them a Cow through
the year for their use they finding the Cow, shall furnish them with room at
his fire, or if he shall choose may furnish them with four Cords of Wood cut
fit for the fire & at the door, but when married this provision which I
have made for them in their unmarried State shall be discontinued from the day
of Marriage—
And my Will is further
that my Son Jonathan in consideration of what I have herein given him shall
furnish my three oldest unmarried Daughters viz Patty, Semantha & Bathsheba
at his own Expence to each one of them for so long time as she shall remain
single & unmarried five Bushels of Indian Corn & two Bushels of Rye
annually and shall keep for these my three Daughters aforesaid one Cow the year
round Summer & Winter fall & spring they providing such Cow at their
Expence and shall be continued so long as two of them shall remain single but
when it shall so happen that two of them shall be married then my said Son
Jonathan shall not be holden to keep for them a Cow any longer, but shall
furnish for such unmarried Daughter a like proportion of Milk as she had
usually had to her part when said Cow was kept for them. But when married this
provision which I have herein made for them in their unmarried State shall be
discontinued from the day of Marriage, shall also permit then & each of
them to do their necessary work at his fire at all times while remaining
single, or if he shall choose furnish them with four Cords of Wood cut fit for
the fire at the door. —
I give and bequeath to my wife Hannah and to my five
Daughters viz Patty Semantha, Bathsheba, Polly & Hannah & Ephraim my
Youngest Son theire several & respective Heirs & assigns forever my pew
in the Congregational Meeting House in the West precinct in Bridgwater being
one half part of the thirty second pew in Number to be equally owned between
them –
I further give to my wife Hannah one yoke of oxen with the
yoke Bows and Irons belonging to the same & six sheep to her use forever —
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Jonathan Snell
to be sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and to enable him to pay
all my debts funeral Charges & having herein before enabled him to pay all
Legacies & perform all other Services I put into his hands all my personal
Estate & after paying all debts funeral Charges & and executing this my
last Will in every part, I give devise & bequeath all the residue of my
Estate both personal, real & mixed of What name or nature soever not herein
before willed & given, to him my said Son Jonathan Snell his Heirs &
assigns forever.– And I do hereby revoke disannul & render void & of
none effect all other & former Wills, ratifying & confirming this and
this only as & for my last will & Testament in Witness Whereof I the
said Ephraim Snell the Testator have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day
& Year first above written ~~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the
Said Ephraim Snell the Testator as & for his last Will
and
Testament in the presence of us who by his request &
in his presence & we in the presence of each other
have hereunto subscribed our Names as witnesses Ephraim Snell (seal)
Perez
Williams
Caleb
Snell
Daniel
Snow
Presented for probate on 4 Nov. 1805 by Jonathan Snell, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Perez Williams and Daniel Snow Esqr.,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Jonathan Snell, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Daniel Snow Esqr., Jonathan Copeland yeoman, and
Perez Williams Yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to divide between his
Children Jonathan and Ephraim, the real estate of Ephraim Snell, late of
Bridgwater, Gentleman, according to the direction of the deceased as expressed
in his last Will & Testament, on 4 Nov. 1805. The division was dated 30
Nov. 1805, and approved on 22 Jan. 1811.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 292-296, from FHL microfilm
#0550901, and Vol. 43, p. 363-365.
Will of Joanna Snell
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
In
the name of God Amen—This twentyeth day of June anno Domini one thousand seven
hundred & eighty nine, I Joanna Snell of Bridgwater in the County of
Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow, being infirm in body but
of a sound and disposing mind & memory, do make and ordain this my last
will & testament in manner & form following—viz~
1st I will that
all my just debts & funeral charges be well & truly paid out of my
estate in convenient time after my decease, by my Executor herein after named.
2ly I Give &
bequeath to my Son Daniel Snell & to his heirs & assigns the sum of
five shillings Lawful money
3ly I Give and
bequeath to my Son Benjamin Snell and to his heirs & assigns the sum of
five shillings Lawful money
4ly I Give and
bequeath to my Son William Snell and to his heirs & assigns the sum of five
shillings Lawful money.
5ly I Give and bequeath
to my Daughter Susanna Orcutt the wife of Nathan Orcutt and to her heirs and
assigns the sum of five shillings Lawful money
6ly I Give and
bequeath to my Daughter Joanna Hayward the wife of Jacob Hayward, & to her
heirs & assigns, the sum of five shillings Lawful money
7ly I Give &
bequeath unto my Daughter Kezia Washburn, the wife of Jeremiah Washburn &
to her heirs & assigns, the sum of five shillings Lawful money.
8ly I Give &
bequeath to my Daughter Lydia Snell & to her heirs & assigns forever my
three Cows & all my houshold furniture, & all my wearing apperel, my
Gold necklace, ear rings & silver snuff box, & all the money due to me
on notes or book Accounts together with all my other personal estate
9ly I Give and
bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Perkins the wife of Nathan Perkins junr,
and to her heirs & assigns, the sum of five shillings Lawful money
Lastly, I do hereby constitute and
appoint Benjamin Willis Esqr Sole Executor of this my Last will
& testament.—In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the
day and year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published,
Pronounced her
& declared by the said Joanna
Snell as Joanna X Snell
(seal)
her Last will & testament in
the pre- mark
sence of us the subscribers
his
Josiah X Mahurin
mark
Benja
Willis junr
Oliver
Allen –
Presented for probate on 5 Oct.
1795 by Benjamin Willis Esqr., the Executor therein named, and
proved by Benjamin Willis junr & Oliver Allen, two of the
witnesses.
Eliphalet Cary Esqr,
Samuel Kinsley, blacksmith, and Oliver Allen, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Joanna Snell, late of Bridgwater, widow, on
5 Oct. 1795. The inventory of the estate of Joanna Snell, not dated, totaled
$101.96. Benja Willis Esq., the executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 2 Nov. 1795.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Snell
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1796) *
In the Name of God
Amen. – The eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand
seven hundred & ninety six. – I Jonathan Snell of Bridgwater in the County
of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of sound mind &
memory thanks be to almighty God, and calling to remembrance the uncertainty of
life, and that all flesh must yield to death when it shall please God to call,
do make, constitute, ordain & declare this my last will & testament, in
manner & form following, revoking by these presents all & every
testament or wills heretofore by me made & declared, by word or writing.
And first, being penitent & sorry for my sins past most humbly desiring
forgiveness for the same, I give & commit my soul unto almighty God my
saviour & redeemer in whom & by the merits of Jesus Christ, I trust
& believe assuredly to be saved, and my body to be buried in such a place
as shall please my Executor hereafter to appoint; and now for the settling of
my temporal estate & such goods & debts as it hath pleased God to
bestow upon me, I do order, give & dispose the same in manner & form
following ~
First.– I will, that
all those debts & dues that I owe in right of conscience to any person
shall be well & truly contented & paid or ordained to be paid within
convenient time after my decease, by my Executors hereafter named.– And now, as
touching my temporal estate and goods, I dispose of it in manner & form
following
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my son Ephraim Snell, Ninety two acres & ½ of land situated in
the westerly part of Bridgwater, aforesaid, together with the buildings
thereon; said land being the westerly part of my homestead lands, except one
lot of meadow which lyeth at the southerly end of my meadow, at west meadow,
(so called) which contains two acres & a half; and ninety acres of sd.
lands are bounded, as followeth, beginning at a black ash tree at the south
west corner of Esqr Nathan Howards land & from thence east forty degrees
south twenty two rods to a pine in or near said Howard’s range, and then south
twenty degrees west sixty one rods & a quarter to a turn then east fifteen
degrees south five rods to a turn, and then south thirty one degrees west
twenty seven rods & three quarters to the range of Esqr. Richard Perkins’s
land & then running westerly & southerly in ye range of said
Perkins’s land to the road near George Williams’s dwelling house, and then
running westerly by said road to James Howard’s lands, and then by said
Howard’s lands to Elijah & Nathan Snell’s land, and then by the said Elijah
& Nathan’s land to the drift way (so called) and then crossing said drift
way & running on the southerly side of said drift way to a turn and then
running northerly by the easterly side of said road to Elijah Snell’s lands,
and then running in the range of the said Elijah Snell’s land, to the first
bounds, said two acres & a half of meadow being & lying at west meadow
as aforesaid, at the southerly end of my meadow at that place. and also, I give
to my son Ephraim Snell, my Desk, & all as above described to be to the sd.
Ephraim Snell and to his heirs & assigns forever. –
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my three eldest daughters namely, Martha Snell Sarah Snell &
Ann Snell, eleven acres of land, being in four pieces; and one half of my
dwelling house, being the southerly half & one third of my cellar under
said house & a privilege in my well of water by said house, and also, a
privilege to lay their fire wood in my door yard, and each of them a seat in my
Pew in the meeting house; and also, a privilege in my old barn, that is ten
feet in the east Center & twenty feet of Scaffolding next to ye.
double doors & a privilege to pass to & from said barn with a team
& Cart as need requires, and also, a privilege of keeping, each of them a
Sheep in Caleb’s pasture, and also, one half of my Garden to improve as long as
they remain in an unmarried state; and also, I Give to my three eldest
daughters, all my indoor moveables, except one meat tub, one meal chest &
my Barrells, and my Clock or time piece which I give to my son Caleb Snell; all
to be equally divided betwixt them, namely Martha, Sarah, & Ann; Said
pieces of land are as follows – three acres one quarter & sixteen rods,
called the south pasture, as it is now fenced, and two acres & thirty rods
called the old orchard, south of the old barn; and three acres of wood land at
edge hill, so called, bounded, as follows, beginning at the northernmost bounds
of my lands at said edge hill on the westerly side of the road and running
southerly on the westerly side of said road forty rods, and then turning &
running westerly ‘till it intersects Esqr Nathan Howard’s range forty two rods
southerly from the bounds first mentioned, and also, two acres & a half at
west meadow, being the middle lot of my meadow at that place, extending from
the upland to the brook.– all as above described, to be equally divided betwixt
my three eldest daughters, namely, Martha Snell, Sarah Snell & Ann Snell. –
Item.– I Give to my daughter, Sarah Snell, one Cow.
Item – I Give to my daughter Mary Burr Twenty Eight Dollars
to be paid by my Executors hereafter named one year after my decease.–
Item.– I Give to my
Son Caleb Snell one Hundred & Eleven acres of land in Bridgwater aforesaid,
lying & being in three pieces: four acres & a half of said land being
at west meadow, two acres & a half of meadow being my northernmost lot of
meadow at that place, and two acres of upland, east of said meadow, the second
piece being about eight acres, south-east of the old west meeting house on the
north side of town river (so called) the third piece being the south-easterly
part of my homestead, and contains about ninety nine acres, being all the
south-easterly part of my homestead, except about eight acres & a half that
I give to my three eldest daughters, and is bounded easterly by ye
country road, and by said road to my daughter’s lands, and westerly, partly by
my daughters lands, & partly by David Howard’s lands, and partly by Doctor
Perkins’s lands & northerly by the lands which I have given to my Son
Ephraim Snell, and partly on Howards lands & partly by my daughters wood
lands to the road.– and also I give to my Son Caleb Snell, the northerly half
of my dwelling house which I now live in, & two thirds of the cellar &
all my old barn except that part which I give to my daughters, & all my new
barn & my corn barn; and also, I give to my son Caleb Snell, all my live
stock, which is not disposed of & all my farming tools or utensills; and
also, I give to my son Caleb one meat tub, one meal chest & all my barrels,
& my time piece as aforesaid.– and give to my sons, Ephraim & Caleb,
all my right in my Pew, which I have not disposed of
Item.– I Give to my
son Thaddeus Snell, one Hundred and fifty Pounds Lawful money of this
Commonwealth, to be paid by my Executors hereafter named; also, I give to my
Son William Snell Two Hundred Pounds Lawful Money of this Commonwealth to be
paid by my Executor hereafter named, and I give to my four sons namely, Ephraim
Snell, Thaddeus Snell, William Snell, & Caleb Snell, all my wearing
apparell, to be equally divided betwixt them, and also, I ordain & will,
that all the legacies, that I have given, or ordered to be paid to my sons,
namely Thaddeus Snell & William Snell, be paid within one year after my
decease; and further, I do ordain constitute & appoint my sons, namely,
Ephraim Snell & Caleb Snell, to be the Executors of this my last will &
testament; and furthermore, my will is, that my son Ephraim Snell shall and do
pay One Hundred & Fifty Pounds of the legacies which I have ordered to be
paid to my sons, & also, my will is, that my son Caleb Snell shall pay Two
Hundred Pounds of the legacies to be paid to my sons Thaddeus & William;
and further, I ordain that my son Caleb Snell pay to my daughter Mary Burr
Twenty eight Dollars, one year, after my decease as abovesaid; and furthermore,
I ordain that my son Caleb Snell pay all my just debts & my funeral
charges.– And, I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul, all &
every other former testament, wills, legacies, bequests & Executors, by me
in any way before named, willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming
this & no other, to be my last will & testament. – In Witness whereof,
I have hereunto set my hand & seal this Eighteenth day of September, and in
the year of our Lord, One thousand seven hundred & ninety six. ~
Signed Sealed, Published, Pro-
nounced & declared by ye. sd. Jona- Jonathan Snell (seal)
than Snell to be his last will & tes-
tament in the presence of us, who in
his presence & in ye presence of each
other hereunto subscribed our names. –
Ebenezer
Copeland junr
Elijah
Snell junr
Elijah
Snell –
Presented for probate on 2 Feb.
1801 by Ephraim Snell and Caleb Snell, the Executors therein named, and proved
by Elijah Snell and Elijah Snell junr, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Ephraim Snell and Caleb
Snell, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Josiah Snell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the Name of God Amen – This tenth day of December one
thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty four, I. Josiah Snell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts bay in New England
Gentleman being infirm of body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to
God, Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed
to all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last will and testament, that
is to say first of all, I Recommend my Soul into the hands of God who Gave it,
and my body to the Earth by a decent burial at the discretion of my Executors,
nothing doubting but that at the General Resurrection, I shall Recieve it again
by the mighty power of God, and as touching that worldly Estate which God has
blessed me with I Give and dispose of in the following manner and form
Item –I Give and bequeath to my Eldest Son Josiah Snell junr.
about Fifty Six acres of Land in the west Shares of the north two mile
additional Grant of Land to Bridgwater, and it Lieth joining upon the north
Side of the high way that Goes by Capn. Zebedee Snell and Lyeth
forty Rods wide, and Runs north for the Length two Hundred and twenty four Rods
to Nathan Snells Land, and all as above described and Set fourth is to be to
the abovesaid Josiah Snell junr. his Heirs and assigns forever
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Elijah Snell about Forty
Eight acres of Land where his dwelling House and Barn Stands, and more, I Give
to my sd Son Elijah Snell about Fifty Seven acres of Land in the
west Shares of the north two mile additional Grant to Bridgwater and it Lyeth
joining upon the north Side of the high way that Goes by Capn.
Zebedee Snells and Lyeth forty rods wide and the west Line Runs north as the
Other Lots do, and the west Line is two Hundred and twenty four Rods Long and
the north west Corner is a heap of Stones & a Stake about four Rods west
from the South west Corner of the Land that was Isaac Packards and thence East
one degree north to Reynolds Land & thence South to Pratts Land, and thence
is bounded by the sd. Pratts Land to the high way and first bounds,
and more I Give to my sd Son Elijah Snell the one half of my Pew in
the meeting House, and more one Sixteenth part of the town Saw mill so Called
and furthermore my will is that my sd. Son Elijah Snell should have
the privilege of passing and Repassing across his brother Nathan Snells meadow
and upland at west meadow to draw his hay from over the brook in said meadow
annually at the Season of Hay time so Long as he shall need it, and as soon as
the sd. Nathan Snell can conveniently Cut the Grass in order for the
drawing Hay from over the brook with his team, and more I Give to the sd
Elijah Snell one Cow and my silver headed Sword and belt, and all as above
described and Set forth is to be to the sd. Elijah Snell his Heirs
& assigns forever. –
Item –I Give and bequeath to my Son Nathan Snell about Eighty
five acres of Land be the same more or Less, it being my Homestead Lands
together with all the buildings thereon, and the said Land is bounded Southerly
by Jonathan Snells Land and high way, and the bounds at the South west Corner
is a white Oak tree marked, and thence Runs north Fifty Rods to a Rock with
Stones upon it, and thence north forty four degrees East Seventeen Rods & a
half to a Rock with Stones upon it, and thence north Sixty eight Rods to the
end of a Stone wall and thence north forty four degrees East fourteen Rods by
the said wall to the high way, and thence north forty Seven degrees west by the
north Side of the sd high way nineteen Rods to the East end of a
pair of bars, and thence north fifteen degrees East Sixteen Rods to a Rock, and
thence north forty one degrees west nine Rods & a half to a Rock and thence
west twenty one degrees north Seven Rods to a Rock, and thence north twelve
degrees west Sixty two Rods & three Quarters to a Small white Oak standing
in or near the south Range of Jonathan Copelands meadow & thence Easterly
and is bounded by the sd Copelands Land and Jacob Packards Land, and
Easterly is bounded by Jonathan Copeland junrs. Land and Easterly it
is bounded by Elijah Snells Land and the dreft way so Called to the first
bounds, and more, I Give to my son Nathan Snell about Eighty five acres of Land
Lying in the west Shares of the north two mile additional Grant of Land to Bridgwater
be the sd more or Less and is bounded as follows and Lyeth joining
to the north Side of the high way by Capn. Zebedee Snells Dwelling
House and Lyeth about forty Eight Rods wide and Runs north as the other Lots do
for the Length and is two Hundred and twenty four Rods Long that breadth and
then buts against the South Range of a twenty three acres of Land that is a
part of the abovesaid Eighty five acres of Land, the said twenty three acres of
Land Lyeth in Length East and west about ninety two Rods & in breadth north
& South about forty two Rods & a half, and the south Range of it joins
a part of the way upon the north end of Josiah Snells junrs. Land
and at the Easterly end it joins partly upon the head of Elijah Snells Land,
and more I Give to my Son Nathan Snell about ten acres of Land joining to the
East side of the Road upon Salisbury plane, and it Lyeth about thirty Six Rods
wide upon the said Road and Runs Easterly to the Land that was Lorings, and
more I Give him the one half of my Pew in the meeting House, and more I Give
him one Eighth part of the town Saw mill so Called, and more I Give him one
Sixteenth part of the Saw mill by Thomas Reynolds’s in the north Precinct and
more I Give him my Negro man named Cuff upon these Conditions & my will is
that my son Nathan should be kind to the said Cuff as he has been a Good
faithful Servant, and for encouragement to him should Let the sd
Cuff have a Good piece of Ground to Garden upon annually so Long as he fancies
the work, and that my sd. Son Nathan Let the sd Cuff have
time to work in the Garden and Let him have dung to put in the sd.
Garden and advise him in and about said work and wisely & prudently
encourage him, and more I Give to my Son Nathan Snell my Log Chain and all my
Other Chains and all my husbandry tools and joiners tools and implements and my
biggest meat tub and my hogshead & Barrells and my Desk and my best Chest
& my watch or time piece, & my part of the Books that I bought with
him, and my part of the Chaise & furniture and one yoke of oxen, that is to
say if I should have them and my Horse kind & Saddle & furniture, and
all as above described and Sett forth is to be to the said Nathan Snell his
Heirs and assigns forever, and furthermore it may be Remembered and understood
that all the pieces & parcells of Land that I have Given to my three Sons
above named are all Lying and being within the Township of Bridgwater. &
furthermore my will is that my three Sons above named should have my wearing
apparell
Item – I Give and bequeath to my daughter Rhoda Copeland
Twenty pounds Lawful Silver money, and more, I Give her the one half of my
Stock of Creatures throughout that are not disposed of, that is to Say Cattle
Sheep & Swine, and more I Give to my daughter Rhoda Copeland the one half
of my Houshold Stuff that is not disposed of, and the one half of the Houshold
Stuff that was her mothers, it being one half of the Bed & furniture
belonging to them, and the one half of the Linnen, and the one half of the
pewter and Iron and brass and the one half of the tables & Case of Draws
& Chests & Chairs, and more I Give to my daughter Rhoda my Looking
Glass and one Silver Spoon, and all as above described and Sett forth is to be
to the sd Rhoda Copeland her Heirs and assigns forever. –
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Eight Grand Children that my
daughter Anna Hayward Left, who is Late of Bridgwater deceased Twenty pounds
Lawful Silver money, and to be equally divided among the sd. Eight
Grand Children and more I Give to the Five Sons that the said Anna Hayward Left
the one half of my Quick Stock of Creatures that are not disposed of, of
Cattle, Sheep and Swine, and are to be equally divided amongst them, and more I
Give to the three daughters of the said Anna Hayward deceased & my Grand Daughter
Abigail Howard the wife of James Howard Junr. the one half of my
Houshold Stuff and that, that was their Grand mothers that is not disposed of,
it is the one half of the Bedding, the furniture belonging to them, and the one
half of the Linnen, and the one half of the pewter and Iron and brass and the
one half of the Chests and Case of Draws & tables & Chairs, and all to
be divided equally betwixt my four Grand daughters Last mentioned, and all as
it is described and Sett forth to the above described Grand Children males
& females is to be to them and their Heirs and assigns forever; and my will
is that the above mentioned Legacies should be paid in one year after my
decease by my Executors, and furthermore I do now appoint, Constitute & ordain
my Son Elijah Snell, and my son Nathan Snell to be the Sole Executors of this
my Last will and testament; and further my will is that after my decease that
my executors Call in all my debts in Order to pay my debts and in Order to pay
off the Legacies to the Several persons that they are Given to, and Likewise
that they Sett out the parts of my Quick stock to the Several persons they are
Given to, and Likewise to Set out the Houshold Goods & pewter, and all as
it is Given to the Several persons as above described—and furthermore my will
is that my Executors do with the half of the debts that are due to me &
with what they may find in my hands of Estate that is not disposed of, that
they pay off the said Legacies to the several persons as above described &
Sett forth, and in Case their should not be enough found to pay off the
Legacies, my will is, that my said Executors Should pay them out of the Estate
that I have Given them, but in Case their be enough and to Spare, my will is
that what is Left should be equally divided betwixt my two Executors, and in
Case their should be any Debts of my own should appear hereafter that ought to
be paid they must pay them, and in Case their should be any Estate appear to be
mine that is not disposed of, or any Estate that should hereafter appear to be
mine, my will is that my said Executors to this will should have it betwixt
them, and I do by these presents utterly disannul all other wills and
bequeaths, Executors, Ratifying this to be my Last will & testament In
witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year above
mentioned ~
Signed Sealed published pronounced and
declared by the said Josiah Snell as his Josiah Snell (seal)
Last will & testament in the presence of
us the Subscribers ~
Josiah
Williams junr
William
Snell
Simeon
Packard
Presented for probate on 5 Sept. 1785 by Elijah Snell and
Nathan Snell, the Executors therein named, and proved by Josiah Williams Junr.
and William Snell, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Elijah Snell and Nathan Snell, the before named
Executors, with Josiah Snell Gentm. And Josiah William junr,
yeoman, all of Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 362-367, from FHL microfilm
#0550715.
Will of Martha Snell of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In the name of God amen I Martha Snell of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth Singlewoman being of sound Mind & Memory, Thanks be to
God for the same I do this twenty third day of August in the Year of our Lord
Christ one thousand eight hundred & seventeen, make, publish, pronounce
& declare this my last Will and Testament—
First
my Will is that all my just Debts, that I shall owe at the time of my Decease
& funeral Expences shall be paid by my Executor herein after named &
from Estates herein after willed and bequeathed to him for that purpose. —
Item
I give & bequeath to Caleb Snell’s three Children, namely Sarah Snell, Ann
Snell and Edwin Snell at the right Title & Interest, I have in the Dwelling
house, which my Hond. Father Jonathan Snell, gave me in his last
will, together with all my right in Cellar & Well of Water, & Door yard
to their use & Benefit forever, I also give unto them the said Sarah, Ann
& Edwin all the Demand I have against the Estate of Caleb Snell excepting
fifty Dollars, which Sum I order my Executor hereafter named to pay Thaddeus
Snell & the Heirs of William Snell, if recovered –
Item
I give and bequeath to Amelia Howard the Wife of Capn. Salmon Howard
all the Right, Title & Interest, I have in the Land, my Hond.
Father gave me in his last Will, also my best Bed & Bedding to her use
& Benefit forever.—
Item
I give & bequeath to Thaddeus Snell, twenty Dollars out of the Demand
against Caleb Snell if recovered & not otherwise, to his use & Benefit
forever to be paid by my Executor hereafter named–
Item
I give & bequeath to William Snell’s three Children thirty Dollars namely
Edward Snell David Snell & Sarah Snell to be equally divided between them
out of the Demand against Caleb Snell if recovered & not otherwise; to
their use & Benefit forever to be paid by my Executor hereafter named. —
Item,
I give & bequeath to Capn. Salmon Howard, who I do hereby ordain
constitute & appoint sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament,
all my household Furniture not herein before disposed of, to his use &
Benefit forever together with all my other Estate whether real, personal or
mixed of what name or nature soever not herein before by me willed &
bequeathed that doth of right to me belong at the time of my decease – to him
my said Executor forever.—And after paying all my just Debts funeral Expences,
& all the Legaises herein by me willed & bequeathed if there shall be
any Surplussage of Money in his hands remaining, I will & bequeath the Same
to him my said Executor forever. —
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced & declared by her the said
Martha the Testator as her last
Will & Testament in the
presence of us & we in presence
of each other — Martha Snell (seal)
Galen
Howard
Asa
Packard
Abiezer
Alger
Presented for probate on 6 Oct.
1817 by Salmon Howard, the Executor therein named, and proved by Galen Howard
and Abiezer Alger, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Salmon Howard, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 49, p.
56-57, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Zachariah Snell of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
This seventeenth day of October one thousand, seven hundred,
& sixty five, ~ I Zachariah Snell of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth
yeoman, being infirm of body, but of perfect mind & memory thanks be to
God, calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed
to all men once to die do make & ordain this my Last will & testament,
that is to say first of all I recomend my soul into the hands of God who gave
it, and my body to the earth by a decent burial at the discretion of my executor
nothing doubting but that at the general resurrection I shall receive it again
by the mighty power of God; and as touching that worldly estate which God has
blessd. me with, I give & dispose of it in the following manner
and form. ~
Imprs.
I give & bequeath to Abigail my welbeloved wife, one third part of the
improvement of my homestead lands during her natural life, together with one
third part of my dwelling house & barn & corn-house said term, and all
my indoors moveables of bedding & furniture pewter & brass & iron,
& every thing beside my own apparel & horse furniture & husbandry
tools, and my said wife is to have the intrest of sixty six pounds thirteen
shillings & four pence Lawful money, during the said term of her natural
life, to be at her dispose said term, and my will is that my said son Issachar
Snell shall find her fire wood cut at the door fit for the fire annually in
health & in sickness during said term of life, and that he shall find her
two cows kept well winter & summer anually sd. term, & in
case my said wife should be sick at any time or times my will is that my said
son Issachar should find her a nurse suitable as the care may require, and my
will is that my said wife shoud. have the abovesd.
indoors moveables as above set to her, & to be to her, her heirs &
assigns forever.
Item,
I give & bequeath to my eldest son Issachar Snell whom I likewise
constitute, make, & ordain to be the sole executor of this my Last will and
testament, and my will is that my said son Issachar Snell shoud.
have about two hundred & eighty acres of Land & meadow lying &
being in Bridgwater, & partly within the eight mile square, & part
within the two mile additional grant, and mostly on the easterly part of my
lands, and is to be bounded northerly by the Land I give to my son Zebedee
Snell which is hereafter to be set forth & bounded, & is to be bounded
southerly & easterly by the Land of Elisha Dunbar, & westerly by the
Lands I give to my son Ebenezer Snell, hereafter to be bounded & set forth,
and also two thirds of my dwelling house, & barn & corn house during
his mother,s natural life, and after her decease, my will is that my said son
Issachar should have the whole of the said buildings standing on the said Land,
together with my right in the undivided lands in Bridgwater, & the meadow I
bought of Dean. Shaw lying upon +
+ river, joining to Thomson,s meadow there, & joining to the said
Issachar Snell,s other meadow there, & my cedar swamp in Cutting-cove-swamp
lying in the ninth lot of the first division, and all my husbandry tools, &
all my stock of creatures & one third part of my apparel, and all as above
described and set forth, to be to the said Issachar Snell his heirs &
assigns forever. ~
Item,
I give & bequeath to my son Zebedee Snell about one hundred & forty one
acres of Land lying at the north end of my land (in the west Shares of the
north two mile additional grant to Bridgwater, together with the dwelling house
& barn standing thereon, the Land is bounded northerly by the highway that
is Laid out on the south sides of Thomas Reynold,s – house & runs westerly
betwixt the Lands of Josiah Snell & my own lands, & lies about one
hundred & fifty six rods in breadth east & west, & runs southerly
from the said highway, & in the west range of the sd. Thos.
Reynold,s Land one hundred & forty eight rods to a stake & stones,
& thence runs west one degree & a third part of a degree south to a
range of marked trees about one hundred & fifty six rods to a stake &
stones, & thence north one hundred & forty eight rods to the sd.
highway, & thence east one degree & 1/3d. north by the said
highway to the first bounds, and more five acres of meadow at Leaches-meadow,
bounded southerly by the lot of meadow that was Giles Leach,s, & so to
extend northerly so far as to make the sd. five acres, & all the
creatures that I have already given him, & one sixteenth part of the
saw-mill by Thomas Reynold,s, & one third part of cloaths & apparel,
& all as above described is to be to the said Zebedee Snell his heirs &
assigns forever.–
Item,
I give & bequeath to my son Ebenezer Snell about one hundred & fifty
acres of Land & a dwelling house & barn standing thereon, and is
bounded as followeth, about ninety acres of it lies within the eight mile
square of Bridgwater, Begining at a stake & stones standing in the four
mile line so called, & in the middle of the south line of my land in the sd.
west shares, & thence east one degree & a third part of a degree north
thirteen rods to a stake, & thence south three degrees east forty five rods
to a stake & stones, & thence east eight degrees south, twelve rods to
the brook & thence southerly by the brook to the highway, & thence
southeast four rods to two maples marked, & thence southwest seven rods to
a stake & stones & thence south, thirtynine degrees east, thirtysix
rods to a stake, & thence south nine degs. east ten rods &
an half by a ditch, & thence southerly six rods by sd. ditch,
& thence south forty four degs. east eighteen rods & an half
to a maple tree marked, and thence east two degs north ten rods
& an half to the brook, & thence southerly, & bounded by the said
brook about eighty rods to the aforesd. Zebedee Snell,s five acres
of meadow, & thence westerly & bounded by the sd. five acres
until it meets with Dunbar,s land, & thence northwesterly, & bounded by
sd. Dunbar,s land, & Dcr. Bryant,s Land, &
Loring,s Land, & so northerly to cross the road, & so to the southwest
corner of my Lands, in the west shares, being a heap of stones betwixt the
eighth & ninth lotts in sd. shares, & in the four mile line,
& thence runs north in the said line betwixt the eighth & ninth Lots in
the said west shares, one hundred & twenty four rods to a stake &
stones, & thence east one degree & one third part of a degree north,
seventy eight rods to a stake & stones, & thence south one hundred
& twenty four rods to the first bounds, & more my lot of meadow at
west-meadow, which I bought of Ephraim Willis, & one sixteenth part of my
saw-mill by Thomas Reynold,s. & more one third part of my apparel &
cloaths, and all my creatures that I have already given him, and all as above
described & set forth is to be unto the said Ebenezer Snell his heirs &
assigns forever. ~
Item,
I give & bequeath to my daughter Abigail Haward all the beding &
household-stuff that she has already in her possession, and my will is that she
shall have thirty acres of Land in the fourth Lot of the west shares in the
north two miles additional grant of Lands to Bridgwater, it being the land I
bought of John Snell lying to the south of Joseph Cole,s Land, and more I give
to my said daughter sixtysix pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence lawfl.
money to be paid her by my executor after my wife,s decease, and all as above
described and set forth, is to be to her, her heirs and assigns forever. ~
And
furthermore my will is that my executor pay off the Legacies with the notes of
hand I have by me, and that my said wife shall have free liberty to live with
which of my sons she shall please to live with, and shall have house-room in
any of their houses without costs or charge. And do by these presents utterly
disallow, revoke & disanul all other wills & bequeaths, executors,
ratifying this to be my Last will & testament.—In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal, the day & year above-mentioned. —
Signed, sealed, published &
declared Zachariah Snell (seal)
In presence of us. Elijah Snell
Elijah
Copeland
Nathan
Snell
Presented for probate on 6 June
1768 by Issachar Snell, the Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah
Copeland and Nathan Snell, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Issachar Snell, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of
Zachariah Snell, late of Bridgewater, was appraised on 2 June 1768 by Shepard
Fisk, Jonathan Perkins, and Nehemiah Lincoln, and totaled £1997.18.8, including
583½ acres of upland, swamp and meadow with buildings thereon valued at
£1718.0.4, and sundry notes of hand totaling £76.12.4.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 75-78, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Benjamin Snow of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1738) *
In the Name of God Amen September the 12. 1738, I Benjamin
Snow of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth in New England Husbandman being
now of Disposeing mind & Memory, thanks be given to the great god, yet
calling to mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is
to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hand
of that God who Gave it & my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried
with decent Christian Burial at ye. Discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, Nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I Shall
Receive ye. Same again by the allmighty power of the Sovereign God
and as touching such worldly Estate wherwith it hath pleased the Lord to bless
me in this life I Give demise & dispose of the same in the following manner
& form that is to Say~~~
1st. It is my Will that all my Debts and funerall
Charges be well & truly paid in convenient time after my Decease—
2ly. I order and appoint my well beloved son
Ebenezer Snow who is Sole Executor of this my last will & Testament to take
care of my wellbe Loved wife Sarah after my Decease, to provide for her a
Suitable & Comfortable support
3ly. It is my Will that that the Deed which I gave
to my yonguest son Ebenezer may stand good without any molestation I allso give
& bequeath unto my son the sd Ebenezer all my Irons of all sorts
which belong to my Out Door work & my Grindstone –
4ly. I and bequeath unto my Well beloved sons
Benjamin Soloman and Ebenezer Snow all my wearing Cloaths and my right in
undivided land to be Equally divided amongst them besides what I have given
them or either of them in times past –
5ly. All my books I give & bequeath unto my
three sons & two daughters Rebecca and Eliza to be Equally Divided among
them—
6ly. I Give and bequeath unto my Grandson Seth
Pratt the son of my daughter Sarah deceasd One Cow or ten pounds to be paid him
out of mye Moveable Estate not above disposed of by my Executor when he comes
to ye Age of twenty years & One
7ly. I Give and bequeath unto my two beloved
Daughters Rebecca Campbell and Elizabeth Carver all my other Moveable Estate
not above disposed of, after my wifes decease only it is to be understood that
the Ten pounds above given to my Grandson is to be first taken out of My
Moveables. –
Finally I Constitute and Ordain my Well beloved son Ebenezer
Snow Sole Executor of this my last will and testament hereby Ratyfieing and
holding this and no other to be my last Will & Testament disallowing all
other Wills before this time by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand & Seal the day & year Above written
Signed Sealed Published
pronounced & Declared by Benja Snow (seal)
the sd. Benja Snow as
his last will & Testamt
in Presence of us the Subscribers
Josiah Edson Junr.
Nathan Basset
John Washburne junr.
Probated on 6 June 1743, and proved by Josiah Edson Junr,
Nathan Basset and Jno. Washburne Junr., the witnesses.
Letters of Administration granted to Ebenezer Snow of Bridgwater, the Executor,
on 6 June 1743.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 83-84, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Seth Snow 1st,
of
In the name of God ~ Amen ~ I Seth Snow 1st of the
town of of Augusta County of Oneida & State of New York being advanced in
years & infirm in body, but enjoying my perfect Judgmen & all my mortal
facilities (blessed be Almighty God for the same) do make & publish this my
last will & testament in manner & form following
(Viz.) First & do give & bequeath my Sons Simeon
Snow, Seth Snow & Jonathan Snow & my daughters Huldah, the wife of
Jonathan Snow, Sally the wife of Joshua Richmond & Bethia the wife of Asaph
Larabee the Sum of one Dollar each. I do also will & bequeath my grand
daughter Betsey Larabee (child) one Cow, & my grand daughter [_?_]** Ranken (child) Two Cows & my
large bible, which Several legacies it is my will & I—: hereby order paid
to the legatees at any time when requested after the expiration of one year after
my decease— I do also give &
bequeath to my daughter Susannah wife of Mathew Ranken the remainder of my
estate personal & real Stock, Goods, Chattels of whatsoever name or nature.
And I do also appoint the last named persons Matthew Ranken & Susanah
Ranken Sole Executor & executrix of this my last Will & testament,
hereby revoking all Former wills by me made, in witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal this twentyeth day of January in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred twelve—
Signed, sealed, published & declared by
the above named Seth Snow 1t to be Mark
his last will & testament in the presence Seth X Snow 1t (seal)
of us who have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses in presence of the
testator Isaac
Chadwick
James
Ranken
Ihm[John?] Chadwick
I certify the foregoing to be a True Copy of the Original
will of Seth Snow as the same was proven by the subscribing witnesses thereto
before me this 7th day of July 1812— Joshua Hathaway Surrogate
I further certify that on the seventh day of July one
thousand Eight hundred & Twelve came before me Isaac Chadwick & James
Ranken two of the Subscribing witnesses to the foregoing Will & being duly
sworn depose & say that they saw the Testator to the foregoing will execute
the same & that they heard him declare the same as & for his last will
& Testament & that they subscribed the same as witnesses in his
presence & in the presence of each other & that he appeared to be sound
& disposing mind & memory at the time he executed the same— before me J. Hathaway surrogate
I further certify that the death of the said Seth Snow was
proven on the Oath of Matthew Ranken who was sworn as Executor also before me
this 7th day of July 1812.
J. Hathaway Surrogate
Letters of Administration were given to Matthew Ranken,
Executor, on 7 July 1812.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
** Gertrude
A. Barber, in her Abstracts of wills of
Will of William Snow
Senr, of
I William Snow senr of Bridgwater in the county of
New-Plymouth being sound in Judgment & memory Do ordain & make this my
Last will & Testament in maner following my Imortall soul I doe Humbly
Resign in to the mercifull hands of almighty god my creator hopeing thrô ye
merits & mediation of Jusus Christ to obtain pardon & salvation—My body
I comitt to the Earth whence it was taken to be Decently buried at the
Discresion of my Executor & other of my Cristian frends for my outward
Estate that god hath Lent me I have disposed of a Considerable part of my Lands
to my sons Joseph snow & my son Benjan Snow as by Deeds may
appear I haveing other Lands not yet Disposed of & being very weak &
Lame and my wife being aged both of us not able of our selves to suply our
wants without the help of some body else my son william Snow having promised to
provide for us Dureing our naturall Lives I Count it but reason to Gratifie him
in Some measure for his Care & trouble I having some out Lands not yet
Disposed of Doe give to my son William Snow all my out Lands already Divided
not yet Disposed of to him & his heirs forever I haveing a purchas Righte
in the Commons of Brigwater my will is that my son William snow shall injoy one
third part of that my undivided Land to him & to his heirs for ever my will
is that my two sons Joseph & benjamin Snow shall Enjoy the Rest of my
purchas Rite in the undivided Lands of Bridgwater to be Equally Divided to them
& to their heirs forever. My will is that my four Daughters namely Mary
Lidia Hannah & Rebeckah shall Enjoy all my moveables after my decease &
my wifes what is then Left to be Equally Divided amongst them four . . . .
I Doe appoint my son William Snow to be sole Executor of this
my Last will & tesstament Revoaking all other testaments whatsoever
formerly made by me in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & seall
this 9 Day of March 1698/9 his
William g Snow sen:r (seal)
Signed Sealed in ye pesents of us Mark
Thomas Hayward
Nathaniell Ames
Thomas Wade
Memorand: that on ye 4 Day of March 1708 Before
Nathll Thomas Esqr Judge of the Probat of Wills &c
Nath:ll Ames & Thomas Wade made Oath that they wear pesent &
Did se & hear the above sd william Snow sen:r sign
seal & Declare the above writen Instrument to be his Last will &
testament & that he was of a disposing mind & memory when he so did to
the best of their judgments as attest
Nathll
Thomas Regiser
An Inventory of the Estate of William Snow senr of
Bridgwater Deceased January 31: 1708—taken the 24 of febuary 1708 by Elihu
Brett & John field, totaled £16.0.0, and sworn to by William Snow, the
Executor, on 4 Mar. 1708.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of James
Soul of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1736) *
In the name of God amen this thirtieth day of November in the
year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred thirty & Six I James Soul of
Middleborough in the County of Plymoth in New England being at this present
time in Good health of body & Sound in understanding & Memory, Blessed
me God for ye. same yet being Sensible of my own mortallity and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this
my last will & Testament that is to say principally & first of all I
Give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it and my body to ye.
Earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executor nothing Doubting
but at the General Resurrection I Shall receive the same again by the Mighty
power of God and as touching such worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless
me withall in this life I Give demise and Dispose of the same in manner &
form following that is to say ~ Imprimis I Give to my Beloved wife Lydia Soul
the use and improvement of my new house with the thirds of the profitts of all
my Estate dureing her natural life & my will is that my Daughter Rebecca
Soule have Liberty to dwell with her mother untill She marry and if She
Continue unmarried her whole life time if She please — Item I Give &
bequeath unto my Daughter Martha Faunce the wife of Joseph Faunce all that my
two Lotts of land that I bought of Jonathan Fuller lying in the Sixteen
Shilling purchase as they appear by sd. Fullers Deed to me and allso
all my Meadows lying in the Lower Meadow and allso a part of a Lot of Cedar
Swamp which I bought of William Thomas as it may Appear by sd.
Thomas’ Deed of Sale to me, To her, her heirs and Assigns forever —
Item, I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Rebecca Soule all
that my housing and land which I bought of John Raymont Senr. and
that land which I bought of Mr. Isaac Howland and the land which I
bought of Elder Thomas Faunce all which said Lands as they may appear by their
several Deeds to me Excepting What I Sold to Samuel Edy and allso one half of a
Lott of Cedar Swamp lying in that which is Called the little Cedar Swamp and
allso all my Two Acres of meadow which I bought of the widdow Howland lying in
the meadow Called Winnatuxett meadow to her & her heirs & assigns
forever
Item, I Give to my son Jacob Soule all the my Homestead That
is to say my Housing & land where I now dwell with all my other lands Swamp
& Meadows lying in Middleborough & Plymton or Else where not here
mentiond to him his heirs and Assigns forever, and allso I Give & bequeath
to my sd. son Jacob Soule abovesd. all my Apparell and my
Armes And my best yoake of oxen and my Carts & wheels plows & all my
tools & Tackling that are proper for the use of husbandry & Carpentry
and all ye rest of my Goods & Chattles I Give & bequeath to
my two Daughters Martha Faunce & Rebecca Soule to be Equally divided
between them And further my Will is That my said Son Jacob Soule pay to my
daughter Martha Faunce five Children to each of them fiveteen pounds a pease as
they come of age and if any of them decease before they come to ye.
age of One & twenty years that he Shall pay his or her part to the
Survivors in Equal proportion and that he pay the whole of whats here mentiond
Out of his own Estate to the sd. Five Children and I do by this my
last will and Testament Constitute and Appoint my loving and Dutifull son Jacob
Soule sole Executor to this my last will & Testament In Witness hereof I the aforesd.
James Soule have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day & year above written
—
Signed Sealed published & Declared
In Presence of us Witnesses
Jonathan Smith James Soul (seal)
John Bennet
Nehemiah Bennet
Be it Known to all men by these presents that whereas I James
Soul of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New England have made &
declared my last will & Testament in writeing bearing date the thirtyeth of
November 1736. In which will I Give liberty to my daughter Rebecca Soule to
dwell with her mother untill she Marry and if She Continue unmaried her whole
life time if she please: and her mother being Since deceasd it is now my will
that My sd. Daughter Rebecca so long as She lives unmaried Shall have
ye. Liberty and privilige of living in my dwelling house if She see
cause; And my son Jacob Soule now being deceasd my Will is that all the Estate
both Real & personal which I had Given & bequeathed by sd.
Will unto my said son: my Will now is that the same and Every Part thereof
Shall belong unto his widdow & Children in such proportion and as fully and
amply as though he had been in the Actuall possession thereof and ye.
Same had immediately decended from him to them: and whereas I had in sd.
will Constituted my sd son Jacob Soule Executor of sd.
Will and he being now deceas’d as Abovesd: I do therefore now
Constitute my beloved & Faithfull Kinsman Benjamin Weston of Plymton to be
Sole Executor of my said Last Will and testament and my will and meaning is
that this Codicil or Schedule be and be adjudged to be part and parcell of my said
Last will & Testament and that all things herein mentioned and Contained be
faithfully & truly performed and as fully & amply in Every respect as
if ye. same where so declared & set down in My said Last will
& Testament Witness my hand &
Seal this twenty Second day of august 1744. James Soul (seal)
Signed Sealed published & Declared by the sd.
Jms. Soul
as part of his sd. Last will & Testament In
the
presence of us. John
Bennet
Jonathan
Smith
Nehemiah
Bennet
Probated on 20 Sept. 1744, and proved by Jonathan Smith, John
Bennet and Nehemiah Bennet, the three witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Benjamin Weston of Plymton, the Executor, on 20 Sept. 1744.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 341-343, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of John Soul
of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1743)
*
In the name of God Amen the first day of March 1743.
I John Soul Senr. of the Town of Middleboro.
being weak in body but of perfect Mind & Memory thanks be to god therefore
Calling to mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to dye I do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that
is to say Principally & first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the
hands of god that gave it and my body I Recommend to the Earth to be buried in
Decent Christian burial at ye Discretion of my Executor and as
touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased god to bless me in this
life I give demise & Dispose of the same in the following Manner &
form~
Imprimis, and for the Love and Naturall affection I beare to
my wife Martha Soul I give to her All my Indore & Out Door Moveables Estate
Except my tools & tackling, and allso to have as Many Apples Out of the
orchard as she wants for herselfe and allso oblige my son John Soul to keep her
Two Cows and one horse with Convenient Fodder and pasture and Oblige him to
give her Nine Bushels of Indian Corn & three Bushels of Rye and twelve
pounds in passable money yearly Dureing her Natural life and to have one Room
of the house for herselfe ~~ And for the Love I bare to my son John Soul I Give
to him my homestead with all the buildings Fences & orchard and allso both
my South Purchas Lotts the one being in Number 120. and the other being in
Number 126. and allso the Little Share being the 17th. Part of the
43d. lott and allso that part of a Lott of Ciedar swamp that I
bought of Henery Wood lying in the Purchase Called the Six & twenty mens
Purchase in the originall Right of Thomas & Samuel Dellingno—
And I allso make him my Executor to take in my Debts &
pay out my Debts—
Item and what I have Given to my beloved son James Soul by
Deed I Confirm in this my will to him; and for the Love I have to my Daughter
Martha Tomson I give her twenty pounds to be paid in two years after my Decease
by my Executors to her or her heirs ~~ And for the love I bear my Daughter
Sarah Snow I give to her twenty pounds to be paid by my Execr. in
two years after my Deceas to her or her heirs —
And for the love I bear to my Daughter Ester Soul, Item I
give to her twenty pounds to be paid by my Executor in two years after my
Decease to her or to her heirs —
And for the Love I bear to my Daughter Mary Samson, Item I
give to her twenty pounds to be paid by my Executor in two years after my
Decease to her or to her heirs —
And for the love I bear to my Daughter Rebecca Soul – Item, I
give to her twenty five pounds to be paid by my Executor in two years after my
Decease to her or her heirs —
And for the Love I bear to my Daughter Rachel Soul – Item I
give to her Thirty pound to be paid by my Executor in two years after my
Decease to her or her heirs —
All to be paid to Each of them in the old tenour.
And Rebecca & Rachel Soul are to have the Privilige of
one Room while they live unmaried —
Signed Sealed & Deliverd
In
Presence of John Soul (seal)
Lemuel Tinkam
Daniel Vaughn
Isaac Tinkam Junr
Probated on 6 June 1743, and proved by Samuel Tinkam and Danll
Vaughn. Letters of Administration granted to John Soul of Middlebo.,
the Sole Executor, on 6 June 1743.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 84-86, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Martha Soul of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Martha Soul senr.
of the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plimouth in New England being at
this Present Time weak of Body of Sound & Disposing Mind & Memory and
understanding and being Sensible of my own Mortality and knowing that it is
appointed for all once to die do make & ordain this to be my Last will and
Testimony to remain firm & inviolable forever—
Imprs. after all my Just debts & funerall
charges are paid out of my Estate for the Love I bear to my John Souls Heirs I
give five shillings lawfull money. And for the love I bear to my son James Soul
I give to him ten Shillings lawfull money. & to the Heirs of my dauhter
Sarah Snow decd. I give five shillings lawfull money & to my
daughters Easter Soul & Rebeccah Soul, I give one third of my movebal
Estate & the rest I give to my daughters Martha Thomson & Ester Soul
& Mary Samson, & Rebecca Soal & Rachal Vaughan to be divided
Equally among them. & it is my will that Ester Soul & Rebecca Soul
shall be Execrs. of this my last will & Testimony & they
shall pay all my Just Debts hoping that this & no Other to be my last will
in witness whereof I,ve hereunto set my hand & Seal this 19th
day of Novr. in ye. year 1751 signd. seald
& Deliverd in presence of her
Samuel Tinkham Martha —
Soul (seal)
David Simons mark
Nelson Finney
Presented for probate on 2 May 1758, and proved by Samuel
Tinkham and David Simmons, two of the witnesses. To Isaac Tinkam of Middlebro
in the County aforesd. Husbandman, Whereas Martha Soul senr.
Late of sd. Middlebro widow decd. on the 19th
day of Novr. A.D. 1751 did Sign Seal & publish her last will and
Testament in writing before sufficient witnesses in which sd. will
after Gifts & Legacies therein made appointed her two Daughters Ester Soul
& Rebeccah Soul, Executorixs. of the same will & Testament
& Which sd. will was proved, approved, & allowed, but the sd.
Esther, & Rebeccah, Renounced, & refused ye. Executorship,
thereof Administration Cum, Testamento, annexo, thereof is Hereby comitted unto
you the sd. Isaac Tinkham of all & singular the Goods, Chattels,
Rights, & Credits, of the sd. decd. well &
faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law & the Directions of the
sd. will & Testamt… In Testimony whereof I’ve
hereunto set my hand & the seal of the sd. Court of Probt.
Dated at Plimo. this 2d. Day of May Anno Domini – 1758.
Jno
Cushing
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 29-30, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Rebeckah Soul of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the name of God Amen the Twenty Third day of Septr
1758 I Rebeckah Soul of the Town of Midleborough in the County of Plymouth
being Very Sick & weak in Bodey but of Perfect Minde & Memory Thanks be
given unto god therfor Calling unto minde the mortallity of my Bodey and
Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make & ordain this
my Last will & Testamt that is To Say Princepally and first of
all I give & Recommend my Sole ino the hands of God that Gave it and my
bodey I Recommend To the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian Burial nothing
doubting but at the General Resurection I Shall Receive the Same again by the
mighty Power of God and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give demise and dispose of the Same in
the following manner & form
Imprs. I give and Bequeth unto my Sister Esther
Soul all my Estate which Cheafly Consists in houshold goods live Stock Bonds
notes & Book Debts &c Except what I Shall hereafter give away and order
hir To Pay out of Said Estate
Itm. I give & Bequeth unto my Brother James
Soul & To my three Sisters namely Martha Tomson Mary Samson & Rachal
Vaughan Two pounds Thirteen Shillings & four Pence to Each of them to be
Paid to them in one year after my Deceas by my aforesaid Sister Ester Soul
Item I give & Bequeth unto the Children of my Sister
Sarah Snow Decd. Two pounds Thirteen Shilling & four Pence
Equally to be Devided betwen them. In one year after my Decease by my aforesd.
Sister Ester Soul
Item I Give & Bequeth To my Cossen John Soule Two pounds
Thirteen Shillings & four pence To be paid him by my aforesaid Sister Ester
Soul when he arrives To the age Twenty one years old
Further more my will is that my aforesd. Sister
Ester Soul Pay all my Just Debts & funeral Charges & home I appoint the
Soule Executrix of this my last will and Testament & I Do hereby uterly
disallow all other wills Ratefying & Confirming this & no other to be
my last will and Testament In witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal the Day & year above written
Signed Sealed Published pronounced &
Declared by the said Rebeckah Soul her
as her Last will and Testament In Rebeckah S Soul
the Presence of us the Subscribers Marke
John Holmes
Johanna Holmes
Joseph Tinkham
Presented for probate on 26 Apr. 1759 by the Executrix within
named, and proved by John Holmes and Joseph Tinkcom, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Ester Soule, the Executrix, on 26
Apr. 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 280-281, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Benjamin Soule
of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1729) *
In the Name of God Amen – The Second of November One thousand
Seven hundred & twenty nine – 1729. I Benjamin Soule of Plimton in the
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Zechariah Soule about
three hundred acres of Land whereon he now dwelleth be ye same more
or less Beginning at a broken Spruce which is ye Corner Bound of
Ebenezer Standish Land & from thence running upon a Straight Line to a
Pitch Pine tree marked Standing near ye Bridge commonly called ye
Common Meadow Bridge & so running up on a Strait Line till ye
come a Bound tree which is ye lower Corner Bound of my Meadow which
lyeth on Colecor Brook and so from thence to the Brook and also about three or
four acres of meadow lying on sd Brook & running up sd
Brook till You come to Standish Meadow & so down Brook ye the
Bounds last Mentioned, With all ye Building on Said Land Only
Reserving a Way for my Brothr. Ebenezer Standish & his Heirs for
to make & carry off ye Hay of the Meadow that Brother Standish
bought of me—
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah Samson the
Wife of George Samson Seventy Pounds in Money to be paid unto her by my Executrs
within a Year after my Decease and also one good Feather Bed ~ ~ Item I Give
& Bequeath unto my Sons Benjamin Soule & Ebenezer Soule two thirds of
my homestead whereon I now dwelleth on both Sides of the Road I Give unto my
Sons Benjamin & Ebenezer all my Upland & Meadow & Meadowish Ground
lying in a Neck of Land commonly called Donham Neck And also ye
meadow & Upland lying on ye South Side of Winnatuxett River – I
Give unto my Sons Benjamin & Ebenezer the Lot of Cedar Swamp lying in ye
Swamp common called Colchester Cedar Swamp and also I Give unto my Sons
Benjamin & Ebenezer two thirds of all my Moveable Estate Excepting one Bed
I have given already to my Daughter Hannah. And I Give unto my two Sons
Benjamin & Ebenezer all ye Remaining Part of ye
Upland Meadow & Swamp lying in a Neck commonly called Kings Neck which I
have not giving unto my Son Zechariah in this my last Will. And further my Mind
& Will is that after my Wife Sarah decease I Give unto my two Sons Benja.
& Ebenezer the other Third of my homestead & Buildings on both Sides of
ye Way And also my Part of ye Grist Mill & Fulling
Mill With all ye Priviledges & Appurtenances belonging thereunto
And also the Other third of my moveable Estate & all my Debts & Funeral
Charge to be payed by my Executrs Lastly I Nominate & appoint my Beloved
Wife Sarah Soule my Executrix & My two Sons Benjamin & Ebenr
Executrs of this my last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have Set my
hand & Seal— Benjamin Soule (seal)
Signed Sealed & Declared by
Benjamin Soule to be his last
Will & Testament I Presence of us
Caleb Loring
John Holmes
Joseph Thomas
Probated on 12 Dec. 1729, and proved by Caleb Loring, John
Holmes, & Joseph Thomas.
Letters of Administration given on 5 Jan. 1729[/30] to Sarah
Soule, Relict Widow of Benjamin Soule, and to Benjamin Soule and Ebenezer
Soule, sons of Benjamin Soule.
The inventory of the estate of Benja. Soule, late of Plimton,
deceased, dated 2 Mar. 1729/30, taken by Caleb Loring, Isaac Wright, and Nathan
Weston, was not totaled, but included his homestead on both sides of the road
valued at £1100, his upland meadow at Donham Neck and his meadow on the South
side of Winatuxet River valued at £250, his land lying in Kings Neck given to
his son Zechariah Soule valued at £600, his remaining land at Kings Neck given
to Benja. & Ebenezr valued at £300, his half of the grist mill
valued at £100, his half of the fulling mill valued at £63, his land lying
between Kings Brook and Coaltechel Brook valued at £160, his land lying in
Middleboro valued at £120, and other lands of lesser values.
An Agreement between the heirs of Benjamin Soule of Plimton
for the division of his lands, dated 26 June 1730, mentioned his three sons
Zechariah Soule, Benjamin Soule, and Ebenezer Soule, and his daughter Hannah
Samson, wife of George Samson, and was witnessed by Polycarpus Loring and John
Bell. Sarah Soule, the relict widow of Mr. Benjamin Soule of Plimton, accepted
the division agreement.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, pp. 617-619,
632-634, 741-743, from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Daniel Soule
of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen, I Daniel Soule of Plympton in the
County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, being of
perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God therefor, calling to mind the
mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die,
do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament and desire it may be
received by all men as such. And first of all I give & bequeath my Soul
into the hands of God who gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be
buried in a decent & christian burial at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named nothing doubting but at the General resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly
estate where with it has pleased God to bless me with in this life I give
devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Lucy Soule all the household furniture
which she brought into my house when she commenced housekeeping with me. Also
the use & improvement of all my other personal estate during her natural
life.
Item, I
give & bequeath unto my son in law James Bosworth all my personal estate
not before disposed of and after my wife Lucy Soule has had the use &
improvement as above expressed. And my Will is and do positively order my
Executor hereafter named to pay all my just debts, and funeral expenses.
Lastly I
do constitute make & ordain James Bosworth of Plympton my sole Executor of
this my last Will & Testament and do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and
disannul all & every other Will & Testament by me in any wise before
willed, named & bequeathed, ratifying this & no other to be my last
Will & Testament.
In
witness whereof I have set my hand & seal this twenty seventh day of April
in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven.
Daniel Soule (seal)
Signed, sealed, pronounced & declared by the said Daniel
Soule to be his last Will & Testament in the presence of us the
subscribers.
Jonathan Parker
Ichabod W. Thompson
Seth Shurtleff
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1840 by
James Bosworth, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jonathan Parker and
Seth Shurtleff, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Esther Soule
of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen—I Esther Soule of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth,
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Spinster being under decays of my body,
but of a sound & disposing mind & memory, blessed be God for the same
wherefore calling to mind ye mortality of my body and knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this to be my Last
will & testament to remain firm and inviolable forever—principally &
first of all, I give and recommend my soul to that God which gave it, and my
body to the dust, to be buryed in a decent christian burial at the discretion
of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but that I shall recieve the
same again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God, and as
touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased almighty God to bless me with,
I do dispose of the same in ye following manner and form-viz—
Imprimis—I
Give and bequeath to my Niece Esther Bryant, wife to Isaac Bryant, and to her
heirs & assigns forever, my Bed & Bedding sufficient to dress the same
so as to make it comfortable, but not for a change of Bedding
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my nephew Nathan Tomson, and to his heirs & assigns
forever, all of my property now in his hands, also my black camblet gown
Furthermore—my
will is, and I do hereby give & bequeath, to all of my heirs at Law,
excepting the said Nathan Tomson, all of the remaining part and residue of my
Estate, to be divided amongst them as the Law directs after my just debts,
funeral charges & necessary expences are first paid
Lastly—my
will is, and I hereby appoint my nephew and trusty friend John Soule of said
Middleborough Gent. sole executor of this my Last will & testament thus
hoping that this my Last will & testament will be kept and performed
according to the true intent & meaning of ye same I the afore
named Esther Soule have hereunto set my hand & seal this sixteenth day of
October in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & ninety two
Signed, Sealed, Published,
pronounced & her
delivered by the said Esther Soule
to be her Esther X Soule
(seal)
Last will & testament in the
presence of mark
us Thomas
Bennet
her
Priscilla
+ Barrows
mark
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 11 June
1793 by John Soule, the Executor, and proved by Thos Bennet and
Priscilla Barrows, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jabez Soule of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1824) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Jabez Soule, of Halifax in the County of Plymouth, in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in body but of perfect mind
and memory, Blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner and form following, viz
I give and bequeath
to my beloved son Zachariah Soule one dollar, to be paid by my Executors after
my decease, which with the expense of his education and other charges which I
have been at for him, will be in full of his share in my Estate.
I give and bequeath
to my beloved son George Soule, and to my beloved daughters Nabby Soule and
Marcia Soule, all my household furniture of whatsoever name or nature, in equal
shares. And I do further give and bequeath to my said daughters Nabby Soule and
Marcia Soule the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars each, to be paid by my
Executors out of my estate in one year after my decease. Also the use of my two
easterly front rooms in my dwelling house, with the chambers over the same, and
the privilege of using the oven, buttery, cellar, and well so much as may be
necessary for their convenience, so long as they or either of them choose to
occupy the same in person. I also will and order my Executors to furnish them
annually with as much firewood off of my Estate, drawn and cut up at the door,
as may be necessary for one fire, so long as they choose to use it themselves
in the dwelling-house abovesaid. Also, the right to have one cow kept on the
estate for their use so long as they or either of them choose to occupy the
dwelling house as aforesd. I also give them, the sd. Nabby and Marcia, the use
of a garden bounded as follows, beginning at the S.E. corner by the
dwelling-house thence N. 70 E. eight rods and five links, thence N. 30 W. three
rods, thence S. 64 E seven rods to the N.E. corner of the dwelling house, with
the building standing thereon, so long as they or either of them choose to
occupy the same. My will is, that if either of them marry, they relinquish for
themselves the privilege herein provided for them, excepting the household
furniture, and one hundred and fifty dollars each.
I give and bequeath
to my beloved daughters Sally Sturtevant, Lucy Church, and Betsey Soule, the
sum of twenty dollars each, to be paid by my Executors in one year after my
decease.
I give and bequeath
to my beloved grand-son George Thomas Soule the sum of fifty dollars, to be
paid by my executors after my decease, when he shall arrive at the age of
twenty-one years, and if he should not live to the age of twenty-one years his
legacy to be void – and my will and intention is, that if the sd. George Thomas
Soule shall continue to live in my family until he is sixteen years of age,
that he shall then be furnished by my Executors out of my Estate with decent
clothing suitable to go to a trade.
I give and bequeath
to my beloved son Jabez Soule Jr all my farming tools, and also all my mechanic
tools.
I also further give
to my son George Soule all that part of my dwelling house not before disposed
of, and the remainder after my sd daughters Nabby and Marcia cease to occupy
the same agreeably to the provisions aforesd.
Lastly, as to all
the rest, residue, and remainder of my Estate, real and personal, of what name
or nature soever, I give and bequeath the same to my aforesaid sons George
Soule and Jabez Soule Jr. in equal shares to them and their heirs and assigns
forever. My will and pleasure is, that if any of my sd. legatees or devisces
shall exhibit an account against my estate after my decease, the amount is to
be deducted out of the devise or legacy above bequeathed to them. And I do
hereby appoint my sd. sons George Soule and Jabez Soule Jr. joint Executors of
this my Last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me
made. In witness whereof, I the sd.
Jabez Soule have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of October in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four.
(The words
“the privileges” and the word
“my” were
interlined before signing.)
Signed, sealed, published
and declared by the said Jabez Jabez Soule (seal)
Soule to be his last Will
And Testament in the presence of us, who, at his request and
in his presence have hereunto subscribed as witnesses
Obadiah
Lyon
Abel
Richmond
Jane
P. Waterman
Presented for probate on 19 Feb. 1827 by George Soule and
Jabez Soule Jr, the Executors therein named, and proved by Obadiah Lyon and
Abel Richmond, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to George Soule and Jabez Soule Jr, the before
named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Obadiah Lyon Esqr. Thomas Drew Esqr.
and Stafford Sturtevant, yeoman, all of Halifax, were appointed to make a just
and equal division or partition of the Real Estate whereof Jabez Soule late of
Halifax, died seized and possessed, to and among the devisees named in the last
Will & Testament of the said Jabez Soule, on 13 Aug. 1827. The division,
dated 19 Aug. 1827, and approved on 4 Sept. 1827, mentioned George Soule and
Jabez Soule.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 63, p. 317-320, from FHL microfilm
#0550912, and Vol. 64, p. 246-248.
Will of Marcia Soule of Halifax, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
In
the Name of God, Amen. I Marcia Soule of Halifax being weak in body but of a
sound mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish
this my last Will and Testament in a manner and form following that is to say
first I give and bequeath to my beloved brother Jabez Soule the sum of Fifty
Dollars, and I also give to my beloved sister Sally Sturtevant the sum of Fifty
Dollars, which said several sums of money, I will and order, shall be paid to
the said legatees within six months after my decease and lastly to all the rest
residue and remainder of Real and Personal Estate, Goods and Chattels of what
kind and nature soever, I give and bequeath the same to my beloved sister Nabby
Soule whom I hereby appoint sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament,
and hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In witness whereof I hereunto
set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of August in the year of our Lord One
thousand Eight hundred and forty seven.
Signed,
sealed published and declared by the above named Marcia Soule to be her last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Joseph
S. Waterman
Jane
P. Waterman Marcia Soule (seal)
Elizabeth
B. Hayward
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Apr. 1848 by Nabby Soule, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Joseph S. Waterman and Jane P. Waterman, two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Nabby Soule, the
Executor therein named.
Abigail Soule, of Halifax, was
appointed as Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Marcia Soule, late of
Halifax, on 4 Apr. 1848, with Jabez Soule and Joseph S. Waterman, both of
Halifax, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 129-130, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 1G, p. 484.
Will of Zachariah
Soule of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1751) *
In The name of god amen The Thirtieth Day of aprail anno
Domini 1751 I Zachariah Soule of Plimton in ye County of Pimouth in
the Province of ye Massachusets Bay in New-England Yeoman Being very
Sick and Weak in Body but of Perfect mind and memory-Thanks be Given to
God-Therefore Calling unto mind the mortality of my Body & Knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to Dye Do make & ordain This my Last Will and
Testement-viz- Prencipally and ferst of all I Give and Recomend my Sole into
the hands of God which Gave it and my Body I recomend To the Eairth to be
Buried in Decent Christain Burail at ye Discretion of my Execrs
nothing Doughting but at ye Generail Resurrection I Shall Recive ye
Same again by ye mighty Power of God and as Touching Such Worly
Estate where with it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life with- I Give
Demise & Dispose of The Same in ye following manner & form:
Imprrs I Give to my
Two Eldest Sons viz. Jabez Soule and Zachry Soule nothing, by This
Will I have already Given to them By Deeds what I Entend for them out of my
Estate —
Item—I Give and Bequeath to my Son Ephraim Soule and to his
heirs & assigns for Ever Thirty Six acres of Land: being part of my Homsted
Bounded as followeth Beginning at a bunch of Elder Bushes by the Side of the
Wall on the West Side of ye Rode from my house to moses Standishes
Thence northerly by Said Rode to ye said Standishes Land Thence by ye
Southerly Side of said Standishes Land to ye Medow fence of James
Startevants Thence by said fence to ye Land I Give to my Son Jabez
Soule Thence Easterly by Said Jabezs Land to ye north East Corner
thereof Thence South a Line To The Bounds first mentioned as well Incompus ye
sd Thirty Six acres also four acres of medow on The Easterly Side of
the medow I Gave to my said Son Jabez To be Laid out Joyning on Said Jabez
medow But the medow I Reserve for my Wifes Improvement So Long as She Remains
my widow
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Son James Soule and to his
Heirs & assigns for Ever all the Rest Part of my Homsted Lying on ye
South & West side of the Rode that goes by my house which I Have not
already Disposed of and also my Dwelling House & Two acres of Land to be
Laid of next to ye sd house on that Side of the rode the
House Stand on & my Will is that my Wife Shall have ye
Improvement of all this Legace During the Time She remains my Widow —
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Dear & Loving Wife mary
Soule & To her Heirs and assigns for Ever all my other Real Estate Which is
not by me all Redy Disposed of & also my Will is That my Sd Wife
Shall Have ye Improvement of the medow Given to my Son Ephriam
Whilst she Remains my Widow also the improvement of what I have Given To my Son
James Solong as She remainds my Widow & also my will is That after my Just
Debts & funeral Charges are Paid That Whotsoever Remains of my Personal
Estate Shall be also my Sd wifes for Ever She rendering & Paying
out of what I have Given her herein ye Legaces which I Shall next
Give out to my Daughters
Item I Give To my Daughter Mary Soule or Heirs Execrs
or assigns the Sum of Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence In Lawfull
money of Said province to be paid to her by my Said Wife In Twelve months after
my Decease out of that Part of my Estate which I Have above Given Into my said
Wife Hands —
Item I Give To my Daughter Sarah Tinkham or to her Heirs Execrs
or admirs Thirteen Shillings and four Pence Lawfull money to be Paid
out of What I have Given to my Said Wife-In one Year after my Decease-I Have
Given to her So as to make her Shear Eqal.
Item I Give to my Daughter Hannah Soule and to her Heirs Execrs.
or admrs Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence in
Lawfull money to be paid by my said Wife in Twelve months after my Decease out
of That part of my Estate which I have Given into her Hands
Item I Give and Bequeath To my Daughter Eunice Soule and To
her Heirs Execrs or Admrs Thirteen pounds
Six Shillings and Eight pence in Lawfull money to be paid to her by my Said
Wife in one year after my Decease out of That part of my Estate Given To my
Said Wife —
Item I Give and Bequeath To my Daughter Loes Soule and To her
Heirs Execrs or administrators Thirteen pounds Six Shillings and
Eight Pence in Lawfull money To be paid to Her by my Said Wife out of That part
of my Estate Given to my Said Wife In Twelve months after my Decease also it is
my will that my Son Ephram Soul and all my above named Daughters Shall have an
Interest in my House Till married —
Lastly—I Do now appoint Constitute make and ordain my Well
beloved Wife mary Soule and my Loving Son Zachariah Soule To be my Sole
Executors of This my Last Will and Testement and I Do Hereby utterly Disallow
Revoke and Disannule all & Every other former Testement Will & Legeces
Bequests and Execrs by me in any Ways be fore named Willed &
Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming This and no other to Be my Last Will and
Testement In Witness Whereof I have
Hereunto Set my Hand and Seal The Day & year before Written—
Signd Seald published pronounced and Declared by the Said
Zachariah Soule as his Last Will and Testement in
presents of us The Subscribers — Zachariah Soule (seal)
Jonathan Parker
Jabez Newland
Beriah Bonney
Presented for probate on 3 June 1751, and proved by Jonathan
Parker and Beriah Bonney.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Southworth of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the
Name of God Amen,
upon the first day of October in
the Year of our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred & fifty one, I Benjamin
Southworth of Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the
Massachusets bay in NewEngland Yeoman being under Some Infirmities of body, but
of Perfict mind and memory, Thanks be Give unto God for the same, & calling
to mind the Mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to dye do make and ordain this to be my Last Will and Testament, that is
to say,
Principally and first of all I Give and Recommend my Soul
into the hands of God that Gave it and my body I recomend to the Earth to be
buried in a decent and Christain manner @ the Discretion of my Execr.
Herein after named nothing doubting but @ the Great and Generall Resurrection I
Shall receive the same again by the Almighty Power of God and as Touching Such
worldly Goods and Temporall Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in
this Life which I Give demise and Dispose of the Same in the following maner
& form,
Imprs. My will is That all my Just Debts and
funerall charges be defraid and Paid in the manner following that is to say the
one halfe of my said Debts and Funerall charger by my Son Thomas Southworth,
and the Other Halfe of my said Debts and funerall charges to be paid by ye.
rest of my said Children Proportionally to what I shall hereafter Give them.
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my well=beloved wife Rebecca
Southworth, and my Eldest Son Thomas Southworth all the whole and Improvment
and use of my Homestead Farm whereon I now Dwell with all the Houseing,
fencing, Orchards with all my Salt meadows Lying @ a place comonly called cutt
Island by Greensharbour=River, with all of my cattle Horses and Sheep (the
Swine onely Excepted, which I reserve for the use of All my Family to Spend
upon as they See fit) So Long as my said Wife Rebecca Southworth Shall Remain
my Wido. and then @ the end of her Widowhood or of her being my Widow
That then all this Abovesd. Homestead farm with the Priviledges
belonging to it as abovesaid with the abovesaid Salt Meadow (Excepting all the
Sorts of my Cattle) Shall Go to and be for the use of my said Son Thomas
Southworth his heirs and Assigns forever
Item My Will is That my said Son Thomas Southworth Shall Give
or Pay to my three Sons, Constant Southworth, Obed Southworth & Jasher
Southworth the Sum of Twenty pounds Lawfull money or Good bills of Cridit
Equivilent thereunto Out of the abovesaid Estate that I have Given him to be
Paid to them in a Year after my decease,
Item My will is That my Two sons Obed Southworth and Jasher Southworth
Shall have Eighty pounds in lawfull money or Good Bills of Creditt Equivilent
thereunto to be Paid out of whole of my Estate when they Go Out to an
apprenticeship in Order to fit them for it Provided that I do not Live to Put
them Out to an Apprenticeship my selfe,
Item I Give unto my three Sons Constant Southworth Obed
Southworth and Jasher Southworth, and to my Three Daughters, Hannah Herington,
Elizabeth Southworth and Deborah Southworth all and the whole of the Residue
and Remainder of my Real and Personall Estate wheresoever it may be found and
in what soever kind or Spice it may be, Equally all alike to be Divided amongst
them all, and my will is That my said Son Thomas Southworth Shall @ the end of
my wife’s Widowhoold Shall and is to make Good all the Stock of Cattle Horses
and Sheep (Swine Excepted) as they were At the Time of my decease, and then
they are to Goe to and be divided amongst my three Sons Constant
Southworth, Obed Southworth and Jasher Southworth, and my Three daughters
Hannah Herington, Elizabeth Southworth and Deborah Southworth equally alike to
be Divided amongst them all; and my Will is that all my abovesd.
Estate that is Given as abovesaid shall be to each of my children as abovesaid
to each of them their Heirs and Assigns forever Provided Nevertheless it is to
be understood that it is my Will that my wife, and my Son Thomas Southworth
Shall have the whole use and Improvment of all my Meadows So long as my said
Wife Shall Remain my Widow Equally between them,
Item I do Hereby Constitute and appoint my Trusty Dutifull
and well=beloved Son Thomas Southworth to be the Sole Execr. of this
my Last Will and Testament And I do hereby uterly Disalow, Revoke and Disanull
All and every Other and former Wills Testament, Legacies and Bequests by me in
any wise before made, named, Willd and Bequested, ratifying and Confirming this
and no Other to be my Last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and Year above writen
his
Signed, Sealed, Published
Benjamin + Southworth (seal)
Pronounced and Declared by the mark
said Benjamin Southworth
to be his Last Will and Testament
In the presence of us the Subscribers
Presented for probate on 5 July 1756 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by James Thomas, Abner Dingley, and John Wadsworth, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to his son Thomas Southworth
of said Duxborough, the Sole Executor, on 5 July 1756.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Benjamin Southworth, late
of Duxborough, Yeoman, was appraised by Samuel Baker, Isaac Partridge, and Nathl.
Simmons on 26 July 1756, and totaled £523.12.113/4.
Thomas Southworth, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Aug. 1756.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 14, p. 141-144, 158-159,
from FHL microfilm #0551542.
Will of Constant Southworth of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen I Constant Southworth of Bridgwater
In the County of Plymouth and Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in
New England In Consideration of my Mortal State & being Advanced in Age
Though at this present time of Sound mind and Memory blessed be God Do make and
Ordain this my last Will & Testament In Manner Following First I recomend
my Soul to God who gave it & my Body to the Dust to be decently Intered at
the discretion of my Executor hereafter Named expecting to receive the Same
Body free from Sin and Corruption at the Resurection of the Just Touching my
Temporal estate I give and dispose the Same in the Following Manner ~
1t: I Give & Bequeath to my well beloved Wife
Hannah Southworth the Improvement of Six Acres of Land on the Southeastward of
my Dwelling House in Sd. Bridgwater Adjoyning on the east Side of
the Bay Head and on the North side of Mr. Noyes land to extend from
the Midle of the Old Part of my Dwelling House on an east Point so far as will
Comprehend Sd. Complyment of Six Acres To Due Square on the Easterly
End together with the Improvements Joyntly with my Daughter Sarah SouthWorth of
the Southerly half of my now Dwelling House & Cellar with so much Barn Room
as Shall be needfull to keep a Cow & Also a Priviledge of Passing through
the Old Room to the Well and also the Improvement of my Pew in the Meeting
House for her own Setting & the Improvement of a Red Heifer on my Farm to
Improve the Said Priviledges During her Remaining my Widow Except the Last
Article of a Heifer which is Only to Improve while She Continues here &
also a Chest in the Seller for her & my Daughter Sarahs Use with Lock &
Key Residence in my now Dwelling House together also with all her Household
Goods & Utensils which She Brought with her when She Came here In
Particular a Chair Cariages & Harness all which are to Remain to her &
her Heirs forever after my Decease as also Fire Wood & the keeping of her
Cow – during her Continuance here Except what Pasturing & hay may
Profitably be had on Said Six Acres of Land & in Case Said Legacies fall to
her when no Profits Arise from the Said Improvements to be provided by my Executors
during that Term.—
2dly. I Give to my Son Nathaniel Southworth whom I
hereby Constitute Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament all &
Singular my Lands buildings Money Moveables Tools & Utinsells with all my
Right & Interest in a Forge Called Packards Forge & Appurtenances
thereto belonging with all my Bank Debts Notes on Securitys of what kind or
Nature Soever with my live Stock & whatever Estate or Interest I Shall or
may have at my Decease not here Specially Mentioned or Included He as my Executor
paying & Delivering the Several Legacies & Bequests herein Expressed to
the Several Legatees mentioned & Providing for his Mother In Case Her
Improvments fall to her when Sufficient Profits do not Arise from them for her
Comfortable Support & to be Continued till Said Lands Produce those
Profitts & Also Paying my Just Debts & funeral Expences no Other
Legatee to be Charged with any Debt or Costs Relative thereto. I also Give to
him an Equal Part of my Wearing Apparrel with his Brothers & of my Books
with the Rest of my Heirs which I Esteem his Equal Proportion of my Estate
& to Remain to him & his Heirs forever ~~
3dly. I Give & Bequeath to my son Ezekel
Southworth Thirteen Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence Lawfull Money to be
paid By my Executors in Two Years after my Decease Together with his Equal Part
with his Brothers of my Wearing Apparrel & his Equal Part with the Rest of
my Heirs of my Books which I Estimate with what he has already Received to be
his Equall Proportion of my Estate ~
4ly. I Give to my son Jedediah Southworth Ten
Acres of Land Lying on the Southward of Salsbury Plain River Joyning Easterly
on the Lands of George Packard & the Widow Lydia Packard being a Third Part
of Thirty Acres of Land which Lieth as Abovesaid the Other Two thirds I have
herein Disposed to my two Daughters Said Thirty Acres Lying on the Westerly
part of Said Lands; if any Remains on the Easterly Part after the Said Thirty
Acres is Measured off to Go to my Executor To be holden of him & his Heirs
forever Also a Cow also his Equal Part of my Wearing Apparrel with my Sons
& an Equal Part of my Books amongst my Heirs which with Other Advantages he
hath had I Estimate to be his Equal Part of my Estate ~
5ly. I Give to my Eldest Daughter Bette Cole One
Third Part of Said Thirty Acres as Above Described which is hereby Intended to
be Equally Divided for Quantity & Quality & also One half of an
Interest in the Estate of Mr. Ichabod Keith Late of Bridgwater
Deceased which fell to her Mother now Improved by Doctor Jones of Abington
which I Give to her & her Heirs forever Also a Cow ½ the Indoor Moveables
& an Equal Right in my Books with my Other Heirs which I Esteem her Equal
& Just Proportion of my Estate.
6ly. I Give unto my Youngest Daughter Sarah
Southworth One Third Part of said Thirty Acres of Land as Above Expressed to be
Equally Divided as Abovesaid for Quantity & Quality & Also a Cow &
One half of Said Interest in the Estate of Mr. Ichabod Keith
abovedescribed which I Give to her & to her Heirs – forever as also a Joint
Priviledge in my Dwelling House with her Mother in the Southerly Part of it
being the Lower Square Room & Chamber over it, with Liberty of Passing from
Said Lower Room to the Chamber Above & also Thro’ the Old Part to the Well
for Water & a Priviledge with her Mother in the Cellar which Priviledge is
to be continued so Long as She Remains Unmarried together with One half of my
Indoor Moveables and an Equal Right with my Heirs In my Books which I Esteem to
be her Equal & Just Part of my Estate ~
Furthermore I do hereby Utterly Revoke and Disanull all former Wills
& Testaments Ratifying Confirming & Openly Declaring this to be my Last
Will & Testament In Witness Whereof I do hereto Set my hand & Seal this
fourth Day of September Anno 1775
Signed Sealed & Declared
In Presence of us ~ Constant Southworth (seal)
Jesse Perkins
Huntington Porter
Simeon Brett
Presented for probate on 4 Dec. 1775 by Nathll.
Southworth, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jesse Perkins and Simeon
Brett, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathll.
Southworth, the before named Executor, with Mathew Kingman and Jesse Perkins,
Yeomen, all of Bridgwater, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
Bridgwater November ye. 11th 1775 ~
Wee the Subscribers Heirs of our Hond. Father
Constant Southworth Late of Bridgwater Deceased Do hereby Acknowledge that we
have Receiv’d of Nathll. SouthWorth as he was made Executor of the
Last Will & Testament of the Said Constant Southworth in full of Our
Portions According to the Tennor of Said Will in Every Article & Paragraph
thereof We say Receiv’d By us As Witness our hands & Seals
Attest Mary X
Warren Ezekiel Southworth (seal)
Asa Hold Jedediah Southworth (seal)
Desire Cole Joseph Cole Junr. (seal)
Bette Cole (seal)
Sarah Southworth (seal)
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 51-55, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Edward Southworth of Brockton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
Be it remembered that I Edward Southworth of Brockton in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do make and publish this
my last will and testament in manner following: that is to say,
First. I order and direct that all my just debts and all
proper charges against my estate be paid.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son George Southworth the
sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to him in one year after the day of my
decease.
Third. I give and bequeath to my son Frederic Southworth the
sum of one hundred dollars, to be paid to him in one year after the day of my
decease.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Ella F. Southworth
the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to her in one year after the day of
my decease.
Fifth. I give and bequeath to Esther Louise Southworth, wife
of my son Frederick Southworth, the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to
her in one year after the day of my decease.
Sixth, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Julia
Ann Southworth all the rest and residue of my estate of every name and nature
to have and to hold the same to her and her heirs and assigns for her and their
use and behoof forever.
Seventh, I hereby revoke all former wills by me heretofore
made, and constitute and appoint said Julia Ann Southworth of Brockton
Executrix of this my will.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal, and declare this to be my
last will, in presence of three witnesses, this twenty eighth day of February
in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and seventy seven.
Edward Southworth (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Edward Southworth, as and for his last will and testament in our presence, who
in his presence and at his request, and in the presence of each other have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
W.
S. Baker.
Rufus
P. Kingman.
Lucy
A. Whelden.
Henry A. Ford and Jonathan White, of Brockton, petitioned for
probate of the estate of Edward Southworth, late of Brockton, on the third
Monday of April. 1877, with Henry W. Robinson and Lyman Clark, of Brockton, as
sureties, the executrix therein named having declined. Letter of Administration
with will annexed was granted to Henry A. Ford and Jonathan White, of Brockton,
on 16 Apr. 1877.
Henry A. Ford and Jonathan White resigned as administrators
of the estate of Edward Southworth, late of Brockton, and Frederick Howard and
Jonathan White were granted administration of the estate on 28 May 1877, with
Lyman Clark and Henry W. Robinson, of Brockton, as sureties.
To the Honorable the Judge of the Probate County for the
County of Plymouth.
Respectfully represents Jonathan White of Brockton in said
County, that at a Probate Court holden at said Brockton on the third Monday of
April last past, he and Henry A. Ford were appointed Administrators with the
will annexed of the estate of Edward Southworth, late of said Brockton
deceased, testate and gave bonds for the discharge of said trust as required by
law; that said Ford there afterwards being unable by reason of ill health to
discharge the duties of said trust was allowed to resign his said office.
Wherefore and because it is desirable that there should be
two administrators of said estate your petitioner prays that he may be allowed
to resign his said trust. And your petitioner further represents that he has
not received into his hands any property of said deceased or further acted in
said trust than to give notice of his appointment, and therefore has no account
to file.
Mary 28, 1877 Jona.
White
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Plymouth ss,
At a Probate Court holden at Abington in said County on the
fourth Monday of May A.D. 1877.
It appearing that Jonathan White Adm. With the will annexed
of Edward Southworth deceased has resigned the trust of Administrator as
aforesaid. It is thereupon ordered that said resignation be accepted.
Wm.
H. Wood, J. P. C.
To the Honorable the Judge of the Probate Court in and for
the County of Plymouth.
Respectfully represents Julia Ann Southworth of Brockton in
said County, that she is widow of Edward Southworth late of said Brockton,
deceased; that said deceased made certain provision for her in his last will,
which will has been duly proved allowed in said Court within six months last
past, and that she hereby waives the provision so made for her in said will,
and gives notice that she will claim her dower in the lands of said deceased,
and her distributive share of his personal estate.
Dated this thirteenth day of October A.D. 1877.
Julia A. Southworth
Frederick Howard and Jona. White, administrators of the
estate of Edward Southworth, late of Brockton, notified the court that the
estate was insolvent, and Williams Latham of Bridgewater and Henry A. Ford, of
Brockton, were appointed to examine the claims against the estate on 15 Oct.
1877.
Julia A. Southworth, widow of Edward Southworth, late of
Brockton, petitioned for her dower from the estate of her late husband on the
fourth Monday of Dec. 1877. Williams Latham of Bridgewater, Elisha H. Joslyn
and Edward Crocker, of Brockton, were appointed to set off to her her dower in
all the real estate of the deceased on 15 Oct. 1877. They gave their oath
before Jona. White, Justice of the Peace, on 15 Nov. 1877.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 213-214, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, Vol. 120, pp. 120, 454, Vol. 142, pp. 285-286, 351, Vol. 127, p. 277,
and Vol. 113, p. 232.
Will of John Southworth of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
The Last Will and Testement of John Southworth of Duxborough
in the County of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets Bay in New
England Gentleman: I the Said John Southworth Being under maney Bodly
Infermitys yet of perfect mind and memorey thanks Be Given To Almighty God
therefor Calling to mind the mortality of my Body Do upon Serious Consideration
make and Ordain these presents To Be my Last Will and Tesament To Remain firm
and Inviolable forever that is to Say First of all I Give and Recomend my Soule
into the Hands of God that Gave it and My Body I Recomend to the Earth to be
Buried in Decent Christian maner at the Decretion of my Executor hereafter
named Nothing Doubting but at the Generail Resurection I Shall Receve the Same
again by the Almighty power of God & as Touching Such Worldly Estate
Wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I Give Demise and
Dispose of ye. Same in the Following manor and Forme
Imprimis I Give and Bequeath unto my sister Prisalah
Southworth a Convenent fire Roume in my Dwelling House and a Sufficienty of
Fire Wood in the Woods for one Fire and the pastering of one Cow During the
Time of her Natural Life and Forther one third of my movable Estate after my
Debts and Funeral Charges are paid out of the Same: Item: I Give and Bequeath
unto Sister in Law Rebeckah Southworth the one Roome of my Dwelling House to
Improve her Life Time: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Kinswoman Mary Weston
the Wife of Thomas Weston three or four acres of Land that I Bought of Bezalel
Alden of Duxborough adjacent to apeace of Land that I Sold To the Said Mary and
Forther the Remainder of the Lot that I Sold to the Said Mary Weston When I
Sold it her name was Mary Southworth the Remainder of the Lot I Say Excepting
three acres at the Easterly Side of the Same – Item, I Give and Bequeath unto
Reumah Southworth Daughter of William Southworth one third part of my movable
Estate after my Debts are paid out of the Same
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto Edward Southworth Son to Willm
Southworth all my Wearing Cloathes
I Give and Bequeath unto William Southworth the Son of
Constant Southworth of Duxborough Deceased all my Lands and meadows housing in
Duxborough During the Terme of his Natural Life and forther one third of my
movables after my Debts are paid out of the Same
I Give and Bequeath unto Edward Southworth herein before
Named all the Lands and Meaddows at his Fathers Decease that I have herin given
to his father William Southworth –
Lastly my Will is that William Southworth herein Before named
be the Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testement thus Hoping that this
my Last Will be Keept and performed According To the True intent and meaning
thereof in Witness Whereof I the aforesaid John Southworth have hereunto Sett
my hand and Seal this Fifteenth Day of Feburary Anno Domini one one thousand
Seven hundred and fifty 1750
Signed Sealed and Declaird By
John Southworth (seal)
the aforenamed John Southworth
To be his Last Will and Testement
in presents of ~
William Thomas
Thomas Hunt junr.
Jonathan Peterson
Presented for probate on 2 Sept. 1751 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Willm Thomas, Thomas Hunt jur.
and Jonathan Peterson, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
William Southworth of Duxborough, the aforesaid Executor on 2 Sept. 1751.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Southworth Gentelman late
of Duxborough, was appraised on 25 Sept. 1751 by Gamaliel Bradford Esqr.,
Joshua Soule, and Jonathan Peterson, totaled £853.8.8, including his real
estate valued at £716.13.4. Willm. Southworth, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 18 Dec. 1751.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 321-323, 412, from FHL
microfilm #0551539.
Will of Priscilla Southworth of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1761) *
The Last will & Testament of Priscilla Southworth of
Duxborough In the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay In
New England Spinster I the Said Priscilla Southworth being under many bodily
Infirmitys yet of Perfect Mind & memory Thanks be given To almighty God
therefor Calling To mind the Mortallity of My boddy & Know that it Is
appointed for all men once To Die, Do uppon serious Considertation Make and
ordain these Presents to be my Last will & Testament to Remain Firm &
Invoilable for Ever that is To Say first of all I give & Recommend My Soul
into the hands of God that gave it & my body I Recommend To the Earth to be
buried in Decen Cristian Manner at the Descretion of My Executor herein after
named nothing Doupting but at the general Resurrection I Shall Receve the Sam
again by the Almighty Power of God & as Touching Such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath Pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give Devise &
Dispose of the Same in the following mannor & forme
Imps. I give & bequeth unto my Cusson William
Southworth a note that I had of my Brother John Southworth for Sixteen Pounds
& to the sd. William Southworths Children all Equally my Cow
amongst them
Item I give & bequeth Burna Southworth my white fan
Item I give & bequeth to Alice Southworth Daughter To
William Southworth an Infant whom I named Eight Shillings Lawfull monny
Item I give & bequeth unto my four Cousens viz Ruth Soul
& Deborah Hunt wife To John Hunt Alik King wife To Edward King & Mary
Weston two Thirds of all my Estate after my Debts & funeral Charges are
Paid out of the Same that is Two Thirds of all that is not herein before given
away To be Equally Divided amongst them
Item I give & bequeth the Remaining third of my Estate to
be Equally Devided between My Six Cousens viz Mary Soul wife To Micah Soul Mary
Weston wife To Thomas Weston Mary Southworth wife To William Southworth Hannah
Herrenton widdow Elizabeth Southworth Deborah Delino wife To Ruben Delino
Lastly My will is that Elnathan Weston be Sole Executor of
this my Last will and Testament thus hooping that this my Last will &
Testament be Keept & Performed according To the Trew Intent & meaning
thereof I the Said Priscilla Southworth have hereunto Set my hand & Seal
this fifth Day of June Anno Domini one thousand Seven hundred Sixty one
Signd. Sealed & Declared by the aforenamed
her
Priscilla Southworth to be her Last will Priscilla X Southworth (seal)
& Testament in Presence of – mark
William Simmons
Anna Simmons
Jona. Peterson
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1761 by Elnathan Weston, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Willm. Simmons and Jonathan
Peterson, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elnathan Weston, the Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 204-206, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of Thomas
Southworth of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1742) *
In the Name of God Amen, the twenty first day of August One
thousand Seven hundred and two [side note:
probably forty two], I Thomas Southworth of the Town of Duxborough in the
County of Plymo in New England Gentleman having Thoughts of
my Departure from this life: But of
perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be Given to god, therefore Do ordain, this my
Last Will and Testament. That is to Say, My Soul I Recommend into the Hands of
God that gave it; And my body I Recommend to the Earth to be bured at ye
Discretion of my Executors; Nothing doubting but at the great day of Christs
appearance both body and Soul shall be Reunited together again: And as touching
such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life, I
give Devise and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form –
Imprimis, I Give unto my Daughter Hannah Southworth The
widdow of my late son Jedediah Southworth, One hundred pounds and a part of sd
hundred hounds [sic] is one Case of
Draws and a Brass kittle, and the Remainder of sd. hundred pounds in
any of my moveable Estate that she doth See Cause to take after my Estate is
Prized: and I allso further give to my sd. Daughter Hannah the whole
Improvement of all my Estate untill John Southworth my Grandson Shall arrive to
ye. age of twenty and one years or the first Male heir that my
attain to age (of my late sons Children) provided my sd. Daughter
Hannah Remain my son widdow, but if she Shall marry at her Mariage the
improvement of my Estate shall their be for the use of my late son Children:
And when my Grandson John is of age then he shall have one half of all ye.
improvement of my sd. Estate and sd. Hannah the other
half Dureing her Widdowhood.
Imprimis, I Give unto my Grand daughter Deborah Loring a bed
and what furniture that doth now belong unto ye Same with all ye.
wareing Cloaths that my Late wife left as they are now at the house of Joshua
Lorings in Duxborough –
Item, I give to my five Grandsons Lorings the Remainder of my
Houshold Goods that are at sd. Joshua Lorings house to be Equally
Divided amongst them all –
Item I give to my Grandson John Southward Mr.
Willards Exposition on the Catechisms and my Will further is when he Comes of
age that he may purchase the whole or part of my Estate as he shall think
proper as it then may be prized by three sufficient men; & in Case he Die a
Minor, Then my Grandson James shall have the Same privilige of making the like
purchase –
Item, I give to my Grandson James Southworth my best Bible
And then I give all the Remainder of all my Estate both Real and personal in
the Town of Duxborough unto sd five Children of my late Son Jedediah
Southworth And it is to be divided amongst them agreable to the Law of this
Province made for sd Estates of Intestates ~~ I Likewise Constitute make and ordain my said
Daughter Hannah Southworth and Joshua Delano my Executors of this my last will
and Testament, And I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanull all and
Every other former Testaments Wills Legacies and bequests and Executors by me
in any ways before named willed and Bequeathed Ratyfieing and Confirming this
and no other to be my last will and Testament, In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal ye Day and year abovewritten
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and Declared by the sd.
Thomas Southworth as his Last Will and Testament In the Presence of us the
Subscribers –
John Hunt Thomas Southworth (seal)
Joseph Bartlet
Asa Hunt
Presented for probate on 22 Sept. 1742 by the Executors above
named, and proved by Jno Hunt, Joseph Bartlet, and Asa Hunt, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Hannah Southworth, widow,
and Joshua Dellano, housewright, both of Duxborough, on 22 Sept. 1742.
Deacon James Arnold, Samuel Weston, and Moses Sole, all of
Duxborough, were appointed to appraise the estate real and personal of Thomas
Southworth, late of Duxboro., on 22 Sept. 1742. The Inventory was
dated 14 Oct. 1742, and totaled £1230.17.0, including his farm with all the
outlands valued at £886. Joshua Dellano and Hannah Southworth, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 10 Jan. 1742[/43].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, pp. 4-6, 25-27, from FHL
microfilm #0551533.
Will of Capt. Ephraim Spooner of Abington, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
In the Name of God Amen this first Day of November in the
Year of our Lord 1771 I Ephraim Spooner of Abington in the County of Plymouth
in New England Gentm: being weak of Body but of a Perfect Mind &
Memory thanks be given to God therefor calling to Mind the frailty &
Mortallity of my Body & that it is Appointed for all Men once to Die I do
make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner and form following
(Viz) First of all I commit & commend my Soul into the Hands of God that
gave it & my Body to a decent Burial at the discretion of my Executors
hereafter Named And as Touching such Worldly Estate it hath pleased God to
bless me with all I give & dispose of the same after my Debts & Funeral
Charges are first paid by my Executors hereafter named out of my personal
Estate ~
Item, I give & Bequeath unto my loving Wife Mercy Spooner
the Improvement of one third of my Real Estate during the term of her Natural
Life & one Third of all my personal Estate both Indoor & out door to
dispose of as she sees cause for ever after my decease ~
Item I give & Bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Jenkens four
Acres of Swamp Land the Same is one half of the Eight Acres that I bought of
John Howel the Sd. four Acres is bounded as follows Northerly upon
my former Land or Swamp, it being the Northel to her & her Heirs and
Assigns forever & one third part of all my Real & personal Estate
reducting the abovesaid four Acres out of her third part as the four Acres is
now Worth at this date I give to her & her Heirs & Assigns for ever
after my decease excepting what I gave to my Wife in this Will of mine ~
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Spooner one
third Part of all my Real & Personal to her & Heirs & Assigns for
ever after my decease Excepting what I gave to my Wife in this Will of mine
before —
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Ruth Spooner one
third part of all my Estate both real & personal to her & her Heirs
& Assigns forever after my decease excepting what I have given to my Wife
in this Will of mine
And last I do hereby Nominate Constitute & Appoint David
Jenkens Junr. of Abington & my Wife Mary Spooner to be Executors
of this my last Will and Testament And I the Sd. Ephraim Spooner do
here by declaring & making Void all other & former Wills by me made and
in Testimony of this being my last Will & Testament I have hereunto Set my
Hand & Seal the Day & Year first before within written~
Sign’d Sealed Published
and pronounced & declared by me
the Sd. Ephraim Spooner to be his last
Will & Testament in presence of us
Whitcomb Pratt
Benoni Gurney Ephraim Spooner (seal)
Thos. Wilks
Presented for probate on 3 Feb. 1777 by David Jenkens Junr.
and Mary Spooner, the Executors therein named, and proved by Benoni Gurney and
Thos. Wilks, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to David Jenkens Junr and Mary Spooner, the before named
Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Capt. Ephraim
Spooner, late of Abington, was appraised on 7 Apr. 1777 by Thomas Wilks, Benoni
Gurney, and Daniel Shaw, and totaled £996.1.0, including his home, barn and
land valued at £664.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 261-264, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will and Codicil of Nathaniel Spooner of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Nathaniel Spooner of
First—after
all my just debts are paid I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Mary
Spooner the whole of my estate both real and personal in Plymouth aforesaid
& elsewhere, wherever the same may be found, excepting the legacies
hereafter named, which I give & bequeath to my children.
Second—I
give & bequeath to each one of my children the sum of five dollars to be
paid to each one of them in six months after my decease by my Executrix
hereafter named—viz. to my Son Nathaniel Spooner five dollars—to my son Bourn
Spooner five dollars, to my Son William Spooner five dollars, to my daughter
Deborah Russell five dollars, to my son John Adams Spooner five dollars, to my
son Charles Walter Spooner five dollars, to my son Thomas Spooner five dollars,
to my daughter Mary Spooner five dollars, to my son Horatio Nelson Spooner five
dollars, & to my daughter Esther Shaw Spooner five dollars. These legacys
above named I give & bequeath to my said children.
Lastly
I do constitute & appoint my beloved wife Mary to be Sole Executrix to this
my last Will & Testament, & I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
second day of January AD one thousand eight hundred & seventeen —
Signd
Seald & declared to be his
last will & Testament in
presence of us Nathl Spooner (seal)
Charles
Marcy
Priscilla
Cotton
Rosseter
Cotton
This Codicil to my last Will &
Testament made this 29th day of September AD 1821. Whereas I have
given to my wife Mary my whole estate I except the right in what estate she may
have at her decease of mine & which may be divided amongst my children of
baring them from bringing any accounts or demands against my estate, if they
do, it is to be deducted out of their shares of my estate which I have given my
said wife. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day
abovesaid.
Signd
Seald and declared to be a codicil to my last Will &
Testament in presence of us
John
Bassett Nathl Spooner (seal)
Roland
E. Cotton
Rosseter
Cotton
Presented for probate on 20 Mar. 1826 by Mary Spooner, the
Executrix therein named, the will proved by Charles Marcy & Rosseter
Cotton, the witnesses, and the codicil proved by Roland E. Cotton &
Rosseter Cotton, the witnesses, administration granted unto Mary Spooner, the
Executrix therein named.
James Spooner, Ellis Holmes & Wm. S. Ripley,
al of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Spooner of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1762) *
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Spooner of Plimouth In the
County of Plimouth Cordwinder being Advanced in years and Not Knowing the Day
of my Death and haveing a mind To Settle my Worldly Estate before I dye Do make
& ordain this To be my Last will & Testament.
Imprs. I Commend My Soul to the Everlasting Mercy
of god that gave it and My body To a Decent burial humbly Praying for a
glorious Resurrection Thro Jesus Crist – And as To my worldly Estate after my
Just Debts & Funeral Charges are Paid I give & bequeth the Same in
manner followg
1 I Give To my beloved
Wife Sarah the use & Improvement of all my Estate In Plimouth or Elymouth
or Else where both Real & Personal During the Time of her widdow hood for
her Comfortable Subsistance & Support & Support And if She Should Marry
again I give her the one Third of My Moveble Estate to be at her Dispose and
also the use & Improve ment and also the use & Improvement of one Third
part of my Real Estate during her Natural Life as her full Right of Dowry
2 Whereas my four
Eldest Children Ebenezer Patience Thomas & Sarah have had of me Somthing at
their Marage & have Sence there Marage Use & Improved Some Part of my
Estate I Give To Each of my Two youngest Children Viz Jane & Ephraim Twenty
Pounds Lawfull money apece to be Set of to them out of my Estate at my wifes
marrage or Deceas before the Said Estate be Devided
3 I Give & bequeth
the Remainder of My Estate both Real & Personal to be Equally divided among
my Six Children that is To Say Ebenezer Patience Thomas & Sarah Jane &
Ephram to Them their heirs and assigns forever They To Come into Possession
Part of Said Premeses at my wifes Marrage, and of the Rest at her Decese
Lastly, I nominate & Appoint My well beloved wife Sarah
& my three Sons Ebenr. Thomas & Ephram To be Exrs.
of this My Last will & Testament Hereby Revokeing & Disannuling All
former Wills by me made In Testimony & Confirmation of all which I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 29th. Day of Feby.
AD one thousand Seven hundred & Sixty two 1762
Singd. Seald. & Declared to be his Thomas Spooner (seal)
Last will & Testament In Presen
Of Nathan
Delino
John
Cotton
Hannah
Cotton
Presented for probate on 28 Apr.
1763 by Ebenezer Spooner, Thomas Spooner, and Ephram Spooner, the Executors
therein named, and proved by John Cotton Esqr. and Hannah Cotton,
two of the witnesses. Administration was granted unto Ebenezer, Thomas and
Ephram, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr.
Thos. Spooner late of Plimouth, was appraised on 18 May 1763 by
James Hovey, Jonathan Diman, and Silvanus Bartlett, and totaled £715.6.8,
including his real estate which totaled £635.6.8. Ebenezer Spooner, Thomas
Spooner, and Ephraim Spooner, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory
on 20 Aug. 1763.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, pp. 433-434, 489, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of William
Spooner of
March
8th, 1683
The Last will & Testament of William Spooner being aged
& weake of body but yet in perfect understanding & memory wherein I
have disposed of my estate as followeth
Imprmis I give unto my son John Spooner that
thirty acres of land where he now dwelleth with Twenty acres more to be added
thereunto at ye north Division of Dartmouth Lands to him his heirs
& assignes for ever, also I give unto my grandson one forth part of a share
of all ye undivided lands in ye Township of Dartmouth
with two acres of my three acres of good meadow Lying on ye west
side of Sconticutt neck at ye entrnit[?] in yt ye
neck to him his heirs & assignes for ever. also I give ye bed
which I now lodge on unto my aforesaid Grandson; also I give unto my son
Ebenezer Spooner eight pounds to be paid unto him three years after my Decease
in good currant pay also I give unto my Son Isaac five shillings; also I give
unto my son in Law John Sherman my great Coat & unto my Daughter Sarah
Sherman I give one Cow; also I give unto my Daughter Martha Whing on Cow: also
I give unto my Daughter Hanah & her son Josua one Cow or the value of a
Cow. I give also unto my Daughter Mercy to be Delivered unto her two years
after my Decease, also I give & bequeath unto my Son Samuell aforesaid my
house & ye Seat of land be Longing to it both upland &
meadow Containing fourty acres more or less with one acre of my three acres of
good meadow lying on ye west side of Sconticutt aforesaid unto him
his heires & assignes for ever: Also I give all ye rest of my
upland already laid out with one fourth part of a share of all undevided lands
except that twenty acres I give unto my Son John as aforesaid to be equally
Devided between my Son Samuell & my Son William to them their heires &
assignes for ever: also I give ye rest of my neat cattell to be
equally Devided amogst my two three sons John Samuell &
William, also all ye remainder of my Layed out meadow I give
to be equally Devided amongst my three Sons John Samuell & william to them
& their heirs for ever; also I give all my houshold goods of all sorts to
be equally Devided amongst my Son Samuell & my Daughter Hanah & my
Daughter Mercy: also I make my Son Samuell my Sole executor and I have made
choyce of my two friends Seth Pope & Thomas Tabor for my overseers to see
this my Will performed.
Signed & sealed in ye presence of William
Spooner X his mark
John Jenney his X
mark &
(seal)
Thomas Tabor
March ye 14th 1683: The Inventory of ye
Lands, goods & Chattels of William Spooner of the Towne of
[Totaled £201.15.0, including his house & land valued at
£150.0]
Taken by us ye Day & year above written
Seth Pope P his
marke
Thomas Tabor
on
ye oath of Samuell Spooner
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer W. Sprague of Middletown, Delaware County, New York (1897) *
In the Name of God,
Amen, I, Ebenezer W Sprague of Middletown Delaware County New York being of
sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this life, do
therefore make, ordain, publish and declare, this to be my last Will and
Testament. That is to say, First, after all my lawful debts are paid and
discharged, I give and bequeath to Olivia A Joslyn My daughter all of my
personal property of every name and nature except $50.00 which I direct the
Executrix to hold for my grand dauter Effel Olivia Sprague till she become 21
years old and then said $50.00 I dirct to be paid to said grand daughter also I
give and bequeath to my son Edwin O. Sprague the sum of one dollar
Likewise I make, constitute and appoint Olivia Joslyn to be
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal, the
17th day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and
Ninety Seven
his
Witness, Ebenezer X W Sprague (seal)
mark
The
above instrument, consisting of one sheet, was at the date thereof subscribed
by Ebenezer W Sprague the Testator named in the foregoing Will, in the presence
of us and each of us, and at the time of making such subscription the above
instrument was declared by the said Testator to be his last Will and Testament,
and each of us, at the request of said Testator and in his presence, and in the
presence of each other, signed our names as witnesses thereto, at the end of
the Will.
Edwin A. More Residing
at Middletown Del. Co. N.Y.
H. O. Van Bruschoten Residing
at Middletown Del Cou NY
Olivia A. Josselyn was granted Letters Testamentary on the
estate of Ebenezer W. Sprague, late of Middletown, on 7 Mar. 1898.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Wills Vol. Q, p. 341-342, from FHL
microfilm #0833517, and Letters Testamentary Vol. J, p. 37.
Will of John
Sprague of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1739) *
Know all Men by these Preasants that I John Sprague Senr
of Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay in New England Husbandman being very Weak and Sick in Body, but of Perfect
Mind and Memory Thanks be given to Almighty God therefor, Calling to minde the
Mortallity of my Body, and that it is appointed for all Men once to Dye, do
upon Serious thought and Consideration make & Ordain these Preasants to be
my last Will & Testament in manner and form following to remain firm and
Inviolable forever ~ Imprimis I Recomend my Soul into the Hands of the Almighty
God the Father of Spirits who gave it, and my Body I Recomend to the Earth to
be Decently Buried in Christian Manner at the Discretion of my Executors herein
after Named in hopes of a Beter Resurection thrô my Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ ~ And as Touching all such Worldly and Temporall Estate wherewith it
hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give, Demise, and Dispose thereof
in the following manner and form—vizt
First my Will is that all my Just Debts, & Funerall
Charges be payed and Discharged.
Item
I give unto my Eldest Son John Sprague all my Wearing Apparrell. Item I give
unto my Son Peleg Sprague a Red Cow
Item
I give unto my Son Abijah Sprague one halfe of the whole of the Farm of Land
whereon I now Dwell—both upland and meadow and Meadow land with one halfe of
all the Houseing, Fenceing and Orchard thereon & thereunto belonging and
also one halfe of all other Use, Profits, Priveliges and Appurtenances thereof,
and thereunto belonging, to him the sd Abijah Sprague, his Heirs and
Assigns forever provided He, or theay pay all the abovesd Debts
& Funerall charges
Item.
I give unto my Daughter Bethiah Curtis the Wife of David Curtis one Cow
Item I give unto my Daughter
Rebeckah Arnold the Wife of Ezra Arnold five Pounds to be paid out of my
Personall Estate.
Item.
I give to my Daughter Joanna Arnold the Wife of James Arnold five Pounds to be
paid out of my ~ Personall Estate.
Item.
I give to my Daughter Lusanna Sprague one Bed with all the Furniture thereto
belonging it being the Bed whereon I Usually Lodge
Item.
I give to my Daughter Aseneth Sprague one Bed with all the Beding and furniture
thereto belonging
Item.
I give to my two abovenamed Daughters viz Lusanna Sprague and Aseneth Sprague
my Biggest Brass Kettle equally between them.
Item.
I give to my two Sons vizt John Sprague & Peleg Sprague two
young Heifers Equally between them. of a Year & Vantage old
Item.
I give to my Son Abijah Sprague my old Mare also two young Cattle being a
Yearling and a Calfe
Item.
I give to my two Sons vizt Peleg Sprague and Abijah Sprague my Colt
equally between them being more than a year old
Item.
I give to my three Sons, vizt John Sprague, Peleg Sprague and Abijah
Sprague all my Swine to be Equally divided among them.
Item.
All the Residue of my Moveable Estate I give to my abovementioned Daughters vizt
Bethiah Curtis, Rebeckah Arnold, and Joanna Arnold, Lusanna Sprague and Aseneth
Sprague to be Equally Divided among them.
Item.
I do hereby Constitute, Ordain make and Appoint my two Sons vizt
John Sprague and Peleg Sprague to be Sole Executors of this my last Will and
Testament. & I do hereby Utterly Disallow revoak and Disanull, all and
every other and former Wills and Testaments by Me heretofore made; Ratifieing
this and no Other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my
Hand and Seal the Twenty Seventh Day of November in the Year of our Lord God,
one Thousand Seven Hundred and thirty nine
Signd Seald
published pronounced John Sprague (seal)
and Declared by the sd
John
Sprague to be his last Will and
Testament in Preasance of
us the Subscribers
Moses Soul
John Samson
John Wadsworth
Proved on 7 Jan. 1739[/40] by Moses
Soul, John Samson, and John Wadsworth, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of John
Sprague, late of Duxborough, was appraised by Moses Soul, Edwd.
Arnold and Saml. Weston on 15 Jan. 1739[/40], not totaled, but his
farm was valued at £430.0. Peleg Sprague, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 4 Jan. 1739[/40] [sic-Feb.?].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Sprague of Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God Amen,
the Eighth day of November in the Year of our Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred and fourty Eight, I Jonathan Sprague of Bridgwater in
the County of Plimouth in NewEngland Housewright, being in Health and of
Perfect and Disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God therefor, and calling
to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men Once
to dye Do Ordain and make this my last Will and Testament, That is to Say,
Principally and first of all I Give and Recommend my Soul to God who Gave it
Hoping thro’ the Merrits, Death & Passion of Jesus Christ, to have full and
free parden of all my Sins and to inherit everlasting Life, and my body I
committ to the Earth to be Decently interred @ the Discretion of my Execr.
and Executrix hereafter named, nothing Doubting but @ the Generall Resurrection
I shall Receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God, and as Touching such
Worldly Estate as it hath Pleased God to Bless me in this Life, I give and
Dispose of the Same in the following manner and form, that is to say, In the first place my Will is that all my
Lawfull and Honest Debts be Discharged in a convenient Time after my decease by
my Execr. hereafter named,
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my well=beloved wife Lydia, the
whole Improvment of my Homstead during her Widow=hood or @ Least till my Son
Benjamin Shall arrive to the age of Twenty One Years, and after that one third
of said Improvmt, During her naturall Life,
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Lydia the wife of
James Keith, Twenty five Shillings lawfull money to be paid by my Said Executor
when he Shall arrive to the age of Twenty One Years,
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah ye
wife of Solomon Bates twenty five Shillings lawfull Money to be paid by my said
Execr. when he Shall arrive to the age aforesaid,
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Jonathan five Shillings
Lawfull money to be paid by my said Execr. when shall arrive to the
age aforesaid, having already given to my my said Son Jonathan a Deed, of my
Interest of Lands @ Providence, tho’ I have Since purchas’d them of him again
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary the wife of
Nathan Edson the sum of fifteen pence lawfull money to be paid by my said
Executor when he shall come of age
Item, I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughters Constant &
Metty+ all my Indoore moveables to be equally Divided between them
after my wife’s decease
Item I Give unto my
Son John Twenty five Shillings Lawfull money to be paid by my said Executor @
the Time aforesd
Item I Give and
Bequeath unto my Son Benjamin all my Homestead, to him his heirs and Assigns
forever, also I give unto him all my Carpenters Tools, and all of my out of
Door Moveables excepting One Cow, also I give unto him a Striped Silk Blankett
& a fustian Blankett, whom I appoint to be Executor with my said wife of
this my last Will and Testament,
Further I Give unto my said wife One Cow, and do appoint her
to be the Executrix (with my said Son Benjamin) Of this my Last Will and
Testament, and do Hereby utterly disalow, revoke & Disanull all and every
Other former Testaments, Wills & Legacies Bequests and Execrs.
and Exeurxs. by me in any wise before this Time made Willed and
Bequeathed, Ratifying and Confirmg this and No Other to be my last
Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal
the day and Year Abovesaid,
Signed Sealed, Published pronounced Jonathan Sprague
and Declared by the said Jonathan
Sprague to be his last Will & Testamt,
In Presence of us ~~
Josiah Edson Junr.
Eleazer Carver
John Washburn
Presented for probate on 3 May 1756 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by Josiah Edson Esqr. and Eleazer Carver, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to his Widow Lydia
Sprague and his Son Benjamin Sprague, the Executors, on 3 May 1756.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 137-139, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
+ Her name recorded as Betty in her birth record.
Will of Nathaniel
Sprague of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1797)
*
In the name of God Amen. The fourth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred & ninety seven. I Nathaniel
Sprague of Rochester in the county of Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Esqr. being of sound & disposing mind and memory,
yet calling to mind the mortality of man, and that it is appointed to all
mankind once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament. And
first and principally, I give and bequeath my immortal spirit to God my
creator, preserver & redeemer, and my body to the earth, from whence it was
taken, to be buried in a decent & christian manner, at the discretion of my
Executor herein after named & appointed. And as touching that portion of
worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me, I do dispose of it in
the following manner & form, that is to say
Imprimis. I Give and
bequeath to my well beloved wife, Elisabeth Sprague, the use & improvement
of the two south or front rooms, in my dwelling house, together with the
chambers over them; and the free use of the kitchin, the well, and the yard
round the house, so long as she shall continue my widow, and also the annual
Rent of the whole of the remaining part of my real estate in sd.
Rochester, to be rented and hired out as herein after directed for ye
same term.
I also give &
bequeath to my said wife, the use & improvement of all my personal Estate
of whatever nature or kind (after taking out such articles as are herein,
hereafter particularily given away, and after the payment of all my just debts
& funeral charges, and the expence of settling my estate) for the same
term.
and if my said widow should marry again, it is my will that
she should have the Interest of the proceeds of one third part of what my said
real estate shall be sold for, (as is herein, hereafter provided for) during
the term of her natural life, as also the one half of the personal estate,
after taking out the particular articles herein after given away, as aforesaid,
and the payment of my just debts, funeral charges, & the charges of
settling the estate; or the value of them, if they are before that time sold by
my Executors—the same to be hers, her heirs & assigns forever. And it is my
will, that my Executors lease out my real Estate in Rochester, on such terms
& on such conditions during the widowhood of my said wife as their
discretion shall direct them, she to recieve the rents thereof, as aforesaid.—
And it is further my will, that, directly after the decease or marriage of my
said wife, my Executors proceed to make Sale of my said estate in Rochester, in
such way & manner, and on such terms, as they shall conceive will be most
advantageous to the legatees, to whom the proceeds of such Sale is herein after
bequeathed – one third part of which, if my said widow is married, is to be
taken & put out at Interest on good security, and the Interest paid to her
as aforesaid, during her natural life
Item – I Give and
bequeath to Nathaniel Sprague Spooner, Son of Seth Spooner of New Bedford,
Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles, Son of Major Elisha Ruggles, & to Nathaniel
Sprague, Son of Peleg Sprague of Keen in the State of New Hampshire, Esqr.
to be divided equally among them, the whole of the proceeds of the Sale of my
real estate in Rochester, to be sold as aforesaid, and after the decease of my
widow, the said one third to be equally divided among them.— It is also my
will, that my Executors sell the real estate which I own in the town of New
Bedford, in such manner as they shall think most advantageous, and that the
money be put to the uses herein after mentioned
Item – I Give and
bequeath to Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles (if the real estate which I own in New
Bedford, as aforesaid, shall be sold by my Executors, as aforesaid, for as much
as Five Hundred Dollars) the sum of one Hundred Dollars, out of the proceeds of
said Sale, Said hundred dollars to be put out at use by my Executors on good
Security, and the Interest paid annually to Polly Ruggles, the present wife of
Major Elisha Ruggles, so long as she liveth, and if she should die before the
said Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles arrives to the age of twenty one years, then the
said Hundred Dollars to be kept at Interest as aforesaid untill he shall arrive
at the age of twenty one years, at which period the said Sum, both principal
& Interest, is to be delivered to the said Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles;–
But if the said
Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles should be of the age of twenty one years or upwards,
at the death of the said Polly Ruggles, then at the death of the said Polly the
Said Hundred Dollars to be paid to the said Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles
Item – I Give &
bequeath to Nathaniel Clap my nephew (provided the aforesaid real estate shall
be sold for the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, as aforesaid) Thirty three Dollars
& one third of a Dollar out of the proceeds of such Sale, to him, his heirs
& assigns forever
Item – It is my will
that if Kezia Luce, the wife of Stephen Luce, shall for her first child have a
Son, and that son shall be named Francis Sprague, or, if for her first child
she hath a Daughter, and that Daughter shall be named Ruth Sprague, that in
either of these cases, my Executors shall take one Hundred Dollars out of the
proceeds of the Sale of my real estate in New Bedford as aforesaid (provided
said estate shall have been sold for Five Hundred Dollars, as aforesaid) &
put it out at interest on good security the annual Interest of which shall be
paid to the said Kezia during her natural life, and after her death, if her
oldest child is a Son, so named as aforesaid, if the said son shall be of the
age of twenty one years &upwards, the Said Hundred Dollars to be paid to
him;—but if the oldest child of the said Kezia be a Daughter, & named as
aforesaid, and be of the age of eighteen years & upwards at the death of
the said Kezia, the said Hundred Dollars to be paid to the said Daughter;— but
if her oldest child be a son so named as aforesaid, and shall be under the age
of twenty one years at the death of his mother, my Executors are to put the
said Hundred Dollars at Interest, on good Security, from the death of the said
Kezia untill the said Son shall arrive at the age of twenty one years — at
which time the said sum & Interest shall be paid to the said Son — and if
the oldest child of the said Kezia should be a Daughter, & at the death of
her mother should be under the age of eighteen years, then my Executors are to
put the said Hundred Dollars at Interest from the death of the said Kezia, on
good security, and when ye. said Daughter arrives at the age of
eighteen years, Said Sum & Interest to be paid to her
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my Sister Mrs. Lucy Haskell the wife of Mr.
Micah Haskell, my Silver Watch, which was my brother’s, and Ten Dollars in
money, to be paid out of the proceeds of my Personal Estate by my Executors, in
one year after my decease
Item – It is my will
that, as soon as may be convenient after my decease, my Executors proceed to
make sale of all my live Stock, & all my farming utensills, in such way
& manner, as they may think most expedient & beneficial. And it is
further my will that such of the houshold furniture as my wife shall think she
does not want for present use in the house, be sold by my Executors, as they
shall think proper
Item – I Give and
bequeath to the aforesaid Nathaniel Sprague Spooner, Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles,
& Nathaniel Sprague, one half of my personal estate which shall remain
after the decease of my widow; and if either of them die before they come into
possession thereof, their respective shares in the same are to be disposed of
in the same manner as is provided in this will for the real estate herein
bequeathed to them
Item – I Give and
bequeath to Dorothy Spooner, Daughter of my good friend Seth Spooner of New
Bedford Esqr. twenty Dollars
Item – I Give &
bequeath to Ruth Spooner, Sally Spooner & Jane Spooner, Daughters of my
good friend Alden Spooner Esqr. twenty Dollars to each of them
Item – It is my
will, that if the aforesaid Nathaniel Sprague, son of Peleg, should die,
leaving no issue, that then what is in this will bequeathed to him, is to go in
equal shares to his brothers & sisters, if any he have, in want of which,
to go to his father Peleg Sprague Esqr.
Item – It is further
my will, that if the aforesaid Nathl. Sprague Spooner should die
before he arrives at the age of twenty one years, then whatever is given to him
in this will, is to be equally divided amongst his brothers & Sisters
Item – It is
furthermore my will, that if the aforesaid Nathl Sprague Ruggles
should die before he arrives at the age of twenty one years, then what money
there is given to him in this will, is to be kept at Interest for the use of
his mother, during her life, and after her decease to be equally divided
amongst her children
Item – It is my
will, that if the said real estate in New Bedford, should be sold by my
Executors, as aforesaid, for a less sum than Five hundred Dollars, in that
case, the bequest of one hundred Dollars to the use of the wife of Major
Ruggles, as aforesaid, Remainder to Nathaniel Sprague Ruggles, shall be in full
force notwithstanding—as shall also the bequest of one hundred Dollars to the
use of the wife of Stephen Luce, Remainder to her Son & daughter, so particularily
named; and in case the said Kezia has no son or daughter, then the aforesaid
hundred dollars to be to the said Kezia, her heirs & assigns.– and also,
that the aforesaid Nathaniel Clap shall have & recieve of my Executors,
what I have bequeathed to him in this will, whether my real estate at New
Bedford be Sold for more or less
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my good friend, Enoch Cundel (who has ever been ready to oblige me,
and who has been particularily kind and attentive to me in my present Sickness)
twenty dollars, to be paid to him by my Executors, within one year after my
decease
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my good friend & kinsman, Theophilus Pitcher, thirty dollars,
to be paid him in the same time & manner as the legacy last mentioned
Item – It is
furthermore my will, that my Executors pay my just debts & funeral charges
out of my personal estate, & that the remainder of the proceeds of the Sale
of my real estate, in New Bedford, after the sums already appropriated out of
it, & the payment of Legacies given in this will, be equally divided
amongst the three legatees of the money arising from the Sale of my real estate
in Rochester; and on the death of either of them, that it be disposed of in the
same manner, as the legacies of the said money arising from the Sale of the
said real estate in Rochester. –
Item. I do hereby
constitute & appoint my wife, Elisabeth Sprague, Alden Spooner of New
Bedford in the County of Bristol Esqr. & Seth Spooner of the
said New Bedford Esqr. joint Executors of this my last will &
testament; and I do hereby revoke all wills heretofore made by me, and
establish this as my last will & testament.—In testimony of which, I do
hereunto Set my hand & Seal, the day & date above mentioned—noting at
the same time, that the words–“of my widow” in the second page fourteenth line
from the top, were interlined before the signing and Sealing hereof
Signed Sealed Pronounced and de-
clared by the said Nathl. Sprague Esqr. Nathaniel Sprague (seal)
as his last will & testament ye day
above mentioned, in presence of us
whose names are hereunto subscribed
Jonathan
Moore
James
Perry
Mary
Perry
To the Honble Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of Probate
of wills &c. for the County of Plymouth.—It being inconvenient to me, to
execute the duty of one of the Executors to this last will & testament of
my late husband, Nathaniel Sprague Esqr. of Rochester deceased, I
hereby signify & declare to your Honr. my refusal of that
appointment & trust
Rochester Feb. 25th. 1797 Elisabeth Sprague
Presented for probate on 20 Jan. 1797 by Alden Spooner and
Seth Spooner Esqrs. two of the Executors therein named, and proved
by Jonathan Moore and James Perry, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Alden Spooner and Seth Spooner (Elisabeth Sprague, the other
Executor in said will named having refused the said Trust), the before named
Executors.
Abraham Holmes Esqr., Elisha Ruggles Esqr.,
and Enoch Cundell, yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Noah Sprague of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen. The Twentieth Day of July 1773 I
Noah Sprague of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Esqr. being in
an Advanced Age but of a Sound & disposeing Mind & Memory and knowing
it is Appointed for all men to Dye Do make & ordain this my Last Will and
Testament Recomending my Soul to God that gave it & my Body to the Earth to
be Buried in decent Christian Burial at the Discression of my Executor – And as
to such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me with I give
& dispose of the Same in the Following manner & form –
Imprimis My Will is
that my Just Debts Funeral Charges & the Settlement of my Estate be first
paid out of my Moneys.
Item My Will is that
my beloved Wife Sarah Sprague be Indowed in my Estate as the Law directs were
it left Intestate & Furthermore I give her my Great Bible Looking-Glass
Gold Buttons & two Silver Spoons.
Item My Will is that
if my Son Alden Sprague ever returns Home (who hath been gone more than Twenty
Years Since we have had any Inteligence from him) my Executor shall pay him the
Principle & Interest of Twenty Six Pounds Lawfull Money from the Date of
the Deed I give to one Joseph Clark by order of the General Court. This being
Security to the Sd. Alden for the Payment of Sd. Sum
& in case as afored. I Give & bequeath to my Sd.
Son Alden Forty Shillings to be paid him by my Executor out of my Moneys &
the Twenty Six Pounds aforsd. & Intrest to be paid him when
Returnd Home as I Shall hereafter order
Item I hereby Give and
Bequeath to my Son Samuel Sprague his Heirs & Assigns all my Uper Farm (so
called) that is contained in Experience Holmes’s Deed to me & my Right in
the Minestree Farm so Called where the Revd. Mr. Thomas
West lives in Dartmouth he Sd Samuel Clearing the Same from all
Arrearages Contracted by me. Also one half my Salt Meadow at Charles Neck so
Called. And my share of Land in Rochester Propriety being William Pebody’s
Share at first Viz the Granted Land to Said Share not heretofore laid out or
disposed off And all the Lands & Priveledges belonging to Sd.
Share Forward of the Thirty Two Acre Grant & my Two Volms. of
Shaws Justice & my Silver hilted Sword & a Silver Spoon
Item My Will is &
I hereby Give & Bequeath to my Grand Sons Namly Peleg Sprague Alden Sprague
Paul Sprague & Nathaniel Sprague Sons of my Son Noah Sprague Deceased their
Heirs & Assigns in Equal Partnership my Homsted Farm Adjoyning together
with the Appurtinances & half my Salt Meadow at Charles Neck so Called
& in case either of them Decease without Lawfull Issue their Rights Shall
decend to the Surviveing Breathern Also my wearing Apparel & my Husbandry
Tooles & Tackling in equal Partnership & in Particular to Said Peleg my
writing Desk to Sd. Alden my French Gun to Sd. Paul my
Long Gun & to Sd. Nathll. A Yearling Heifer &
also I Give to my Grand Daughter Hannah Sprague their Sister a Silver Spoon
My Will is & I hereby Give & Bequeath to my Son John
Sprague his Heirs And Assigns Thirty Pounds Money out of my [page cut off]
& also my Peice of Cedar Swamp I bought of Daniel Hunt Linging in Dartmouth
& one Silver Spoon
Item my Will is & I hereby Give & bequeath to my Two
Daughters Alathea Spooner & Elizabeth Pitchers all my Indoor Moveables not
other wise Disposed off Dowry & Securities for Money Exepted also) Equaly
Between them with this Saving that Elizabeth take the High Case of Drawers in
the Great Chamber before Division & ten Pounds Each to be Paid them out of
my Securities for Money One Year after my Decease
Item My Will is & I hereby Give & bequeath to my
Daughter in Law Mercy Sprague One Cow
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Sons Samuel & John &
my Four Grandsons abovesd. all my Estate Real Personel or Mixt not
herein before Disposed off the Sd. Four Grandsons to have one Third
part equaly between them they Respectively with the Said Samuel & John
Paying what is Above Assigned to my Sd. Son Alden upon his Returning
Home out of the Same my Books Excpted & divided among my Surviveing
Children
Fininal I hereby Constitute & Apoint my son Samuel
Sprague Sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament Avouch this & no
other to be so
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal
the Day & Year first above Written
Signed Seald. Publishd. & Declared
by the Sd. Noah Sprague as Noah Sprague (seal)
his Last Will & Testament
In the Presence of us Witnesses
Thomas Whitredge
Melatiah White
Seth Blackwell
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1773 by Samuel Sprague of
Rochester Esqr the Executor therein named, and proved by Thomas
Whitredg and Seth Blackwell, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Samuel Sprague, the Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 568-570, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Samuel Sprague of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
October the 2d. Anno Domini 1757. I Samuel Sprague
of Duxboro’ in the county of Plymouth in the province of the Massa.Bay
in NewEngd. husbandman knowing that it is appointed for all men once
to die do make & ordain this my last will & Testament. That is to say,
I give unto my wife Bethiah Sprague a third of my farm during her natural life
& one third of my moveable estate & what money she has in her own
keeping. Item. I give unto my two sons Samll. Sprague & Phinehas
Sprague my farm which I now live on in Duxborough to them their heirs &
assigns forever. Item. I give to my daughter Sarah Alden one third of my
moveable Estate. –
Item. I give unto my daughter Bethiah Sprague the other third
of my moveables & to her four children. Also I make & ordain my two
sons Samuel Sprague & Phinehas my Executors to this my will.
Signed Sealed & declared to be his last Samll. Sprague (seal)
will & Testament in Prescence of
James Sprague, James Sprague 3rd. Sarah Sprague. ~
February 28. 1764. These sen lines to let Yr. honr.
know that I cant well attend to be Executor upon my fathers last will &
testamt.
Phinehas Sprague.
Presented for probate on 2 June 1764 by Samll.
Sprague, the Execr. therein named, the other Excr. viz
Phinehas Sprague renouncing the Executorship, and proved by James Sprague and
James Sprague 3rd, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Samll. Sprague, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Sprague, late of
Duxborough, was appraised on 5 Apr. 1764 by Jonathan Peterson, Abner Weston,
and Benjamin Snow, and totaled £397.8.8, including his homestead farm valued at
£397.8.8, including his homestead farm valued at £306.13.4. The Executor gave
his oath to the inventory on 24 Apr. 1764.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 85-86, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Seth Sprague of Duxbury, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
In the
name of God, Amen, I, Seth Sprague of Duxbury, in the County of Plymouth, and
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being old and infirm in body, but of
sound mind, blessed be God for the same, I do make and ordain this my last will
and testament and hereby revoke and make null and void all former wills and
testaments, and first I give my soul and body to be deposited in my family tomb
nigh the Methodist meeting house in Duxbury. And I hereby order and direct that
my Executor hereafter mentioned cause to be erected around said tomb an iron
railing, and a tomb stone to be placed in such a situation as they may think
proper, on which shall be engraven my age and the age of my wife, and the time
of our decease. As touching the earthly property which God has given me, I give
and bequeath unto the children of my deceased daughter Deborah, as follows: To
Selina Sampson, Catharine Ford, Alexander Wadsworth, and Miranda Drew – ten
dollars to each one, and to Deborah Wadsworth I give five hundred dollars. I give
and bequeath unto the children of my departed son William – ten dollars to each
one. I give and bequeath unto the children of my deceased daughter Ruth ten
dollars to each one. I give and bequeath unto the children of my deceased
daughter Lucy, ten dollars to each one. I give and bequeath unto the children
of my deceased daughter Judith ten dollars to each one. I give and bequeath
unto the children of my deceased daughter Marcy, ten dollars to each one. I
hereby give and bequeath unto my son Phineas, one hundred dollars, I hereby
give to my son Peleg one hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath to my
daughter Caroline fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath unto my
daughter Wealthy Fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath unto my
daughter Sarah fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath unto my
daughter Hannah fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath unto my
daughter Nancy fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and bequeath unto my
adopted daughter Sophia Sprague fifteen hundred dollars. I hereby give and
bequeath unto my son Seth, my homestead farm. All my beds, bedding, and
household furniture, I give and bequeath unto my daughters that may be living
at the time of my decease, including my adopted daughter Sophia Sprague in
equal Shares. All the residue or remainder of my estate, real and personal, not
herein or otherwise disposed of, I give and bequeath unto my son Seth. And I
hereby appoint my son Seth, and my son-in-law William H. Sampson joint
executors to this my last will and testament. And whereas I now hold several
notes of hand against against my sons Phineas, and Seth, my will is, that if
any of them remain unpaid at my decease, that the same be appraised as a part
of my estate, collected and distributed in paying the legacies directed in this
my last will and testament. And I do hereby order and direct that the several
sums of money mentioned in this my last will and testament be paid by my
Executors to the several persons mentioned within one year after my decease.
And I hereby declare this to be my last last will and testament. In witness
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of
February in the year of our Lod one thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Seth Sprague to be his last
will and testament in presence of us the subscribers, who in his presence at
his request and in the presence of each other have here unto set our names as
witnesses.
Joshua
W. Hathaway
Saml.
Knowles Jr. Seth Sprague (seal)
Silvanus
Sampson Jr.
I decline the trust of Executor of the within will.
Wm
H. Sampson.
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of Aug. 1847 by
Seth Sprague, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by Joshua W.
Hathaway and Samuel Knowles Jr., two of the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Seth Sprague, one of
the executors therein named.
Seth Sprague, of Duxbury, was appointed as Executor of the
Estate of Seth Sprague, late of Duxbury, on 31 Aug. 1847, with William H.
Sampson and Charles Soule, both of Duxbury, as sureties.
No inventory or accounting of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 89, p. 364-367, from FHL microfilm #0555639, and Vol. 1G, p. 472.
Will of Uriah Sprague of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
In the name of God
Amen—I Uriah Sprague of Duxbury in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, do hereby make and ordain the following to be my last Will and
Testament – that is to say –
First. I give and bequeath to my son Eden Sprague (if living,
or if not then in that case to his lawful children) the sum of fifty cents to
be divided equally.
Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Alathea Sprague the
sum of fifty cents.
Also – I give and bequeath to my daughter Lurana Freeman, the
wife of Weston Freeman the sum of fifty cents.
Also – I give and bequeath to the children of my late
daughter Betsey Smith, and the former wife of Jacob Smith the sum of fifty
cents to be divided equally between them.
Also – I give and bequeath to my daughter Lydia Sprague, who
has always lived with me and taken prudent care of myself and property, all the
residue of my estate both Real and personal, which I may leave at my decease,
after the payment of my just Debts and the Legacies aforesaid
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
twenty fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty one.
Uriah Sprague (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the said Uriah Sprague to be
his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence and of each
other, have subscribed our names as Witnesses
Geo.
P. Richardson
Jacob
Smith
Martin
Sampson
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1842 by
Lydia Sprague, a Devisee therein named, and proved by George P. Richardson and
Martin Sampson, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Lydia Sprague, of Duxbury, was granted Administration with
the Will annexed of the estate of Uriah Sprague, late of Duxbury, there being
no person named in the said Will as Executor, on 11 Apr. 1842, with Weston
Freeman and Joshua S. Freeman, both of Duxbury, as sureties.
George P. Richardson, Martin Sampson and Charles Soule, all
of Duxbury, were appointed to appraise the estate of Uriah Sprague, late of
Duxbury, on 11 Apr. 1842.
The Inventory of the Estate of Uriah Sprague, late of
Duxbury, was appraised on 14 May 1842, his real estate valued at $350, and his
personal estate valued at $32.17. Lydia Sprague, the Administrator with the
Will annexed, gave her oath to the inventory on the third Monday of May 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, pp. 203-204, 225, from FHL
microfilm #0555267, and Vol. 10A, p. 519.
Will of Ebenezer
Sprout of
In ye Name of God Amen ye eighth day of
September in ye year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred Twenty
& Six: Ebenezer Sprout of middleborough in ye County of Plymouth
in New England Gentleman being Sick & weak in Body but of Perfect mind
& memory God be Praised, I being Sensible of my mortality & that it is
appointed for all men to dye doe make & ordain this my Last Will &
Testament, that is to Say first & Principally I give & Recomend my Soul
into ye hands of God that gave it & my Body to ye
Earth to be decently buried at ye discretion of my Executor
hereafter named & Executrix; and as touching Such worldly Estate as it has
Pleased God to bless me with in this Life I give & dispose of in manner
& form following that is to Say first I will that all my debts &
funerall Charges be Paid & discharged. Item: I give to my Eldest Son
Ebenezer Sprout my
Signed Sealed Published & Declared
In ye Presence of us wittnesses
Jonathan Fuller The
mark of Ebenezer
Ebenezer
John Bennett Sprout
November ye 7: 1726 The within named Jonathan Fuller Ebenezer
Richmond & John Bennett all of middleborough in ye County aforesd
made oath that they Saw Ebenezer Sprout late of middleborough aforesd
deceased Sign Seal & heard him declare ye within written
Instrument to be His Last Will & Testament & that at ye same
time they Sett to their Hands as wittnesses & that according to ye
best of their observation He then was of a Sound & disposing mind &
memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration on the estate of Ebenezer Sprout,
late of
No inventory was recorded.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth Co. Probate Vol. 5, p. 274-275,
from FHL microfilm #0550511.
Will of Ebenezer Sprout of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
Know all men by these presents that I, Ebenezer Sprout of the
town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of the
Massachusetts being weak of body, yet of a sound & disposing memory and
understanding blessed be God for the same, yet knowing the mortality of my body
and that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make & ordain this my
Last will & testament to be firm and inviolable forever
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife
Bathsheba the use & improvement of one third part of all my Lands meadows
and Buildings, during her natural Life–and further I Give & bequeath to her
my said wife one half of all my Indoor moveables as her own property, and the
use and improvement of the other half so Long as she shall Continue to dwell in
my now dwelling House ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Ebenezer Sprout one half
of my Land & House where Aaron Carey now Liveth in the twelve mens purchase
in said Middleborough, to him, his Heirs and assigns forever ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Earl Sprout the other
half of my Land & House where said Aaron Carey Liveth, to him his Heirs
& assigns forever –
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Thomas Sprout all my
Homestead Lands Lying Southward of Halifax road, with all the buildings thereon
(Excepting one fourth part of my dwelling House & Excepting the whole of my
Hatters Shop) to him his Heirs and assigns forever and further I Give &
bequeath to him my said Son Thomas one half of my wood Lot near Dr Thomas
Sturtevants, and also one half of my meadow called Lower meadow to him his
Heirs & assigns forever ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my son James Sprout all my
Land Lying near the meeting House on the north Side of Halifax Road and also
one fourth part of my Dwelling House, and also the whole of my Hatters Shop,
and also one half of my meadow called Lower meadow, to him, his Heirs and
assigns forever ~
Item – I give and bequeath to my son Samuel Sprout all my
parcell of Land Lying near to John Tinkham junrs and also the
other half of my wood Lot near Dr Sturtevants, and also my parcell of meadow
called winnetuxet meadow, to him his Heirs and assigns forever ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary the wife of
William Torrey besides what I have already Given her, twelve pounds to be paid
out of my out door moveables in Six months after my decease ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my Daughter Bathsheba the
wife of Cyrus Keith Thirteen pounds, Six Shillings and Eight (besides what I
have already Given her) to be paid by my Son Thomas Sprout in Six months after
my decease ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my five Sons vizt–
Ebenezer Sprout–Thomas Sprout–James Sprout – Samuel Sprout & Earl Sprout
all my out door moveables in equal partnership between them they paying all my
just debts and funeral Charges & the abovesaid twelve pounds to my Daughter
Mary in equal partnership between them, and if my out door moveables do not
amount to enough to pay my Debts Charges & Legacies aforesaid, then my will
is that my aforesaid Son James Sprout should pay the Remainder
Item – I Give & bequeath to my said Son James Sprout all
my parcell of Cedar Swamp Lying in the Swamp called Woods Cedar Swamp to him
his Heirs and assigns forever ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my four following named Sons –
vizt Thomas Sprout James Sprout– Samuel Sprout & Earl Sprout,
that half of my Indoor moveables that I have Given my wife the improvement of,
to be equally divided among them after my said wife hath done with the
improvement of them –
Item – my will is & hereby order my aforesaid Son James
Sprout to pay a Legacy of Six pounds to my Daughter Bathsheba aforesaid in Six
months after my decease – and further my will is that my said Son James Sprout
should Remove said Hatters Shop off the Land where it now standeth, whensoever
my Son Thomas shall Request it, the Land whereon it standeth belonging to my
said Son Thomas
Item – My will is and I hereby Constitute and appoint my
aforesaid Son Thomas Sprout to be Sole Executor of this my Last will &
testament, and I the said Ebenezer Sprout hereby Revoke & disannul all
other and former wills by me made and Signed, Ratifying and Confirming this and
no other as my Last will and testament – thus hoping that this my Last will and
testament will be kept & performed according to the true intent and meaning
thereof – I Commit my Soul into the hands of God who Gave it, and my body to the
Dust to a decent burial – In witness whereof I the said Ebenezer Sprout have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this fourth day of August One thousand Seven
Hundred Eighty & five
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared
by the said Ebenezer Sprout as his Last Ebenr. Sprout (seal)
will & testament in presence of us
Ziba
Eaton
Ruth
Eaton
Jacob
Bennet
Presented for probate on 6 March
1786 by Thomas Sprout, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ziba Eaton and
Jacob Bennet, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Thomas Sprout, the before named Executor.
Jacob Bennet, yeoman, Jonah
Washburn Gentm, and Thomas Foster, blacksmith, all of Middlebo,
were appointed to appraise the estate of Ebenezer Sprout, late of Middlebo.
Esqr, on 6 March 1786. The Inventory of the Estate of Colo.
Ebenezer Sprout, late of Middlebo, dated 6 March 1786, totaled
£1267.5.8, including his real estate valued at £1094. Thomas Sprout, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Mar. 1786.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p.
474-478, from FHL microfilm #0550715.
Will of Robert
Sprout of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1711) *
In The Name of God Amen. I Robert Sprout Late of Scittuate
but at this time being Confined by Bodily Infirmity to Abide at my house in
Middlebury in the Massachusetts Bay In New England being of Sound memory and
Disposing minde do hereby make this my Last Will and Testament Revoaking and
Anulling any former Will or Wills heretofore by me made. Resigning my Soul to
God in Christ my Bodey to the Earthly decent burial. as to my worldly Estate I
Dispose of it as followeth. Imprimis To my Daughter Marcy Oldham I give one of
my South purchase Lotts in Middlebury Containing as I remember about forty five
acres to her & her heirs & Assignes for Ever. To my Daughter Anna
Richmond I Give my other South purchase Lott in Middlebury Containing as the
former to her & her heirs & Assignes for Ever. To my Daughter Hannah
Cane I Give thirty acres of Land In Middlebury which Ly’s near the place wheir
James Bill Lived to her & her Assignes for Ever. To my Daughters Elisabeth
Sprout & Mary Sprout I give the Dwelling house In Middlebury where I now
Live, and the Lands pertaining to this Dwelling or Lott esteemed about Six
score acres more or Less with the meadows belonging to this Lott namely that at
Beryting Brook the other meadow Ly’s on the Soth Side of the Elddy Pond (So Called)
Ly’s yet in Comon between Mr Holloway & Ebenezer Richmond &
my self. To them Sd
Signed Sealed & Declared by his
Robert Sprout to be his Last Will Robert R Sprout (seal)
& Testament In presence of Us. marke
his
John E Randall
marke
James Bell
Probated on 11 Dec. 1712, and proved by John Randall and
James Bell.
The inventory of Robert Sprout, deceased, not dated,
appraised by Ebenezer Richmond and Simon Holloway, totaled £24.5, and was sworn
to by James Sprout, the Executor, on 5 Mar. 1712/13.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Robert
Sprout of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen. This thirtieth day of May in ye year of our
Lord one thousand, seven hundred & ninety seven, I Robert Sprout of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth & Comwealth of Massachusetts
Gentleman, being advanced in age & under infirmities of body, but of a
disposing mind & memory, blessed be God for the same, and calling to mind
that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last
will & testament as follows, that is to say, principally & first of
all, I give & recommend my soul to the hands of God, through the merits of
the great redeemer, and my body I recommend to the earth to a decent burial in
a christian manner, not doubting that at the general resurrection of all
things, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and touching
my worldly estate I dispose of ye same as follows, notwithstanding
that there was a contract made between me & my present wife before our
marriage, that ye articles which she brought with her to my house
soon after our marriage should belong to her after my decease, and be at her
own disposal, and as a part thereof are now worn out and destroyed & gone,
it appears to me to be my duty, & I do hereby give her all the wearing
apparell & houshold furniture which my said wife brought with her, and all
her wearing apparell & bed cloaths & other articles which she hath made
during the time she hath lived with me. Also all the notes of hand or dues by
note to us or to her, which was due to her at the time when I married her, or
that originated from the same, however the securities now stand or may stand at
my decease, free and clear from any expence or incumbrance. I also give her one
of my best cows & a calf, and if there is not a calf that she have a year
old. I also give her all ye family provisions which we have laid up
for our support which shall be on hand at the time of my decease.— I Give & bequeath to my son Zebedee
Sprout, all my other estate of all kinds, which is not herein before disposed
of, yet providing that all my just debts, and funeral charges shall be paid out
of the said Estate herein given to my said son, notwithstanding what is herein
written before
And
my will is, and I hereby constitute & appoint my beloved wife Mercy Sprout
to be Executrix to this my last will & testament. Therefore hoping that
this my last will & testament will be carefully kept & performed
according to the true intent and meaning thereof, I hereto set my hand &
seal the day of the date before mentioned –
Signed, Sealed and declared by the
sd Robert Sprout (seal)
Robert to be his last will &
testament
in presence of us
Daniel
Dunham
Mary
Smith
Nehemiah
Bennet
Presented for probate on 5 Feb.
1798 by Mercy Sprout, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Mary Smith
& Nehemiah Bennet Esqr., two of the witnesses.
John Nelson, Peter Hoar, and Nemiah Bennet, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Alexander
Standish of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1702) *
February ye one & twentyeth in ye
year one thousand seven hundred & two. Being in perfect memory &
understanding I Declare this to be my last Will and Testament:
Imprs I Bequeath my Body to ye Dust
& my soul to god that gave it
It 2: That my dead body have Decent Burial.
It 3: my Will is That my Funeral charges be paid before my
legacies
It 4ly I Bequeath to my dear and Loving wife All ye
Estate she brought with her that is Remaining at my death And a third part of
my movable Estate. It 5ly I Give to my wife out of my Farm ye
keeping of three Cows and twelve sheep to be Wintered & pastured while She
Remains a Widdow And also ye use of ye best Roome or of
any Roome Either above or below vizt oven Celler Leantoo or Leanto
of or shedd During her Widdowhood And her wood Sufficient for her buring
brought to ye doore.
It 6 My Will is That my Eldest son & proper heir Miles
Standish provide Corne Sufficient for her of all sorts Vizt Indian
Rie wheat & malt & liberty to sow a peck of Flax seed.
7 I Give to my Eldest Son Miles Standish my Dwelling house in
Duxboroh vizt Barne orchard or orchards & all my
upland & meadow in Duxborough from a Walnut Stump with Stones upon it at a
place called Sandey point And from thence to a Stone set in ye
Ground against William Brewsters And from thence to a Stone set in ye
Ground that was formerly ye land of Ebenezer Bartlet deceased, which
is ye Range betwixt us. And from that stone to a heap of Stones at ye
uper End of my pasture And upon a straight line to Mortons hole And by my Will
Give him ye priviledge to make use of ye Teame with all ye
Instruments of Husbandry vizt cart wheels chains plow Turnblill
&c—. Also my will is That my two sons Thomas Standish & Ichabod
Standish Shall have five acres of Good Land with fence to plant
& sow when they are Grown up to manage it for themselves & for their
mother And to have ye use of all the Instruments of Husbandry vizt
cart wheels Turnbrill chains &c & manure to mend their land withall as
they see Cause. Also I Give to my three Children Thomas Ichabod and Desire
Standish Each of them a Bed and furniture.
Also I Give to my son Thomas Standish my short kerbine And I
Give to Ichabod Standish my Musquet I Give to my son Thomas one Cow and five
Sheep to Ichabod one Cow & five sheep to Desire one Cow and five sheep my
Shill & Shilyards and Hitchell. Also by this my will I Give to my son
Ebenezer Standish All ye land at ye heads of ye
Lots for his Portion which he hath sold to Mr Robinson.
I also Give & bequeath to my two sons Thomas Standish
& Ichabod Standish All my land butting upon Winnatuxet River next to Mr
Tomsons land Equally to be divided between them both for quanty & quallity
with ye meadow that was Granted by ye Court to my father
at Satucket grand which was four acres more or less or proportionable to such a
branch of upland.
I Give to my Daughter Lorah ye wife of Abraham
Samson five shillings
I Give to my Daughter Lidia the wife of Isaac Samson five
shillings
I Give to Mercy Samson ye wife of Caleb Samson
five shillings
I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Delano ye wife of
Samuel Delano five shillings
I Give my Daughter Sarah Soul ye wife of Benjamin
Soul five shillings.
Also my will is that my wife dispose of my wearing cloaths
according to her own discretion to my two sons Thomas Standish and Ichabod
Standish.
I do Give unto my son Thomas my Small boared Gun & I Give
to my son Ichabod my shirt Buttons. further more I Give to my son Miles my
Cannoo. Also my will is that If that wood upon ye land that I have
Reserved when Ebenezer my son sold ye land to Mr Robinson
be not sold till after my death my will is that ye money that it is
sold for be divided betweene my sons Thomas Ichabod & desire & my son
Miles to have forty shillings out of it Also my will is That whatsoever Estate
Either in New England or in old which I have Committed into ye hands
of Robert Orchard to Receive in England by letters of Attorney from under my
hand Seal. And John Rogers of
Signed and Sealed in ye presence of Alexander Standish (seal)
these Witnesses
John Sprague upon
ye 5th day of July Ano Dom 1702
Samuel Bartlett upon
some further serious considerations
John Wadsworth I
do Add unto this my Will on this and
ye
other side written these following particulars
Item I Give to my two sons vizt Thomas Standish
& Ichabod Standish a yoak of oxen between them for their own to make use of
them when they are capable.
Item I do Give my whole crop of corne now upon ye
Ground of all sorts both English & Indian to my whole family for their use
my son Miles Standish And his wife onely Excepted.
Item I Give to my two sons Thomas Standish & Ichabod
Standish all my wearing cloaths that my wife sees them most sutable for.
Also my Will is that my Books be divided among my 3 sons
Miles Standish Thomas Standish & Ichabod Standish & my daughter Desire
Standish.
Plimouth July 29th 1702 Then ye above
named John Sprague Samuel Bartlett & John Wadsworth ye witnesses
above named appeared before William Bradford Esqr & made oath
that they were present & saw & heard Mr Alexander Standish ye
Testator above named sign Seal & declare ye above & before
written Instrument to be his last Will & Testament & that to the best
of their judgment he was of sound disposing mind & memory when he did ye
same And that ye four paragraphs next above written were written in
his presence & by his Express order & directions
Attest
Saml Sprague Resister
Miles Standish, the Executor, was granted Letters of
Administration on the Estate of Mr Alexander Standish, late of
Duxborough on 10 Aug. 1702.
An Inventory of ye Estate of Mr
Alexander Standish Deceased take this 23d Day of July 1702. by us
whose names are under written.
[Not totaled, but his Houses & Lands lying in the
John
Soul
Samuel
Bartlett
David
Alden
Plimouth Ss August 10th 1702
Before William Bradford Esqr Judge &c: Then
appeared Miles Standish of Duxborough Executor of ye last
Will & Testament of Mr Alexander Standish Late of Duxborough
aforesd Deceased and made oath that ye above & before
written is a true Inventory of ye Goods Chattels Rights &
Credits of ye sd Deceased so far as he yet knows And that
if more shall Come to his knowledge it Shall be added.
Attest
Saml. Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Desire
Standish of Duxbury and
Know all Men by these Presents that I Desire Standish late of
Duxborough now of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth in New-England Widow of
Mr. Alexander Standish late of Duxborough deceased, being at this
present time in Heath and of Sound and disposing Memory & Understanding
Blessed be God for it, Yet being Sensible of my own Mortality & being
Minded to Settle my outward Estate which God hath Given me do make & ordain
this to be my last Will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable
forever: Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Eldest son William Sherman, all
that is due to me from him, or that shall be due at the time of my Decease for
my Dower or Third of the Rents or Improvement of ye farm which he
now lives upon — Item I Give & Beqeuath unto my Son John Holmes one Cow —
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my five Sons Ebenezer Sherman
Israel Holmes John Holmes Thomas Standish & Ichabod Standish all the Money
& Bills of Credit which I shall have at ye time of my Decease to
be equally Divided among them My funeral Charges being first Paid out of the
Same—
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my three Daughters Hannah
Ring Experience Standish & Desire Weston, and my Grand daughter Desire
Wormwall all my Wearing Cloaths Woollen & Linnen & all my Sheets &
all other of my Linnen to be equally divided among them four: Item I Give &
Bequeath unto my Son Ebenezer Sherman my Coverlid belonging to my Bed—
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my five Sons Ebenezer Sherman
Israel Holmes John Holmes Thomas Standish & Ichabod Standish, and my three
daughters Hannah Ring Experience Standish & Desire Weston & my Grand
daughter Desire Wormwal My Bed & all the rest of my Bedding and all other
of my moveable Estate to be equally divided among them nine — And My Will is
that my Son Israel Holmes shall be Executor of this my last Will &
Testament: Thus hoping the Same will be kept & performed according to the
true Intent & Meaning thereof, I Commit my Body to ye Dust &
my Soul to God that gave it: In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand
& Seal this thirtieth Day of July One thousand Seven hundred twenty &
three
Memorandm the Interline between the twelfth &
thirteenth lines was Interlined before Signing & Sealing
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye above her mark
named Desire Standish to be her last Desire 3 Standish
(Seal)
Will & Testament In ye Presence of us
Jacob Tomson
her mark
Abigail d Tomson
April the 27.1732 The Above named Lydia Tomson now Lydia
Packard made Oath before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
May ye 17:1732 Abigail Tomson Above named made
oath before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
Letters of Administration were granted to Israel Holmes, son
of the deceased and Sole Executor, on 17 May 1732.
The inventory of the Estate of ye Widow Standish
of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jonathan Standish of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Be
it Remembered, that I, Jonathan Standish of Middleborough calling to mind the
uncertainty of life, but being of sound and disposing mind and memory, make and
publish my last Will and Testament as follows, viz.
I
give and devise to Joshua Eddy Esquire, my half of a dwelling-house in which my
son Jonathan Standish now lives, and the land on which it stands, upon the
Southerly side of the road and the other buildings connected therewith, with
the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to have and to hold for and
during the life of my said son Jonathan and for his use and benefit, – And
after the decease of the said Jonathan to be held by his son Simeon Standish to
his own use and benefit forever. And the trust of said Eddy to cease at the
decease of the said Jonathan.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Irene
Shearman fifty dollars.
I give and bequeath to my daughter,
Mary Bradford, One hundred dollars.
I give and bequeath to my daughter,
Fanny Bradford, One hundred dollars.
I give and bequeath to my daughter,
Betsey D. Thomas, fifty dollars.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Standish, four hundred dollars.
And I appoint my son Soranus Standish Trustee of the said Ann, to hold the said
four hundred dollars for the use and benefit of the said Ann during her natural
life.
I
give and bequeath to my son William S. Standish, one hundred dollars, and I
appoint Joshua Eddy aforesaid Trustee of the said William to take and hold the
said hundred dollars for the use and benefit of the said William during his
natural life.
I
give and bequeath to my son Miles Standish five hundred dollars to be paid to
him when he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years – And I appoint my son
Soranus Guardian to the said Miles Standish – and I enjoin upon him the said
Guardian to take the care, support and clothing of the said Miles during his
Minority, and to give him a good common education – and to have the benefit of
his services until he shall arive to full age. But should the said Miles not
live to full age, the said five hundred dollars to be equally divided among my
children and their representatives at the time when the said Miles would have
arived to the age of twenty one years had he have lived.
I
give and devise to my son Soranus all the residue of my property, real and
personal, rights and credits, Provided my said son Soranus shall convey in
trust to Joshua Eddy aforesaid the other half of the dwelling house buildings
and appurtenances where my son Jonathan now lives, for the use and benefit of
the said Jonathan during the term of his natural life, and after his decease to
be held by his son Simeon his heirs and assigns free from trust forever.
Provided also my said son Soranus shall provide for and well support and
maintain, in sickness and in health, my present wife, during her natural life:
Also a good room in my dwelling-house for my said wife to live in by herself,
if she shall so choose to live: and also three dollars annually in cash, if she
desires it.
And
I order and direct that the abovementioned legacies in money shall be paid, one
half thereof in one year, and the other half in two years next after my decease
~ excepting where it is otherwise above directed.
And
Lastly, I appoint my son Soranus Standish the Executor of this my Will.
Jonathan Standish (seal)
Signed,
sealed and declared to be the Will of Jonathan Standish by him in our presence,
who at his request and in his presence do hereto set our hands.
Ezra
Chace
Daniel
Atwood
Wilkes
Wood.
Presented for probate on 20 Feb.
1837 by Soranus Standish, the Executor therein named, and proved by Daniel
Atwood, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Soranus Standish, the Executor therein named.
Soranus Standish, of Middleborough,
was granted administration with the Will annexed of the estate of Jonathan
Standish, late of Middleborough, on 20 Feb. 1837, with Peter H. Peirce and
Albert Thomas, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p. 45-46, from FHL microfilm
#0555265, and Vol. 1G, p. 297.
Will of Miles
Standish of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1739) *
Know all Men by these, Preasants that I Miles Standish of
Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England, Husbandman, being Aged, and Weak of Body but of Perfect Minde
and Memory, thanks be given to Almighty God therefor, Calling to minde the
Mortallity of my Body and that it is Appointed for all Men once to Dye, do upon
Serious Consideration make and Ordain these Preasants to be my last Will and
Testament in Manner and form following to be and Remain firm and Inviolable
forever—
Imprimis,
I recomend my soul in to the Hands of Almighty God the Father of Spirits who
Gave it and my Body I Recomend to the Earth, to be Decently Interred in
Christian Manner at the Discreation of my Executor & Executrix herein after
named, in Hope of a Better Resurrection thrô my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ
Who is the Resurection and the Life, and thrô the Merritts, Death, and Passion
of ye Lord Jesus Christ I shall Obtain Everlasting Life – And as
Touching all such Worldly and Temporall Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
Bless me in this Life, I give, demise and Dispose Whereof, in the following
Manner & form vizt
First
my Will is that all my Just Debts and Funerall Charges be payed, and Discharged
in Convenient Time after my Decease ~
Item.
I give and bequeath unto my Son Miles Standish all my whole Farm of Land in
Duxborough aforesd. whereon I now Dwell Containing about Six Score
Acres, be it more or Less, with all the Houseing, Fenceing and Orchard thereon,
and thereunto belonging with all and Singular the other Appurtenances thereunto
belonging, together with all my Salt Meadow, and other Meadow Land Lyeing and
being within the Township of Duxborough abovesd. with all the
Fenceing and Appurtenances and Priveliges thereunto belonging to him his Heirs
and assigns forever, Excepting that my Will is, and I do hereby give and
bequeath to my Dear and Loveing Wife Experience the Improvement and Income of
one Halfe of the Farm, Houseing ~ Fenceing, Orchard, Meadow and Meadow Land and
Appurtenances abovementioned, and given to my Son Miles Standish, so Long as
She shall Remain my Widow ~
Item,
my Will is that my sd Son Miles Standish shall procure for and
deliver unto my sd Wife Experience at the House wherein I now dwell,
all, or so much Firewood as she may need so long as she shall Remain and
Continue to be my Widow
Item.
I give to my Son Miles Standish, my biggest pair of Iron Brand Doggs with all
my Team Furniture
Item.
I give to my Daughter Sarah Weston the Wife of Abner Weston the Sum of Twenty
Pounds
Item,
I give to my Daughter Patience Jenny the Wife of Caleb Jenny the Sum of Ten
Pounds –
Item
I give to my Daughter Priscilla Standish the Sum of Ten Pounds
Item,
I give to my Daughter Penelope Standish the Sum of one Hundred Pounds
Item,
I give and bequeath to my sd Wife Experience and my Daughter
Priscilla Standish, all the rest and Residue of my Moveable Estate that is not
above in these Preasants Mentioned, nor Disposed off, to be Equally Divided
between them —
Item.
my Will is that my two above named Daughters vizt. Priscilla
Standish, and Penelope Standish shall have free Liberty each of them to Dwell
in my now Dwelling House, so long as theay, or each of them shall Continue
Unmarried ~
Item.
I do hereby Constitute, make and Ordain my abovesd Son Miles
Standish, and my sd Wife Experience to be Executor and Executrix of
this my last Will & Testament and I do hereby Utterly Disallow, Revoak and
Disanull all, and every other and former Wills and Testaments by me in any ways
before named, or made, Ratifieing this and Confirming this and, no other to be
my last Will and Testament; In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Sett my Hand and Seal the Thirty first day of August in
the Year of our Lord God one Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty nine 1739
Signd Seald.
Publishd, pronouncd Miles X Standish (seal)
& declared by Me sd
Miles his mark
Standish to be his last Will
and Testament in the Preasance
of us the Subscribers
John Wadsworth
William Brewster
Joseph Bartlett
Proved on 20 Sept. 1739 by John
Wadsworth, Willm Brewster, and Joseph Bartlett, the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Miles Standish, late of Duxbourô, Husbandman, was appraised by Edward Arnold,
John Wadsworth, and Samuell Weston, not dated, but substantial, his farm with
the Houseing, Fenceing and Orchards thereon valued at £2000.0. The appraisers
gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Mar. 1739[/40], and Miles Washburn, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 13 Mar. 1739[/40].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Moses Standish of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Moses Standish in the county of Plymouth in New-England
gentleman, being of a sound mind and memory, and being sensible of the
uncertainty of my life, and desirous to set my house in order before I go
hence, do make & ordain this to be my last will & testament; and first
I return my soul to God who gave it whenever he shall please to call for it,
And my body I recomend to the earth to be decently buried by my executor
hereafter-mentioned, hoping for a glorious resurrection to life eternal through
the merits of Christ my Redeemer. And as touching my temporal estate which God
hath blessed me with in this life, I give, devise, and bequeath, and dispose
off in the following-manner, viz. ~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my welbeloved wife Rachel
Standish the use and improvement of one half my dwelling-house wherein I now
live the half to be the easterly end of said house, with the little room at the
easterly end, and also all my homestead lands whereon I now dwell with the barn
and orchard excepting three apple-trees, also my fresh-meadow lying upon
Winnatuxet brook lying in Plimton, so long as she shall remain my widow. Also I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Rachel, a piece of cedar-swamp
lying in Colchester-swamp in Plimton containing about three or four acres to
her and her heirs & assigns forever.—
Also I give unto my welbeloved wife Rachel two cows & six sheep, and
one swine if there so many of mine at my decease, to her & her heirs &
assigns forever.~ Also I give unto my welbeloved wife Rachel the use &
improvement of all my indoors moveables during her natural life excepting my
wearing apparel & military armour. ~
Also I give and bequeath unto my son Moses Standish one lot
of upland & swamp lying in Plimton, which I bought of Isaac & Jonathan
Samson in the neck called Bee-tree-neck, and another lot of upland lying in the
same neck which I bought of the widow Phœbe Norton, to him his natural life and
after his decease to his son Ebenezer Standish, and to his heirs & assigns
forever. ~
Also I give and bequeath to my son John Standish, the one
half of my dwelling-house, to be the westerly end of said house, to come in
possession of it at my decease, and all my homestead lands & buildings
& orchard excepting three apple-trees and eight acres of the land to be
measured out upon the north side of my homestead to be of an equal breadth from
the road to the other side, to come in possession of it after my welbeloved
wife hath done with it, to him his heirs & assigns forever.—
Also I give and bequeath unto my two sons Moses Standish
& John Standish a piece of fresh-meadow lying in Plimton upon Winnatuxet
brook, to be equaly divided betwixt them after my welbeloved wife has done with
it, to them, and their heirs and assigns forever. ~
Also I give and bequeath unto my four daughters Rachel,
Zerviah, Rebeccah, & Sarah eight acres of my homestead Land to be measured
off upon the north side, and to be of an equal breadth from the road to the
other side to be equaly divided betwixt them after my welbeloved wife hath done
with it, to them and their heirs & assigns forever. — Also I give and
bequeath unto my four daughters Rachel, Zerviah, Rebeccah & Sarah all my
indoors moveables to be equally divided betwixt them after my wife’s decease,
excepting my wearing apparel & military armour & books, to them their
heirs & assigns forever.– Also I give and bequeath unto my two sons &
four daughters all the books to be equally divided betwixt them. ~ after my
wife’s decease. ~
Also I give and bequeath unto my son John Standish all my
cattle, horses, sheep and swine, which I shall have at my decease, excepting
what is already given to my welbeloved wife, to him his heirs and assigns
forever.—
Also I give unto my two sons Moses & John Standish all my
wearing-apparel and my military armour, and all the outdoors moveables not yet
disposed off to be equally divided between them at my decease, and to them
their heirs & assigns forever.
Also I give and bequeath unto my son Moses Standish the use
& improvement of three apple-trees in my orchard, during his natural life,
he to make his choice of said trees within one month after my decease. –
Also I give and bequeath to my welbeloved wife a debt due to
me from Samuel Robins if it be not recovered before my decease, to her &
her heirs & assigns forever.—
Also I give and bequeath unto my son John Standish all the
just debts that shall be due to me at my decease excepting the debt due from
Robins, and it is my will also that my son John Standish shall pay all my just
debts & funeral charges out of what I have given to him in this will. –
Lastly, I do appoint my son John Standish of Hallifax in the
county of Plymouth yeoman, to be my sole executor of this my Last will &
testament making void all others as my last will & testament.
In witness whereof I the said Moses Standish have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twentyeighth day of February anno Domini 1769. ~
Signed, sealed & declared by the said Moses Standish,
to be his last will & testament in presence of, Moses Standish (seal)
Noah
Cushing
Joseph
Waterman
James
Churchell
The Last will & testament of Moses Standish Late of
Hallifax was presented for probate on 15 May 1769 by John Standish, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Noah Cushing, Joseph Waterman and James
Churchel, the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to John
Standish, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Moses Standish of Hallifax,
was appraised on 29 June 1769 by Moses Inglee, Noah Cushing, and Ephraim Soule,
and totaled £335.9.5, including his real estate valued at £229.6.8. John
Standish, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 28 Nov. 1769.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 388-389, 289, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Zackariah Standish of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1780) *
In the name of God Amen—I Zackariah Standish of Plymton in
the county of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, being infirm in body but of a
sound and disposing mind and memory, & being Sensible of the uncertainty of
my Life, and desirous to set my house in order before I Go hence do make and
declare this to be my Last will and Testament, and first I Return my soul to
God that Gave it, whenever he shall please to call for it and my body I Return
to the Earth to be decently buried by my Executors hereafter mentioned hoping
for a Glorious Resurrection to Life eternal through the merits of Christ my
Reedeemer and touching the temporal Estate, which God hath blessed me with in
this Life, my Just debts and funeral charges being first paid and discharged by
my executors hereafter mentioned, I Give and dispose of in the manner following
vizt
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife the
use of my dwelling house and Barn, and the improvement of one third of all my
Real Estate where she chuses to take it so Long as she shall remain my widow,
also the improvement of my Real Estate that I Give to my Son Zackariah Standish
and Isaiah Standish, ‘till Isaiah Standish comes to twenty one years of age,
also the improvement of all my Other Real Estate so Long as she shall remain my
widow also the use of all my personal Estate that shall remain after my Just
debts and charges are paid, so Long as she shall remain my widow, for her to
bring up my Children ‘till they are capable of earning their Living
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Zackariah Standish his
heirs and assigns One fifth part of all my Real Estate to be Sett off to him
when my Son Isaiah Standish comes to twenty one years of age
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my son Isaiah Standish his
heirs and assigns one fifth part of all my Real Estate to be sett off to him
when he comes to twenty one years of age
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Son Peleg Standish his heirs
and assigns one fifth part of all my Real Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my son Oliver Standish his
heirs and assigns one fifth part of all my Real Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Rebecca Standish
her heirs and assigns one tenth part of all my Real Estate
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Standish her
heirs and assigns one tenth part of all my Real Estate—also my will is that if
there should be any personal Estate Left when my wife should die or be married
again that it should be equally divided amongst all my Children
Lastly—I do appoint my wife Olive Standish and John Waterman
junr of Halifax to be my sole Executors of this my Last will and
Testament—In Witness whereof I the said Zackariah Standish have hereunto Set my
hand and Seal this Seventh day of February 1780
Signed, Sealed and declared to be his
Last will and testament in presence Zackariah Standish (seal)
of us
John
Standish
Nathaniel
Rider
Jabez
Soule
Presented for probate on 3 April 1780 by Olive Standish and
John Waterman junr, the Executors therein named, and proved by John
Standish and Jabez Soule, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to John Waterman junr., one of the before named Executors,
Olive Standish, the other Executor, named having renounced the trust.
Moses Inglee of Halifax, John Standish, of Halifax, and Jabez
Soul of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Zackariah Standish,
late of Plymton, on 3 April 1780. The Inventory of the Estate of Zackariah
Standish, late of Plymton, dated 19 Apr. 1780, totaled £345.3.0, including his
real estate valued at £266.6.8. John Waterman junr., the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 3 June 1780.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 485-488, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Robert Stanford of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In the Name of God Amen
upon the Second Day of August in the Year of our Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred And Sixty Eight I Robert Stanford of Duxborough in the
County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England
Gentleman Upon good & Serious Consideration & being under some decays
of Nature but of Perfect Mind and Memory thanks be given Unto God for the Same
And therefore calling Unto Mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it
Appointed for all Men once to Dye do make and ordain this to be my last Will
and Testament that is to Say Principally and first of all I do give and
Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it and my Body I Recommend to
the Earth to be Buried in a decent and Christian Manner at the discretion of my
Executrix hereinafter Named nothing doubting but at the Great and General
Resurection I shall receive the Same again by the Almighty Power of God And as
Touching such worldly Goods and Temporal Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God
to bless me in this life with I give demise and dispose of the same in the
following Manner and form –
Imprimis My Will is that all my Just Debts and Funeral
Charges be defray’d and Paid out of my Estate. Item I do give and Bequeath unto
my eldest Son Joshua Stanford the Sum of Five Shillings, Item I do give and
Bequeath to my well beloved Wife Fear Stanford all the whole Use and
Improvement of all my Moveable or Personal Estate whatsoever it is or
Wheresoever it may be found so long or while she shall remain my Widow together
with all the Whole Use & Improvement of that Farm that was formerly Josiah
Wormals that I bought of Sd. Wormals heirs with all the
Appurtenances thereunto belonging while she shall remain my Widow and no longer
And after that my Sd. Moveables or Personal Estate I do give and
Bequeath unto my Daughter Rebeckah Alden her Heirs and Assigns forever, Item I
do give and Bequeath all and the whole of my Real Estate that I have not other
wise disposed of and after my Sd. Wife has done with it I do give
and Bequeath unto my youngest Son Oliver Stanford his Heirs and Assigns forever
Item I do hereby Constitute and Appoint my trusty and well
beloved Wife Fear Stanford to be my Sole Executrix of this my last Will and
Testament and I do hereby Utterly dissalow revoke and disanul all and every
other and former Wills Testaments Legacies and bequests and Executors by me in
any ways before me named Willed and Bequested Ratifying and confirming this and
no other to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my Hand Seal the Day and Year above written –
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
and declared by the Said Robert Stanford
to be his last Will and Testament in his
the Presence of us the Subscribers Robert X Stanford (seal)
Mary Wadsworth Mark
Sarah Wadsworth
John Wadsworth
Presented for probate on 4 July 1774 by Fear Stanford of
Duxborough Widow the Executrix therein named, and proved by Mary and John
Wadsworth, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Fear
Stanford the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 627-628, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Coronet
Robert Stedson of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1702) *
Scituate the fourth day of September Anno domini one thousand
seven hundred & two. I Robert Stedson of Scituate in the County of Plimouth
in New England being Aged & weak of Body but of sound disposing mind &
memory praises be Rendered to God for the same And being in dayly Expectation
of my last & grate Change & desirous to settle things in order- before
my decease Do therefore hereby make & declare this my last will &
Testament in manner following Imprimis I Humbly commit my Spirit to the father
of Spirits & my body to decent Burial when it shall please God to call me
hence, & Touching such outward Estate as it hath pleased God to Bless me
withall my will is that the same shall be Imployed & bestowed according as
herein is Expressed, Item I Give and bequeath to Mary my wellbeloved wife upon
the promise & Condition hereafter after set down the sum of twelve pounds
in money & ten pounds worth of my houshold goods such as she shall Choose
with the sole use & benefit of the south End of my now Dwelling house &
one celler & two Cows with sumer pasture & wintering of them with
fifteen bushells of Good merchantable bread Corne annually paid & delivered
to her & sufficient & convenient fire wood Cut & layd at her doore
as she shall need the same, The sd Ten pounds worth of Goods &
two Cows with the said twelve pounds in money to be for her Support &
comfort during her Remaining my widdow & no longer the sd ten
pounds worth of goods & Cows to be paid & Delivered to her by my
Executors within two months after my decease, The sd twelve pounds
in money & other particulars to be paid & delivered to her by my Eldest
son Joseph Stedson as follows that is to Say the sd money at three
severall payments viz: four pounds to be paid within one year after my decease
& other four pounds within two years after my decease & the Residue at
the Expiration of three years after my decease the sd bread Corne
summering & wintering sd Cows & fire wood provided to be
annually delivered paid & performed by my sd son as the same is
above Expressed, Allways provided & it is the true Intent & meaning of
this my will & the Condition of the bequest and Divice abovesd
& Every particular of the same, That my sd wife shall & do
within two moneths after my decease in writing under her hand & seale
absolutely quit Claim to & Release her Right of Dower and power of thirds
in & unto all my lands & housing in Scituate aforesaid that she may
thenceforth have or pretend to have in or unto the same or any part thereof
Except what is above given to her, unto my sd Eldest Son & his
heirs etc, Item I Give & bequeath to my sd Eldest son
Joseph Studson all that my Dwelling house out houses upland & meadows being
the farm on which I now live & dwell to hold to him & his heirs for
ever according to the known & accustomed boundaries of the same Excepting
out of it only one acre of meadow which I have formerly promised to give to my
son Samuel lying next unto his other meadow which sd Excepted Acre
of meadow I hereby give & bequeath to the sd Samuel & his
heirs for Ever Hereby Enjoyning my sd Eldest Son Joseph to pay
deliver & perform unto my wife as abovesd upon her Release of
dower as abovesd & acceptance of what is by this my will given
& bequeathed unto her which if she shall neglect deny or Refuse to do then
I hereby declare that what I have above bequeathed unto her & every
particuler of the same shall thencefourth be null & void, further it is my
will that my sd Eldest son shall not alien or sell any of the lands
above Given him unless to his Children or one of them.
Item I Give & bequeath to my son Benjamin ten pounds out
of my moveable Estate, Item I Give & bequeath to my son Thomas five pounds
to be paid him out of my movables, Item I Give to my son Samuel the sum of
Eight pounds out of my moveable Estate, Item I Give to my Daughter Eunice
Rogers the sum of ten pounds out of my movable Estate, Item I Give to my son
Robert my wearing cloaths which with what I have formerly Given him I Judge
convenient for him. Item I give to my Daughter in law Abigail the Relict &
widdow of my son John deceased the sum of ten pounds to be paid to her out of
my movable Estate.
Item I Give unto my Grand children that are now Surviving to
Each of them six shillings. Item my debts Legacies & funerall Expences
being paid I hereby order the Residue of my movables to be Equally divided
between my three Children viz: Benjamin, Samuel & Eunice lastly I nominate
and appoint my two sons namely Benjamin & Samuel Joynt Executors of this my
last will & testament & hereby Revoak & make void any former will
or wills by me made & declare this only to be my last will & testament
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto sealed & subscribed
the day and year first above written.
In presents of these witnesses The marke of Cornet
Joseph Bearstow Robert R Stedson (seal)
William Bearstow
Saml. Sprague
Probated on 5 Mar. 1702/3, and proved by Joseph Bearstow,
William Bearstow and Samuel Sprague, the witnesses. Letters of Administration
on the Estate of Cornett Robert Studson, late of Scituate, were granted to
Benjamin and Samuel Studson, sons of the deceased and Joynt Executors.
The Inventory of all the goods & chattels of Cornet
Robert Studson was taken by Samuel Clay, Thiomas King, and Richard Dwelly on 10
Feb. 1702/3, but not totaled. The Executors, Benjamin Studson and Samuel
Studson, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Mar. 1702/3.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 2, p. 15-17, from FHL microfilm
#0550748.
Will of Edward Stephens of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Edward Stephens of Plimouth in the
County of Plimouth in NewEngland, Seafairingman, being now on a Sick Bed, and
apprehensive that My great Change is approching, doe first of all Give my
pressious Soul to God Depending on acceptance with him thro’ the Merritts and
Intersession of Jesus Christ, my body I Committ to the dust to be desently
buried at the Discretion of My Execrs. hereafter named, and as to my
Worldly Goods & Estate that God has Given me my Will is that after my Just
Debts and Funerall charges are paid by my said Execrs. that they be
disposed of as follows Viz.
Imprs. I Give to my Loving wife Mary Stephens the
use & Improvement of all the back part of my Dwelling House, viz, the
Kitchin, Bed room, & Buttery & one half of the Seller, as also the use
and Improvement of one half of the Gardian Spot Adjoyning and the free use and
Improvement of the Well to draw water for her use during her naturall life, or
so long as she continues my Widow, also I Give to my Loving Wife two of the
Best beds and the Furniture belonging to them and all my personall Estate Saving
what is Hereafter disposed of to my four Daughters hereafter named,
Secondly, I
give to my Daughter Mary Cole, and her Heirs Twenty Shillings lawfull money to
be paid by my Execrs. out of my Personall Estate,
Thirdly, I
give to my Daughter Hannah Bartlett and her Heirs Twenty Shillings Lmy.
to be paid by my Execrs. out of my personall Estate
Fourthly, I
Give to my Daughter Sarah Sherman & her Heirs twenty Shillings Lmy.
to be paid by my Exurs. out of my personal estate,
Fifthly, I
Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Harlow & her Heirs twenty Shillings lawfull
money to be paid by my Execrs. out of my Personall Estate
Sixthly I
Give to my two Sons To them their Heirs & assigns forever in equall Shares
for Quantity and Quality, all that my dwelling House and Land Adjoyning thereto
in Plimouth where I now dwell Viz, To my son Edward Stephens his Heirs &
Assigns the one moiety of said House and Land, and to my Son Eleazer Stephens
his Heirs and Assigns the Other moiety of said House and Land Provided my said two Sons Edward and Eleazer
or their Heirs Shall allow to my said wife Mary Stephens the use and
Improvement of such part of said House and Appurtenances thereto belonging as I
have hereafter Given her the Improvement of During her Life or so long as she
shall continue my Wido. Also Provided my said Two Sons Edward &
Eleazer they or their Heirs shall in equall parts pay all my Just debts and
Funerall Charges, Legacys to my Daughters to be paid as aforementioned Out of
my Personall Estate, And Furthermore my will is & I doe hereby Constitute
and appoint my two Sons Edwd. Stephens & Eleazer Stephens, Execrs.
to this my Will and Revoking all other Wills by me heretofore made, Ordain this
to be my last Will and Testament, as Witness my hand and Seal this 24th.
day of July in the Thirtyeth year of His Majesty’s Reign Anno Domi, 1756.
Signed Sealed published & Declared to be his last Edwd. Stephens (seal)
Will & Testament, In presence of –
Jonathan Churchill
William Sutton
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 3 Jan. 1756 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by Jonathan Churchill and Wm. Sutton, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Edward Stephens of
Plimton, yeoman, and Eleazer Stephen of Plimouth, Fisherman, the Executors, on
3 Jan. 1856[/57].
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 302-304, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of John Stephens of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In
the name of God Amen. I John Stevens of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being of sound and disposing mind
& Memory do make & ordain this to be my last will & Testament, In the first place I commend my soul to the
mercy of God who gave it, and my body to a decent burial, humbly praying for a
glorious reserection through Jesus Christ.
In
the next place after my just debts are paid, I give & bequeath the use
& improvement of my whole estate both real & personal to my beloved
wife Elizabeth for her to use and improve during the term she may remain my
widow, & when her improvement shall cease, I give & bequeath the whole
of my said estate both Real & Personal, lying in Plymouth aforesaid or else
where, to be equally divided between my four children John Stevens Zacheus
Stephens, Benjamin Stevens & Sally Stephens,
Lastly.
I nominate & appoint my wife Elizabeth Stephens to be sole Executrix to
this my last Will & Testament. In testamony whereof I the John Stevens have
hereunto set my hand & seal this thirteenth day of July A.D. one thousand
eight hundred & twenty two. Signed Sealed & declared to be his last
will & testament in presence of us~.
Rosseter Cotton John Stephens (seal)
Benjamin Barnes jun
Lewis
Perry.
Presented for probate on 21 July
1823 by Elizabeth Stephens, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Benjamin
Barnes junr. and Lewis Perry, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Elizabeth Stephens, the
before named Executrix.
Lemuel Stephens and Bradford
Barnes, Merchants, and Ezra Harlow, Gentleman, all of Plymouth, were appointed
to appraise the estate of John Stevens, late of Plymouth, Yeoman, on 21 July
1823. The Inventory of the estate of the late Mr. John Stephens was
not dated, but totaled $2211.00, including his house and lot and out buildings
valued at $800. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 13 Nov.
1823, and Elizabeth Stephens, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on
17 Nov. 1823.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, pp.
202-203, 426-427, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of James Stertevant of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1742) *
In the
Name of God Amen.
I James
Stertevant of Halifax in the County of Plimouth, Being of Sound and Disposing
mind & Memory Do Make and Ordain this to be my Last Will and Testamt.
Imprs. I Recommend my Soul into the hands of God
who Gave it, my body I Comitt to the Earth to to be Decently buried and as for
my worldly Estate I bequeath it in the following manner.
First I Give my Loving wife Susanna the third of my Moveable
Estate to be @ her Dispose, and also the Improvemt. of One third of
my Real Estate During Life.
Secondly, I Order That my Personall and Real Estate, Viz.
what is Left after my wife has her Thirds, and after my Debts and Funerall
Expences are Paid, be Divided into Eleven Equall Parts or Shares and that each
of my Sons (Viz) Frances, Caleb & James, Shall have two Shears a peice to
them their Heirs and Assigns, Caleb to take his Part of the Land where he
Dwells, Viz, the Land that Lays Convenient to his House, and I Give to my
Daughters Susanna, Lydia, Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, One Share apiece, To them their
Heirs and Assigns, and the third of the Real Estate that is Left after my
wife’s decease, I Give in the Like Proportion Viz Two shares apeice to each of
them my Sons, and one Share a peice to each of my Daughters To them their heirs
or Assigns.
Thirdly I Nominate and appoint my beloved wife Susanna and My
Son Frances to be Executors of this My Will. In Witness whereof I the said
James Stertevant have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this thirtieth of November
Annoque Domi, 1742.
Signed Sealed, & Declared to James Sturtevant (seal)
be his Last Will and Testament
In Presence of
John Cotton
Moses Cushman
Nehemiah Bozworth
Presented for probate on 20 May 1756 by the Executors, and
proved by John Cotton and Nehemiah Bozworth, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to his Wido. Susanna Stertevant and his
son Frances Stertevant, the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 144-145, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of Nehemiah
Stertevant of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1744) *
I Nehemiah Stertevant of Plimton in the County of Plymouth In
New England being Weak in body but of sound disposeing mind & Memory do
make and ordain this my last will and Testamt. And first I Give and
Resign my Immortal Spirit to God who gave it and my body to the Earth to be
decently Buried according to the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named
hopeing for a Glorious Resurrection through Jesus Christ to Eternal life and as
to my outward Estate not allready disposed of by Deed I dispose of the Same as followeth.
—
Imprs. I Give and bequeath to my three sons
Cornelius Paul & Noah all that my peice or parcel of Cedar Swamp lying in
Colchester Swamp in the Township of Plimton Aforesaid to be Equally divided
between them according to quantity & quality to them their heirs or
assigns, Item I Give and bequeath to my
two Sons Paul & Noah that my parcel of land which I bought of Seth Samson
Containing about twenty three Acres be it more or less Which lyeth Adjoyning to
the Northerly Side of the Land I have Given by Deed to my sons Nehemiah to be
equally divided between them to them their heirs & assigns
Item, I Give and bequeath to my two sons Paul & Nehemiah
all that my Quarter part of the Sawmill on Colchester Creeke near Mr.
Benjamin Cushmans.
Item my will is that that Small peice of Meadow which I
bought of Josiah Stertevant lying upon Monponset medow brooke near the old
Sawmill dam Should be & remain for ye. benifit of all my Sons
Cornelius Paul Nehemiah Noah & George for a Watering place. hereby Confirming
to all my said Sons what I have allready Given them by Deed.
Item, I Give and bequeath to my two Grandsons Noah Eaton
& Seth Eaton the sons of my daughter Mary Eaton deceasd so much
to be paid out of my personal Estate as to make up what the sd. Mary
hath allready receivd the sum of One hundred pounds old tenour—
Item I Give and bequeath unto my three daughters Ruth Loring
Abia Holmes & Lucy Stertevant each of them so much out of my Movable Estate
as to make up what they have respectively receivd already the Sum of One
hundred pounds Old tenour. and what each of my daughters have receivd Shall be
determined by an Account thereof which I Shall leave with my Executor hereafter
named
Item, I Give and bequeath to my beloved wife ruth Stertevant
all the residue & remainder of my Estate after my Just debts and funeral
Charges are first paid / to be at her own dispose—
Finally I do hereby Ordain Constitute and appoint my son
Cornelius Stertevant Sole Executer of this my last will and Testament hereby
Revokeing and makeing Void all former will or wills by me made Ratyfieing &
Confirming this and no Other to be my last will and Testament—
In Witness whereof I the said Nehemiah Stertevant have
hereunto Set my hand this twenty eighth day of July Anno Domini One thousand
Seven hundred & forty four~ 1744—
Signed Sealed & Declared by the sd.
Nehemiah Stertevant to be his
last will & Testament Nehemiah
Stertevant (seal)
In Prsence of us his
N mark
Thomas Croade
Thomas Samson
Moses N
Cushman
Presented for probate on 4 Oct. 1744 by the Executor, and
proved by Thomas Croade Esqr. and Thomas Samson, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Cornelius Stertevant of
Plymton, the Sole Executor, on 4 Oct. 1744.
Benjamin Weston, Josiah Perkins, and Ebenezer Sole, all of
Plymton, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Nehemiah Stertevant, late of
Plymton, yeoman, on 4 Oct. 1744. The Inventory was dated 19 Nov. 1744, and
totaled £993.6.1, including his real estate not deeded valued at £153. The
Executor gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Dec. 1744.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 9, p. 393-395, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Samuel
Stertevant of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1744) *
I Samuel Stertevant of Hallifax in the County of Plimouth in
New England Labourer, being sound of body, and of Disposeing mind & memory,
But being sound to Sea, do make & appoint this to be my last Will and
Testament, First Recommending My Soul to
the mercy of God through Jesus Christ,
In the Next place I Give & bequeath to my Honrd Mother
the widdow Mary Stertevant of Hallifax Aforesaid all my Dwelling House and
homestead, viz Thirty Acres of Land within Fence in Hallifax aforesaid, the
whole use improvement & profit thereof dureing her natural life, & the
use of my Home, appointing my Brothr. Lemuel Stertevant Sole
Executor of this my sd. Last Will and the rest of my Estate I Give
him his heirs & assigns Except the Household Stuff to my mother— And in
Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this thirty first day
of March Anno. Domini One thousand Seven hundred & fourty four—
Signed Sealed & Declared
To be his Last Will and Samuel Stertevant (seal)
Testament, with the Interline.
In Presence of
Josiah Cotton
Theo. Cotton
Hannah Cotton
Presented for probate on 21 Sept. 1744 by the Executor, and
proved by Josiah Cotton Esqr, Theo. Cotton, and Mrs.
Hannah Cotton, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 9, p. 473, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of William Stertevant of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
I, William Stertevant of Hallifax in the County of Plimouth
in NewEngland Being Under Infirmitys of Body but of Sound disposing Mind &
memory do make and Ordain this my Last will and Testament. And first I Comitt
My Sole to God who Gave it and my Body to the dust to be decently buried
Hopeing for a Joyfull Resurrection through the Merritt of Christ Jesus at the
Last day and as to my Outward Estate I dispose of the same as followeth
Imprimis I Give and Bequeath to my two daughters Hannah
Ripley & Fear Waterman all my Land both upland and meadow lying on the
South Side of the Herring River in Halifax aforesaid and adjoyning to said
River with My Sixth part of the Saw mill Standing thereon. Also all my Ceder
Swamp Lying at aplace Called Tawannos Neck in Said Halefax Adjoyning to the
Ceder Swam I Gave them by Deed: also two third parts of My Moveable Estate
After my Just debts and Funerall Expences are Deducted, the said Land &
Premisses to Equally Divided between them
Item. I Give and Bequeath to my Grand Children the Children
of my late son Isaac Stertevant, Vizt William Isaac, Simeon Samuel
Jesse Nathl. Deborah and Martha or to Such of them as shall be
Surviving at the time of my decease the Other third part of my Moveable Estate,
after the Deductions Abovementioned to be Equall Divided between them
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Grandsons the sons of my
said late So Isaac, Vizt. To the Aforenamed William Isaac, Simeon
Saml. Jesse & Nathl. or to Such of them as Shall be
Surviving at the time of my decease their heirs and Assigns in Equall Shares
all that my homestead whereon I now Dwell Lying Adjoyning to the north Side of
the Aforesd. Herring River Togather with my Quarter part of the Saw
mill and appurtenances Standing thereon they paying to my Wellbeloved Wif
Joanna the Sum of three pounds Six Shillings And Eight pence Lawfull Money
Yearly and Every Year dureing her Naturall life or the time She shall Continue
my Widdow
Item. I Give and Bequeath to my Said Wif Joanna the aforesaid
Sum of three pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence Yearly and Ever Year dureing
her Contining my Widdow as Aforesaid to be paid her by My aforesd.
Grandsons, over and above my Covenant with her before Marriage which I hereby
Order my Execr. hereafter named to fullfill and pay to her out of my
Moveable Estate
Item I Give to my Six Grandsons aforenamed their heirs and
assigns in Equall Shears all that my piece or percell of Ceder Swamp Lying in
the Majors purchass Ceder Swamp near the Ridges So Called which I bought of
Ebenezer Standish and Moses Stertevant
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my aforesaid Grandson William
Stertevant his heirs and assigns all that my piece or percell of Ceder Swamp
lying by Turkey Swamp near Watermans Meadow in Said Hallifax which I bought of
Dea. Robt. Waterman
Lastly I do hereby Nominate and appoint my Son in Law John
Waterman junr. to be Sole Executor of this my last Will and
Testament hereby Revoaking all Other Will or Wills by me made heretofore and
Allowing this and no Other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness Whereof
I have hereunto Sett My hand and Seal this Seventh day of August Annoque
Domini, One thousand Seven hundred and fifty three 1753.—
Signed Sealed and Declared by the sd William Stertevant (seal)
Willm. Stertevant to be his Last Will &
Testement in Presents of us—
Thos. Croade
Nathl. Croade
John Tillson
Probated on 3 Sept. 1753, and proved by Nathl.
Croade and John Tillson, two of the witnesses. Administration was granted to
John Waterman of Halifax, Husbandman, the Executor in the Same Will named.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 130-132, from FHL microfilm
#0551540.
Will of Abel Stetson of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the Name of God amen I Abel Stetson of Pembroke in the
County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts being weak in Body &
considering the Uncertainty of this mortal Life but of sound & perfect mind
& Memory blessed be almighty God for the same, do make & publish this
my last will & Testament in manner & form following: that is to say:
first after my just debts are paid, I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife
all my personal Estate for & during her natural Life,– I further give &
devise unto my beloved wife Sarah Stetson all my Real Estate, wherever it may
be found either in Pembroke or elsewhere to her use as long as she shall remain
my Widow: And after her marriage should that ever take place, then the same
shall be divided by & between my five Children viz equally should they be
living & in that one or more of them should decease, the same to be divided
among the Survivors. I further give and bequeath to my eldest Son Isaac O
Stetson one Dollar, to my second Son Abel Stetson I give & bequeath one
Dollar, to my third Son Zenas Stetson I give & bequeath one Dollar; to my
eldest daughter Sally Stetson I give & bequeath one Dollar; to my second
Daughter Almira Stetson, I give & bequeath one Dollar. And I also give
& bequeath unto my Aged mother Lydia Stetson one Heifer three years old. –
Which said several Legacies or Sums of Money I order shall be paid to the
several Legatees within six months after my decease & I do hereby appoint
my beloved Wife Sarah Stetson Executrix and David Oldham senior Executor of
this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made
–
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal
this fifteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
& nine ~~~
signed sealed published & declared by the above named
Abel Stetson to be his last
will & Testament in the presence of us who at his request
&
in his presence have hereunto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses to the same
William
White Abel Stetson (seal)
Jacob
Bryant
George
Keith junr.
Presented for probate on 20 June 1810 by David Oldham junr.,
and proved by William White and Jacob Bryant, two of the witnesses. Letters
Testamentary were granted to David Oldham junr.
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, pp. 218, 222-223, from FHL
microfilm #0550902.
Will of Samuel Stetson of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In
the Name of God, Amen,
The eighth day of
November anno Domini 1757. I Samuel Stetson of Scituate in the county of
Plymouth in New-England cordwainer being aged and under infirmities of body,
but of sound mind & memory, do therefore make & ordain this my Last
will and testament in manner followg.
Imprs. I
give to my son George Stetson one shilling, he having received the rest of his
portion already. ~
Item, I give to my
son Joseph Stetson, thirteen shillings & four pence. –
Item, I give to my
daughter Elizabeth Stetson, thirteen shillings & four pence.
Item, I give to my
daughter Alice Ripley, thirteen shillings & four pence.
Item, I give to my
daughter Ruth Merritt, thirteen shillings & four pence. –
Item, I give to my son
Joshua Stetson, thirteen shillings & four pence.
Item, I give &
bequeath unto my son Abner Stetson his heirs & assigns forever, all my
estate both real & personal of what kind or nature soever, or wheresoever
lying or being, upon condition he pays all my just debts, and all the Legacies
given to my other children in this my will and also maintain & support my
wife Rachel Stetson during the whole term of her life. ~
Lastly, I do hereby
nominate and appoint my son Abner Stetson, sole executor of this my Last will
& testament. – In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, & declared by the his
said Samuel Stetson to be his Last will Samuel Z Stetson (seal)
& testament, in presence of us witnesses. mark
John
Stetson
James
Barker
Joshua
Lincoln
Presented for probate on 17 Oct. 1769 by Abner Stetson, the
executor therein named, and proved by John Stetson, James Barker, and Joshua
Lincoln, the witnesses therein named. Letters of Administration were granted to
Abner Stetson, the before named executor, with John Stetson and James Barker,
both of Scituate, yeomen, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 308-309, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Josiah
Stevens of Wareham, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1793) *
In
the name of God amen—this twenty ninth day of may in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & ninety three—I Josiah Stevens of Wareham in the
county of Plymouth, in the Comonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being of a
disposing mind & memory, do make & ordain this my Last will &
testament wherein I give & dispose of all my worldly goods or estate in
manner & form following
Imprs I Give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Abigail Stevens the one third part of all my
personal Estate, and also the improvement of the one third part of all my real
estate during her remaining my widow
Item I Give and bequeath to my son
Josiah Stevens the sum of twenty five pounds Lawful money to be paid as is here
after directed in this my will
Item—I Give and bequeath to my son
Paul Stevens the whole of Cedar Swamp I hold by Deed from Benjamin Barrows,
which with what he hath already had is to be his part of my estate—as by a
former agreement
Item—I Give and bequeath to my son
Elijah Stevens and to his heirs or assigns my Dwelling House & other
Buildings, my wharfs and all my lands lying at a place called the narrows, he
allowing one convenient room for my Daughter Abigail to live in during her
living a single life or remaining unmarried—and he paying to his Brother Josiah
the sum of fifteen pounds being part of the Legacy above given to him, and
other the Legacies hereafter directed for him to pay
Item—I give and bequeath to my Son
Silas Stevens & to his heirs or assigns all my Lands meadows &
buildings lying on the east side of wonkinco river & which I hold by deed
from Gershom morse, he paying to his brother Josiah the sum of ten pounds,
being the remaining part of the Legacy herein given to him and that the same be
paid when he said Silas shall arrive to the age of twenty one years—also I give
him the Cedar Swamp I hold by said Morse’s Deed.
Item—I
Give and bequeath to my two sons Luther Stevens & Bela Stevens and their
heirs or assigns in equal halves between them, all my Lands meadows &
appurtenances that I hold by Deed from Thomas Whetten be the same more or less
as is described in said Whitten’s Deed to me, and also the Lands & swamp I
laid out adjoining to said Land—and also a small piece of Cedar Swamp lying in
the township of Carver which I hold by Deed from Simeon Barrows
Item—I
Give to my Son Alvan Stevens & to his heirs or assigns my Salt meadow or
sedge flat lying at little harbor so called, and also the sum of forty five
pounds of Lawful money to be paid him by my Executor hereafter named when he
shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and also my will is that he shall
have a suitable bringing up and Education during his minority afforded him by
my said Executors, and that the improvement of his Legacy be considered as an
equivalent for the same
Item—I
Give to my Daughter Abigail Stevens, two feather Beds & furniture, and also
the one half of all my houshold furniture (excepting the bed & bedding)
also excepting my Clock & large looking glass, also I give her thirty
pounds Lawful money and that her bringing up shall be considered as the
Interest thereof untill she arrives to the age of eighteen years, also I give
her the privilege of living in a convenient room in my Dwelling house during
her single life
Item—I
Give to my Grand Daughter Sally Stevens Washburn, all the things that was her
mothers, that are now in my possession to be delivered to her when she shall
arrive to the age of eighteen years, also I Give her the sum of two pounds of
Lawful money to be paid her by my Executor when she shall arrive to the age of
Eighteen years
Item—my
will is that my three sons Luther Bela & Alva be each of them put out to
Learn suitable trades, as soon as either of them are of suitable age therefor
Item—I
Give and bequeath all the remainder of my estate, not particularly disposed of
in this my will, to my wife, & my son Elijah, they paying all my just
debts, the Legacies herein given, and compleatly fulfilling this my will
Item—I constitute & appoint my
living wife Abigail Stevens and my Son Elijah Stevens, my joint Executor &
Executrix to this my Last will & testament hereby revoking all other &
former wills ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my Last will
& testament, as witness my hand & seal the day aforesaid—
Signed Sealed pronounced &
declared by Josiah Stevens — seal
sd Josiah Stevens to be
his Last will and
testament in presence of
David
Nye
Perez
Briggs
Benja
Briggs
On 14 Nov. 1793 Abigail Stevens,
widow of Josiah Stevens, and one of the executors named in his will, refused,
“being much indisposed & my health so decayed that I am utterly unable to
officiate in that capacity…” The will was presented for probate on 20 Nov. 1793
by Elijah Stevens, the other executor, and proved by David Nye and Perez
Briggs, two of the witnesses, and letters of administration were given to
Elijah Stevens, executor.
Benja. Briggs, Rowland Leonard, yeoman, and Benja.
Fearing, Gentm., all of
Benja. Briggs, yeoman, Benja. Fearing,
Gentleman, & Rowland Leonard, Mercht., all of Wareham, were
appointed to assign & set off to Abigail Stephens, widow of Josiah
Stephens, late of Wareham, her thirds or right of dower in the estate of her
late husband on 20 Oct. 1797. The return of Benjamin Briggs, Benjamin Fearing,
and Rowland Leonard is dated 31 Oct. 1797, and it was approved on 23 Nov. 1797.
I
Abigail Stephens do solemnly swear that, in disposing of the real estate of
Luther Stephens, Bela Stephens & Alven Stephens, minors, that I will use my
best skill & judgment in fixing on the time & place of sale; and that I
will exert my utmost endeavours to dispose of the same in such manner as will
produce the greatest advantage to all persons interested therein, and that
without any sinister views whatsoever Novr 25th. 1797.
Abigail Stephens
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Stickney of South Hadley,
I
John Stickney of South Hadley in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Yeoman being of a sound and disposing mind and memory do on this
fourteenth day of August in the year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and
sixteen make and publish this my last will & Testament in manner following
viz.—
First My will is that after my decease my body
have a decent and Christian burial and that the Charges of the same be paid by
my Executors out of my Estate.
Secondly, My Estate Real &
Personal, which the Providence of God hath given me I give in the following
manner.
To
my beloved wife Lucy I give the one third part of all my Real Estate to be for
her use and improvement for and during the time she remains my widow.
To
my son Walter I give the whole of my Real Estate to him and his heirs in fee
simple, excepting only the item(?) therein which I have before given to my
wife, and also all my Personal Estate, after payment of my Funeral Charges, the
expense of said burial, and my just debts he paying out of the same Real &
Personal estate the Legacies hereinafter bequeathed to my other Children.
To
my son John I give the sum of One Dollar, which sum together with what he has
already received I consider as his full share of my estate to be paid by my son
Walter, out of the share which I have in this my Will given to him.—
And
to my Son Caleb Howard, I give the sum of One Dollar which together with what
he has already received I consider as his full share of my estate—this Legacy
also to be paid by my son Walter out of the share in this Will given to him.
Lastly—I
do constitute and appoint my said Wife Lucy, and my said son Walter, now both
of said
Signed Sealed, Published &
delivered
by John Stickney the Testator as
his John Stickney (seal)
last Will & Testament in
presence
of us who sign as witnesses in
presence of said Testator & of each other.
Selah Smith, Josiah Snow,
Eliphaz Moody
Proved on 2 May 1826, and administration of the estate
granted to Walter Stickney, the executor. His bondsmen were Eliphaz Moody and
Jonah Snow, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Hezekiah
Stoddard of
In the Name of God Amen. ye twelfth Day of
November In ye Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred &
thirty one I Hezekiah Stodder of Scituate in ye County of Plymouth
in ye Province of ye Massachusets Bay in New England
Cooper Being sick of Body but of perfect mind & memory, Thanks be Given to
GOD, And Calling to mind my mortality & Knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to Dye, Do make, constitute, ordain & Declare this my Last
will & Testament, Revoking & Disanulling by these presents all &
Every Testament & Testaments, will & wills heretofore by me made &
Declared either by word or writing and this to be taken only for my last will
& Testament and no Other,— And first, I Give & Recommend my Soul unto ye
hands of GOD yt. Gave it, hoping & trusting that by ye
Merits of Jesus Christ My Saviour & Dear Redeemer I shall have full
Remission & free Pardon of all my Sins and that I Shall Inherit Everlasting
life—And my Body I Commit to ye Dust to be Decently Buryed at ye
Discretion of my Executors hereafter named hoping that it shall be Restored to
me again a glorious Body at ye General Day of Resurrection—And Now
for ye settling of my temporal estate and such Goods & chattels
as it hath pleased GOD to Bestow upon me I Do ordain Give & Dispose of ye
same in manner & form following That is to Say.— First; I will that my Just
Debts & funeral Charges & ye Probate of this my last will
well & truly paid or ordered to be paid within some convenient Time after
my decease by my Executor or Executors hereafter named.
Item. I give & Bequeath unto my well beloved wife Lois
Stoddard my Best Bed & Furniture belonging to ye same and also
my Loom & ye tackling belong to ye same, During her
Life and then to return to my two sons hereafter named also my mind and will is
that my wife shall have Liberty to live in my House so long as She shall live
my widow.—
Item. I give & bequeath unto my well beloved sons Joshua
Stodder & Hezekiah Stodder their Heirs & assigns forever all my Housing
& Lands in
Also my mind & will is that my Sister Hannah shall have
And Finally I do make, ordain, Constitute & appoint my
well beloved Friend Theophilus Cushing of Hingham in ye County of
Suffolk in ye Province of ye massachusets Bay in
New-England with my well beloved son Joshua Stodder to be my Sole Executrix of
this my Last will & Testament Trusting & Confiding in them that yy
will truly perform & Duely Execute ye same according to ye
true Intent & Meaning thereof in Every part of it — In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & Seal ye Day & Year above
mentioned.—
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced & his
Declared by ye sd Hezekiah Stodder Hezekiah S Stoddard (Seal)
In ye presence of us. mark
Daniel Greanleaf
Jonathan Farrow
Obadiah Gross
December 20th. 1731. ye within named
Jona. Farrow & Obadiah Gross made oath that yy saw ye
within named Hezekiah Stoddard Sign seal & heard him Declare ye
within written Instrumt. to be his last will & Testament and
that they at ye same time Together with Daniel Greenleaf in ye
presence of ye sd Testator Set to yr hands as
witnesses and yt according to ye best of yr
Observation he then was of a sound & Disposing mind & memory. Before Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate.
Mr. Jona. Farrow, Mr.
Obadiah Gross, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Henry Strobridge of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be it remembered, that I Henry Strobridge of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on this
seventeenth day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty
two, make and publish this, my last will and Testament in manner following viz.
In the first place I give and bequeath to my daughter
Elizabeth Strobridge to her heirs and assigns a pew No 26 in
the Congregational Meeting house in this parish also two cows, my chaise and
the whole of my household Furniture of every description including Beds bedding
&c.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Strobridge the
whole of my wearing apparel
Third. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Thomas Henry
Strobridge son of my Son Thomas Strobridge and to his heirs and assigns forever
my thirty acre lot of land which my Father bought of John Montgomery; also the
whole of the sixteen acres of land which my Father bought of Jotham Caswell and
Charles Runnels, with the barn situate thereon, excepting a strip of land
estimated at one hundred Rods, adjoining to the Highway and my other barn
thereon standing, which I have recently conveyed by deed to my daughter
Elizabeth—. I also give to my said Grandson Thomas Henry, the remainder of my
stock of creatures not heretofore disposed of together with all my farming
Fourth. I give and bequeath, to my Grand daughter Ann
Sampson, the wife of Aziel Washburn and daughter of my son Thomas, one hundred
dollars, to be paid (by my Executors within two years from my decease) by the
sale of wood standing on the above named premisis conveyed to my Grandson
Thomas Henry Strobridge, which wood I order to be sold by my Executor, for the
payment of said Legacy.
Fifth. I give and bequeath to my Grand Children, the children
of my daughter Sina (who married Cyrus Bosworth) deceased, Three hundred
Dollars to be paid to them within two years from my decease.
Sixth. I give and bequeath to my Grand Children the children
of my daughter Sarah M. (who married Keith Bassett deceased) three hundred
dollars to be paid to them within two years from my decease.
Seventh. It is my further will that in case the said Thomas
Henry Strobridge my grandson shall decease before he shall have arrived at the
age of twenty one years without issue, said property named in the third section
disposed of to said Thomas Henry, I order to be give to Ann Sampson, my grand
daughter and wife of Aziel Washburn, to her and her heirs and assigns forever,
posession the day he the said Thomas Henry might have become twenty one years
of age, and on the day he, the said Thomas Henry will come in possession if
living – And the Improvement of said property to be vested in the hands of my
Trustees during his minority
Eighth. I give and bequeath to my Grandson Thomas Henry a pew
in said Congregational Meeting house No Eleven.
Ninth. I further order that the residue of my property both
real and personal be committed to the care and safe keeping of Ebenezer
Strobridge and John Montgomery both of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
and William H. Soule of Plympton in said County, whom I nominate and appoint as
Trustees, and further order my said Trustees to pay to my Executor such amount
as is necessary to pay the expenses of a contemplated suit at law, or any
liability whatever may occur in the decision of the suit about to be commenced
by Noble Canedy, and after having paid all expenses and liabilities attending
such suit, Legacies, just Debts and incidental charges, the residue to be
equally divided — One half of which I give and bequeath to my daughter
Elizabeth Strobridge, the other half I order to be retained in the hands of my
Trustees to be disposed of according as their judgement and discretion shall
dictate.
Lastly I do appoint Ebenezer Strobridge of this my last will
and Testament
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year above written.
Signed, Sealed, and published by the said Henry Strobridge,
declaring this to be his last will and Testament in presence of us, who at his
request were called as Witnesses to the same, and in his presence did hereto
subscribed our names
Moses Shaw Henry Strobridge (seal)
Caleb Bassett
Horatio N. Thomas
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of May 1842 by
Ebenezer Strobridge, the Executor therein named, and proved by Caleb Bassett
and Horatio N. Thomas, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed.
Ebenezer Strobridge, of Middleborough, was granted
Administration of the Estate of Henry Strobridge, late of Middleborough, on 31
May 1842, with Caleb Bassett and Horatio N. Thomas, both of Middleborough, as
sureties.
Luther Washburn, George Williams Junior, and Caleb Bassett,
all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Henry
Strobridge, late of Middleborough, on 16 Feb. 1842.
The Inventory of the Estate of Henry Strobridge, late of
Middleborough, was dated 22 Mar. 1842, and totaled $3946.35, including his real
estate valued at $2332. Ebenezer Strobridge, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 31 May 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probatew Vol. 84, pp. 240-242, 255-256, from FHL
microfilm #0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 204.
Will of James
Stubbs of Kingston, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1731) *
In the Name of GOD Amen. ye. twentyeth Day of Decr.
1731. I James Stubbs of ye. Town of Kingston In ye.
County of Plymo. in New-England Shipwright, Being very Sick and weak
in Body But of perfect mind & memory, Thanks be Given unto GOD, therefore
Calling to mind ye. Mortality of my Body & knowing that it is
appoynted for all men once to dye Do make & ordayn this my Last will &
Testament, That is to say Principally & first of all I Give & Recommend
my Soul into ye. Hands of GOD that gave it and my Body I Recommend
to ye. Earth to be Buryed in a Decent Christian Buryal at ye.
Discretion of my Executors And as touching Such worldly Goods & Estate
wherewith It hath pleased GOD to give me in this Life I give & Demise &
Dispose of ye Same in following manner, That is to Say, I Give &
Bequeath to Hannah my Dearly Beloved Wife all my Estate that shall or may be
left after my Just Debts are paid Both Real & Personal Goods or Chattels,
Debts & Moveable Effects, whom I Likewise Constitute & make &
ordayn my Sole Executrix of this my Last will & Testament & all by her
freely to be possessed & Enjoyed and I do hereby utterly Revoke Every other
former Testaments, Wills, Bequests, Executors by me in any ways before named
Ratifying this & no other as my last will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal ye. Day & Year
above written.—
Signed Sealed, Published & Declared by
ye sd. James Stubs as his Last will
& James Stubs (seal)
Testament In ye. presence of us
ye. Subscribers
Thomas Foster
Nathan Thomas
James Bradford
Proved by Nathan Thomas and James Bradford on 9 Feb.
1731[/32], and by Thos. Foster on 8 Mar. 1731/2. Letters of Administration were
granted to Hannah Stubs, Relict widow of the deceased and Sole Executrix, on 31
Mar. 1732.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 6, p. 142-143, from FHL microfilm
#0550512.
Will of Caleb Sturtevant of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1785) *
In
the name of God amen – I Caleb Sturtevant of Halifax in the county of Plymouth
in the Comonwealth of the Massachusetts, yeoman, being sensible of my frailty
and mortality, and being infirm in body, but of a sound mind and memory, do
make and ordain this to be my last will & testament, and first, I commit my
mortal body to the dust, and my soul to God who gave it, and touching my
temporal estate wherewith god hath blessed me, I dispose of it in the following
manner – vizt
Imprimis
– I Give unto my well beloved wife Abigail Sturtevant the use and improvement
of all my real Estate untill my two children Caleb & Abigail arrive to the
age of fourteen years, and after that I Give unto my said wife ye
use & improvement of one third of my real estate so long as she remains my
widow
Item – I Give unto my wife the use and improvement of one third of a Pew
in the meeting house in partnership with John Tilson so long as she remains my
widow
Item – I Give unto my said wife all the moveables she brought to me when
I married her, for her own use and disposal forever
Item – I Give unto my said wife, all the provisions of all sorts, that
shall be left at my decease for her own use and the use of the family
Item – I Give unto my two sons Caleb Sturtevant & Winslow Sturtevant
all my homestead Lands and buildings & Cedar Swamp within the homestead
Lands also my fresh meadow at the mouth of monponset pond, and the cedar swamp
adjoining being the whole Lot joining together, also one third of a Pew in the
meeting house, also two Lots of cedar swamp I bought of Deacon Samuel Bryant
and my Land at the stone ware, and one half a Pew in the meeting house, all of
which for them to come in possession after my wife has done with them, to be
equally divided betwixt them, to them and their heirs and assigns forever
Item – I Give unto my three sons Jabez Sturtevant, Caleb Sturtevant
& Winslow Sturtevant all my wearing apparell to be equally divided betwixt
them, to them their heirs and assigns forever
Item – I Give unto my two sons Caleb & Winslow to be equally divided
betwixt them one yoke of oxen, two Cows & ten sheep, and one Bed &
Bedding being all the Bed & Bedding I have not yet disposed of, and my two
guns and military armour, and all my farming tools & utensills
Item – I Give unto my Eight Daughters-vizt–Rebecca–Jane &
the heir of Susanna, Betty, Fear–Sarah, Patience & Abigail, my just debts
& funeral charges being first paid out of the same all my moveable Estate
not yet disposed of, and to be divided in manner following – vizt,
that each of them that I have not given any thing before shall have so much
taken out for them as to make them all equal before there be any division, and
the remainder to be equally divided betwixt my said eight daughters, to them
their heirs & assigns forever
Lastly – I do constitute and appoint Benjamin Cook of Kingston in the
county of Plymouth Gentleman, my sole Executor, of this my Last will &
testament and making void all others as my Last will and testament – In witness
whereof I the said Caleb Sturtevant have hereunto Set my hand Seal, this
fourteenth day of June annoq Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty five
Signed Sealed and declared to be
his Last will & testament in
pre- Caleb Sturtevant (seal)
sence of us
Noah
Cushing
Jabez
Soule
Mercy
Seares
Presented for probate on 4 Nov.
1793 by Benjamin Cook, the Executor therein named, and proved by Noah Cushing
and Jabez Soule, two of the witnesses.
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of the Probate of
Wills, &c for the County of Plymouth &c – Sir – I am Informed that Mr
Caleb Sturtevant Late deceased of Halifax, appointed me as Executor on his will
– Sir I must inform you that I am in so poor a state of
health that I cannot undertake that business as I am not able to go abroad –
yours &c
Benjamin Cook
To Saml Stafford
Sturtevant of Halifax in ye aforesaid County Gentleman
Whereas Caleb Sturtevant Late of sd. Halifax yeoman deced on
the fourteenth day of June Anno Domini 1785 made his Last will & testament
in writing & signed, sealed & delivered ye. same before
sufficient witnesses, by which will (after gifts & Legacies then made) he
appointed Benja. Cook Excor of ye. same will, but he
refusing ye. sd. trust, admon. with ye. same
will annexed is therefore committed unto you ye. sd. Saml.
Staffd. Sturtevant of all & singular ye. Goods
Chattells, Rights & Credits of ye said deced, well &
faithfully to dispose of ye same according to Law & ye.
direction of ye. sd. will… In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & seal of office this fourth day of November, in the
year of our Lord 1793
Joshua Thomas
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 465-467, from FHL microfilm
#0550717, and Vol. 27, p. 537.
Will of Josiah Sturtevant of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In the Name of God Amen the Seventh Day of June – Anno Domini
One Thousand Seven hundred & Sixty Eight I Josiah Sturtevant of Hallifax in
the County of Plymouth & Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New England
being of a Perfect and Disposing Mind & Memory But calling to mind the
Mortality of my Body & Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die
Do make & Ordain this my Last Will & Testament that is to Say first of
all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it & my
Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a Decent & Christian Burial
at the Discretion of My Executor nothing Doubting but at the Resurrection
I Shall Receive the Same again by the
Mighty Power of God And with Respect to the Worldly Estate withwhich God has
Blessed me In this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the Same in the
following Manner
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Son Josiah Twelve Acres
of Land upon Hemlock Island to be Laid out on the South Westerly side next to
Watermans Meadow so called Extending to the Northerly Part of Said Land ~~
Item I Give to my Son Charles Ten Acres of Land Lying on Said
Island to be Laid out in Length Joining to Josiahs ~
Item I Give to my Sons Dependence & Samuel Stafford
Eighteen Acres upon Said Island to be Laid out nex Joyning to Charles’s to be
Equally Divided between them ~
Item I Give to my Sons Josiah Charles Church & William my
four Lots of Land Containing Two hundred Acres at the Eastward at a Place
called Miscongus at Whole Cove to be Equally Divided Among them Also I Give to
my Said Sons Josiah Charles Church & William my Lot of Land at Jones River
Pond Containing Sixty Acres to be Divided Equally betwixt them both for
Quantity & Quality Item I Give to my Sons Josiah & Dependence all the
Land & Meadow which I own above the Dam on the South Side of Monponset
Meadow Brook to be Divided Equally between them for Quantity & Quality
& that During the Time that the Mill Dam Shall be kept up the Brook Shall
be a fence betwixt them & Samuel Stafford & that no Creatures be put
thereon But Such as the Brook will Turn – Item I Give & Bequeath to my Sons
Church and William the Remaining Part of My Sixty Acre Lot Lying on Hemlock
Island to be Equally Divided between them for Quantity & Quality Item I
Give to my Son Church my Lot of Land that Lyeth Joining to the Cedar Swamp
& Austin Bearses Land – Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son Samuel
Stafford all the Remainder of My Estate both Real & Personal Reserving to
my Wife One Third Part of My Moveables During her Life & the Improvement of
One half of My Homestead during her Widow-hood & the keeping of Two Cows if
She Shall Desire it & if this is not Sufficient for her Support my Will is
that my Sons all of them together Should afford her whatever may be Requisite
to an Honorable Maintainance during her Widow hood & Likewise my Son Samuel
Stafford to pay all the Debts which I Shall Justly owe at my Decease & the
following Legacies which I Bequeath to my Several Children hereafter mentioned
to make up their Respective Portions with what they have Already had to be paid
in the following Manner Viz Charles to pay to Zadock Four Pounds William to pay
to my Grand Daughter Cloe four Pounds when She Shall Arrive at Eighteen Years
of Age Samuel Stafford to pay to My Daughter Hannah Cotton four Pounds
Dependence to pay to my Daughter Luce Hammond Four Pounds Church to pay to my
Daughter Tilson four Pounds Likewise that Samuel Stafford Should Provide Grave
Stones for me & my Wife ~ Likewise I Do hereby Appoint my son Samuel
Stafford to be Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament & I do hereby
Revoke & Disanull all & Every Other former Wills & Testaments
Legacies or Executors by me any Way before named Willed or Bequeathed Ratifying
& Confirming this and no Other to be my Last Will & Testament In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day and Year
Abovementioned ~
Signed Sealed & Declared
to be his Last Will & Testament
by the Said Josiah Sturtevant Josiah Sturtevant (seal)
In the Presence of us ~
Ephraim
Briggs
Nathll
Waterman
Seth
Waterman
Presented for probate on 7 March 1774 by Samuel Stafford
Sturtevant, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ephraim Briggs and Seth
Waterman, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Samuel Stafford Sturtevant, the Executor, with Josiah Cotton of Plymouth,
Gentleman, and Dependance Sturtevant of Plymton, Yeoman, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 600-602, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Samuel
Sturtevant of
In the Name of God Amen. I Samuel Sturtevant of Hallifax in
the County of Plymo in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in
New-England Yeoman, being aged & not knowing how Soon it may please my
Maker to take Me hence, and being desirous to Settle & dispose of that wch
God hath lent me of external Goods, I do therefore Make & Constitute this
my last Will & Testament in Manner & form following— That is to Say
First & Principally I resign my Soul into the Mercifull Hands of Almighty
God, Hoping thro’ the merits of my Blessed Saviour for the Pardon of my Sins
& the Salvation of my Soul— My Body I Commit to the Earth to be decently
buried according to the Discretion of those Who have the management of that
affair~~
And as for the Worldly Goods which I have a Right in &
unto I Give & Bequeath ye Same in the following Manner viz
Imprims— I Give unto my beloved Wife Elizabeth the use and
Improvement of my Dwelling House & Shop, and one third part of ye
Barn & Homestead Lands during the time of her Widowhood & also one
Third Part of my Moveable Estate—
Itm I Give unto my Son Samuel five Shillings to be paid out
of my Personal Estate by my Execr hereafter named, which together
with what I have already Given him by Deed is in full of his Portion —
Itm I Give to my Son James my Gun wch is now in
his Possession, and do hereby Confirm unto him the Land yt I have
already Given him by Deed —
Itm I bequeath unto my Son Moses five Shillings out of
my personal Estate which is in full of his Portion with what I have already
given him by Deed —
Itm I Give unto my Son Josiah five Shillings which is
in full of his Portion I having already made Provision for him by Deed —
Itm All the Rest & Residue of my Goods &
Chattels not herein before Bequeathed, I Give the Same to my Children William
& John (whom their Uncle John Sturtevant provided farms for) Nehemiah &
Hannah Standish, & to the Heirs of my Daughter Mercy Bozworth Deceasd
in equal Proportion to be Distributed by my Executr hereafter named
that is to Say four fifth Parts thereof to my sd four Children &
the remaining fifth Part thereof to my sd Grand Children viz: David,
Jonathan, Nehemiah & Hannah to be equally Divided among them, Excepting out
of the Share of my Daughter Hannah Standish fifty Shillings which I have
already Given her, and also out of David Bozworth my grandson’s share thirty
Shillings which I formerly gave him in an horse —
Lastly I do hereby nominate & appoint my Son Josiah
Sturtevant Sole Executr to this my last Will & Testament— In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 18th Day
of March anno R2 Georgii 2di nouo Annoq. Domini one Thousand Seven
hundred and thirty five –1735/6– The
Word, fifth, Interlined in two Places before Signing—
Signed Sealed & Declared by ye sd Samuel Sturtevant (seal)
Samuel Sturtevant to be his last
Will & Testament In Presence
of us — Jno
Cotton
Abigail Waterman
her
Mary 3
Ransom
mark
Proved on 21 May 1736 by John Cotton, Abigail Waterman, and
Mary Ransom, the witnesses.
Mr. Ignatius Cushing, Mr. James Bryant
& Mr. Moses Cushman, all of
* Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from
Will of Sarah
Sturtevant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
I
Sarah Sturtevant of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and state of
Massachusetts, Widow, Woman, being weak in body but of sound mind and memory,
do make and publish this my last will and Testament, in manner & form as
follows, I give and bequeath unto my
two daughters, Prissilla Blair and Fanny Sturtevant in equal shares between
them the said Prissilla and Fanny, my cow, and also all my wearing apparel
togather with all the rights title and interest in and to all the personal
Estate which my beloved husband Thomas Sturtevant late of Middleborough
deceased gave me in his last Will and Testament.
And
I do hereby appoint the above named Priscilla Blair and Fanny D. Sturtevant
Joint Executors, of this my last Will and Testament and hereby revoking all
former wills, by me made. In witness, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this, 25th day of October in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and
thirty seven
Sarah Sturtevant (seal)
Signed,
sealed Published and declared by the above named Sarah Sturtevant to be her
last will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses in the presence and at the request of the testator
Samuel
Thompson
Lorin
Bryant
Clary
S. Thompson
Probated on the last Tuesday of May
1839, and proved by Samuel Thompson and Lorin Bryant, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Dr. Thomas Sturtevant of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1835) *
I
Thomas Sturtevant of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, calling to mind
the mortality of man, and being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make
this my last Will and Testament, giving my Soul to God who gave it, and my body
to the earth to be bury’d in a decent christian burial at the discretion of my
Executor. And I dispose of my earthly estate in the following manner and form.
I
give to my beloved wife Sarah the use and improvement of one third part of my
real estate, during her natural life – and I give her one Cow and one third
part of my household furniture – this as her dower in my estate —
I
give to my said wife and daughters, excepting Sarah, all my provisions on hand
at the time of my death.
My
Will is that my Executors collect all the debts due to me, and that they add
that to my estate which I leave, except that which I have given to my wife, and
out of the whole to pay all my just debts, funeral charges and the charges of
settling the estate – and if necessary to make sale of real estate for such
payments, such sale of real estate to be at public vendue; and they are
authorized to make such sale, and make and execute a good and sufficient deed
thereof or deeds without any license from any Court, giving the notice by law
in such case required. And the residue of my estate I order them or him to
dispose of as follows, viz, to be divided into seven equal parts, and here
called seven shares. To give the children of my son Josiah, deceased, three
quarters of a share to be equally divided between them, their heirs and assigns
forever.
I
give to my daughter Priscilla Blare one share and one half of a share and one
sixteenth of a share as aforesaid to her her heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my daughter Fanny D. one share and one sixteenth part of a share
aforesaid to her and her heirs and assigns forever: I also give to my daughter
Fanny D. three quarters and one sixteenth parts of a share as aforesaid for the
following purpose, that is for the use and benefit of my son George to be
delivered to him at such times and in such quantity as her discretion shall
dictate to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my son George Sturtevant one share as aforesaid for the following
purpose, that is for the use and benefit of my son Croad Sturtevant, to be
delivered to him at such times and in such quantities as his discretion shall
dictate, to him his heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my daughter Sarah Cushman, the wife of Zenas Cushman, three quarters of
a share as aforesaid, to be set off in land (and this is with what she has
heretofore had) to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my son William H. Sturtevant three quarters and one sixteenth parts of
a share as aforesaid for the following purpose – to the use and for the
exclusive benefit of his children or the children of the aforesaid William H.
Sturtevant their heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my grandson Thomas, the son of Josiah, one sixteenth part of a share
aforesaid, to him and his heirs forever.
I
give to my grand-daughter, Mary Ann, the wife of Nelson Sheperd one sixteenth
part of a share aforesaid, to her, and her heirs and assigns forever.
I
give to my grand-daughter Saba Adams, the wife of Doctr William W
Comstock one sixteenth part aforesaid of one share aforesaid, to her, her heirs
and, assigns forever.
I
also give to my daughter Sarah, the wife of Zenas Cushman one sixteenth part of
a share aforesaid in land to her, her heirs and assigns forever.
If my sons George or Croade should
die before the portion assigned for their support is expended, without issue, I
direct that the remainder should be equally divided between my wife, my sons
and daughters. And I do hereby authorise and require my said son George and my
daughter Fanny D to keep by them a last Will and Testament – and do authorise
them by their said Will to appoint some suitable person or persons to take the
trust which by this Will is given to them: And I revoke all other Wills made
before by me – and establish this my last Will and Testament, Appointing Samuel
Thomson Esqr. my sole Executor hereof –
And
it is my Will that if any one herein named shall bring any account prior to
this date, they relinquish all their legacy herein contained, that is, if they
bring the aforesaid account against this estate.
In
Testimony of which I do hereunto set my hand and seal –
Middleborough February the tenth
day one thousand eight hundred & thirty five.
Thomas Sturtevant (seal)
The
foregoing Instrument, signed and sealed by Thomas Sturtevant, was signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Thomas Sturtevant as and for his
last Will and Testament in our presence and hearing, who at his request and in
his presence set our hands
Wilkes
Wood
Joseph
T. Wood
Mary
T. Wood
I
Thomas Sturtevant the Testator of the above and foregoing Will and Testament,
now being of sound and disposing mind and memory, have deemed it proper to make
some alteration in the form and manner of the two devises in my said Will to my
daughter Sarah Cushman – that instead of the said devises being made directly
to my said daughter they are hereby made to Zenas Cushman Jr and
Noah Cushman, her sons, in trust, and to their successors, and for the use and
benefit of my said daughter during the term of her natural life: And whatever
of said devises shall remain at the time of her decease, to her heirs and their
assigns forever: And it is my Will and direction that this alteration and
addition shall be taken and deemed as a Codicil to my Will aforesaid, and as a
part of the same: And that said Will in all other respects remain valid as at
first, and as if this alteration had not been made. Witness my hand and seal this thirteenth day
of January, in the year 1836.
Thomas Sturtevant (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the aforesaid testator to be a part of his
last Will and Testament in our presence, who do hereto subscribe at his
request.
Lucy
C. Wood
Wm
H. Wood
Wilkes
Wood
Presented for probate on 20 Feb.
1837 by Samuel Thompson, the Executor therein named, with a Codicil thereto
annexed, and proved by Mary T. Wood, one of the witnesses to the Will, and by
Lucy C. Wood, one of the witnesses to the Codicil. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Samuel Thompson, the Executor therein named.
The Inventory and appraisement of
the Estate of Dr Thomas Sturtevant late of Middleborough, not dated,
was appraised by Earl Sprout, Alfred Wood, and [___] Caswell, his real estate
totaled $3573, and his personal estate totaled $548.89. Samuel Thompson, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 20 Feb. 1837.
Samuel Thompson, of Middleborough,
was granted administration with the will annexed of the estate of Thomas
Sturtevant, late of Middleborough, Physician,
on 20 Feb. 1837, with Earl Sproat and Albert Thomas, both of Middleborough,
as sureties.
Earl Sproat, Alfred Wood, and
Salmon Caswell were appointed to divide the real estate of Thomas Sturtevant,
late of Middleborough, among his heirs: to Priscilla Blair, 25/112th
parts, to Fanny Sturtevant, 17/112th parts, and Fanny Sturtevant in
trust for George Sturtevant, 13/112th parts, to the children of
William H. Sturtevant 13/112th parts, to the children of Josiah
Sturtevant 12/112th parts, and to Thomas Sturtevant, son of Josiah
Sturtevant, 1/112th part, to George Sturtevant in trust for Croad
Sturtevant 16/112th parts, to Bradford Harlow in trust for Sarah
Cushman 13/112th parts, and to Saba Adams Cumstock the wife of Dr.
William H. Cumstock and to Mary Ann Shepherd, wife of Nelson Shepherd, no real
estate but an equivalent amount in money to be paid by the other heirs who have
received more than their just proportion and share of real estate. The division
was dated 1 May 1839, and approved on the second Monday of Aug. 1840.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 79, p.
49-53, from FHL microfilm #0555265, Vol. 1G, p. 27, and Vol. 82, p. 276-278.
Will of William Sturtevant of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
I William Sturtevant of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth do
make this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament—
Item
1st. I give to my beloved Wife Sarah Sturtevant, the use Income
& Benefit of my Dwelling house & Lot, wherein I now live & all my
Land adjoining the same together with all my household Furniture Bed &
Bedding during her Life time. I also give her, the Income benefit &
Interest of fifty eight Shares of my Stock in the Plymouth Bank in Plymouth
& eighty Shares of my Stock in the State Bank in Boston during her Life
time —
Item
2d. I give to my Grandson Thomas Lobdell & Son of Thomas J
Lobdell eighty Shares of my Stock in the State Bank in Boston, & a certain
Note of hand signed by James Bryant & endorsed by Saml. Davis
& Co. dated Boston June 1st. 1818 for the Security of which
Notes, I hold an Assignment from the said Saml. Davis & Co.
of a Mortgage of a Wharf in Charlestown, mortgaged to the said Saml.
Davis & Co by the said James Bryant I also give him a
certain demand for Cash & Sundries which I have against Thomas J Lobdell
amounting to four hundred Dollars & for which I have the receipt of the
said Thomas J Lobdell dated September 15th. 1819.—The aforesaid
Thomas Lobdell Son of Thomas J Lobdell is to come in possession of the said
eighty Bank Shares at the decease of my Wife, provided however, the said Thomas
shall then have arrived to the age of twenty one years; should he not then have
arrived at that Age, at the decease of my Wife, the profit benefit &
Interest of the said Bank Stock, is to go to my Son William & my three
Daughters Jane, Sarah, & Rebecca, untill the said Thomas shall have arrived
to the Age of twenty one years. The said Notes and Assignment & the demand
for four hundred Dollars he is to come in possession of immediately after my
decease –
Should
the said Thomas decease before he comes in possession of said property or any
part thereof it is to revert back to my Heirs & to be divided equally
between my Son William and my three Daughters Jane, Sarah & Rebecca.—
Item
3d. I give eighteen hundred Dollars to my Son William, the Object of
my giving him this, more than I give my Daughters in principally for his
Education. I also give him my small Gold Watch. –
Item
4 The Residue of my property not herein before disposed of, or only in part, or
for a time disposed of, I give to my Son William & to my three Daughters,
Jane, Sarah & Rebecca to be divided equally between them, they paying all
my just debts & to support my Ward Betsey Sturtevant of Middleborough a non
compos.—
I
do hereby appoint Isaac E. Cobb of Plymouth Guardian of my Son William –
I
also appoint William P. Ripley & Isaac E Cobb both of Plymouth Executors to
this my last Will & Testament —
And
I hereby invest the said William P. Ripley & Isaac E Cobb with power in
case of the Failure of the State or Plymouth Bank, or in case either of the
said Banks should give up their Charter, & in case any of my United States
Stock should be paid or in any other case that may make it necessary, to
dispose of any of my Stocks or other property and invest, the same in other
Stocks or other property as they may judge best,– Always keeping separate &
by itself the Bank Stock, which I have given to my Wife & to my Grandchild–
I
have given this Liberty to my Executors, as it perhaps, may not be best to make
a full Settlement, while my Children are Young, & incapable of taking care
of it —
All
my real Estate excepting my house which I have given my Wife, I wish to have
sold as soon as possible ~
In
Testimony whereof I the said Wm. Sturtevant have hereunto set my
hand & Seal, this thirtieth day of October one thousand eight hundred &
nineteen, signed sealed & declared to be his last Will & Testament in
presence of us. And I Sarah Sturtevant Wife of said William Sturtevant agree to
abide by & accept this Will —
Rosseter Cotton
Lemuel Simmons Willm. Sturtevant (seal)
William Rogers
Isaac E Cobb Sarah Sturtevant
Presented for probate on 20 Dec.
1819 by William P. Ripley and Isaac E Cobb, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Rosseter Cotton Esqr. and Lemuel Simmons, two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to William
P. Ripley and Isaac E Cobb, the before named Executors.
Rosseter Cotton, Esqr.,
William Brown and Lemuel Brown, Gentlemen, all of Plymouth, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of William Sturtevant, late of Plymouth, Esquire, on 20
Dec. 1819. The Inventory of the Estate of William Sturtevant, late of Plymouth,
dated 27 Dec. 1819, totaled $9665.00, including his dwelling house and lot of
land valued at $2500, his undivided third part of a Wharf and two stores
standing thereon valued at $2000, and four shares in the Plympton Woollen
Factory valued at $4000. William P Ripley and Isaac Cobb, the Executors, gave
their oath to the inventory on 25 Dec. 1819.
Zabdiel Sampson and Rosseter Cotton
Esqrs, and Henry Jackson, Blacksmith, all of Plymouth, were
appointed to divide the personal estate of William Sturtevant, late of
Plymouth, after deducting the specific legacies given in the will, among his
son William and his three daughters Jane, Sarah and Rebecca W, on 19 Mar. 1821.
The total amounted to $55,791.05, less specific legacies of $16,000, left a
balance of $39,791.05 to be divided equally between William Sturtevant, Jane
Sturtevant, Sarah Sturtevant and Rebecca W Sturtevant, each receiving
$9947.76¼. The division was dated 10 Apr. 1821. The specific legacies were to
the widow Sarah Sturtevant $10,800, to Thomas Lobdell, son of Thomas J Lobdell,
$3400, and to William Sturtevant $1800.
Charles G. Davis, of Plymouth, was
appointed as Administrator with the will annexed of the Estate not already
administered of William Sturtevant, late of Plymouth, the appointed executors
having since died without having fully executing said will, on 30 Dec. 1886,
with Charles S. Davis and Zilpha H. Spooner, widow, of Plymouth, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, pp.
449-451, 483, from FHL microfilm #0550906, Vol. 53, p. 359-361, and Vol. 157,
p. 103.
Will of John Swift of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1829) *
In
the name of God Amen. I John Swift of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth Yeoman
considering the uncertainty of life & being of sound and perfect mind and
memory do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking all
former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
I
give devise and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Swift the improvement of one half
part of the real estate of which I may die seized, while she shall remain my
widow, except that part thereof which is herein given to my daughter Betsey
Maynard, to my son John and to my daughter Susanna Thrasher. And my will and
direction is that my son Joshua shall improve that part of my real estate the
improvement of which I have given to my said wife and account with his Mother
for the proceeds thereof, so that she may have a comfortable maintenance. I
also give to my said wife the use of all the furniture and moveables in my
house at the time of my decease.
I
give & bequeath to my son John ten dollars & the improvement of a
quarter of an acre of land where his house stands, & South of the same
during his life & I give & devise the said land after the decease of my
said son to my Grandson John Swift 3d son of my said son John, to
hold the same to him his heirs & assigns.
I
give & bequeath to my son Joseph ten dollars.
I
give & bequeath to my grandchildren Jabez Swift, Bartlett Swift &
Deborah Swift children of my deceased son Jabez five dollars each payable when
they shall severally arrive at the age of twenty one years.
I
give & bequeath to my daughter Jane wife of Josiah Gibbs ten dollars.
I
give and bequeath to my daughter Patience wife of Thomas Maxim, ten dollars. –
I
give, devise & bequeath to my daughter Susanna wife of David Thrasher her
her heirs & assigns a lot of land where said Thrashers house stands bounded
as follows beginning at the Southerly corner of said house thence running
Southerly by the main road eighteen feet, thence Easterly to an old dam from
which the family in said house take their water, thence Northerly and Westerly
down the westerly side of the brook until it comes to a bridge in the road,
then running Southerly and Westerly by the road to the bounds first mentioned.
I
give devise & bequeath to my daughter Betsey widow of Solomon Maynard her
heirs & assigns a ten acre wood lot on the Country road to Sandwich,
extending from said road to the brook & bounded Northerly by land formerly
of Ezra Harlow deceased and Southerly by land of Ezekiel Rider. I also give and
devise to my said daughter Betsey so long as she shall remain a widow the use
and improvement of the South end of my dwelling house being that part which I
have recently added to the old house; also all the moveables in my said house
after the decease of her mother. Provided however that my said daughter shall
relinquish all claim on my estate for any services she may have rendered
previous to my decease. I also give & bequeath to my said daughter Betsey
Maynard the sum of one hundred dollars.
As
I have above provided that my wife shall have the improvement of one half of my
real estate during her widowhood and as some question may arise as to her right
to improve the wood lands of which I may die seized, I hereby direct & my
will is that my said wife shall have no further improvement of said woodlands
than may be necessary for the support of a fire and I hereby direct my son
Joshua at his own expense to cut and cart to her door so much wood as may be
necessary for that purpose. –
I
give devise & bequeath to my son Joshua Swift his heirs and assigns, that
part of my real estate the improvement of which is herein given to his mother,
subject however to her improvement as aforesaid during her widow hood, and also
that part of my real estate the improvement of which is herein given to my
daughter Betsey Maynard, subject however to her improvement during her widow
hood. I also give, devise and bequeath to my said son Joshua his heirs and
assigns all the rest, residue & remainder of my real estate wherever the
same may be and all my personal estate, except what is above given and
bequeathed: Provided however that my said son Joshua shall pay my funeral
charges & all debts which may be due from me at the time of my decease
& also all other legacies which are above given to my children and
Grandchildren. The said legacies except those given to the children of my
deceased son Jabez to be paid one half in one year and one half in two years
from the time of my decease. And I hereby appoint my said son Joshua Swift sole
executor of this my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twelfth day of
September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
John Swift (seal)
signed, sealed, published
& declared by the above-
named John Swift to be
his last will and testament
in the presence of us who
at his request and in his
presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as
witnesses to the same
Coomer
Weston
Thomas
Davis
Nathl
M Davis
Presented for probate on 8 Aug.
1836, and proved by Coomer Weston and Nathaniel M. Davis, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
340-342, with corrections from Plymouth County Probate Docket #19896.
Will of Joshua Swift of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Joshua Swift of Plymouth in the
County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman being Sick & weak of Body but
Sound & disposing Mind and Memory do make & ordain this to be my last
Will & Testament –
First of all I give my Soul to God that gave it hoping
through the Merrits of the perfect Righteousness of Christ to find Acceptance
with God. My Body I comit to the Dust to be decently buried by the discretion
of my Executor hereafter Named nothing Doubting but the same Shall be raised
again at the last Day. And as to my Earthly Substance God has bless me with all
I give & dispose of as followeth ~
First I give to my dear & loving Wife Jane Swift the
whole Use & Improvment of the Whole of my Estate Real & Personal to her
free Use and Improvment after my Just Debts & Funeral Charges is paid by my
Executor.
2. I give to my Son John Swift that End of my Dwelling House
that John Swift now Dwells in and the remainder of the House that is the one
half I give to my Son Joshua Swift only reserving to my four Daughters Lusannah
Joanna Mercy & Rebecah each of them free liberty to dwell in that part of
my House that is given to my Son Joshua so long as they shall live unmarried –
3. I give to my three Sons Joseph John & Joshua Swift the
whole of my Estate Real & Personal after my Wifes decease to be divided
Equally among them all Excepting the Moveables in the House those to be give to
my four Daughters Lusannah Joanna, Mercy & Rebeccah to be divided Equally
among them ~
4 I likewise give to
my Son Joshua Six Pounds Lawfull Money to be paid by my Executors two years
after my Three Sons come in possession of Said Estate
5 I likewise give to
my Six Daughters each of them Sixteen Pounds Lawfull Money to make them equal
alike with what Abigail Cornish & Jane Rider hath already Received of their
parts to make my Daughters Lusannah Joannah Mercy & Rebeccah all equal
Sixteen Pounds a Peice to be paid by my Executor two Years after my three Sons
Joseph John & Joshua come in possession of Sd. Estate ~
6 I likewise give to
my beloved Wife my Indian Servant to her Proper Use & disposal & I do
hereby constitute & appoint my dear Wife and my Son John Swift to be my
Sole Executors to this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other or
former Wills by me made declaring this to be my last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
Hand & Seal This Ninth Day of March Anno Domini one Thousand Seven Hundred
& Seventy Six
Signed Sealed & ddd. Published
& declared In presence of Us Joshua Swift (seal)
Soloman Holmes
Ebenr. Bartlet
Stephen Doty Junr.
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1777 by Jane Swift and John
Swift, the Executors therein named, and proved by Soloman Holmes, Ebenezar
Bartlet, and Stephen Doty Junr., the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Jane Swift and John Swift, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Joshua Swift, late of
Plymouth, was appraised by Jeremiah Holmes, Seth Morton, and Stephen Doty Junr.,
not dated, but totaled £593.9.5, including his homestead farm and buildings
valued at £400. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 3 Nov. 1777,
and John Swift, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory at the same time.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, pp. 253-254, 433-434, from FHL
microfilm #0550713.
Will of William Swift
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be it
remembered, That I William Swift of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth,
yeoman, calling to mind the uncertainty of life, and being this, the blessing
of God, of sound disposing mind and memory, do this 26th day of May A.D. 1830
make and declare this as my last will and Testament, and do hereby dispose of
my worldly interest in the following manner Viz. I give and bequeath to my
Nephew, Isam Leonard the sum of Six hundred Dollars payable in twelve months
after my decease by my Executor hereafter named, and the residue of all the
real and personal Estate which I may die seized of I give, devise and bequeath
to my nephew, Martin Swift, his heirs and assigns forever, subject to the
payment of all my debts and the Legacy aforesaid. And I do hereby constitute
and appoint the said Martin Swift Sole Executor of this my last will and
Testament
In
testamony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year first
above written
William Swift (seal)
Signed, Sealed
published and declared by the said Wm Swift as his last Will
and Testament, in presence of us who at his request, and in his presence have
hereunto set our names as witnesses
Nathan
Mitchell
Asa
Pratt
Seth
Pratt
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1839 by
Martin Swift, the Executor, and proved by Nathan Mitchell and Seth Pratt, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elisha Sylvester of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1747) *
In
the Name of God Amen,
The twenty ninth day of june in the year of our Lord one
thousand, seven hundred & fortyseven, I Elisha Sylvester of Scituate in the
county of Plymouth in New-England yeoman, being of sound memory, and calling to
mind my mortality do make & ordain this my Last will & testament, in
manner following; Principally & first of all I recommend my soul to God
that gave it and my body to the earth to a decent burial at the discretion of
my executrix hereafternamed and touching such worldly goods & estate as God
hath favoured me, I give bequeath & dispose of the same in manner
following, after my just debts & funeral charges are paid.
Imprimis, I give unto my beloved wife Eunice Sylvester the
whole improvement of all my personal estate within doors & without, of what
nature or kind soever, during her natural Life, and the whole improvement of
all my real estate until my youngest son James Sylvester shall come to the age
of fourteen years, and then I give unto my said wife, the improvement of one
third of my real estate during her natural life. ~
Item. I give unto my two sons, that is to say unto Elisha
Sylvester & James Sylvester all my Lands or real estate lying & being
in Scituate of elsewhere. two thirds of the said Lands to be divided between
them, when the eldest son being Elisha, shall come to the age of twenty one
years, and the other third of the sd. lands to be divided between my
sd. two sons Elisha & James after my said wife,s decease. ~
Lastly, I do hereby nominate & appoint my wel-beloved
wife Eunice Sylvester to be the sole executrix of this my Last will &
testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day
& year first above written. his
Elisha X Sylvester (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, & declared by the mark
said Elisha Sylvester to be his last will & testament in
presence of us~
James Cushing,
Joshua Donham, Martha Sylvester.
Presented for probate on 6 Dec. 1767 by Eunice Sylvester, the
executrix therein named, and proved by Martha Prouty, formerly Martha
Sylvester, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed, James Cushing being since
deceased, and Joshua Donham being out of the province. Letters of
Administration were granted to Eunice Sylvester, the before named executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
David Jacobs of Hanover, Gentm., Nathl.
Brooks and James Jacobs, both of Scituate, yeomen, were appointed to set off to
Eunice, the widow of Elisha Sylvester, her dower or thirds in the real estate
of Elisha Sylvester, late of Scituate, on 4 April. 1781.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 525-526, from FHL microfilm
#0550711, and Vol. 28, p. 89-90.
Will of Israel
Sylvester of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1726) *
In the Name of God Amen: This nineteenth Day of Aprill in ye.
year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred & twenty six: I Israell
Sylvester of Scittuate in ye. County of Plymouth In New: England
yeoman: Being aged & weak in Body but of Sound & Perfect mind &
memory thanks be given to God for ye. same ( and knowing &
Calling to mind ye. uncertainty & mortality of this Life here on
Earth: and being desirous to Settle my Estate in order, before my death, Do
make this my Last Will & Testament in manner & forme following) That is
to Say Principally & first of all I Comitt & Recomend my Soul to
Almighty God that gave it, & my Body to ye Earth from whence it
was taken, To be Buried in Such Decent manner, as to my Executor here after
named Shall be thought meat & Convenient, and as touching Such worldly
Estate as ye. Lord in mercy hath Lent me, my will & meaning is
that ye. same Shall be Imployed, Improved and Bestowed &
disposed of as here after in this my Last Will & Testament is Expressed:
and first of all I do hereby Revoke & make void all other & former Will
or Wills by me heretofore or formally made Either by word or in writing &
this only to be taken for my Last Will and Testament: Item, I give &
Bequeath to Martha my Well beloved Wife ye. whole & Sole use
& Improvement of ye. Southerly End of my now dwelling House
together with a Priviledge in my Chamber Cellar & Garden during Her natural
Life only my Daughter Silence Sylvester Shall have ye. Liberty of
Living in ye Said House with Her mother during ye. Life
of Her Mother, and also I give to my sd. Wife Eight Bushels of Corne
a year & two bushels of malt & also ye. use &
Improvement of one neat milck Cow yearly & Every year to give Her milke to
be kept Where I now dwell with Winter & Sumer meat and also one Pigg to be
Provided Every year in the Spring & kept at Her Door untill ye.
Fall & fatted fit to kill & So Every year & Sufficient Beef for Her
use, together with Sufficient & Convenient Fire Wood Cutt Carried Carted
& Laid att Her Door as She Shall need ye. same yearly, and also
I give to my sd. Wife ye. use & Improvement of So
much of my household goods att Her Choice as She Shall think Convenient to keep
House with all during Her Natural Life, and as Touching ye. Eight
bushels of Corn my Will is that it Shall be five of it Indian & two of it
Rye & one of it wheat and my will & meaning is that all ye.
Gifts & yearly fallerys[?] above given to my sd. Wife Shall be
Provided delivered & Paid to my Sd wife yearly by my Executor
hereafter named during ye. natural Life of my Sd. Wife
only ye. Household goods & them after ye. decease of
my sd. Wife to Return to my Son Elisha Sylvester & to be His
Estate. Item: I give & Bequeath to my daughter Silence Sylvester Twenty
Pounds in money to be Paid by my Executor hereafter named within two years
after my decease, and also I give to my sd. daughter Silence
Sylvester one feather Bed & furniture belonging to it out of my moveable
Estate. Item. I give to my Grandson Israel Sylvester Ten Shillings in money to
be Paid by my Executor hereafter named. Item: I give to my Granddaughter Lydiah
Rose fourty Shillings in money to be Paid by my Executor hereafter named within
two years after my decease
Item. I give to my Grand daughter Hannah Dammon Twenty
Shillings in money to be Paid by my Executor hereafter named within Two years
after my decease. Item, I give to my Daughter Lois Stoddard four Pounds in
money to be Paid by my Executor named within two years after my decease; Item,
I give to my daughter Mary Stoddard four Pounds in money to be Paid by my
Executor her after named within two years after my decease; Item, I give &
Bequeath to my Son Richard Sylvester Twenty Shillings in money to be Paid by my
Executor hereafter named within two years after my Decease. Item, I further
give & Bequeath to my Sd. Son Richard Sylvester one Lott of Land
Lying in the Township of Marshfield that was granted to me by ye.
Said Town of Marshfield To Him His Heirs & assignes for Ever: I having
given him before by Deeds. Item: I give & Bequeath to my Son Peter
Sylvester fourty Shillings in money to be Paid by my Executor hereafter named
within two years after my decease and also I give & Bequeath to my Sd.
Son Peter Sylvester one Lott of Land Lying in ye. Township of
Marshfield & was granted to me by ye. sd. Town of
Marshfield to Him ye. Sd. Peter Sylvester His Heirs &
assignes for Ever: Item, I give to my Son Zebulon Sylvester fourty Shillings in
money to be Paid by my Executor hereafter named within two years after my
Decease, and also I give & Bequeath to my sd. Son Zebulon one of
my Lotts of Land Lying in Pembrooke that was granted to me by ye.
Town of Marshfield to Him His Heirs & assignes for Ever. Item, I give &
Bequeath my other to my three Sons, Peter Sylvester, Elisha Sylvester &
Zebulon Sylvester all my Rights, Shares & Interest in The Proprietors or
Comon Lands in ye. Township of Scittuate that now is or Shall be due
or belonging to me, To them their Heirs & assignes for Ever to be Equally
divided among them both for Quantity & Quality to Each of them a Share a
like. Item, I give & Bequeath to my sd. Son Elisha Sylvester all
that my Lott of meadow lying in ye. Township of Marshfield adjoyning
to ye. meadow of Joseph Hatch to Him ye. sd.
Elisha Sylvester his Heirs & assignes for Ever & also I give & Bequeath
to my sd. Son Elisha Sylvester all that my three acres of Land which
I bought of Job Otis & lyeth in Scittuate aforesd by ye.
Land of Solomon Linkhorn to Him ye. sd. Elisha Sylvester
His Heirs & assignes for Ever, together with my other Lott of Land lying in
Pembrooke that was granted to me by ye. Town of Marshfield to Him
His Heirs & assignes for Ever. and further I give & Bequeath to my Son
Elisha Sylvester all my Household goods utensils & all my Stock & all ye.
Remainder of my Estate of what kind or nature SoEver that is not above disposed
of in this my Last Will He Paying ye. Legacys above mentioned as
they are above Expressed & Sett down & Paying yearly & Providing
for my Sd. Wife as is above Expressed & Sett Down, and further I
do by this my Last Will & Testament Constitute ordain & appoint my well
beloved Son Elisha Sylvester to be Sole Executor to this my Last will &
Testament.
In Testimony Where of I ye sd.
Israel Sylvester have hereunto Sett my Hand & Seal ye day
& year above written.
Signed Sealed & Declared
his
by ye. sd. Israel Sylvester Israel
ł Sylvester (seal)
to be His Last Will & Testament Marke
In ye. Presence of us
John James
John James Junr.
Joseph Bryant
Probated on 3 Apr. 1727, and proved by John James, John James
Junr. & Joseph Bryant, all of Scittuate. Letters of
Administration were granted to Elisha Sylvester, one of ye Sons of ye.
sd. deceased and Sole Executor, on 25 Apr.. 1727.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. Israel
Sylvester, late of Scittuate, was appraised by Thomas Bryant, Solomon Lyncoln,
& Timothy Symmes, and totaled £242.19.6. The appraisers gave their oath to
the inventory on 1 May 1727. Elisha Sylvester, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory also on 1 May 1727.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 5, p. 253-256, from FHL microfilm
#0550511.
Will of Reuben Sylvester of Halifax, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1848) *
In
the name of God Amen I Reuben Sylvester of Halifax in the County of Plymouth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of sound & perfect mind and memory
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, make and ordain this last will
and testament, that is to say first of all I give and commend my soul to God
that gave it hoping through the merits of his son Jesus Christ Eternal Life –
My body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executor, and with respect to my worldly estate which God has given me in this
life I give and dispose and devise in manner following, that is to say, all my
just debts to be punctually paid by my Executor
Having
been called part with my wife by the stroke of death
1st I give and bequeath
to my beloved daughter Mercy T. Sylvester one hundred and fifty Dollars, the
use of the West chamber in my house while she continues unmarried, which I
think with fifty Dollars I gave her in the Savings Bank at Plymouth and what I
have paid her yearly will be just and right.
2d I give and bequeath
to my beloved daughter Almira Duings one hundred Dollars. –
3d I give and bequeath
to my beloved daughter Susanna Googins one hundred Dollars
4 I give and bequeath to American
Missionary Society for the aid of some Church under its care, Twenty five
Dollars to be paid to the Secretary of said Society by my Executor; all the
bequests herein named to be paid by my Executor, one half in one year, the
other in 2½ years from my decease. –
Lastly I give and bequeath to my
only son Joseph Sylvester all the remainder of my real and personal estate of
whatever name or nature after the payments of my just debts charges and
legacies above named whether in Halifax or Plympton, premising that the
household furniture Beds & bed clothes be divided equally between Mercy,
Almira and Susanna, except one bed and clothes sufficient for it and the Desk
that that was his grandfathers and I do hereby constitute and appoint my said
son J Sylvester executor of this my last will and testament –
In testimony whereof I the said Reuben
Sylvester have hereunto set my hand & Seal sixth day of July in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight
Signed sealed and delivered in
presence Reuben Sylvester (seal)
of us Zenas Bryant
James
M. Harrub
Judith
L Bryant
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Oct. 1850 by Joseph Sylvester, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Zenas Bryant and Judith L Bryant, two of the witnesses whose names
are subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Joseph Sylvester,
the Executor.
Joseph Sylvester, of Halifax, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Reuben Sylvester, late
of Halifax, on 1 Oct. 1850, with Thomas Holmes and Darius Holmes, both of
Halifax, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
Benjamin H. Dewing, Almira Dewing,
Philip C. Googins, Susanna Googins, and Mercy T. Sylvester gave their receipt
to Joseph Sylvester, Executor of the last Will and Testament of Reuben
Sylvester, late of Halifax, for their legacies and household furniture from the
estate of Reuben Sylvester on 4 Aug. 1852.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 92, p. 409-410, from FHL microfilm #0555640,
Vol. 1G, p. 519, and Vol. 97, p. 313.
Will of Jacob Taber of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
This Fourth day of January AD. One Thousand Seven Hundred
and Sixty Three I Jacob Taber of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol in the
Province of ye. Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman being in
Resoneable Bodily Heath & of a sound desposing Mind & Memory (For which
I desire To be Thankfull:) Considering the uncertainty of this Life thoght good
to settle my Estate by Making this my Last will and Testament: And as to my
worldly Estate where with it hath Pleasd. God to Bless me in this
Life I give devise & despose of ye. same in the Following Manner
& Form (viz)
Imprimis I Give to Sarah My Loving Wife ye: use
and Improvment of my Great room and Chamber above it: With ye: Two
Closets opposing Into said rooms; With ye. use and Improvment of ye.
Little Inclosure where my well is: With ye. priveledge of passing
& repassing to and From Each and Every part above Mentioned; Together with
ye: use of Six of my apple trees she to take her Choice yearly in my
orchard When ye. Fruit is on ye. Trees: All ye:
Above Mentioned priveledge I give to my said wife during ye. time
she remains my widdow: I Likwise Give to my said wife: The one half of all my
Indoor Moveables of what Name or Nature soever they may be (Except my Cask and
Tubs I keep Grain in) To be at her own disposing Forever All ye.
above said Gifts and Improvments Given to my said wife Together with what I
shall order To be paid and performd, For her yearly in this my will
is in Liu of her right of dower in my Estate~
Item: I Give and and Bequeath to my Son Stephen Taber and to
his Heirs and assigns For Ever; All My right Title and Interest of in and to a
Lot of Land which was Laid out Formerly to my Father at a place Calld,
Squins Country all which I Give to my said son Stephen as above Exprest Besids
what I have Alredy Given him before ye: date of this my will
Item: I Give and Bequeath To my Son Bartholomew Taber and to
his Heirs and assigns Forever All that part of my Homstead Lying to ye.
westward of ye. way that Leads From Thomas Nyes To Elnathan Popes:
with all the Meadow adjoining at ye. Foot There of: with ye.
buildings standing Thereon (Except ye. use and Improvement To my
wife as above Exprest and ye. use of one row of Apple Trees For ye:
Space of seven years as will in this my will be other ways desposed of for
& during that term) I Likewise Give to my Said Son Bartholomew the wood Lot
which I Boght of William Michel: Together with one Fether Bed: To be that which
he Commonly Lodges upon: with ye. Common Winter Furniture to the
Same Belonging: Together with all my Live Stock of what sort foever: Together
with all my Utencials Commonly used in Farming work: And all my Cask and Tubs
which I Commonly use to put Grain in: All which I Give to my said Son
Bartholomew as above Exprest he paying and performing to and For his Mother my
wife yearly as here after Mentioned that is to say: Five pounds Lawfull Money:
Twelve Bushels of Good Indian Corn and three Bushels of rye: one Quarter of
Good Beaf To be the Hinder Quarter Quarter with the Kidney Tallow there to
belonging: And to Be in wate Not Less then Ninty lb: And one Swine when Fatted
and well Drest Not Less then one hundred and Forty lb wate: Fourteen lb of
Sheeps woll: And Ten Coard of Good wood at ye. door of my Now
dwelling House of a Suteable Length For her Chimney provided she wants it for
her own Fire: And Find and provide For her two Good Cows and a Riding Beast
with Good keeping For all three Both winter and summer: And pay and perform all
and Every article above Mentioned yearly during the time she remains my widdow:
And pays To my Daughters Jerusha: & Lois Each the sum of Five pounds Ten
Shillings within Five years Next after my decease: And Five pounds Ten
Shillings To the Children of my daughter Eunice deceased To be Equaly divided
among them within Five years Next after my decease
Item I Give and Bequeath To my Son Jacob Taber and to his
Heirs and assigns Forever all that my Lot of Land Lying on the westerly Side of
that Calld Hathaways Ceder Swamp: Together with all that my Lot of
Land Lying Nere or Adjoyning To the brook Called deep brook which said brook
runs into that Calld Accoshanut River; Together with my Lot of Ceder
Swamp at a place Called the old Caskill way which Lot runs Acrosst That Calld
the Hom=Cock Island: Together with the use and Improvment of that Row of Apple
Trees on the westerly side, of the wall That is on the westerly side of
saidway: And to the southward of the Lain which Turns up to my house: For the
Space of Seven years Next after my decease
Item: I Give and Bequeath To my above said three Sons Stephen
Bartholomew and Jacob And To their Heirs and Assigns Forever All the remaining
Part of my Homstead which is Not above in this my will Alredy desposed of: To
be Equaly divided among them both For Quantity and Quallity: But my will is
That Each of my said Three Sons Their Heirs and assigns shall Forever have the
Priveledge of Passing and repassing as ocation may require acrost Each others
part there of by Gates or barrs
Item: All my right title Interest Claim and demand which I
have or ought to have of in or to any real Estate whatsoever or wheresoever:
Which is Not above in this my will alredy desposed of I Give to my above said
Son Bartholomew and To his Heirs and Assigns Forever
Item: I Give To my Two daughters Lois and Jerusha one third
part of all my Indoor Moveables To be Equaly divided betwixt them Tubs and Cask
To put Grain in Excepted
Item I Give To the Children of my daughter Eunice deceased
one Sixth part of all my Indoor Moveables To be Equaly divided among them Cask
and Tubs To put Grain in Excepted
Item: I here by Constitute my said Son Bartholomew Sole
Executor of this my last will & Testament here by making all other wills by
me Made before ye. date here of void in witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal ye. day & Date aforesaid
Signd
Seald Published & declaired by the Said Jacob Taber as his last
Will
and Testament in Presence of us the Subscribers
Stephen Nye Jacob Taber (seal)
Zerviah Wood
Stephen West
June 28: 1773 Proved
Proved on 28 June 1773 by Stephen Nye and Zeruiah Wood, two
of the witnesses.
Richard Delano, Stephen Nye and Zerviah Wood, all of
Dartmouth, freeholders, were appointed to appraise the estate of Jacob Taber,
late of Dartmouth, yeoman, on 23 Nov. 1773. Richard Delano being one of those
persons called Quakers took his Solemn Affirmation and the other two were sworn
to faithfully discharge of the above mentioned trust. The Inventory of the
Personal Estate of Jacob Taber, late of Dartmouth, dated 27 Nov. 1773, totaled
£141.8.11.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Jacob Taber, Dartmouth, 1773,” from
FHL microfilm #0581920.
Will of John Taber of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1718) *
In the name of God amen the Eighteenth day of June: 1718, I
John Taber of Drathmouth in the County of Bristoll in New England husbandman
being Sorely wounded & weak in Body but of perfect mind & memory thanks
be given unto God therefore Calling to mind the mortallity of my Body &
that it is Apointed once for men to dye do make & ordain this my Last Will
& Testament that is to say principally & first of all I give &
bequeath my soule into the hands of God that gave it & my Body to the Earth
to be Buried in Christian Decent maner at the Discretion of my Executrix here
after named & as touching such Worldly Estate which it hath pleased God to
bless me in this life I give Demise & Despose of the same in following
maner & form
Imprimis I give & bequeath to Susannah my Dearly beloved
Wife all my Stock & other movable Estate whatso Ever During the time She
remains my widow: but if my sd wife do marry then at the Day of her
Marriage the one half of the above sd stock & moveable Estate
which is then Left my Will is it shall be Equally Devided between my two
Daughters viz: Mary & Sary & to be let out sould or otherways Dissposed
of for my sd two daughters to the best advantage according to the
Discretion of my overseers here after named untill my sd daughters
Come to the age of Eighteen years or at the Day of marriage if it hapen before
then Immediately to be paid by my Executrix here after named & the other
half of my movable Estate as above sd I give & bequeath to my sd
wife free & Clear for Ever: but if Either of my sd daughters dye
without Issue heir part to be & remain to the surviver
Item I give & bequeath to my two Eldest sons viz Phillip
& William my homestead farm that was laid out in the Eight hundred acre
divition being ninty five acres as it is laid out & qualified & also a
small peice of land that I Bought of Richard heart Containing about Eight or
nine acres lying in Little Compton & County of Bristoll afore sd
& Joyning to the sd ninety five acres above sd which
sd ninty five acres Lying in sd Darthmouth with the sd
peice of nine acres lying in sd little Compton I give to my two sd
Sons viz Phillip & William to be Equally devided between them in quantity
& quallity that is to say Phillip to have the south End & William to
have the north End to them their heirs & Assigns for Ever & to Enter
into the possession of the sd land at the age of twenty one years
further I give & bequeath to my sd son Phillip his heirs &
Assignes for Ever all my salt meadow lying at the foot of my Brothers Phillip
homestead farm & Joyning there to further I give & bequeath to my sd
son William his heirs & Assignes for Ever a peice of salt meadow that I
bought of Daniel Willcock Containing about two acres be it more or less Lying
on aflat Called Macombers flat
Item I give & bequeath to my youngest son: Thomas his
heirs & Assignes for Ever seventy acres of land as it is laid out &
qualified being all my land laid out in the four hundred acre devition &
Joyning to the north End of my homestead farm laid out in the Eight hundred
acre devition further I give to my Sd Son Thomas his heirs &
Assignes for Ever all my meadow or sedg flat Containing two acres & a half
be it more or less Bounded northerly on Stephen Peckam southerly on John Earl
Esterly & westerly on the water & to Enter into the possession of the
above sd land & meadow at the age of twenty one years further my
Will is that if Either of my sd sons dye without Isue then his or
their part to be & remain to the surviving Brothers: & I Constitute
make & ordain my true & Loving Wife Susannah my Sole Executrix of this
my Last Will & Testament & also Desire & Request my Brother Philip
Taber & my Brother in law Robert Bonnit to be my overseers to see this my
Will fulfiled it is to be understood that all the land & meadow above &
on the other side mentioned Lyeth in Darthmouth & County of Bristoll
aforesd except the nine acres in little Comton as a fore sd & I
do hereby ratifie & Confirm this & no other to be my Last will &
Testament in witness where of I have here unto Set my hand & Seal the Day
& year above written
Signed Sealed published & declared } memorandum
that before the signing
by the sd John Taber to be his Last } & sealing of this my last Will & Testa
Will & Testament in the presence } ment
there being nothin Certain given to
of us the Subscribers } my two daughters: my Will is that
my
two
daughters: Mary & Sarah shall have
Philip Taber five
shillings a peice & to be paid by my
Thomas Brightman Executrix
William Potter John
Taber (seal)
Proved on 23 Nov. 1727 by Phillip Taber, Thomas Brightman and
William Potter, the witnesses to the Last will and Testament of John Taber Late
of Dartmouth deceased.
Susanah Taber widdow & Sole Executrix was granted
administration of the estate of John Taber late of Dartmouth on 21 Nov. 1728
with Phillip Taber of Dartmouth and John Manchester of Tiverton in the County
of Bristol yeomen as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Taber was appraised by
Phillip Taber, Robert Bonnit and Thomas Cory, and totaled £1794.13.04. Susanah
Taber, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 23 Nov. 1727.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “John Taber, Dartmouth, 1727,” from
FHL microfilm #581920.
Will of Phillip Taber of Dartmouth, County of Bristol, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth Day of July Anno
Domini: 1749 I Phillip Taber of Dartmouth in the County of
Bristoll in his Majesties province of Massachusetts Bay in New England Yeoman
being in health of Body & of a Sound mind & memory thanks be unto God
1st Calling to mind the mortality of my Body & that it is Appointed for men
to Dye do therefore make this my Last Will & Testament in following manner &
form that is to Say principally & first of all I Recomend my Soul into the
hands of God that gave it & my Body to the Earth to be Buried in Christian
Decent manner at the discresion of my Executor hereafter Named & as
Touching Such worly goods & Estate as it hath pleased God to Bless me
within this Life I give & despose of as followeth
Imprimis My Will is that all my Just Debts & funeral
Charges be first paid out of my Estate by my Executor hereafter named
Item I give & bequeath to my Eldest Son Phillip Taber
& to his Heirs & Assigns for Ever all that Land where he my sd
Son now Liveth Bounded South on his own Land that he Bought of his Cousin
Phillip Easterly & Northerly on the Land of John Mosher westerly partly on
the pond & partly on the Town Line formerly So Called
Item I give & bequeath to my Son Jonathan Taber & to
his Heirs & Assigns for Ever all that Land I Bought of James Mosher except
a small peice I Soald to Joseph Mosher having Refference to A Mosher Deed for
the Bounds & quantity of sd Land together [torn] being all that
Land that Lyeth between his own Land herein given his Brother Phillip &
John Mosher
Item I Give & bequeath to my Son William Taber & to
all his male Heirs Lawfully begotten of his Body all that Land & meadow
that Lyeth between the fence & the river that belongs to me Bounded
Northerly on the fence & wall as it now standeth that is to Say a Straigh
Line with the Stone wall Easterly on & my Land westerly on the river with a
wood Lott Lying on the North Side of the way that Leadeth into Dartmouth
begining at a stone heap a Little below the brow of a Little hill noarth goat
pasture fenc & to Extend northerly a parralal Line with Cosin Phillip Line
between me & him So that the Land Shall be of an Even breadth what I have
herein give to my sd Son William is if he Shall do & perform all
that I Shall order him in this my will to do
Item I give & bequeath to my Son John & to his Heirs
Lawfully begotton of his Body the northerly part of my homestead farm Bounded
Southerly on that I have given to William Easterly on Corys Land northerly
& northwesterly by the High way that Leadeth from the mill in to Dartmouth
westerly on John Giffords Land Southerly & Easterly till it Incloses &
takes in all the Land & Meadow that Lyeth on the west side of the river
with one half of the grist mill & all the other buildings on the above sd
Land with a wood Lott Lying on the north Side of the above sd High
way Bounded Easterly on that I have given to William Southerly on sd
High way westerly on Cousin Phillip Land northerly on Timothy Closson Land
formerly & now Charls Dyer & further I give to my sd Son
John & in the manner as I have given that for those half of the great
Island boath upland & meadow with one half of all my Salt flatts Lying in
the uppermost arm & the other half I give to my Son Jonathan that is to Say
Above half of all of sd Sedge flatts & the one half of sd
Island & meadow thereon & to be Equally devided between my sd
Two Sons viz Jonathan & John & further I give to my sd Son
John one good Cow a pare of two year old Hoors my gun & all my out doors
movables belonging to farming & Every Sort & kind what So Ever it is to
be under Stood not Living cretures
Item I give to my Son William the one half of my grist mill
& all the Sawmill with the utenshals there unto belonging that is to Say So
Long as he my sd Son keeps the sd Sawmill fit to Saw with
the priveledge of the Land for Laying of logs boards & timber viz the Land
that Lyeth between the Sawmill the pond the Briggs at the wast way & the
fence as it now Standeth
and I do hereby order in this my will my sd Son
William to pay one Hundred pounds to his five Sisters in the old Tenor & to
be Equally devided amongst them that is to Say twenty pounds apeice to Each of
them But if Either of my sd Daughters Should hapen to Dye then her
part to be paid to her Children Equally
Item I give to my Son Josiah Taber Twenty pounds old Tennor
together with what my s] Son hath already had
Item I give & bequeath to my five Daughters viz Martha
Sheffield Comfort Bowers Mary Hathaway Rebeckah Bowers & Margret Bowers
five pounds old tennor a peice to Each of them & to be paid them [?] by my
Executor here after named at my decease
Item I Give & bequeath to my true & Loving wife
Margret four Hundred Pounds in good & passable Bills of Credit old Tennor
or So much in Houshold goods at an Equal Apprisemen Such as She Shall chose
free & clear at her own desposeing & further my Will is that my sd
wife Shall have use & Improvement of the west End of my now Dwelling House
boath above & below as Sellar Lower roome Chamber & garret for her own
use But if my sd wife Shall So cause to move not to Let it to
another to cause Difference as also the use & Improvement of all my money
or Bills of Credit as they become due by Bonds Bills notes or other wise &
also the use & Improvement of all my Live Stock of Every Sort & kind
whatsoEver as also the use & Improvement of the young orchad to the
northward of the House all for her Comfortable Support & Living during the
time She remains my widow & no Longer & I do hereby order my Son
William to keep his Mother Margret Taber two Cows boath Summer & winter as
he keeps his own & to fetch them or cause them to be fetched Every morning
& to be carried to my home Every Night
& I Do hereby order my Son John to Keep his Mother
Margret one Riding beast boath Sumer & winter as he keeps his own & on
the Homstead farm & further my Will is that after my wives deceas all the
money whether Bills of of Credit or other wise & all the Live Stock with
all the Indoors moveables that is then Left at her Deceas Shall be Equally
devided amongst my five daughters
And also all my Lands that I have not before desposed of
boath in Dartmouth & Tiverton I Give & bequeath to my five Daughters to
them & their Heirs & Assigns for Ever & if Either of my sd
Daughters Should hapen to Dye before their mother then her part to be Equally
devided to & among her Children & further my Will is that if my Son
John Should hapen to Die before his wife Mary & Leave no Issue that his sd
wife Mary have the use & Improvement of the west End of my now Dwelling
House with the Liberty of keeping two Cows & A Riding beast boath Sumer
& winter She paying for the clearing the grass & making the hay During
the time She remains my Son John widow & no Longer & further my Will is
that my Daughter in Law Mary Shall have all the Live Stock & in Door
moveable that my sd Son John & his wife Mary Shall get while
they Live together to be free & Clear at own desposing But all the out
Doors moveables to be Equally Devided amongst his four Brothers or their
Children if Either of them Should hapen to Die & further my Will is that if
my Son John Should hapen to Die without Issue that the the Land & building
herein given him Shall be Equally Devided amongst all my Children boath male
& female or their Children if Either of them Should hapen to Die provided
that they do & perform for John wife as I have herein ordered to be don for
her
And I Do hereby make & ordain my Loving Son Phillip Taber
to be my Sole Executor to this my Last Will & Testament Revoking &
disanuling all & Every Will hereto fore made Ratifing & Confirming this
& no other to be my Last Will & Testament
Signed Sealed, Published
And Declared by the sd
Phillips Taber to be his Phillip Taber (seal)
Last Will & Testament
In the presence of us
Oliver Baley
Restcome Sanford Jur
Restcome Sanford
Bristol
November ye. 5th 1751
Then
Phillip Tabor Executor Named in the above written will Presented the Same for
Probate to the Honble George Leonard Esqr. Judge of the
Probate of will &c for the County of Bristoll – And Oliver Baley and
Restcome Sanford two of the wittnesses thereto subscribed Personally Appeared
And made Oath that they were Present and Saw the sd Deced
Sign Seal and heard him Publish and Declare the above written Instrument for
his Last will and Testament and that he was of a sound disposing mind and
Memory when he so did and that they together with Restcome Sanford Jur.
Signed as wittness at ye Same time and in ye Presence of
ye Testator
George Leonard
Novr 5th 1751 Proved
The Inventory of all the Goods Chattels Rents & Credits
of Philip Taber Late of Dartmouth Deceased, dated 29 Oct. 1751, was appraised
by Ichabod Potter, Gabriel Hix and Thomas West, but not totaled. Phillip Taber,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Nov. 1751.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Philip Taber, Dartmouth, 1751,”
from FHL microfilm #0576796.
Will of Thomas Taber Jr. of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1722) *
I Thomas Taber Junr of Dartmouth in the County of
Bristoll in the province of the massachusets Bay in new England tanner being
weak in body but in perfect mind and memory thanks be giveing to God for the
same:
Calling to mind the mortallity of my body and knowing that it
appoynted for men once to dye do make and ordaine this my Last will and
testiment giveing devising and dysposeing of such worldly Estate where with it
hath pleased God to bless me in this Life in the all my will by me on that all
that I am indebted to any person or persons be p in convenient [words crossed
out] is owing manner that is to say first [words crossed out] I give to Loveing
wife and hir heirs and assigns Rebeckah one feather bed and twenty pounds in
money one quarter part of all my personall Estate dureing hir widdowhod
Excepting my yong hors and one quilted sadle which I give to my son Jonathan
tabor Item I Give to my sd wife the the third part of the Incom of
my tan house and yard dureing the term of ten years from ye date of
this my will Item Give to my sd wife my old fire room and ye
East ter most bed Room to Geather with the Leantwe and Chair for belonging to ye
farm during her widow hud: Item I Give and bequeath to my dafter Prissilah
Tabor the one quarter part of all my moveable Estate to be delivered to hir
when she Comes to the age of twenty three years: Item I Give to my dafter
Easter Tabor the one quarter part of all my moveable Estate to be delivered to
hir at ye age of twenty three years Item I Give to my dafter mary
taber the one quarter part of all my moveable Estate to be delivered to hir at
ye age of twenty three years: Item I Give the one half that quarter
part of my personal Estate that I Give to my sd wife duering hir widowhood
to my three above sd dafters to be Equaly Devided to them when my sd
wife shall mary or decease and the other half of sd quarter to my
son Seth Taber Item I Give to my above sd three dafters the grate
Chamber belonge ing to the new house during the time that they or Either of
them shall Live unmarried with Liberty to Go tow and from the same to Geather
with Liberty to cut ther fire wood on the farm that sd house stands
on and my will is that Each of my Dafters have the fruit of two apple trees
apeace duering the time of her Living unmarried and to take there Chois yearly
when she aples are on ye trees: Item I will and bequeath to my son
Jonathan Taber his heirs and a signs for Ever all my homestead he alowing the
priviliges that is before mentioned togeather with with my tan house and bark
mill Except as above mentioned: Item my will is that my sd son
Jonathan or his heirs keep for my wife two Cows and one hog winter and Summer
and to provide her Conveniant fier wood winter and Summer at hir dore fir for
hir fire meat and Corn Conveniant for my sd wife and three Dafters
tell they Com of age to Roome their portions: it is to be understood as much
Corn and wheat as may be for their Comfortable subsytance and my will is that
my sd wife have fruite of five of my apletree yearly and to take hir
Choise of sd trees Every yeare when fruite is on and all the Limeted
perticulors are to Continue duering hir widowhood Item my will is that my sd
son Jonathan shall to his mother where with to Support my son Seth Taber tell
he arives to the age of fourteen years my Son Seth Doing what Labour is
Conveniant for him to do for his Brother Jonathan Taber Duering sd
term
Item I Give to my sd son Jonathan Taber his heirs
and a signs for ever half my Ceder Swamp in Dartmouth and allso my Island Caled
ram Island In acushnett River in sd Dartmouth. Item I Give to my Son
Seth Taber his heirs for ever and assigns the remaining part of all my upland
Ceder Swamp Salt meadow and soggflats with in the township of Dartmouth
Item my will is that my son Jonathan Taber finish the sd
Chamber for my three Dafters as it ought to be dun and my will is that my son
Jonathan or his heirs provide for his mothe Every thing that she stands in need
of that is not before mentioned if she is not able to do it for hir self and
that my sd son Jonathan and his heirs shall take advice and Comply
with the Derections of his uncles Joseph Taber John tucker and Thomas hatheway
for the dowing and providing for his mother as is a bove mentioned and if any
or Either of those persons should decease then my will is that my sd
son Comply with any person or persons that the Survivor or survivers shall
appoynt to make up sd number I Like wise Constituet make and ordaine
my sd son Jonathan Tabe and my brother Joseph taber my Executors of
this my Last will and testiment and I do here by Ratfie and Confirm this to be
my Last will and testiment in testimony there of have here unto Set my hand and
Seale this Second day of ye Seveth month Called august In ye year of
our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and twenty two—
Signed Sealed published pronounced and Declared
by the sd Thomas taber to be his Last will and
testiment
In ye presence of
Jonathan Deleno
Samuel Spooner
Thomas Kinney Th. Taber
Jonathan Taber of Dartmouth, Tanner, was granted
administration of the estate of his father Thomas Taber Junr, late of
Dartmouth, on 4 Sept. 1722, with Joseph Taber and Jonathan Delano of Dartmouth
as sureties.
The inventory of the goods and chattles and credits of Thomas
Tabor Junr. Tanor, dated 30 Nov. 1722, was appraised by Philip Tabor and
Stephen West, totaled £1682.01.07, including his house and lands valued at
£1200.10.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Bristol County Probate File “Thomas Taber, Dartmouth, 1722,”
from FHL microfilm #0576796, the will containing several insertions making it
hard to decipher.
Will of Benjamin Thomas of
Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
In
the name of God Amen—I Benjamin Thomas of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth in the Comwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being advanced in years
& under decays of body, but of a sound and disposing mind & memory,
blessed be God for the same, wherefore, calling to mind the mortality of my
body, and knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die, do make and
ordain this to be my last will & testament, to remain firm & inviolable
forever; principally & first of all, I Give my Soul into the hands of that
God that gave it, and my body, I recommend to the dust from whence it came, to
be buried in a decent christian burial at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, nothing doubting but that I shall recieve the same again at
the general resurrection by the mighty power of God; and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased almighty God to bless me with, I do
dispose of the same in the following manner & form vizt.
Imprimis. – I Give and bequeath to
my true & well beloved wife Elisabeth Thomas and to her heirs & assigns
forever, the one half of all my indoor moveable estate & one Cow. I also
give to my sd. beloved wife during her widowhood & no longer,
the use and improvement of all my real estate, with liberty to cut fire wood
& timber for repairing her fences on my lands, sufficient for her own use,
the above I mean as my wife’s right of dower & power of thirds in my
Estate.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
eldest son, Benjamin Thomas junr. & to his heirs and assigns
forever, all of the lands that I have heretofore given him the possession of by
a deed of gift.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
two sons, Peres Thomas & Eli Thomas, and to their heirs & assigns
forever to be divided in equal halves, all of my right of Cedar Swamp lying in
the seventy seventh lot in the south purchase of ye. township of
Middleborough aforesaid.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
son James Thomas & to his heirs & assigns forever one acre of fresh
meadow which is the same, that I purchased of Capt David Thomas, and
it lies adjoining on Short’s brook, so called, and also, one half of my right
in the hundred & thirteenth lot in the south purchase in said Middlebo.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
son Ezra Thomas & to his heirs & assigns forever one half of the
quantity of lands that I now own in the ninety sixth lot in the aforesaid south
purchase to be set off on the south side of sd. Lot.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
son Zenas Thomas, & to his heirs & assigns forever the one half of my
right of the hundred & thirteenth lot in the south purchase of said Middlebo.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
daughter Zerua Thomas, a Right to live in my dwelling house, so long as she
shall live, and remain unmarried, and no longer; also, the use of my Garden on
the north side of my house and the fruit trees in the same & a privilege to
cut fire wood on one acre of land on the easterly side of my home farm joining
Morey’s land; also one third of the apples that shall grow on my little
orchard, standing on the land I purchased
of Dr. James Shaw, during said term.
Item.– I Give and bequeath to my
daughter Susanna Thomas, and to my daughter Eunice Donham & to my daughter
Zerua Thomas & to the children of my daughter Betty Hammond deceased, and
to the children of my daughter Hannah Soule deceased, and to each of their
heirs & assigns forever, all of the remaining part & residue of my
indoor moveable estate, that I have not heretofore given away, by this my last
will (or otherwise) to be divided & assigned, as follows–vizt.–
one fifth part to my sd. daughter Susanna, one fifth part to my sd.
daughter Eunice, one fifth part to my sd daughter Zerua, one fifth
part to the children of my sd. daughter Betty or to their heirs, and
the other fifth part to the children of my said daughter Hannah, or to their
heirs—Furthermore, my will is, that if my wife shall not otherwise dispose of
the personal estate that I have given her, that my aforesaid daughters and
their heirs shall have the same in the aforesaid proportion.
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my
aforesaid sons, Benjamin, Perez, James, Ezra, Zenas & Eli, and to their
heirs & assigns forever to be equally divided between them, all of the Real
Estate that I shall die seized of, not disposed of by this my last will &
testament, or otherwise, excepting my Pews in the meeting house –
Item.– after my just debts &
funeral charges & the expences of settling my estate is first taken out, I
give & bequeath to my said Sons Benjamin Perez, James, Ezra, Zenas &
Eli, and to my said daughters Susanna, Eunice & Zerua and to the children
of my sd daughter Betty, & to the children of my sd.
daughter Hannah & to each of their heirs & assigns forever all of the
remaining part of my moveable estate & debts due to me, to be equally
divided between them, excepting that the children of my sd daughter
Betty are to have one share, and the children of my sd daughter
Hannah are to have one share, equal to each one of my other
children—furthermore, my will is that; in case that my last mentioned personal
estate, together with the debts due to me, should prove insufficient to pay my
just debts, funeral charges & the expence of settling my Estate, then my
will is, & I hereby order my aforesaid Six Sons to pay the remaining part
of sd. debts funeral charges & expence of settling my Estate,
equally among them –
Lastly – my will is, and I do
hereby appoint my Son Ezra Thomas Sole Executor of this my last will &
testament.– thus hoping that this my last will & testament will be kept
& performed according to ye true intent and meaning of it. – I
the said Benjamin Thomas have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Sixteenth day
of April, in the year of our Lord, Seventeen hundred & ninety one.~
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronoun-
ced and declared by the afore nam- Benjamin Thomas (seal)
ed Benjamin Thomas to be his last
will & testament in the
presence of us.
Luther
Redding
Desire
Lucas
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 12 Mar.
1800 by Ezra Thomas, the Executor therein named, and proved by Luther Redding
and Isaac Thomson Esqr, two of the witnesses.
Isaac Thomson Esqr., Israel Wood & Joseph
Thomas, yeomen, all of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Briggs Thomas of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1822) *
In the name of God Amen, — I, Briggs Thomas of Marshfield in
the County of Plymouth Esquire, being of sound mind and memory, do this twenty
seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty two make and publish this my last will and testament.
I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Abigail Thomas
during her life, the use and improvement of the one half of all my real estate,
and the use of one cow, my horse and chaise with their tackling; also the use
of one half of all my indoor moveables, or household furniture of all kinds
except what I have hereafter given to my son in the Will.
I give and bequeath unto my only son Waterman Thomas his
heirs and assigns forever the whole of my homestead or farm in Marshfield, on
which I now live, with all my outdoor moveables and farming tools, live stock
excepted. I also give to my said Son my desk and one bed with the furniture
thereto belonging, also my silver watch and Silver tankard, and all my wearing
apparel, he paying all my just debts. Also I give unto my said Son the whole of
the pew in the Meeting house which I now occupy being on the broad aisle near
the Pulpit. –
I give and bequeath unto my three daughters Abigail Alden
Paine, Abiah Winslow Hatch, and Lucy Pratt, to them their heirs and assigns
forever, all the residue of my estate both real and personal, consisting of
Woodland, meadow, and other articles of all kinds not before disposed of, to be
equally divided between them at the time of my decease, and at the decease of
my Wife, it is to be understood that the Money and other articles that I gave
my daughters at the time of their Marriage, and whatever either of their
Husbands may owe me at the time of my decease, shall be considered as so much
of their share, meaning what is due to me on notes, accounts, or Mortgage, and
in case there should be more due, than should amount to an equal share shall be
equally divided between the three.
And I do constitute and appoint my said Son Waterman Thomas
sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament. –
It is also my will that if there should arise any
disagreement among my heirs about this will and Testament, it should be
referred to three judicious men to settle and determine the same, and if either
my heirs shall refuse to submit to the same, that heir shall be considered as
having forfeited what is here given and bequeathed to him or her
Briggs Thomas (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Briggs
Thomas as his last Will in presence of us, who in his presence and at his
request sign here as Witnesses.
Martin Parris
Julia Parris
Mary S. Harlow
Marshfield June 18. 1832. Whereas I Briggs Thomas of
Marshfield have disposed of my estate by Will dated the twenty seventh day of
February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty two,
witnessed by Martin Parris, Julia Parris, and Mary S. Harlow, this is to
confirm said Will and in all respects to shew that I have not altered my mind,
only as Nathaniel Pratt Husband of my Daughter Lucy Pratt named in said Will,
is unfortunately become an unsteady man I hereby express my will further, that
my Executor named in said Will take special care that no part of the property
given in said will to the said Lucy Pratt, come into the hands of her husband;
but that he the said Executor keep the whole of what is given to her in his own
hands and solely for her benefit; and to be at her disposal when it can be done
without any risque of its being squandered away or misimproved by her said
Husband.
Briggs Thomas (seal)
Done in presence of us, who, in his presence and in the
presence of each other here sign as witnesses.
Martin Parris,
Julia Parris,
Rachel Morehead
Presented for probate on 12 Aug. 1833, and proved by Martin
Parris and Julia Parris, two of the subscribing witnesses to each Instrument.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Waterman Thomas of Marshfield, Yeoman, on
12 Aug. 1833.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 74, p. 414-417, from FHL microfilm
#0555262.
Will of Daniel Thomas of Abington, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Daniel Thomas of Abington in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman being in full possession of my mental
faculties, and Calling to mind the uncertainty of my life, do make and ordain
this my last Will and Testament, viz.
First
of all I commend my soul, polluted with sin into the hands of God who gave it
hoping through Jesus Christ my Redeemer, for Sanctification pardon and eternal
life, and my body I commit to the earth as it was in the assured hope of its
resurrection at the last day.
And
as to my worldly goods, with which God has blessed me, my just debts being
first paid I give and bequeath in the following manner which will cut off those
who would be my heirs at law, were I to die intestate.
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my beloved Friend Mehetable Torrey, Daughter of Deacon
Josiah Torrey, late of Abington, County of Plymouth, deceased, all my estate,
both real and personal, that I may die seized of, to her, her heirs and assigns
forever, excepting what I shall hereafter otherwise dispose of in this my last
Will.
Item.
I give and bequeath to each of my Friends Elizabeth Torrey and Ruth Torrey
Daughters of the aforesaid Josiah Torrey, one hundred and fifty dollars, in
lawful money, to them their heirs and assigns forever to be paid within three
years from the time of my decease, and sooner, if it can be done without
injuring my estate.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Friend Hannah King, wife of Joshua King, and Daughter
of the aforesaid Josiah Torrey, ten dollars in lawful money, to her use and
behoof forever, to be paid within two years from the time of my decease.
It
is my Will and pleasure that none of my manuscripts be printed or published
after my decease, unless it be such as I myself may hereafter select and
prepare for that purpose.
And
I do hereby appoint and ordain my Friends Mehitable Torrey and Elizabeth Torrey
aforesaid to be joint Executrixes to this my last Will and Testament, ratifying
and Confirming this to be my last Will and Testament.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifteenth day of
April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.
Daniel Thomas (seal)
Signed
Sealed and pronounced by the said Daniel Thomas to be his last Will and
Testament in presence of us.
Ephraim
S. Jenkins
Philip
Pratt Jr.
Albert
J. Reed.
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of April, 1847 by Mehitable Torrey and Elizabeth Torrey, the Executors
therein named, and proved by Ephraim S. Jenkins and Philip Pratt Jr., two of
the witnesses.
Elizabeth Torrey, of Abington, was
granted letters testamentary on the estate of Daniel Thomas, late of Abington,
Clerk, on 6 Apr. 1847, with Philip Pratt and Ephraim S. Jenkins, both of
Abington, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Daniel Thomas, late of Abington, not dated, was appraised by Ephraim S.
Jenkins, Phillip Pratt, and Zenas Jenkins, his real estate totaled $430, and
his personal estate totaled $135. Elizabeth Torrey, the Executrix, gave her
oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1847.
Whereas Elizabeth Torrey, the
Executrix of the estate of Daniel Thomas, late of Abington, has deceased
leaving the estate unsettled, Harvey Torrey, of Abington, was granted
administration de bonis non with the will annexed, on 7 June 1853, with Jenkins
Lane and Sylvester H. Davies, both of Abington, as sureties.
Whereas Harvey Torrey, of Abington,
who was appointed as administrator de bonis non with the will annexed of the
estate of Daniel Thomas, late of Abington, in lieu of Elizabeth Torrey,
Executrix, deceased, has since also deceased leaving said estate unsettled,
Jenkins Lane, of Abington, was granted administration de bonis non with the
will annexed, as petitioned by Ruth Torrey, on 28 May 1855, with Sylvester A.
Dawes and Isaiah Jenkins, both of Abington, as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, p.
125-126, from FHL microfilm #0555639, Vol. 2H, p. 111, Vol. 89, p. 458-459, and
Vol. 1F, pp. 47, 68.
Will of David
Thomas of
In The Name of God Amen, this Thirtyeth day of August One
Thousand Seven hundred and fourty two I David Thomas of the Town of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New England being very weak of body
but of perfect mind & memory thanks be Given unto God Therefore Calling to
mind the mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to dye do make & ordain this my last will and testament That is to
Say, Principally & first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the
hands of God that gave it and my body I Recommend to ye Earth to be
buried in Christian Decent burial at the Discretion of my Executor nothing
doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I Shall Receive ye same by
the Mighty power of God and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me with in this life I give Demise and Dispose of in the
following manner and form —
Imprimis I Give & bequeath unto my Well beloved brother
Israell Thomas all my homestead That I now dwell on in The Township of
Middleborough both housing and lands Together with all Other of my lands in the
Township of Middleboro. Together with all my Personall Estate Except
my Toals and Tackling for husbandry and all my Indore moveables I give it to
him & his Heirs and assigns forever he paying out Such Sum and Sums of
money and Legacies as is herein after named —
Item I give and bequeath unto my Honourd Mother Sarah Thomas
Seven pounds a year to be paid her Every year by my Executor and to be paid in
the Old tenour —
Item, I Give and bequeath unto my brother William Thomas the
sum of One hundred pounds of the Old tenour I Give it to him & his Heirs
and Assigns forever and my will is that twenty five pounds of it in the Old
tenour be left in the hand of my Executor to be paid to my sister Mary Soul
which should have been paid by my brother William Thomas out of my Honrd.
Fathers Estate
Item, I Give unto my brother Jabezh Thomas The Sum of One
hundred pounds of the Old tenour I Give it to him his heirs & assigns
forever
Item, I Give unto my brother Ephraim Thomas the sum of One
hundred pounds of the Old tenour I give it to him his Heirs & assigns
forever
Item, I give unto my brother Ephraim Thomas’s Son Ephraim the
sum of One hundred pounds of the Old tenour to be paid in land or moveable
Estate when he shall arrive to the Age of Twenty One years and my will is that
if the Abovesaid Ephraim Son of my brother Ephraim Thomas Should dye before he
be twenty One years old Then the abovesd. hundred pounds shall be
paid to the Eldest surviveing son of my brother Jabez and the Eldest son of my
brother Ephraim to be Equally divided between them when they Arrive to ye
age of twenty one years.
Item I give unto my Sister Mary Soul the wife of Jacob Soul
and to Lois Hooper the wife of William Hooper and to Unice Tinkam the wife of
Peter Tinkam and to Betty Wood the wife of Jonathan Wood all my Tools and
Tackling for Husbandry and all my Indore moveables I give it to them &
their Heirs and assigns forever to be Equaly Divided between them —
Item I give unto the Heirs of my Sister Joanna Cob late of
Middleborough Deceased the Sum of twenty Shillings to them & their heirs
and Assigns forever —
Item, I give unto the heirs of my sister Susannah Smith late
of Middleborough Deceased the sum of twenty shillings to them and theire Heirs
and Assigns forever —
Item, I give unto the heirs of my Sister Sarah Ransom late of
Middleborough Deceasd the sum of twenty shillings to them and their Heirs and
assigns forever — And my Will is That
all the aforesd. Sums Shall be paid and Levied out of my Estate
within Ten years Except what is to be paid to my [can’t read] And that my Executor Shall have ten years to pay them
in and I do by these presents likewise make Ordain and Constitute my well
beloved brother Israel Thomas to be the Sole Executor of this my Last Will and
Testament and I do hereby utterly Revoke and Disanul all other and former Wills
and Testaments and bequests by me made Ratyfieing & Confirming this &
no other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal the day and year above written –
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
and Declare By the said David
Thomas as his last Will and
Testament In Presence of us
the Subscribers —
Ebenezer Tinkam David Thomas (seal)
Arthur Bennet
Henry Wood
Presented for probate on 20 Sept. 1742 by the Executor, and
proved by Ebenezer Tincom, Arther Bennett and Henry Wood, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ebenezer
Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1770) *
Know all Men by these
presents, that I Ebenezer Thomas of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in
New-England, being weak of body, but of a sound and disposing memory and
understanding, blessed be God for the same, yet knowing the mortality of my
body, and that it is apointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain
this my last will & testament to be firm & inviolable forever.
Imprs.
I give and bequeath to my son Jacob Thomas, all my lands & buildings that I
shall die seized off, to him his heirs & assigns forever, and further I
give and bequeath to him my said son Jacob all my live stock of creatures that
I shall die seized off, and all the provision & fodder that I die seized
off, and also all the debts due to me at my decease, and my will is that he my
said son Jacob pay all my just debts & funeral charges; and also that he
pay to my daughter Priscilla Thomas one cow, upon her demand after my decease,
and also that he my said son Jacob pay to my said daughter Priscilla five
pounds in money, or creatures at money price, in three years after my decease,
and my will is that he my said son Jacob provide fire-wood and house-room for my
said daughter Priscilla so long as she remains unmarried. Item I give & bequeath to him my said son
Jacob one bed, & beding suitable therefor. ~
Item,
I give and bequeath to my two sons, viz, Ebenezer Thomas junr. &
my aforesaid son Jacob Thomas, all my other outdoors movables, viz, Ebenezer to
have one third part thereof, and Jacob to have the other two third parts
thereof; and my will is that he my said son Ebenezer pay to my daughter Rachel
the wife of Abner Barrows, five pounds in money, or creatures at money price,
in three years after my decease. ~
Item, I give and bequeath to my
aforesaid four children, namely Ebenezer, Jacob, Rachel, and Priscilla, all my
other indoors movables, to be equally divided between them, and also my pew in
the meeting-house, to be in equal partnership between them. –
And my will is, and I do hereby
constitute and appoint Jacob Bennett of Middleborough to be sole executor to
this my last will & testament. And I do hereby utterly revoke and disanul
all and every other will by me heretofore made and signed. ratifying and
confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. Thus hoping that
this my last will & testament will be kept and performed according to the
true intent and meaning hereof, I comit my soul into the hands of God who gave
it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial. In witness whereof I the aforesaid
Ebenezer Thomas have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of
November one thousand, seven hundred and seventy.
Signed, sealed, pronounced &
declared by the Ebenezer Thomas (seal)
sd. Ebenr.
Thomas as his last will & testament,
in presence of Jedediah Thomas
Caleb
Williamson
Lemuel
Thomas
Presented for probate on 7 Oct.
1771 by Jacob Bennet of said Middleborough, yeoman, the executor therein named,
and proved by Jedediah Thomas and Lemuel Thomas, two of the witnesses. Letters
of Administration were granted to Jacob Bennet, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate real
& personal goods & chattels of Ebenezer Thomas, late of Middleborough,
was appraised on 14 Oct. 1771 by Ichabod Wood, John Tinkham and Henry Wood, and
totaled £237.13.7, including his lands & buildings valued at £140. Jacob
Bennet, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Mar. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, pp. 61-62, 145, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Edward
Thomas of
In ye Name of God Amen I Edward Thomas Senr
of Middleboro in ye County of Plymouth knowing & beleiveing ye
Certainty of my Death & uncertainty of ye time & manner of
it: being now of perfect memory & in ordinary State of Health am yet
waiting for my Last Change, on Consideration of which do make & ordain this
to be my Last Will & Testament, In form & manner following: Imps:
& principally my Soul that is my better Part, __inally ye Powers
of _____ of It I give to God ye Father ye Son & ye
Holy Ghost who gave it me to be Washed & Cleansed in ye
Justifying blood of our dear Redeemer trusting in Him to Present it faultless
before God att his Coming & Glory; my frail Body I Bequeath to ye
Earth, its just originall; to be there Reposed by decent buriall att ye
Will of my Executors from where I Look for & beleive a glorious
Resurrection: and as to ye ____ and goods with which God hath
blessed me; I make ye following disposition. I firstly Will &
order my Funerall Charges to be Paid & all other debts. Item: to my dear
beloved wife Mary Thomas I give & Bequeath ye third Part of my
moveables that are att my decease, together with a third Part of ye
Income of my Homestead yearly to be Paid to Her & ye Injoyment
of which Room in ye Home She Shall Choose; & if this be too
Short for Her Comfortable & Honourable Support that my Son that Injoys ye
Homestead Shall yeild Her What is Sufficient during Her widdowhood. Item: to my
Eldest daughter miriam Thomas my fourty five acre Lott of Land in South
Purchase that lyes near to ye Pond Called Tispequins Pond in
middleborô to Her & Her Heirs & assignes for Ever. Item: to my Son
Edward Thomas I give my hundred acre Lott of Land I bought of ye
widdow Sprague & ye meadow I bought of obediah Eddy lying on
Bartletts Brook & halfe a Share of Cedar Swamp I bought of Samuel Wood to
Him & His Heirs & assignes for Ever. Item: to my Son Nathan Thomas I
give my Lott of Land I bought of Nathaniel Holmes & thatt Lott of Land I
bought of Henry Wood with ye Houses & fences thereon & a
Lott I had of Capt. Tompson & ye Peice of meadow in ye
lower meadow I bought of Isaac Tinkham to Him & His Heirs & assignes
for Ever. Item, to my Son Noah Thomas I give my
Item: to my Daughter Fear Thomas I give my fourty five acre
Lott of Land in ye South Purchase not yet disposed of on ye
South East Side of woods _____ & my Will is that my Son Noah Shall Pay to
my daughter Fear fourty Pounds In two years after my decease: also my Will is
that my moveables not yet disposed of to be Equally & Justly divided
between all my Sons & Daughters and Finally I do ordain & appoint my
dear wife mary Thomas to be ye Executrix of this my Last Will &
Testament, together with my Son Nathan Thomas, whome it is my Pleasure Should
in that affair assist His mother; Hereby Revoking all other Wills, Constituting
& appointing this & this only to be my Last Will & Testament made
Established and Confirmed this twenty Eighth day of June 1726.
Published Pronounced & declared
& Signed & Sealed ye day & year
above written Edward Thomas (seal)
Peter Bennett
Jabez Vaughan
Japheth Turner
Probated on 3 Oct. 1726, and proved by Peter Bennett, Jabesh
Vaughan and Japheth Turner.
Letters of administration granted on 12 Jan. 1726[/27] for
the estate of Mr. Edward Thomas, late of Middleboro, deceased, to Mary Thomas,
relict widdow of the deceased, and Nathan Thomas, one of the sons of the
deceased.
The inventory was appraised on John Bennett, Peter Bennett,
and Nathan Bassett on 22 Dec. 1726, and it included cattle & sheep, board
logs at the mill, Indian corn, wheat, rye, flax, beans, etc.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Edward Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massacusetts Bay (1757) *
In the Name of God Amen, I Edward Thomas of Middleborough in
the County of Plimouth & Province of the Massachusetts bay in New Engld.
Yeoman, being exceeding weak in body, but of sound mind, calling to mind the
Mortality of my body, do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament as
follows viz,
Imprs. My will is my Funerall charges be paid out
of my Personall estate & all Other my Debts also, by my Execr.
hereafter named ~
Item my will is my Kind & Loving wife shall have all the
Goods & Houshold Stuff Lining &c, returned to her again, One Silk crape
Gound a Scarfe & apeir of Gloves, and her maintenance out of my Real Estate
during her Life – Item, my will is my four Sons viz, Asa Jesse, Husha &
Zadock Thomas shall have all my Real Estate equally Divided between them, for
them & their Heirs –
Item,
my will is my three Daughters viz, Rhoda, Mary & Rosmon Thomas shall have
all my personall estate equally Divided between them after my Funeral charges
and Just Debts are paid~
Furthermore I appoint Jesse Thomas
to be the Execr. of this my last will & Testament, In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal this thirteenth day of June
Anno, Domi, 1757, In the Thirtyeth Year of His Majesty’s Reign ~ his
Signed, Sealed Delivered Edward X Thomas (seal)
Published & Declared for my mark
last Will & Testament
in
presence of
Nathan Thomas
Noah Thomas
David Jones Jur.
Presented for probate on 7 Sept.
1757 by the Execr. within named, and proved by Noah Thomas and
Nathan Thomas, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Jesse Thomas of Pembrooke, the sole Executor, on 5 Sept. 1757.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Edward Thomas, late of Middleborough, was appraised on 24 Sept. 1757 by John
Tomson, Isaac Tinkham, and Micah Briant, his real estate valued at £325.14.8,
and his personal estate valued at £137.10.4½. Jesse Thomas, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 24 Sept. 1757.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 434-435, 448, from FHL
microfilm #0551542.
Will of Eleazer
Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God, Amen. I Eleazer
Thomas of Middleboro. in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts Yeoman being something advanced in years but of a sound &
disposing mind & memory blessed be God for the same wherefore calling to
mind the mortality of my body Knowing that it is appointed to all man once to
die I do now make & ordain this to be my last Will & Testament to
remain firm & inviolable forever, principally & first of all I give my
soul to God that gave it & my body to the dust to be buried in a decent
manner at the discretion of my Executor & friends, trusting that the same
will be raised at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God, & as
to such worldly Estate that I have been blessed with I do hereby dispose of the
same as followeth—viz.
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my true & well-beloved wife, Rizpah Thomas the use
& improvement of all my household furniture & of one cow one Swine
three Sheep & of one half part of my real Estate so long as she shall
remain my widow the same I give to her for her right of dower in my estate.
Item
I give & bequeath to my son Asa Thomas & to his heirs & assigns
Forever two hundred & fifty dollars to be paid to him by my son Eleazer
Thomas Junr. at my decease which with what I have heretofore helped
him I consider as his proportion of my estate but I do hereby give my said son
Asa liberty to live in my dwelling house so long as he shall live unmarried.
Item
I give & bequeath to my two daughters namely Rizpah Thomas & Assenath
Thomas & to their heirs & assigns forever One hundred & twenty
dollars to be paid to them in equal halves by my Son Eleazer Thomas Junr.
at my decease. I also give unto each one of my Said Daughters liberty to live
in my dwelling house so long as they shall respectively live unmarried.
Item
I give & bequeath unto my four daughters namely Lusinda Thomas wife of
Elias Thomas, Susanna Dunham wife of Jacob Dunham, Rizpah Thomas & Assenath
Thomas & to their heirs & assigns forever all of my household furniture
for them to come into possession of the same at the death or future, marriage
of my before named wife and to be equally divided amongst my said four
daughters or their heirs.
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Eleazer Thomas Junr. & to his
heirs & assigns forever, after my just debts funeral charges & the
expence of settling my estate is first paid, all the remaining part &
residue of my Estate both real & personal of every Sort including the
reversion of that part of my real estate that I have given the use of to my
said wife & several children so long as they Shall remain unmarried for him
or his heirs to come into possession of Each part of Said real estate as my
said wife & children Shall die or be married & also to include the cow
Swine & Sheep that I have given the use of to my Said wife for him my Said
Son Eleazer or his heirs to come into possession of the same at the decease or
marriage of my Said wife all of which I hereby give to my Said Son Eleazer
Thomas Junr. on condition that he or his heirs shall well &
truly pay out the several legacies that I have mentioned in this Will &
Shall also pay all my just debts funeral charges & the expence of Settling
my estate.
Lastly
my will is & I do hereby appoint my two sons namely Asa Thomas &
Eleazer Thomas Junr. Joint Executors on this my last Will &
Testament.
Thus
hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be Kept & performed
according to the true intent & meaning of it I the before named Eleazer
Thomas have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighteenth day of March in the
year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & fourteen. —
Eleazer Thomas (seal)
Signed
sealed published pronounced & declared by the before named Eleazer Thomas
to be his last Will & Testament in presence of us
Isaac
Thomson
George
Thompson
Ezra
Thompson
Presented for probate on 14 Aug.
1826 by Asa Thomas & Eleazer Thomas, the Executors therein named, and
proved by George Thompson & Ezra Thompson, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ezra Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the name of God amen I Ezra Thomas of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being under
decays of Body but of a sound Mind & Memory blessed be God for the same
wherefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body knowing that it is appointed
to all men once to die, I do now make & ordain this to be my last will
& Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever principally & first
of all, I give my Soul to God, that gave it, & my Body to the Dust to be
buried in a decent manner trusting that the same will be raised again by the
mighty power of God, & as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless me with, I do dispose of the same as followeth (viz) –
Imprimus
I give and bequeath to my true & well beloved Wife Lucy Thomas & to her
Heirs & assigns forever one Cow, half of my Sheep, one Swine & the one
half of my indoor moveable Estate, excepting my Desk & Cider Casks; I also
give unto my said Wife so long as she shall remain my Wido. the use
& Improvement of half of my Lands & one third part of my Buildings, the
above I consider as my Wife’s right of Dower in my Estate. –
Item I
give and bequeath to my Daughters, Elizabeth Thomas, Lucy Thomas junr.,
Eunice Thomas & Abigail Thomas, each & all of them a privilege to live
in my Dwelling house so long as they shall live unmarried, I also give to my
said Daughters in equal proportion all of the remaining part of my indoor
moveable Estate, excepting my Desk & Cider Casks, & also each of them
sixty Dollars to be paid to them without Interest in two years after my decease
by my two Sons Ezra Thomas junr. & John Sturtevant Thomas, in
equal Shares, which said Moveable Estate & Money I give to my said Daughters
& to their Heirs & assigns forever.—
Item.
After my just debts, funeral charges & Expence of settling my Estate is
first paid, my Will is & I do hereby give & bequeath to my two Sons,
namely, Ezra Thomas junr. & John Sturtevant Thomas, & to
their, & each of their Heirs & assigns forever in equal halves, all of
the remaining part & residue of my Estate of every sort, the same I hereby
give unto them on condition that they shall well & truly pay unto my before
named four Daughters, each of them, the sixty Dollars, I have given to them, in
two Years after my decease.—
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my Son Ezra Thomas junr sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament–
Thus
hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & Meaning thereof I the before named Ezra
Thomas have hereunto set my hand & Seal this fourteenth day of May in the
Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & eleven —
Signed sealed published pronounced & declared
by the before named Ezra Thomas to be his last Will
& Testament in presence of us — Ezra Thomas (seal)
Isaac
Thomson
Benjamin
Thomas
Ezekiel
Bryant
Presented for probate on 30 Aug.
1811 by Ezra Thomas the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Thomson Esqr.
and Benjamin Thomas, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Ezra Thomas, the before named Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real & personal of Ezra
Thomas, late of Middleborough, yeoman, dated 6 Sept. 1811, was appraised by
Isaac Thomson, Perez Thomas, and Peter Wood, and totaled $1445.87, his real
estate valued at $1017, including his home farm and buildings valued at $939.
Ezra Thomas, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Sept. 1811.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, pp. 505-506, 547, from FHL
microfilm #0550902.
Will of Finney Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
Be
it remembered That I Finney Thomas of Middleboro’ in the County of Plymouth
being weak in body but of sound mind and perfect in memory, and Considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life do make and publish this my last will and
testament in manner and form following.
First
I give and bequeath unto my niece Nancy Thomas all my Real Estate that I am
possessid of also all my stock that I shall die seized of, also all my
Household furniture.
Second
I give & bequeath unto my Brother Levi Thomas five dollars
Third.
I give & bequeath unto my Brother Israel Thomas five dollars
Fourth
I give and bequeath unto my Sister Jane Briant wife of Jesse Briant Five
dollars
Fifth.
I give and bequeath unto my Sister Sylvia Snow wife of Aaron Snow Five dollars.
And
lastly as to all the rest and residue and remainder of my personal estate goods
& chattels of what kind and nature soever, I give and bequeath to my first
named Niece Nancy Thomas after paying all my honest debts and funeral Charges.
And
I do hereby appoint my Brother Levi Thomas sole executor of this my last will
and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventh day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty two.
Finney Thomas (seal)
Signed sealed, published and
declared by the above named Finney Thomas to be his last Will and testament in
the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.
Isaac
Lyon
Albert
Thomas
Ebenezer
Pickens
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of Dec. 1843 by Levi Thomas, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Isaac Lyon and Albert Thomas, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Levi Thomas, the Executor.
Levi Thomas, of Middleborough, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Finney Thomas, late of
Middleborough, on 4 Dec. 1843, with Isaac Lyon and Albert Thomas, both of
Middleborough, as sureties.
Isaac Lyon, Albert Thomas, and
Abner Barrows, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Finney Thomas, late of Middleborough, on 4 Dec. 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Finney Thomas, late of Middleborough, dated 19 Feb. 1844, totaled $1413.92,
including his one half of an undivided farm valued at $1250. Levi Thomas, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Feb. 1844.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p.
542-543, from FHL microfilm #0555268, Vol. 1G, p. 269, and Vol. 86, p. 75-76.
Will of Henry Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1842) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Henry Thomas of Middleborough in the
County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman – being weak in
body, but of sound mind and memory do this ninth day of May in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two, make and publish this my last
will and Testament in manner following, to wit,–
Imprimis. I give to my beloved wife, a good and comfortable
support, during her natural life, as herein after provided.
Item. I give to my Daughter Mary R. the wife of Jesse Vaughan
the lot of land that I own, which is bounded on the southeast by Jonathan
Cobbs’ land and Moses Shaws house lot, and Westerly by Henry Bishops Land –
Also one fourth part of the Thompson lot so called, in the south purchase which
is bounded north by Rufus B. Thomas – and south by Zechh W.
Riders Land – And also one half part of what I own in Beaver Dam Saw mill, with
the land, privilege, appurtenances and fixtures thereto belonging, To have and
to hold to her the said Mary her heirs and assigns forever.
Item. I give to my two daughters Deborah S. Thomas and Zilpha
T. Thomas all that part of my Homestead Farm which is not hereinafter devised
to my Grandson Thomas N. Dean – Also all that I own in the eleventh and twelfth
lots in the south purchase – Also one piece of salt meadow which I own in
Wareham known by the name of the Thatcher Meadow – And also one half part of
what I own in Beaver Dam Sawmill, with the land, privilege, appurtenances and
fixtures thereto belonging – To have and to hold to them the said Deborah and
Zilpha their heirs and assigns forever – And I also give to them the said
Deborah and Zilpha, Four fifth parts of all the Bank Stock which I may leave at
my decease, together, with all other of my personal estate wherever the same
may be found. And I also give them the use and improvement of that part of my
Homestead Farm which is herein after devised to my said Grandson Thomas N. Dean
during his minority and also during the natural life of my said wife.
And my will is and I hereby order and direct, that they the
said Deborah and Zilpha shall furnish to my said wife, during her life time a
good and comfortable support, that they shall pay all my just debts and funeral
charges, together with the settlement of my Estate – and that they shall pay
one fourth part of all the income of said Bank Stock which they may from time
to time receive and when they receive it, to my Daughter Parma B. the wife of
Job Dean of Raynham in the County of Bristol during the natural life of the
said Parma. And that they also pay the same part of the same income in the same
manner, to my Daughter Mary R. the wife of Jesse Vaughan during her natural
life.
And my will is that if either the said Deborah or Zilpha
shall be removed by death, that the survivor shall hold the same property, both
Real and personal, and be subject the same orders and directions as is herein
before devised and given to them jointly.
Item. I give to my Grand children, Henry Thomas, Malintha C.
Thomas, Edwin Thomas and Polly B. Thomas, children of my son Wm N.
Thomas deceased, all I own in the third lot in the south purchase, also one
half part of lot number Forty two in said south purchase – Also about 8 acres
of Cedar Swamp, which I hold by deed from my said son Wm. N. Thomas
– and also one piece of salt Meadow situated in Wareham, called the Carver
Meadow To have and to have and to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever
– And I also give to them the said Henry, Malintha, Edwin and Polly, one fifth
part of the Bank Stock which I may leave at my decease.
Item. I give to my said Grandson Thomas N. Dean, the son of
my Daughter Parma B. the wife of Job Dean, the following described parts of my
said Homestead Farm, to wit. The old Canedy orchard, so called, as now enclosed
by stone walls, together with all the land I own adjoining, to the northward of
a line to be run by the wall on the North side of said orchard, and parall to
the side lines of the original lot, from the Purchase line, Westerly to George
Cushman’s land – And also the three cornered piece of land adjoining said
orchard, bounded Westerly by the Purchase line – Northerly by Jonathan Cobbs
land – and south easterly by the Road – And my will is that he the said Thomas
N. shall come into the possession of the above devised premisis, when he
arrives at the age of twenty one years – And my will further is, that if the
said Thomas N. shall leave no lineal descendants at his decease that the
property above devised to him shall revert to my surving Daughters and their
heirs forever.
Item – Notwithstanding I have given all my personal Estate to
said Deborah and Zilpha, I hereby give my Household Furniture to my four
Daughters to be equally divided between them
Item. I give to the third Calvinistic Baptist Society in
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth Fifty Dollars to be paid in one year
after my decease – And lastly I do constitute and appoint my
son in law the said Jesse Vaughan sole Executor to this my last will and
Testament, hoping the same may be kept.
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the day
and year before written
Henry Thomas (seal)
Signed Sealed, and
declared by the said Henry Thomas, as and for his last will and Testament in
presence of us, who at his request and in his presence hereunto set our names
as Witnesses
John
Q. A. Morse
Mary
W. Shurtleff
Wm
Nelson
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Aug. 1842 by
Jesse Vaughan, the Executor therein named, and proved by John Q. A. Morse and
Wm. Nelson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
granted to Jesse Vaughan, the Executor.
Jesse Vaughan, of Middleborough, was granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Henry Thomas, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 2
Aug. 1842, with William Nelson and John Q. A. Morse, both of Middleborough, as
sureties.
William Nelson, Asa Benson, and Foster A. Keith, all of
Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Henry Thomas, late of
Middleborough, on 2 Aug. 1842.
The Inventory of the Estate of Henry Thomas, late of
Middleborough, yeoman, was not dated, his Real Estate totaled $6236, including
his homestead farm valued at $3000, and several other parcels of land, and his
personal estate totaled 1666.23. Jesse Vaughan, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, pp. 355-356, 513-514, from FHL
microfilm # 0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 215.
Will of Israel Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the name of God amen I Israel Thomas of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being
considerably advanced in Years & under decay & Sickness of my Body
calling to mind the mortality of my Body, knowing that it is appointed to all
men once to die, I do hereby make and ordain this to be my last Will &
Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever, principally & first of
all I give my Soul to God that gave it & my Body to the Dust to be buried
in a decent manner at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named trusting
that the same Body will be raised at the general Resurrection by the mighty
power of God and as to such worldly Estate, as it hath pleased God to bless me
with, I do hereby dispose of the same as followeth (viz)
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my true and well beloved Wife
Abigail Thomas & to her Heirs and Assigns forever, all of my Household
Furniture, my best Cow, my best Swine & one third part of the sheep that I
shall own at my decease. I also give unto my said Wife the use &
Improvement of one third part of all my real Estate including my part of a pew
in the Meeting-house during her natural Life, the same I give to her as her
right dower in my Estate.
Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Jane Bryant Wife of
Jesse Bryant junr. & to her Heirs and Assigns forever five
Dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my two Sons Levi Thomas 2d.
and Finney Thomas in equal halves.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Silvia Snow Wife of Aaron Snow & to her
Heirs & Assigns forever five Dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my
two aforesaid Sons Levi & Finney in equal halves.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Israel Thomas junr and to his Heirs
& assigns forever one third part of my wearing Apparel & one hundred
dollars to be paid to him at my decease by my two other before named Sons Levi
& Finney in equal halves.
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Abigail Thomas junr. and to her
Heirs and Assigns forever over and above what personal Estate she hath already
received, fifty Dollars to be paid to her at my decease by my two afore named
Sons Levi & Finney in equal halves.
Item
My Will is that my Family shall use & have the Benefit of my provisions on
hand, the same as if I had lived & they with me, as we have lived
heretofore.
Item
after my Just debts funeral charges, the Expence of settling my Estate and the
above Legacies are paid in manner & form above described, my Will is &
I do hereby give & bequeath to my two before named Sons Levi Thomas 2d.
& Finney Thomas in equal halves & to their & each of their heirs
and assigns forever all of the remaining part and residue of my Estate both
real and personal. the above Legacies to all of my before named Children I give
unto them on Condition that they shall not bring any charges against my Estate
for any Service they or any of them have performed for me nor for any money
they have let me have or any debts they have paid for me nor for any other
purpose but if any of my said Children shall make any demand on my Estate such
demand shall be deducted from what I have given them by this Will—
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my Son Levi Thomas 2decond sole
Executor on this my last Will and Testament—
Thus hoping that this my last Will & Testament will be kept &
performed, according to the true Intent & meaning thereof, I the before
named Israel Thomas have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of
August in the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & nine –
signed, sealed, published
pronounced & declared
by the before named Israel Thomas
to be his
last Will and Testament in presence
of us Israel Thomas (seal)
David
Thomas
Azel
Thomas
Israel
Thomson
Presented for probate on 23 Sept.
1809 by Levi Thomas the second, the Executor therein named, and proved by David
Thomas and Isaac Thomson Esqr. two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Levi Thomas the second,
the before named Executor.
Isaac Thomson Esqr.,
Azel Thomas and Ichabod Wood Gentlemen, all of Middleborough, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Israel Thomas, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 23
Sept. 1809. The Inventory, dated 19 Apr. 1811, totaled $2220.27, including his
lands, buildings, and part of pew in the meeting house valued at $1820. Levi
Thomas 2d., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 May
1811.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, pp.
27-28, 448, from FHL microfilm #0550902.
Will of Jacob
Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Know all men by these presents that I Jacob Thomas of the
town of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth, in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being weak of body but of a sound and disposing memory &
understanding, blessed be God for the same, yet knowing the mortality of my
body, and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this
my last will & testament to be firm and inviolable Forever—viz~
I
Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Content, all my Estate real,
personal, mixed or moveables of all denominations, or all the good things of
this life, that I die possessed of, to her her heirs and assigns Forever, the
paying of all my just debts and Funeral charges. And I hereby constitute &
appoint her my said wife, Content, to be Sole Executrix to this my last will
& testament, thus hoping that this my last will & testament will be
kept & performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof. I
commit my Soul into the hands of God who gave it, & my body to the dust to
a decent burial. In witness whereof I the said Jacob Thomas have hereunto Set
my hand & Seal this nineteenth day of September one thousand Seven hundred
ninety & four
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced &
declared by
the said Jacob Thomas, as his Last
will & Jacob Thomas (seal)
testament, in the presence of us
Jacob
Bennet
Hannah
Bennet
Jacob
Bennet ye 3d
Presented for probate on 5 April
1796 by Content Thomas, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Jacob Bennet
& Jacob Bennet ye 3d, two of the witnesses. The bond
of Content Thomas, widow, with Ebenezer Thomas & Levi Cobb, yeomen, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jeremiah
Thomas of
In the name of God Amen. The twenty ninth Day of September
One thousand Seven hundred thirty & five, I Jeremiah Thomas of ye
Town of
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife
Mary Thomas all the Goods She brought to Me that was hers before She was
Married to Me and also one Cow which She shall chuse out of my Cows and also
twenty Pounds in money ten Pounds to be paid in one Year after my Decease &
ten Pounds in two Year after my Decease and also three Pounds a Year I Give her
to be paid Yearly & every Year & also my three Swine & also one
Iron Pot & one Iron Kettle and one Iron Skillett & also on Spinning
Wheel a foot Wheel & also Liberty to live in my now Dwelling House as long
as She lives And also all the Corn both Indian Corn Rie & Wheat or any
other Grain that belongeth to me or is Mine And also all the Provisions of all
sorts that shall be in my House that is mine for her present Support
Itm I Give unto my Eldest Son Nathaniel Thomas all the Twenty
acres of Land that joins to my Homestead that was laid out as an Addition to my
Homestead Except Eight acres next joyning to my Homestead upon the East End
thereof I Give to him and his Heirs & assigns forever—
Itm I Give unto my Son Jeremiah Thomas one half of my
Lot of Land in the South Purchase so called in the
Itm I Give unto my Son Jedediah Thomas one Half of my
Lot of Land in the South Purchase in ye
Itm I Give unto my Daugh Sary Wood the Sum of five
Pounds in money to her & heirs forever
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Elizabeth Tomson the Sum
of five Pounds to her & her Heirs & assigns forever —
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Mary Blush[?] the Sum of
five Pounds in Money to her & her Heirs & assigns forever —
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Lydia Hackett the Sum of
five Pounds in Money to her & her Heirs & assigns forever —
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Thankfull Cobb the Sum of
five Pounds in Money to her & her Heirs and assigns forever
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Bethiah Chipman the Sum of
five Pounds in Money to her and her Heirs and assigns forever —
Itm I Give unto my Daughter Priscilla Thomas One two
Year old Heifer the Choice of my two Heifers And also one Bed a Feather Bed
Cotton Ticking the Bolster & Pillow all of a Sort Cotton Ticking & one
Bed Blanket & Coverlet black & yellow—
And my Will is that my Executor herein after named pay Each
of ye Sums abovenamed to Each of my Daughters within three Years
after my Decease —
Itm I Give unto my Son Ebenezer Thomas Whom I likewise
Constitute Make & Ordain my sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament All & Singular my Homestead both Housing & Lands Together
with all other of my Lands in the Township of Middleborough both Upland &
Meadow not Mentioned in my Will nor Given by Deeds Together with all my
personal Estate both within Doors & out Doors Together with all my just
Debts to him and his Heirs & assigns forever by him freely to be Enjoyed He
paying all my just Debts Legacies & Funeral Charges And I do hereby utterly
Disallow Revoke & Disanull all other & former Wills & Testaments
& Bequeaths Ratifying this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my Hand & Seal ye Day & Year above written his
Jeremiah + Thomas (seal)
mark
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by the sd
Jeremiah Thomas to be his last Will & Testament in the Presence of us the
Subscribers Henry Wood Nathanl. Holmes Samuel Thomas-
February ye Seventh 1736. The Abovenamed Henry
Wood Nathaniel Holmes & Samuel Thomas Made oath that they Saw the
Abovenamed Jeremiah Thomas Sign Seal & heard him Declare the Above &
within written Instrument to be his last Will & Testament And that they at
ye Same time in the Presence of ye sd Testator
Set to their Hands as Witnesses And that according to the best of their
observation he then was of a Sound & disposing Mind & Memory ~~
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Thomas of
I John Thomas of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth in New
England being in my own Apprehension near my great Change but through the
favour of God of a Disposing Mind & Memory, do therefore Make &
Ordain this Instrument to be my last
Will & Testament in Manner & form following, That is to Say — First I
Commit my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God, And my Body to the Earth from
whence it was taken, when it shall please him to take me hence, in Sure Hope of
a glorious Resurrection unto Eternal Life through the precious Bloud &
Merits of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer. And as for the Outward
Estate which God has been Pleased graciously to betrust me withall My Mind
& Will is yt it shall be Disposed of in Such Manner as is
hereafter Expressed — Imprims. for as much as ye Farm in
Marshfield in Intailed in My Eldest Son if he Outlives my Hond.
Father, I think it sufficient for him in Proportion to what I can give to my
Youngest Son, Together with Eight acres and one half of Cedar Swamp lying in
the Majrs Purchase which my sd Father gave Me the Deed
of, Which I now Give to my Eldest Son Nathaniel Ray Thomas, And also It is my
Will that he may be brought up out of the Incomes of my Estate, until he
arrives to the Age of Twenty one Years —
Itm I Give to my Youngest Son Simon Thomas, one
quarter part of the Iron Works, and the Appurtenances which I bought of my
Brother Joseph Thomas, and also all the Lands wch I bought of John
Peterson lying in Middleborough & Rochester, which he sd
Peterson is under Bonds to give a Deed of to Me, & to my Heirs. I also Give
unto him my sd Son Simon my Third Part of the Sloop of which Joshua
Soule & Jedediah Bourne own ye Other, Two Thirds of, And also I
Give unto him all the Income & Produce of all my personal & Moveable
Estate whatsoever, Excepting what is above mentioned for the bringing up of my
Eldest Son, And also Excepting what I have hereafter otherways disposed of
Itm I Give to the
Itm I Give to my kinswoman Deborah Thomas of
Lastly, I Nominate & appoint my loving Brother Nathaniel
Thomas of Plymouth to be the Sole Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, With Power to Dispose of my Slaves My Bedding, and what else he may
See Reason to Dispose of, of my Moveable Estate. I also nominate & appoint
him my sd Brother Guardian to my sd two Sons, And order
that they may be brought up to Learning, if the Income of what they shall be
Posest of, will be Sufficient to do it. I also Give unto my sd
Executr for his Trouble of Executorship & Guardianship the Sum
of Fifty Pounds, which sd Sum of Fifty Pounds together with all my
just Debts & Funeral Charges shall be paid out of my Moveable Estate. In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal the fifth Day of
August Anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred & thirty Seven — And further
My Will is That the Revd Mr James Gardner of
Signed Sealed Published & Declard. Jno. Thomas (seal)
In Presence of Saml Bartlett
Thomas Mayhew Samuel
Thacher
Proved on 16 Aug. 1737 by Saml Bartlett &
Thomas Mayhew, and proved on 26 Sept. 1737 by Samuel Thacher. Administration of
the estate of John Thomas was granted to Nathaniel Thomas junr., of
The Inventory of the Estate of John Thomas, late of Plymouth,
Esqr., Deceased, was appraised by Edward Arnold, James Warren, and
John Winslow on 13 Sept. 1737, and totaled £1552.0.7, including 3 slaves valued
at £270.0, a large amount of livestock, and 1/3rd of a Sloop valued
at £160, but no real estate was listed in the inventory. Nathl
Thomas junr., Esq., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
4 May 1738.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1771) *
Know
all Men by these presents, that I Joseph Thomas of the town of Middleborough in
the county of Plymouth in New-England, being weak of body yet of a sound mind
and disposing memory & understanding, blessed be GOD for the same; yet
knowing the mortality of my body, and that it is apointed for all men once to
die, do make & ordain this my last will & testament to be firm and
inviolable forever.
Imp.rs,
I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Mary Thomas, one third part of all
my movable estate after my just debts & funeral charges are first paid out
of the same. And further I give & bequeath to her my said wife the use
& improvement of one third part of all my lands & buildings during her
natural life, And further I give & bequeath to her my said wife the use
& improvement of that part of my lands & buildings that I herein give
to my sons Andrew & Jonathan till such time as they shall arrive to the age
of twentyone years, and further I give & bequeath to her my said wife, my
pew in the meeting-house that I bought of my mother in law Cox. ~
Item. I give and bequeath to my
oldest son Joseph Thomas junr. the one half of all my lands &
buildings (reserving the improvement of one third part thereof to my said wife
during her natural life,) – to him, his heirs & assigns forever. –
Item. I give & bequeath to my
daughter Mercy Thomas, the value of twenty pounds, to be paid to her out of my
movable estate. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my
daughter Hope Thomas, the value of twenty pounds, to be paid her out of my
movable estate. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my
daughter Mary Thomas, the value of twenty pounds, to be paid her out of my
movable estate. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my
son Andrew Thomas one fourth part of all my lands & buildings to him his
heirs & assigns forever reserving to my said wife the improvement thereof
until he arrive to the age of twentyone years, and then reserving the
improvement of one third part thereof to her my said wife during her natural
life, and further I give and bequeath to him my said son Andrew one half of the
remainder of my movable estate after the above bequests & payments are
first taken out. –
Item, I give & bequeath to my
son Jonathan Thomas one fourth part of all my lands & buildings to him his
heirs & assigns forever, reserving to my sd. wife the
improvement thereof until he arrive to the age of twentyone years, and then
reserving the improvement of one third part thereof to her my said wife during
her natural life; and further I give & bequeath to him my said son Jonathan
the remainder of all my moveable estate after the above bequests & payments
are first taken out. –
Item, My will is that my pew in the
gallery of the meeting-house should belong equally among my six children. –
Item. My will is, and I do hereby
constitute & apoint my aforesaid wife Mary Thomas to be sole executrix to
this my last will & testament. And I do hereby utterly revoke & disanul
all other & former wills made & signed by me. Ratifying and confirming
this and no other, to be my last will and testament. thus hoping that this my
last will & testament will be kept & performed acording to the true
intent & meaning thereof, I comit my soul to GOD who gave it and my body to
the dust to a decent burial. In witness
whereof I the aforesaid Joseph Thomas, have hereunto set my hand & seal
this thirteenth day of August one thousand, seven hundred seventy & one.
Signed, sealed, & declared by
the sd. Joseph Thomas
to be his last will & testament
in presence of Joseph Thomas (seal)
Eleazar Thomas, Silvanus Thomas,
Jacob
Bennett
Presented for probate on 7 Oct.
1771 by Mary Thomas, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Eleazar Thomas
and Jacob Bennet, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted
to Mary Thomas, the Executrix.
The Inventory of the estate real
and personal, goods and chattels of Joseph Thomas late of Middleborough, was
appraised on 22 Nov. 1771 by Perez Churchell, Jacob Bennett, and George Shaw
junr., and totaled £450.15.3, including his lands & buildings
valued at £285.17.4. Mary Thomas, the Executrix on the estate, gave her oath to
the inventory on 18 Sept. 1772.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, pp. 58-59, 197, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Joseph Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the Name of God amen I Joseph Thomas of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being weak in Body but
of sound & perfect mind and Memory considering the Uncertainty of this
Mortal Life do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in Manner
& form following (that is to say) –
1st. I give
and recommend my Soul to God who gave it & my body to a decent burial by my
Executors hereafter named & as to my Worldly Estate, with which the Lord
hath favoured me –
2dly. my will is that all my just debts &
demands on my Estate be well & truly paid by my Executors. –
3dly. I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife
Deborah Thomas all my within door moveables to dispose of as she may think
proper, the use & Improvement of the South front room in my Dwelling house,
one Cow, the use of two Cows the present Summer, the use of a Horse sufficient
for her comfort, one Swine in each year, fifteen Bushels of Corn & three
Bushels of Rye in each Year, Firewood brought to her door sufficient for one
fire sauce sufficient for her use, All the Sweetning and Tea necessary for her
use, one third of my part of all the Apples which may grow on my Land in each
Year, All my Flax and Wool for the present Year and after that twenty Pound of
Flax in each Year & have two sheep kept for her use constantly all the
above Goods Chattels & privileges except the within door moveables, she the
said Deborah Thomas is to have & enjoy so long as she remains my Widow
& no longer –
4thly I give and bequeath to my Daughters
Olive Cobb, Lucy Thomas, Sally Thomas & Deborah Carver, one Dollar each.
Also I give & bequeath to my Sons Elisha Thomas & Andrew Thomas one
Dollar each, my wearing Apparel to be equally divided between my three Sons
Also I give and bequeath unto each of my three Youngest Daughters viz. Hopy
Ellis, Lavina Thomas & Ethelinda Thomas one good Bed and Materials to make
Bedding sufficient for the same –
5thly. I give unto my Son Eliphalet Thomas
all & every part & parcel of my Real & personal Estate, Goods &
Chattels, which shall remain after my just debts are paid & all the
Legacies & bequests in this my last Will & Testament & all &
every part of this my last will & Testament shall be complied with. I do
further will & ordain & do hereby appoint the sd. Deborah
Thomas my Wife & Eliphalet Thomas my Son to be the Executors of this my
last will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made, in Witness
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty second day of March
in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & eleven –
signed sealed & published in presence of us, who in
the presence of each other & the Testator have subscribed
our Names – Joseph Thomas (seal)
Martin
Keith
Josiah
Leonard
John
Perkins
To the Hon. Joshua Thomas Esqr. Judge of Probate
of Wills &c for the County of Plymouth – Sir, these are to certify that I
decline to execute the last Will & Testament of my last Husband Joseph
Thomas decd.
her
Middlebo.
Apl. 6th. 1811 ~
Deborah X Thomas
mark
Presented for probate on 6 Apr. 1811 by Eliphalet Thomas, one
of the Executors therein named, Deborah Thomas the other Executor named having
refused said Trust, and proved by Martin Keith Esqr. & Josiah
Leonard, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Eliphalet Thomas, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 43, p. 393-395, from FHL microfilm
#0550902.
Will of Josiah
Thomas of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1746) *
In The Name of God Amen The Twenty Fifth Day of September in
the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Fourty Six I Josiah Thomas
of Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachusets Bay
in New England Carpenter upon Good and Serious Considerations and Being of
Perfect Mind and Memory Thanks Be Given unto God and Therefore Calling into
Mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once
To Dye Do Make and ordain This To be my Last Will and Testement That is to Say
Principaly and First of all I Give and Recomend my Soul into the Hands of God
that Gave it and my Body I Recomend To the Earth to be Buried in a Decent and
Christian Mannor at the Discretion of my Executor herein after Named Nothing
Doubting But at the Generail Resurrection I shall Receive the Same By the
almighty Power of God and as Touching Such Worldly Goods and Temporall Estate
Wherewith it Has Pleased God To Bless Me With in this Life I Give Demise and
Dispose of the Same in Maner and Form Following … Imprimis My Will is that all
My Just Debts and Funeral Charges be Defrayed and Payed out of my Parsanal
Estate – – –
Item I Do Give and Bequeath To my Dearly and Beloved Wife
Deborah Thomas all the Whole use and Improvement of my Real and Personal Estate
Excepting my aforesaid Debts and all My Carpenters Tools and utensils Which I
Do give and Bequeath To My Second Son Joshua Thomas I Do Give the use and
Improvement To her So Long as She Shall Remain My Widow – – –
I Do Give and Bequeath and my Will is that my Five Sons and
Two Daughters that is William Thomas Joshua Thomas Peleg Thomas Benjamin Thomas
and Consider Thomas and my Two Daughters that is Deborah Thomas and Ruth Thomas
Shall at the Time of my aforesaid Wifes Decease or at the End of her Being my
Widow Shall Have all my Estate Both Real and Personal that Shall By any Ways or
Means be Found Excepting my Said Carpenters Tooles Which I give To my Said Son
Joshua To be Equaly Divided into Shares alike Between them and Their Heirs and
assigns forever: Item I Do hereby Constitute and appoint my Trusty and
Welbeloved frind Captain Gamaliel Bradford To be the Sole Executor of this my
Last Will and Testement and I Do hereby utterly Disalow and Revoke and Disanule
all and every other former Wills Testements and Bequests By me in any Before
name made Willed or Bequested Ratifying and Confirming This and no Other To be
my Last Will and Testement In Witness Whereof I the Said Josiah Thomas have Set
My hand and Seal the Day and Year above Writen
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced Josiah Thomas (seal)
and Declared By the Said Josiah Thomas
To be his Last Will and Testement in Presents of us
The Subscirbers
her
Sarah ¯¯ Dellano
marke
Mary Wadsworth
John Wadsworth jur
Presented for probate on 20 Mar. 1750 by the Executor who
Refused to accept the Trust, and proved by ye witnesses.
Administration of the estate of Josiah Thomas, late of
Duxborough, Housewright, Deceased, was granted to Deborah Thomas of Duxborough,
Widdow of the Deceased, with will annexed, on 22 Mar. 1750.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Justus Thomas of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Justus Thomas of Kingston, in the County Plymouth do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following
To
wit
First I give and bequeath to our
adopted Daughter Adaline Eaton, ten dollars when she comes of age
Second I
give and bequeath to my wife Saba Thomas all the rest and residue of my Estate
both real personal (after payment of my just debts) to be her’s forever.
Third I
hereby constitute and appoint my friend Noah Prince Executor of this my last
will and Testament hereby revoking all others
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this Seventh day of January in the Year one thousand Eight
hundred and forty three 1843
Justus Thomas (seal)
Signed, sealed published and
declared as and for the last Will and Testament of the above named Justus
Thomas in presence of us who at his request have hereunto set our names as
witnesses
Peleg
Bradford
Henry
O Steward
Stephen
Bradford
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Feb. 1843 by Noah Prince, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Peleg Bradford and Henry O. Steward, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 85, p. 52-53, from FHL microfilm
#0555268.
Will of Lemuel Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the Name of God Amen I Lemuel Thomas of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth and Colony of the Massachusetts Bay In New- England
Yeoman being of a Sound Mind and Disposing Memory Yet being Sensible I must Dye
Do by these Presents make & Constitute these Presents to be my Last Will
& Testament: first my Immortal Soul I Give & Surrender up to God that
Gave it hopeing & Trusting he Will through Jesus Christ Receive my
Departing Spirit knowing he is Able to keep what I Commit unto him And as to my
Worldly Goods & Estate after the Burial of my Body in the Dust to which I
Give it Desiring it may be Decently Buried I dispose of as follows Vizt.
Imprimis I Give unto my Wife One half of my Dwelling House
during her Life & One Quarter part of the Income of all my Real Estate
During Said Term & One half of the Moveable Estate within Doors and without
at her Disposal forever Saveing my Wareing Apparrel which I Give to be Divided
Equally between my Three Sons Willard and Lemuel & Jeremiah Thomas Also my
Two Sons Lemuel & Jeremiah are to Cutt & bring Sufficient Wood to her
Door For and during Said Term ~
Item I Give unto my Eldest Son Willard all my Home Lott that
is and Lies upon the East Side of the Road Leading from the East Meeting House
in Said Town to Capt. Bennett’s Mill so Called as also all the
Orchards Meadows Buildings & fences &c Standing thereon to be his &
his Heirs & Assigns forever ~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Two Sons Lemuel & my
Son Jeremiah all my Other Part of my Home Lott or Lotts Lying on the West Side
of the Above Road Leading from the Said Meeting House to said Mill to be
Equally Divided between them for Quantity and Quality together with that Piece
of Mowing Land Lying on the East Side of Namaskett River, & on the North
Side of Plymouth Road Leading over Said River, to be Equally Divided also to
them & their Heirs & Assigns forever ~
Item I Give unto my Seven Daughters Deborah Miriam &
Mehitable Elizabeth & Ruth Mary & Sarah Thomas all the Other half of my
Moveable Estate together with all my Right in Winhex salt Meadows to be Equally
Divided between them & their Heirs & Assigns forever Always to Remember
what my Daughter Mehitable has had is In Part of a Proportion with her other
Sisters ~
Item I do hereby Constitute and Appoint my Well Beloved Wife
to be the Sole Executor of this my Last Will & Testament Ordering her to
pay all my Just Debts & funeral Charges – out of the Moveables in Common
Giving her Also all my Right in the Pew in the Meeting House in the Easterly
Precinct in Middleborough for her Use & the Use of the Children In Witness
and Confirmation of all & Each of the Above Articles I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this Nineteenth Day of December Anno Domini 1775 –
Signed Sealed Published
and Pronounced by Lemuel
Thomas to be his Last Will and Lemuel Thomas (seal)
Testament before us the Subscribers
John Weston
Israel Wood
Samuel Thacher
Presented for probate on 1 April 1776 by Mehitable Thomas,
the Executrix therein named, and proved by John Weston and Israel Wood, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Mehitable Thomas, the
before named Executrix.
The Inventory of the Estate of Lemuel Thomas, late of
Middleborough, was appraised, but not dated, by William Bennet 2d,
Ebenezar Wood, and Israel Wood, and totaled £560.19.3, including his home farm
on the west side of the road valued at £200, his home farm on the east side of
the road valued at £84, and his dwelling house valued at £40. The appraisers
gave their oath to the inventory on 22 June 1776, and Mehitable Thomas, the Admx.
on the Estate, gave her oath to the inventory on 1 July 1776.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 149-153, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Lucy Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1819) *
In the
name of God amen. Whereas I Lucy Thomas of Middleborough in the county of
Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow of Hushai Thomas, late of said
Middleborough decd, being advanced in years but of a sound mind and
disposing memory (blessed be God for the same) calling to mind the mortality of
my body, knowing that it is appointed for all mankind to die, do hereby make
and ordain this to be my last will and Testament, to remain inviolable forever.
Principally and first of all I give my soul to God that gave it, and my body to
the dust to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my friends and
Executor hereafter named, in hopes that my body will be raised again at the
general Resurrection by the mighty power of God, and as to such worldly
property as God has been pleased to bless me with, I do hereby dispose of the
same as follows (viz)
Imprimis. I give and
bequeath to my four sons, viz, Edward Thomas, Hushai Thomas, Calvin Thomas, and
Sylvanus Thomas and to their several heirs and assigns forever, to each of them
the sum of one Dollar.
Item, I give and
bequeath to my Grandchildren as follows, viz, to Sarah Jackson, Enoch Thomas,
Lucy Thomas, Nancy Thomas and Eveline Thomas all children of my son Enoch
Thomas deceased, & to their heirs and assigns forever the sum of one Dollar
to be equally divided between them.
Item. I give and bequeath to my following named Grandchildren
Daniel Thomas, Hercules Thomas, Thomas Lewis Thomas, Betsey Thomas, Rebecca A.
Thomas, John A Thomas and Jane Thomas, all children of my son Daniel Thomas decd
to them their heirs and assigns forever the sum of one dollar to be equally
divided among them.
Item, I give and
bequeath to my Daughter Judith Thomas and to her heirs and assigns forever my
watch & Desk, and after paying my just debts and funeral charges and the
aforesaid Legacies and the settlement of my Estate, I give & bequeath to
the said Judith her heirs and assigns forever one third of all the money I may
have on hand & debts due unto me.
Item. I give and
bequeath to my Daughter Lucia Cushman to her heirs and assigns forever, my two
best Beds & Bedstead, my Gold necklace, great Bible, my Calico Bedquilt, my
hitchel and my mahogany square table, and after paying my just debts, funeral
charges and the expense of settling my said Estate, I give and bequeath to the
said Lucia Cushman, and her heirs and assigns forever the remaining two thirds
of my money which I may have on hand & debts due unto me.
Item I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Daughter Judith
Thomas & Lucia Cushman in equal halves all the remaining part of my Estate
both real & personal of every kind including my right in certain real
Estate lately set off by Execution towards paying a debt due from my son
Sylvanus Thomas to the Estate of my deceased husband Hushai Thomas, to them
their heirs and assigns forever.
Lastly. My will is and
I do hereby appoint my friend George Thompson sole Executor of this my last
will & Testament Thus hoping that this my last will and Testament will be
kept and performed according to the true intent & meaning thereof. I the
before named Lucy Thomas have hereunto set my hand & seal this, the ninth
day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
nineteen.
Signed, Sealed,
published pronounced her
and delivered by the said Lucy Thomas Lucy X Thomas (seal)
to be her last will & Testament before us mark
Ebenr
Willis
Sylvanus Tinkham
Deborah Thompson
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1822 by George Thompson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Sylvanus Tinkham and Deborah Thompson,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to George Thompson, the before named Executor.
Ahira Hubbard, yeoman, Ebenezer Willis, yeoman, and Adoniram
Cushman, yeoman, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Lucy Thomas, late of Middleborough, Widow, on 5 Nov. 1822. The Inventory of the
Estate of Widow Lucy Thomas, late of Middleborough, not dated, totaled $792.20,
including her real estate valued at $250. George Thompson, the Executor, gave
his oath to the inventory on 18 Nov. 1822.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, pp. 224-226, 343-344, from FHL
microfilm #0550909.
Will of Lucy
Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen, Lucy Thomas being weak in body, but of sound mind and
memory, considering the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, blessed
be God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in a
manner & form following that is to say,
1st
one feather Bed, one bolster & two pillows, one straw Bed tick. 2d
two woolen Coverlids, 3d two woolen bedquilts, 4th one
calico bed quilt, 5th three woolen bed blankets, 6th
seven pair of Sheets, 7th five pair of Pillow cases, 8th
four towels, 9th one table cloth, 10th two rag coverlids,
and some patchwork, one earthen platter & pewter platter, a pewter porringer
and six tea spoons. Of Wearing apparel 1st one woolen great coat, 2d
one Silk gown, 3d three woolen gowns, 4th two Calico
gowns, 5th five petticoats, 6th six pair of stockings 7th
three shoulder Blankets, 8th two shawls, 9th one pair of
socks, 10th five shirts two woolen & three cotton, 11th
one pair of Black Silk Gloves, 12th one Night gown, waists, collars,
handkerchiefs and work pockets, I do give the Same which is above written to my
nephew Lucy Thomas the daughter of my brother Caleb Thomas, deceased, and
Waitstill his wife whom I hereby appoint Sole Executrix of this my last Will
and Testament and hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal the twenty ninth day of April
in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine.
her
Lucy X Thomas
mark
This being her last Will and
Testament we hereunto subscribe our
names. Attest
Moses
Shaw
Amanda
N. Barrows
Susan
T. Cobb.
The will of Lucy Thomas of
In the last Will & Testament of
Lucy Thomas, deceased, I was named her Executrix, owing to my feeble state of
health I with you to appoint some other person to settle said deceased’s
estate.
Edward Sparrow, of Middleborough, yeoman,
was granted administration with will annexed of the estate of Lucy Thomas, late
of Middleborough, singlewoman, who died testate naming Waitstill Thomas, now
Waitstill Wood, as sole executrix of her estate, who has declined to accept the
trust, on 1 Nov. 1831, with Joseph Jackson and Ichabod Thomas as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Moses Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1803) *
In the name of God, Amen. I Moses Thomas of Middleboro’ in
the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being
considerably advanced in years, but of a sound and disposing mind and memory,
Blessed be God for the same wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body
as it is appointed to all persons once to die, I do make and ordain this, to be
my last Will and Testament to remain firm and inviolable forever, And first of
all I give my soul to God that gave it, and I give my body to the dust to be
buried in a decent manner trusting that I shall receive the same again at the
General Resurrection by the mighty power of God. And as to such worldly estate
as I have been blessed with, I do dispose of the same as followeth, namely—
Imprimis. I give and
bequeath to my true and well beloved wife Deborah Thomas and to her heirs and
assigns forever, One hundred and fifty dollars in value for her to take the
same out of such part of my Personal Estate that she shall best like. I also
give unto her so long as she shall remain my Widow, and no longer, One third
part of the improvement of all my Real Estate the same I mean to my wife’s
right of dower in my Estate. I also give unto my said wife so long as she shall
remain my Widow the use of one half of my stock of Creatures –
Item. I give and
bequeath to my Daughter Zilpah Stroughbridge, wife of Henry Stroughbridge and
to her heirs and assigns forever One hundred dollars to be paid to her at my
decease by my son Henry Thomas, Also, Two hundred Dollars more, to be paid to
her at my decease by my son Moses Thomas Junr. and also one third
part of my indoor-moveable-estate after my wife hath taken out so much of the
same as she shall like towards her hundred & fifty dollars.
Item, I give and bequeath to my son Henry Thomas and to his
heirs and assigns forever one undivided half of the forty five acres of Lands
more or less, that I purchased of Thomas Shaw referring to said Shaw’s deed to
me dated October the twenty-sixth in the year of Our Lord seventeen hundred
& Seventy eight, for further description of the same – Also one fourth part of the forty second lot
in number in the south purchase in said Middleboro’ and it is the same that I
hold by a deed of Barnabas Attwood, dated February the fifth, in the year of
our Lord seventeen hundred & seventy-seven.
Also one undivided half of about twenty three acres of Lands be it more
or less lying in the thirty-ninth Lot in said south purchase which I hold by a
deed of Capt Joseph Keith as Administrator on the Estate of Samuel
Hackett late of said Middleborough deceased, dated March the eighth in the year
of our Lord seventeen hundred & eighty six.– Also about one Acre and an half be it more or
less, of Salt-marsh lying in Wareham and it contains all of my half of the Salt
marsh that I heretofore purchased in partnership with my son Moses Thomas Junr,
of Rowland Thacher, Also, after first
reserving an open cart way from my Dwelling House to the Road leading from
Middleborough to Wareham in the most convenient place, I give to him the said
Henry and to his heirs and assigns forever all the remaining part of the lands
that I own in the third lot in said south purchase. And I also give to my said son Henry Thomas
and to his heirs and assigns forever, One half of the sixth part of the forty
first Lot in said South purchase, which I purchased of Noah Thomson, Also one
half of my right in the Acre and three quarters of meadow that I purchased in
partnership with my son Moses Thomas Jun. of Nichols Wood on the tenth day of
August in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and ninety seven, And also one hundred & fifty seven
dollars & twenty one cents to be paid him at my decease by my son Moses
Thomas Junr. – And also all my smith’s tools, half my wearing
apparel, and also one third of my indoor moveable estate, after my Wife hath
taken what she, shall like of the same,
I also give unto my said son Henry and to his heirs and assigns forever
one third of the Cedar Swamp that I purchased of Moses Shaw and also all my
money on hand and debts due to me, and one half of my right in the pew in the
meeting house, and half of my mechanick’s tools that I have not heretofore
given away, the before enumerated
Articles that I have given to my son Henry I give with reserving my Wife’s
right in the same and with his paying my daughter her hundred dollars, and with
his paying my just debts, funeral charges and expense of settling my estate —
Item, I give and
bequeath to my son Moses Thomas Jun. and to his heirs and assigns forever, all
of my home Farm, whereon I now live together with the buildings and saw-mill
thereon standing and privileges thereunto belonging, including the road that I
reserved in the lands that I by this Will gave to my son Henry in the third Lot
in the said south purchase, Also the
other half of my right in the Acre and three quarters of Fresh meadow that I
purchased with my said son Moses, of Nichols Wood, and also the other half of
the Lands that I purchased of Noah Thomson, more particularly described in what
I have heretofore by this will given to my son Henry, And I also give to my
said son Moses and to his heirs and assigns forever all of the Cedar swamp that
I now own that I purchased of Jacob Bennet, And also two thirds of the Cedar
Swamp that I purchased of Moses Shaw,
Also all of my farming utensils and stock of creatures, and one half of
my Wearing apparel and also one half of my right in a Pew in the meeting house
and one half of my Mechanick’s-Tools, exclusive of my smith tools, the before
enumerated articles that I have given to my son Moses I give by reserving to my
said Wife her right in the Real and Personal Estate, and with his paying the
several sums that I have given to my daughter Zilpah and son Henry expressed in
this will for him to pay. I also give
to my said son Moses the remaining part of my indoor moveables Estate after his
Mother hath taken out what she likes as above described. Lastly my Will is and I do hereby appoint my
son Henry Thomas sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. Thus hoping that this my last Will &
Testament will be kept and performed according to the true intent and meaning
of the same, I the before named Moses Thomas have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this eighth day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and
three
Signed sealed published and Moses Thomas (seal)
declared by the said Moses Thomas
to be his last Will & testament in
presence of us ~
Isaac Thompson
Josiah Leonard
Ebenezer Smith
Presented for probate on 20 Oct. 1828, and proved by Josiah
Leonard and Ebenezer Smith, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Moses Thomas of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 20
Oct. 1828.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 336-339, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Noah Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the name of God Amen the Sixteenth Day Decr. In
the year of our lord 1758 I Noah Thomas of Midleborough In the County of
Plymouth yeoman Being Very Sick and weak in Bodey But of Perfect minde &
Memory thanks be Given unto God for the Same and Calling to minde the
Mortallity of My bodey and knowing that it is appointed for all men onc To Die
Do make and ordain this my last will and Testament that is To Say Principally
and first of all I Give and Recommd. my Sole into the hands of God
that Gave it and for my bodey I Recommend to the Earth to Be Buried in a
Cristian like & Decent manner at the Discretion of my Executor Nothing
Doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall Receive the Same again by the
Mighty Power of God and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
Pleased God to Bless me in this life I Give & Demise and Dispose of the
Same in manner & forme following that is
Impr. My will is that my Just Debts and Funeral
Charges be Paid in a Proper Time after my Deceas
Item I Give the whole of the Improvement of My Estate Both
Real & Personal into the hands of my True & well beloved wife Mary
Thomas until My youngest Child Comes of age and after that if She Shall Remain
my widdow one third Part of my Movable Estate and also the one third part of my
Real Estate During her Natul Life
Itm I Give & bequeth To my Son Daniel Thomas the one half
of my home stead with the Privilidges and appurtenances there to belonging
after my youngest Child Comes of age
Item I Give and bequeth To my other Sons Abial Thomas Job
& Elias Thomas Equally To be Devided Amongst them the other half of my home
stead with my out lands with my out lands & meddows after my youngest Child
Comes of age
Item I Give & bequeth To my Eldest Daughter Lucy Alden
one pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence
Item I give and bequeth To my Daughter Fear Shaw one pound
Six Shilling & Eight Pence both To Be Paid within a year after my Deceas
Item I Give To my Daughter Mary Thomas Twenty Six pounds
thirteen Shillings & four pence Lawfull money to be Paid at Day of Marage
or in Ten years after my Decease
Item I Give & bequeth To my Daughter Hannah Thomas Twenty
Six pounds Thirteen Shilling & four Pence L m to be Paid at the age of
Twenty one years or Day of marage
Item I Give & bequeth To my Daughter Priscilla Thomas
Twenty Six pounds Thirteen Shilling & four Pence L M To be Paid at the age
of Twenty one years or Day of marage. And I order my Executor to Pay the
Legayces given My Daughters Finialy I
Constitute My True & well Beloved wife Mary Thomas To be Execux.
of this my Last will & Testament hereby Confirming this & no other To
be my Last will as witnis my hand and Seal the Date aforesaid
Signd. Seald. & Declard.
by his
Noah Thomas To be his Noah X Thomas (seal)
Last will & Testament In Mark
Presence of us
Ephram Wood
Daniel Vaughan
Jonah Washbourn
Presented for probate on 26 Apr. 1759 by the Executorx,
and proved by Ephram Wood, Jonathan Washbourn and Daniel Vaughan, the
witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary Thomas, wife of Noah
Thomas, deceased, on 26 Apr. 1759. No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Noah Thomas of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1839) *
In the name of God, Amen, I Noah Thomas of Plympton in the
County of Plymouth Cordwainer, being of advanced age but of sound mind and
memory and desiring to make a disposition of my Estate by will, do hereby make,
publish and declare this instrument to be my last will and Testament, hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made.
First–I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved son Henry L.
Thomas all the Real Estate of which I shall die seized & possessed wherever
the same may be situated. Also all my live stock, farming tools, my chaise and
harness, my best feather bed, field bedstead, cord, under bed, bolster,
pillows, two Sheets, two pillow cases, one blanket, & one coverled & my
best Gilt frame looking glass, my Desk, my great Bible, & my wearing
apparel, to have and to hold all the estate before mentioned to him & his
heirs & assigns forever upon the condition that he pay my just debts,
funeral charges, expenses of settling my estate and all the legacies &
bequests hereinafter mentioned and bequeathed & shall also set up at my
grave a decent pair of Grave Stones.
Secondly. I give and bequeath to my daughters Elizabeth F.
Lobdell, Lucia C. Ellis & Mary S. King in equal shares & to their heirs
all the rest and residue of my household Furniture not above given to my Son
Henry.
Thirdly. I give to the children of my son Walter Thomas
deceased, one hundred Dollars to be equally divided between them.
Fourthly– I give to the children of my deceased daughter
Sally Goodwin two dollars and fifty cents each.
Fifthly. I give to the son of my deceased daughter Irene
Cushing three Dollars.
Sixthly – I give to the son of my deceased daughter Catherine
Bonney five dollars.
And I direct that all the foregoing pecuniary legacies be
paid to the legatees above named as they shall severally arrive at the age of
twenty one years.
I make no other or further bequests to my above named
daughters or to the children of my deceased children above named, having
heretofore advanced to my said daughters and to my said deceased children as
much as I deem them to be equitably entitled to from me.
Lastly – All the rest & residue of my estate not above
disposed of whether it consists of money, notes, accounts or any articles of
Personal property I give and bequeath the same to my said Son Henry L. Thomas
his heirs and assigns and I appoint my said Son Henry to be sole Executor of
this my last will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I
the said Noah Thomas have hereunto set my hand and Seal this thirteenth day of
June in the year One thousand eight hundred & thirty nine
Noah Thomas (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Noah
Thomas as his last will and Testament in presence of us who at his request, in
his presence & in presence of each other have hereto subscribed the same as
witnesses.
John
B. Thomas
Joshua
B. Thomas
Jacob
H. Loud
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1842 by
Henry L. Thomas, the Executor therein named, and proved by John B. Thomas and
Jacob H. Loud, two of the Witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary
were granted to Henry L. Thomas, the Executor.
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Noah Thomas, late of
Plympton, were granted to Henry L. Thomas, of Plympton, on 5 Dec. 1842, with
Jonathan Parker and Zaccheus Parker, both of Plympton, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 84, p. 560-562, from FHL microfilm
#0555267, and Vol. 1G, p. 407.
Will and Codicil of Perez Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1825) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I Perez Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, being considerably advanced in
years, but of a sound mind & memory, blessed be God for the same! wherefore
calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing that it is appointed to all
men once to die, do hereby make & ordain this to be my last Will and
Testament, to remain firm & inviolable forever. Principally & first of all, I give my
soul to God that gave it, & my body to the dust to be buried in a decent
manner at the discretion of my friends & Executor hereafter named, in hopes
that the same body will be raised again at the general resurrection by the
mighty power of God: – & as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God
to bless me with I do hereby dispose of the same as follows, viz.
Item. I give & bequeath to my well-beloved wife Sarah
Thomas, during her natural life, the use & improvement of all my home farm
& buildings thereon, & all my household furniture, & half of my
stock of creatures, excepting so much of my house & household furniture as
may be necessary to make good to my daughter Deborah what I shall by this Will
give to her. I also give her the use of so much of my Pew in the Meeting-house
as she shall need for herself.
Item. I give & bequeath to the children of my daughter
Sarah Soule, deceasd, wife of Joseph Soule & to their heirs
& assigns forever, in equal shares, Thirty dollars, to be paid to them in
one year after my decease by my son Seneca Thomas.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Nathaniel Thomas, &
to his heirs & assigns forever, all of the lands that I purchased of Noah
Bosworth Junior, that lies on the left hand side of the highway that leads from
the town of Sumner to the tow of Jay, together with the buildings thereon
standing.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Perez Thomas, & to
his heirs & assigns forever, all of the lands that I now own that I
purchased of James Sproat & others, also of Thomas Brown, & Adam
Thompson. I also give him one fifth part of all the pews I own in the
meeting-house. – Also my right in the First Social Library in Middleborough.
Item. I give & bequeath to my dau: Anna Thomas, wife of
Andrew Thomas, Thirty dollars, to be paid to her in one year after my decease
by my son Seneca Thomas, in addition to what I let her have at the time of her
marriage.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Benjamin Thomas, and to
his heirs & assigns forever, my Note of Ten dollars I hold against him, in
addition to the land I heretofore deeded to him.
Item. I give & bequeath to the children of my son William
Thomas, deceased, & to their heirs & assigns forever, all of my lands
that I purchased of Noah Bosworth Junr. that lies on the right hand
side of the highway leading from the town of Sumner to the town of Jay. Also
one undivided half of the lands purchased of Barnabas Hedge Esqr.
Also one six part of all my wearing apparel.– all to be divided equally between
them.
Item. I give & bequeath to my dau: Deborah Thomas, &
to her heirs & assigns forever, Thirty dollars, to be paid to her by my son
Seneca Thomas in one year after my decease, and also the privilege of living in
& improving one of the rooms of my house that has a fire-place in it, – And
privilege to cut five cord of good wood on my home farm a year so long as she
shall remain unmarried. – And in case I shall not, while I am living, pay or
deliver to her to the value of Seventy dollars to make her equal to what I
helped my other daughters when they were married, then my Will is, & I do
hereby order that my said daughter Deborah shall have out of my household
furniture enough to make up to her the seventy dollars.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth
Shurtleff, wife of James Shurtleff, & to her heirs & assigns forever,
Thirty dollars, to be paid to her in one year after my decease by my son Seneca
Thomas.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Winslow Thomas, &
to his heirs & assigns forever, Four hundred dollars which he has already
receivd. by my son Seneca Thomas by my request, including the
interest. – And also what Cedar Swamp that I now own that I purchased in
company with Eleazer Thomas of Benjamin Robins. Also a piece of meadow I
purchased of Elijah Soule. Also one fifth part of all the pews I own in the
Meeting-house.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Rebecca Sampson,
wife of John Sampson & to her heirs & assigns forever, Thirty dollars,
to be paid to her in one year after my decease by my son Seneca Thomas, in
addition to what she has receivd.
Item, I give and bequeath to my grandson Perez Thomas, son of
my son Benjamin Thomas, & to his heirs & assigns forever, my gun &
bayonet.
Item, I give & bequeath to my five sons, namely Nathaniel
Perez Benjamin Thomas Winslow & Seneca, & to their heirs & assigns
forever, five six of my wearing apparel in equal proportion & also six
eleventh parts of my family Library.
Item, I give & bequeath to my sons Nathaniel, Perez,
Benjamin, Winslow, & Seneca, in equal proportions, to their & each of
their heirs & assigns forever, the hundred fifty-fifth & hundred
fifty-sixth lots of Land in the south purchase in said Middleborough. – Also
all of my lands I purchased by two deeds of Josiah Hayward – Also all of the
land that I now own that I, in company with Benjamin Thomas & James Thomas,
purchased of Jacob Soule, Ebenr. Washburn & Abigail Washburn.
Item. I give & bequeath to my four daughters, Anna
Thomas, Deborah Thomas, Rebecca Sampson, & Elizabeth Shurtleff, & to
their heirs & assigns forever, four fifths of my household furniture &
four tenths of my stock of creatures, for them to come into possession of at
the death of my before named wife, excepting I do reserve so much of my
household furniture as to make up to the said Deborah the sum of Seventy
dollars each heretofore by this Will given to them in case I shall not deliver
to them the same while living. I also give to them four eleventh parts of my
family Library.
Item. I give & bequeath to the children of my dau: Sarah
Soule, deceasd. wife of Joseph Soule, & to their heirs &
assigns forever, one fifth of my household furniture; & one tenth of my
stock of creatures, & one eleventh part of my family library after my
daughters Anna, Deborah, Rebecca, & Elizabeth have taken out their shares.
Item. I give & bequeath to my son Seneca Thomas, & to
his heirs & assigns forever, all the remaining part of my Estate of all
sorts, on condition that he, the said Seneca Thomas shall well & truly pay
or cause to be paid all of the legacies I have given by this Will, &
ordered for him to pay, & shall also fully discharge my before named son
Winslow Thomas from the before named four hundred dollars & the interest
thereof that he has already paid the said Winslow at my request, & on
condition that he, the said Seneca, shall pay all my just debts, funeral
charges, & the expense of settling my Estate.
Lastly, my Will is & I do hereby appoint my son Seneca
Thomas, sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament. Thus hoping that this, my last Will &
Testament will be kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof, I, the before named Perez Thomas, have hereunto set my hand
& seal this, the sixteenth day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen
hundred & twenty-five.
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounced,
&
declared by the said Perez Thomas Perez Thomas (seal)
to be
his last Will & Testament in
presence
of us, George Thompson
Simeon
Richmond
Lucy
Thomson
Whereas
I, the undersigned Perez Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth,
yeoman, have made my last Will & Testament, by which I bequeathed &
devised to my late son William Thomas certain real estate, lands, &
tenements, to have & to hold to him, his heirs & assigns forever, now I
hereby publish & declare that it is further my will, said William having
deceased since the making of said last Will & Testament, that Rachel
Thomas, widow of said William, shall have & hold the lands & tenements,
in & by my said Will devised to said William, for & during her
widowhood: and this paper to be made a Codicil to my said last Will and
Testament.
Signed
& published in Perez Thomas.
presence
of these witnesses
this
twenty-fifty day of October in
the year
of our Lord, 1825
Witness. William Shaw
Jr.
Zeruah
Cushman
Levi
Morse Jr.
Presented for probate on 5 Aug. 1828, and proved by George
Thompson and Lucy Thomson, two of the witnesses to said will, and William Shaw
Junr. and Zeruah Cushman, two of the witnesses to said Codicil.
Letters of Administration were granted to Seneca Thomas, of Middleborough, on 5
Aug. 1828.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, p. 204-207, from FHL microfilm
#0555259.
Will of Rebecca Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1827) *
Be it
remembered, that I Rebecca Thomas of Middleborough and County of Plymouth,
widow-woman, being of sound mind & memory, do this day, the fourteenth
December in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & twenty-seven,
do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in manner following,
that is to say. Imprimis. I give to my
two daughters, namely Bashabe Tribou & Lucy Thomson, all my neet stock, and
as to the remaining part of my Estate, both Real and personal of all kinds, I
give to my three daughters, namely Bashabe Tribou, Lucy Thomson, & Betsey
Thomas, to have & to hold the same, to them, their heirs & assigns
forever equally. And lastly I do
constitute and ordain my son-in-law Melzar Tribou, the Executor of this my last
Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & seal the
day & year above written.
Signed,
sealed, published, her
pronounced,
& declared Rebecca X Thomas (seal)
by
the testator Rebecca mark
Thomas, as & for her last will &
Testament, in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence
hereunto set our names as witnesses to the same.
Seth
Eaton
Cyrus
White
Eben
Beals
Presented for probate on 21 Jan. 1828, and proved by Seth
Eaton and Eben Beals, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Melzar Tribou on 21 Jan. 1828.
Abner Barrows, Jonathan Standish, and Levi Thomas were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Rebecca Thomas, late of Middleborough, on 7
Jan. 1828. The Inventory of the Estate of Rebecca Thomas, late of
Middleborough, not dated, totaled $145.70, no real estate. Melzar Tribou, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Aug. 1828.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 66, pp. 30-31, 202-203, from FHL
microfilm #0555259.
Will of Rufus B. Thomas of Middleborough,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1846) *
Be it
remembered, that I Rufus B. Thomas of Middleborough, in the County of Plymouth,
Merchant, do on this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty six make publish and declare this my last will
and testament in manner following
In the
first place my Executor which I shall hereafter nominate, will pay my just
debts and funeral charges
Item, I
give and bequeath to my only child Sylvia N. Thomas, all my property, both real
and personal Estate, except paying my just debts, funeral charges and expense
of settlement. –
Lastly,
I do appoint Horatio N. Thomas, to execute this my last will and testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written.
Signed,
sealed and published by the said Rufus B. Thomas declaring this to be his last
will and testament in presence of us, who at the request were called, as
witnesses to the same, and in his presence did hereunto subscribe our names.
Jonathan
Cobb
Hiram
S. Smith Rufus B. Thomas (seal)
Jabez
Cobb Jr.
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of July 1846 by Horatio N. Thomas, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Jonathan Cobb, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Horatio N. Thomas.
Horatio N. Thomas, of
Middleborough, was appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of
Rufus B. Thomas, late of Middleborough, Merchant, on 7 July 1846, with Jonathan
Cobb and Hiram S. Smith, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Rufus B. Thomas, late of Middleborough, was appraised on 1 Aug. 1846 by
Jonathan Cobb, Israel Smith, and Hiram S. Smith, his real estate valued at
$761, and his personal estate totaled $1266.93, including $589.38 in merchandise
such as broad cloths, Cassimers, vestings, de Laines, Linens, Shawls, shoes,
Prints, Silks, Gloves, etc.
Horatio N. Thomas, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1846.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 88, pp. 302-303, 475, from FHL microfilm
#0555638, and Vol. 2H, p. 77.
Will of Ruth Thomas of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
Know all Men by these presents, That I Ruth Thomas of the
town of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in New England (widow of Henry
Thomas late of said Middleborough deced) being weak of body, yet of a sound
& disposing memory & understanding, blessed be God for the same, yet
knowing the mortality of my body, and that it is apointed for all once to die
do make & ordain this my last will & testament, to be firm and
inviolable forever.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my two youngest
sons Elijah & Enoch Thomas, all my cash, and also all the debts due to me
at my decease, they first paying all my just debts & funeral charges, and
also the legacies hereafter-mentioned.
Item, I give and bequeath to my four sons namely Barzillai
Thomas, Moses Thomas, Elijah Thomas & Enoch Thomas all my other estate of
all denominations, to be equally divided among them. ~
Item, I give & bequeath to my two grandchildren namely
Ebenezer Hacket & Henry Hacket, children of Ebenezer Hacket, each of them
one dollar to be paid to them by my two youngest sons Elijah & Enoch Thomas
equally between them. –
And my will is and I do hereby constitute & apoint my son
Barzillai Thomas, to be executor of this my last will & testament. – Thus
hoping that this my last will & testament will be kept & performed
according to the true intent & meaning hereof. I comit my soul into the
hands of God who gave it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial, nothing
doubting but I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal this eighteenth day of June, one thousand, seven hundred &
seventy. ~
Signed, sealed, pronounced, & declared as her Ruth Thomas (seal)
Last will & testament by the sd. Ruth Thomas,
in the presence of us Jacob
Bennet
Hope
Bennet
Hope
Thomas
Presented for probate on 22 May 1771 by Barzillai Thomas, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Bennet and Hope Bennet, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Barzillai Thomas, the
Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Ruth Thomas, late of
Middleborough, widow of Henry Thomas, late of sd. Middleboro’, was
appraised on 29 Mar. 1771 by Jacob Bennett, George Shaw junr. and
Ebenezer Willis, and totaled £23.5.3, no real estate. Barzillai Thomas, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 22 May 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 538-539, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Seneca Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1870) *
Know all Men by these presents that I Seneca Thomas of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last will
and testament.
First, I give, bequeath and devise to my beloved wife Hope
Thomas, about six acres of land with the dwelling house, where I now reside,
bounded and described as follows, viz, Bound South by Purchase Street, to
extend west to a direct line passing from said street Northerly through the
middle my barn to a stake, thence Easterly and parallel with said street, and
passing North of the Blacksmith shop to a stake, thence Southerly to said
street, with all the buildings thereon. Also the orchard field as it is now
fenced in, bounded on the North by said street, and on the west by the
Homestead of Lothrop Thomas and his wife Louisa F. Thomas. Also one fourth part
of all the crops that may grow on the other parts of my farm and meadow lands
and cranberry bogs. Also one fourth part of all the wood and timber that may be
cut from my wood and swamp lands, and if the owners of the above named lands
refuse or neglect to cut and market said wood and timber to the amount equal to
the growth of the whole, and pay to my said wife the one fourth part as above
described, then I give my said wife the right to enter upon said premises, and
cut and sell as much of said wood and timber as she may need for her support
and comfort. I also give to my said wife all the rest and residue of my
personal property after the payment of my debts, funeral charges, expenses of
executing this will, and the payment of the legacies hereinafter given and
bequeathed. The above described real estate, personal property, rights and
privileges, I hereby give, bequeath and devise to my said wife so long as she
shall remain unmarried and my widow and no longer.
Second. I give, bequeath and devise to my son Seneca R.
Thomas, all that part of the William Shaw farm, so called, that is situate and
being on the East side of the line known as the tier line. Also my fresh meadow
lot on Rocky Meadow Brook and situate in the town of Carver. Also the James
Cobb Place so called, being two original lots in the South Purchase in said
Middleborough and numbered 163 & 164. Also all that part of my Homestead
farm that is situate and being between said James Cobb place and said street,
extending East to Rocky Meadow Street, and West to the Homestead farm of
Eleazer Thomas deceased, except the Six acre lot for a Homestead for my wife,
and except one half acre on which the west half of my barn stands. I also give
my said son about twenty acres of the Hedge lot, so called, adjoining said
James Cobb Place, and situate on the East side of a line commencing at an oak
tree marked for a range tree on the line between said Hedge lot and said
Eleazer Thomas farm, thence running northerly and parallel with the tier line
across said Hedge lot. Also one undivided half part of a parcel of land that I
own in common with Bartlett Thomas, called the Porter lot and is a part of the
original lot in said Purchase numbered 89. Also about seventeen acres of the
original lot in said Purchase numbered 88, and called Thompson lot. Also about
twenty acres called the Great Hill lot, bounded in part by land of said Seneca
R. Thomas and by land of Bartlett Thomas, called the Darling lot. Also the
field on the west side of the sawmill road and extending from said Seneca R.
Thomas’ Homestead to the Canal so as to water cattle at said Canal from said
field. Also a lot of the Rocky Meadow Cranberry Bog as staked and marked out
and now occupied by said Seneca R. Thomas with a right to take all the sand
from the hill or field next South and West of said Bog, that may be necessary
for the cultivation of cranberries on said bog. Also one undivided half part of
the Rocky Meadow Saw Mill lot, Dam, Water power, Mills and Machinery with the
privileges thereto belonging. Also one undivided half part of a Meeting house
Pew owned in common with the heirs of Andrew Thomas deceased. Also a horse shed
near the Meeting house.
To have and to hold to him the said Seneca R. Thomas his
heirs and assigns forever, subject to the rights and privileges of my said wife
as described in this will and flowage on Shaw Place.
Third. I give, bequeath and devise to my daughter Louisa F.
Thomas wife of Lothrop Thomas, the following described parcels of land, bounded
and described as follows, viz. Beginning at the corner of the fence at the
Northeast corner of the orchard, then Easterly by said Purchase Street to Rocky
Meadow Sawmill lot, thence Southerly by said Mill lot to the Brook, thence down
stream in said Brook to the tier line, thence Southerly in said tier line
across the William Shaw farm, to the land formerly owned by Benjamin Shaw,
deceased, thence by said Shaw farm and lands of Thomas Snow, and land of Isaac
Shaw and land of Seneca R. Thomas to another tier line, thence in the last
named tier line to a lot of land called the Howard Place, thence by the North
side of the Canal to a fence near the Sawmill road, thence in said fence
Northerly and on the west side of said sawmill road to Purchase Street; thence
Easterly by said Purchase Street to the Homestead of the said Lothrop Thomas
and Louisa F. Thomas; thence Southerly and Easterly by said Homestead to said
orchard; thence Easterly and northerly by said orchard to the bound first
mentioned, with the Mills and Machinery thereon, together with the right to
flow the mill pond to the usual height from the tenth day of October in each
and every year until the fifteenth day of May next following; Also the
privilege of digging out the Brook and canal and repairing the Dam, and getting
earth to repair said dam on the land hereinafter given to my daughter Marcia
Weston; always however excepting that part of the fresh meadow hereinafter
given to said Marcia Weston. I also give to said Louisa F. Thomas the westerly
half of my Barn and the wagon shed near said Barn with one square half acre of
land bounded on the South by said Purchase Street; and on the East by the House
lot, as described for a Homestead for my said wife. Also a part of the original
lot in said Purchase numbered 106, situate and being between said Darling lot
and the lot I bought of Daniel Shaw, and called the Daniel Shaw lot, also a
part of the original lot in said Purchase, numbered 107, situate and being
between said Daniel Shaw lot and land of Charles N. Atwood, Also two lots of
Rocky Meadow Cranberry Bog as staked and marked out and occupied by said Louisa
F. Thomas and her said husband, with a right to take all the sand from the Hill
or field next south and West of said Bog, that may be necessary for the
cultivation of Cranberries on said Bog. Also a lot of land bounded
Northeasterly by Chesnut Street in said Middleborough, Southerly by the estate
of the late Eleazer Thomas deceased, and Westerly by Shorts Brook, Also one
undivided half part of a Pew and Shed owned in common with the said Lothrop
Thomas. To have and to hold to her the said Louisa F. Thomas her heirs and
assigns forever, subject to the rights and privileges of my said wife as
described in this will.
Fourth. I give, bequeath and devise to my daughter Marcia
Weston, wife of Dura Weston the following described parcels of land, bounded
and described as follows, Viz. Beginning at the Southeast corner of the
Homestead of the said Dura Weston and Marcia Weston, thence Southerly by the
field given in this will to Seneca R. Thomas for a watering place, to the
Canal, thence Westerly by the North side of said Canal to the corner of said
Howard Place, thence Southerly by the land given to Louisa F. Thomas aforesaid,
to the tier line, thence in said tier line to said Darling lot, land of Charles
H. Thomas, another lot owned by said Wrightington, and the estate of Eleazer
Thomas, deceased, to the homestead of Lucy Getchel, thence by said Homestead to
said Purchase Street, thence Easterly by said Street to the Homestead of said
Dury Weston and Marcia Weston, thence Southerly and easterly by said last named
Homestead to the bound first mentioned. Also the woodlot called the Daniel Shaw
lot. Also all that part of the Hedge lot west of the line described in the
second section of this will, and bounded East by that part of said Hedge lot
given to Seneca R. Thomas, and South by the Homestead of the late Eleazer
Thomas, aforesaid, Also all that I own in the Mory lot, so called, being the
lot numbered 79 in the Purchase aforesaid. Also the field on the South and west
of the Cranberry Bog, bounded on the South by said Purchase Street, and on the
West by Rocky Meadow Street, subject to the rights of taking sand as herein
before described. Also two lots of Rocky Meadow Cranberry Bog as staked and
marked out, and occupied by said Marcia Weston and her said husband. Also one
undivided half part of the Rocky Meadow Sawmill lot, Dam, water-power, Mills
and Machinery with the privileges thereto belonging. Also one undivided half
part of all the fresh meadow in that parcel of land first described as given to
Louisa F. Thomas in this will, except the fresh meadow from the Benjamin Shaw
meadow, down stream between the Sawmill Brook and Muddy Brook (it is to be
understood that said Louisa F. Thomas is to have all the meadow that I own
between the two said Brooks, and that the said Marcia Weston and Louisa F.
Thomas shall have in equal and undivided shares, the rest and residue of the
fresh meadows on said Brook that I own and is situate within the bounds of the
first lot described as given to said Louisa F. Thomas.) Also one undivided half
part of a Pew that was given to me by my brother Perez Thomas now deceased.
Also all the notes and other demands for money, that I hold against said Dura
Weston and Marcia Weston. To have and to hold to her the said Marcia Weston her
heirs and assigns forever, subject to the rights and privileges of my said wife
as described in this will, and flowage up the canal as given to Louisa F.
Thomas with right to repair said Canal and dam.
Fifth. I give and bequeath to my two grandchildren Fidelia J.
Morse wife of John Morse and Lorenzo E. Thomas, children of my deceased son
Lorenzo Thomas, five hundred dollars each, to be paid to them out of my
personal property by my executor, in one year after my decease, if not paid
before.
Sixth. It is my will that if either of my aforesaid daughters
decease before her present husband, that the said husband shall have the use
improvement and right to occupy the lands and privileges herein given to his
said wife for and during his natural life, and the same is hereby so given,
subject to the same incumbrances that it would be if she were living.
Seventh. I give, bequeath and devise to my said children
Seneca R. Thomas, Marcia Weston, and Louisa F. Thomas, in equal shares, all the
rest and residue of my real estate, personal property, rights, credits,
interests and Privileges. To have and to hold to them the said Seneca R.
Thomas, Marcia Weston, Louisa F. Thomas, their heirs and assigns forever.
Eighth. I hereby nominate and appoint my son Seneca R. Thomas
as executor of this my last will and testament.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and
declare this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses
named below, this fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand
eight hundred and seventy.
Seneca Thomas (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Seneca
Thomas, as and for his last will and testament, in presence of us, who in his
presence, and in the presence of each other, and at his request have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Ichabod
F. Atwood
William
L. Holmes
Elizabeth
L. Shaw
Presented for probate on the second Monday of June, 1876, by
Seneca R. Thomas, of Middleborough, with Louisa F. Thomas, Lothrop Thomas and
Marcia Weston, all of Middleborough, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Seneca R. Thomas on 12 June 1876.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p. 24-30, from FHL microfilm
#0556649, and Vol. 133, p. 356.
Will of Seth Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In
the name of God Amen, I Seth Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being sick and weak of body but of sound and
disposing mind memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and
the uncertainty of the time thereof to the end that I may be the better
prepared to leave this world when it shall please my God to call me hence, have
now determined to direct what disposition shall be made of my property after my
decease and after maturely considering the circumstances and condition of all
those among whom as my heirs at law or the object of my gratitude or affection
in my Judgement my Estate should be distributed I do make publish and declare
this to be my last will and Testament hereby revoking and making null and void
all former last Wills & Testaments and writings in the nature of last wills
and Testaments by me heretofore made
And my will is first that after my decease my body shall be decently
buried without ostentation or unnecessary expence and that my funeral charges
and just debts shall be paid by my Executor hereafter named and as to the
residue of my Estate and property with which God has blessed me and which shall
not be required for the payment of my debts funeral charges and the Expences in
and about the Execution of this my will and the administration of my Estate I
give divise and dispose thereof as follows, viz
Item I give and bequeath to my son
John Thomas Twenty dollars to be paid him in six months after my decease.
Item I give and bequeath to my four
daughters that are now living Thirty dollars each to be paid by my Executor in
six months after my decease.
Item, I give and bequeath to my
Grandson Freeman T. Meglathly Thirty dollars to be paid by my Executor in nine
months after my decease.
Item I give and bequeath to my
Grandson Jacob Thomas the son of Nathanel Thomas thirty dollars to be paid by
my Executor in four months after my decease,
Item, I give and bequeath to my
Grandson John Williams Thomas one hundred dollars to be paid to my Executor in
one year after my decease,
Item I give and bequeath to my two
grandaughters the daughters of my son Nathaniel Thomas Mary Ann Robbins and
Harriet Thomas Ten dollars Each to be paid by my Executor in three months after
my decease,
Item I give and bequeath to the
above named grand daughters all my household furniture after my decease.
Item I give and bequeath to my
three grand daughter the daughters of my son Cyrus Thomas deceased five dollars
each to be paid them by my Executor in one year after my decease
Item I give and bequeath to my son
Samuel Thomas my surtone
Item, I give and bequeath to my son
Jacob Thomas my best frock coat.
Item. I give and bequeath to my two
Grand sons Jacob Thomas and John Williams Thomas all my wearing apparel which
is not heretofore named
Item I further give and bequeath to
my two sons Samuel Thomas and Jacob Thomas all the rest and residue of my
property that is not heretofore disposed of,
and I do nominate and appoint my
two sons Saml Thomas and Jacob Thomas to be the Executors of this my
last will and Testament,
In
testamony whereof I the said Seth Thomas have to this my last Will and
Testament contained on one sheet of paper I have hear subscribed my name and
affixed my seal this Eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand
Eight hundred and forty five.
Seth Thomas (seal)
Signed, Sealed and declared by the said
Seth Thomas to be his last Will and testament in presence of us who at his
request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Jonathan
Cobb
Benjamin
F. Thomas
Nancy
Wood
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of July 1845 by Samuel Thomas and Jacob Thomas, the Executors therein
named, and proved by Jonathan Cobb and Benjamin F. Thomas, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Samuel Thomas and
Jacob Thomas, the executors therein named.
Samuel Thomas, of Quincy, County of
Norfolk, and Jacob Thomas, of Middleborough, were granted Letters Testamentary
on the Estate of Seth Thomas, late of Middleborough, on 1 July 1845, with
Jonathan Cobb and Benjamin F. Thomas, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 87, p. 284-286, from FHL microfilm #0555638,
and Vol. 1G, p. 437.
Will of Silvanus Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1814) *
In the Name of God
amen. I Silvanus Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being advanced in years & labouring
under Infirmities of my Body, wherefore calling to Mind the Mortality of my
Body knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die, I do hereby make
& ordain this to be my last will & Testament to remain firm &
inviolable forever: Principally and first of all I give my Soul to God that
gave it, & I give my Body to the Dust to be buried in a decent Manner at
the discretion of my Friends & Executor hereafter named, in hopes that the
same will be raised again at the General Resurrection – and as to such worldly
Estate, as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I do hereby dispose of the same
as followeth – namely –
Imprimis
I give & bequeath to my well beloved Wife Susanna Thomas & to her Heirs
& Assigns forever one third part of all my personal Estate agreeably to
Law, I also give unto her the use & Improvement of one third part of my
Real Estate so long as she shall remain my Widow.–
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Mary Thomas Wife of Henry Thomas & to
her Heirs & Assigns forever two hundred & fifty Dollars to be paid to
her, as I shall hereafter in this Will order in one Year after my Decease –
Item I
give & bequeath unto my Daughter Cynthia Thomas & to her Heirs &
assigns forever three hundred Dollars to be paid her as I shall hereafter order
by this Will in one Year after my decease, I also give unto her the use and
Improvement of the westerly great Room in my Dwelling house together with such
privilege, as she shall need for her own use in my Kitchen, Oven, Well, Cellar,
Doorway & to get Apples in my Orchard, & also to get Firewood on my
Land so long as she shall live unmarried, but the several Articles, that I give
her while she shall live unmarried I give her only to use & improve herself
& not to sell or let out to any other person. –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Pratt during her natural Life the use
& Improvement of two hundred & forty Dollars, to commence in one Year
after my Decease, and at the decease of my said Daughter Sarah my Will is &
I do hereby give the said two hundred & forty Dollars in equal proportion
to all of the Children of the said Sarah, or to the legal Heirs of any of said
Sarah’s Children, that may die before my said Daughter Sarah. –
Item I
give & bequeath to my Son John Thomas & Daughter Cynthia Thomas &
to their Heirs & Assigns forever in equal halves all of the parts of Pews
that I own in all Meeting houses.–
Item I
give & bequeath to my four Sons namely William Thomas, Silvanus Thomas Junr,
John Thomas & Shubael Thomas & to their Heirs & assigns forever in
equal proportion all of the remaining part & Residue of my Estate of every
sort, on condition that they in equal proportion shall pay all of my just
Debts, funeral Charge the Expence of settling of my Estate, & all of the
foregoing Legacies, as I have mentioned them in their order. –
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my Son John Thomas sole Executor of this
my last Will & Testament, & I hereby do revoke & disannul all
former Wills made by me –
Thus
hoping that this my last will & Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & meaning thereof, I the before named Silvanus
Thomas have hereunto set my hand & Seal this eleventh day of July in the
Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & fourteen –
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced & declared
by the said Silvanus Thomas, to be
his last Will
and Testament in presence of us -- Silvanus Thomas (seal)
Lydia
Cushing
Zilpah X Thomas
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 29 Sept. 1814 by John Thomas, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Thomson Esqr. and Lydia
Cushing, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to John Thomas, the before named Executor.
Isaac Thomson Esqr., Perez Thomas and Samuel Cobb,
Gentlemen, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the Estate of
Silvanus Thomas, late of Middleborough, Gentleman, on 29 Sept. 1814. The
Inventory of the Estate of Silvanus Thomas, late of Middleborough, dated 1 Nov.
1814, totaled $3821.54, his real estate totaled $3185, including fifty acres
containing the home farm and buildings valued at $1750, and several other
parcels of land. John Thomas, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
23 Apr. 1815.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p. 498-499, from FHL microfilm
#0550903, and Vol. 47, p. 187.
Will of Solomon
Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it remembered that I Solomon Thomas of
Imprimis,
I give and devise to my son Lothrop Thomas my homestead farm on which I now
dwell and all my other Real Estate and all my farming utensils, to have and to
hold the same to him the said Lothrop Thomas his heirs and assigns forever, he
paying all my just debts and the legacies hereafter named.
Item,
I bequeath to my daughter Clarissa Thomas fifty dollars to be paid by my
Executor in twelve months after my decease if it should not be paid before.
Item,
I bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Thomas fifty dollars to be paid by my
Executor in twelve months after my decease if it should not be paid before, and
also the use and improvement of my West great room in my dwelling house so long
as she shall live unmarried.
Item,
I bequeath to my daughter Polly Thomas the wife of Ebenezer Thomas of
Item,
I bequeath to my daughter Sally Bishop the wife of Zenas Bishop of
And
lastly I do constitute and ordain my said son Lothrop Thomas sole executor of
this my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above
written.
Solomon Thomas (seal)
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced and declared by the said
Solomon Thomas as and for his last
Will and Testament in the
presence of us who at his request
and in his presence hereunto
set our names as witnesses to the
same.
Seth
Miller Jr.
Darius
Miller
Seth
Miller 3d.
Probated on 2 Nov. 1830, proved by
Darius Miller and Seth Miller 3d, two of the witnesses.
Letters of administration granted
to Lothrop Thomas, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will & Codicil of Susannah Thomas of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen, I Susannah Thomas of
First
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Mother Deborah Southworth One hundred and
fifty Dollars to be put into the hands of Nehemiah Bennett to be used by her if
she shall need it for her comfortable support.
I
also give and bequeath all my moveables and personal property excepting
securities and that is due to me, to be equally divided between my sisters
Polly Wood wife of Ansel Wood, Sally Bennet wife of Nehemiah Bennet and Deborah
Shurtleff wife of William Shurtleff.
I
also give and bequeath the two lots of land of mine which lie in Middleborough
and all the money that is in any way due to me that is not herein before given
to my Mother as follows, to the six children of Ichabod Thomas one fourth part
to be equally divided between them. The Note I hold against the said Ichabod
& signed by him promising to pay me one hundred and twelve dollars and
forty two cents dated December the twenty ninth, Eighteen hundred and twenty
three to be reckoned and accounted as so much of the share of his said
children. And to Susan Wood the only child of Ansel Wood I give one fourth part
of the same. And to Harriet Bennet and Charles H. Bennet the children of
Nehemiah Bennet I give one fourth part of the same. Also I give to Sally S. Shurtleff,
Jane E. Shurtleff and William H. Shurtleff the children of William Shurtleff
one fourth part of the same. And it is my Will that the above named land shall
be sold and the money put at interest where the above named Ichabod, Ansel and
Nehemiah or any two of them shall think proper. If any of the legacy herein
given to my Mother Deborah Southworth shall remain at her decease, then it is
my Will that it be equally divided among all the abovenamed legatees. All the
foregoing legacies herein given to the children of Ichabod Thomas to be in his
hands and at interest. Also all that is given to Susan S. Wood to be kept in
the hands of her father Ansel Wood and at interest. Also all that I have
bequeathed to the children of Nehemiah Bennet and the children of William
Shurtleff to be kept in the hands of said Nehemiah and on interest; said
Nehemiah giving security with a good and Sufficient surety to deliver to each
legatee their full Share whenever they shall become of lawful age and the said
Ichabod Thomas and Ansel Wood are to deliver to their children their respective
shares whenever either of them shall become of lawful Age.
If
any of the minor legatees mentioned in this my Will shall die before they
become of lawful age and leave no heirs descended from them then the legacy to
that child to be equally divided among its Brothers and Sisters. And if any or
either of my brother or sisters shall outlive all his or her children, that
brother or sister is to have the use of the share that was given to their child
or children during their lives and then the principal is to be equally divided
among the surviving legatees herein mentioned.
And
lastly I give and bequeath to my brother Ichabod Thomas all my right and
interest in and to a certain meadow lying in Plympton called the Winatuxet
Meadow that I own in common and undivided with the said Ichabod and also
whatever he may be indebted to me for the past use and improvement of the same.
And
I hereby appoint the said Ichabod Thomas sole Executor of this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the third day of June in
the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty.
Susannah Thomas (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named Susannah Thomas to be her last Will and Testament
in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence have hereunto set
our names as witnesses to the same.
Charles
Hooper
Charles
S. Bennett
Polly
E. Bennett
I
Susannah Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth do this thirtieth
day of June in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty make and
publish this Codicil to my last Will and Testament in manner following, that is
to say, whereas in my last Will and Testament I have given my moveables as
therein expressed to be divided among my sisters, it is my Will and I hereby
give to my beloved Mother Deborah Southworth the use and improvement of all my
furniture and moveables during her natural life and then to be divided as
expressed in said Will. And I give and bequeath to the said Deborah the note of
hand I hold against Abraham Thomas and signed by the said Abraham and the same
paid to the said Deborah for her own use and benefit.
And
lastly it is my desire that this my present Codicil be annexed to and made a
part of my last Will and Testament to all intents and purposes.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of June
in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty.
Susannah Thomas (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Susannah Thomas as a Codicil
to be annexed to her last Will and Testament in presence of us
Charles
Hooper
Charles
S. Bennet
Polly
E. Bennet
Probated on 2 Nov. 1830, and proved
by Charles Hooper, Charles S. Bennet and Polly E. Bennet, the witnesses.
Letters of administration given to Ichabod Thomas, of
Darius Miller, Gentleman, Nathaniel
Staples, Gentleman, and Nathaniel Macomber, Yeoman, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William
Thomas of
In the Name of God Amen. I William Thomas Senr of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New-England being weak of Body but
of Sound & perfect mind & Memory Blessed be God for it, and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to dy do make & Ordain this to be my
last Will & Testament. Principally & first of all I Give &
Recommend my Soul to God that gave it, Hoping that in & through ye
Lord Jesus Christ to obtain full & free Pardon of all my Sins & to
Inherit Eternal Happiness And as to my Body I Commit it to the Earth to be
decently buried at ye Discretion of my Executors hereafter named.
And as to my worldly Estate I dispose of ye Same as follows viz.—
1. It is my Will that all ye Debts which I justly
owe & my Funeral Charges be paid by my Executors in Convenient time after
my Decease—
2. I Give & Bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife Sarah
Thomas two Cows out of my Stock which She likes best; And the Incomes of all
that Homestead or Farm whereon I now dwell in Middleborough aforesd
until my Son Jabez comes of Age & then She to have the one half of the
Incomes or Profits of my sd Homestead until my Son Ephraim comes of
Age, And also all my Indoor Moveables & Houshold Goods for her own use
& Support of her Self & my Children as She thinks proper while they
live with her, And if any Remains unspent at her decease then to be equally
Divided amongst all my Children—But in Case my Wife should Marry before my sd
Sons or either of them come of Age then the Incomes or Profits to Cease &
She to have ye sd Incomes or Profits no longer—
3. I Give & Bequeath to my two Sons Jabez Thomas &
Ephraim Thomas & their Heirs & assigns forever All my Homestead both
Dwelling house Buildings & Farm whereon I now dwell to be equally divided
between them according to Quality & Quantity when my Son Jabez comes of
Age; And also my Lot of Land lying in the Little Lot Mens Purchase in
Middleborough aforesd lying in the long Swamp calld the
12th Lot this I Give to them & their Heirs & assigns to be
divided as aforesd—And when my sd two Sons Jabez &
Ephraim come of Ages they are to keep Each of them a Cow for my Wife & to
pay her twelve Pounds a year in equal Proportion if my sd Wife
remains my Widow & so as long as She is my Widow & no longer, And after
my sd Sons come of Ages my Wife if She remains my Widow to have the
Improvement of one fire Room in my Dwelling house & my sd Sons to
find her fire Wood so long as She remains my Widow—
3. I Give & Bequeath to my Sons William Thomas &
David Thomas All that my Farm of Land whereon my sd Son William now
dwells Adjoining to ye Land of Seth Howland Sold to Ebenezer Sprout
in ye Little Mans Purchase aforesd—to be equally divided
between them according to Quantity & Quality My sd Son William
to have ye Liberty to take his Part on that Side where his Buildings
now Stand. Also I Give to them my two Lots of Land in sd Purchase
lying at ye Indian Rusging[?] Place at or near Chushamuttork equally
to be divided between them by aforesd all which I Give to them their
Heirs & assigns forever in Such manner as aforesaid
4. I Give & Bequeath to my Son Israel Thomas his Heirs
& assigns forever, All that my Lot of Land lying in sd Purchase
lying upon the Brook running out of ye great pine Swamp into into
Elkanah Leonards Iron Works Pond. And also my Lot of Land in sd
Purchase lying between Never Such Pond (so called) & ye
5. My two Lots and a half Lot of Land lying at Jons Meadow so
called, in sd Little Lot Mens Purchase I Give to be equally Divided
between the Children & legal Representatives of my two Daughters Joanna
Cobb & Susanna Smith viz: One half thereof to my sd Daughter
Joanna’s Children & the other Half to my sd Daughter Susanna’s
Children, To ym & yr Heirs & assigns forever.
6. All my Lands & Cedar Swamp lying in the South Purchase
in Middleborough aforesd I Give to be Divided equally to &
amongst all my Sons their Heirs & assigns forever -
7. I Give to my Daughter Sarah Ransom or to those that
legally Represent her fifteen Pounds. And to my Daughter Mary or those that
legally represent her the Sum of Twenty Pounds. And to my Daughter Lois the Sum
of twenty Pounds. And to my Daughter Eunice ye Sum of twenty Pounds:
And to my Daughter Betty the Sum of Twenty Pounds, or to them yt
Shall legally Represent my sd three Daughters. And further its my
Will yt all my Sons, or them that legally represent them shall pay
these Legacies to my Daughters or their legal Representatives in Money or
Cattel at money Price within One Year after my Decease, those Payments to be
equally born by all my Sons &c—
8. All my Stock of Creatures (after my Wife has taken out her
two Cows) I Give equally to be divided to and amongst all my children now
Surviving or to those yt legally represent them—
9. My Cart & Wheels & Furniture for four Oxen &
one Plough & Grindstone I Give equally between my two Sons Jabez &
Ephraim And the remainder of my Chains Yokes & Husbandry tools I Give
equally to be divided among my other three Sons—
Finally I Constitute & Appoint my dearly beloved Wife
Sarah Thomas & my Eldest Son William Thomas Executors of this my last Will
& Testament to pay my Debts & funeral Charges & I Give them all
Debts due to Me to Enable them to do it hereby allowing this & no other to
be my last Will & Testament — In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal the twenty Second day of November Annoq. Dom.—1727—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared by ye
sd William
Thomas
Willm Thomas to be his last Will & Testament W
In the Presence of us Samuel Barrows his Mark
Ebenezer
Proved on April the 27: 1734 by Samuel Barrows, Ebenezer
Redding, & Ebenezer Bennett.
Administration of the estate of William Thomas was granted on
1 May 1734 to Sarah Thomas, Relict widow of ye deceased, &
William Thomas, eldest Son of ye deceased.
Mr. Samuel Barrow, Capt. Nathaniel Southworth, and
Mr. Jacob Tomson, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William Thomas Jr. of
In the Name of God amen, William Thomas junr of
the Town of Middleborough in the County of plimo. in New England
yeoman laboring under the Infirmitys of body but of perfect and Disposeing Memory,
Thanks be given to Almighty God for the same But Calling to mind the Mortallity
of my body and knowing that it is Appointed for all men once to Dye do make and
Ordain this my last will & Testament—
Imprimis I will and bequeath my Soule unto allmighty God that
gave it and my body unto the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executor—
And as Touching that worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this life I dispose of as followeth Item, I will and bequeath unto my loveing
wife Mary Thomas the Sole improvement of my farm or Tenament whereon I now
dwell so long as She remains my widdow together with One Cow and One third part
of my moveable Estate dureing her natural life.
Item To my loveing son John Thomas I Give in Labour or
Materials for Building to the value of Ten pounds this with what I have already
Given him I Esteem his full proportion of my Estate.
Item. I Give to my loveing son Silvanus Thomas the sum of
thirteen Shillings & four pence out of my Estate this with what I have
allready Given him I Esteem his full proportion of my Estate.
Item, I Give unto my loveing sons David Thomas & Phinehas
Thomas after the Legacys & Just Debts and funeral Charges are first paid
out I Give them my Homestead and buildings & moveables within Doors &
without said David paying Phineas Eight pounds then Equally between them, to
them & their heirs & assigns forever,
Item I Give to my daughter Mercy Tinkham four pounds to be paid her out
of my moveable Estate.
Item, I Give unto my Daughter Remember Thomas Thirteen pounds
Six shillings & eight pence in moveables out of my Estate
Item I Give to my Daughter Hulda Thomas thirteen pounds Six
Shillings & eight pence in moveables out of my Estate. Lastly I nominate & appoint my Loveing
son David Thomas to be the sole Execr. of this my last will &
Testament hereby revokeing all other and former wills either written or verbal
by me heretofore made or done, hereby ratyfieing & Confirming this my last
will to remain firm & Inviolable, In Testimony whereof I the said William
Thomas have hereunto set my hand the 21st day of August Anno Domini
1762
Signed Sealed pronounced & declared by the aforesd.
William William Thomas (seal)
Thomas to be his last Will & Testament In presence of us
Mary Shaw Patience x Shaw
Jona. Shaw junr.
Presented for probate on 6 Aug. 1764 by David Thomas, the
Executor, and proved by Mary Shaw and Jonathan Shaw junr, two of the
witnesses.
The Inventory of the estate of William Thomas Junr.,
late of Middleborough, not dated, was appraised by Edmond Wood, Elkanah Shaw
Junr. and Jonathan Shaw Junr., and totaled £385.8.2¾,
including his homestead house and barn valued at £266.13.4. The appraisers gave
their oath to the inventory on 10 Dec. 1764, and David Thomas, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on 30 Oct. 1765.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of William
Thomas of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen. On the 4th day of October anno Domini 1796: I
William Thomas of Marshfield in the county of Plymouth Gentleman, being under
some decays of body, but of sound mind and memory, thanks be given to God
therefor; calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament, that is to say,
Imprimis,
my will is, that all my just debts & funeral charges be paid out of my
Estate
Item.
I Give and bequeath unto my dutiful & eldest son William Thomas junr.
forever, all my wearing apparell, thirteen hundred & thirty three dollars,
thirty three cents & three mills, or £400.0.0 in money; my third bed in
value, with a good bedstead, Cord & other bedding suitable for the same;
one yoke of oxen & one Cow of a middling value, or their value in money;
said oxen & cow, or their value, to be delivered to the said William within
two years after my decease; and I likewise give to the said William for the
term of four years next after my decease, the use & improvement of that
piece of salt marsh lying in the south River marsh in this town, which I bought
of Nathan Thomas; and I also give him the said William, liberty to cut fire
wood necessary for his own family’s use on my pine lot in this town, where he
now cuts it, so long as there shall be wood thereon; and he shall live so near
said lot that he can make use of the wood for that purpose. And in case, that
the said William should decease before his present wife, then my will is, that
his widow, so long as she remains his widow, should have the same liberty to
cut fire wood as her husband would have had if living
Item.
I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Simmons Eighty Dollars in money,
forever
Item.
I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Baker, twenty dollars forever, and
if she should be ever left a widow, I then give her the said Sarah, an annuity
of Ten Dollars for the term of twelve years, the first ten dollars to be paid
within twelve months after her husband’s decease
Item.
I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Abiah, during her life, the use
or improvement of the one half part of all my Estate, both real & personal,
which I have not before given away in this will
Item.
I Give and bequeath unto my Son Luther Thomas forever the whole of my estate,
both real & personal, which I have not before given away in this will,
constituting and appointing him, the said Luther, to be the sole Executor of
this my last will and testament.
And if either of my children shall
exhibit any account for allowance out of my estate, my will is, that each and
every such child shall have but seven dollars out of my estate, any thing in
this will to the contrary notwithstanding.— And I do hereby revoke and utterly
disallow, and disannul every other former will or testament by me made,
Ratifying this and no other to be my last will & testament. In Witness
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal, the day & year above
written
Signed, Sealed & declared by
the said
William Thomas, to be his last will William Thomas (seal)
& testament in the presence of
us the
subscribers
Luke
Wadsworth
Nathll.
Thomas
Miriam
Baker
Presented for probate on 21 Aug.
1798 by Luther Thomas, the Executor therein named, and proved by Luke Wadsworth
& Nathaniel Thomas, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Winslow Thomas of Middleborough,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1843) *
I
Winslow Thomas of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth Calling to mind the
mortality of man, and being of sound mind and memory do make this my last will
and testament in manner and form as follows, viz.
It
is my Will that my Executor cause that my just debts and incidental charges be
paid out of the effects of my estate and the residue thereof I give in the
following manner. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Charity Thomas the
Improvement of all my real estate so long as she the said Charity remain my
widow and no longer. I also give & bequeath to my beloved wife Charity
Thomas the sole use and improvement of all my personal estate after my Just
debts are paid this last itim is not to exclude the sale of wood lots for the
payment of debts. –
It
is my Will that after the decease of my beloved wife Charity Thomas my real and
personal estate excepting household furniture shall descend and go to my
Children in the following manner, and first I give to my son George S. Thomas
One hundred dollars for the following purpose to the use and exclusive bennifit
of his Children or the Children of the aforesaid George S Thomas their heirs
and assigns forever It is my Will that the said George S. Thomas shall have
after my decease my best Coat, best pantaloons & vest. – I give to my son
Winslow Thomas my part of a lot of Ceder Swamp situated in Carver and is the
same I own in Company with Eleazer Thomas to him the said Winslow his heirs and
assigns forever.
I
give to my son Arad Thomas twenty dollars after the decease of my beloved wife
Charity Thomas – Also I Give the said Arad Thomas my best Hat, to him his heirs
and assigns forever
I
give to my daughter Lucretia J Sears five dollars of my estate after the
decease of my said wife Charity Thomas to her the said Lucretia J. her heirs
and assigns forever.
I
give to my daughter Emiline Thomas fifty five dollars of my estate after the
decease of my said wife Charity Thomas to her the said Emiline her heirs and
assigns forever
I
give to my daughter Francis M. Thomas her support and bringing up out of my
estate untill she the said Francis M. may arrive to the age of eighteen years,
and that she the said Francis M. After arriving at the age of eighteen may have
a right to live in my house so long as she shall remain single and unmarried.
Also I give the said Francis M. fifty five dollars of my estate after after the
decease of my said wife Charity Thomas to her the said Francis M. her heirs and
assigns forever.
I
give to my two sons William R. Thomas and Benjamin Thomas after the decease of
my beloved wife Charity Thomas all the remainder or residue of my estate both
real & personal (excepting the household furniture) providing they the said
William R. & Benjamin should live and work on the farm or give up their
earnings for the benefit of the Estate untill they each of them shall arrive to
the age of twenty one years.— Providing that if either of the last named
William R. and Benjamin should go to a Trade or take their own earnings to
themselves in that Case the one that leaves and takes his own earnings shall
have but fifty dollars in money to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
I
also Give to all my children and in an equal proportion to each one of them
after the decease of my beloved wife Charity Thomas all my household furniture
to them their heirs and assigns forever.
And
I do revoke all other Wills made before by me and establish this my last Will
and Testament, appointing William Shurtliff 2d. my sole Executor thereof.
In
testimony of which I do hereunto set my hand and seal, Middleborough September
the sixth day Eighteen hundred and forty three.
Winslow Thomas (seal)
Signed Sealed published and
declared by the above named
Winslow Thomas to be his last
Will and testament in the
presence of us who have
hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses in the presence of
the testator.
Samuel
Thompson
George
Bennett
Charles
H Thomas
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of Jan. 1844 by William Shurtleff 2d, the Executor therein named, and
proved by Samuel Thompson, George Bennett and Charles H. Thomas, the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to William Shurtliff 2d,
the Executor therein named.
William Shurtleff 2d, of
Middleborough, was granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Winslow
Thomas, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, on 15 Jan. 1844, with Samuel Thompson
and Benjamin Thomas, both of Middleborough, as sureties.
Samuel Thompson, Benjamin Thomas
and Dura Weston, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Winslow Thomas, late of Middleborough, on 4 Dec. 1843.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Winslow Thomas, late of Middleborough, Yeoman, was appraised on 16 Dec. 1843,
his real estate totaled $2289.67, including his homestead farm and buildings
valued at $1832.67, and his personal estate totaled $529.41. William Shurtliff
2d, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the third Monday of Jan.
1844.
Ichabod F. Atwood of Middleborough
petitioned to be appointed as Administrator with the will annexed of the estate
not already administered of Winslow Thomas, late of Middleborough, on the
second Monday of July 1869, William Shurtleff 2nd, the appointed
executor having since deceased without fully executing the will. Ichabod F.
Atwood was granted Administration with the Will annexed of the estate of
Winslow Thomas, late of Middleborough, on 12 July 1869, with Eleazer Thomas and
James Savery as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 86, p. 10-13, from FHL microfilm #0555637,
Vol. 1G, p. 272, Vol. 86, p. 38-39, and Vol. 120, p. 393.
Will of Samuel E. Thompson of Hounsfield, Jefferson County, New York (1864) *
I Samuel E Thompson of Hounsfield in the County of Jefferson,
State of New York of the age of sixty five years, considering the uncertainty
of this Mortal life being of sound and disposing mind & memory do make
publish & declare this my last Will & Testament in manner following
that is to say,
First
– I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elvira Thompson the use of all my farm
on which I now reside Together with the use of all my live stock of Evry
description and all my farming tools and utensils carriages & harnesses for
a horse for herself and her children remaining with her as long as She remains
my widow –
Secondly
– Whereas I have advanced to my daughter Elvira Taplin wife of John Taplin a
certain sum of money out of my Estate amounting to about Seven Hundred &
fifty dollars more or less and in Addition to that Sum I give & bequeath to
her the further sum of one Hundred and fifty dollars to paid to her as soon as
convenient after my decease, which is to be in full of her share of my Estate –
Thirdly I give & bequeath to my son Samuel
Thompson Jr. & to my daughter Fanny Thompson each the sum of nine Hundred
dollars to be paid to them out of my Estate at the decease of my wife Elvira
Thompson or as much sooner as my said wife may see fit and Expedient during her
life time.
Fourthly
my will is that after the decease of my wife Elvira Thompson the remainder of
my Estate shall be Equally divided between my two children Samuel Thompson Jr
and Fanny Thompson after deducting the aforesaid legacies share & share
alike
Fifthly
I hereby appoint my wife to be the sole Executrix of this my last Will &
Testament, hereby revoking all other or former Wills by me made
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this Twenty Seventh day
of February in the year one thousand Eight Hundred & Sixty four.
Samuel E. Thompson (seal)
The
foregoing instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date there of Signed
Sealed published & declared by the said Samuel E. Thompson as &for his
last Will & Testament in presence of us, who at his request & in his
presence & in the presence of Each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto
John
N. Waterbury Hounsfield –
J.
M. Thompson Hounsfield –
Presented for probate on 22 Apr.
1864 by Elvira A. Thompson of Hounsfield, the heirs being Elvira A. Thompson,
widow of the deceased and Fanny A. Thompson, daughter of the deceased, of full
age of Hounsfield, and Samuel E. Thompson a minor son having no general
guardian, of Hounsfield, and Elvira Taplin of Janesville, Wisconsin, daughter
of the deceased, of full age. Approved on 5 May 1864. Wm W. Taggart
was appointed as guardian of the minor for the purpose of appearing for him and
taking care of his interests in this proceeding.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol.
10, p. 29-30, from FHL microfilm #0895395.
Will of Francis
Thomson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1798) *
In the name of God Amen. I Francis
Thomson of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in the Comonwealth of
Massachusetts, yeoman, being under decays of body, but blessed be God of a
sound & disposing mind & memory, and calling to mind the mortality of
my body, do make & ordain this to be my last will & testament, to
remain firm and inviolable forever; after first giving my soul to God that gave
it, and my body to the dust from whence it came, I do dispose of such worldly
Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in the following manner—viz~.—
Imprimis, I
Give & bequeath to my true & well beloved wife Mary Thomson, and to her
heirs & assigns forever, the one half of my indoor moveable estate,
together with my best Cow, one swine & four sheep; I also give unto my said
wife, so long as she shall remain my widow, the use & improvement of one
third part of my lands, barn & Corn house, and the easterly part of my
dwelling house, which is to go so far westerly in the same as just to take ye
Easterly front room, together with liberty to bake in the oven, & to use so
much of the Porch as she shall need to get her water & do her other
necessary business; I also give unto her out of the provision that I shall have
at my decease a sufficiency for herself & fodder for her creatures untill a
new growth of provision for her and grass for her creatures can be raised on my
farm; also a Right for herself in my Pew in the meeting house; the above I mean
as my wife’s right of dower in my Estate
Item. I
Give & bequeath to my Son Elias Thomson & to his heirs & assigns
forever, one Hundred Dollars, to be paid him in one year from my decease, by my
two sons Thomas Thomson & Ruel Thomson in equal halves; I also give unto my
said son Elias, my plain Irons.—
Item. I
Give & bequeath to my daughter Zilpah Cushman wife to Noah Cushman, and to
her heirs & assigns forever, one good Bed & furniture suitable for the
same
Item. I
Give & bequeath to my Son Thomas Thomson and to his heirs & assigns
forever, my Swamp that I purchased of James Cobb, also the swamp that I
purchased of Joseph Cushman also one half of the lands that I purchased of Levi
Wood & Jane his wife & of Israel Thomas & Abigail his wife; and
also two thirds of my Farming utensills & of that part of my Stock of
Creatures that I have not by this my last will given to my wife; I also give to
my said son Thomas, as aforesaid, one half of my provision for man or beast,
that are for a market, over & above what is necessary for my family &
stock of creatures; also one half of the debts that are due to me at my
decease; also one third part of my indoor moveable estate, that I have not by
this will given to my wife and daughter Zilpah; I also give to my said son
Thomas & to his heirs & assigns forever, one quarter part of my Pew in
the meeting house, excepting his mother’s right in the same; the above articles
that I have given to my son Thomas, I give to him on conditions of his paying
the several sums, & doing & performing all things agreeable to this my
last will, I also give to my said son Thomas one half of my wearing apparell,
& half my Right of the Iron mine
Item. I
Give and bequeath to my son Ruel Thomson & to his heirs and assigns
forever, all that part of the home farm, that I purchased of Isaac Tinkham,
together with the buildings thereon, that I have not heretofore given a deed of
to my son Thomas Thomson, or by this will given to my wife or daughter Molley;
I also give to my said son Ruel Thomson and to his heirs & assigns forever,
one half of my lands that I purchased of Levi Wood & Jane his wife, &
of Israel Thomas & Abigail his wife; also the remaining part of my stock of
creatures; my farming utentills & my provision for my family & stock of
creatures that shall be for market and of debts due to me. I also give unto him
& his heirs & assigns forever one quarter part of my Pew in the meeting
house, exclusive of my wife’s right in the same, and one third part of my
indoor moveable estate, that I have not by this will given to my said wife and
daughter Zilpah; the above articles, that I have given to my son Ruel Thomson,
I give unto him on condition of his paying the several sums, and doing &
performing the several things I have directed him to do agreeable to this will;
I also give to my said son Ruel one half of my wearing apparell, and half my
right in the Iron mine
Item. I
Give and bequeath to my daughter Cynthia Cox wife of John Cox & to her
heirs & assigns forever, one quarter part of my Pew in the meeting house,
excepting my wife’s right in the same
Item. I
Give and bequeath to my daughter Molley Thomson & to her heirs &
assigns forever, the remaining part of my Estate that I have not heretofore by
this my last will disposed of, and also Fifty Dollars to be paid to her in one
year after my decease, two thirds of it is to be paid by my son Thomas Thomson,
& the other third is to be paid her by my son Ruel Thomson; I also give
unto her liberty to live in my dwelling house, so long as she shall remain
unmarried.— Furthermore my will is, and I do hereby order, my two sons, Thomas
Thomson & Ruel Thomson, to pay all my just debts, funeral charges & the
expence of settling my estate, in equal halves
Lastly.—My
will is, & I do hereby appoint my son Thomas Thomson, sole Executor of this
my last will & testament. Thus hoping that this my last will &
testament will be kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof. I the aforenamed Francis Thomson have hereunto set my hand
& seal this twentieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and ninety eight
Signed, Sealed Published &
pronoun-
ced by ye aforenamed
Francis Thom- Francis Thomson (seal)
son, to be his last will &
testament
in presence of
Jonathan
Harlow
Lemuel
Harlow
Isaac
Thomson
Presented for probate on 31 Dec.
1798 by Thomas Thomson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Isaac Thomson
Esqr, & Jonathan Harlow, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed.
Isaac Thomson Esqr., Jona. Harlow,
yeoman, & Jabez Vaughan, Gentm., all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Nathan
Thomson of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the
name of God Amen. I Nathan Thomson of Halifax in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Considering the uncertainty of this mortal life
and being of sound mind & disposing mind and memory, (Blessed be God &
my Redeemer) do make ordain, & publish this as my last Will & Testament
in the manner & form following that is to say, first of all I give my body
to the dust to be buried in decent christian burial at the discretion of my
Executor & my Spirit to God that gave it me, And as to the worldly Estate
with which God has blessed me I dispose of the same in the following – manner.
Viz —
First. I give and
bequeath unto my beloved wife Elizabeth the improvement of one third part of
all my Estate real and Personal during her natural life. second I give and bequeath to my brother
Thaddeus Thomson one dollar one dollar to be paid him out of my estate by my
executor. third I give and bequeath to
my brother Zaccheus Thomson one dollar to be paid him out of my estate by my
Executor.
Fourth. I give and
bequeath to my brother Stephen Thomson one dollar to be paid him out of my
estate by my Executor.
Fifth I give & bequeath to Thomas Wood son of my sister
Elizabeth deceased fifty cents to be paid him out of my Estate by my Executor.
Sixth I give and bequeath to Eliza Blanchard daughter of my
said sister Elizabeth fifty cents to be paid her out of my estate by my
Executor.
Seventh. I give and bequeath to Hannah Leonard daughter of my
said sister Elizabeth fifty Cents to be paid her out of my estate by my
Executor.
Eighth I give and bequeath to Alvira Wood daughter of my sd
Sister Elizabeth fifty cents to be paid out of my estate by my Executor.
Ninth I give and bequeath unto Nathan Thompson Wood son of my
said Sister Elizabeth Wood deceased all my real estate Viz – all my homestead
farm in Halifax whereon I now live
together with all my part of the house and all my other buildings thereon
standing and also my lot of swamp lying in Middleborough in the great Cedar
swamp so called and also all my Personal Estate that shall remain after
collecting all my dues and the payment of all my just debts funeral charges
(reserving to my beloved wife Elizabeth the improvement of the one third part
of all my Estate above bequeathed to her) and what I give to him the said
Nathan Thompson Wood I give to him his heirs and assigns forever to have &
to hold the same.
Lastly I do appoint Zadok Thompson Sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made – Nathan Thomson (seal)
Signed,
Sealed, published, & declared by the above named Nathan
Thomson, to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of
us as
witnesses in the presence of the Testator.
Nathan
Fuller
James
Bosworth 2d
Chipman
Fuller
Probated on 5 Dec. 1831, and proved by Nathan Fuller and
Chipman Fuller, two of the witnesses. Letters of administration granted to
Zadock Thompson of Halifax, Esquire.
Zadock Thomson, Executor of the Estate of Nathan Thomson,
late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William
Thorneycraft of Oyster Bay,
In the Name of God Amen I Wm Thorneycraft
of Oysterbay in
William Thornycraft (seal)
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced and Declared by the said
William Thornycraft as his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us the
subscribers
Michael Mudge
Benjamin Thornycraft
Thos. Reble
Letters of Administration on the estate of Wm Thorneycraft
were granted to Thomas Thornicraft and William Thornicraft, two of the
Executors, Tamsen Thornicraft, Mercy Thornicraft, Joseph Wood, and David
Vallantine having relinquisht the office, on 24 Jan. 1735[/36].
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Tilden of
I Thomas Tilden of Marshfield in the County of Plimouth being
in helth & of Sound mind and memory (tho verry aged) Praised be God)
Considering the time of my Disolution Draweth near Do make this my Last Will
& Testament in manner & form – following first I Committ my Soul to God
and my Body to Decent Buriall When it shall please God to Call me hence in hope
of a Joyfull Resurrection to Life & Glory through the precious merritts of
my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ And for the Disposall of my outward Estate
Which God hath Graciously given me my mind & will is that it shall be
bestowed as This my Will is Set Down
Impr My Will is that my well Beloved Wife Mary
shall have the One half of all my houseing & Lands of what Kind or nature
Soever for & Dureing the Terme of her Naturall Life. Item I Give and
Bequeath unto my Son Thomas Tilden all The other half of my Houseing and Lands
& also the Afforesd Half of my Houseing & Lands Bequeathed
to my Wife I Give to my Son Thomas Tilden to Be Enjoyed by him after his
mothers Decease To Have & to Hold to him & his Heirs forever he
Therefore paying to my son in Law Anthony Sprague the Sum of Seven Pounds
Remaining Due of my Daughter Mary his Wifes Portion for which he has
my Bill, moreover I Give to my Daughter Mary Sprague five Shillings, Item I
Give & bequeath to my Daughter Lidia Rider twenty Shillings Over &
above the portion I have formerly given her, Item I Give & Bequeath to my
Daughter Margery the sum of Ten pounds, Item I Give & Bequeath to my
wellbeloved Wife my best bed and furniture & One third part of All my Goods
& Chattells my Debts & Legacys aforesd being first paid,
& all the Remainder of my Goods & Chattells I Give & bequeath to my
four daughters Hannah Elizabeth Margery and Experience to be Equally Divided
amongst them, Only first I Give my Daughter Elizabeth Twenty Shillings, Lastly
I nominate and appoint my Well Beloved wife Mary Tilden & my Son Thomas
Tilden to be Executors of this my Last Will and Testament In Witness Whereof I
have Hereunto Set my hand & Seale the Day Above Said
Signed Sealed & Declared Thomas
Tilden T T his marke
(seal)
By the abovesd Thomas Tilden
to Be his Last Will & Testament
in presence of Us
Tobias Oakman 2 his marke
Nathaniel Thomas
Probated on 21 May 1705, and proved by Tobias Oaksman and
Elizabeth Oaksman.
[Totaled £74.1.0]
Thomas Macomber
Stephen Tilden
Mary Tilden & Thomas Tilden her son, Executors of the
will of Thomas Tilden, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Hamblin Tillson of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1850) *
In
the name of God, Amen. I Hamblin Tillson of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
and State of Massachusetts, Cordwainer, being in feeble health, but of sound
and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will &
Testament viz:
1st I direct my Executor
hereinafter named, to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses and cause to
be erected monuments or gravestones to designate the place of my burial, and
also that of my deceased wife and to enclose the same with such a fence as he
may choose or think proper
2nd I direct that my
Executor hereinafter named shall have Fifty Dollars for settling my estate
3rd I give, devise, and
bequeath to my four grand children of my son Henry, deceased, each Five
Dollars.
4th I give, devise and
bequeath to my grand child the daughter of my daughter Susan, deceased, Ten
Dollars
5th I give, devise, and
bequeath to my daughter Abby, my Clock, great Arm Chair, Concordance, a Chest,
and two silver Tea Spoons
6th I give, devise and
bequeath to my daughter Ann, my two beds, the pillows and bolsters belonging
thereto, one silver table Spoon a sea Chest & the Practice of Piety
7
I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Maria, my Desk, iron bound
Trunk, Commentary on the Psalms a white clothes Chest and two silver Tea
Spoons. ~
8
I give devise and bequeath to my above named three daughters all my
bedding, table Cloths & towelling, to be equally divided between them. ~
9
I give, devise, and bequeath to my son Henry Hamblin my great Bible,
round mahogany Table, black leather Trunk and a small trunk, all my wearing
apparel, all my chairs, except the arm chair, two silver tea Spoons & all
the remainder of my household furniture of every description. ~
10
All the remainder of the property of which I may die seized, Real &
Personal, I direct to be divided into four equal parts, all of which I give
devise and bequeath, in the following manner, viz: one part to my daughter
Abby, one other part to my daughter Ann, one other part to my daughter Maria–
one other part to my son Henry Hamblin to them, their heirs and assigns
forever.
I also appoint my son Henry Hamblin
Tillson Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
Hamblin
Tillson (seal)
Signed published and declared by
the said Hamblin Tillson as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us,
who in his presence, and at his request have hereunto set our names as
witnesses this twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord One
Thousand Eight hundred and fifty
Timothy
Gordon
Andrew
Bartlett
Winslow
Drew
Presented for probate on the first
Monday of Dec. 1850 by Henry H Tillson, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Timothy Gordon and Winslow Drew, two of the Witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Henry H Tillson, the
Executor therein named.
Henry Hamblin Tillson, of New
Bedford, was appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Hamblin
Tillson, late of Plymouth, on 2 Dec. 1850, with Winslow Drew and Timothy
Gordon, both of Plymouth, as sureties.
Henry H Tillson, Administrator on
the estate of Hamblin Tillson, late of Plymouth, applied for a license to sell
$200 of the real estate for the payment his debts in April 1857.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Hamblin Tillson, late of Plymouth, was appraised by William T. Drew, Ezra
Finney and Timothy Gordon, and totaled $720.00, including his dwelling house in
Plymouth on Spring Lane valued at $700. Henry H. Tillson, and administrator of
the estate, gave his oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of May 1857.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 92, p. 485-487, from FHL microfilm #0555640,
Vol. 2H, p. 250, Vol. 4Q, p. 22, and Vol. 99, p. 166-167.
Will of Jonathan Tillson of Plympton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen—Jonathan Tilson of the Town of Plymton
and County of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, Labouring under many infirmities
of body which are Symtoms of approaching mortality, but of perfect and
disposing memory thanks be Given to almighty God for the same, but Calling to
mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once
to die do make and ordain this my Last will & testament
Imprimis — I will and bequeath my Soul to God that Gave it me
& my body to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I
shall Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving wife Lucy Tillson
the use and improvement of all my Estate both Real and personal untill my
Loving Son Jonathan Tillson shall arrive to the age of twenty one years of age
my just Debts and funeral Charges being first paid out of my moveable Estate,
but when my said Son Jonathan shall arrive to the age of twenty one years my
will is my wife Lucy Tillson shall have onely one third part of the improvement
of my Real Estate so Long as she shall Remain my widow and no Longer, and also
one third part of the improvement of my moveable Estate so Long as she shall
Remain my widow and no Longer my Just Debts and funeral Chargers being first
paid out of my moveable Estate the above said improvement of my Estate I Do
Give unto my said wife Lucy Tillson as is above Expressed, but if in Case she
shall marry again my will is that she shall have only the Sum of Ten pounds in
money or moveable Estate to the value thereof to be paid her by my son Jonathan
Tillson at the time of marriage, Said ten pounds to be her own forever, and the
Residue of my Estate I dispose of in the following manner
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving Son Jonathan
Tillson the whole of my Real Estate wherever it may be found, and also all my
moveable Estate of all sorts whatsoever and wheresoever they may be found,
Excepting what I shall Give unto my Loving daughter Elisabeth Tillson in this
present will and my wife’s improvement as abovesaid and my just debts &
funeral Charges being first paid out of my moveable Estate; always provided
that he his Heirs Executors or administrators shall pay or Cause to be paid all
such Legacies as I shall appoint him in this will to pay. I Do Give the
abovesaid Real and moveable Estate unto my said Son Jonathan Tillson and unto
his Heirs and assigns forever
Item — I will and bequeath unto the Heirs of my Loving
daughter Eunice Chace deceased, formerly the wife of Consider Chace, the sum of
five shillings having Given my said daughter her full portion heretofore, which
makes her equal with my other daughters, the abovesaid five shillings I do Give
to the abovesaid Heirs of my Loving daughter Eunice Chace deceased & unto
their Heirs and assigns forever to be paid them by my Son Jonathan Tillson when
he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, to be paid in money or moveable
Estate to the value thereof
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Lydia
Atwood the wife of William Atwood the sum of five shillings and no more having
Given her, her full portion heretofore, which makes her equal with my other
daughters, the abovesaid five shillings I do Give unto my said daughter Lydia
Atwood and to her Heirs & assigns forever to be paid her by my Son Jonathan
Tillson when he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years to be paid in money
or moveable Estate to the value thereof
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Molly
Dunham the wife of Silas Donham the sum of five Shillings and no more having
Given her her full portion heretofore, which makes her equal with my other
daughters, the abovesaid five shillings I do Give unto my said daughter Molly
Dunham & unto her Heirs and assigns forever to be paid her by my Son
Jonathan Tillson when he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, to be
paid in money or moveable Estate to the value thereof
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Elizabeth
Tillson the sum of twenty two pounds to be paid her by my Executor hereafter
named within Six months after my decease, to be paid out of my moveable Estate,
the abovesaid twenty two pounds, I do Give unto my said daughter Elizabeth
Tillson and unto her Heirs & assigns forever
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Sarah
Tillson the sum of twenty pounds to be paid in money, or moveable Estate to the
value thereof, to be paid her by my Loving son Jonathan Tillson when She shall
arrive to the full age of twenty one years – the abovesaid twenty pounds I do
Give unto my Loving daughter Sarah Tillson and unto her Heirs & assigns
forever
Item — I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Lucy
Tillson the sum of twenty pounds in money or moveable Estate to the value
thereof to be paid her by my Son Jonathan Tillson when she shall arrive to the
full age of twenty one years the abovesaid twenty pounds I do Give unto my said
daughter Lucy Tillson and unto her Heirs and assigns forever
Lastly — I nominate and appoint my Loving Son in Law William
Atwood to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament, hereby
Revoking all other and former wills Either written or verbal by me heretofore
made hereby Ratifying and Confirming this my Last will to Remain firm and
irrevolable — and in testimony whereof, I the abovesaid Jonathan Tillson have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Sixteenth day of November one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty two – 1782
Signed Sealed and pronounced and Jonathan Tillson (seal)
declared by the said Jonathan Tillson
to be his Last will and testament in
presence of us
Samuel
Lucas
Daniel
Vaughn
Eleazer
Crooker
Presented for probate on 6 Jan. 1783 by William Atwood, the
Executor, and proved by Samuel Lucas and Eleazer Crooker, two of the witnesses.
Francis Shurtliff, Samuel Lucas, and Eleazer Crooker, all of
Plymton, were appointed to appraise the Estate of Jonathan Tillson, late of
Plymton, Gentm., on 6 Jan. 1783. The Inventory of the Estate of Lieut.
Jonathan Tillson, late of Plymton, was dated 19 Apr. 1783, and totaled
£278.13.0, including his homestead and buildings valued at £121.6.8. William
Atwood, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Sept. 1783.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Ephraim Tilson of
Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1807) *
In
the name of God amen. I Ephraim Tilson of Halifax in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, being weak in body but of sound
& perfect Mind & Memory, considering the Uncertainty of this Mortal
Life & knowing it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make &
ordain this my last Will & Testament, that is to say–First of all I give
& recommend my Soul into the hands of God, that gave it, & my Body I
recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the
discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty Power of God— And with respect to my
worldly Estate with which God has blessed me with in this Life, I give demise
& d8spose of the same in the Manner following, that is to say—
I
give & bequeath unto my two Sons James Tilson & Ephraim Tilson, all my
Real Estate situate, lying & being in the Town of Halifax aforesaid
including all my right in pews in Halifax Meeting house, also my Barn, also all
my Lands situate lying and being in the Town of Pembroke to them & their
Heirs & assigns forever, they paying all my just debts & funeral
Charges & all the Legacies hereafter mentioned.—
I
also give & bequeath unto my son Joseph Tilson one Dollar —
I
also give & bequeath unto my Grandson Josiah Tilson one hundred Dollars to
be paid to him when he shall arrive at the Age of twenty one Years —
I
also give & bequeath my Daughter Hannah Tilson & my Daughter Sarah
Tilson all my Household Furniture, & all the Neat Stock that I am owner of
at the time of my decease—
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth Stetson one Dollar —
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Ruth Tomson one Dollar —
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Mercy Bosworth one Dollar.—
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Hooper one Dollar.—
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Desire Silvester one Dollar.—
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Joanna Alden one Dollar.—
All the forgoing Legaises are to be
paid out of my Real Estate by my two sons James Tilson & Ephraim Tilson,
which is equally to be divided betwixt my two Sons James Tilson & Ephraim
Tilson — And I do hereby appoint my Son
James Tilson & my Son Ephraim Tilson sole Executors of this my last Will
and Testament– hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
In
witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & seal the twenty sixth day of
September in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seven —
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above
named Ephraim Tilson to be his last
Will &
Testament—in the presence of us,
who have
hereunto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses
in the presence of the Testator — Ephraim Tilson (seal)
Josiah
Tomson
Abel
Richmond
Mercy
Sears ~~
Presented for probate on 5 July
1808 by James Tilson and Ephraim Tilson, the Executors, and proved by Josiah
Thomson Esqr. and Revd. Abel Richmond, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James Tilson and Ephraim
Tilson, the before named Executors.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Elisha Tinkham of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1809) *
In the
name of God, Amen: I, Elisha Tinkham of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being advanced in age but of
sound mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, calling to mind the
mortality of my body, knowing that it is appointed to all men once to die, — I
do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament, to remain firm and
inviolable forever. First of all I give my soul to God that gave it, and my
body to the dust to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my
Executor hereafter named, in hopes of a glorious resurrection. And as to my
worldly estate with which I have been blessed with, I do hereby dispose of the
same as follows, viz.
In
primis – I give and bequeath to my son Jeremiah Tinkham and to his heirs and
assigns forever one dollar in money, to be paid by my son Thomas P. Tinkham at
my decease – and also one fifth part of my wearing apparel.
Item
– I give and bequeath to my son John Tinkham (he being deprived of his reason)
one fifth part of my wearing apparel and his support during his natural life,
or until he shall be restored to the natural use of his reason – then my Will
is, and I do hereby order my said son Thomas to pay him the said John twenty
dollars in money, and for him, the said John not to have his support any longer
from Thomas.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my son Elisha Tinkham and to his heirs and assigns
forever, one fifth part of my wearing apparel and three dollars in money, to be
paid to him at my decease by my said son Thomas P. Tinkham.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my son Isaac Tinkham and to his heirs and assigns
forever one fifth part of my wearing apparel – all of my household furniture
that was his mother’s and three dollars, to be paid to him at my decease by my
son Thomas P. Tinkham.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my three daughters, namely Naomi Tinkham, Lurany Tinkham
and Lucy Tinkham and to their heirs and assigns forever, in equal proportion,
all of my household furniture (excepting what I have given by this Will to my
son Isaac and excepting my watch – I also give to my said three daughters in
equal proportion so long as they or any of them shall remain unmarried and no
longer the use and improvement of the easterly great room in my dwelling house
– also the use of one third of my kitchen, buttery, chamber and cellar. – I
also give to my said three daughters so long as they or any of them shall
remain unmarried and no longer the keeping of one cow winter and summer on my
farm – and two cord of wood yearly and every year during said term cut and
drawed to the door – said cow to be kept and wood to be delivered by my said
son Thomas P. Tinkham – and whenever one or more of my said daughters shall die
or be married then my will is, and I hereby order that the daughter or
daughters that shall be living and unmarried shall have and enjoy the parts of
the house, the keeping of cow and the wood the same that the three are entitled
to by this will.
Item. After my just debts, funeral
charges and the expense of settling of my estate is first paid – I do hereby
give and bequeath to my son Thomas P. Tinkham, and to his heirs and assigns
forever all of the remaining part and residue of my estate of every part both
real and personal, on condition that he shall well and truly pay to my
abovesaid children the several sums that I have by this Will given to them –
and shall also support my said son John during the time that he remains
deprived of his reason as above described – and also to keep the cow and find
the fire wood for his sisters as above described.
Lastly. My Will is, and I do hereby
appoint my said son Thomas P. Tinkham sole executor of this my last Will and
Testament. Thus hoping that this my last Will and Testament will be kept and
performed according to the true intent and meaning of the same, I, the said
Elisha Tinkham have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of June in
the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and nine.
Elisha Tinkham (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said Elisha Tinkham to be his
last Will and Testament in presence of us —
Isaac
Thomson
Ezra
Soule
Lydia
Thompson.
We
the undersigned, heirs at Law of Elisha Tinkham deceased, do hereby give our
assent to the within will of the said Elisha, and consent that the same be
proved and established as such.
Decr.
21st 1835. Jeremiah
Tinkham
Elisha
Tinkham
Isaac
Tinkham
Elisha
Richmond
Lucy
Richmond.
Presented for probate on 31 May
1836, and proved by Ezra Soule, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto.
Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas P. Tinkham, of Middleborough,
yeoman, on 31 May 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
187-190, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Ephraim
Tinkham of
In the name of God Amen I Ephraim Tinkham of Middleborough In
Plymouth County of New England being in weak Estate of Body thô of Sound mind
& perfect memory, calling to mind my mortality & knowing yt
It is appointed to all men once to dye do make Constitute & order ys
as my last Will & Testament . . . Imprimis my soul I resign into the hands
of God yt gave it, and my poor frail Body I leave to the Dust by
decent Buriall ye Charge to be paid out of that Estate I leave
Behind . . . . .
Item. I order yt all my just Debts should be paid
out of yt which I have not yet disposed of and hereafter mentioned
in this Instrument . . . . .
Item. I give to my welbeloved wife Esther Tinkham all my
moveables wthin Doors & without (as also ye
Improvements of all my Lands theretofore excepted In ye Deeds of
gifts I have made to my Sons.) during her natural life . . . . .
Item. I order & appoint in this my last will and
Testament my Eldest Son John Tinkham to pay to his Brothers Isaac & Samuel
Tinkham ten Pounds a Piece to each, as he hath already promised me . . . .
Item, I order & appoint that what my wife leaves at her
Decease of the abovesd Estate In moveables be Equally Divided
between my two Daughters Martha Soul & Mary Tinkham to them & to their
heirs forever.
Item. I do in this my last Will & Testament ratify &
Confirm unto my Sons John Isaac & Samuel Tinkham and the Children of my
deceasd Son Ephraim Tinkham to them & every of them & their
heirs forever whatsoever I have heretofore by Deeds given unto ym
and as I have given unto ym.
Finally I order & appoint In this my last Will my Trusty
& well beloved Wife Esther Tinkham to be my Executrix and administratix to
this last Testament of mine, Desiring my son Isaac to be helpfull to his Mother
in the administration, & for the Confirming, ratifying: & fixing This
as my last Will and Testament. I do before Witness publish pronounce &
declare this Instrument, to be my last Will, whereunto before said Witnesses, I
have hereunto set my hand & seal Sept: 17th 1714/
Signed Sealed published pronounced
his
& declared before us the subscribers Ephraim E T Tincom (seal)
Samuel Wood Senr mark
Joseph Vaughan
Peter Thacher
Plim Ss on the
third day of march annog. Dom: 1714/15 Mr Peter Thacher & Samuel
Wood Senr two of the witnesses to this will made oath that they were
present & saw the above named Ephraim Tinkham Sign & Seal & heard
him declare the above written Instrument to be his last Will & Testament
& that when he so did he was of a disposing mind & memory to the best
of their knowledge. Before
me Nathaniel Thomas Judge of Probate
The inventory of the goods & chattels of Ephraim Tinkham
Senr of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Isaac
Tinkham of
Know All Men by these Presents that I Isaac Tinkham of
Imprimis I Bequeath my Soul to that GOD that gave it Trusting
in ye Merits of Jesus Christ for salvation and my Body to ye
Earth to be Decently Buryed according to ye Discretion of my
Executrix hereafter named in hopes of a Resurrection to Life & Immortality.
and as to what temporal Estate it hath pleased GOD to bless me with All my Just
Debts & Funeral Charges being first paid & Dispose of ye
Same as followeth Viz —
Imprs. I Give & Bequeath to my Loving Wife
Sarah Tinkham ye use & Improvement of ye one half of
all my Lands & meadows During ye Term of her natural Life for
her Support & Comfortable Livelyhood.—
Item. I Give to my sd Loving Wife All my moveable
Estate whatsoever both within Doors & without for her own use & Dispose
as She shall See Good.— And I Do by these presents Constitute & appoint My
said wife Sarah Tinkham Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament
Hereby Revoking, Disanulling all former wills & Testaments by me heretofore
made Ratifying & Confirming & allowing this & no other or former as
my last will & Testamt.- In witness hereof I ye sd
Isaac Tinkham have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this twenty & fifth Day
of february anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred & Eight. 1708/9.—
Signed Sealed & Declared to be
his last Will & Testamt. Isaac ( Tinkham (seal)
In presence of us his mark
Ephraim Little Junr.
Ebenezer Cobb
Hilkiah Tinkham Junr.
Plymo. April.5.1732 Before Isaac Winslow Esqr.
Judge of ye Probate of wills &c Ebenezer Cob & Hilkiah
Tinkcom above named appeared & made oath that yy saw Isaac
Tinkcom above named Sign, Seal & heard him Declare ye above
written to be his last will & Testament and that they with Ephraim Little
Junr. Set to their Hands as witnesses at ye Same time and
that according to the best of their observacon The said Testator was then of a
Sound & Disposing Mind and memory. Isaac Winslow
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Tinkham of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1766) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The thirteenth day of February in the sixth year of his
majesties reign annoque Domini 1766, I John Tinkham of Middleborough in the
county of Plimouth yeoman being of a perfect mind and memory thanks be given
unto God, therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last will
& testament; that is to say, principally & first of all, I give &
recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, & my body I recommend
to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my
executors, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the
same again by the mighty power of God; and as touching such worldly estate
wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give demise &
dispose of the same in the following manner and form. ~
Imprimis, I give & bequeath unto my welbeloved wife
Hannah Tinkham Two cows & the one half of my indoor moveables, & also I
give unto her one half of all the money I shall die seized off, or is owing to
me on notes or bonds, my just debts & funeral charges being first paid out
of the same. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son John Tinkham that
tract of land whereon he now dwells which did formerly belong unto governor
Prince, & my two lots of land in the purchase called the South Purchase,
being in number the 65th. & 66th. lots, & also
all my meadow which lieth in the meadows called winnetuxet meadows; & also
the one half of my cedar swamp lying in the swamp, called the Great-cedar-swamp
in the purchase calld. the six & twenty mens purchase.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Abisha Tinkham them
two lots of land whereon he now dwells, lying & being in the sixteen
shilling purchase, & also the eighth lot in the second allotment in sd.
purchase excepting ten acres at the east end of sd. lot, & also
a twentyfour acre lot being in number the ninth lot in sd. purchase,
And also one half of my lot of cedar swamp lying in the purchase called
Snipetuet purchase. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Amos Tinkham all my
homestead land & meadow which lieth there adjoining together, whereon I now
dwell in the purchase called the six & twenty mens purchase in the township
of Middleboro’ aforesaid, with the buildings & fences thereon, & also
my meadow in the Tower meadow (so called) in sd. purchase, which I
bought of John Vaughan, & also one half of my cedar swamp lying in the
swamp called the Great-cedar swamp in said purchase & also my meadow lying
on the river called, Namasket river a place commonly called Warrens-Point, only
reserving unto my loving wife Hannah the use & improvement of one half of
my dwelling house so long as She shall remain my widow & no longer.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Esther Vaughan,
the lot of land lieth on the neck called Mad-mares-neck in the sixteen shillg.
purchase in Middleboro’ aforesaid, & is in number the twentysixth lot in
the first allotment in said purchase; & also ten acres of land in the east
end of the eighth lot in number in the second allotment in said purchase;—
Item. I give & bequeath unto my four daughters namely,
Hannah Weston, Susannah Cobb, Mary Weston & Zilpah Wilder my three lots of
land lying in the purchase called the Little-Lotmens-purchase in Middleboro’
aforesaid, which lots did formerly belong unto my brother Seth Howland decd,
and also my parcel of meadow lying in the Lower meadow (so called) which I had
of Samll. Bennet; and also my two fifth parts of a lot of meadow, in
the upper meadow in said six & twenty mens purchase. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my eight aforesaid children,
namely John, Abisha, Amos, Esther, Hannah, Susannah, Mary & Zilpah, all the
remaining part of my lands, swamp & cedar swamp (not yet given away) lying
& being in the purchase of land called Snipetuet purchase & the said
sixteen shilling purchase to be equally divided between them. ~
Item. I give & bequeath unto my aforesaid three sons
namely John, Abisha, & Amos all my arms & wearing apparel, & also
all my husbandry tools & tackling the same to be equally divided amongst
‘em. And all the remaining part of my personal estate which I have not given
away I give & bequeath unto my eight aforesd. children to be
equally divided amongst them, saving to any of my sd. children who
have heretofore received any part of my moveable estate it shall be accounted
to them in the division agreable to the value which they have received. And my
will is that my sd. son Amos, shall keep for his mother two cows
both winter & summer, and also to render & pay to her yearly the one
quarter part of the corn & grain, cyder & apples, & flax from the
swingle that is raised on my said homestead land together with one quarter part
of whatever else is raisd, on sd. land (hay & grass
excepted) & also to find for her a horse to ride for her necessary riding,
& find her fire wood brought to the house & cut fit for the fire, &
also find for her ten pounds of Sheeps wool a year, yearly, all the aforesaid
legacies to be delivered to her yearly during the time she remains my widdow,
and my will is that all the lands which I have given away unto my sd.
children shall belong unto them, unto whom & in manner as I have given the
same to them & their heirs & assigns forever. ~
And my will is that my two sons John Tinkham & Amos
Tinkham Shall be executors of this my last will & testament. Thus hoping
that this my last will & testament will be kept & performed, according
to the true intent & meaning thereof. In witness whereof I the sd.
John Tinkham have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year before
written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & John Tinkham (seal)
declared by the said John Tinkham as his
last will & testament in the presence of us
the Subscribers. Thos.
Tupper, Micah Bryant,
Joseph
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 23 May 1766 by John Tinkham and Amos
Tinkham, the Executors therein named, and proved by Joseph Tinkham esquire and
Micah Bryant, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
John Tinkham and Amos Tinkham, the Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 370-372, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Samuel Tinkham of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen. This third Day of November in the
Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred Seventy & Three I Samuel
Tinkham of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New-England Being at this
Present Time in Tolerable Good Health & Sound in Understanding and Memory
as can be Expected Considering my Advanced Age, Blessed be God for the Same
being Sensible of My Own Mortality & knowing it is Appointed for all Men
Once to Die Do make & Ordain this my Last Will & Testament that is to
Say Principally & first of All I Recommend my Soul into the hands of God
that Gave it & my Body to the Earth to be decently Buried at the Discretion
of My Executor Nothing Doubting But at the General Resurrection I Shall Receive
the Same Again by the Mighty Power of God. & Touching Such Worldly Estate
as it hath Pleased God to Bless me with in this Life I Give & Dispose of
the Same in Manner & Form following that is to Say Imprimis I Give &
Bequeath unto my Loving Wife Maltiah two Acres of Land Lying on the North Side
of the Road that Goes from Middleborough to Hallefax Adjoyning to the Land Give
to my Son Silas Also All my Live Stock also all my Indoor Moveables Excepting
what I shall hereafter mention to her, her Heirs & Assigns forever ~ Item I
Give & Bequeath unto my Two Grandsons Viz unto Ephraim Tinkham & Samuel
Tinkham two Acres of Land to Each of Then Joyning to the Land of Jabez Smith on
the North Side of the Above mentioned Road & if Either of Said Children
Should Die before they Arrive to the Age of Twenty & One years Leaving no
Lawfull Issue then the Surviving to have the Other Right & if both Should
die then for it to Descend to their Sister in Equal Proportion, which Land I
Give to them their Heirs And Assigns forever.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Two Daughters Viz. unto
Patience & Lois four Acres of Land Joyning to the Land Give unto my Said
Grandsons to be Divided between them According to Quantity & Quality Also
to Each of them a Feather Bed & beding to them their heirs & Assigns
forever ~
Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Silas Tinkham all the
Remaining Part And Residue of my Estate Real & Personal mixed Moved Or to
be moved that is not Elsewhere Disposed of & I do Also by this my Last Will
& Testament Ratify & Confirm to my Two Sons (Viz.) unto Ephraim Tinkham
Deceased and unto Silas Tinkham & their Heirs & Assigns all that I Gave
them by Deeds & I do by this my Last Will & Testament Constitute &
Appoint my Dutiful Son Silas Tinkham Sole Executors of this my Last Will &
Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Day
& Year within Mentioned.
Signed Sealed Published & Declar’d Samuel Tinkham (seal)
In Presents of
Jacob Soule
Lydia Shaw
William Shaw
Presented for probate on 6 May 1776 by Silas Tinkham, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Soule and William Shaw, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Silas Tinkham, the
Executor, with Phineas Thomas and Samuel Thacher, all of Middleborough, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 107-108, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Hannah Titus of Newtown, Queens County, Province of New York (1730) *
In
the Name of God Amen I Hannah Titus of
Newtown in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Colony of New York Spinster
being in a weak and Low Condition but of perfect mind and Memory thanks be
given unto God therefore Calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to dye Do make and ordain this my Last
will and Testament that is to say
Principally
and first of all I Give & recommend my Soul into the hands of God who Gave
it and for my Body I Recommend it to the Earth to be buryed in A Christian like
and decent manner att the discretion of my Executors hereafter named nothing
doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the
mighty power of God and as touching Such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give devise and dispose of the same in
the following manner and form
First
I will that all my Just debts & funeral Charges be paid and discharged
Item
I Give and bequeath unto my beloved Sister Abigail Furnis and to the heirs of
her Body my Negro woman named Nanne
Item
I give and bequeath to my beloved Cousin Margarett Furnis & to the heirs of
her body my Negro Girl Dal
Item
I Give and Bequeath to my Beloved Cousin Contine Titus Son of My Brother Robert
Titus and to the heirs of his Body my Negro boy named Jacob
Item
I Give and bequeath to my beloved Causin Hannah Hunt Daughter of my Sister
Phebe Hunt And to the heir of her Body one bed and Furniture and also one suit
of Chince Apparel And one Bilested Chest.
And it is my
will and desire that my sister Abigail Furnis or her Executors shall maintain
and Support the Above named negro Boy Jacob until he the said boy be two Years
of Age and then the Said boy to deliver to my Said Brother in behalf of his son
above named
Item
I Give and bequeath to my Negron woman named Nanne one bed and Furniture
thereto belonging & also one Bible
Item
I Give and Bequeath unto my two sisters that is to say Phebe Hunt and Abigail
Furnis and to their heirs for Ever All the remaining part of my Estate that is
undevided & unbequeathed to be by them my Said Sisters Equally devided as
to Quantity and Quality.
And
I do hereby Constitute make and ordain my beloved Brother Jonathan Hunt My
beloved Sister Abigail Furnis & my Friend Jacob Reeder My whole and Sole
Executors of this my Last will and Testament to see that the same & every
part thereof be well and truly fullfilled According to the true Intent and
Meaning thereof
And
I do hereby utterly dissallow revoke & disannull all & every other
former Testaments wills & Legacies & Executors by me any ways before
this time willed and bequeathed ratifying & Confirming this And no other to
be my Last will and Testament
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the Seventh day of
December in the fourth Year of his Majestys reign Annoq Domini 1730
Hannah
Titus X her mark (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced & declared by the Said
Hannah Titus as her Last will & Testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers
Ephraim
Morse William Sackett
Thomas North X his
Marke
Probated on 29 July 1731. Letters of Administration granted
to Jonathan Hunt and Abigail Furnis, Jacob Reeder, the other Executor named
having renounced the Executorship.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 11, p. 149-151, copied from
original Libor 11, p. 157-159.
Will of Sarah Titus
of
In the Name of God Amen I Sarah Titus Widow of Silas Titus of
Newtown in Queens County on Nassau Island in the province of New York, Spinster
being but in a weak and low condition but blessed be God for perfect mind and
memory think it dutifull to settle my affairs do make and ordain this my last
Will and Testament Imprimis I commit my
precious and Immortal Soul to God that gave it depending on the free Grace of
God through the Righteouseness of Jesus Christ for its admission into the
heavenly Kingdom And as for my Body I commit to the dust from whence it was
taken to be buried in such Christian order as my Executors hereafter named
shall think meet and touching the portion of Worldly Goods that the Lord has
been pleased to give me I give and bequeath in the following manner my Will is
that my Funeral charges be paid and all my lawfull debts Secondly I give to my two daughters Sarah
Corniss and Susanna Furman the Sum of Ten pounds five pounds apiece to be paid
to them in Two Years after my decease
Thirdly I give to Benjamin Moore Son of Sarah Cornish my Bed Bedsted
Bolster two pillows three sheets a Rug and Coverled my Gun and Chest to be for
him att my decease and ten pounds in Money to be paid him in two Years fourthly I give to my Grandson Edward Cornish
the sum of five pounds in Money for to School him to be put out at use fifthly I give the sum of five pounds in
Money to the Presbeterian Sociate of Newtown to be for their use to the end of
time to be paid to the elders of said Sociate in two years after my
decease Sixthly I give to my
Grandaughter Daughter of Edward Titus Susannah Titus my Grate Bible Seventhly I give the rest of my Estate to
Sarah Cornishes three Daughters and Susanah Furmans three sons to be equally
divided amongst them when they come of age and if any of them should die in
nonage then his part to go to the rest the Money to be put in such hands as my
Executors shall think fitt Lastly I do
nominate constitute and appoint my trusty friends Johathan Hunt and Philip
Edsall Executors of this my last Will and Testament to fulfill and perform
according to the true intent and meaning thereof In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this second day of December in the twenty third Year of his
Majesty’s Reign King George the Second and in the Year of our Lord Christ 1749.
Published pronounced and declared to be Sarah Titus last Will
and Testament in the presence of
Edward
Titus
Thomas
Edsall her
Daniel
X David Sarah X Titus (seal)
mark
Probated on 26 Oct. 1751, and
proved by Thomas Edsall and Daniel David, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Jonathan Hunt and Philip Edsall, the Executors, on 26
Oct. 1751.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Tompson of
Know all men by These Presents that I John Tompson of ye
Town of middleborough in ye County of Plymouth in New: England,
Being at this Present time under Bodily Infirmity, yet being of Sound &
disposing memory & understanding Blessed be God for ye Same:
& being minded to Settle my outward Estate which God Hath given me: Do make
& ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament To Remain firm &
Inviolable for Ever: Imprimis I give & Bequeath unto my Eldest Son John
Tompson all that my Seventy acres of Land Joyning together whereon he now
dwelleth in ye Township of Plympton together with three Quarters of
my meadow lying at ye foot of Sd Land: and also my Lott
of Land on assawamsett neck being in number ye 67th Lott
on Sd neck. Item: I give & Bequeath unto my two Sons Ephraim
Tompson & Jacob Tompson all my Homestead where I now dwell that is to Say:
all my Lands meadows & Swamps which lye there Joyning together: with all ye
Buildings thereon to be Equally divided between them: only Reserving unto my
Loving wife Mary Tompson ye whole use & Improvement of my now
Dwelling House during Her Widdowhood: Reserving ye Liberty &
Priviledge for my three daughters Mary Tompson, Martha Tompson, & Sarah
Tompson all to dwell in Sd dwelling House, if they See Cause, So
Long as they Shall live unmarried: and my will is that my aforesaid two Sons
Ephraim & Jacob Shall find firewood & Cutt & brought to ye
door for Their mother & their three Sisters aforenamed while They Shall
Live in Sd dwelling House Respectively as aforesd, and my
will is that my Said two Sons Ephraim & Jacob Shall Provide for their
mother meat & corn Sutable & Sufficient for Her during Her widdowhood.
Item, I give & Bequeath unto my Son Shubal Tompson my twenty acre Lott of
Land where He now dwelleth & all my meadow in ye meadows Called
ye upper meadows in middleborough: and also my two Lotts of Land in
the third allottment in ye 16 Shilling Purchase, being in number ye
32d & 33d Lotts. Item: I give & Bequeath unto my
Son Thomas Tompson my Lott of Land in ye Purchase Called Snipetuet
Purchase: being in number the nineteenth Lott & also one Lott of Cedar
Swamp in ye great Cedar Swamp in Said Snipetuet Purchase, and also ye
one half of my 96 acres of Land in Said Purchase Joyning unto ye
South Purchase and also the halfe of my meadow lying on ye South
side of ye Brook Called Colchester brook in Plympton: together with
ye one halfe of my two acres of Land Left his mother have grass upon
Sd halfe of Sd meadow to make one Load of Hay yearly
during Her widdowhood: Item, I give & Bequeath unto my Son Peter Tompson ye
other halfe of ye aforesd meadow to make one Load of Hay
yearly during Her widdowhood: also I give unto my Sd Son Peter my
Three Lotts of Land in ye first allottment in ye 16
Shilling Purchase being in number ye first Lott, ye
fourth Lott & ye fourty Eighth Lott. Item: I give & bequeath
unto my Son Ebenezer Tompson: my Hundred acre Lott of Land butting upon
Namaskett River in ye 26 mens Purchase with ye two acres
of meadow on Sd River at ye foot of Said Lott: and also
my Lott of Land in ye Second allottment in ye 16 Shilling
Purchase being in number ye thirty ninth Lot Item: I give &
bequeath unto my Son Francis Tompson my two Lotts of Land on Snipetuet neck, in
Snipetuet Purchase; being in number ye Second Lott, & ye
Third Lott: and also all that my Lott of Cedar Swamp which Lyeth Joyning unto ye
north East Side of Snipetuet Pond, in the aforesd Purchase. Item: I
give & Bequeath unto my aforesd two Sons Ephraim & Jacob my
two Lotts on assawamsett neck being in numbers ye Seventeenth &
Eighteenth Lotts to be Equally divided between them. Item, I give &
Bequeath unto my Sd Son Ephraim one Quarter Part of my meadow lying
at ye foot of ye Land whereon my Son John dwelleth: also
I give unto my Said Son Ephraim my two Shares in ye fourth
allottment in ye Sixteen Shilling Purchase Comonly Called ye
Little Shares: Item, I give unto my aforesd Son John my five &
twenty acre Lott of Land in ye 26 mens Purchase being in
number ye twenty Sixth Lott: and also all my Right & Interest in
ye Lands in ye Purchase Called ye five mens
Purchase in middleborough: Item, I give & Bequeath unto my aforesaid three
daughters Mary, martha, & Sarah all my Share of Land In ye
Purchase Comonly Called Lothrops & Tompsons Purchase to be Equally divided among
them: Item: I give & Bequeath unto my Six Sons John Ephraim, Thomas, Peter,
Ebenezer & Jacob all my Share of Cedar Swamp in ye Second Lott
in ye ye great Cedar Swamp in ye Majors
Purchase To be Equally divided among them. Item, I give & Bequeath unto all
my Eleven Children both Sons & Daughters all my Shares of Land
in that tract of Land lying on ye East Side of Namaskett River,
belonging to ye Proprietors of ye Sixteen Shilling
Purchase, the land to be Equally divided among Them all. Item, I give & Bequeath
unto my Loving wife Mary Tompson two Cows, and my Will is that my two Sons
Ephraim & Jacob Shall keep ye Said two Cows for their mother
both Winter & Sumer and to Provide Hay for them of ye grass
Reserved in their Brothers meadow before mentioned; & if these two Loads of
Hay be not Sufficient then they to Provide ye Rest from their own
meadow, and they to fodder Said Cows for their mother in ye Season
thereof during Her Widdowhood and they to have ye Increase of Said
Cows: and they to make good ye Stock if any mishap befall So as that
She may Constantly from time to time be Provided with two Cows & at ye
time of Her decease or marriage, then the Said Ephraim & Jacob Shall have
the sd two Cows for their own: Item, I give & Bequeath unto my
aforesd wife ye one halfe of all ye Rest of my
moveable Estate whatsoEver: with ye one halfe of ye money
or Bills of Credit which I Shall Have at ye time of my decease and ye
one halfe of my debts due unto me (my Just debts & funeral Charges being
first Paid out of my sd moveable Estate) ye same to be
for Her Comfortable Subsistence & to be at Her own disposing: and ye
other halfe of my Sd moveable Estate, money, & Bills of Credit
& debts due to me (my Just debts & funeral Charges being first Paid as
aforesd) Shall be Equally divided among all my Eleven Children both
Sons & daughters, and my Will is that my Loving wife Mary
Tompson Shall be Executrix; and that my two Sons Ephraim Tompson & Thomas
Tompson Shall be Executors of This my Last Will and Testament: Thus Hoping that
this my Last will & Testament will be kept & Performed according to ye
true Intent & meaning thereof: I Comitt my Body to ye dust,
& my Soul to God that gave it In
Wittness whereof I ye aforesd John Tompson have hereunto
Sett my Hand & Seal this nineteenth day of october one thousand Seven
Hundred twenty & four
Signed Sealed & declared by ye
aforenamed John Tompson to be John Tompson (seal)
His Last will & Testament
In ye Presence of us
Jacob Tompson
Barnabas Tompson
December ye 23, 1725, The above written Jacob
Tompson Barnabas Tompson & Lydia Tompson made oath that they Saw ye
above named John Tompson Sign Seal & heard him declare ye above
& within written Instrument to be His Last Will & Testament and that at
ye Same time they Sett to Their Hands as Witnesses and that also
according to ye best of their observation He then was of a Sound
& disposing mind & memory
Before
Isaac Winslow Judge of Probate
The Inventory of the Personal Estate of Mr. John
Tomson, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Abigail
Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1739) *
Know all men by these presents That I the widdow Abigail
Tomson of the Town of Hallifax in the County of Plymouth in NewEngland being at
this Present time in health & of a Sound & Disposeing Memory &
Understanding blessed be God for it yet being Sensible of my own
Mortallity and not knowing the day of my Death do make and Ordain this to be my
last will and Testament to Stand & remain firm & Inviolable forever.
Imprimis I Give & bequeath to my Six Daughters Abigail
Packard, Mercy Bennet Lidya Packard Hannah Read Ester Bennet & Mary Tomson
all my wearing Cloaths to be Equally Divided amongst them I allso will that All
my Just Debts and whatsoever Cost or Charge that any of my Children Shall be at
my lending me when I am Sick or Infebled by Age or any Other way together with
my Funerall Charges Shall first be paid out of the bills of Creditt which I
Shall have or Just debts due to me at my decease and whatsoever Shall remain
undisposed of Either of the bills of Creditt or of the Debts due to me when
these aforesaid Charges are paid—
eItem, I Give and bequeath unto my three youngest Daughters
Namely Ester Bennet Hannah Read & Mary Tomson and to my Grandson Moses the
son of my Daughter Abigail together with all my Household Goods to be Equally
Divided amongst them —
Item, I Give to my four Sons Jacob Tomson, John Tomson
Barnabas Tomson & Caleb Tomson and to my sd. Grandson Moses all
my Sheep and other Neat Cattles to be Equally Divided amongst them.
Item, I allso Give my Sider Mill to my three youngest sons
Namely John Barnabas & Caleb and my will allso is that my Son Barnabas
Tomson Shall be the Executor of this my last will & Testamt.
Thus hopeing that this my last will & Testament will be
kept & performd According to the true meaning & Intent thereof~
I Committ my body to the Earth and my precious Soul I Give to
God that gave it me Beseaching him to Accept of it in the Name and for the Sake
of Jesus Christ. In Witness whereof I the Aforesaid Abigail Tomson have
hereunto set my hand Seal this Sixteenth day of April One thousand seven
hundred thirty & Nine, Signed Sealed & Declared by the Above named
Abigail Tomson to be her last will & Testament—
In
the Presence of
Zachariah
Soule her
Ebenezer
Fuller Abigail + Tomson (seal)
Ruth
Fuller marke
Probated on 4 Feb. 1744, and proved by Zachariah Soule and
Ebenr. Fuller. Letters of Administration granted to Barnabas Tomson of
Hallifax, the Executor, on 4 Feb. 1744.
Thomas Croade Esqr, Ebenezer Fuller of Hallifax,
and Zachariah Soule of Plymton, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Abigail Tomson, late of Hallifax, on 4 Feb. 1744. The Inventory of the Estate
of Mrs. Abigail Tomson, late of Hallifax, was taken on 22 Feb. 1744,
and totaled £347.14.4, including £63.10 in Cattle & Sheep, but no real
estate.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 411-414, from FHL microfilm
#0551533.
Will of Caleb Tomson of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1785) *
Know all men by these presents that I Caleb Tomson of the
town of Middleboro. in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being at this present time under infirmity of body, but sound in
understand and memory, blessed be God for the same, yet being Sensible of my
mortality and knowing it is appointed for all men to die, do make and ordain
this to be my Last will & testament to Remain firm and inviolable forever ~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Abigail
Tomson the use & improvement of one third part of my Homestead Farm
together with one third part of the Buildings thereon so Long as she Remains my
widow, also one Horse and two Cows, also Six Sheep, also one Swine to be kept
for her annually during Life, also my Chair & Harness & my Pannal &
one bridle, and also the one half of all my Indoor moveables to be at her
dispose during Life—it is also my will that my three Sons viz~,
William Tomson–Nathl. Tomson & Caleb Tomson junr
Shall provide a Sufficiency of fire wood for their mother brought to the door
and prepared for the fire, to be done in equal proportion by my aforesaid Sons
during their mothers natural Life
Item – I do by this will Ratify & Confirm unto my three
Sons vizt. to William to Nathaniel & unto Caleb the several
deeds heretofore Given unto them of my Real Estate to them, their Heirs &
assigns forever – also I Give unto my aforesaid three Sons all my out door
moveables not above disposed of Consisting of Live Stock, Fodder, Farming or
Carpenters utensills, plank boards or Logs, Cedar Stuff worked or unworked that
is out of the Swamp to be equally divided between them and I do also order by
this my Last will that the several Securities Given me by my aforesaid Sons for
Certain Reasons be Given up to them, if they keep & perform this will
according to the Expression thereof, also I Give them my apparell & arms in
equal proportion.~
Item –I Give & bequeath unto my four daughters, vizt–
unto Molly Tinkham Hannah Tomson– Abigail Tomson – & Sylve Thomas the other
half of my indoor moveables to be equally divided between them, after their
mothers decease, if She their said mother shall need the improvement of them
during Life, otherwise to be divided whenever their mother see Cause, but the
Other half Given to my aforesaid wife shall be at her own dispose as she see
fit. ~
I Give also unto my
Daughter Molly Tinkham at my decease a note of hand Given me by her Husband
Peter Tinkham bearing date April 30th. 1765 Containing the Sum of
fifteen pounds Eight pence—I Give also unto my Daughter Abigail Tomson at my
decease a note of hand Given me by her Husband John Tomson bearing date January
27th. 1777 Containing the sum of Nineteen pounds Seventeen Shillings
& four pence
I Give also unto my
Grandson Frederick Miller Son to my Daughter Sarah Miller deceased the two
notes Given me by David Miller the father of said Frederick Containing the Sum
of Thirty five pounds ten Shillings together with the Sum of Seven pounds five
Shillings and three pence to be paid him by my Executor out of my moveable
Estate at my decease. ~
I also Give and
bequeath unto my Daughter Molly Tinkham the sum of Thirteen pounds Six
Shillings & Eight pence to be paid her in three years after my decease by
my Son William Tomson in Cash or Stock at monies price
I also Give unto my Daughter Abigail Tomson the Sum of eight
pounds to be paid her by my Son Nathaniel Tomson in three years after my
decease in Cash or Stock at monies price
I Give also unto my
Daughter Sylva Thomas the Sum of Ten pounds to be paid her by my Son Caleb
Tomson in three years after my decease in Cash or Stock at monies price the
above Sums to them their Heirs forever
I do also by this
will order that my three Sons do maintain their Sister Hannah Tomson honorably
during her natural Life, and make a Suitable decent and Christian provision for
her in equal proportion between them ~
It is also my will
if there should any Real Estate appear to be mine after my decease that is not
included in this will, that it shall descend unto my aforesaid three Sons in
equal proportion
and also if after my
just debts, funeral Chares & Cost of Settling my Estate there should be any
Surplusage of money or Securities Left that my wife Shall have the one third
part thereof and the Remaining two thirds to be equally divided between my
aforesaid three Sons. ~
and my will is that
my Son William Tomson be Sole Executor to this my Last will and testament—thus
hoping that this my will, will be kept & performed according to the true
intent and meaning thereof–I Commit my body to the dust and my Soul to God who
Gave it– In witness whereof I the aforesaid Caleb Tomson have hereunto Set my
hand and Seal this twenty eighth day of December one thousand, Seven Hundred
Eighty & five.~
Signed, Sealed & declared by the above named
Caleb Tomson to be his Last will & testament in Caleb Tomson (seal)
presence of
Jacob
Tomson junr
Abigail
Weston 2d
Wm Shaw
Presented for probate on 26 March 1787 by William Tomson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Tomson junr and Abigail
Weston ye. 2d. two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to William Tomson, the before named Executor.
Jacob Tomson, John Soule, Gentlemen, and Jacob Miller,
yeoman, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Caleb
Tomson, late of Middleboro, yeoman, on 26 Mar. 1787. The Inventory of the
estate of Caleb Tomson, not dated, totaled £236.4.0, no real estate. The
appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 2 Apr. 1787, and William Tomson,
the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Apr. 1787.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 100-102, 109, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of Ebenezer Tomson of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1813) *
In
the Name of God amen I Ebenezer Tomson of Halifax in the County of Plymouth
& Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr. being of sound &
perfect Mind & Memory, considering the Uncertainty of this Mortal Life
& knowing it is appointed for Man once to die do make & ordain this my
last Will & Testament; that is to say – first of all I give & recommend
my Soul into the hands of God that gave it & my Body I recommend to the
Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my
Executor nothing doubting but at the Resurrection, I shall receive the same
again by the mighty Power of God. And with respect to my Estate with which God
has blessed me with in this Life, I give demise & dispose of the same in
the following Manner that is to say.—
I
give & bequeath unto my Son Josiah Tomson after paying my just debts &
funeral Charges out of my Real Estate the one half of all my remaining Real
Estate—
Also
I give & bequeath unto my Son Ebenezer Tomson after sd. Debts
& funeral Charges are paid all the remaining other half of my Real Estate—
I
also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Susanna Ellis the one third of my
personal Estate.
I
also give & bequeath to my Daughter Mary Hayward the one third of my
personal Estate—
I
give and bequeath equally unto the Children of my Daughter Eunice Soul late of
Middleboro’ decd. the remaining one third of my personal Estate—
And
I do hereby appoint Josiah Tomson Esqr. sole Executor of this my
last will & Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made—
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this first day of Sepr
in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred & thirteen –
signed sealed & declared by the
above named
Ebenr. Tomson to be his
last Will and
Testament in presence of us, who
have
hereunto subscribed our Names as
Witnesses Ebenezer Tomson (seal)
in the presence of the Testator –
Nathl.
Morton
Zebadiah
Tomson
Lydia
Tomson
To the Hon Joshua Thomas Esqr.
Judge of Probate of Wills &c for the County of Plymouth
Sir My bodily Infirmities are such,
it being inconvenient for me to execute the Duty of an Executor to the last
Will & Testament of Ebenezer Tomson Esqr. late of Halifax in
said County of Plymouth deceased, I hereby signify the same to your Honour
& request that you would appoint the Hon. Isaac Thomson Esqr. to
that Trust with the Will annexed
Halifax Novr. 1st.
1813 – Josiah Thomson –
Presented for probate on 1 Nov.
1813 by Isaac Thomson of Middleborough in said County Esqr., Josiah
Tomson the Executor therein named having refused said Trust, and proved by Doctr.
Nathaniel Morton and Zebadiah Thomson Esqr., two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac Thomson to
faithfully execute the said Will.
Isaac Thomson of Middleborough,
Esquire, was granted Administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of
Ebenezer Tomson, late of Halifax, Esqr., on 1 Nov. 1813.
Zebadiah Thomson Esqr.,
Timothy Wood and Samuel Thomson, Gentlemen, all of Halifax, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Ebenezer Thomson, late of Halifax, Esquire, on 1 Nov.
1813. The Inventory of the Estate of Ebenezer Thomson Esqr., late of
Halifax, dated 10 Nov. 1813, totaled $5081.13, including his real estate valued
at $4400. Isaac Thomson Esqr., the Administrator with the will
annexed on the Estate, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Feb. 1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 45, p.
133-134, from FHL microfilm #0550903, Vol. 46, p. 427, and Vol. 45, p. 244-245.
Will of Jacob
Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1750) *
Know all men By These Presents that: I: Jacob Tomson of the
Town of Hallifax in the County of Plimouth in New England Being at this Time
under Bodely Infermites yet Being of Sound and Disposing Memory and
understanding Blessed Be God for the Same and Being Sencebel of my one
Mortality and knowing That it is appointed For all Men once To Die Do make and
Ordain this To Be my Last Will and Testement To Remain firm and Invoilable for
Ever—Imprimos—I: Give and Bequeath unto my Two Sons Jacob Tomson and Ebenezer Tomson
all my Homsted Where: I Now Dwell That is To Say My Lands Meadows and Swamps
which Ley there Joyning Together: Execpting that part thereof which is Cedar
Swamp with all the Buildings theron the Same To Be Equally Divided Between them
onely Reserving unto my Loving Wife Mary Tomson the whole use and Improvement
thereof untill my Said Son Jacob Shall arive To the age of Twenty one years and
from that Time the use and Improvement of the one Half thereof untill my Said
Son Ebenezer arive To the age of Twenty one years and if She then Remains my
Widdow She To have the use and Improvement of the one Half of my Dwelling House
During the Time She Remains My Widdow: and From the Time that my Said Son
Ebenezer arives To the age of Twenty one years: my Said Two Sons Jacob and
Ebenezer Shall Find Fire Wood Cut Fit for the fier and Brought To the Dower for
there mother: and also provide for her meat and Corn Sufficient for Her
Comfortable Subsistence During the Time She Remains My Widdow provided She
Continues To Live in my Now Dwelling House—
Item— — I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Nathaniel Tomson all
that my Twenty acres of Land in Halifax aforesaid which Did Formerly Belong
unto my Brouther Frances Tomson Lying Butting on the Great River only Reserving
To my Loving Wife Mary Tomson the Whole use and Improvement of all the Improved
Lands thereof untill my Said Son Nathaniel Shall arive To the age of Twenty one
years Provided she Shall Remain my Widdow untill That Time—
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my three Sons Jacob Tomson
Ebenezer Tomson and Nathaniel Tomson all my Ceder Swamp which is part of my
Homsted the Same To Be Equaly Divided among them onley Rezerving To my Loving
wife mary Tomson Liberty To Cut So much Ceder thereon as may Be Necessary for
the repairing of the fence on my Homested During the Time She hath the
Improvement of said Homested and no more: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Son
Ephraim Tomson all that my third part of a Small Lot of Ceder Swamp in the
Second Great Lot in the Greate Ceder Swamp in the Purches called the majors
Purches: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Daniel Tomson all that my one
Sixth part of the Second Lot in number in the purches Called Snipetuet purches:
Item: it is my Will that my Two Sons Jacob Tomson and Ebenezer Tomson Shall pay
as a Legacy unto my Son Daniel Tomson the Sum of Twenty one pounds and Sixe
Shillings Lawful money When the Said Daniel Shall arive to the age of Twenty
one years To Be paid in Equall Halves Betwen them provided he Live To the age
or Leaves Heirs of his Body To Enjoy the Same otherwise they are acquitted of
paying Said Legacy: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Ephraim Tomson out of
my Personal Estate the value of Twenty one pounds and Ten Shillings Lawfull
Money provided he Live To the age of Twenty one years or Leaves Heirs to Enjoy
the Same But in case he Should not then the Same To Be Equally Divided amongst
my Surviving Children: Item: I Give and Bequeath unto my Loving wife mary Tom
Son Beside the use of my Land and House as Before Reserved to Her: I Give unto
Her more Two Cows which She Shall Chuse and my maer and all my Swine To Be at
Her own Disposing: and my Will is that in Case my Said wife Remains my Widdow
untill my Son Ebenezer Shall arive To the age of Twenty one years from that
Time and forward if She Continues To Live in my now Dwelling House my said Two
Sons Jacob and Ebenezer Shall Keep for there mother—Two Cows and a Jade Both
Winter and Summer so Long as She Remains my Widdow if She Desire it they To
Have the Increase of the Cows: Item I Give and Bequeath all the Remaining part
of my moveble Estate within Doors and Without Doors and also all the money
Which I Shall Have at the time of my Decease and the Debts Due unto me: my Just
Debts and funeral charges Being first paid out of the Same to one Half thereof
to my Loving Wife Mary Tomson To Be for Her Comfortable Subseistance and To Be
at Her one Disposel and the Other Half thereof unto my five Children To bee
Equally Divided amongst them and my Will is that if any of my Childron Should
Dye Before they arive To the age of Twenty one years that Such Child or
Childrons portion that I Have Given them Shall Be Equally Divided amongst my
Surviving Childron and My Will is that all the Land which I Have Given to my
Childron Shall Belong unto them unto whom I have Given the Same to them and
there Heirs and assigns for Ever and my will is that if it Should appear that
there is any part of my Real Estate that I Have not particularly Given away or
Disposed of the Same Shall Be Equally Divided among all my aforesaid five
Childron: and my Will is that my Loving Wife Mary Tomson Shall Be Executriex of
this My Last Will and Testement will Be Kept and performed according To the
True Intent and Meaning thereof: I Commit my Body to the Dust and my Soul to
God that Gave it in Witness Whereof I the aforesaid Jacob Tomson Have Hereunto
Set my Hand and Seal this fifth Day of Janauray one Thousand Seven Hundred and
Fifty
Signed Sealed and Declared By the
aforenamed Jacob Tomson To Be His Last Will
and Testement in the presents of us Jacob Tomson (seal)
Jacob Tomson
John Tomson 3d.
Peter Tomson junr.
Probated on 1 Apr. 1751, and proved by Jacob Tomson and John
Tomson 3rd.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Agreement of the Heirs of John Tomson of
Know all men to whome these presents shall come that I John
Tomson Senr of ye Township of Middlebury Being at this
present very weak in Body through many Infirmities and Diseases that are upon
me but of Sound and perfect understanding & memory Do make and ordaine this
to be my last will and Testament to Continue for Ever firme and Inviolable.
Imprimis I Will and Bequeath unto Mary Tomson my Beloved Wife ye use
of one half of my house During her Widdowhoode which half she pleaseth. And ye
use of all my household Goods During her Widdowhoode And Six Cows and a score
of Sheep And three or four Acres of Land Lying by my house All these to have
and to use During ye time of her Widdowhoode And also my Will is
that ye Executors shall se that ye said land shall be
Improved for her And they shall be paid out of ye Estate And Also I
will Leave her one hundred pounds in money to dispose to her children as she
shall So Cause but if in Case she should die Intestate my will is that this
said hundred pound shall be Equally divided among them all Sons and Daughters
that is my own children & hers Also my Will is that she shall have a Cow or
a steere Yearly for her provisions And if she Cannot spare it out of that Stock
of Cattell then it Shall be provided for her out of ye Estate Also
my Will is that whatsoever provisions and cloathing is Left at my Decease shall
belong to ye family And my wife shall have a Double part of it at
her disposing And whereas I Gave unto my Son John half a Share of Land formerly
And he hath nothing to Show for it I now Give it him by will and he shall have
fifty Acres of Land where his house Standeth taking it up the Whole Length.
Also I Give and Bequeath unto my Son Jacob the House wherein he Dwelleth And ye
fourth part of ye upland that is of ye two hundred Acres of
upland And also I do give and Bequeath unto my sons Thomas and Peter The one
half of my house wherein I do dwell during their mothers life Conditionally
that they will agree to keep together and maintain their mothers stock of
cattell aforesaid And they shall have the Increase both of cattell and sheep so
that they maintain & make good ye principle And if they should
Come to some Extraordinary losses so that they are like to be loosers by it
they shall be Considered in ye estate And my will is that there
shall be meadow set apart to keep those Cattell During their mothers life. And
I do Give and Bequeath unto my Son Thomas all my house and the Barn and ye
orchard and ye lands Adjacent thereabout after his Mothers decease
that will amount to a fourth part of two hundred acres onely if my son Peter
have not land Enough fenced and Broaken up he shall have ye use of
two or three acres of Land for two years if he Desire it And also I do give and
bequeath unto my son Peter That my fifty Acres of upland that I bought of John
Morton And whereas I have Given to my Sons John and Jacob and Thomas three
Quarters of this two hundred Acres of upland my Will is that in ye
Division the fourth part be Left So as to be most sutably divided amongs them
all four Also I Give unto my four sons aforesd A third part of Land
that was purchased by Captain Joseph Lathrop and Mr Barnabas Lothrop
and my self And also I Give unto my four Sons above Written ye one
half of that third part of upland that was purchased by Captain Church and my
Self the one half of that third part next to Stripefirst pond and my one
Sixtenne shilling purchase and that which I bought of John Irish And that Tract
of Pond at Aggawamset that I bought of Felix ye Indian And that
which I Bought of William Clarke formerly Called ye Majors purchase
Lying Betwixt the two parts. A fifth part of that Tract All which I Give to
them to divide Equally Amongst themselves And also I Give unto my four Sons
aforesaid all that my two hundred Acres of upland lying Between Monponset pond
and the Little Herring pond with my four Acres of meadow and my two shares and
half in ye Great Sedar Swamp And my two shares and half in ye
undivided Lands All which shall be Equally Divided Among my four sons
aforesaid. Also my will is That my four Sons shall Have All my Tooles of all
Sorts for Carpentry or Husbandry and also all my Armes All to be Equally
divided Among them. Also I Give unto my Son Peter Twenty pounds in money
towards ye Building of him a house besides four or five thousand
foote of Boards and Plank Also I do Give unto my Daughter Mary Tabor thirty and
five pounds besides wt is Due to me from her husband Also I do Give
unto my Daughter Esther Road thirty and three pounds besides what is Due unto
me from her husband Likewise I do Give unto my Daughter Elizabeth Swift twenty
and five pounds And also to my Grandson Thomas Swift ten pounds when he Cometh
to ye age of one and twenty years And if he should Dye before then
it shall be forthwith paid unto his mother Also I Give unto my Daughter Sarah
Tomson forty pounds Also I Give unto my Daughter Lidia Soul Thirty and four
pounds Besides what she hath had already. Also I do give unto my Daughter Mercy
Tomson forty pounds Likewise I do Give unto my son Jacob a Yoak of Steers of
four years old or upwards or ye value of them. Also I Give unto my
son Thomas a Yoak of Steers and two Cows or ye value of them Also I
Give to my Son Peter a Yoak of Steers and two Cows or ye value of
them Also my will is that my four Sons John and Jacob And Thomas and Peter
Tomson shall be my Executors who shall Receive what is Due unto me and shall
pay all my just debts And shall Se that my Body be Decently Buryed And out of
my Estate to Defray ye charges And whatsoever is left after my and
my Wife’s decease when all Charges is Cleared Shall be Equally Divided Amongst
them all my Children Sons and Daughters Thus hoping that this my Last Will and
Testament will be kept and performed according to ye true Intent of
ye same I Commit my Body to ye Dust and my soul to God that
Gave it me In Witness whereof I set unto my hand & Seal this Twenty third
day of Aprill one thousand Six hundred ninety and six.
Witness John Tomson (seal)
Jonathan Shaw Senr
Joseph King
his I K mark
Anne Waterman
her J mark
Memorandum ye 8th Day of July 1696
That Jonathan Shaw Joseph King and Anne Waterman the
Witnesses hereto Subscribing made oath all of them that they were present and
Saw and heard John Tomson ye Testator here named Sign Seal and
Declare the above Written to be his Last will and Testament, And that to ye
best of their judgement he was of sound disposing mind and memory when he did ye
same.
Before Wm Bradford Esqr Judge.
Attest Saml Sprague Register
William Bradford Esqr Commissioned &c for ye
Granting of probate of Wills and Letters of Administration within ye
Dated at Plimouth
ye 8th day of July 1696: William Bradford
Saml Sprague Registr
Know all men by these presents that whereas our Honoured
Father John Tomson Senr of Middleborough Deceased Hath made his last
will and Testament Bearing date the twenty third day of Aprill one thousand six
Hundred ninty and Six wherein divers particulars Seemed not to be plainly
Expressed Wherefore to prevent future Differences we his children whose names
are under Written Have Joyntly agreed and Concluded to Rectifie the same as
followeth that is to say That whereas in ye said Will there was one
hundred pounds in money Given to our Loving mother onely for her to Dispose
among her children now we have Agreed that the same Shall be hers as her own
proper Estate to use & Improve as She Shall Se Cause. And whereas in said
Will our said mother is to have Six Cows & a Score of sheep And that Thomas
Tomson & Peter Tomson are to keep and maintain ye said stock
Good for her During her Widdowhood & they to have ye Increase
And that she was to have a cow or a steer yearly for her provision We now Agree
that ye said Cow or steer Shall be allowed to her yearly by the said
Thomas and Peter And at her decease the abovesaid Stock is to Return to ye
said Thomas and Peter. And whereas there is no mention made in said Will of a
horse for our said Mothers own use we do now Agree that there shall be a horse
allowed her out of ye Estate in Generall which said Horse is to be
kept and provided for by the said Thomas Tomson During her life to be for her
own proper use & whereas there is Severall Tracts of meadow which did
belong to our said Father lying at Winnetroxet and no mention is made thereof
in said Will we do now Agree that all ye said Meadow Shall be
Equally Divided among his four sons namely John Tomson Jacob Tomson Thomas
Tomson and Peter Tomson to them and their heirs and Assigns for Ever Always
provided that there shall be meadow set a part out of ye whole for ye
keeping of our mothers said stock during her Life. And whereas in ye
said Will our father gave out the severall parcels of land which he was
possessed of unto his four sons and no mention made of their heirs we do now
agree that all ye said Lands which our father dyed possessed of
Shall belong to ye said four sons namely John Tomson Jacob Tomson
Thomas Tomson and Peter Tomson to them and their heirs and Assigns for Ever And
whereas in said Will It is Expressed that our said Mother should have ye
use of three or four Acres of ye Improved land During her Widdowhood
And they ye Executors of said will should se that ye said
Land Should be Improved for her we do now Agree that ye said
executors Shall Improve the said land for her own proper use During her
naturall life
And whereas we are Informed that it was our fathers mind that
John Tomson Jacob Tomson and Peter Tomson should have thirty pounds in money a
peece & ye same not being Expressed in ye Will we do
now Agree that they should have ye same And as for what monies Doth
Remain after Legacies are paid we do now Agree that it Shall be Equally divided
forthwith amongst us all namely to ye four sons and ye
Six daughters & their heirs or Assigns And also for what Legacies are to be
paid with ye Remaining part of ye Estate which by will is
to be Divided unto ye Six daughters shall be to them and their heirs
& Assigns though not so fully Expressed in ye will.
In Testimony whereof we whose names are under written have
here unto set our hands and Seals this nineteenth day of June one Thousand Six
hundred ninety and Six
Signed & Sealed The
mark O of John
Tomson (seal)
in ye presence of us Elizabeth Swift (seal) Jacob
Tomson (seal)
The Mark I K of Sarah
Tomson (seal) Thomas Tomson (seal)
Joseph King James
Soul (seal) Peter Tomson (seal)
Margaret Price[?] The
mark M of Thomas
Tabor (seal)
Mary
Tomson (seal)
Memorandum that on ye first day of July 1696.
The Widdow Mary Tomson & Relict of Mr John
Tomson late of Middlebury deceased Did Declare her Consent unto and aceaplation
of ye particulars above written to her full Satisfaction In
Testimony hereof ye said Widdow Mary Tomson hath hereunto set her
hand and Seal on ye Day and year above mentioned.
Signed & Sealed in ye presence The
# mark of ye Widdoe
of John Trasie[?] Mary
Tomson (seal)
John
Soul.
Memorand~ ye 8th day of July 1696 ye
within named John Tomson Jacob Tomson Thomas Tomson and Peter Tomson all of
them Came personally before me ye Subscriber Judge of probate and owned and
acknowledged the within written Instrument of Agreement to be their act &
Deed And that ye same shall be good & binding to themselves and their
Severall heirs for Ever
William
Bradford
Memorand~ ye same 8th day of July 1696
Joseph King one of ye Witnesses to ye within written
Instrument appeared and made oath Before me ye Subscriber Judge of probate that
he was present and saw ye within Named John Tomson Jacob Tomson Thomas Tomson
Peter Tomson Thomas Tabor William Road Elizabeth Swift Sarah Tomson James Soul
and Mercy Tomson Every of them sign & seal the within written Instrument of
Agreement as their act & Deed. And ye Mary ye Wife of
Thomas Tabor and Lidia ye wife of James Soul were present at ye
doing of ye same And that he said King subscribed as witness to said
agreement and that he then saw Margaret Price ye other witness
Subscribe with him as a witness also
William
Bradford
An Inventory of ye Estate of Lieut John
Tomson late of Middlebury deceased
Taken and Apprised by us whose names are under written on ye
first of July 1696
[Totaled £1559.0.9]
John Trasie[?]
John Soul
Thomas Faunce
The Executors John Tomson, Jacob Tomson, Thomas Tomson and
Peter Tomson gave their oath to the inventory on 8 July 1696.
*
Transcribed with difficulty by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
Know All Men by these presents, That I John Tomson of the
Town of Halifax in the County of Plimouth in New England being at this present
time under many bodily Infirmities; Yet of a sound and Disposing Memory and
understanding, Blessed be God for the same, and being Senciable of my own
Mortality and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye doe make and
Ordain this to be my last Will and Testament to Remain Firm & Inviolable
for ever,
Imprs. I
give and Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Elizabeth Tomson the use and
Improvement of the one half of my Dwelling house and one third part of the
Barn, and also the use & Improvement and Income of the one third part of
all the Improved Lands and Meadows belonging to my Homestead which lyeth there
Adjoyning togather during her Widowhood
Item. I
Give and Bequeath unto my son John Tomson and his Heirs and assigns forever,
All my Homestead whereon I now Dwell that is to say, all my Lands Meadows &
Swamps which lyeth there Joyning togather in the Township of Halifax Aforesd.
with all the Buildings & fences thereon; only Reserveing unto My Loving
wife Elizabeth Tomson the use and Improvement of the One half of the Dwelling
House, and one third part of the Barn, and the use and Improvement & Income
of the One third part of all the Improved lands & Meadows thereof during
her Widow hood as aforesaid, also Reserving unto my Daughter Lydia Tomson the
liberty & privilege to Live in sd. Dwelling House during the
time she lives Unmarried, if She see Cause
Also I Give
and Bequeath unto my son John Tomson and his Heirs & Assigns forever all my
right and Interes in the second lott of Cedar Swamp in the purchase called the
Majors Purchase now in the Township of Halifax aforesd. And also all
that my seven Twelphs parts of the Second Lott in Number in the purchase called
the Snipetuer, purchase lying in the Township of Rochester and also all that my
Half Lot of meadow lying in the meadow called Winatruxett meadow with my Right &
Interest in the six acres of land Adjoyning thereto; which Half Lott of Meadow
and Interest in said Six acres of land fell unto me in the Settlement of the
Estate of my Brother Frances Thomson Deced~~
Item, I
give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth Fuller and her Heirs & assigns
for ever all that my lott of land containing Twenty five acres (be it more or
Less) Lying and Being in the purchase of Land called the Six & twenty mens
Purchase and is in Number the twenty sixth Lott in the Allotment of five &
twenty acre Lotts in said purchase~~
Item, I
give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Lydia Tomson and her Heirs and assigns
forever, All that my Lott of Land lying on the Neck called Assawamsett Neck in
the Township of Middleboro’ and is in Number the Sixty Seventh Lott on said
Neck~~
Item I Give
and Bequeath unto my son John Tomson One of my Guns which he shall chuse and my
Sword, and my Cart & Wheals & Plow and also all my tools and Tackling
both for Carpentry & Husbandry
Item I Give
and Bequeath all My other Moveable Estate whatsoever both without Doors &
within Doors, and debts due unto me (after my Just Debts and Funerall charges,
and Charge of Settling my Estate are first paid out of the same) in manner
following that is to Say, I Give unto my Loving wife Elizabeth Tomson the one
half thereof to be at her own Disposing, and the Other half thereof I Give unto
my three Children John Tomson, Elizabeth Fuller, and Lydia Tomson the same to
be equally Divided between them; And My Will is that my son John Tomson Shall
provide fire Wood brot. to the Doore & Cutt fit for the fire, as
much as my Loving wife Elizabeth Tomson shall have Occation to use for the fire
during the time that She Remains my Widow; And my Will is that my Loving Wife
Elizabeth Tomson and My son John Tomson shall be Execrs. Of this My
Last Will & Testament, thus Hoping that this my last Will & Testament
will be keept and performed according to the True Intent and Meaning thereof I
Committ my Body to the Dust and my Soul to God that Gave it, In Witness whereof
I the aforesd. John Tomson have hereunto sett my hand and seal, this
Eleventh day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and fifty seven
Signed Sealed & Declared by the his
Abovenamed John Tomson to be his John
ß Tomson (seal)
last Will and Testament, In the presence of us, mark
Jacob Tomson
Moses Inglee
Ephraim Soule
Presented for probate on 5 July 1757 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by Jacob Tomson, Moses Inglee, and Ephraim Soul, the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 312-314, from FHL microfilm
#0551542.
Will of John Tomson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1766) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
I John Tomson of Middleborough in the county of Plimouth in
the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England yeoman, being sick &
weak in body, but of a sound & disposing mind & memory blessed be God
for the same, wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing
that it is appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last
will & testament to stand & remain firm & inviolable forever,
principally & first of all I give & recomend my soul unto God that gave
it, & my body I recommend unto the dust to be buried in decent christian
burial at the discretion of my executor hereafternamed, nothing doubting but at
the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of
God, & as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleasd.
God to bless me with, I do dispose of the same in the following manner &
form.
Imprimis, I give & bequeath unto my true &
wellbeloved wife Sarah Tomson all the houshold goods she brought with her unto
me & also two cows, four sheep, & my grey mare, pannel & bridle,
& also my flower,d curtains, & also the one third part of all the
houshold goods I have added to my estate since I was married to her, my other
pare of curtains excepted out of the same, the aforesd. legacies to
be her own & her heirs forever, I also give unto my sd. wife
liberty of living in & improving the best room in my house & also the
improvement of one half the chamber in sd. house & one half of
the cellar under the same so long as she shall remain my widdow provided she
shall improve the same herself & not otherwise, I also give & bequeath
unto my aforesaid wife six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence a year
& every year so long as she shall remain my widdow, out of the produce of
my farm in such a way & manner as I shall hereafter order in this my last
will & testament & I also give unto my sd. wife the
improvement of one acre of land for a garden lying on the southeasterly corner
of the land that I shall give unto my son Isaac so long as she shall remain my
widdow: & also six cords of wood for maintaining her fire yearly &
every year during the aforesd. term in such a manner as I shall
hereafter order, also I give unto her the use of my orchard, viz, to get &
to use as many apples as she shall need for her own use during the said term.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Shubael Tomson &
to his heirs forever all that part of my homestead farm that lieth unto the
southward of the partition wall that divides my farm above the road & so
the same course that the wall runs from the head unto the foot of the upland,
with the buildings & fences on the same now standing (Excepting one half of
the corn house which I shall dispose off hereafter). And also the lot of meadow
lying at the foot of sd. land that was my honrd. father
Shubael Tomson,s. also I give him one half of my husbandry tools & tackling
& one pair of oxen, & also give unto him my desk, & my will is
& I do hereby order my said son Shubael to render & pay unto my
aforesaid wife two pounds, sixteen shillings & eight pence a year &
every year so long as she remains my widdow out of the produce of his lands at
a reasonable price as indifferent men shall judge, & I also order my said
son Shubael to cut & draw fit for the fire three cords of fire wood yearly
& every year off the land I shall give to my son Ezra, for the use of my
said wife, during the term she shall remain my widdow.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Isaac Tomson all that
part of my homestead farm that lieth unto the northward of the wall that
divides said farm above the road, & so the same course that the wall runs
from the head unto the foot of the upland & also all the meadow that I own
in the upper-meadow (so called) that is not before given away by this will,
together with one half of my corn house standing on Shubael,s part, & also
one half of my husbandry tools & tackling together with my colt, to be
delivered to him by my Executor at the age of one year old the aforesd.
legacy to be his & his heirs forever. & further my will is & I do
hereby order my said son Isaac to render & pay unto my aforesaid wife three
pounds, six shillings & eight pence yearly & every year so long as she
shall remain my widdow, out of the produce of his lands at a price that
reasonable men shall judge, & also I order my said son Isaac to cut &
draw three cords of fire wood fit for the fire, off the land that I shall give
to my son Ezra, yearly & every year for the use of my sd. wife
during the term she remains my wido.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my son John Tomson & his
heirs forever all my lands that I bought of Lieut. Nelson Finney
& also six pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid out of my
moveable estate by my Executor hereafter named, & also my will is & I
do hereby order my aforesd. son John to render & pay to my
aforesd. wife ten shillgs. a year & every year so
long as she shall remain my widdow out of the produce of his land at a price as
indifferent men shall judge. – Item. I give & bequeath unto my son Ezra
Tomson & his heirs forever two lots of land & quarter of a sawmill that
I bot. of Isaac Tinkham & my lot of land I bo,t of Ebenezer
Porter & wife all lying in the south purchase in Middleborough aforesd.
& my lot of meadow I bo’t of Dotey, & heirs lying in the lower meadows
in the 26. mens purchase in sd. Middleboro’. And further my will is
that in case any of my aforesd. sons shall die under the age of
twentyone years & leaving no issue then his or their parts to be divided
equally amongst their surviving brothers.
Item. I give unto my said four sons, namely Shubael, Isaac,
John, & Ezra, all my arms & wearing apparel to be equally divided
between them. –
Item. I give & bequeath unto my six daughters namely,
Susanna Thomas, Lidia Tomson, Sarah Tomson, Fear Tomson, Priscilla Tomson,
& Mary Tomson, All the remainder of my moveable estate both indoor &
out (not given away) to be equally divided between them after my just debts
& funeral charges being first paid out of them allowing six pounds to be
deducted out of Susanna,s part, for what she had at the time of her marriage.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my youngest daughter Mary
Tomson the use & improvement of my lot of land lying in Pachade purchase in
sd. middleborough untill she shall arrive to the age of seven years
old, in case she shall live to that age to be improvd. by her mother
for her bring up to sd. age. & at the expiration of said term of
her arriving to the age of seven years I give & bequeath unto my aforesd.
six daughters & their heirs forever the aforesd. lot of land
lying in Pachade purchase as aforesd. to be equally divided between
them, excepting Mary the youngest of my sd. daughters & she to
have an equal share in but two thirds of sd. lot. & I also give
& bequeath unto my abovenamed daughters my pew in the gallery in the
meetinghouse equally divided between them. my will is that in case any or
either of my above named daughters should die before they arrive to the age of
twenty one years & having no issue then her or there part to be equally
divided among the surviving sisters.
Item. I give unto my aforesaid sons namely Shubael &
Isaac my pew below in the meeting house reserving so much of sd. pew
as is necessary for my sd. wife to improve for herself so long as
she lives my widdow: as also all other real estate that I have not disposd.
of before by this will I give to my aforesd. sons Shubael &
Isaac & there heirs forever.
Lastly. My will is & I do hereby appoint my son Shubael
Tomson sole Executor of this my last will & testament, thus hoping this my
last will & testament will be kept & performed according unto the true
intent & meaning of it. In testimony whereof I the beforenamed John Tomson
have hereunto set my hand & seal the twelvth day of May one thousand seven
hundred & Sixty six. 1766.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declard.
by sd. John Tomson to be his last will &
testamt. John Tomson (seal)
in presence of us,
Daniel Vaughn, Jos Tinkham, & Jabez Vaughn.
Presented for probate on 4 Aug. 1766 by Shubael Tomson the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joseph Tinkham Esqr. and Jabez
Vaughn junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were
granted to Shubael Tomson, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Tomson, late of
Middleboro’, was appraised on 10 July 1766 by Joseph Tinkham, Daniel Vaughn,
and Isaac Tinkham, and totaled £945.6.2, including his homestead farm with the
buildings and meadows valued at £466.13.4, the farm he bought of Nelson Finney
valued at £66.13.4, his Pachade farm valued at £93.6.8, and several other
parcels of land. Shubael Tomson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
on 4 Aug. 1766.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 382-385, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Martha Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
Know all Men by these presents, that I Martha Tomson of the
town of Hallifax in the county of Plymouth in New-England, being at this time
labouring under many bodily infirmities yet of a sound & disposing memory
& understanding, blessed be God for the same, and being sensible of my own
mortality, and knowing that it is appointed for all persons once to die, do
make & ordain this to be my Last will & testament to remain firm and
inviolable forever. –
Imprs. I give and bequeath unto my sister Sarah
Tomson the whole use, improvement, & income of all my estate both real
& personal, during her natural life. ~
Item, I give and bequeath unto Peter Tomson junr.
& Nathan Tomson (sons of my brother Thomas Tomson deced, and to their heirs
& assigns forever, all that my one third part of the fourth lot in number
in the first allotment of hundred acres lots in the purchase of Land called the
Six & twenty mens purchase in Middleborough, and also all that my one third
part of the two acres of meadow lying at Namasket-river (so called) adjoining
to the aforesaid Lot of land; only reserving unto my sister Sarah Tomson, the use
& improvement thereof during her natural life, as aforesaid.
Item, I give & bequeath unto the children of my brother
Jacob Tomson deced, and to their heirs & assigns forever to be equally
divided among them, all that my one half of that tract of Land whereon I now
dwell in Hallifax aforesaid, (the whole tract containing by estimation twenty
acres be it more or less) together with the one half the buildings & fences
thereon; only reserving unto my sister Sarah Tomson the whole use, improvement
& income thereof during her natural life as aforesaid. –
Item, I give and bequeath unto Peter Tomson junr.,
Francis Tomson, Nathan Tomson, & James Tomson (sons of my brother Thomas
Tomson deced) the one half of all my personal estate whatsoever, which shall be
remaining at the time of my sister Sarah Tomson’s decease, my just debts &
funeral charges being first paid out of said personal estate; the same to be
equally divided among them. ~
Item, I give and bequeath unto the children of my brother
Jacob Tomson deced the other half of all my personal estate whatsoever which
shall be remaining at the time of my sister Sarah Tomson’s decease; my just
debts & funeral charges being first paid out of said personal estate, the
same to be equally divided among them.
And my
will is that the above-named Peter Tomson junr. shall be Executor of
this my Last will & testament. – Thus hoping that this my Last will &
testament will be kept & performed according to the true intent &
meaning thereof, I commit my body to the dust and my soul to God that gave it. In Witness whereof I the aforesaid Martha
Tomson have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July one thousand,
seven hundred & sixty. ~
Signed sealed & declared by the above- her
named Martha Tomson to be her Last Martha M Tomson (seal)
will & testament, in presence of us. mark
Jacob
Tomson
William
Torrey
Jacob
Tomson Jr.
Presented for probate on 16 May 1770 by Peter Tomson junior,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Tomson and Jacob Tomson junior,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Peter Tomson
junr., the Executor.
the Inventory of the estate of Martha Tomson late of
Hallifax, was appraised on 15 June 1770 by Ebenezer Tomson, Moses Inglee, and
Hosea Dunbar, and totaled £139.18.2¼, including her real estate valued at
£111.6.8. Peter Tomson junior, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 360-361, 451, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Mary Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1756) *
In the Name of God Amen I Mary Tomson of Hallifax in the
county of Plymouth widow, Relict of Thomas Tomson Late of said Halifax
deceased, being of perfect mind & memory do make & ordain this to be my
Last Will & testament—First & principally I resign my Soul into the
merciful hands of almighty God, hoping thro’ the merits of Christ for eternal
Life, my body I commit to the earth to be decently buryed according to the
discretion of my Executor—and as for my worldly Estate, after Just debts &
Funeral expences are paid, I Give & bequeath the same as follows
Imprimis—I order that my Estate shall be divided into six
equal Shares and I Give to my Sons Reuben, Thomas, Amasa, Ebenezer &
Zebediah each of them one Share, and to the Heirs of my daughter Mary Waterman
deceased one share—and whereas all my Children have Enter’d into Bonds to pay
me a certain sum yearly towards my maintenance during my natural Life, I here
order that if any of them are in arrears at my decease not having paid their
proportion, that so much as is behind shall be deducted out of their share of
my Estate as being already paid
Lastly—I constitute & appoint my Son Ebenezer to be the
Sole Executor to this my Last Will & testament—In witness whereof I the
said Mary Tomson have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal this First day of May
Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & Fifty Six 1756
Signed, Sealed & declared to be her
Her Last will & testament in Mary M Tomson (seal)
presence of mark
John
Cotton
Hannah
Cotton
Lucy
Dyre
Presented for probate on 4 July 1781 by Ebenezer Tomson Esqr,
the Executor therein named, and proved by John Cotton Esqr. and Lucy
Dyre, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Ebenezer
Tomson Esqr, the before named Executor.
Moses Inglee, Jacob Tomson, and Judah Wood, all of Halifax,
yeomen, were appointed to appraiser the estate of Mary Tomson, late of Halifax,
widow, on 4 July 1781. The Inventory, dated 7 July 1781, totaled £40.11.9, no
real estate. Ebenezer Tomson Esqr, the Executor, gave his oath to
the inventory on 2 Dec. 1782.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 28, pp. 182-184, 521-522, from FHL
microfilm #0550715.
Will of Reuben
Tomson of
In the name of God amen I Reuben
Tomson of Halifax in the county of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, yeoman, being somewhat under decays of my body but of a sound
and disposing mind & memory blessed be God for the same, wherefore calling
to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die, do make and ordain this to be my Last will & testament, to
stand & remain firm & inviolable forever, principally & first of
all, I give & recommend my soul unto God that gave it and my body I
recommend unto the dust, to be buried in a decent christian burial, at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing doubting but that at the
general resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by ye mighty
power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God
to bless me with, I do dispose of the same, in the following manner and form
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath unto
my true & well beloved wife, Sarah Tomson, and to her heirs & assigns
forever, the one third part of all my personal Estate (that shall remain after
my just debts, funeral charges & the expence of settling my Estate is first
taken out of all my sd personal Estate, I also Give and bequeath to
my said beloved wife, the use and improvement of one third part of all my real
Estate so long as she shall remain my widow, and no longer, the Foregoing I
mean to include my wifes right of Dower and power of thirds in my estate
Item—I
Give and bequeath to my eldest Daughter Deborah Reed, wife to Micah Reed, &
to her heirs and assigns forever, the one fourth part of all the remaining
residue of my estate, after my said wife’s Dower, my said just debts, funeral
charges & expence of settling my estate, is taken out, and is to include ye
one fourth part of that part of my real Estate, that I by this my Last will
have given the use & improvement of to my said beloved wife, when she shall
cease to be my widow
Item—I
Give and bequeath, unto my Daughter Lucy Drew, wife to Thos Drew the
use & improvement of the one fourth part of all my real & personal
Estate after my afore mentioned beloved wife hath recieved her Dower, as is
before mentioned in this my Last will & testament, and after my just debts,
funeral charges and the expence of settling my Estate is first taken out, and
to include the use & improvement of one fourth part of that part of my real
Estate, that I have given the use and improvement of to my aforesaid beloved
wife so long as she shall remain my widow, when she shall cease to be my widow,
the afore mentioned articles as I have mentioned them in their order, for my
said daughter Lucy, I Give the use & improvement of them to her, during her
natural Life, and at her decease my will is and I do hereby give & bequeath
the same to all of her children, and to their heirs and assigns forever
Item—I
Give and bequeath to my Daughter Joanna Tomson and to her heirs and assigns
forever, one fourth part of all my real & personal Estate after my
aforesaid beloved wife hath first recieved her Dower as mentioned in this my
Last will and after my said just debts, funeral charges & the expence of
settling my estate is first taken out, and to include one fourth part of all of
that part of my real estate that I, by this my last will, haven given the
improvement of to my said beloved wife so long as she shall remain my widow,
when she shall cease to be my widow
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my three grand children namely Reuben Tomson Abel Tomson
and Abigail Noice wife to Nehemiah Noice, who were sons & Daughter to my
son—Andrew Tomson deceased, to them & to their heirs & assigns forever
the remaining part or quarter of my real and personal Estate after my aforesaid
beloved wife hath first recieved her Dower before mentioned in this my Last
will and after my just debts, funeral charges & the expence of settling of
my Estate that I by this my Last will have given the use of to my said beloved
wife, so long as she shall remain my widow, when she shall cease to be my
widow, the same I give to them, with this reserve only, to reserve to their
mother Judith Tomson widow of my said son Andrew Tomson deceased, the use &
improvement of the one third part of their shares in my said estate, so long as
she shall remain my said son Andrew Tomson’s widow, and no longer – furthermore
my will is and I do hereby give to my daughter in law, the said Judith Tomson,
the use and improvement of one third part of that part of my Estate that I have
by this my Last will given to her afore named three children, so long as she
shall remain my said son Andrew Tomson’s deced’s widow, and no longer
Lastly—my will is, and I do hereby
appoint my trusty friend Isaac Sherman Esqr of Middlebo
in the County of Plymouth aforesaid Sole Executor of this my Last will &
testament, thus hoping that this my Last will and testament, will be kept and
performed according to the true intent and meaning of it—In Testimony whereof I
the before named Reuben Tomson have hereunto set my hand & seal, this
twenty eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord Seven hundred &
eighty eight
Signed, Sealed, Published,
pronounced &
declared by ye
aforenamed Reuben Tomson Reuben Tomson (seal)
to be his Last will & testament
in the pre-
sence of us the subscribers
Zenas
Cushman
Susanna
Cushman
James
Tinkham
The will of Reuben Tomson, late of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Sarah Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
Know all Men by these presents That I Sarah Tomson of the
town of Hallifax, in the county of Plymouth in New-England, being at this time
labouring under many bodily infirmities, yet of a sound & disposing memory
and understanding blessed be God for the same, and being sensible of my own
mortality, and knowing that it is appointed for all persons once to die, do
make & ordain this to be my last will & testament, to remain firm and
inviolable forever. ~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my sister Martha Tomson,
the whole use, improvement, and income of all my estate both real &
personal, during her natural life. –
Item, I give & bequeath unto Peter Tomson junr.
& Nathan Tomson (sons of my brother Thomas Tomson deced) and to their heirs
& assigns forever, all that my one third part of the fourth Lot in number
in the first allotment of hundred acres Lots, in the purchase of Land called
the six & twenty men’s purchase in Middleborough.– And also all that my one
third part of the two acres of meadow lying at Namasket river (so called)
adjoining to the aforesaid Lot of land only reserving unto my sister Martha
Tomson the use and improvement there of during her natural life as aforesaid.
Item. I give and bequeath unto the children of my brother
Jacob Tomson deced, and to their heirs and assigns forever, to be equally
divided among them, all that my one half of that tract of land whereon I now
dwell in Hallifax aforesaid the whole tract containing by estimation twenty
acres, (be it more or less) together with the one half of the buildings &
fences thereon, only reserving unto my sister Martha Tomson the whole use,
improvement & income thereof, during her natural life as aforesd.
Item, I give and bequeath unto Peter Tomson junr.
Francis Tomson, & Nathan Tomson, and James Tomson (sons of my brother
Thomas Tomson deced) the one half of all my personal estate whatsoever, which
shall be remaining at the time of my sister Martha Tomson’s decease, my just
debts and funeral charges, being first paid out of said personal estate, the
same to be equally divided among them. ~
And my will is that
the above-named Peter Tomson junr. shall be executor of this my last
will and testament, Thus hoping that this my last will and testament will be
kept and performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof, I commit
my body to the dust, and my soul to God that gave it. – In witness whereof I
the aforesaid Sarah Tomson have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of
July one thousand, seven hundred & sixty. ~
Signed, sealed, & declared by the her
abovenamed Sarah Tomson to be Sarah S Tomson (seal)
her last will & testament in the mark
presence of us. Jacob
Tomson
William
Torrey
Jacob
Tomson junr.
Presented for probate on 7 Jan. 1771 by Peter Tomson jr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Tomson and Jacob Tomson junr.,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Peter Tomson
junr., the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Sarah Tomson, late of
Hallifax, was appraised on 15 Jan. 1771 by Ebenezer Tomson, Moses Inglee, and
Hosea Dunbar, and totaled £135.13.0, including her real estate valued at
£111.6.8. Peter Tomson junr. the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 20 Mar. 1771.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 456-457, 485, from FHL
microfilm #0550711.
Will of Shubael Tomson of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen. ~
I Shubael Tomson of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth
in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England husbandman, being weak
in body, but of a sound and disposing mind and memory blessed be God for the
same, Wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this to be my Last
will & testament to remain firm & inviolable forever. Principally and first of all, I give and
recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recomend to
the dust to be buried in a christian-like decent manner, at the discretion of
my executor hereafter-mentioned, nothing doubting at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with all in this life
I do dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
Imprs. I give and bequeath unto my true and
welbeloved wife Ruth Tomson, the one third part of all my indoors movables, and
also my three years old cow, and also the best of my swine forever, and also I
give unto her the use & improvement of all my real estate, she paying unto
my mother Sarah Tomson out of it the legacy expressed in my father’s will
yearly, so long as till my son Shubael Tomson shall arrive to the age of seven
years, and if he should die before that age, then my will is that she should not
enjoy no more than her thirds no longer than till my daughter Susanna should
arrive to the age of nine years, and if neither of my children should live to
the age aforesaid, then my will is that she should enjoy no more than her
thirds; and also I give unto her the improvement of my right in my dwelling
house, and my small swarm of bees, and a right for herself in my pew on the
floor in the meeting-house, so long as she shall remain my widdow. – The above
expressed particulars as I have given them in their order, I mean them to be my
wife,s dower or power of thirds. –
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Shubael all my real
estate whereon I now dwell with my right in the pond-oar in the proprietor’s
purchase, and my wearing apparel, and my right in the pew in the gallery, and
also my desk & my great bottle, to him, his heirs & assigns forever. –
And now after my just debts & funeral-charges are first paid, I give &
bequeath all the remaining part and residue of my estate unto my daughter
Susanna to her, her heirs & assigns forever. And my will is that my son
Shubael pay unto his sister Susanna the sum of thirteen pounds, six shillings
& eight pence when he shall arrive at the
of two & twenty years, and my will is that if either my children
should die, before they arrive to the age of twenty one years, and leaving no
issue, that then the surviving shoud, have the other part of my said
estate, and if both my children should die leaving no lawful issue that then my
real estate shall be equally divided between my breth’ren, and my personal
estate among my sisters in equal proportion.
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my Loving brother
Isaac Tomson sole executor of this my Last will & testament, hoping that
this my Last will & testament will be kept & performed according to the
true intent & meaning of it. And also I give unto my brother Isaac the use
of my desk & writings until my son Shubael arriveth to the age of twenty
one years. – In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal this twentieth day of January one thousand,
seven hundred & seventy 1770. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared Shubael Tomson (seal)
by the sd. Shubael Tomson to be his Last will
& testamt.
in presence of us. Francis
Tomson
Jacob
Soule
William
Shaw
Presented for probate on 6 Mar. 1770 by Isaac Tomson of
Middleborough, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Soule and
William Shaw, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Isaac Tomson, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Shubael Tomson, late of
Middleborough, was appraised by Isaac Tinkham, James Cobb, and Francis Tomson,
not dated, but totaled £324.17.6, including his homestead buildings, fences and
meadow at the foot valued at £233.3.4. The appraisers gave their oath to the
inventory on 26 Mar. 1770, and Isaac Tomson, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 17 May 1770.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 358-359, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Thomas Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1759) *
Know all men by these Presents that I Thomas Tomson of the
Town of Hallifax in the County of Plymouth in New England being at this Present
Time under many Bodily Infirmitie yet of a Sound and Desposing Memory and
understanding Blessed be God for the Same and being Senscable of my own
mortality and Knowing that it is appointed for all men onc To Die Do make and
ordain this To be my last will and Testament to Remain Firm and Inviolable
forever – Imprimis I Give and Bequeth unto my well Beloved wife Martha Tomson
the use & Improvement of the one half of my Dwelling house During her
widdowhood Itm. I Give and
Bequeth unto my two Sons Peter Tomson and Nathan Tomson all my homstead Land
whereon I now Dwel that is To Say all my lands meddows & Swamps which Lye
there Joyning together with all the buildings and fences thereon standing the
Same to be Equally Devided between Them: only Reserving unto my Loving wife
Martha Tomson the use & Improvement of the one half of my Dwelling house
During her widdowhood as aforesaid: Also I give & Bequeth unto my Said Two
sons Peter Tomson & Nathan Tomson my half Lot of meddow Lying on the South
Side of the Brook Called Colchester brook in the meddows in the meddows Called
Winnetuxet meddow in Plimtown together with my one half of the Two acres Land
Joyning to the South Side of said meddow and also all that my Seventh lot in
the fifth Division or Shear in the Second Lot in the great Cedar Swamp in the
Purchase Called the Majors Purchase now in the Town Ship of Hallifax aforesaid
the Same to be Equally Devided them Itm.
I give & bequeth unto my Son Peter Tomson one Third part of the fourth Lot
in Number in the first allotment of hundred acres lots in the Six & twenty
mens Purchase So Called Lying in the Township of Midleborough and Buttetts upon
Namasket River together with one third part of the Two acres of meddow on sd.
River at the foot of Said Lot
Item I Give and bequeth unto my two Sons Francis Tomson and
James Tomson my Lot of Land in the Purchas Called Snipetut Purchas Containing
about 204 Acres being In Number the nineteenth Lot and also my lot of Cedar
Swamp lying in great Cedar Swamp in Said Snipotuot Purchas Containing about 28
acres and also my Ninety Six acres of Land Lying in Said Snipotuot Purchas
Joyning unto the South Purchas and also my Right and Intrist which I have in ye.
Second Lot in number in sd. Snipotuot Purchas being Part of sd.
Lot the Same being To be Equally Divided betwen them Itm. I Give & bequeth unto my
Loving wife Martha Tomson Two Cows and my will is that my two sons Peter Tomson
and Nathan Thomson shall Keep the said two Cows for their Mother both winter
and Sumer and To Provide for the hay & grass and they to foder said Cows
for their mother in the Season thereof During her widdowhood and they to have
the Increas of Said Cows and they To make good the Stock if any mishap befall
so as that She may Constantly from Time To time be Provided with Two Cows
During her widdowhood Provided she Dwelleth in my now Dwelling house, and at
the time of her Deceas or marrage the the sd. Peter & Nathan
Shall have the sd. two Cows for their own, and my will is that my
Said two Sons Peter Tomson & Nathan Tomson Shall find for their mother a
hors for her To Ride to meeting and other Plases where she hath ocation During
her widdow hood Provided She Continueth to Dwell in my now Dwelg.
House. And also that my sd. two sons Peter Tomson & Nathan
Tomson Shall fire wood Cutt & Bro’ To the Door for their mother and also
Provide for her meat & Corn Sutable and Sufficient for her During her
widdowhood Provided She Dwelleth in my now Dwelling house
Itm. I give & bequeth unto my aforesd.
wife the one half of all the Rest of my movable Estate whatsoever with the one
half of ye. Monny which I Shall have at the time of my Deceas and
the one half of the Debts Due unto me) my Just Debts and funeral Charges being
first Paid out of said Movable Estate the Same to be for her Comfortl.
Subsistance and to be at her own Disposing and the other half of my said
moveable Estate monny & Debts Due unto me my Just Debts and Funerall
Charges being first Paid as aforesd. Shall be Equally Devided among
my four Sons Peter Tomson Francis Tomson Nathan Tomson & James Tomson and
my will is that My Loving wife Martha Tomson Shall be Executrix and that my Two
Sons Peter Tomson and Francis Thomson Shall be Executor of this my last will
and Testament thus hopeing that this my Last will & Testament will be Kept
and Performed according to the Trew Intent and meaning thereof I Commit my Body
to the Dust & my Soule To God that gave it In witnis whereof I the aforesd.
Thomas Tomson have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 7th Day of
July one thousand seven hundred & fifty nine.
Signd Seald. Declared by the his
afore named Thomas Tomson Thos. +
Tomson
To be his Last will & Testament mark
In the Presents of us
Jacob Tomson
Nathan Tincom
Jacob Tomson Jur.
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1760 by the Executors therein
named, and proved by Jacob Tomson, Nathan Tinkham and Jacob Tomson Junr.,
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to his wife Martha Tomson
and his Two sons Peter Tomson and Francis Tomson, the Executors on 7 Apr. 1760.
A True Inventory of all the Estate Real and Personal That
Thomas Tomson Late of Hallifax deceased Died Seized of apprized on 23 Apr. 1760
by Joseph Bozworth, Ebenezer Tomson and Moses Inglee, and totaled £848.0.8,
including his real estate valued at £606.16. Peter Thomson Junr. and
Francis Tomson, the Excrs, gave their oath to the inventory on 30
Apr. 1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, pp. 479-481, 500, from FHL
microfilm #0551543.
Will of Zebadiah Tomson of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
In the Name of God Amen I Zebadiah Tomson of Hallefax in the
County of Plymouth In New-England tho of a Weak Body Yet being of Perfect Mind
& Memory Do make & Ordain this to be my Last Will & Testament First
& Principally I Resign my Soul into the Mercifull hands of Almighty God
hoping thro’ the Merits of Christ for Eternal Life my Body I Commit to the
Earth to be decently Buried According to the Discretion of my Executor & as
for my Worldly Estate After Just Debts & funeral Expences are paid I Give
& Bequeath the Same to my Seven Children to them & to their Heirs &
Assigns forever in Manner as follows ~
Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Son Thomas Tomson a
Certain Parcel of my Homestead Land Being the South Westerly Side Thereof &
is thirty four Pole in Breadth on a Parallel Line from the South Westerly Side
of my Said Homestead Land Also all the Building on said land Except the Corn
House And Also Liberty for my Two Youngest Daughters to live In my Dwelling
House till Time of Marriage. Item I Give & Bequeath to my Son Thomas all
that Part of my Fresh Meadow which Lyeth on the River Down Stream of a Certain
Little Brook which Runeth Across Said Meadow Item I Give & Bequeath to my
son Thomas a Certain Parcel of Cedar Swamp in the Six and Twenty Mens Purchase
so called said Parcel of Swamp I Bought of Lieut. Moses Standish by
Deed Bearing Date Tenth June 1763 – Also my Gun
Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Zebediah Tomson A
Certain Parcel of my Homestead Land being Thirty Six Pole in Breadth on a
Parallel Line from the North Easterly Side of the Said Land which I have Given
to my Son Thomas Also my corn House Said Corn House to be Removed of the Land I
have Given to my son Thomas by that Time my Son Thomas in One & Twenty
Years of Age Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Zebediah my Sword & also
my War Stores ~
Item I Give and Bequeath to my son Moses Tomson all the
Remaining Part of my Homestead Land which I have not Already Given Away to my
Sons Thomas & Zebediah being the North Easterly side Thereof – Item I Give
and Bequeath to my Son Moses a Certain Parcel of Land which I bought of Moses
Inglee by Deed bearing Date the 16 September 1756. also my Desk. Item I Give
& Bequeath to my Son Moses my Pew in Hallefax Meeting House Also my Right
in the Stable ~ Item I Give & Bequeath to my sons Zebediah and Moses all that
Part of my Fresh Meadow which Lyeth on the River upstream of the afors’d.
Little Brook to be Equally divided between them Also my Will is that Such Corn
Meat or Other Provisions that may be in the House or on the Farm at my Decease
so much as Shall be Wanted Shall be for the Famalys Use that Year Also my Will
is that all the Profits of all the Afors’d Lands and Meadows till my Son Thomas
is Twenty One Years of Age Shall be for the Use & Benefit of Such Children
of Mine as are not Able to Get their Living by Labour or Such as may be Sick
Also my Will is that my Son Thomas at the Age of Twenty One Years Shall pay
unto my four Daughters Rebecca Wood Zerviah Fuller Marcy Tomson & Rachel
Tomson Three Pounds a Piece ~ Item I Give & Bequeath to my Sons Thomas
Zebediah and Moses all my Wearing Apparrel to be Equally divided between them.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my four Daughters Rebeccah Woods Zerviah Fuller
Marcy Tomson and Rachel Tomson a Certain Parcel of Cedar Swamp which I Bought
of Blaney Phillips by Deed bearing Date 20th March 1761 ~ & is
Part of the Third Share In the Third Great Lot in the Majors Purchase so Called
Said Swamp to be Equally divided between them.
Item I Give & Bequeath to my Daughters Rebecca Zerviah
Marcy & Rachel all my Moveable Estate that I have not Already Given Away to
be Equally divided, between them after my Daughter Rebecca has taken out four
Pounds Two Shillings & Six pence & my Daughters Marcy & Rachel has
taken out Thirty One Pounds Three Shillings Six pence a Piece to make them
Equal with So much that my Daughter Zerviah has Already Receivd ~
Lastly I Constitute and Appoint my Brother Ebenezar Tomson to
be the Sole Executor to this my Last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I
the Said Zebediah Tomson have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Third Day of
August Anno Dom. One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy three 1773
Signed Sealed and Declared
to be his Last Will & Testament Zebadiah Tomson (seal)
In Presence of
Hosea Dunbar
Jacob Tomson
Zechariah Eddy Junr.
Presented for probate on 6 Nov. 1775 by Ebenezar Tomson, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Hosea Dunbar, Jacob Tomson and Zechariah
Eddy Junr., the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Ebenezar Tomson, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Zebadiah Tomson, late of
Hallefax, was appraised on 14 Nov. 1775 by Moses Inglee, Jacob Tomson, and
Judah Wood, and totaled £748.4.3, including his real estate valued £563.6.8.
Ebenezar Tomson, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 4 Dec. 1775.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 24, p. 39-42, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Caleb Torrey of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1765) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The sixteenth day of July anno Domini one thousand, seven
hundred & sixtyfive, I Caleb Torrey of Scituate in the county of Plymouth
in New England gentleman, being aged and under infirmity of body, but of a
sound mind & memory, thanks be given to GOD for it Therefore calling to
mind the mortality of my body, and knowing it is apointed to man once to die,
do therefore make & ordain this my Last will & testament in manner
& form following, viz. ~~ Imprimis,
I give and bequeath to my welbeloved wife Mary Torrey the use and improvement
of one half of my land where I now dwell on both sides of the highway, and also
one third part of the buildings standing on the same, and also one third part
of all my land lying in the county of Barnstable, to whole the same during the
whole term of her natural life, saving any part thereof I may dispose off by
deed hereafter. Also I give to my said wife, her heirs & assigns forever
one fifth part of about 500 acres of land granted by the General-court to be
layd. out in the original right of Paul Gillford, as he was a
soldier in the Canada expedition in the year 1690, Also I give her one half of
my household goods and one half of my out-doors movable estate. — Item I give
to my daughters Ruth Torrey, Mary Torrey, Deborah Torrey and Hannah Torrey
their heirs & assigns forever, about 500 acres of land granted by said
court to be lay’d out in the original right of John Silvester as he was a
soldier in the expedition aforesaid, to be divided among them in manner
following, that is to say, the said Ruth to have two fifths thereof, and the
other each of them one fifth part thereof. Also I give them the other half of
my household goods to be equally divided among them, also I give them the
privilege of living in the chamber at the southwest corner of my house so long
as they live unmarried. –
Item,
I give to my son James Torrey his heirs & assigns forever about 500 acres
of land, be it more or less which was granted by said court to be layd.
out in the original right of James Glass as he was a soldier in the expedition
aforesaid.
Item,
I give to my son George Torrey his heirs & assigns forever about 500 acres
of land, be it more or less, which was granted by said court to be layd.
out in the original right of Isaac Hanmer as he was a soldier in the expedition
agst. Canada aforesd.
Item,
I give to my sons Caleb Torrey & Isaac Torrey equally between them, their
heirs & assigns forever, all my land lying in Scituate, Hanover &
Pembroke in the county of Plymouth with all the buildings standing on the same,
and also all my land lying in the county of Barnstable, saving the improvement
given as aforesaid, and also all my land lying in the county of Suffolk, and
also all my land lying in Chesterfield in the county of Hampshire. and also
four fifth parts of about 500 acres of land granted by the General court to be
lay’d out in the right of Paul Gillford as he was a soldier in the expedition
aforesaid. And all the rest of my estate real & personal, not before
disposed off in this my will, And all the money due to me on bonds, notes of hand,
and on book, or otherwise. ~
Item. I do hereby order my sons
Caleb Torrey & Isaac Torrey to pay all my just debts, and my funeral
charges, & the charge of setling my estate, equally between them out of the
estate I have given them in this my will. ~
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and apoint my sons Caleb Torrey and Isaac
Torrey to be joint executors of this my last will & testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal the day and year first within-written.—
Signed, sealed & declared by
the sd. Caleb Torrey Caleb Torrey (seal)
to be his last will & testament
in presence of
us witnesses Jos. Cushing
John
Jordan
Joseph
Cushing junr.
Presented for probate on 6 Aug.
1772 by Caleb Torrey and Isaac Torrey, the Executors therein named, and proved
by John Jordan, one of the witnesses thereto subscribed, Joseph Cushing esqr.
and Joseph Cushing junr. both being since deceased. Letters of
Administration were granted to Caleb Torrey and Isaac Torrey, the before named
executors, with Jesse Turner, of Scituate, yeoman, as surety.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 212-213, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Joshua
Torrey of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it remembered, that I Joshua Torrey of
I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Susan Torrey the use and improvement of
all my Estate real and personal during her natural life and if the income
thereof be insufficient for her comfortable maintenance and support I authorize
and empower her to sell and dispose of the whole or any part of the same,
whatever of the said Estate may remain unexpended and undisposed of at the
decease of my wife, I give devise and bequeath to Susan Bennet of the City of
Boston, widow, and her heirs forever.
I
appoint my wife Susan Torrey Executor of this Instrument
In
testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal on this
twenty ninth day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty
six
Joshua Torrey (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Joshua Torrey as his last Will and Testament in presence
of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other subscribed our names
as witnesses,
John
B. Thomas
M.A.F.
Stevenson
J.
N. Stoddard
Presented for probate on 25 Feb.
1839 by Susan Torrey, the Executor, and proved by John B. Thomas and Isaac N.
Stoddard, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Joshua Torrey, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Charlott Totman of Adams, Jefferson
County, New York (1865) *
In the name
of God Amen: I Charlott Totman of Adams Jefferson County & State of New
York of the age of Sixty Six years & being of sound mind & memory do
make publish & declare this my last will & testament in manner
following that is to say:
First. I direct all my just debts & funeral
Expenses to be paid.
Second. I give & bequeath unto my daughters
Relief M. Washburn, Eliza A. Trafton, Charlotte Totman, Sarah B. Heath &
Laura J. Gilbert all my real & personal Estate of Whatever name &
nature to be divided Equally between them Share & Share alike as nearly as
the same may be done ~
Lastly I
hereby appoint Albert B. Gilbert of Adams Sole Executor of this my last will
& testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this Tenth day of October One
Thousand Eight hundred & Sixty five.
Charlott Totman (seal)
The above
instrument Consisting of One sheet was at the date thereof signed sealed
published and declared by the said Charlott Totman as & for her last will
& testament in presence of us who at her request in her presence & in
the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
A J Brown
Adams Jefferson County NY.
John Schram
Adams Jefferson County NY.
Presented
for probate on 19 Jan. 1875 by Albert B. Gilbert, of Adams, Jefferson County,
NY, who listed her heirs as Relief M. Washburn, Laura J. Gilbert and Calvin M.
Totman, all of Adams, Sarah V. Heath of Ellisburgh, all of Jefferson County,
Eliza A. Trafton of Bristol Center, Ontario County, and Charlotte Brown of Lake
City, Minnesota, children of the testatrix all of full age.
Proved by
Arthur J. Brown of the town of Adams on 8 Feb. 1875, and by Milo B. Randall, of
the town of Adams, who was well acquainted with John Schram, late of the town
of Adams, but now of North Adams, Massachusetts, on 8 Feb. 1875.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate, Wills Vol. 16, p. 42-44, from
FHL microfilm #0895400.
Will of John
Townsend of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York (1705) *
In the name of God Amen the Ninth day of May Annoq Domini one
Thousand seven hundred & five I John Townsend of Oysterbay in Queens County
on Nassau Island in the Colony of New York Being very sick and weake in Body
But of pfect mind & memory thanks be to God Almighty for it therefore
calling to mind the mortality of my body & knowing that itt is appointed
for all men once to Die I do hereby make & ordain this my Last Will and
Testament in mannr. and form following that is to say principly and
first of all I Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave itt and my
body I Recomend to the Earth from whence it Came to be Buried after a Christian
like & Decent manner wch I leave to the Discretion of my
Executors and touching such Worldly Estate wherewith itt hath pleased God to
Bless me within this life I Do give Devise and Dispose of the same in such mannr.
and form ass followeth Vizt. Imprimis I Do give & Bequeath unto
my Daughter Hannah one Townsmans Right of Land Lying upon Oak neck and pine
Island wth what she hath allready had which is in full of her
portion out of my Estate &c Item I Give unto my Brother Henrys Four
daughters a three year old heifer a ps Item I do give authorize and
fully Impower my well beloved wife Esther and my Couzen John Townsend
Nathaniell Coles Junr. Samuel Dickins & Isaac Smith to Mannage
Improve Lease Sell or dispose of any of my Estate for the Best advantage
thereof and the Bringing up of my Children att the Best of their Discretion as
also Giving & Granting to my sd Wife Esther and my cousen John Townsend Nathaniel
Coles Samuel Dickinson and Isaac Smith full power to Divide my housen Lands
meadows Mill and all the Rest of my Estate of what Nature Soever itt be amongst
my Children which which I have by my sd Wife Esther only my sd wife to have the
use & Benifitt of one third part of my Estate Dureing the time She shall
Remaine my Widdow but after her Widdowhood to be Divided or disposed among my
sd Children wch I have by her att the Discretion of the prsons
above appointed or the Major part of them that shall be then liveing wch
Divitions or Divitions when made Shall Stand good be & Remaine to them
their heires & assigns for ever, also impowering them the sd Esther John
Townsend Nathaniel Coles Samuell Dickinson Isaac Smith to Receive all my Debts
and to Se all my Debts paid out of my Estate Disannulling and making void all
former wills By me made Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my
last Will & Testament In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and seale the day & year first above
written
John Townsend (seal)
Signed sealed published pronounced & Declared by the sd
John Townsend to be his last Will and Testament in prsence of
Henry Townsend
Samuell Haydon
Aaron forman
Letters of Administration on the estate of John Townsend of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John
Townsend of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Province of New York (1730) *
In the
Name of God Amen—I John Townsend of the Township of Oysterbay in Queens County
on the Island of Nassaw although sick in body yet of good perfect and sound
memory praised be Almighty God therefore do make and ordain this present will
and testament containing therein my last will in manner and form following that
is to say first I commend my soul to the Mercy and Protection of Almighty God
being fully persuaded by his holy Spirit through the death and Passion of Jesus
Christ to obtain full Pardon and Remission of all my Sins and to inherit
everlasting Life to which the Holy Trinity One eternal Deity be all Honour and
Glory forever Amen. Imprimis I will that
all such debts as I owe shall be truly Paid. Item I give and bequeath to my
Sisters Son William Coxen fifty Pounds lawful Currt Money of
the Province of New York. Item I give to my brother Thomas Ten Pounds of like
lawfull money and also unto my very good friend Gervas Mudge (of the township
and County aforesaid) whom I make sole Executor of this my last will and
testament I give demise and bequeath to him and his heirs all and every my
Messuages Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever which I
also charge with the Payment of all my debts legacies and funeral expences.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 13 day of January Anno
Dom 1730
John Townsend (seal)
Sealed
published and declared by the above named John Townsend for and as his last
will and testament in the presence of us
Thomas Pearsall
Thomas Pearsall Junr
Nathaniel Pearsall
Probated on 20 Oct. 1760, and proved by Thomas Pearsall of
Queens County and township of Hampstead Yeoman. Whereas the said John Townsend
in his life time made his last will and testament in writing bearing date the
thirteenth day of January One Thousand seven hundred and thirty and thereby
appointed Jarvis Mudge sole Executor thereof and some time after dyed, And
whereas the said Francis Mudge is since also deceased, therefore Letters of
Administration with will annexed were granted to Townsend Dickenson on 30 Oct.
1760.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 22, p. 274-175, copied from
original Liber 22, p. 242-243.
Will of Silvanus
Townsend of North Salem, Westchester County, New York (1799) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Silvenus Townsend of North Salem
in the County of Westchester and State of New York Considering the Uncertainty
of this mortal Life and being of sound Mind and Memory Blessed be Almighty God
for the same do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and
form following that is to say First I Give and devise unto my son William
Townsend his heirs and assigns a certain Tract of Land in North Salem aforesaid
Begining at a heap of Stones by the Road that leads to Bedford, thence
westwardly to a heap of Stone by the Mill Pond, thence Southwardly by the Brook
to Denton Smiths Land, thence Southwardly to a great Neck near a Butnut Tree
thence Eastwardly to a heap of stones, thence Northwardly to the Corner of a
fence by a Heap of stones by the old House Lott thence westwardly to Bedford
Road, thence Northwardly by the said Bedford Road to the first mentioned Bounds
Together with all the Buildings and Appurtances thereunto belonging. Also I do
give and devise unto my son Silvanus Townsend a certain Tract of Land situate
in North Salem aforesaid and to his Heirs and Assigns one certain piece or
parcel of Land beginning at the Corner of a Stone Garden fenced on the Bedford
Road Running Eastwardly to the Oblong Line to a Chesnut Tree Thence South to
the South East Corner of my Land to a heap of stones thence west to a heap of
stones on the Line between me and Seth Finchs Thence Northwardly to the old
House Lott Corner, thence westerly as the Fence goes to the Highway that leads
to Bedford thence by the Road to the Northwest Corner to the first mentioned
Bounds—
Also I give and demise unto my said son Silvanus Townsend his
Hiers and Assigns a certain Piece of Meadow Land lying on the Bedford Road
North of my House Cornering near Charles Amblers Farm which farm now belongs to
Samuel Barnum and by the Road leading to Denton Smiths. Also a piece of Land on
the Bedford Road Begining at a Heap of stones running westwardly in Company
with my son William Townsend to the Mill Pond thence northwardly to the Fence,
then following the Fence as it runs to the Bedford Road and by said Road to the
first mentioned Bounds. Also I do Give and demise unto my son James and to his
Hiers and Assigns a certain Tract of Land or piece of Land in North Salem
aforesaid Begining at the Northwest Corner of my Land running to the Brook by
the Line between me and Denton Smith, thence by the Mill Pond to the Mill
Thence across the Brook to the Corner of Meadow Fence – Thence by said Fence to
the Highway, Thence Westwardly by the Highway to the first mentioned Bounds.
Also a Piece of Land Begining at a Butnut Tree Running on the Line between me
and Denton Smith to a heap of Stones thence eastwardly by Nathan Slokum and
Seth Finch to a heap of stones, thence Northwardly to a Heap of Stones, Thence
westwardly by the Line of William Townsend to a Butnut Tree being the first
mentioned Bounds. Also I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Easter Townsend her
Hiers and Assigns all my Beds and Beding and all my other Household Furniture
and also two good Cows to her and her Hiers and Assigns. And also it is my Will
and order that out of the Remaining Part of my Real and Personal Estate that
all my Debts be Honesly paid. And also that my said Daughter Easter shall have
my East Large Room and the Chamber above the said Room also part of the Kitchen
Room, also part of the Cellar and also a decent Living of Meat, Bread, Clothing
and all Necessaries to compleat a good living be provided for her during her
living a single woman and providing she my said daughter Townsend should marry
a Husband that is to say Easter Townsend it is my Pleasure that she shall be
paid by my Executors out of the remaining part of my Estate as beforementioned
fifty Pounds New York Money in six Months after her Marriage. And it is my Will
and Order the provision before ordered shall cease that is to say Meat, Bread
and other Necessaries and House Room so that the Estate be no more burdened –
with her and as touching the Remainder Part of my real and personal Estate I
Give, demise and bequeath unto my two sons Samuel Townsend and Justus Townsend
their Hiers and Assigns equally to be divided Between my said sons Samuel
Townsend and Justus Townsend and I absolutely order that my two sons Samuel
Townsend and Justus Townsend shall have free passage through my son Salvanus
Townsends Land which Land is mentioned in this my Will to pass and Repass in
the most convenient Place or Places to get to thier Lands. And I do hereby
appoint William Townsend, my son Silvanus Townsend my son and my son Justus
Townsend Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
former Wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal the twenty first day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and ninety nine.
Silvanus Townsend (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced, and declared by the
said Silvanus Townsend as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the
subscribing Witnesses that is to say
Samuel Barnum
Clarissa Barnum
James Dickinson
Probated on 30 Jan. 1806 in White Plains, Westchester County,
New York, and Letters of Administration were granted to William Townsend, one
of the Executors, on 11 Feb. 1806.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate, Vol. F, p. 185-188.
Will of Thomas
Townsend of Hempstead, Queens County, Province of New York (1779) *
Know all men by these Presents that Thomas Townsend in the
Township of Hempsted in Queens County on Nassau Island in the Province of New
York being this twenty first day of ye tenth month Called
October 1779– very sick in Body but of sound Mind and understanding, and
Calling to mind the uncertainty of time am Will to settle my outward affairs
before my final Change doth come therefore do make this present writing to
contain my last Will and Testament in manner following Viz. I will and order my
Executors hereinafter named to pay all my Just Debts and all other necessary
Charges that may happen in the performance of my Will. Item I give unto my
beloved wife my riding Chair and the choice of my Horses, two Beds and
furniture and three hundred pounds to her own free Disposall, and also to have
the priveledge of living in my House so long as she remains my Widow, and my
Will is that she should have the priveledge of all my Lands to bring up my
Children upon until my youngest Son come of age Except such Legacies given
particularly given to my Sons as they respecfully come of age, and if the use
of my land is not sufficient to maintain my Family upon then my Will is that my
Executors take so much of my moveable Estate as is sufficient for their support
but if there should be any overpluse, I give it all to be equally to be Divided
be Divided between my Sons William gervise – John and Obediah Townsend and
whereas my Daughter Anne I have given the sum of one Hundred and Seventy Pounds
or so much in valley of Goods and things I the give sum of Eighty Pounds more
at some reasonable time after my Deceas’d at the Discretion of my Executors
hereafter named, Item I will and bequeath unto my Daughters Each of them, Viz,
Pamela, Phebe, Sarah, and Mary Townsend the sum of Two Hundred and fifty pounds
and to receive their Legacies as they respectfully come of age or on their day
of Marriage when those terms may happen which Legacies I order to be paid out
of my moveable Estate in such a manner as my Executors shall think proper so to
do, then as to the remainder of all my Estate besides what is above given both
real and Personal I give to my Sons, Viz, William Gervice John and Obadiah
Townsend all to be equally to be Divided Between them my Sons and they to
receive their Legacies and parts of Lands as they respectfully come of age. And
after my Youngest Son come of age then my Will is that all my Sons should be at
equal Expense in bringing up the Younger Children or those that have not
arrived to Lawful age and if any of my Sons Die under age or without Lawful
Issue then my Will is that their portion should fall equally between the other
Brothers and I also desire my Exts to give my Children a suitable share of
Learning at their Discretion and to give my sons Trades such as they may think
proper and if my Executors should find in the Division of my Estate Occation or
think it best to sell the whole or any Part of my Estate in a futer day I give
them and each of them the Burthen of Executorship to give Deed or pass Deeds as
the Law directs in such Cases, and whereas I am now in Posession of some
Negroes and taking the Matter under solid Consideration being our fellow
Creatures do feel a freedom in my mind to sett them fully at liberty believing
it to be consistant with the Will of knid Providence who hath created all
nations with one Blood and I do by Virtue of these presents Declare and set
them all free at my Decease Viz. Cano my Negro Man and Fabothy my Negro Woman
with three Children, viz, Rachael Jamiah and Freelove Declareing them to be
Absolutely free forever and that none of my Children nor their Heirs Extes
shall have no right to make any demand of any of them nor any of their Estates
they may acquire from hencforth and forever – Lastly I do Constitute and
appoint my Wife my Executrix and my Son William Townsend and my Brother in Law
Samuel Titus and my Brother in Law William Loines to be my Executors giving
them and each of them full power and Lawful Authority to Execute this my last
Will and Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and
year above written.—
Thomas Townsend (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared to be my last Will and
Testament in the Presence of us.~/:~
Richard
Titus
Mary
Post
Henry
Post ~
the date of these Presents was put in figures before these
Presents was Executed. ~/:~ Memorandum,
notwithstanding what is before written I do give unto my Son Gervis Townsend a
young Bay Hors Bridle and Sadle at his own free disposal before any Division be
of my Estate being all wrote before these Presents was Executed. ~/:~
Probated on 11 Feb. 1780, and proved by Mary Post and Henry
Post both of the said County the former his wife and the latter yeoman. Letters
of Administration were granted to Mary Townsend, William Townsend, Samuel Titus
and William Loines, the Executrix and Executors, on 8 July 1780.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 32, p. 393-396, copied from
original Liber 32, p. 287-289.
Will of Jesse Tripp of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1789) *
This fifth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and eighty nine, I Jesse Tripp of Rochester in the County of
Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman being in health and of a
sound disposing Mind and Memory do make & ordain this my last Will and
Testament, hereby disposing of such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
bless me with in this Life in the following Manner, that is to say—
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my Son Jesse Tripp whom I do hereby appoint & ordain
my sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament, all my live Stock of
every kind except one Cow, also all my farming tools & all Credits that may
be due to me at my decease, he paying all my just debts & funeral Charges
and the several Legacies hereafter given herein—
Item
I give unto my four Sons namely Jonathan Tripp, Reuben Tripp, Calvin Tripp
& John Tripp severally fifteen Dollars each to be paid them respectively by
my Executor in live Stock within three Years after my decease.—
Item
I give to my said Son Jonathan Tripp all my wearing Apparel.—
Item
I give to my Daughter Mercy Ellis three shillings to be paid her by my Executor
at my decease—
Item
I give and bequeath to my two daughters Elizabeth Tripp & Hannah Tripp all
my indoor moveables to be equally divided between them, also one Cow equally
between them so long as they both shall continue unmarried, but if either of
them shall decease or marry, then the one surviving or single shall solely
possess the property of the said Cow. I likewise give to these two daughters
last mentioned the privilege of living in my house, to draw Water at my well
& to lay their Fire wood by the House & a privilege in the Cellar for
Sauce & the like— which privileges shall be enjoyed by them so long as they
remain unmarried respectively & no longer—In Witness whereof I the said
Jesse Tripp do hereunto set my hand and Seal the day & year first above written—
Signed sealed published &
pronounced by the said
Jesse Tripp as his last Will &
Testament in presence of us
Joseph
Bennet
Isaac
Walker Jesse Tripp (seal)
John
Pickens
Presented for probate on 6 Dec.
1806 by Jesse Tripp, the Executor therein named, and proved by John Pickens,
one of the Witnesses thereto subscribed, Joseph Bennet being now deceased, and
Isaac Walker removed out of the Commonwealth. Letters of Administration were
granted to Jesse Tripp, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Jesse Tripp, late of Rochester, was appraised on 6 Dec. 1806 by Nathaniel
Hammond, Thomas Ellis, and John Clark, and totaled $269.57, no real estate.
Jesse Tripp, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 9 Apr. 1807.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
526-527, from FHL microfilm #0550901, and Vol. 42, p. 373.
Will of David
Turner of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1766) *
In the Name
of God, Amen. –
Whereas I David Turner of Plymouth in the county of Plymouth
boat-builder, am arrived to such an age that I may justly expect my dissolution
drawing near, tho’ at present blessed be God am well and in health, and am of a
sound disposing mind & memory, think it my duty to dispose of my estate by
will; and therefore I do –
In the first place give my soul to God, hoping for mercy,
pardon, & eternal life, in and thro’ the merits of my dear Redeemer, my
body I comit to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter named, not doubting it will be raisd. again at the Great
day of Christ’s appearing. and as to the worldly estate God has or may bless me
with I dispose off as follows. ~~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath to Ruth Turner daughter of my
nephew David Turner of Plymouth Shipwright a good feather-bed & furniture,
& six handsome silver spoons to be paid her by my executor at the time she
shall arrive at the age of eighteen years or at the time of marriage, if she
should marry before she arrives to that age. ~
2. I give to my nephew David Turner of Plymouth shipwright to
him & his heirs forever, all the rest of my estate real or personal of what
nature soever, lying and being in Plymouth or elsewhere, he paying all my just
debts, & the above mentioned Legacy. And further, I do hereby appoint,
ordain & constitute my said nephew David Turner sole executor of this my
Last will & testament, hereby revoking & making void any or all other
wills I have heretofore made, declaring this to be my Last will and
Testament.— Dated at Plymouth the fourth
of June anno Domini 1766. in the sixth year of his Majesty’s reign.
Signed sealed, pronounced, published, & David Turner (seal)
Declared to be his Last will & testament
In presence of— Stephen
Samson
Elisabeth
Foster
Thos.
Foster.
Presented for probate on 6 Feb. 1769 by David Turner, the
Executor, and proved by Thomas Foster esqr. and Stephen Samson, two
of the witnesses. Stephen Samson, blacksmith, and Ephraim Spooner, merchant,
were sureties on the bond of David Turner, boat-builder, as Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 183-184, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will and Codicil of John Turner of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1775) *
In the name of God amen the twenty seventh day of January
A.D. 1775 I John Turner of Scituate in the County of Plymouth in New England
yeoman, being aged and infirm of Body, but of sound mind & memory, do make
this my Last Will & testament as follows, First, recommending my soul to
God & my body to the Earth to decent burial, I Give & dispose of my
worldly Goods & Estate in manner & form following that is to say ~
Imprimis—I Give & bequeath unto my beloved wife, Mary
Turner the use & improvement of all my Real Estate, untill my three
youngest daughter vizt, Mary, Lucy & Ruth shall arrive to the
age of Eighteen years old, she maintaining them out of said improvement and
then I Give her the improvement of One third part of my Real Estate &
firewood so Long as she shall remain my widow also I Give her all my Live stock
& farming tools & one Quarter part of my house hold Stuff when my
aforesaid daughters shall arrive to the age of Eighteen years old, Also I Give
her Eighty pounds Lawfull money, all the aforementioned I Give her to her own
dispose forever, in case she shall never make any demand on my Estate by virtue
of any contract or covenant I entered into with her, before marriage
Item—I Give unto my daughter Grace Jones, wife of John Jones
Five pounds Lawful money, and if she should survive her said husband, then at
his decease, I Give her Forty Eight pounds six shillings & Eight pence
Lawful money ~
Item—I Give unto my daughter Deborah Oakman wife of Samuel
Oakman Fifty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence Lawful money ~
Item—I Give unto my Grandson Melzer Turner Oakman Twenty six
pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence Lawful Money
Item—I Give unto my three youngest daughters vizt.
Mary Turner, Lucy Turner & Ruth Turner all my Real Estate to them, their
Heirs & assigns forever to be equally divided between them when the
youngest of them shall arrive to the age of Eighteen years old. & also the
remainder of my personal Estate not before disposed of, to be in Like manner
equally divided between them, and if either of them should die before she
arrives to the age of Eighteen years, then the whole of said Real &
personal Estate, shall be equally divided between the two surviving sisters
Lastly—I do hereby appoint my wife Mary Turner sole Executrix
of this my Last Will & Testament and order her to pay the aforementioned
Legacies & all my Just debts, funeral charge & the charge of settling
my Estate out of my money & notes of hand–In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year aforewritten
signed, sealed,
published & declared by sd. John John Turner (seal)
Turner to be his Last
Will & Testament in
presence of ~
Nathan
Cushing
John
James
John
Foster ~
A Codicil to be taken as part of the afore written Last Will
& testament of John Turner —
whereas since the making of my Last Will & testament
aforewritten, I have had one child born vizt. Rachell and their
being no provision made in the aforesaid Will for said child—I the said John
Turner do therefore hereby Give unto my said daughter Rachel Turner her Heirs
& assigns for ever one fourth part of my Real Estate & one fourth part of
my personal Estate after the Legacies are paid, that are contained in the
aforesaid Will, provided she shall Live to the age of Eighteen years old and in
case she should not arrive to that age, then all my Real and personal Estate
shall be divided & disposed of in manner & form as is provided and
ordered in my Last Will & testament aforewritten, and I do hereby ratify
and confirm my said Will in all respects, not hereby varied or altered and
declare this to be a codicil, and to be taken as part of my Last Will &
testament – In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
thirteenth day of December A.D. 1777 ~
Signed, Sealed,
published & declared by the said
John Turner as a Codicil
and to be taken as part John Turner (seal)
of
his Last Will & testament in presence of –
Nathan
Cushing
John
Foster
Anna X Stetson
Presented for probate on 21 Aug. 1778 by Mary Turner, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Nathan Cushing Esqr. and Anna
Stetson, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Mary Turner, the before named Executrix.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Turner, late of Scituate
yeoman, not dated, was appraised by John Cushing, John Briggs, and Elisha
James, and totaled £3056.16.9, including his real estate with the buildings
thereon valued at £1434, blacksmith’s tools, and notes of hand worth £554.18.3.
Mary Turner, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 27 Oct. 1778.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 25, p. 76-78, from FHL microfilm
#0550713.
Will of Thomas
Turner of Scituate, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1720) *
I Thomas Turner of Scituate in ye. County of
Plymouth in new England Esqr. Being Sick and weak of Body; but of
Sound mind & memory (praised be God for it) Do make & ordain this my
last Will & Testament in manner & form following; vizt:
First of all I Comend my Soul to God that Gave it, and my Body to decent
Buriall att the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named, and Touching my
worldly Estate I Give Demise and Dispose Thereof in manner & form
following.
Imprimis I do hereby Order, appoint & Improve my
Executors hereafter named, vizt. my two Sons
David Turner & Thomas Turner to make Sale of So much of my Lands &
reall Estate as may be Sufficient for the Payment of my Just Debts: and what
Shall Remain of my Estate both reall and Personall, after my Just Debts paid as
aforesd. I Give to my beloved Wife Hannah Turner, the use or
Improvement thereof during Her Natural Life, for Her own Support and the
bringing up my Children, She remaining my widdow: and after Her Death or
Remarrage which Shall first happen, my mind & Will is that the Remainder of
my Estate both Reall & Personall; Shall be Equally Divided, unto &
among Ephraim Turner, Releif Ewell, Ruth Turner, Sarah Turner, Jemima Turner,
Lettis Turner, Abigail Turner, and Mary Turner, To them their Heirs, and
assignes forever: To be Equally Divided betwixt them as aforesd.
& In Case of my Wife’s Remarrage my mind & Will is that my sd.
Wife Shall have Thirty Pounds Paid Her out of my Estate Then the Remainder of
my aforesd. Estate Shall be Equally Divided unto & among my sd.
Children their Heirs & assignes as aforesd. Lastly I do hereby
nominate & appoint my aforesd. Sons David
Turner & Thomas Turner to be Joynt Executors to this my Will &
Testament: In Witness this nineteenth Day of December, anno Domini One thousand
seven Hundred & Twenty, In ye. Seventh year of His Majestys
Reign
Signed Sealed Published & Declared by ye. sd.
Thomas Turner to be his last Will & Testament Thomas Turner (seal)
in presence of us Witnesses
Caleb Loring
Samuel Barker
Nathaniel Pitcher
Probated on 26 Jan. 1720[/21], and proved by Samuel Barker
and Nathaniel Pitcher, two of the witnesses. Letter of Administration were
granted to David Turner and Thomas Turner, sons of the deceased abnd Joynt
Executors, on 3 Apr. 1721.
A True and Perfect Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Turner
Esqr. Late of Scittuate, appraised by Nathaniel Tilden, John Barker,
and Samuel Turner on 24 May 1721, totaled £792.6.0, including his housing and
lands at home, his meadow lands and upland with a Clift Lot valued at £440, and
his lands lying upon & about the hill called by the name of Churches Hill
valued at £250. David Turner and Thomas Turner, the Executors, gave their oath
to the inventory on 5 Apr. 1722.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, pp. 292-293, 337, from FHL
microfilm #0550510.
Will of Thomas Turner of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the name of God
Amen – I, Thomas Turner of Pembroke in the county of Plymo. &
Comwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, being far advanced in years, & not
having reason to expect a long continuance in this life, being nevertheless
(thro’ ye favour of God), of sound & disposing mind &
memory, after recommending my soul to God who gave it & my body to decent
christian burial, at the discretion of my executors herein after named, Do make
& ordain this to be my last will & testament, herein & hereby
disposing of ye worldly estate wherewith God has been pleased to
bless me, in manner following – vizt
Imprimis – I Give
& bequeath to my beloved sons Thomas Turner junr. & George
Turner all my real estate wherever the same may be found, to be equally divided
between them, after the debt which I have contracted with my son George by an
instrument bearing date Sepr. 3d. 1788 to be paid in Land
shall have been discharged out of the same, the real estate however thus given
to my sons Thomas & George & also the Pew given to my son George as
hereafter named are given them by me, subject to the limitations & restrictions
with regard to improvement hereafter mentioned
Item – I Give to my
Son Thomas Turner junr. my Silver tankard & my Pew in the first
Precinct meeting house in Pembroke next to the women’s door, and my Desk
Item – I Give to my
Son George, my Pew in the first Precinct meeting house in Pembroke next to the
pulpit stairs, and I also give him my Clock & one bed with a bedstead &
bed cord, under-bed two coverlids, two pair of sheets, one blanket, one
bolster, two pillows & two pair of pillowbers
Item – I give &
bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Turner one hundred pounds Lawful money to be
paid to her by my Executors in silver at the rate of six shillings and eight
pence per ounce within three months after my decease, and if not paid at the
end of said three months then to draw Interest from that time ‘till paid. I
also give her the use & improvement of all my houshold furniture &
plate except those articles thereof before particularly disposed of, during the
time she may continue to be my widow
I give also to my
wife two Cows & six sheep such as she shall chuse, my best horse my chaise
& one swine, her cows, sheep & horse to be well kept winter &
summer, and her Lambs kept in the summer, the charge of keeping the said cows
horse, sheep & Lambs to be born by my two sons Thomas & George, equally
between them, and the Lambs to be at her own disposal, during her widow hood
before mentioned. I also give her the use & improvement of one half of my
dwelling house & of one half of my garden, also the use and improvement of
my chaise horse & a privilege in my corn house, all during her said
widowhood, and I also give her, ten cords of wood ready cut at her door, yearly
& twelve bushells of Indian Corn, three bushells of Rye & two hundred
weight of beef annually during her said widow-hood, all which wood, Indian
Corn, Rye & beef to be supplyed to her by my two sons Thomas & George
equally between them
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my well beloved daughter Mary Hatch over & above what I have
before time given her, the sum of two hundred & fifty pounds Lawful money
to be paid her in Silver at the rate of six shillings & eight pence per
ounce, within one year after my decease to draw Interest from the time of my
decease ‘till paid, provided my son in Law Seth Hatch shall become obligated to
pay my wife Mary Turner the sum of twelve pounds Lawful money in silver at the
rate of six shillings & eight pence per ounce towards her support during
her widowhood aforesaid, and I also give my said daughter Mary one third of
that part of my household furniture & plate, whereof my wife is to have a
temporary use, when her mother’s improvement thereof has ceased
Item – I Give &
bequeath to my beloved daughter Lucy Cushing over & above what I have
before time given her the sum of two hundred & fifty pounds Lawful money to
be paid her in silver at the rate of six shillings & eight pence per ounce,
within one year after my decease to draw Interest from the time of my decease
‘till paid, provided my son in Law Nathaniel Cushing shall become obligated to
pay to my wife Mary Turner, the sum of twelve pounds Lawful money in silver at
the rate of six shillings & eight pence per ounce, annually, towards her
support during her widowhood aforesaid. and I also give my said daughter Lucy
one third of that part of my houshold furniture & plate whereof my wife is
to have a temporary use, when her mother’s improvement thereof has ceased
Item – I give &
bequeath to my beloved Daughter Mercy Turner the sum of Six hundred pounds
Lawful money over & above what she hath already had to be paid her in
silver at the rate of six shillings & eight pence per ounce, one quarter
part of the said sum vizt. one hundred & fifty pounds to be paid
her within one year after my decease & the other three quarters thereof vizt.
four hundred & fifty pounds to be paid her within five years after my
decease. Interest on the said Six hundred pounds to be paid her annually from ye.
time of my decease ‘till the principal shall be paid, and I also give to the
said Mercy one third of that part of my houshold furniture & plate whereof
my wife is to have a temporary use when her mother’s improvement thereof has
ceased. Also the privilege of sitting in my Pew next to the pulpit stairs, if
at any time she shall need & desire it
Item – I give &
bequeath to Martha Ramsdell for the regard I have for her, the sum of Ten
pounds Lawful money to be paid her by my Executors within twelve months after
my decease, not in specie, but in such other articles as may be convenient for
her at the market price
Item – The residue of
my personal estate, after my debts & funeral charges & the Legacies
shall have been paid, I give to my two sons Thomas Turner junr.
& George Turner to be equally divided between them, they contributing to
their mother’s support & accommodation as before provided, and further I do
declare it to be my intent & meaning that the real & personal estate
thus given to my sons Thomas & George, is given them by me, under the
following restriction & limitation and it is my will, that my Daughter
Mercy be honorably supported & provided for out of the said real or
personal estate, or both, if at any time during her natural life, she shall be
unable, and for so much of the time as she may be unable to maintain herself,
her own estate being expended, in which case the one half of the charge of her
support shall be born by my Son Thomas & the other half of it by my Son
George. and it is my desire that my Sons Thomas Turner junr. &
George Turner, should take the Guardianship of my Daughter Mercy if her
situation & circumstances shall at any time be such as to render
Guardianship necassary.
Lastly – I do hereby
appoint my Sons Thomas Turner junr. & George Turner to be
Executors of this my Last will & testament.— In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Sixth day of September Anno Domini one
thousand seven hundred & eighty eight
Signed, Sealed & declared by the said Thomas
Turner the above written testator to be his Thomas Turner (seal)
Last will & testament in presence of
Dav.
Stockbridge junr
Thomas
Nash
Nathaniel
Sylvester
Presented for probate on 3 March 1794 by Thomas Turner and
George Turner, the Executors therein named, and proved by David Stockbridge,
Thomas Nash and Nathl. Sylvester, all the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Thos. Turner
and Geo. Turner, the before named Executors, both of Pembroke, with David
Stockbridge and Nathaniel Sylvester, both of Hanover, yeoman, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 33, p. 561-564, from FHL microfilm
#0550717.
Will of George Vaughan of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1816) *
In
the Name of God amen. I George Vaughan of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being weak of Body, yet of a sound
& disposing Mind & Memory, blessed be God for the same, considering
that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last
Will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable forever and first of all I
give my Soul to God who gave it & my Body to the Dust to be buried in a
Christian decent Burial & as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased Almighty God to bless me with I dispose of the same as followeth, viz
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my well beloved Wife Mercy Vaughan all my household
Furniture excepting such Articles as shall be hereafter devised, to her, &
to her own use & disposal. And also I give to my said Wife the use &
improvement of all my Estate both real & personal, for the support &
maintenance of my said Wife & my two Children Julia & George Vaughan
untill my said Son George does arrive to the Age of fourteen Years, if she
remains my widow to that Period. But if she should marry that she then relinquish
all her right & Title to the Improvement of all or any part of my real
Estate —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son George Vaughan & to his Heirs and Assigns
forever all my real Estate excepting such parts as I shall order to be disposed
of. I also give to my said Son all my neat Stock my farming Tools &
mechanic Tools & all other out door moveables, one good Feather bed &
Bedding for the same, my Silver Watch & silver Spoon marked G.V. and all
other personal Estate not otherwise disposed of —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Julia Vaughan four hundred Dollars to be
paid to her by my said son George Vaughan, when he does arrive to the Age of
twenty one Years in the following payments one hundred Dollars to be paid in
one year & one hundred Dollars to be paid in two years & one hundred
Dollars to be paid in in three years & one hundred Dollars to be paid in
four years.—
Furthermore
my will is & I do appoint Silvanus Tillson sole Executor to this my last
will & Testament —
Lastly
my will is, and I do authorize & direct Silvanus Tillson my Executor to
sell at public auction or at private sale at his Election & pass Deeds to
convey a certain piece or parcel of Land situated in said Middleborough in
rocky Wood so called, which was set off & Assigned to me in the Settlement
of the Estate of my Hond Father George Vaughan late of
Middleborough deceased, & is a part of that Lot of Land, which my sd.
Father & Silvanus Wood bought of Peleg Hacket now deceased.— & Also to
make Sale & pass Deeds to convey a certain piece of Salt Meadow situated
& lying in the Town of Sandwich in the County of Barnstable, which I hold
by Deed under the Hand and Seal of the Guardian of Robert Vaughan estimated at
two Acres be the same more or less, and the proceeds of those pieces of real
Estate be appropriated for the payment of my just Debts & incidental
Charges; and the Surplus, if any to be put on use for the Benefit of my Son
George Vaughan. —
Thus
hoping that this my last Will and Testament will be kept & performed
according to the true Intent & meaning of it, I the said George Vaughan
have hereunto set my hand & Seal, this twenty sixth day of November in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen —
Signed sealed and declared
in presence of us – George Vaughan (seal)
Moses
Shaw
Cushman
Vaughan
David
A Vaughan
Presented for probate on 13 Dec.
1816 by Silvanus Tillson, the Executor therein named, and proved by Cushman
Vaughan and David A Vaughan, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Silvanus Tillson, the before named Executor.
John Tinkham Esqr.,
Hopestill Bisbe, yeoman, and Seth Southworth, Gentleman, all of Middleborough,
were appointed to appraise the Estate of George Vaughan, late of Middleborough,
yeoman, on 13 Dec. 1816. The Inventory of the Estate of George Vaughan, late of
Middleborough, was dated 7 Jan. 1817, his real estate totaled at $2455,
including his homestead land and buildings valued at $1300, the land in Rocky
Woods valued at $625, and the Salt Meadow in Sandwich valued at $100, and his
personal estate totaled $1263.25. Silvanus Tillson, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 14 Apr. 1817.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, pp.
281-283, 433-434, from FHL microfilm #0550905.
Will of Jabez Vaughan of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1770) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Jabez Vaughan of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in
his Majesty’s province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England being under
decay of body but of a sound & disposing mind & memory blessed be GOD
for the same, wherefore calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing
that it is apointed for all men once to dye do make and ordain this to be my
Last will & testament to stand firm and inviolable forever. Principally and first of all I give &
recomend my soul unto GOD that gave it, and my body I recomend unto the dust,
to be buried in decent christian burial at the discretion of my executor
hereafter-named; and as touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased GOD to
bless with, I do dispose off in manner following, to wit. Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my son
Daniel Vaughan all my homestead whereon I now dwell, being two twenty acres
lots, and all my meadow-lands lying in the upper meadow adjoining at the foot
of the aforesaid lots. Also the one half of my share of cedar-swamp lying in the
great cedar-swamp; all in the Six & twenty men’s-purchase in Middleborough.
I give the same unto him his heirs & assigns forever. also I give unto him
my oxen & horse, horse-tackling & chains, my little desk, & all the
papers in it, and the one half of my wearing aparel, and also all the debts due
to me; and further I order my said son Daniel to pay unto my daughter Joanna
Redding thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence lawful money in one
year after my decease, and to pay all my just debts and funeral charges. ~
Item. I give and
bequeath unto my son Ebenezer Vaughan my farm whereon he now dwelleth,
excepting twelve acres lying at the south-easterly end thereof, and the one
half of my cedar-swamp lying in the great cedar-swamp, all in the Six &
twenty men’s-purchase the said farm and cedar-swamp I give to him and to his
children begotten of his body, if he shall have any, but in case he should have
no children my will & meaning is that after his decease his wife Rachel
should have the one half of the improvement of said farm so long as she shall
remain his widow, with liberty of cutting of fire-wood & fencing-stuff for
her own use & no more. And also the improvement of one half the buildings
on said farm. And in case said Rachel should out-live her husband and enjoy the
one half of the improvement of said farm, & buildings, the other half of
said improvement to go to my two daughters Deborah Torrey & Joannah Redding
and their heirs, and after the decease of my son Ebenezer & decease or
marriage of his wife the cedarswamp to go to my son Daniel and his heirs &
assigns forever, and the farm to be equally divided between my son Daniel
Vaughan & daughter Deborah Torrey & daughter Joannah Redding or their
heirs, In case my son Ebenezer should die without issue.– I also give unto my
son Ebenezer my gun that is now in his hands, and my sword & cane, and the
other half of my wearing aparel which is not yet disposed off. Said wearing
aparel to be equally divided between my two sons Daniel & Ebenezer.
Item, I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Deborah Torrey the wife of William Torrey twelve
acres of land with the buildings, whereon she now dwells; being part of the
farm whereon my son Ebenezer now dwells. Said twelve acres is bounded as
followeth, towit, to begin at the most southerly corner bound of my said farm,
from thence by a strait line to a red oak tree marked standing on the
North-westerly side of the country-road near the dwelling-house, from thence by
a strait line unto a white pine marked on four sides Standing near the old road
with stones about it, and from said pine a strait line unto the westerly line
of said farm, so as to exactly include twelve acres, this I give unto my
aforesaid daughter Deborah Torrey during her natural life, and then unto her
children after her, and to their heirs and assigns forever. I also give unto
her all my movable estate she hath already in her hands. ~ Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter
Joannah Redding thirteen pounds, six shillings & eight pence lawful money,
to be paid her by her brother Daniel in one year after my decease, also I give
unto her my best bed bed-stead & furniture belonging unto it, and after
that is taken out, the other part of all my movable estate that is not
heretofore disposed off, I give unto my two daughters Deborah Torrey&
Joannah Redding equally to be divided between them or their children. ~
Item. I give all my
Lands & iron-oar that is not heretofore disposed off unto my son Daniel,
and his heirs & assigns forever.—
Lastly, My will is
and I do hereby constitute and appoint my aforesaid son Daniel Vaughan to be
sole executor of this my Last will & testament. Thus hoping that this my
Last will & testament will be kept firm & performed accordingly unto
the true intent & meaning thereof, and I do hereby revoke & disanul all
former wills made by me. –
In testimony whereof
I the aforesaid Jabez Vaughan have hereunto set my hand and seal this
seventeenth day of March one thousand, seven hundred & seventy, 1770. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & his
declared by the aforesd. Jabez Vaughan to be Jabez J Vaughan (seal)
his Last will & testament in presence of mark
Francis Tomson, James Cobb, Isaac Tomson.
Presented for probate on 3 May 1773 by Daniel Vaughan, the
Executor therein named, and proved by James Cobb and Isaac Tomson, two of the
witnesses. Letter of Administration were granted to Daniel Vaughan, the
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 300-301, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of James Vaughan of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
Be it
remembered that I James Vaughan of the town of Carver, in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and memory, do
on this twenty second day of september in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred
and forty five make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner
following, viz.
In the first place I order my Executor after my decease to
pay all my debts, Funeral Charges and incidential expenses and erect suitable
grave stones at my Grave
Second, I give and bequeath to my son Daniel Vaughan (after
above expenses shall have been paid) one half of all my Bank stock, Notes of
hand, or other property not disposed of
Third I give and bequeath to my Grandson James V. Faunce
(after the above named expenses Shall have been paid) the other half of my said
Bank stock, Notes of hand, or other property not disposed of, provided he the
said James V. Faunce pay out of his said half fifty dollars to his brother
Daniel Faunce, and twenty five dollars to his sister Maria (the wife of Zadock
Wight) who were children of my daughter Nancy, by her husband Alden Faunce
Lastly, I do appoint William H. Soule my Executor of this my
last Will and Testament
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
the day and year above written. Signed,
sealed, and published by the said James Vaughan declaring this to be his last
Will and testament revoking all others heretofore made, in presence of us, who
at his request were called as witnesses to the same, in his presence did hereto
subscribe our names
William
H. Soule James Vaughan (seal)
Seth
Shurtleff
Mercy
Shurtleff
Presented for probate by William H. Soule, the Executor, and
proved by Seth Shurtliff and Mercy Shurtliff, two of the witnesses, the date
not given, but the inventory of his estate was dated 22 Jan. 1849, by Luther
Bradford, Isaac Wright, and Seth Shurtleff, and totaled $2735.71, and William
H. Soule, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the second Monday of
April 1849.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, p. 169-171, from FHL microfilm
#0555640.
Will of Joseph
Vaughan of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1732) *
Know all Men by these Presents that I Joseph Vaughan of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England being under the Decays of old age, yet of
sound & disposing Mind & Memory, blessed be God therefore Yet not
knowing how Soon God may call me hence by Death do make & ordain this and
no other to be my last Will & Testament to remain firm & inviolable
forever —
Impr. I Give & bequeath unto the Heirs &
assigns of my Son Elisha Vaughan deceased the Hundred acre Lot of Land on which
he formerly dwelt. Item I Give & Bequeath unto my Son Jabez Vaughan one
third Part of my Lot of Cedar Swamp: Also I Give unto him my Son Jabez all my
Right & Interest in the four acres of Meadow which was laid out in the last
allotment of meadow; Also I Give & Bequeath unto him my sd Son
Jabez All my Right in the South Purchase, viz, Two Shares in the Undivided. I
order him my sd Son Jabez to pay unto my loving Wife thirteen Pounds
in money within one year after my Decease. Item I Give Unto my Son George
Vaughan all my Right & Interest in two Lots of Upland, one of them is lying
upon the Fall brook, and the other lyeth lyeth in that called the Sixteen
Shilling Purchase. Also I Give and Bequeath unto him my Son George Vaughan one
third Part of my
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & Declared
to be his last Will & Testament In Presence of us
his
Ebenezer Morton
Joseph + Williams Nathan Bassett
mark
Proved on 15 March 1733/34 by Ebenezer Morton, Joseph
Williams, and Nathan Bassett, the witnesses.
The Inventory of all the Personal Estate of Capt. Joseph
Vaughan, late of Middleborough, was appraised by Nathan Bassett, Jacob Tomson,
and Ebenezer Morton on 25 Mar. 1734, and totaled £110.8.4. Jabez Vaughan, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Apr. 1734.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Peter Vaughan of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
Know all men by these presents that I Peter Vaughan of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
being weak of body yet of a sound and disposing memory and understanding
blessed be God for the same, yet knowing the mortality of the body and that it
is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my Last will &
testament, to be firm and inviolable forever.~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife Joanna
Vaughan one third part of my moveable Estate, both indoor and out door and also
the improvement of one third part of my Lands & buildings during her
natural Life ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my eldest son George Vaughan
(besides what I have heretofore Given him) the sum of five shillings to be paid
to him as hereafter expressed
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Joseph Vaughan (besides
what I have heretofore Given him) five shillings to be paid as hereafter
expressed.~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Daniel Vaughan (besides
what I have heretofore Given him) the sum of five shillings to be paid as
hereafter expressed
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Vaughan one
Good Cow, and also the two thirds of my indoor moveables
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Peter Vaughan all my
whole right, title & Interest in any Lands and buildings both at home and
abroad, being the Homestead farm whereon I now Live as well as out Lands,
Swamps & meadows, besides what I have conveyed to him by Deed; also all my
out door moveables (excepting the Dowry of my said wife as above Given to her
out of my Real Estate, and the moveables above disposed of) to have and to hold
to him his Heirs & assigns
I hereby order my said Son Peter Vaughan on forfeiture of the
above bequests to him, to pay the above mentioned Legacies together with all my
just debts and funeral Charges out of what is above Given him also I Give to my
said Son Peter my one half of a Pew in the meeting House in the first Precinct
in said Town
Item – my will is and I hereby constitute and appoint my said
son Peter Vaughan junr. to be Executor to this my Last will &
testament–thus hoping that this my Last will and testament will be carefully
kept and performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof I commit my
soul to God who Gave it, and my body to the dust to a decent burial – In
witness whereof I the said Peter Vaughan have hereto Set my hand & Seal
this third day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred
eighty and eight
Signed, Sealed & declared by the said
Peter Vaughan to be his last will & tes- Peter Vaughan (seal)
tament in presence of us.~
Sylvanus
Tilson
Jacob
Wood
Nehemh.
Bennet
Presented for probate on 1 Sept.
1788 by Peter Vaughan, the Executor therein named, and proved by Jacob Wood and
Nehemiah Bennet, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Peter Vaughan, the before named executor.
Jacob Wood and Nehemiah Bennet,
yeomen, and Ezra Harlow, Gentleman, all of Middlebo, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Peter Vaughan, late of Middlebo, yeoman, on 1
Sept. 1788. The Inventory of the estate of Peter Vaughan, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 26 Sept. 1788, and totaled £528.2.3, his real
estate valued at £375.10, including his homestead lands and buildings valued at
£130, and lands conveyed to his son Peter by deed of gift valued at £161.10.
Peter Vaughan, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1788.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp.
412-413, 451, from FHL microfilm #0550716.
Will of Phebe Vaughan of Carver, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1845) *
In the
name of God Amen, I Phebe Vaughan of Carver in the County of Plymouth, and
commonwealth of Massachusetts Widow, being of sound and disposing mind and
memory, do make this my last will and testament, I commit my soul to God the
author of it, and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion
of my executor hereinafter mentioned, as to my worldly estate, I hereby dispose
of the same in the following manner
First I give, bequeath and devise, to my two Grandaughters
Phebe Ann and Hannah Sherman my best bed bedstead and Beding sufficient for the
bed, also fifty dollars each to be paid out of my estate
Secondly I give and bequeath to my Grandaughter Phebe Ann
Sherman my gold necklace
Thirdly I give and bequeath, to my son in-law and daughter,
Andrew and Calista Sherman all the remainder of my property both real and
personal.
Finally I hereby appoint Timothy Cobb to be executor of this
my last will and testament hereby revoking all other and former wills by me
made, and declaring this, and this only to be my last Will and testament
In
witness whereof I hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five
Phebe Vaughan (seal)
Signed, published, pronounced and
declared by the said Phebe Vaughan to be her last Will and Testament, in
presence of the subscribers, who in her presence and at her request, and in
presense of each other hereunto set our hands as witnesses
Timothy
Cobb
Mary
Shearman
Jane
E. Cobb
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of January 1849 by Timothy Cobb, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Timothy Cobb, one of the witnesses.
Timothy Cobb was appointed as
Executor of the last Will and Testament of Phebe Vaughan, late of Carver,
widow, on 15 Jan. 1849, with Andrew Sherman, of Carver, and Joshua Eddy, of
Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Phebe Vaughan, late of Carver, was appraised on 9 Mar. 1849 by Thomas Cobb,
Alvan C. Harlow, and Ezra Vaughan, and totaled $466.80, including a small piece
of fresh meadow valued at $50, and $275.75 in savings. Timothy Cobb, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the second Monday of April 1849.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 91, pp.
33-34, 172, from FHL microfilm #0555640, and Vol. 2H, p. 187.
Will of Priscilla Vaughan of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1817) *
In the Name of God amen I Priscilla Vaughan of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow of Nathan
Vaughan late of Middleborough deceased, being weak of Body yet of a sound &
disposing Mind & Memory, blessed be God for the same, considering that it
is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last Will
& Testament, to remain firm & inviolable forever And first of all I
give my Soul to God who gave it and my Body to the Dust to be buried in a
Christian decent Burial & as touching such worldly Estate as it hath
pleased almighty God to bless me with I do dispose of the same as followeth —
viz
after paying all my just debts & funeral Charges –
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Polly Sampson widow of Thomas Sampson late
of Middleborough deceased, and to her Heirs forever all my right Title &
Interest which descended to me in all the real Estate that did belong to my Son
Nathan Vaughan late of sd. Middleborough deceased also I give &
bequeath to my sd. Daughter Polly Sampson & to her Heirs forever
all my right Title & Interest, which descended to me in all the real
Estate, which did belong to my Daughter Thankful Gorham now deceased Also I
give & bequeath to my sd Daughter Polly Sampson all my right
& Interest in a Pew in the Revd. Samuel Nelson’s Meeting house
on the lower Floor –
Item I
give and bequeath to my sd. Daughter Polly Sampson all my household
Furniture & my Wearing Apparel, & all other personal Property which I
am possessed of and not otherwise disposed of by this my last Will and
Testament.—
Item I
give & bequeath to Betsey Cushman Vaughan Daughter of Cushman Vaughan my
Gold Beads to be delivered to her after my decease –
Item I
give & bequeath to the Heirs of my Son Josiah Vaughan deceased one Dollar
to be paid to them by my Executor after my decease.—
Lastly
my Will is & I do hereby appoint my sd. Daughter Polly Sampson
sole Executor to this my last Will & Testament, thus hoping that this my
last Will & Testament will be kept & performed according to the true
Intent & Meaning thereof. I the said Priscilla Vaughan have hereunto set my
hand & seal this twenty fourth day of October in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & seventeen.—
Signed sealed & declared in presence of us
Silvs.
Tillson
Jeremiah
Wood Priscilla Vaughan (seal)
Peter
Vaughan
Presented for probate on 6 Sept.
1819 by Polly Sampson, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Silvanus
Tillson and Peter Vaughan, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Polly Sampson, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of her estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p.
374-375, from FHL microfilm #0550906.
Will of Ignatius Vinal
of Scituate, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen.— I, Ignatius Vinal of Scituate in
the County of Plymouth, yeoman, being of sound mind & memory; after
committing my soul to the author of my existence, & my body to decent
burial, do make & ordain this, to be my last will & testament, this
fourteenth day of November Anno Domini 1802, in manner following—vizt.—
Imprs I Give and bequeath to my well
beloved wife Eunice, the use & improvement of the whole of my estate, both
real & personal, during her natural life; and at her decease, my will is,
that my estate, be then equally divided, between my Brother Job Vinal & my
Sister Patience Vinal, to them, their heirs & assigns.
Lastly—I do hereby constitute & appoint my wife Eunice
Vinal Executrix of this my last will & testament, she paying all my just
debts and charges.— In Witness whereof, I hereunto Set my hand & seal the
day & year above written.
Signed, Sealed, Published and De-
clared by ye sd Ignatius Vinal to be Ignatius Vinal (seal)
his last will & testament in pre-
sence of
Eleazer
Peakes
Ward
Litchfield
Rowland
Litchfield
Presented for probate on 18 Dec. 1802 by Eunice Vinal, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Eleazer Peakes and Rowland Litchfield,
two of the witnesses.
Hayward Peirce, Esqr., Eleazer Peakes & Roland
Litchfield, yeomen, all of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Wade
of
In ye Name of God Amen. ye 14th
day of march 1726. I Thomas Wade of Bridgewater in ye County of
Plymouth In New-England being old & full of days Though of Sound mind &
memory knowing that I must shortly die & leave ye World do make
& ordain this my last Will & Testament that is to Say Principally &
first of all I give my Soul back again unto that God that gave it, hoping for
Pardon of all my Sins Through Jesus Christ & my Body I Comitt to ye
Earth to be decently buried at ye discretion of my Executor; and as
Touching my worldly Estate I dispose of ye same in manner following
that is to Say:
1. I give unto my Eldest Son Joseph Wade Twenty Shillings
& no more.
2. I Give unto my daughter Sarah Wade Twenty Shillings &
no more.
3. I give unto my Son Thomas Wade five Pounds & one third
Part of all my Right in ye
4. I give unto my daughter Hannah Lothrop Wife to Edward
Lothrop Five pounds & no more this I give unto Her & Her Heirs.
5. I give unto my daughter Rachel five Pounds & no more.
6. I give unto my Son Ichabod Wade (whome I appoint Sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament) unto Him His Heirs &
assignes all my Homestead or home lying in sd Bridgewater Excepting
a Small tract or parcell of Land that Lies on ye West Side of ye
Road together with one third Part of all my Right In ye West Cedar
Swamp, and all my meadow Land & all my moveable Estate which I Shall not by
these Presents dispose of, and my Will is that my sd Son Ichabod
Shall pay all ye debts that I owe & all ye Legacies
given away in this my last Will & Testament
7. I give unto my daughter Deborah Wade one feather Bed with
all ye furniture belonging to it & my Loome to weave with
together with all ye tackling that doth belong unto it. I give also
her one Cow a brass Kettle, an Iron Pott & an Iron Kettle an Earthen Bason
a Warming Pan, a Smoothing Iron & a Chafing dish together with one full
halfe of all ye use of ye moveable goods within ye
House & a Priviledge of Injoying ye East End of my now dwelling
House till She Shall marry and my Will further is that beside this my son
Ichabod Shall pay her ten Pounds in good pay Equivalent to money.
8. I give unto my Son Moses Wade his Heirs & assignes
that tract or Parcell of Land that lyeth on ye Westerly side of ye
Road by my House together with one third Part of all my Right in ye
West Cedar Swamp, and do hereby utterly Revoke & disanull other former
Wills & do declare This & no other to be my last Will & Testament.
In Witness & Confirmation hereof I have Sett to my Hand & Put to my
Seal ye Day & year first above written
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
& declared by ye sd Thomas Wade to
be
His last Will & Testament In Presence
of us Subscribers Thomas Wade (seal)
Benjamin Allen
Robert Luscombe
Josiah Edson tertius
Proved by Benjamin Allen and Robert Luscombe on 23 Nov. 1726,
and by Josiah Edson on 14 Mar. 1726/27. Administration granted to Ichabod Wade,
the Executor named, and one of the sons of Thomas Wade, on 24 Apr. 1727.
The Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Wade, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Wade
of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
I Thomas Wade of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth
Yeoman being weak in body but sound in mind and Memory – Considering the
Uncertainty of life and the Certainty of death, do this twenty first day of
March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two make
& ordain this my last will and Testament, Viz
First I recommend my soul to God who gave it my Body to the
Earth to be buried in a decent manner by my Executor hereafter named and as to
my worldly estate I dispose of it in manner following Viz –
1st. – I give to my wife all my household
furniture to her disposal–
2d. I give to my son Lewis all the rest of my
estate provided he shall live to the age of twenty one years, and that he shall
support my son Charles out of the same, & providing my son Lewis should not
live to the age of twenty one years, then it is my will that the property–shall
go to my daughter Betsy Briggs & for her to support my son Charles.
And I hereby constitute and appoint Simeon Curtis Jun sole
Executor to this my last will & Testament & also Guardian to my two
Boys Lewis & Charles. In witness
whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year above written.
Thomas Wade (seal)
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the Testator to be
his last will and Testament in presence of us who at his request signed our
names as witnesses
Dean
Latham
Ichabod
Keith
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1832, and proved by Ichabod
Keith and Lot Whitmarsh, two of the witnesses. Letters of administration on the
estate of Thomas Wade, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Peleg
Wadsworth of Duxbury, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen. I Peleg Wadsworth of Duxbury in the
County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman being in the
possession of my reason & understanding, but knowing I must soon be called
off this stage of life, do make & ordain the following to be my last will
& testament, that is to say: First, I recommend my body to the dust, to be
buried in a decent christian manner, and my spirit into the hands of a merciful
God, in hopes of a future resurrection to eternal life. and with regard to the
property or estate of which I am possessed, I give and dispose of the same, in
manner following—vizt—
First—I Give and bequeath unto my eldest son Cephas Wadsworth
Sixty eight dollars in money; and also, one third part of my indoor moveables:
the Bed & Bedding on which I commonly sleep shall be taken into the said
third part
Also—I Give & bequeath to Silvanus Smith, the son of my
daughter Lucia Smith, deceased, Four dollars in money with what his mother
received from me at the time of her marriage
Also—I Give and bequeath unto my Son, Uriah Wadsworth one
Hundred & Fifty Dollars in money
Also—I Give unto my Son Peleg Wadsworth, Four Dollars in
money, together with what he formerly received from me, to defray the expences
of his education—
Also—I Give & bequeath unto my daughter Welthea, the wife
of Judah Alden, Four Dollars in money, together with what she received from me
at the time of her marriage
Also—I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons, Ira Wadsworth and
Dura Wadsworth, to be equally divided betwixt them, all my Real & Personal
Estate, not above disposed off, consisting of the lands & personal estate
Following—vizt—all my homestead Farm on which I now dwell, with the
two dwelling houses, Barns, Wharf, Store House & other buildings standing
thereon, and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging.—Also, one Lot of wood
land, being the 58th lot in the First division of Duxbury
lands, Also one piece or parcell of salt marsh, lying at a place, called the
high pines—also, the fourth share in the first great lot in Pembroke great
cedar swamp, so called, and also, my Pew in the meeting house—my boat or sloop
called the Gabriel, all my live stock, farming tools, and all my other estate,
both real & personal, wheresoever it may be found; all which said real
& personal estate (excepting what I have otherwise above disposed of) I
Give to my said two sons, Ira & Dura, equally, they paying out of the
estate which I have so given them, all my debts & charges, with all the
legacies given & bequeathed in this my last will & testament. And I do
furthermore constitute and appoint my said two sons, Ira & Dura, the joint
Executors of this my last will & testament—In witness of all which, I have
hereunto Set my and & Seal, this third day of June, in the year of our Lord
one thousand, seven hundred & ninety nine—1799—
Signed Sealed & Declared, to be his Peleg Wadsworth (seal)
last will & testament in presence of
us, who, at ye request of the testator &
in presence of each other, have sub-
scribed our names, as witnesses
Geo.
Partridge
Samuel Chandler
Thomas
Chandler junr
Presented for probate on 5 Aug. 1799 by Ira Wadsworth and
Dura Wadsworth, the Executors therein named, and proved by Saml
Chandler and Thos Chandler Junr, two of the witnesses.
Samuel Chandler, Gentleman, and Thos Chandler junr,
yeoman, were sureties on the bond of Ira Wadsworth and Dura Wadsworth,
Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ephraim Ward of Lakeville, Plymouth County,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853) *
I Ephraim
Ward of Middleborough formerly, now of Lakeville in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound disposing mind, and memory, do
make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following, that is
to say;
First: After
the paying of all my lawful debts, I give and bequeath all my Estate, Real and
Personal, to the following persons, ~ First, I give and bequeath an equal
undivided fifth part of my Estate, Real and Personal to my Sons Ephraim Ward
Junior and George Ward, to be held in trust for the benefit of my Eldest Son
Eliab Ward with power to appoint their successors;
Second, I
give and bequeath an equal undivided fifth part of my Estate, Real and
Personal, to my Daughter Priscilla W. Stetson, wife of Peleg H. Stetson and in
case my said Daughter should die before me, I give and bequeath the aforesaid
fifth part of my Estate to her Heirs at Law.
Third. I
give and bequeath an equal and undivided fifth part of my estate to my Son
Ephraim Ward Junior and in case my said Son Ephraim should die before me, I
give and bequeath the aforesaid fifth part of my Estate to his Heirs at Law.
Fourth. I
give and bequeath to my Sons Ephraim Ward Jr. and George Ward, an equal
undivided fifth part of my Estate, Real and Personal, to be held in trust for
the benefit of my Grand daughter Mary W. Holmes, during her minority, or until
my said Grand daughter shall marry, if such mariage takes place before the age
of Twenty one years, at the age of Twenty One, or at the time of her Mariage
previous to that age, it is my will that said trust shall cease, and my said
Grand daughter shall come into possession of her property, It is further my
Will that if my said Grand daughter should die without any Child before the age
of Twenty one, that the aforesaid trust should cease at once, and the
aforenamed fifth part of my Estate should go to my Children – Eliab, Priscilla,
Ephraim and George, or to their Heirs It is further my Will that the aforenamed
trustees have power to appoint their successors.
Fifth. I
give and bequeath an equal undivided fifth part of my Estate, Real and Personal
to my Son George Ward and in case my said Son George, should die before me, I
give and bequeath the aforesaid fifth part of my Estate to his Heirs at Law.
Second. I
hereby Constitute and appoint my Sons Ephraim Ward Junior and George Ward, the
executors of this my last Will and Testament, with power to appoint their
successors.
In testimony whereof I the said
Ephraim Ward have hereunto set my hand and seal this Eighth day of September in
the Year of our LORD One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty three.
Ephraim Ward (seal)
Signed,
Sealed, published and declared in presence of us, by the said Ephraim Ward, as
and for his last Will and Testament, and at his request we have hereunto
subscribed our Names as Witnesses, the day and Year above Written.
Levi
Haskins
Levi
A. Haskins
Mary
S. Haskins
Presented
for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1856, by Ephraim and George Ward, the
Executors therein named, and proved by Levi Haskins, Levi A. Haskins and Mary
S. Haskins, the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Ephraim and George Ward, the Executors therein
named.
Ephraim Ward
and George Ward, of Lakeville, were appointed Executors of the last Will and
Testament of Ephraim Ward Senr., late of Lakeville, Gentleman, on 1 July 1856,
with Levi Haskins and Levi H. Haskins, both of Lakeville, as sureties.
Philander Leach, of Bridgewater, Thomas Southworth, of Carver, and Levi
Haskins, of Lakeville, were appointed to appraise the estate of Ephraim Ward
Senr, late of Lakeville, on 1 July 1856.
The
Inventory of the Estate of Ephraim Ward, late of Lakeville, was presented on
the first Tuesday of Oct. 1856, his real estate totaled $7846, and his personal
estate was valued at $122.17.
Ephraim
Ward, of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, petitioned for a division of the
Real Estate of Ephraim Ward, late of Lakeville, on 6 Oct. 1857, by his
attorney, Wm H. Wood, with the consent of Peleg H. Stetson, Priscilla W.
Stetson, and Mary W. Holmes, by her guardian Alexander Holmes. Stillman Benson,
of Middleborough, Philander Leach, of Bridgewater, and Thomas Southworth, of
Carver, were appointed to divide the real estate of Ephraim Ward, late of
Lakeville, among his devizees, on 10 Nov. 1857, namely Ephraim Ward, of
Chicago, in trust for Eliab Ward, of Middleborough, Ephraim Ward, for himself,
Ephraim Ward in trust for Mary Ward Holmes, and Mrs. Priscilla Stetson, the
wife of Peleg H. Stetson of Lakeville, the division approved in May 1858.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 98, pp. 273-275, 387-388,
from FHL microfilm #0555643, Vol. 2H, p. 518, and Vol. 100, p. 222-230.
Will of Abigail
Warren of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831) *
In the name of God, in whom I have always trusted thankful
for his various and many blessings thro’ a long life & confiding in his
final mercy for his Creauture & a Sinner
I, Abigail Warren of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth dispose of my
Earthly Estate as follows
Firstly. All my Real Estate consisting of half a house &
its lot of Meadow on Eelriver & a wood lot: The word “half” being now
interlined I give to Thomas Morton & Josiah Morton son of the late Thomas
Morton children of my sister Ruth in equal parts.
Secondly I give to my two Sisters in equal parts Susannah
Harlow & Ruth Morton all my wearing Clothes
Thirdly to Mary Wood of
I hereby appoint Josiah Morton Jun. my nephew to be executor
of this my will.
If
I have any other property beside that herein named I give it in equal shares to
the above named Thomas & Josiah my nephews; & if my personal Estate
should fail to pay my debts the deficiency shall be made up from my Real Estate
in proportion as it shall be owned by the persons to whom it is given
In testimony of all which I declare
this Instrument to he my Will this twenty seventh day of July in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty one
her
Abigail X Warren (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed & declared to be
her will in presence of us.
Z.
Bartlett
Lemuel
Leach
Jane
Burgess
The Will of Abigail Warren, late of
Plymouth, Single woman, was presented for probate on 3 Dec. 1832, and was
proved by Z. Bartlett, Lemuel Leach, and Jane Burgess, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Anna Warren of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of God, Amen.
The twenty first day of August 1769. I Anna Warren of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in New England widdow, being very sick
and weak in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God,
therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and
testament, that is to say. ~
Principally and first of all I give and recomend my soul into
the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth, to be
buried in decent, christian burial, at the discretion of my executor nothing
doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the
mighty power of God, and touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me in this life, I give demise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form.
First, I give and bequeath to Silva Reed daughter to Peter
Reed deced one half my wearing apparel, and also the bed whereon I now Lie,
with the furniture thereto belonging, containing three pair of linnen or cotton
and linnen-sheets, two pair of Flannel sheets, with other covering thereunto
belonging, with the bedstead & cord; and also the flock-bed bedstead, and
all furniture thereto belonging. and also my brass-kettle, looking-glass, &
one half my pewter; and also one good cow, and hay to winter her the winter
following. and also ten dollars to be paid her by my executor, within one year
after my decease, and also my looms and tackling. ~
I do also give and bequeath to my sister Martha Inglee and
her daughters one half my wearing apparel, and also two dollars to be paid to
my said sister, and two to each of her daughters by my said executor, within
one year after my decease, and also that my executor shall pay to my sister’s
youngest daughter Waitstill, one good pewter platter & bason within one
year after my decease. –
I do also give to Jonathan Reed son to my brother William
Reed one pair of year &’vantage steers, and hay to winter them, to be
delivered to him soon after my decease by my executor.
I do also give to William Reed grandson to my brother William
Reed deced, one half the debt that is due on a note of hand from Deacon Edward
Richmond of Taunton to be paid to him by my executor, within one year after my
decease.
I do also give to Timothy Inglee a note that I have upon Lieut.
Philip Leonard, to be delivered to him soon after my decease by my executor. ~
I do give to Elisha Tinkham, whom I likewise constitute, make
& ordain my sole executor of this my last will & testament, one
eighteen acre Lot of Land in Middleboro’, it being the fiftysixth lot in the
Little Lorman’s purchase, and in the third division, and if he should die
without child or children, it is to return to the abovesaid William Reed.
– I do also give to the said Elisha
Tinkham my other bed & beding, and all my notes of hand not here disposed
of, with all other my estate not here disposed of to his own use freely to
possess & enjoy forever.~
And I do hereby
utterly disallow, revoke & disanul all and every other former testaments,
wills, legacies, bequests, & executors by me in any ways before named,
willed, & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no other, to be
my Last will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal the day & year above written.
her
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declared by the sd. Anna O Warren (seal)
Anna Warren as her Last will & testament, in presence of
us, mark
Gershom Richmond, Eleazar Richmond, Benja. White.
Presented for probate on 5 Feb. 1770 by Elisha Tinkham, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Gershom Richmond and Eleazer Richmond,
two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elisha Tinkham,
the Executor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 321-322, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Benjamin
Warren of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1745) *
In the Name of God Amen Benjamin Warren of the Town and
County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman Labouring under the Infirmitys of old
age but of sound & Disposeing Memory, thanks be Given unto allmighty God
for the Same, But Calling to Mind the Mortallity of my body and knowing that it
is appointed for all men Once to die, Do make and ordain this my last will and
Testament— Imprimis I will and bequeath my Soul unto God who Gave it me and my
Body to the Dust to be decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executor
hereafter Named, Nothing Doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I Shall
receive the same again by the Mighty power of God and as touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this life I Dispose in the
following Manner—
Item I Will and Bequeath unto my loving wife Esther Warren
the improvement of One third of my whole Estate both Real and Personal that I
have in the Township of Plimouth after my Just debts & funeral Charges are
paid out of my Moveable Estate all which improvement of my Estate I do give
unto my Wellbeloved wife so long as She Shall remain my widdow, But in Case She
Marry again, Then my will is that She shall have my Best Bed & furniture
belonging thereunto and the sum of forty pounds in Moveables Valued equal to
bills of Credit of the old tenour to be her own forever.
Item. I Will and bequeath unto my loving son Nathaniel Warren
all that My Farm wheron I now dwell with the Dwelling House and Out Housing
Standing theron all the land that is adjoyning Together with all the Salt
Meadow on both sides of the Eell River and allso all my land lying on Saltmash
plain so Called on the northerly side of Ponds way all which said Land Meadow
and houseing above described I give unto my said son Nathaniel Warren and unto
his heirs and assigns forever he paying to three of his Sisters Each of them
Thirty pounds old tenour, to wit To Priscilla Warren Thirty pounds and Patience
Warren Thirty pounds and Mercy Warren thirty pounds all in bills of the old
tenour to be paid within one year after my Decease.—
Item. I will and bequeath unto my Grandson Benjamin Warren
the Only Surviveing Son of Benjamin Warren deceas’d all that my fourteen Acres
of land lying at a place Called Shingle Brook Swamp in the Township of Plimouth
and is adjoyning unto the Land of Ebenezer Holmes and Joseph Warren. I do allso
Give unto my said Grandson One Sixth part of my Moveable Estate after my Just
Debts and funeral Charges are paid out all which land and Moveable Estate I do
Give unto my sd. Grandson and to his heirs and Assigns forever~~
Item. My Will is that all the residue of my Estate both Real
& personal lying within the Township of Plimouth that I have not Given away
In this present Will Shall be Equally divided to and amongst my five daughters
Namely Abigail the widdow of Joseph Rider deceasd and Hannah the wife of
Eleazer Faunce Priscilla Patience and Mercy all which the Residue of my Estate
I Give unto my said five Daughters and unto their Heirs and Assigns forever.
Lastly. I Nominate and appoint my loving son Nathaniel Warren
to be the Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament hereby Revokeing all
other and former wills Either writin or Verbal by Me heretofore made or done or
orderd to be done hereby Ratyfieing this my last Will & Testament to remain
firm and Inviolable. In Witness wherof I the above named Benjamin Warren have
hereunto Set my hand & Seal this Eighth day of May Annoq Dom. 1745—
Signed Sealed Pronounced and Declared
By the said Benja Warren to be his
last will & Testament In presence of us
Thomas Faunce junr. Benjamin Warren (seal)
James Faunce
Josiah Morton
Probated on 8 July 1746, and proved by Thomas Faunce, James
Faunce and Josiah Morton. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathaniel
Warren of Plimouth, Yeoman, the Executor, on 8 July 1746.
The inventory of the estate of Benjamin Warren, appraised by
James Warren, Solomon Silvester, and Consider Howland, taken in Aug. 1746,
totaled £3231, including his homestead valued at £1560, his swamp and meadow
near Joseph Warrens at £260, his meadow on the west side of the river at £240,
a 30 acre wood lot at £240, other woodland at £200, livestock at £216, his part
in the mill at £125, an Indian boy valued at £50, cedar swamp at £40, etc.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 10, p. 301-305, from FHL microfilm
#0551535.
Will of Ebenezer Warren of Andes, Delaware County, New York (1894) *
The
Last Will and Testament of Ebenezer Warren of the Town of Andes in the County
of Delaware and State of New York
I
Ebenezer Warren being sixty seven years of age and being of sound mind and
memory do make this my last Will as follows –
First
I direct that my funeral charges,
expenses of administering my Estate and my debts be paid out of my personal
Estate; and if my personal Estate be insufficient for those purposes, I
expressly charge the payment thereof, or of any deficiency upon the real Estate
whereof I may die seized, and for that purpose, or for the payment of the
legacies hereinafter bequeathed, I authorize my executors hereinafter named, to
sell at public or private sale, the whole or such part of my real Estate, as
may be sufficient for those purposes
Second
I do give and devise to my Daughter Sofrona C. Weare (Wife of Austin
Weare) now of Corning N.Y. the one hundred dollar note I now hold and own
against her husband Austin Weare – together with any and all money either
principal or interest due thereon – at the time of my death – or that shall
thereafter accrue – to have and to hold to herself her heirs and assigns
forever –
Third
I do give and devise to my Son Abram A. Warren now residing at Tioga
Tioga County Pennsylvania the sum of One hundred dollars, to have and to hold
to himself & his heirs for ever.
Fourth
I do give and devise to my son Frank K. Warren now residing at
Lawrenceville Tioga County Pennsylvania the sum of One hundred dollars, to have
and to hold to himself and his heirs forever –
Fifth
I do give and bequeath to my Daughter Jennie E. Warren now residing at
Nelson Tioga County Pennsylvania the sum of One hundred dollars to have and to
hold to her heirs & self forever –
Sixth
I do give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Horton (Wife of Isaac Horton)
now residing at Lawrenceville Tioga County Pennsylvania – the sum of one
hundred dollars to have and to hold to herself and her heirs forever –
Seventh
I do give and bequeath all of the rest residue and remainder of any
& all real estate and personal property that I may die seized or possessed
of to my wife Malvina A. Warren – to have & to hold to herself & her
heirs, forever – upon condition however that in the event that I should survive
her – then the remainder herein devised to her shall be equally divided between
my children – or their heirs share and share alike
Lastly
I do hereby constitute and appoint my Wife Malvina A. Warren and my son
Abram A. Warren Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking
all former Wills by me made
In witness Whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name this 16th day of March in the year of our Lord
One thousand Eight hundred and ninety four –
Ebenezer Warren (seal)
The foregoing instrument was at the date thereof subscribed by the said Ebenezer
Warren in our presence and he at the same time declared the same to be his last
Will and testament, and requested us to sign our names as Witnesses, which we
do in his presence & in the presence of each other
Edward
M Norton residing at Andes N.Y.
Barna Johnson residing at Andes N.Y.
In the matter of the Last Will and
Testament
of Ebenezer Warren late of the town
of Andes,
deceased.
I,
Abram A. Warren of Tioga Tioga County Pennsylvania, one of the Executors named
and appointed in and by the Last Will and Testament of Ebenezer Warren late of
the Town of Andes in the county of Delaware, deceased, do hereby renounce the
said appointment and all right and claim to letters testamentary on the said
Last Will and Testament or to act as Executor thereof.
Dated
January 28th 1895
Abram A. Warren
Presented for probate by Barna
Johnson, Attorney for the Executrix named in the Last Will and Testament of
Ebenezer Warren, late of the Town of Andes, on 18 Feb. 1895.
Letters Testamentary were granted
to Malvina A. Warren, the Executrix, on 18 Feb. 1895
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Wills Vol. O, p. 263-265, from FHL
microfilm #0833515, and Letters Testamentary Vol. I, p. 591.
Will of James
Warren Esq., of
I James Warren of the Town and County of Plymouth being now
under Decays of Body but through the mercy and Goodness of God of Disposeing
mind and memory yet Calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory Life and
knowing the mortality of my Body and that it is uncertain how soon it shall
Please God to Call me hence by Death, I am therefore Desirous according to my
Duty to Sett things In order before I go hence and do make this my Last Will
and Testament in manner and form following. That is to Say principally and
first of all I Give & Recomend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it
me hoping and Expecting the Pardon of all my Sins in & through the Death
and Merits of Jesus Christ my only Lord and Saviour, And my Body I Recomend
unto the Earth to be Decently buried att the Discretion of my Executrix,
hereafter named, and Touching my worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God
to Bless me in this Life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same In the following
form and manner…
Imprimis. My Will is that all my Debts in Right and Consience
to any Persons Due Shall be first paid and discharged out of my Estate
(together with my funeral Charges) by Executrix hereafter named…
Item. I Give and Bequeath unto James Warren my only Son and
to the heirs of his Body Lawfully begotten and to their heirs and assigns
forever all my uplands Swompy Ground marsh and meadow land together with all
the housing thereon Standing, all Scituate lying & being on the most
Easterly Side of the Eel River So Called in the Township of Plymouth aforesaid,
and also three Shares in the Cedar Swomp Called the South meadow Cedar Swomp in
Plymouth aforesd. and is one half of ye. thirteenth Lott
as it is laid out and divided (one of which Share is his own already) all which
I give to him my sd. Son upon Conditions that he do after he shall
arrive to one and twenty years of age Give and firmly make over unto my
Daughter Sarah his Sister his Sixth part of the wood Lott which fell to him
upon the Settlement of the Estate of his uncle Nathaniel Warren Deceased as
also If he do Signe to and on his part do Confirm the Settlement of his sd.
uncles Estate (which I Consented to on his behalf) And my will is that my sd.
Son shall not enter upon and possess any of the before given Estate untill the
youngest of my Daughters then Sirviving Shall arrive to the age of Sixteen
years and that then Sarah my Loving wife Shall have and receive the one third
part of the Proffits and Incomes of all for and during the time that She Shall
Continue my widdow: And I also Give and Bequeath unto him my sd. Son
my Gun Sword all my Cloathes with all my husbandry Tools and utensils And my
Will is that If my sd. Son die without Issue Lawfully begotten of
his Body that then all the before given Lands and other the Real Estate before
mentioned shall be equally divided to and amongst all my Daughters then
Sirviving, only If any or either of them shall then be Deceased & leave
Issue Such Children to have that part that would have Come to their mother If
then living. Item. My Will is that the sd.
Sarah my Loving Wife Shall enjoy possess & improve all my Estate both Real
& personal for her own use Comfort & Support and for bringing up of my
Children untill ye. youngest of my Daughters then Sirviving shall
arrive to the age of Eighteen years aforesd. Item. I Give & Bequeath unto each &
every one of my Daughters fifty Pounds apiece to be paid to them Respectively
as they Come to the age of Eighteen years or at the time of mariage which shall
first happen, and to be paid by my sd. wife out of my Estate, And I
Do hereby Give full Power unto the sd. Sarah my Loving wife to make
Sale of any of my housing Wharfe Swomps Lands or other Estate which is not
before given to my sd. Son as she shall see Cause and the produce
thereof to use & Improve for her own use and for Bringing up of my sd.
Children, and for paying the Legacies Given them as aforesd. Item:
My Will is that If my sd. wife Shall marry again after my Death:
That She shall have one hundred Pounds out of my Estate, and be further allowed
for what is necessary for bringing up of the youngest of my Children who shall
then be minors - - -
Item: My Will is that att and after the Death or marriage of
the sd. Sarah My Wife which shall first happen that then all the
Remainder of my Estate both Real & personall excepting what is before given
to my Sd. Son, and also excepting the hundred Pounds given to my sd.
wife If She marry again, It Shall be equally divided to and amongst all my
Daughters then Sirviving, only the Sirviving Children of any of them to have
their Deceased mothers part If any of them Shall be deceased before Such
Division be made, only my will is that each of them have fifty Pounds as before
expressed before the Latter Division be made: and that the sixth part of the
wood Lott to be made over by my sd. Son unto my sd.
Daughter Sarah Shall be valued att twenty Pounds in part of the Last Division
to be Sett out to her. Finally I do ordain Constitute & appoint the sd.
Sarah Warren my Loving Wife to be sole Executrix to this my Last Will &
Testament hereby revoking & disanulling all former will and wills by word
or writing heretofore made by me, In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Sett my
hand and Seale this twenty Eighth day of January Anno Domini 1711/12//
Signed Sealed & Declared to be
his Last Will & Testament In James Warren (seal)
presence of us . .
Nathaniel Thomas Junr.
Isaac Lothrop
Joseph Lothrop
John Watson
Probated on 23 June 1715, and proved by Nathaniel Thomas Junr.
Esqr., Mr. Isaac Lothrop, and Mr. John Watson.
Letters of Administration were granted to Mrs Sarah Warren, Relict
Widdow of the deceased and Sole Executrix, on 23 June 1715.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real and Personal of James
Warren Esqr. late of the Town & County of Plymouth, dated 20
July 1715 and appraised by William Basset and Isaac Lothrop was not totaled but
substantial, and included bills of credit, cash and bonds valued at £1018.11,
the farm land meadow and housing valued at £2500, a negro man & negro
woman, one English and two Indian Servants, valued at £150.00, and sheep, neat
cattle, horses and swine valued at £213.00. Mrs. Sarah Warren,
Relict Widdow of James Warren Esqr., and Executrix, gave her oath to the
inventory on 24 Sept. 1715.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of James Warren of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In the
Name of God Amen,
I James Warren of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth Esqr.
Considering my own Frailty & Mortality, and that it is appointed to dye,
and not knowing how soon may Days on Earth may be numbered & Finished Doe
make my Last Will and Testament in maner following First of all I humbly
Recommend my Soul to God that Gave it Humbly Hoping for acceptance with him and
Eternall Happiness thro’ the Merritts and mediation of Jesus Christ,– the
Savour of man kinde, and my Body to the earth to be Buried therein in a decent Christain
manner at the discretion of My Execr, hereafter named, I order my
said Executor out of my said Estate, to pay all my Just debts and Funerall
charges & Such Legacies as I shall Herein Bequeath in Convenient time after
my decease
I Give to my son
James Warren Junr. Esqr. all the Real Estate which my Hond.
Father in his will gave to me lying in Plimouth aforesaid, a Sixty acre Lott of
Wood-land– Adjoyning to my Farm at the Ele river; afifteen acre Lott of Wood
land Adjoyning to sd. Sixty Acres, and One Quarter part of the
Island lying in half way Pond all in Plimouth aforesaid, Togather with One
share in the thirteenth Great Lott in South meadow Cedarswamp in Plimton in the
County of Plimouth, and all my Interest in Silvester’s Town so called, To Have
& To Hold all and Singular the premisses aforesd. with the
appurtenances to him the said James Warren Junr. and his Heirs and
assigns forever I Likewise Give my said
son & his Heirs & Assigns forever One Half of a Breading Mair on my
Farm at sd. Eelriver and my Husbandry Tools and utensills there
used, and my best Gun and Sword none of which Shall be Subjected to the payment
of my Debts Legacies and Funerall charges
I Give to my
Daughter Ann Warren and her Heirs & assigns forever the sum of One Hundred
and Eighty seven pounds lawfull money of the province of the Massachusetts bay
to be paid to her out of my estate within one year after my decease, to make
her equall with her Sister Sarah Sever Respecting what I gave her upon her
Marriage.
All the Rest and
residue of my Estate both real & personall of what name or nature soever,
whersoever the same is or may be found, I give the one moiety thereof to my
said Daughter Anne and her Heirs and Assigns forever, and the other Moiety
thereof I Give to my said Daughter Sarah Sever and her Heirs & Assigns
forever. Finally I doe hereby revoak any Former Will and Constitute and appoint
my said son James Warren Junr Executor of this my Will, In Witness whereof I
have hereunto Sett My Hand and seal the Thirtyfirst Day of May AD1757.
Signed Sealed Published & declared
by said Testator to be his Testament James Warren (seal)
In
presence of
Consider Howland
Jas. Hovey
John Cobb
Presented for probate on 19 July 1757 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Consider Howland, James Hovey and John Cobb, the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James Warren of Plimouth,
Esqr., the Executor, on 19 July 1757.
The Inventory of the Estate of James Warren, late of Plymouth
Esqr., was appraised by Josiah Morton, James Hovey, and Ebenezer
Spooner on 3 Sept. 1757, and totaled £3314.1.8, including his real estate,
which totaled £3077.13.4. James Warren Esqr., the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 28 July 1759.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, p. 298-300, from FHL microfilm
#0551542, and Vol. 15, p. 275-276.
Will of James Warren of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1792) *
In
the Name of God amen, I James Warren of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth Esqr.
being sensible of my Mortality & of the many advantages my Family may
derive from my making Disposition of the Estate with which Providence has
blessed me, do make this my last will & Testament concerning the real and
personal Estate whereof I am any way seized & possessed —
Imprimis
my Will is that my Just debts & funeral Charges be paid out of my Real
Estate by my Executrix hereafter named, & she is hereby impowered to sell
& dispose of so much of my real Estate as may be sufficient for those
purposes, meaning & it is my Will that lawful Interest as a Debt be allowed
& paid to my Son James Warren on the Monies at sundry times received for
him & standing on my Book as Balances due to him, beginning the Estimate of
said Interest from the first day of January A.D. 1791 ~
Secondly.
I give & bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife Mercy Warren all my personal
Estate of every sort & kind including debts due to me on Book, Mortgages,
Bonds or Notes of hand, or by Bills of Exchange or any other way – to be to her
own use, & at her disposal – I also give to my beloved Wife aforesaid the
whole & sole use & Improvement of the Remainder of all my Real Estate,
during her natural Life. & my Mind & Will is that after the decease of
my said Wife, the said Remainder of my Real Estate be divided among my three
Sons James Warren, Henry Warren & George Warren in Manner following viz –
in the first place that there be assigned & set off by the appraisement of
three judicious Men, by them, or the major part of them chosen, to the amount of
one hundred & seventy five Pounds to each of my Sons Henry & George, in
order to make an Equality among my three sons, in point of the Expences &
advantages of their Education &c It is however to be understood that
seventy five Pounds already advanced to my Son George & charged on my Book,
is to be considered as part of the said Sum of one hundred & seventy five
Pounds given him as above after which it is my Will that the residue of my Real
Estate be in the same Manner equally divided among my three Sons James, Henry
& George aforesaid —
Lastly
I nominate & appoint my beloved Wife Mercy Warren sole Executrix of this my
last will & Testament, hereby revoking all other & former Wills &
Testaments by me made ratifying this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament – In Witness whereof I sign seal pronounce & declare this to be
my last Will & Testament this eighth day of June Anno Domini 1792. ~
In presence of
Andrew
Croswell
Wm
H. Jackson James Warren (seal)
Lemuel
Drew
Presented for probate on 28 Dec.
1808 by Mercy Warren, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Lemuel Drew,
one of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Mercy Warren, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
Henry Warren, of Plymouth, Esqr.,
was granted Administration de bonis non with the Will annexed of the estate of
James Warren, late of Plymouth, Esqr., on 11 Nov. 1814, the sole
Executrix Mercy Warren having since deceased without completing her
Executorship, with James Warren and Nathan Hayward Esqrs. as
sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 42, p.
419-420, from FHL microfilm #0550902, and Vol. 46, p. 432.
Will of John Warren of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1768) *
In
the Name of God, Amen,
I John Warren of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in
New England yeoman, this twenty first day of January anno Domini 1768 being of
sound mind, & disposing memory, thanks be to God therefor, calling to mind
the mortality of my body do make & ordain this to be my last will &
testament, revoking all other wills by me made heretofore. That is to say,
first of all I give & recomend my imortal soul to
God, hoping thro’ Jesus Christ alone he will receive my imortal spirit, and my
body I comit to the dust, to be buried at the discretion of my executor
hereafter named trusting that Jesus Christ will raise it up at the last day,
& reunite the same, & receive it unto imortal glory. and as touching
that worldly estate which God has blessed me with, I give and dispose of, as
follows. ~
Imprs. I give & bequeath unto my wel-beloved
wife Ann Warren the one third part of all my moveable estate within doors &
without to be her own forever, and the improvement of all my real estate,
during her being & remaining my widdow, ordering all my just debts to be
paid, as is hereafter more fully expressed. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto my son James Warren, six
pounds, thirteen shillings & eight pence, to be paid him in moveable estate
by my grandson Elisha Tinkham in three years after my decease. ~
Item, I give unto my two sons Nathaniel Warren, &
Nehemiah Warren all my wearing apparel, to be equally divided between them,
& delivered them upon sight, after my decease, and also the sum of thirteen
pounds, six shillings & eight pence to be equally divided, viz six pounds,
thirteen shillings & four pence to Nathaniel, & six pounds, thirteen
shillings, & four pence to Nehemiah, to be paid them by my grandson Elisha
Tinkham aforesaid, in moveable estate, in three years after my decease. ~
Item, I give & bequeath unto the three children of John
Warren decd; namely Richard Warren, & John Warren, & Naomi
Warren, eight pounds lawful money, to be equally divided between them, &
paid them by my grandson Elisha Tinkham, in moveable estate, when they arrive
to twenty one years old. ~
Item,
I give & bequeath to my two daughters namely to Naomi Tinkham, wife of
Jeremiah Tinkham of Middleboro’ aforesd. & ann Dickerson wife of
Joseph Dickerson, the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings & four pence to
each of them, that is to say to Naomi the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings
& four pence, & to Ann the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings &
four pence to be paid them by my aforesaid grand-son Elisha in moveable estate
in three years after my decease.
Item.
I give & bequeath unto my aforesaid grand-son Elisha Tinkham all my real
& moveable estate, not heretofore given away, that is to say my dwelling
house & land whereon I now dwell, & all my woodland & meadows &
fences on the same together with all my live stock, & other moveable estate
not before given away, he paying the aforesaid legacies, & my just debts
& funeral charges out of the same. – My will is that the aforesd.
legacies should be given in manner & form as aforesd. to them
& their heirs forever, Furthermore, my will is, & I do hereby appoint
my aforesd. grandson Elisha Tinkham to be the sole executor of this
my last will & testament, ratifying & confirming this to be my last
will & testament. In witness whereof I the sd. John Warren have
hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year first above mention or
written. ~
Signed, seald.,
published, & pronounced, by the sd. John Warren to be his last
Will & testament in the
presence of us the subscribers. – John Warren (seal)
Gershom Richmond, Eleazar Richmond,
Samuel Thacher
Presented for probate on 4 Apr.
1768 by Elisha Tinkham, the Executor therein named, and proved by Gershom
Richmond and Eleazar Richmond, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Elisha Tinkham, the Executor, with Gershom Richmond, blacksmith,
and Eleazar Richmond, yeoman, all of Middleborough, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 20, p. 59-60, from FHL microfilm
#0550711.
Will of Joseph
Warren of
To all People to whome these presents shall Come etc: Know ye
that I Joseph Warren Senr of the Town of Plimouth in the County of
New Plimouth in New England being weak of body through age & sickness but
of perfect and disposing memory & sound understanding Blessed be God yet
not knowing how soone it may please God to Change my sickness & life to
death do therefore make and ordaine and by these presents Do make & ordaine
these presents to be my last will and Testament to stand good and to Remaine
firm and inviolable for ever in mañer and forme following: xxxxxxxxx
Imprs; I Will and bequeathe my Soul to God that
gave it me and my body to the dust and to be decently Buried: and for that
outward Estate that God hath given to me I Dispose of as followeth: Item I will
and bequeathe unto my dear and Loving wife Pricilla Warren all that my now
dwelling house out housing uplands & meadow lands that I am now possessed
of in the Township of Plimouth, Excepting such Lands as I shall hereafter
dispose of to my Son Joseph Together with all my houshold Goods and debts that
is owing to me as also four Cows and two oxen which she shall have before a
Division of my Cattell be made, all which houseing Lands debts Goods and
Chattels above expressed I do Give unto my dear and Loving wife Priscilla
Warren to be at her disposing and for her support During the time of her
widowhoode; And farther I do give unto my Loving wife all that my fifty acres
of Land Lying at Monament ponds in the Township of Plimouth as alsoe Eight
acres of upland at the Hoopr glare field So Called for her to Rent out or Sell
if necessity required. And I Doe by these presents allow her so to Doe as alsoe
the one half of my uplands & meadow lands at Aggawam that is already
Divided together with a fourth part of the undivided lands All which I Do give
unto my loving wife to be at her Disposing to Doe with it what she will During
her life or widowhood & for her support and Comfort and in Case she should
marrey then my will is that she shall have, my best Bed and all furniture
thereunto belonging to be her own for ever: Item I Give unto my son Joseph
Warren all That my fifty acres of upland Lying upon Sandwich Road in the
Township of Plimouth this to have and possess after my decease as alsoe the one
half of my share of Land and meadow at Aggawam that is already Divided and
after my Wives decease my will is and I doe by these presents give unto my Son
Joseph Warren my now dwelling house outhousing uplands and meadow land that I
have in the Township of Plimouth I do give to him and his Heirs for Ever that
is begotten of his body. Item I give unto my son Benjamin Warren all my lands
both uplands and meadow land that I have Lying both in Middlebury and
Bridgwater Townships to belong to him and his heirs for Ever that is Begotten
of his Body Item I give unto my Daughter
Mercy Bradford two Cows. Item and it is my Will that after my wives decease or
marriage again that then my whole Estate both moveables Chattels or debts or
whatsoever or wheresoever it may be found shall be equally divided amongst four
of my Children that is to say Joseph Benjamin Patience and Elizabeth: And
Lastly I do nominate and appoint my dear and loving wife Priscilla Warren to be
the Sole Executrix of this my last will and testament to administer on my sd
Estate to pay such debts as I owe and to Receive Such Debts as is owing to me
and to se that my body be Decently buried and to defray the Charges thereof And
I Do Request my Brother Thomas Faunce to be helpfull to my Sd
Executrix in the acting and disposing of particulars according to the tenor
hereof Thus hoping that this my last Will and Testament will be performed and
kept Revoking all other wills Either verball or written I have here unto set my
hand and seal on the 4th of May 1689:
The
Mark Wǽ of Joseph
Signed Sealed and Declared to be Warren
Senior and a (seal)
his Last will and Testament
In presence of
Ephraim Morton Senr
Ephraim Morton junr
Tho: Faunce
Ephraim Morton Thomas Faunce and Ephraim Morton junr
the witnesses herein named appeared before two of the magistrates of this
County of Plimouth vizt William Bradford Dept Govr,
and John Cushing assistant & made oath that they were present and saw the
above named Joseph Warren deceased Sign Seal & heard him Declare this
instrument as his Last will & testament and that to ye best of
their Judgment he was of a disposing mind & memory when he did ye
same. September
ye 4th 1689:
Attest
Saml. Sprague Clerk
An Inventory of the Estate of Joseph Warren Senr
of Plimouth Deceased Taken and apprised by us whose names are under written: on
the 15th of May 1689 [not totaled, but only personal estate listed].
Ephraim Morton Senr
Tho Faunce
Priscilla relict Widdow of the above named Joseph Warren
deceased appeared at Plimouth September the 4th: 1689 before the
magistrates of this County of Plimouth and made oath that the above written is
a true Inventory of the Goods & Chattels of sd deceased as far
as She Knows and that if more appear she will Bring it to this Inventory
Attest
Saml. Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Joseph
Warren of Plymouth, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1754) *
In the Name of God Amen.
I
Joseph Warren of Plimouth in the County of Plimouth in New England Yeoman,
being Senceable of the Shortness of Time the certainty of Death, the
Uncertainty of the time when; and being of Sound Disposing mind and memory
blessed be God for it; Think it my Duty to Settle my Estate that God in his
Providence hath Blessed me with; I do in the first place Give my Soul to God
Hoping thro’ the Merrits of Jesus Christ to find acceptance with him, Also
committing my body to the Dust, to be Decently Buried @ the Discretion of my
Executor Hereafter named, not Doubting but the same will be Raised again @ the
Resurrection of the Great Day, and I Hope in a Likeness to Christ’s Glorious
body, I do Hereby Dispose of my Estate as follows,
Imprs. I Give to my well
beloved wife Alletheah Warren & Her Heirs and Assigns the one third Part of
all my Personall Estate of what name or nature so ever, Except what is by this
Will hereafter Excepted or Given away to any of my Childred also the Improvement
of one third part of my Real Estate in Plimouth and Wareham during the whole
Tirm of Continuing my Widow, with full power of Cutting Ceader in my
Ceader=swam in Plimouth and Wareham Sufficiant for what she Shall or may have
Occation for, for Fencing while she Continues My Widdow as aforesaid; and said
One Third part of the personal, and the Improvement of One Third of the Real as
aforesaid is in full of my said Wife’s Right of Dower and Power of thirds in my
Estate.
Item I give to my well beloved and Eldest son
Joseph Warren His Heirs and Assigns forever (Saving the one third part of all
my Real Estate as before in Expressed to My Loving wife So long as she
continues in My Widdow,) also he paying Out his Part of the Legacies hereafter
by this Will Given to My Daughters and Grand=Child; and their Heirs, as also
one Half Part of my Funerall Charges Provided also that he shall make no Charge
or Demands on my Estate for any Labour which he Hath don for me or upon my Farm
or Else Where @ my Request Since he came to the age of Twenty one Years) All
That my Homestead where I now Dwell in Plimouth with my Dwelling House Barn and
out Houseing upland Meadow and Swampy Ground Adjoyning, Also all that my upland
& Meadow in said Plimouth on the Westerly side Eal=river (so called)
Adjoyning on the Southerly side to Lands of Ebenezer Holmes Junr.
and the Road on the Westerly End to the Lands of Capt. Josiah
Morton, on the northerly side an the Lands of Deacon Samuell Nellson, on the Easterly
side by the River, Also three Sixteenth parts of the Beach and meadows
Adjoyning Comonly called Plimouth Beach and is the whole of my Right and Title
to said Beach and Meadows; also thirty three acres of Upland and Swampy Ground
I bought of Robert Finney bounded by the Road that Leads to Wareham that Leads
to Wareham on the Easterly end and Southerly by said son Joseph’s own Land and
Northerly by the River so far as shall contain the whole Thirty three acres;
Also all my Lott of Wood land which I bought of Elisha Washburn lying in
Plimouth @ aplace called Fuller’s Vally, also that half of a Lott of Wood land
which I bought of Esqr. Bartlett with Thomas Bartlett of Plimouth
Also Eleven acres of Wood Land part of a Twenty acre Lott Adjoyning to Lands
owned by the Heirs of John Watson Esqr. decd. also one
peice of Ceader Swamp Containg about three acres in Plimouth and Lyes in the
Sith Great Lott in said Ceader swamp which I bought of John Doten decd.
also the whole of my Pew in the Meeting House upon the Lower floaer in the
first maind in Plimo. Provided my said son Joseph shall Give a Good
Conveyance of his Half of a Pew in the Gallery of aforesaid meeting House to
his Brother William Warren, also the one Half part of my wareing apperall and
Armour, which Homestead & Sundry Parcells of Land & Meadows and beach
and Pew, and apparell & Armour I Give to my said Son Joseph Waren his Heirs
& Assigns as his full part of my Estate,
Item
I Give to my beloved Son William Warren his heirs and Assigns forever (Saving
the Improvement of one Third part of my Real Estate as before Given to My
Loving Wife So long as she Continues My Widow, Also he paying out his Half Of
the Severall Legacies hereafter Given to my Two Daughters and my Grandson
William Morton and their heirs also the One half of my Funerall charges) all
that Farm, House, barn and Out Hosing, upland, Meadow and Ceader swamp Lying
& being in the Township of Wareham in the County of Plimo. Also
all the Remaining part of my upland and meadow which I bought of Robert Finney
of Plimouth Adjoyning to the Thirty three acres heretofore by this Will Given
to my son Joseph Warren, also all that my Right and Interest in the fifth Great
Lott of Ceader swamp in Plimouth South meadow Ceaderswamp, which I bought of
Joseph Lucas & others; also the one halfe part of my wareing Apparell and
Armour, which said Farm and Ceader swamp in Wareham and Lands & Meadow in
Plimouth @ Eal-river and Ceaderswamp @ Plimpton apparel and Armer I give to my
son William Warren his Heirs and Assigns as his full part of My Estate,
Item I Give to my Three Daughters
Viz. Elizabeth Nellson her Heirs and Assigns, and to Mary Sheppard her heirs
& Assigns, to Priscilla Drew her Heirs and Assigns, to each of My said
Daughters their Heirs and Assigns in Equall parts All my Right Title and
Interest, to Sundry Lotts of upland Meadow and Ceaderswamp Lying in the Towship
of Middleboro. in the County of Plimo.; also all my Right
Title and Interest to any Lands or Meadow or Ceaderswamp Lying in Freetown in
the County of Bristoll, also I give to my said three Daughters Elizabeth, Mary
& Priscilla, to each of them their Heirs and Assigns in Equall Parts, all
that half and Lott of Ceaderswamp which I togather with Joseph Morton Deceased,
and Lyes Plimton South Meadow Ceaderswamp, and is in the Third Great Lott in
said Ceaderswamp, also my own share in the same Great Lott which fell to me as
one of the Proprietors in said Ceaderswam as allso all my Real Estate Lying in
Plimouth not before Disposed of by this Will, as also what Shall Remain of my
Personall Estate after one third thereof is Sett of to my Widow, and my Just
Debts, Funerall charges Excepted are taken out of the Remaining two Thirds,
which which said Severall Lotts of land Togather with the Personall Estate, and
Legacies Hereafter Given to my two Daughters Elizabeth and Priscilla is in full
of My said Daughters part of My Estate.
Item I Give to my Daughter
Elezabeth Nellson and her Heirs and Assigns, and to Priscilla Drew her Heirs
& assigns One Hundred and Six pounds thirteen Shillings and four pence, to
be paid to my said Daughters by my Two Sons Joseph & William Warren equally
and in the following Maner Viz To Elizabeth her Heirs and Assigns Thirteen
pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence in One Year after my decease, and to
Priscilla her Heirs and assigns, the sum of Thirteen pounds Six Shilling and
eight pence @ the same time and to each of them their Heirs and Assigns the
same sum more, Year after the Time perfixt for the first Payment, and So
annually till the whole Legacy be Paid,
Item I Give to My Grandson William
Morton his Heirs & Assigns to be paid by my Two Sons Joseph & William
Equally in Such maner and @ such Time as is hereafter Expresed the Sum of Fifty
three pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence Viz. The Sum of thirteen pounds six
shillings & Eight pence upon the day that My said Grandson shall arive to
the Age of Twenty one Years, and the sum of Thirteen pounds six Shillings and
Eight pence @ the Expiration of one Year after the time perfixed for the first
payment and so the sum of Thirteen pounds Six shillings and Eight pence
Annually, till the whole Sum of Fifty three pounds Six Shillings and eight
pence be fully Paid, which said Sum is in full of my said Grandsons part of My
Estate and Further My Will is that if my said Grandson William Morton Shall die
before he arrive to the age of Twenty one Years, That then the said Sum of
Fifty three pounds Six Shillings and Eight pence, Shall be paid by my Two Sons
Joseph Warren & William Warren in Equall halves to my sd.
Daughter Mary Sheppard her heirs and Assigns @ the same Time said Sums would
have become due to my said Grandson William Morton had he Lived to the Age of
Twenty One Years, and Further im Will is and I do Hereby appoint and Constitute
my Well beloved Son Joseph Warren Sole Execr to this my Last Will
and Testament Hereby Revoaking and Making Void all former Wills by me
heretofore Made Publishing & Declaring this to be my Last Will &
Testament Signed & Sealed this 24th day of June Anno. Dom. 1754
Signed Sealed Published &
Declared to be
his Last Will and Testament in
Presence of Joseph Warren (seal)
Josiah Morton Jur.
Seth Morton
Thomas Foster
Presented for probate on 3 May 1756
by the Executor, and proved by Thomas Foster Esqr. and James Morton
Junr., two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration granted to
Joseph Warren, the Executor.
Vol. 14, p. 156-158
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr.
Joseph Warren late of Plimouth, appraised on 12 May 1756 by Josiah Morton,
Joseph Bartlett, and Joshua Swift, totaled £1865.12.7, including his homestead
dwelling house, barn, and out housing valued at £560, his farm in Wareham
valued at £466, and 65 acres of upland and meadow on the South Side of the Eall
River valued at £347. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 8
Sept. 1756, and Joseph Warren, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory
also on 8 Sept. 1756.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 14,
pp. 125-129, 156-158, from FHL microfilm #0551542.
Will of Nathaniel Warren of
In the name of God Amen Know all men by these presents that I
Nathll Warren of Plymouth in new-England, Considering ye
uncertainty of Life & ye sertainty of Death, and being weak and
Infirm in body but of Sound and Disposing mind and memory Doo make and ordain
this my Last will and Testament as followeth, Impr: I Commit my
Imortall soul to almighty God Relying upon his Rich Grace in ye Lord
Jesus Chrust for that Glorious Life & Imortallity prepared for ye
spirits of past men made perfect & my frail mortall body I Comitt to ye
Dust to be Decently buried according to the Direction of my Executrix Hereafter
namd & appointed in hopes of a Glorious Resurection thrô Jesus
Christ the first fruits from the Dead, And as for that temporall Estate that it
Hath pleased God to bless me withall, God in his holy providence having Denied
me the blessing of a naturall ofspring, I Dispose of ye same as
followeth that is to say — — — —
I give and bequeath my whole Estate both Reall and personall
my Just Debts and funerall Chargs being first paid and discharged to
my Dear and Loving wife Phebe Warren During her naturall Life for her support
& Comfortable Livelyhood in Case She Remain my widow and in Case providence
so order she shall se cause to marry my will is that she have 30 pound out of
my Estate in such Goods and Chatils as she shall make Choice of according to
apprizment as her owne Estate for ever as also my negro Girl Called pegg for
her her heirs and assignes for ever and upon the Decease or marriage of my sd
loving wife my will is that my whole Estate Excepting that I have given her in
Case she marry as is above specifid be Distributed among my kindred here named
as followeth—viz: Warren Gibbs James Warren the son of my brother Jams
Sarah Warren the Daughter of my sd Brother Sarah Gibs alias Cushman
the wife of Isaac Cushman Junr of Plymouth Alice Blackwell alias
Spooner the Wife of willm Spoonr of Dartmouth Mercy
Lumbard alias Burges ye wife of Ebenezer burges of Agawam in ye
Township of Plymouth-- Jams Warren the son of my brother Richard
Deceased Desire Blackwell alias Gonings the wife of Lettice Gonings of
Dartmouth-- that is to say One quarter part of the whole to my sd
kinsman Warren Gibbs One Sixth part of the whole to Jams Warren son
of my brother Jams and another sixth part of the whole to sarah
Warren Daftr of my sd brother and the Rest of my
Relations afore named to be Equally Divided among them and be Enjoyed by them
and their heirs for ever Item I Constitute & appoint my Loving & Dear
wife Phebe warren sole Executrix of this my Last will & Testament hereby
also Disannuling Revoaking & making all former Wills and Testaments void
and of none ofoer[?] in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seall this 28th Day of october Anno Dom: one thousand Seven hundred
& Seven 1707
Signd Seald & Declared Nathaniel Warren (seal)
to be his last will and
Testament Before us
Thomas Little
Elisha Wadworth
Ephraim Little Junr.
Memorand. on ye 3d day of
febuary 1707 Before Nathll Thomas Esqr. Judg of ye
Probat of wills &c. Thomas Little & Ephraim Little ye
witness Hereto named made oath that Did se and here the above named Nathll
Warren sign seal and Declare the above writen Instrument to be his Last will
and Testament & that when he so did he was of Disposing mind to ye
best of their Judgment & that Elisha Wadsworth did then set to his hand as
witness — — Nathaniel Thomas Regr.
The inventory of the estate of Nathaniel Warren, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Peter Warren of Andes, Delaware County, New York (1861) *
In the name of God Amen. I Peter Warren of the town of Andes,
in the County of Delaware and State of New York of the age of eighty four years
and being of sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last
Will and testament in manner following that is to say
First I give and bequeath to my wife Mary Warren all my
real and personal estate lying & being in the town county and State above
mentioned, and lastly, I give and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder
of my personal Estate goods and chattels of what nature or kind soever to my
said wife Mary Warren whom I hereby appoint sole executrix of this my last will
and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty
one
Peter Warren (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof declared to us by Peter Warren the testator therein mentioned to be his
last will and testament and he at the same time acknowledged to us and each of
us that he had sealed and signed the same and we thereupon at his request and
in his presence and in the presence of each other signed our names thereunto as
attesting witnesses.
Calvin
Madison Residing at Union Grove in Delaware County
Sarah
H Madison Residing at Union Grove Delaware County
Presented for probate on 26 June 1865, and proved by Sarah H
Madison and Calvin Madison of the town of Andes in the County of Delaware.
Mary Warren, the Executrix, was granted administration of the
last Will and Testament of Peter Warren, late of the town of Andes, on 26 June
1865.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Wills Vol. G, p. 83-84, from FHL
microfilm #0832863, and Letters Testamentary and Administration Vol. G, p. 346.
Will of Abiel
Washburn of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it remembered that I Abiel Washburn of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth
Esquire being out of health but of sound and disposing mind do make and publish
the following as and for my last will and testament, to wit.
I give to my Daughter Betsey Cushman
fifteen hundred dollars to my Daughter Abigail twenty two hundred and fifty
dollars to my Daughter Lucy Ann Wood twenty two hundred and fifty dollars to my
Daughter Caroline Horton fifteen hundred dollars and to my Daughter Louisa Jane
Smalley fifteen hundred dollars to them and their Heirs forever, to be paid to
them at or before the expiration of two years after my decease by my Executor
herein named—
And I give and bequeath to my three
sons Abiel Washburn, William R. P. Washburn and Philander Washburn all the
residue of my estate both real and personal to be equally divided between them
after my just debts and funeral charges shall be paid to have and to hold to
them and their Heirs and assigns forever – Provided however that my said sons
shall equally maintain and honorable support my beloved wife in sickness and in
health during her natural life. –
And
I do hereby constitute and appoint my two sons Abiel and Philander Executors of
this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I do hereto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of June in
the year eighteen hundred and forty three
Abiel Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument was
signed, sealed published and declared by the Abiel Washburn the testator, as
his last will and testament in presence of us who do hereto Set our hands in
his presence and in presence of each other
Enoch
Tinkham
Charles
Soule
Wilkes
Wood
Probated on the last Tuesday of
August, 1843, and proved by Enoch Tinkham and Charles Soule, two of the
witnesses.
Abiel Washburn, of Boston, County
of Suffolk, and Philander Washburn, of Middleborough, were granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Abiel Washburn, late of Middleborough, Esquire,
on 29 Aug. 1843, with William R. P. Washburn, of Boston, and William Bourne, of
Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Abiel Washburn, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Abigail Washburn of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1860) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I Abigail Washburn, of Middleborough, in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow lady, being of sound and
disposing mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and proclaim this my last
Will and Testament, hereby disposing of my worldly estate in the following
manner, to wit:
First. I
do hereby give and bequeath to my sister Sarah Curtis, wife of David Curtis of
Middleborough, one dollar in money.
Second.
I give and bequeath to my two nieces Sarah C. Jefferson, of Middleborough, and
Mary Howland, of Plymouth, in equal shares, my wearing apparel.
Thirdly.
I do hereby give and bequeath to my Nephew David L. Curtis, of Middleborough,
and my and my said Nieces Sarah C. Jefferson and Mary Howland, all the
remainder and residue of my Estate both real and personal, in equal shares,
wherever to be found after my decease, after the payment of my just debts and
funeral expenses by my Executor hereinafter named.
Fourthly.
I do hereby appoint George Bramhall, Esq. of Plymouth, Executor of this my last
Will and Testament.
In
witness whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and Seal, this seventeenth day of
July, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty, in
presence of the witnesses named below, who at my request and in my presence,
and in presence of each other, do hereunto set their names as witnesses, the
day and year above written.
Abigail Washburn (seal) Stillman
Benson
Wm.
B. Gibbs
Mary
Gibbs
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of October 1860 by
George Bramhall, the Executor, and proved by Stillman Benson, Wm. B.
Gibbs and Mary Gibbs, the Witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p. 382-383, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Abisha Washburn of Albion, Kennebec
County, Maine (1827) *
Be it remembered, that I Abisha Washburn of
Albion in the county of Kennebec Gentleman, being weak in body, but of sound
and perfect mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and
publish this my last will and testament, in manner and form following (that is
to say) First give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sally Washburn the income
arising from all my Real and personal Estate during the time She Shall remain
my widow and unmaried provided She Shall Support my children during that time
or ‘till they become of age viz. my sons to the age of twenty one years and
Daughters to the age of Eighteen years.~ I do also give and bequeath unto my
son Joseph L. Washburn ten Dollars when he arives to the age of twenty one
years. I further give and bequeath to my two sons viz. Abisha Washburn and
Albion Washburn jointly all my Real Estate except mills or Mill privileges and
all my personal Estate when they arrive at the age of twenty one years – And to
my son Nelson Washburn I give and bequeath all my right and title in and to the
Grist Mill and privileges belonging to the same near Nathaniel Wiggin’s in
China when he arrives at the age of twenty one years.
And to each
of my daughters viz, Mary L. Washburn Jean Washburn Sally Washburn and Betsey
Washburn I give and bequeath to each the sum of twenty dollars when they Shall
each become eighteen years of age. ~
And I hereby
appoint Japheth C. Washburn of China in said County, Sole Executor of this my
last will and testament. ~
In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirteenth day of December in
the year of our LORD one thousand Eight hundred and twenty seven. ~
Signed,
Sealed published and declared }
by the said
Abisha Washburn to be his } Abisha Washburn (seal)
last Will
and testament in presence }
of us who at
his request and in his }
presence
have hereunto subscribed }
our names as
witnesses to the same }
O. Washburn
Sarah
Washburn
Nancy Spratt
Presented
for probate on 13 Sept. 1828 by Joseph [sic]
C. Washburn, the Executor therein named, and proved by O W Washburn and Sarah
Washburn, two of the witnesses.
Japheth C.
Washburn gave his bond as Executor, with Robert Fletcher Esq. and Jacob
McLaughlin yeoman, all of China, as sureties, on 13 Sept. 1828, witnessed by
O.W. Washburn.
Japheth C.
Washburn, Esqr., of China, Kennebec County, the Executor of the Will, was
granted Letters Testamentary of the last Will and Testament of Abisha Washburn,
late of Albion, on 19 Sept. 1828.
The
Inventory of the estate of Abisha Washburn, late of Albion, was dated Dec.
1828, his real estate was valued at $1050, and his personal estate totaled
$278.75.
To the
Honerable Judge of Probate for the County of Kennebec
Sally Washburn, widow of Abisha
Washburn late of Albion in said County Gent. deceased prays your Honor to allow
her, out of the personal estate of which the said Abisha Washburn died
possessed, her wearing apparel, and such further necessaries, as in your
discretion, you may judge proper.
Your
petitioner would resents that in consequence of a lameness in her foot she is
unable to do much work and that she has Eight minor Children to support several
of which are very young and unable to do anything towards their support and
will not be for several years to come.
Dated at
Albion January 10th AD 1829
Sally Washburn
The estate
owed its creditors $1097.14, it was insolvent, and the creditors received
$283.66 in compensation on 19 Jan. 1829.
To the Hon.
Henry W. Fuller, Judge of Probate
Your
petitioner respectfully represents to hour Honor, that her late husband Abisha
Washburn, in his life time, made certain provisions in his will, for me, which
provisions I wish to waiver, and have my dower or thirds of the real estate of
which he died seized and possessed, set off to me as the law or statute
directs.
Abion Sept.
AD 1830 Sally Washburn
On 14 Sept.
1830 Robert Fletcher Esq., Stephen Bragg Yeoman and John Brackett Esq. all of
China, were appointed to set off from the real estate of Abisha Washburn, late
of China [sic], to his widow Sally Washburn, her
dower in the estate.
On 14 Sept.
1830 Japheth C. Washburn, Executor of the last will and testament of Abisha
Washburn, late of Albion, was ordered to sell the remaining estate of the
deceased to pay its debts.
Will of Abishai Washburn of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1815) *
Item I give
and bequeath unto my five daughters, viz Nancy, Mary, Lucretia, Content and
Amanda after the decease of my self and wife my new house and all my house hold
furniture, giving the above mentioned daughters a privilege of living in the
said new house during the natural life of my wife, and one acre of land lying
in Stafford bounded as follows beginning at the Brook south of the house,
thence running north bounded on the highway 20 rod, thence East 8 rods then
South 20 rods thence West 8 rods to the first mentioned bounds to them and
their heirs forever. Item I do give unto my son Abishai ten dollars. Item I
will that all the rest of my estate both real & personal of what kind
soever be equally divided amongst my six daughters, viz, Polly, Nancy, Mary,
Lucretia, Content & Amanda, and I will that the stock which the above
mentioned daughters now possess and hold as their own private property still
continue to be theirs. And lastly I do
make and constitute my wife Mary Executrix of this my last Will & Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 14th day of March AD 1815
In presence
of his
Calvin
Edson Abishai X Washburn (seal)
Rhodolphus
Ladd mark
William
Orcutt
Presented
for probate on 11 Apr. 1815 by Mary Washburn, the Executrix therein named, and
approved the same day.
On 9 Apr.
1816 Mary Washburn, Executrix of the last will and testament of Abishai
Washburn, late of Stafford, notified the court that it appears the debts and
charges against the estate of the decease surmount that part of the personal
estate of the deceased which may be sold without prejudice to the widow and
heirs of the deceased by $115, and petitioned for a license to sell so much of
the real estate of the deceased as will raise the sum of $115.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford Register of Probate Records Vol. 8, p.
546-547, from FHL microfilm #0005745, and Vol. 9, p. 285.
Will of Capt. Abraham Washburn of Hinsdale, Berekshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1838) *
Know all that I Abraham
Washburn of Hinsdale in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Gentleman do make my last will and Testament in manner following
that is to say –
I will and direct that all the Just debts which I may be
owing, at my decease, and my funeral charges be paid as soon thereafter as
conveniently may be, by my Executor herein after named.
I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Olive in case she shall survive me, an annuity of eighty dollars per year, to
be paid her by my said Executor at the end of each and every year during her
natural life.
I give and bequeath unto my Infant grand
daughter Olive Washburn Merrifield, in case she shall live to be married, or
arrive at the age of twenty one years, the sum of four hundred dollars to be
paid her by said Executor, as soon as either of those events shall have
occurred and also an annuity commencing when she shall arrive to the age of
fifteen years, if she shall live so long of twenty four dollars per year, and
payable at the end of each year after her attaining the said age of fifteen
years until the said sum of four hundred dollars above given her shall become
due and payable to her, And I do charge the whole of my real estate with the
payment of the foregoing Legacy and annuities –
I give and bequeath and devise all the
residue and remainder of my estate whatsoever and wheresoever, real personal
and mixed, unto my son in law Elijah H. Goodrich of said Hinsdale. To have and
hold the same unto him the said Elijah H. his heirs and assigns forever. And I
do appoint the said Elijah H. Goodrich the sole Executor hereof.
In witness whereof I the said Abraham have
hereto set my hand and seal the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Signed sealed and published by said
testator as and for his last will
and }
testament in presence of us, who
hereto } Abraham Washburn (seal)
set our names as witnesses in his }
presence & in the presence of
each }
other
James
Allen
James
H. Baker
Charles
Allen
Presented for probate on
4 Nov. 1851 by Elijah H. Goodrich, of Hinsdale, and proved by James Allen, of
Detroit, County of Wayne and State of Michigan, one of the witnesses, whose
deposition was taken on 14 Oct. 1851 at Detroit. In the petition for probate
Olive Washburn Merryfield, granddaughter, a resident of Windsor, Berkshire
County, and Elijah H. Goodrich, a resident of Hinsdale, were listed as the only
surviving heirs.
* Transcribed by
John A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol. 5, p. 25-27, from FHL
microfilm #0879023, and Probate Docket #7663.
Will of Abraham
Washburn of
Know all
men by these presents: that, I Abraham Washburn of the Town of
First:–
I devise my Executors hereinafter named to pay all my just debts and funeral
expenses.
Second:–
I give and bequeath to my Wife Susan Ann Washburn all of my property or estate
both real and personal to have and to hold the same to her and to her heirs and
assigns forever.
Third:–
I hereby appoint my Wife to be the Executrix and in case of her inability or
disinclination to act in that capacity then I would nominate and appoint Caleb
W. Haight to be the Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In
Testimony Whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and decree this
to be my last Will and Testament in presence of the witnesses named below this
fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
fifty nine.
Abraham Washburn (seal)
Signed
sealed published and declared by the said Abraham Washburn as and for his last
Will and Testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence and
in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Benjamin
Washburn
Oliver
J. Washburn
Caleb Haight, the Executor, petitioned for probate of the
will of Abraham Washburn, late of
Caleb W. Haight, of Mount Pleasant, testified on 12 Oct. 1853
that he notified Noah Washburn on 12 Aug. 1863, Jane Whitson on 13 Aug. 1863,
C. Underhill Washburn on 13 Aug. 1863, Joseph Sarles on 14 Aug. 1863, Amy
Washburn on 17 Aug. 1863, Mary Sales on 21 Aug. 1863, Adelia Moseman on 22 Aug.
1863, Warren Sarles on 24 Aug. 1863, Abraham Sarles on 24 Aug. 1863, Janette
Webber and Maria Webber on 5 Sept. 1863, being minors, and Jasper Webber being
their father, Castilla Webber, also a minor, on 25 Sept. 1863, and Susan
Washburn on 26 Sept. 1863. Hiram Paulding, of
The Will was Probated on 12 Oct. 1863, and proved by Benjamin
Washburn, of
Letters of Administration were granted to Caleb W. Haight,
the Executor on 12 Oct. 1863.
His inventory was appraised by Oliver J. Washburn and
Benjamin Washburn on 29 Oct. 1863, and totaled $3070.00.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Adelia Washburn of Gaines, Orleans
County, New York (1892) *
I, Adelia
Washburn of Gaines, Orleans County, N.Y., do make, ordain, publish and declare this
my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, that is to say: –
First. I direct the payment of my just
debts, if any, and my funeral expenses.
Second – I give, devise and bequeath to my
nephews, George W. Thomas and Charles H. Thomas, each the sum of Five Hundred
and ninety-nine dollars.
Third – I give, devise and bequeath all
the rest, residue and remainder of my property to my brother Gates Washburn.
I
likewise empower my
Executor hereinafter named to sell and convey any real property I may own at my
death the cause as I might if living.
Likewise, I make, Constitute and appoint my
said brother Gates Washburn to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament,
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof, I
have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the Tenth Day of June, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety=two.
Adelia Washburn (seal)
The above written instrument was subscribed
by the said Adelia Washburn in our presence, and acknowledged by her to Each of
us; and she, at the same time, declared the above instrument, so subscribed, to
be her last Will and Testament, and we, at her request and in her presence, and
in the presence of each other, do here sign as witnesses thereto.
Elmira L.
Wage, Albion, N.Y.
Miss Polly M.
Kelsey.
Albion,
Orleans County, N.Y.
Presented
for probate on 20 June 1898 by Gates Washburn, the Executor therein named.
Gates
Washburne was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Adelia Washburne on
25 June 1898.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Orleans County Probate Wills Vol. 26, p. 501-502, from
FHL microfilm #0592766, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 8, p. 49.
Will of Alonzo
Washbond of North Elba, Essex County, New York (1875) *
In the
name of God Amen
I
Alonzo Washbond of the town of North Elba in the County of Essex, and State of New
York, being of sound mind and memory, considering the uncertainty of this life,
do make and declare and publish this my last will and testament.—
First.–
I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Almira, All of the household utensils
and goods chattels and property of which I now have or may hereafter possess or
be entitled to at the time of decease, to have and to hold the same to her and
her Executors and administrators and assigns forever
Second.–
I give and bequeath to my son Charles one dollar in addition to what he has had
by a division and full settlement between us.–
In
Testimony whereof, I have to this my last Will and Testiment, hereunto set my
hand and seal, and publish and decree this Will in the presence of the
witnesses named below this day of in the year of Our Lord One thousand
Eight hundred and seventy five (1875)
Alonzo Washbond (seal)
Signed sealed and published by the
said Alonzo Washbond as and for his last Will and testament in presence of us,
who at his request and in his presence, and in presence of Each other, have
subscribed our names as witnesses hereto
Freeman
L Lyon } Residing in the town of
Franklin
Lydia
M. Lyon } & County of Franklin
state of New York
(Dated Nov. 18th. 1875)
Probated on 31 Jan. 1876, and
proved by Freeman L. Lyon, physician, and cross examined by Francis A. Smith
Esquire, counsel for Charles A. Washbond, sole heir and next of kin of the
deceased, who testified that the will was drawn at his house in the town of
Franklin, Franklin Co., New York, on 18 Nov. 1875 before himself, his wife, and
Mrs. Washbond, and that he added the date at the bottom of the will. He also
testified that Alonzo died about the 21st day of December.
Sworn to on 10 Jan. 1876 by Freeman
L. Lyon, and on 31 Jan. 1876 by Lydia M. Lyon.
Almira Washbond of North Elba was
granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Alonzo Washbond, of North Elba,
on 11 Feb. 1876.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Essex County Probate, Wills Vol. F,
p. 440-450, from FHL microfilm #0866332, and Letters Vol. D, p. 52.
Will of Alonzo Washburn of Macomb and Canton,
St. Lawrence County, New York (1892) *
In the name
of God, Amen;
I, Alonzo Washburn of Macomb,
N.Y., being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this
frail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this
to be my last Will and Testament, that is to say;
First. After all my lawful debts
are paid and discharged, I give, devise and bequeath to my wife Chloe M.
Washburn the use rents, profits and possession of all my property both real and
personal so long as she shall remain my widow, and in case of her remarriage
then on the hapening of that event, I give & bequeath unto her all of my
personal property to have and to hold the same forever; but at the same time
all her right & interest in my real estate shall terminate & cease; and
this bequest & devise is in lieu of all her dower rights.
Second. And the rest, residue
and remainder of my property both real and personal I give, devise and bequeath
to my daughters Laura A. Washburn and Mildred E. Washburn, to have and to hold
the same forever and to be divided between them equally, share and share alike.
Likewise, I make, constitute and
appoint my wife Chloe M. Washburn to be executrix of this, my last Will and
Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In Witness Whereof, I have
hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the 17th day of March, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two.
Alonzo Washburn (seal)
The above partly
written and printed instrument was subscribed by the said Alonzo Washburn in
our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us; and he at the same time
declared the above instrument so subscribed, to be his last Will and Testament;
and we, at his request have signed our names as witnesses hereto, in his
presence and in the presence of each other, and written opposite our names our
respective places of resident.
A. W. Orvis,
Gouverneur, N.Y.
G. S. Conger, Gouverneur, N.Y.
The Will of
Alonzo Washburn, late of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., was presented for probate on
1 June 1915 by Chloe M. Washburn, the Executrix named, listing his heirs as
Chloe M. Washburn, widow, of Canton, NY, Laura A. Washburn, daughter, of Rens.
Falls, NY, and Mildred E. Washburn, daughter of Rens. Falls, NY. The will was
proved by Arthur W. Orvis on 28 June 1915, G. S. Conger having died on 31 Jan.
1913 in Gouverneur, NY.
Chloe M.
Washburn was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of Alonzo Washburn,
late of Canton, on 28 June 1915.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Wills Vol. 48, pp. 589-590,
592, from FHL microfilm #1571565, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 20, p. 53.
Will of Amanda Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1877) *
Know all men by these presents, that I Amanda Washburn of
Lenox County of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts, being of sound mind and
memory Blessed be God for the same, do make publish and declare this my last
will and testament as follows viz.
1st I
direct that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid by my executor, who I
hereby authorize to sell at private sale or auction any or all of my real or
personal estate of whatsoever name or nature immediately after my decease &
to convey the same
2d I direct
that my name be inscribed on the monument of my late husband Amos S. Washburn
deceased
3d I give
& bequeath to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign missions the
sum of One hundred dollars.
4th I give
& bequeath to the Home Missionary Society the sum of one hundred dollars to
be paid to the Treasurer of sd Society for the use & benefit of
sd Society
5th The
residue of my estate both real & personal after the expenses of
Administration are paid I give & bequeath to the children of my brother
David S. Mattoon late of Lenox deceased & of my sister Nancy Hotchkin late
of Lenox deceased to be equally divided between them & their heirs forever.
And I hereby
constitute & appoint Henry J. Mattoon sole executor of this my last will
and testament
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & seal this 8th day of June A.D. 1877
Amand Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published & declared by the above named
Amanda Washburn to be her last will and testament in the presence of us who at
her request & in her presence have hereunto set our names as witnesses
Erasure made on 4th
line from
bottom of 1st page before execution Thos.
Sedgwick
Henry
Sedgwick
Mary
J. Sedgwick
Presented for probate on 20 July 1880 by J. Henry Mattoon of
Lenox. Letters Testamentary were granted to John Henry Mattoon on 20 July 1880,
with James F. Mattoon and Grafton S. Pelton as sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol. 121, p. 219-220, from FHL
microfilm #1750454.
Will of Capt. Amos S. Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1851) *
I Amos Washburn of Lenox County of Berkshire & State of
Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life & being of
sound mind and memory blessed be God for the same do make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner & form following ~ First, I order and
direct that my just debts and funeral charges be paid:
2: I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Amanda Washburn
the sole use of my present dwelling House & House Lot, with all the
buildings therein.~ The Garden over the River~
Ten Shares of the Stockbridge & Pittsfield Rail Road Stock– The
Gates Farm (so called) with the privilege of cutting Wood & Timber on the
Stevens Lot, or any other land owned by me, that she may want for her own use
for repairs or firewood for and during her natural life, and at her decease the
use aforementioned property to my Son Sidney & Harriot his Wife or the
survivor for & during his or her or their natural life or lives as Joint
Tenants, and at their decease, to be equally divided between their surviving
children ~~~ I also give & bequeath to my wife Amanda the sum of Two
Hundred Dollars from my personal property in money also all the House hold
Furniture~ also one half of all Notes & Book Accounts due me over &
above the sd. Two Hundred Dollars Also one Horse one Cow, with such
suitable fodder to keep them as may be in my Barn, one Harness, one Waggon, one
single sleigh & all such farming Tools as she may need – also so much of
such provision as may be on hand for her use one year to her & her use
& disposal forever.~ Further – I give & bequeath the use of the Residue
of all my Real Estate to my Son Sidney & Harriet his Wife as joint Tenant
for and during their natural life or lives & at their decease to be equally
divided between their surviving children ~ I also direct that the residue of my
personal property as soon as it can reasonably be converted into Cash; shall be
invested in some public Stocks or securities as may be deemed best or in some
other way, that an annual or semi-annual interest may accrue: said interest
that may so accrue I give & bequeath to my Son Sidney & Harriet his
wife for & during their natural life or lives & at their decease the
capital to be equally divided between their surviving children.
I
hereby appoint Thomas Sedgwick Sole Executor of this my last Will and
Testament.~~ In Witness ~ I have set my hand & Seal this Eighth day of
January A. D. 1851.
Amos S. Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by
the above named Amos S. Washburn to
be his last will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request &
in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses this Eight day
of January 1851. George
G. Eddy – Merrit Van Deusen – William Thomas.
Presented for probate on 4 Mar.
1851 by Thomas Sedgwick, the Executor therein named, and proved by Geo. G. Eddy
and Merrit Van Deusen, who testified that they saw Capt. Amos Washburn sign,
seal and heard him pronounce publish and declare the said instrument to be his
last will and testament.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol.
4, p. 417-419, from FHL microfilm #0879023.
Will of Amy
Washburn of
I Amy
Washburn being of sound mind and memory do make ordain publish and declare this
to be my last Will and Testament that is to say
First After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged I
give devise and bequeath my bed and bedding I give to Phebe Jane Brudage me
nease [niece] my Beaura [bureau] I give to my – and looking glass
– nease Ireane Williames my trunke I give to Milbey Smith grault [grand?] naver [niece] wat [what] money
is left after paying all charges I give to my brother Jesse Washburn my ward
rob [wardrobe] I give to my two
neases Phebe Jane and Ireand
Likewise I make constitute and appoint Bartholomew R Washburn
to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former
Wills by me made
In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal the Fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and seventy fore
Amy Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof subscribed by Amy Washburn in the presence of us and each of us and
each of us she at the time of making such subscription acknowledged that she
made the same and declared the said instrument so subscribed by her to be her
last Will and Testament Whereupon we then and there at her request and in her
presence and the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto
Antoinette Washburn residing at Mt Pleasant N.Y.
Charles Fisher residing at Do N.Y.
Bartholomew R. Washburn, the Executor, petitioned for probate
of the will on 12 Jan. 1875.
Proved by Antoinette Washburn of Mt. Pleasant and Charles
Fisher of Mt. Pleasant on 5 Mar. 1875.
Letters Testamentary Vol. L, p. 51:
Bartholomew R. Washburn, the Executor, was granted
administration of the estate on 5 Mar. 1875.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Ann Eliza Washburn of Ossining, Westchester County, New York (1884) *
In the name of God Amen
I Ann Eliza Washburn of town of Ossening village of Sing Sing State of
New York Being of sound mind and Memory do make and publish this my last will
and testament. I give and bequeath to
Kate Belknap Washburn one dozen solid silver tea spoons and two preserve spoons
–
I give and bequeath to Jennie Washburn daughter of Benj
Washburn my plated forks.
I give and bequeath to Reuben F Washburn my Bureau
I give and bequeath to Susan Merritt my Marble top stand
I give and bequeath to Edward Belknap my Clock and Lounge
I give and bequeath to Edward B. Washburn one hundred dollars
to be kept at interest until he is twenty One when he is to have the whole
principal and interest. I give and
bequeath to Maggie E Washburn my gold watch chain. I give and bequeath to Edward B. Washburn my
gold watch when he is sixteen years old.
I give and bequeath to Maggie E. Washburn my bedstead washstand feather bed
pillows and bolster, Counterpin two sheets, one flannel blanket two
Comfortables, springs.
I give and bequeath my looking glass, large upholstered hair
cloth rocking chair, Stove, Carpet, Mahogany table to Daniel B Washburn.
I give and bequeath my linen Sheets and bedding to be equally
divided between Frank Phebe, and Rachel Belknap. I give and bequeath to Adelaide H. Waugh my
large Bible.
I give and bequeath Phebe Belknap my set of dishes and white
shawl.
I give and bequeath to Gertrude R Weed my picture the Lords
Supper.
I give and bequeath to M. F. Belknap my caster
I do nominate and appoint to be the sole Executor and
Executrix of my last Will and Testament Isaac R. Secor M.D. and Maggie E.
Washburn
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and seal and
publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in presence of the
witnesses named below this 2d day of Aug 1884
Ann Eliza Washburn
Signed sealed declared and published by the said Ann Eliza
Washburn as and for her last will and testament in presence of us who at her
request and in her presence and in presence of each other have subscribed our
names as witnesses hereto
Isaac R. Secor M
D. Sing Sing N.Y.
Maggie E. Washburn
“ “ “
Eliza Reynolds
Presented for probate on 12 Mar. 1885 by Isaac R. Secor, the
Executor, and proved by Maggie E. Washburn and Isaac R Secor both of the town
of Ossening, on 11 Apr. 1885. Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac
R. Secor on 11 Apr. 1885, and Wm M. Barton was appointed as special guardian
for the minors of the deceased.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate, Wills Vol. 100, p. 147-153.
Will of Anna
Washburn of
I,
Anna Washburn, of the Town of Mount Pleasant, County of Westchester & State
of New York, being of sound disposing mind & memory Do make & ordain
this my last Will & Testament in the following manner, viz:
1st. I order and direct all my just debts &
funeral charges paid by my Executors hereinafter to be named.
2nd. I give and bequeath to my neices Rebecca
Ward, Anna Edgerton and Dorcas Weeks and my Nephew Charles Sutton one hundred
and fifty dollars each. Also I give and bequeath to William Henry Sutton and
George Edwin Sutton minors of the late Alfred Sutton, deceased, Seventy five
Dollars each. The interest on the before named sums to be expended in their
education and support, should my Executors consider it to be for the best
interest of said minors, to do so, otherwise it shall be added to the principal
& the whole paid to them when they shall arrive at legal age. And my mind
& will is should either of the aforesaid minors fail of attaining twenty
one years of age, that his share go to his surviving brother and in case
neither attains legal age thier share is to go to their uncle Charles Sutton.
3rd. I give and bequeath to my neices Elizabeth
Ferguson & Eliza Harring and to my nephew Jesse Weeks One hundred Dollars
each. Also I give to Major Marshall and his sisters Mary Ann Marshall and
Elizabeth Marshall the sum of One hundred Dollars to be equally divided between
them.
4th. I give & bequeath to my Neices Rebecca
Miller, Josephine Weeks, Mary Elizabeth Weeks and Mary Weeks widow of my late
nephew Edmund Weeks deceased Fifty dollars each.
And
I also give and bequeath to Abel Washburn and Elcanah L Washburn, sons of my
late husband Elijah Washburn, dec’d, fifty dollars each.\
5th. If my Estate should be insufficient to meet
the before mentioned bequests my mind is that each of the above named Heirs
bear their share in the deficiency.
6th. to my brothers children not named in this
instrument (or their children) I give and bequeath the residue of my property
of whatever description to be equally divided between them as though named.
Lastly,
I hereby ordain and appoint James Pierce and John W. Pierce both of the town of
Mount Pleasant my only and lawful Executors to this my last Will and Testament
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made or named.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 31st day of 3rd
Anna Washburn (seal)
By
the request of the above named Testatrix Anna Washburn and in her presence
& in the presence of each other we have subscribed our names as witnesses
hereoff.
Moses Pierce {
of
Phebe Anna Pierce {
of
On 6 June 1870 John W. Pierce, the Executor, petitioned for
probate of the will of Anna Washburn, late of
Proved by Moses Pierce of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Anne
Washburn of
Be it
remembered that I Anne Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant County of
Westchester State of New York being weak in body but of sound mind and memory,
do make and ordain this to be my last will and Testament in manner and form
following that is to say I order my Executors whome I hereby appoint namely
John Wright Amy Washburn and Solomon Underhill I authorise and impower my
Executors to sell all my goods and chattels of what kind and nature soever when
they think it a suitable time and collect all moneys due to me and place the
money at interest except so much of the money as may be wanting to pay my just
debts funeral charges and to bring up my children till they become of age I order my Executors to give my children
cheel larning to fit them for business and pay that and all necessary expences
of what kind soever they may need untill they become of age out of my moneys
and the remainder part of my money I order my executors to divid equably
between my four children Abraham Plilana Isaac Jacob and pay it to them as they
become of age in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty fifth day of third month one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
Anne Worshburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Anne
Washburn to be her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presents of the testator
John Worshburn Samuel
Ward Richard Whitson
Presented for probate on 30 Mar. 1824, and proved by Samuel
Ward, one of the witnesses.
Letters of administration granted to
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Anne Washburn of
I Anne Washburn of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow being somewhat advanced in years but of a
sound disposing mind & memory, and duly considering the mortality of my
body have thought fit and proper to dispose and give of what little worldly
estate I have in manner and form following—
Imprimis I give and bequeath to my son Libeus Washburn his
heirs and assigns forever all my right tills and interest which I have in and
unto a certain Lot of land with the buildings thereon lying situate in
Dartmouth aforesaid at the Villege of Padenorum so called it being the place
whereon I now reside see deed of Laban Thatcher Esq. Deceased to chr G. Anne
Washburn for the Boundaries thereon. I also appoint my said son Libeus Executor
to this my last will and testament to whom I give the rest and residue of my
estate after the payment of my Just debts and funeral charges exempting one
dollar which I give unto my Daughter Charlotte Snow wife of Washington
Snow. In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal this twenty eighth day of September in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Anne
Washburn
Elihu Slocum
Frederick Smalley
April
7, 1837
Approved
Libeus Washburn, the executor, presented the will for probate
on 7 Apr. 1837, and Elisha Slocum, of
We the subscribers the only heirs at law of Anne Washburn
late of
Charlotte
Snow Libeus
Washburn
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from the Bristol County Probate File “Anne Washburn, Dartmouth, 1837,” from FHL microfilm #0577879, the will recorded in Bristol County Probate Vol. 77, p. 433.
Will of Anner S. Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1830) *
In the name of God – Amen – I Anner S. Washburn of Lenox
County of Berkshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts, mindful of my mortality
and though weak in body, yet of sound mind and perfect memory, blessed be God
therefor do make ordain and publish this to be my last will and testament in
manner following, that is to say – First it is my will and I direct that all my
just debts and funeral charges be paid by my Executor herein after named.~
Item – I give and bequeath to my well beloved mother Phebe
Washburn & my sisters Laura Washburn – Olive the wife of John Sedgwick and
Mary the wife of Ira Nash all my beds bedding Linen and wearing apparel in such
portions that each shall have one equal share ~~
Item – I give and bequeath to my sister Laura Washburn all my
right title and interest in or to the north chamber in the dwelling house of my
mother &
Item ~ I give & bequeath to my sister Laura aforesaid all
my right title and interest in or to Pew No. 25 in the
congregational meeting house in Lenox to have and to hold the same to her the sd
Laura in fee simple.~
Item – I give and bequeath to my well beloved sisters Laura
Washburn Olive the wife of John Sedgwick and Mary the wife of Ira Nash the sum
of thirty dollars each to be paid out of my personal Estate –
Item, I give and bequeath to my well beloved brothers Samuel
Washburn Ira Washburn Amos S. Washburn and Thomas G. Washburn the sum of thirty
dollars each, to be paid out of my real Estate situated & lying in Lenox
being the north part of the home farm so called~
Item.~ I give and bequeath to the American Bible Society the
sum of ten dollars, and to the American board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions the sum of five dollars to be paid out of my personal Estate~
Item – I give and bequeath to my brother Miles Washburn all
the rest & residue of my Estate, whether real personal or mixed in possion
reversion or remainder wherever the same may be found to have and to hold the
same to him the said Miles his heirs and assigns forever~
Lastly – I do constitute and ordain my beloved brother Miles
Washburn sole Executor of this my last will and testament.~ In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty~ Anner S. Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and pronounced and declared by the
sd. Anner S. Washburn as and for her last will and testament in the
presence of us who at her request and in her presence, hereunto set our names
as witnesses to the same~
Thomas
Sedgwick, Lyman Judd, Caleb Belden.
Presented for probate on 2 Mar. 1830 by Miles Washburn, of
Lenox, the Executor named, and proved by Thomas Sedgwick, Lyman Judd and Caleb
Belden, the subscribing witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Record Vol. 34, p.
91-93, from FHL microfilm #0873489.
Will of Benjamin
Washburn of
Benjamin
Washburn, Last Will and Testament.
I,
Benjamin Washburn, of the town of Mount Pleasant in the County of Westchester
and state of New York, being of sound disposing mind and memory, and deeming it
prudent to make a disposition of my estate preparatory to that change which is
appointed unto all me, do hereby make, publish and declare my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First: I order and direct my executors hereafter
named to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses and also my Testamentary
expenses out of my personal estate as soon as the same can be done after my
decease.
Second: I give and bequeath unto my wife
Third: I give and devise to my son Morgan Fifteen
hundred dollars.
Fourth: I give and devise to my son Benjamin S. My
house and lot situated in
Fifth: I give and devise unto my two sons Oliver and
Isaac the farm of lands and premises in my possession, and on which I now
reside, situated in the town of Mount Pleasant aforesaid, containing about one
hundred and seventy acres, including the piece of land formerly owned by
Abraham Tompkins with all the appurtenances thereunto, belonging to them and
their heirs forever.
Sixth: I give and bequeath my son Oscar the brick
house and lot situated in
Seventh: I give and bequeath to my said sons Oliver
and Isaac all my farming utensils, stock of cattle, and movable chattels of
every kind and description excepting my household furniture which may be on my
said farm at the time of my decease.
Eighth: I give and bequeath to my
three daughters Abigail Jane, the wife of Robert Washburn, Helen the wife of
Amos Clark, and Mary Emily the wife of George Sarles, each the sum of one
thousand five hundred dollars over and above what I have already given them by
way of advancement:– and which several legacies I direct my executors to pay to
my said daughters, as soon as may be after my decease.
Ninth: All the rest residue and remainder of my
estate, both real and personal, I give devise and bequeath to my four sons
Benjamin S, Oliver, Oscar and Isaac to be equally divided between them share
and share alike.
Tenth: I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my
two sons executors viz: Benjamin S. and Oliver to this my Last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all other wills by me at any time heretofore made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal at Mount
Pleasant in said County of Westchester on the Eighteenth day of June in the
year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Benjamin Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument was now
signed, sealed, published and declared by Benjamin Washburn, the Testator, to
be his Last Will and Testament in our presence, who at his request in his
presence, and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses.
Eastchester,
Lewisboro,
Oliver J. Washburn, the Executor, petitioned for probate of
the Will of Benjamin Washburn, late of
The notice to the heirs, dated 22 May 1869, was addressed to
Lydia F. Washburn, his widow, Oliver J. Washburn, Ellen Clark, wife of Amos R.
Clark, Mary Augusta Washburn, Henrietta Lyon, wife of Jeremiah Lyon, and Lydia
Washburn, all of Mount Pleasant, Oscar Washburn, of Ossining, Benjamin S.
Washburn, of Yonkers, Morgan Washburn, Isaac T. Washburn, and Lemuel O.
Washburn, all of New Utrecht, Kings County, Long Island, and Mary Emily Sarles,
wife of George Sarles, of Bedford. Lydia F. Washburn was his widow, Ellen
Clark, Morgan Washburn, Benjamin S. Washburn, Oscar Washburn, Mary Emily
Sarles, and Isaac T. Washburn were his children; Lemuel O. Washburn, Mary
Augusta Washburn, Henrietta Lyon, and Lydia Washburn were his grandchildren,
the children of Abby Jane Washburn, a deceased daughter, all of full age except
Lydia Washburn.
David Ver Planck, of Greenburgh, Attorney at Law, was
appointed as Special Guardian of Lydia Washburn, a minor and one of the heirs
and next of kin of Benjamin Washburn on 21 June 1869.
Oliver J. Washburn, the Executor, testified that he served
notice to the following heirs: Mary Sarles, of Bedford, on 31 May 1869, Lydia
F. Washburn, Mary A. Washburn, Lydia Washburn, and Henrietta Lyon, all of Mount
Pleasant, on 3 June 1869, Isaac Washburn, and Oscar Washburn, of Mount
Pleasant, on 4 June 1869, Ellen Clark, and Samuel C. Washburn, of New Utrecht,
Kings Co., on 4 and 5 June 1869, and Morgan Washburn and Benjamin S. Washburn,
of Yonkers, on 5 June 1869.
Proved by Joshua B. Washburn, of Lewisboro, and Isaiah
Washburn, of
Letters of Administration granted to Oliver J. Washburn and
Benjamin S. Washburn, Executors, on 21 June 1869.
His inventory was appraised by Benjamin Washburn and Stephen
L. Washburn on 12 Aug. 1869, and totaled $28,110.78.
The petition for final settlement dated 7 Dec. 1874 listed
the heirs as Helen Clark, of Mount Pleasant, Mary E. Sarles, of Bedford, Oscar
and Isaac Washburn, of Ossining, and Morgan Washburn, Henrietta F. Lyon, Lydia
B. Washburn, and Lemuel O. Washburn, of Brooklyn.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Bethuel
Warshburn of Cortlandt,
In
the Name of God Amen, I Bethuel Warshburn at present of Cortlandt Town in the
County of Westchester and State of New York, Yeoman, being of Sound disposing
mind memory and Understanding but considering the uncertainty of this mortal
life do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
following — First and principally I commend my Soul to the Almighty God who
gave it and my Body I Comit to the Earth to be deciently interred at the
Discretion of my Executrix herein after named and as to such worldly Estate as
God of his Goodness hath been pleased to bestow upon me I give and dispose of
in manner herein after mentioned —
Imprimis
I will and direct that all my just debts and Funeral charges be paid and
Satisfied by my said Executrix. Itim, it
is my Will and desire that all my Estate both real and Personal of what nature
or kind soever the same may be – Shall be Sold by my Said Executrix as soon as
conveniently may be after my decease and turned into money which money
togeather with any money that I may leave at the time of my decease
(Comprehending all Outstanding Debts) after paying my debts and Funeral
Expences shall be disposed of in manner following that is to say First. I give
and bequeath unto my Wife Elizabeth Worshburn all money that shall remain after
Paying all my just Debts & Funeral Expences so long as she remains my Widow
That then the same go to my Daughter Eliza Ann Worshburn and to her Heirs and
Assigns forever and I do hereby nominate and and appoint my Wife Elizabeth
Washburn Executrix of this my last Will and Testament — hereby revoking all
former and other Wills and Testaments by me at any Time heretofore made –
In Witness whereof I the said
Bethuel Worshburn the Testator have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Seventh
day of March, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen
1818
Bethuel Worshburn (seal)
Signed Sealed Published and
Declared by the said Testator as and for his last will and Testament in the
Presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses in his
presence –
Abraham
T Lent
Seamans
Jacobs
Saml
Jones
Elizabeth Warshburn, the Executrix,
petitioned for probate of the Will of Bethuel Worshburn on 11 Apr. 1835, and
testified that Bethuel Warshburn died on 19 Feb. 1835 in the Town of
Letters of Administration were
granted to Elizabeth Warshburn, the Executrix, on 13 May 1835.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Bildad
Washburn of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1831)
*
I Bildad Washburn of
I give and bequeath to my wife Lucy, all my Real and Personal
Estate to be at her disposal during her natural life, she to pay all my lawful
debts and funeral charges and expenses of Administration on my Estate &C.,
And to pay the following legacies.
viz: To my daughter Judith One dollar. To my son Ira one
dollar. – To the heirs of my daughter Sophia one dollar. To my son Alvan one
dollar. To the heirs of my son Elias one dollar. To my daughter
And
I do hereby appoint my wife Lucy aforesaid my Executrix to carry into effect
this my last Will and testament according to the directions herein given.
In
witness whereof, I the said Bildad Washburn Testator have this twenty fifth day
of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one,
have hereunto set my hand, ___ and seal,
Bildad Washburn (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and
declared by the sd.
Bildad Washburn as his last will
and Testament, in the pre-
sence of us: who at his request,
and in his presence, have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Abiel Washburn
Daniel Adams
Wm D. Washburn
Probated on 20 May 1833, proved by
Daniel Adams and William D. Washburn, two of the witnesses. Letters of
administration granted to Lucy Washburn, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Catharine Washburn of Milo, Yates County, New York (1874) *
In the Name of God, Amen. I Catharine Washburn of the town of
Milo, County of Yates and State of New York, of the age of seventy six years,
and being of sound mind and memory, do make publish and declare this my last
will and testament in manner following that is to say. First, I order and
direct my Executor to pay my funeral expenses out of my estate. Second, I give
& bequeath the sum of Seventy five dollars to purchase and erect a monument
or stone at the graves of Nathaniel Finch and myself at City Hill Cemetery.
Third, I give & bequeath to my grand-daughter Katie Finch, one feather bed
and one double coverlit Fourth, I give & bequeath to my three
granddaughters Maggie Finch Katie Finch and Ida Finch all my wearing apparel
all my house hould goods of every name and kind soever not otherwise disposed
of to be divided equally between them share and share alike. Fifth, I give
& bequeath to my two sons J. Embree Finch and George N. Finch the remainder
of my personal estate to be divided equally between them share and share alike.
Lastly, I do hereby nominate and appoint George L. Jones to be the Executor of
this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In
witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 27th day
of February in the year of our Lord, 1874
Catharine Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was on the date
thereof, signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Catharine Washburn
as and for her last will and testament in presence of us who at her request and
in her presence, and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto
Hunirods[?], P.O. Yates Co. N.Y. Allie H. Embree
Dresden, Yates Co. N.Y.
Susan M. Embree
Proved on 14 June 1880 by Allie A. Embree of Milo, Yates
County, and Susan M. Embree of Torrey, Yates County.
George L. Jones, of Milo, Yates County, was granted
administration of the estate of Catharine Washburn on 14 June 1880.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Yates County Probate Wills Vol. M, p. 220-224, from FHL
microfilm #0841320, and Letters of Administration Vol. 5, p. 434.
Will of Charles P. Washburn of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, New York (1853) *
In the name
of God, Amen; I Charles P. Washburn of Ellicottville Cattaraugus County, New
York, of the age of thirty one years and being of sound mind and memory, do
make publish & declare this my last will and testament in manner following
that is to say:
I. I give and bequeathe to my
father Jacob Washburn now of Proctorsville in the County of Windsor and state
of Vermont, the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.) which said legacy and gift
I direct and order to be paid to my said father within one year after my
decease
II. I give and bequeathe to my
mother Lydia L. Powers now of Ellicottville aforesaid, the sum of One thousand
dollars ($1000.) which said legacy and gift I direct and order to be paid to my
said mother within one year after my decease ~
III. I give and bequeathe to my
sister Eglantine E. Moulton of Ellicottville aforesaid my Piano Forte.
IV. I give and bequeathe to my
said mother and sister, jointly and Equally all my house hold furniture.
V. I give and bequeathe to my
nephew Charles Powers Moulton son of my sister, my gold watch chain and seal,
my wearing apparel and all my library books, pictures and manuscripts of
whatever nature
VI. I give and bequeath to my
said sister and to her son my said nephew jointly and Equally all the rest
residue and remainder of my said estate and property real and personal of
whatever name.
And I hereby nominate and
appoint my friends William Samuel Johnson and Truman R. Colman to be the
Executors of this my last will and testament
In witness whereof I have here
unto set my hand and seal this 26th day of January Eighteen
hundred & fifty three
Charles P. Washburn (seal)
The forgoing
Instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date there of Signed Sealed,
published and declared by the said Charles P. Washburn as and for his last will
and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in
presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
(Witness)
John P. Powers residing at Ellicottville in the County of Cattaraugus and state
of New York
(Witness)
Rachel C. Walker residing at Yorkshire in said County of Cattaraugus
Proved by
John P. Powers of the town of Ellicottville in the County of Cattaraugus, and
Rachel C. Walker of the town of Yorkshire in the County of Cattaraugus on 5
Apr. 1853. Approved on 5 Apr. 1853.
William
Samuel Johnson was appointed as Executor of the Will of Charles P. Washburn on
5 Apr. 1853.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Cattaraugus County Probate Wills Vol. 2, p. 182-185,
from FHL microfilm #0585022, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 2, p. 33.
Will of Charles Washburn of Goshen, Addison County, Vermont (1892) *
I
Charles Washburn of Goshen in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being
weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, do make and publish
this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to Say,
I
give to my beloved wife Maria Washburn all my property, both Real and Personal
Estate of whatever name or kind to be used and possessed by her as her own for
her comfortable maintainance and Support during her natural life and the right
to Sell and dispose of the Same as her needs from time to time may require
Item 2nd. Should there be value Sufficient remaining
after the decease of my wife I give each of my children namely, Mary
Whittaker C. L. Washburn Shubel H Washburn and Huldah Chamberlin Fifty
Dollars each
And I hereby constitute and appoint Andrew S Brown Executor of this my
last will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made
In
witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 22nd day
of March A.D. 1892
Charles Washburn (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the above named Charles Washburn to be his
last will and testament in presence of us who who have hereunto Subscribed our
names as witnesses in the presence of the testator and in the presence of one
another
Ida
A. Capen
Amy
L. Capen
Nathan
Capen
Filed for Probate on 13 Aug. 1892,
and proved by Nathan Capen, one of the subscribing witnesses on 5 Sept. 1892.
Hon. J M Slade
Judge
of Probate –
I
decline the appointment of Executor of the last will and testament of Charles
Washburn –
Goshen
Augt. 13, 1892,
Andrew
S. Brown
Mr. D. B. Brown of Goshen, County
of Addison, was appointed as Administrator with the will annexed of the Estate
of Charles Washburn, late of Goshen, on 5 Sept. 1892, with C. L. Washburn of
Goshen as surety.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Addison District Probate Estate
Files “Estate of Charles Washburn, late of Goshen, Vermont.”
Will of Chloe T. Washburn of Rochester, Monroe County, New York (1873) *
I Chloe T. Washburn of the City of Rochester in the State of
New York being feeble in body but of Sound and disposing mind memory and
understanding, make publish and declare this my last Will and testament in
words, manner and form following – to wit:
First I hereby order and direct my Executor hereinafter
named and appointed to pay my funeral charges and Expenses: and all of my just
debts out of any funds that may first come into his hands; and to pay the
Expense of a Suitable grave stone to be erected to my memory.
Second I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Elizabeth Lee
all of my wearing apparel, my Trunk, my gold ring, my gold Spectacles one
marble top Stand, one wash Stand, Bowl & Pitcher – All my Bed Blankets Two
Bed Quilts, one Comfortable, one newly pieced quilt, my Album and all of my
family pictures, to be boxed and Set her by my Executor.
Third I give and bequeath unto my daughter Kate one Coverlid
– and I have heretofore helped her what I could afford –
Fourth I give and bequeath unto my grandson Daniel Ritchie one
newly pieced quilt, cover, pieced by his mother, my Daughter Sarah deceased.
Fifth I give devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of
my real Estate and personal property in Trust, to my Executor, to be by him
converted into money and divide the Same into five Equal Shares or portions,
one share and portion of which he shall pay over to each of my four children
now living – Mary Elizabeth Lee, Kate W. Smith, George Washburne & Daniel
Washburn; and the other one fifth to my two Grand sons, children of my
aforesaid Daughter Sarah decd – to be equally divided between them – which he
may pay over to their several Foster-Parents, for their Special use and benefit
where Several receipts Shall be Sufficient vouchers therefor
Sixth I hereby name and appoint my Son in law Alfred Smith of the
City of Rochester Sole executor of this my last Will and Testament and hereby
authorize and Empower him to sell grant and convey any and all real estate of
which I may die Seized – and to Lease & let the Same until Sold
Witness my hand and seal this 19th
day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Seventy
three
her
Witness Chloe
T. x
Washburne (seal)
John
A. Ecker. mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the testator to be her last
Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at her request, & in her
presence & in the presence of Each other have hereunto Subscribed our names
as Witnesses
Jno. A. Ecker, Fayetteville, Onon. Co. N.York
Charlie T. Blanchard, Fayetteville, Onon. Co. N.Y.
Proved on 30 Aug. 1873.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Monroe County Probate Wills Vol. 16,
p. 639-641, from FHL microfilm #1004300.
Will of Cyrus Washburn of Minot, Androscoggin County, Maine (1868) *
Know all men by these presents, That I Cyrus Washburn of
Minot in the County of Androscoggin and State of Maine, being of sound
disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament.
1st.
I give and bequeath to my children Elizabeth A. Merrill wife of Moses C.
Merrill, Maria N. Munroe wife of Noble N. Munroe, Samuel L. Washburn, and Abby
D. Holbrook wife of Charles Holbrook and to my grand son Charles W. Washburn
son of Cyrus Washburn Jr. deceased five dollars each to be paid to them
respectively in one year after my decease.
2d.
I give and devise to my beloved wife Nancy P. Washburn all the rest and
residue of my personal estate after payment of my debts and placing suitable
stones at my grave.
3d.
I ordain and appoint my beloved wife Nancy P. Washburn as executrix of
this my last Will and testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare
this to be my last Will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and sixty eight.
Cyrus Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and
declared by the said Cyrus Washburn as and for his last Will and testament in
the presence of us, who have in his presence, subscribed our names as witnesses
hereto.
Stillman
W. Shaw
Clara
A. Shaw
Mary
Washburn
Presented for probate on 16 Feb.
1869 by Nancy P. Washburn of Minot, the Executrix, and proved by Stillman W.
Shaw.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Androscoggin County Probate Records
Vol. 4, p. 130, from FHL microfilm #010530, and Probate of Wills Vol. 1, p.
342.
Will of Daniel Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1800) *
In the Name of God Amen.—I Daniel Washburn of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being of a
sound & disposing mind & memory, do make this my last will &
testament. And in the first place, I commend my soul to God who gave it, and my
body to the earth, to be buried with decent christian burial. And with respect
to my worldly goods & estate, I dispose of the same in manner following,
viz—
Imprimis—I give & bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife,
Experience Washburn, and to my two daughters Lois Washburn and Sally Washburn,
during their respective lives, and to the survivor or survivors of them, the
joint improvement of my homestead Estate, together with my wood land adjoining
the land of Ebenezer Benson, also during the life of my wife only the
improvement of about twenty four acres usually called the neck.
Item—I give & bequeath unto my two daughters Lois &
Sally aforesaid to them, their heirs & assigns, the one half of the
homestead & wood land aforesaid, to be theirs forever, after the expiration
of the aforesaid life estate.
Item—I give & bequeath unto my three daughters Zilpha
Whitman the wife of Noah Whitman, Joanna Conant, the wife of Phinehas Conant
& Eunice Bessee the wife of Jonah Bessee, my lot of land northerly of
Samuel Leonard’s land, containing about thirty acres to be equally divided
between them in manner following, viz—my said daughter Zilpha to have one third
part at the northerly end, my said daughter Joanna to have one third part at
the southerly end, and my said daughter Eunice to have one third part in the middle
of said lot betwixt the lots of her said Sisters.
Item—I give & bequeath to my son Cornelius Washburn, my
lot of wood land adjoining the lot I sold to Isaac & Nathan Lasell, also,
one half of my wearing apparell & farming utensills.
Item—I give & bequeath to my son Ebenezer Washburn, one
half of my wearing apparell and farming utensills.
Item—I give & bequeath to my grandson Daniel Washburn,
the son of my son Ebenezer aforesaid, the one half of my homestead and wood
land by Ebenezer Benson’s aforesaid, after the expiration of the life estate in
the same, also after the decease of my wife the aforesaid lot of land usually
called the neck, to him, his heirs & assigns forever.
Item—I order my Executor hereafter named in the first place,
to pay my debts, funeral charges & expenses of settling my estate out of
the remainer of my personal estate.
Item—I hereby constitute Solomon Hayward of said Bridgwater
yeoman, sole Executor of this my last will & testament—Ratifying and
confirming this to be my last will & testament & disallowing all wills
heretofore by me made. In Testimony whereof I the said Daniel Washburn have
hereunto set my hand & seal this third day of December, in the year of our
Lord one thousand & eight hundred.
Signed sealed Declared & Published
by the said Daniel Washburn to be Daniel
Washburn (seal)
his last will & testament in presence
of Beza
Hayward
Eleazer
Alden Junr
Jacob
Conant
Presented on 12 Mar. 1801 by Solomon Hayward, the Executor,
and proved by Beza Hayward, Esq., and Eleazer Alden, Junr.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel
Washburn of
I,
Daniel Washburn of the town of Mount Pleasant, in the County of Westchester,
and State of New York being of sound mind and memory, but being well advanced
in years, and considering the uncertainty of this life, do therefore make and
ordain this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament, (hereby revoking and
making void all former Wills made by me.) First – I order and direct my
hereinafter named and appointed Executors to sell all my Estate, whether real
or personal – to collect all my dues, pay all my just debts, funeral expences
and the expence of establishing this my last Will and Testament. Nextly pay to
my beloved heirs the legacies hereinafter named, which I give and bequeath unto
them and their heirs in manner following, viz: First – I give unto my beloved
wife Philenor Washburn, the interest of fifteen hundred dollars annually during
her natural life, and if the interest thus arising is not sufficient for her
comfortable support, to pay unto her of the principal such amount, and at such
times as her necessity may require, which said bequest I give her in lieu of
her right of dower, and further it is my Will and I hereby direct that what may
remain of the above named fifteen hundred dollars, at the time of the decease
of my said beloved wife, and after her funeral expences are paid, therefrom,
that my said Executors divide the said remainder equally among my Eight
following named beloved Children or their heirs, viz: Daniel, dec’d, Amy,
Elijah, John, and Levi Washburn, Phebe Lyon, Hannah Tompkins, and Mary
Birdsall, I next give and bequeath to my grand-son Lott Washburn, two dollars
and fifty cents, and to my deceased son Daniel’s four children, viz: Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob Washburn, and Philenor Birdsall two hundred and fifty dollars
to be divided equally among them; to my son Elijah Washburn five hundred
dollars; to my dec’d daughter Phebe Lyon’s three children viz:– Elizabeth, John
W., and Henry Lyon two hundred and fifty dollars to be equally divided among
them; to my daughter Hannah Tompkins two hundred and fifty dollars; to my son
John Washburn five hundred dollars; to my daughter Mary Birdsall two hundred
and fifty dollars; to my grand daughter Anna Russell two hundred and fifty
dollars; to my son Levi Washburn’s three children, viz: Reuben R. Caroline and
Theodore Washburn two hundred dollars to be equally divided among them; and the
rest and residue of my estate of what nature or kind soever I give and bequeath
to my above named Eight children, or their heirs then living, to be divided in
Eight Equal parts among them, and each above named child’s portion divided
equally among their children whose parent is deceased, or may then be deceased.
Likewise
I make, ordain, appoint, and hereby constitute my beloved sons Elijah Washburn
and John Washburn, and my friend David R. Carpenter to be the Executors of this
my Last Will and Testament.
In
witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day
of the 5th month in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty four.
Signed, sealed, published and his
declared to be his last Will and Daniel X Washburn (seal)
Testament in the presence of mark
us, who at his request, in his
pres-
ence, and in the presence of of
each other have subscribed our
names as witnesses thereof
Isaiah
Washburn } All of the town, county
Benjamin
Washburn } and State above named
Frederick
Washburn }
Presented for probate on 20 July
1841, and proved by Isaiah Washburn, Benjamin Washburn, and Frederick Washburn,
the three witnesses.
Notice to appear in Surrogate Court
at the house of Isaac Nelson, Jun. in Sing Sing on 20 July 1841 was sent to
Phylena Washburn, the widow of Daniel Washburn, late of the town of Mount
Pleasant, Elijah Washburn, John Washburn, Platt Bettes and Elizabeth his wife,
and Isaac Washburn, all residing in Mount Pleasant, Jonathan Tompkins and
Hannah his wife, John W. Lyon, Jonathan Birdsall and Phylena his wife and Jacob
Washburn, all residing in the City and County of New York, Abraham Washburn,
residing in the State of Illinois, Lot Washburn, whose place of residence is
unknown, and to Marcius S. Cobb of Westchester County, Guardian ad litem of
Henry Lyon, Amy Jane Birdsall, Phebe Ann Birdsall, Mary S. Birdsall, Caroline
Washburn, Reuben W. Washburn, and Theodore Washburn, the only next of kin and
heirs at law of the said deceased, on 29 May 1841.
Letters of Administration on the
estate of Daniel Worshburn, late of
Richard Whitson and Joseph Whitson,
of
On 23 Dec. 1848 Hiram Russell, and
Anna his wife, petitioned in court for John Washburn and David R. Carpenter,
Executors of the last will and testament of Daniel Washburn, who deceased
sometime in April 1841, for a final settlement of the estate. Elijah Washburn,
the other Executor named, had deceased sometime in June 1848. Anna was a
daughter and the only child of Amy, one of the daughters of Daniel Washburn.
Elizabeth, the wife of Platt Bettes, was a daughter of Phebe Lyon, and Lot
Washburn was the only child of Ananias Washburn. The hearing was set for 24
Feb. 1849, and the court found that Hiram Russell, and Anna his wife, were
entitled to a one eighth share in the final distribution, less court costs and
a $44 advance already paid to Hiram Russell
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel Washborn of Guildhall, Essex County, Vermont (1846) *
In
the name of God Amen
I Daniel Washborn being weak in body but of Sound And perfect
mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament and first I
commit My body to the grave and my Soul to God who gave it, To my Beloved Wife
I give and Bequeath all my beds and beding together with all my houshould
furniture & one cow to be Managed & disposed of by her as She may
choose, To my Son Cornelius, I give and bequeath one dollar to be Paid by my
Executor hereafter named) in one year from my Decease
To my son Zephaniah K. I give & bequeath one Cow, To my
Daughter Betsey Kibby I give and bequeath one Cow, To my Dauter Millatiah Kilby
I give & Bequeath one Cow To my Dauter Susanah Andrews, I give and bequeath
one Cow, To my Son Daniel Jun I Give & bequeath all my Farming tools. To my
Son William I give & Bequeath one dollar To my Granson John Stone I give
& bequeath two one years old Steers all of which to be paid in one year
from my Decease
And lastly as to all the rest residue and remainder of my my
personal estate goods and chattels of Whatever kind which may remain after
paying My Debts and Settling my estate I hereby Direct to be and remain on the
farm for the occupant Daniel Washburn Jr. so long as Either my self or wife
shall live & at our decease so much as is necessary to be appropriated for
a suitable pair of Grave stones for my self and wife for my deceased daughter
Sarah Ann and the residue to Daniel Washburn Jr.
I
do hereby constitute and Appoint Reuben W. Freeman my sole Executor to this my
last Will and testament
Signed Sealed published and declared by the above Named
Daniel Washborn to be his last will and testament in the presents of us who
have hereunto Subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of the testator
B. W
Freeman Daniel Washborn (seal)
Henry L
Watson
Susan
Howard
Presented for probate on 11 June 1846 by Reuben W. Freeman,
and proved by Henry L. Watson on 18 Aug. 1846. Letters Testamentary were
granted to Reuben W. Freeman, of Guildhall, on 18 Aug. 1846, with Geo. A. Reed
of Guildhall as his surety. The Inventory of the Estate of Daniel Washburne was
appraised by Daniel Howe and Daniel Keith Junior on 17 July1846, and totaled
$239.13, no real estate. $28.14 in personal property was assigned to Miletiah
Washburn out of the Estate of her late husband Daniel Washburn on 23 July 1846.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Essex County Probate Estate Files, 1846, Box 34.
Will of Darius
Washburn of Beekman,
In the
name of God Amen. I Darius Washburn of Beekman Town County of Dutchess and
State of New York considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being in
sound mind and memory (blessed be god for the same Do Make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in the manner following (viz) First I give and bequeath
unto my beloved wife Jemima Washburn one equal third part of all the Estate
that I may possess at the time of my death either real leasehold or personal
for her own proper use, and for the better enabling her to bring up and
compleate the education of my younger children. All which I give and bequeath
to her and to her heirs and assigns forever. Second whereas my Son Silas is
very decreped and not able to support himself I think it my duty as far as my
ability will permit to provide for his support and for this purpose I do order
and direct my Executors herein after named to put out at interest or invest in
land or some other fund where it will be secure and productive one Thousand
dollars and the interest arrising therefrom to be applied yearly for the
maintenance of this my said son Silas during his natural life and after his
death the thousand dollars to be equally divided between my other six children.
Third all the residue and remainder of my real leasehold and personal estate to
be equally divided between my said other six children (i.e.) to my son John I
give and bequeath one equal sixth part of the same to him and to his heirs and
assigns forever – To my son Jacob, I give and bequeath one equal sixth part of
the same to him and to his heirs and assigns forever. To my son Samuel M. I
give and bequeath one equal sixth part of the same to him and to his heirs and
assigns forever. To my daughter Mary Elizabeth I give and bequeath one equal sixth
part of the same to her and to her heirs and assigns forever. To my son James I
give and bequeath one equal sixth part of the same to him and to his heirs and
assigns forever. To my daughter Judith I give and bequeath one equal sixth part
of the same to her and to her heirs and assigns forever. Fourth should my
Executor think it advisable and for benefit of my heirs to sell my leasehold
Estate it is left to their judgment and discretion to do as they think proper
and they are hereby authorised and empowered to sell and convey the same to any
person or persons that they may think fit. And should it not be sold before my
youngest child shall be of age to act for itself it shall then together with my
real estate be sold and the avails thereof to be divided between my beloved
wife and children as directed above. Fifth and Last I do hereby nominate
constitute and appoint my eldest Son John Washburn my second son Jacob Washburn
and Uriah Ferguson Executors to this my last Will & Testament hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twenty ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty four —
The word “John” in thirteenth from the bottom Darius Washburn (seal)
in page the first interlined before signing
and sealing of these presents –
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named
Darius Washburn to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who
subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the Testator –
Samuel Meeker, Sarah Cooper, James Cooper –
Presented for probate on 15 Apr. 1826, and proved by James
Cooper, one of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to John Washburn and
Jacob Washburn, two of the Executors, on 15 Apr. 1826.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of David
Washburn of Claverack,
In the
name of God amen. I David Washburn of the town of Claverack in the County of
Columbia and State of New York being of sound mind and memory blessed be
Almighty God for the same do make this my last will and testament I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary
all my Estate both real and personal I
do nominate and appoint my beloved Wife Mary executrix and William M Millen and
Samuel Anderson executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking
all former wills by me made. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and
seal and Publish and declare that to be my last will and testament in presence
of the Witnesses named below, this Seventeenth day of February in the Year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
David Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed declared and published by the said David
Washburn as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at
his request and in his presence and in presence of each other have Subscribed
our names as Witnesses hereto Peter J. Anderson Claverack Col. Co
James
Platner Claverack Col. Co
Michael
Poucher Claverack
On 27 Apr. 1853 William M Millen and Samuel Anderson,
Executors named in the last Will and testament of David Washburn late of the
town of Claverack petitioned for probate of the will, and did ascertain and
present by satisfactory evidence who were the Widow & heirs and next of kin
of the said testator and their respective residences Except the names of Lydia
& Elizabeth sisters of said David Washburn whose residences cannot be
ascertained after diligent inquiry, and the names and ages of the children of
Abram Washburn deceased who was a brother of said testator could not be
ascertained, and of said heirs & next of kin some of them appearing to be
minors a Special Guardian was appointed for the children of the said Abram
Washburn whose names and residences are currently unknown. Probate was set for
22 June 1853.
Proved by Peter J. Anderson of the town of
Record of the last Will and testament of David Washburn late
of the town of the town of Clavrack in the County of Columbia relating to both
Real & personal estate and of the proofs and examinations relating thereto
Recorded
June 22d AD 1853
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Deborah Washburn of Reading, Windsor County, Vermont (1848) *
I, Deborah
Washburn of Reading in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont being in
infirm health, and sensible too of my liableness to sudden death, at the same
time being in my own apprehension of sound mind do judge it best to make and
this my last will and and testament.
I give devise and dispose of all
my real and personal estate (save what is necessary to pay the expence of my
funeral) as follows. I hereby give and
bequeath unto my son Rufus Washburn all my real and personal property, that I
now possess or that I may hereafter come in possession of, from any source of
means whatsoever
And I hereby
nominate and appoint Ammi Willard Executor of this my last will and testament
in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament, this 2d day of Oct 1848 Signed sealed and delivered in
presence of
us.
Ammi Willard Deborah Washborn (seal)
Samuel
Person
Huldah
Bryant
W. R.
Junction June 23, 1853
Henry Closson Esqr.
Dear Sir
Your favour
of the 22d is at hand In relation to the Executorship of Deborah
Washburn. I must decline it in full, my business being such it would be
impossible to give my attention to it whatever and I have thus notified Judge
Dutton.
Yours
Respectfully
Ammi
Willard
Rufus
Washburn, of Reading, was granted administration with the will annexed of the
estate of Deborah Washburn, late of Reading, on 21 June 1853, with Charles
Washburn, of Reading, as surety.
Rufus
Forbush and Samuel Person, of Reading, were appointed to appraise and examine
the claims against the estate of Deborah Washburn, late of Reading, on 21 June
1853. The inventory was valued at $182.64, and they found no claims against the
estate.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Windsor County, Vermont, Windsor District Probate File
“Ward, John D. – Washburn, George,” from FHL microfilm #1183359, beginning at
image 1148, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will of Deborah Washburn of New Castle, Westchester County, New York (1886) *
In
the Name of God Amen
I Deborah Washburn of the town of New Castle in the County of
Westchester and State of New York being of sound mind memory Will and
understanding Do hereby make publish and declare the following to be my last
will and testament hereby revoking all former wills and bequests heretofore
made by me
I give devise and bequeath to my beloved husband Morgan
Washburn all my Estate real and personal which I may die in any way possessed
of for his own benefit and use viz my house & lands attached and in which I
now reside together with all household furniture and personal Estate,
whatsoever that I may have at my decease and I appoint him my sole Executor
In
Witness Whereof I hereby set my hand and seal in the presence of the witnesses
whose names are hereto attached and in each others presence and acknowledged to
& before them that this is my free will and act this Fourteenth (14th)
day of April 1886 Eighteen hundred and Eighty six
her
Deborah X Washburn (seal)
Witnesses present mark
James O. Friel 10
Pleasant Place Brooklyn
Charles H. Dodge Town of
New Castle Chappaqua
Presented for probate on 1 June 1886 by Morgan Washburn, an
Executor named in the last will and testament of Deborah Washburn late of the
town of New Castle County of Westchester deceased, and proved by Charles H.
Dodge of the town of New Castle, and James O’ Friel of the City of Brooklyn
Kings County on 16 June 1886. Approved on 16 June 1886.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate Wills Vol. 102, p. 304-308.
Will of Ebenezer Washburn of Springfield,
Windsor County, Vermont (1826) *
I Ebenezer
Washburn of Springfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont being in
a firm state of health, but sensible of my liableness to sudden death at the
same time being in my own apprehension of sound mind, do judge it best to make
and accordingly do hereby make this my last will and Testament –
It is my will
that the charges of my funeral be paid and discharged by my executor
hereinafter made and appointed, and suitable Grave Stones by said Executor
procured and erected for myself and my beloved wife Abigail Washburn out of my
personal estate excepting Household furniture –
I give and
dispose of all my estate real and personal (save what shall be necessary for
the payment of my funeral charges and the purchase and erection of the grave
stones beforementioned) in the following manner –
I give to my
beloved wife Abigail Washburn the use of all my house hold furniture and house
Clock during her natural life if she shall outlive me – and I also give to my
said beloved wife my horse, if I should have one at my decease, to be at her
own disposal –
I give and grant
to my daughters Clarissa (wife of Samuel Hardy) Experience, Nabby, Harriet, and
Lois the east half of the house I now live in and the east half of the wood Lot
situated northerly of the road leading from my dwelling house to Calvin Hubbards
to them their heirs and assigns forever in equal shares – with this proviso,
and I hereby declare it as my will, that my daughters who shall be unmarried at
my decease, all or either of them shall have the use and occupancy of the same
without paying, or being accountable to pay, rent therefor to those who shall
not share in the use thereof, so long as they or either of them shall remain
unmarried and choose to live in, and make it their house at, said dwelling
house – I also give to my said Daughters aforesaid all my house hold furniture
and my house clock, except the use thereof to my said beloved wife as aforesaid
during her natural life to them their heirs and assigns forever in equal shares
~
The residue and
remainder of all my estate both real and personal, not herein otherwise
disposed of I give and grant to my sons Ebenezer, Daniel, Seth W., & Jacob,
and to my daughters Clarissa, Experience, Nabby, Harriet and Lois and to my
grand son David Weston Washburn (son of Seth W. Washburn) to them their heirs
and assigns forever in equal shares, respectively –
And I do hereby
nominate constitute and appoint Jacob Washburn to be Executor of this my last
will and testament – hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made
In testimony
whereof I hereto set my hand and seal and publish and declare this to be my
last will and testament this third day of April Anno Domini eighteen hundred
and twenty six
Signed, sealed published Ebenezer Washburn
and declared by the said
Ebenezer Washburn as his
last will and testament
in presence of us who have
hereunto subscribed our
names, as witnesses thereof
at the request and in the
presence of the said testator
and in the presence of each
other
Peter White
AG Blairelet[?]
John Meek
Saml. W. Porter
David W. Washburn of Springfield was granted administration
of the estate of Ebenezer Washburn, late of Springfield with the will annexed
on 12 Dec. 1841, with Luke Brown of Springfield as surety.
Prudence Washburn, of Springfield, widow, hereby waives the
provision made for her in the will of her late husband, Ebenezer Washburn, late
of Springfield, and demands her dower and an assignment of personal estate from
the estate of her husband on 22 Dec. 1841.
The inventory of the estate of Ebenezer Washburn was
appraised by Luke Brown and James Walker on 23 Oct. 1841, and totaled $571.93,
and David W. Washburn petitioned for a license to sell the remaining personal
property to pay its debts on 21 Dec. 1841.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Windsor County,
Vermont, Windsor District Probate File “Ward, John D. – Washburn, George,” from
FHL microfilm #1183359, beginning at image 1126, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will of Ebenezer B. Washburn of Andes, Delaware County, New York (1840) *
I
Ebenezer B. Washburn of the town of Andes and County of Delaware and State of
New York, Being of a sound disposing mind do dispose of my worldly goods in the
following manner:—
First. I
give and bequeath to my Wife Coziah the use of all my old or Creek farm and
likewise the one hundred acre lot, known as lot No 7 in the 100 acre teir of
Lots, with the use of all my personal property during her natural life
I give
and bequeath to my son Joel Washburn all that part of my farm lying westerly of
the Tremperskill Creek the westerly Bank to be the line. If it should so be
that any part of the purchase money on the part of my said lot bequeathed to my
son Joel Washburn should at my decease remain unpaid, then the aforesaid Joel
shall pay to my Creditors such sum or sums as shall then be actually due on
such part of my said lands so devised.
I give
and bequeath to my Grandson James H. Washburn all that part of my farm lying
Easterly of Tremperskill Creek including lot No 6 in the One hundred Acre teir
of lots. If it should so be that any part of the purchase money on any part of
my said Lot bequeathed to my Grandson James H. Washburn should at my decease
remain unpaid, then the aforesaid James H. Washburn, shall pay to my Creditors
such sum or sums of Money as shall then be actually due on such part of my said
lands so devised.
I give
and bequeath to my daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth, Phebe Melinda and Sarah, to be
equally divided between them after the decease of my said wife Coziah all my
personal property except my farming utensils. Which said farming utensils I
give to my Grandson James H. Washburn.
I give
and bequeath to my Daughter Phebe after the decease of my wife Coziah while she
remains a Widow, the use and occupation of the house I now reside in and the
Garden I now occupy for her own and Children’s residence and occupancy, but not
to be let or in any other way, or any or other person to be put in possession
of said house or garden but only for her Children’s residence and occupancy—
I do
hereby ordain and appoint Joel Washburn and Lemuel S. Earl to be the Executors
of this my last will and Testament, And Hereby revoke all other wills
heretofore made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament.
In
witness hereof I do set my hand affix my seal this first day of July 1840
Signed
and sealed in Ebenezer B. Washburn (seal)
presence of
Samuel
McCabe Andes
Stephen
S. McCabe Andes
Margaret
McCabe Andes
Proved by Samuel McCabe, Stephen S. McCabe, and Margaret
McCabe, all of the town of Andes in the County of Delaware on 27 Dec. 1842.
Joel Washburn and Lemuel S. Earl were granted Letters
Testamentary on the Estate of Ebenezer B Washburn, late of the town of Andes in
the County of Delaware on 27 Dec. 1842, as recorded on 6 Feb. 1843.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Will Book D, p. 255-258, from FHL
microfilm #0832861, and Letters of Administration Book E, p. 213.
Will of Edward
Washbond of Canaan,
Registered the 16th day of May 1791 –
In
the name of God Amen, I Edward Washbond of Canaan in the County of Columbia and
State of New York being weake in body, but of perfect mind and memory, thanks
be given unto God: calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that
it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will
and testament; that is to say, principally and first of all I give and
recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body I
recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the
discretion of my Executor; nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give
demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form – Imprimis,
first, I give and bequeath to my well beloved Son Hope Washbond One Acre of
Land lying on the west end of my lands which lie the north side of the road,
bounding south on said Road – West on Abel Washbond, north on Pardees land and
east on my own lands—
Item: I give and bequeath to my well beloved Grandsons whose
names are as follows (viz) Asahel Bush Junior Edward Bush and Samuel Pettitt
the sum of five shillings lawful Silver Money of the State of Nork each, to be
raised and levied out of my estate – Item I give & bequeath to my well
beloved Son Abel Washbond (whom I likewise constitute make and ordain the sole
executor of this my last will & testament) All and singular my houshold
furniture Wearing apparel even the whole of my movable estate likewise the
dwelling house in which we now live and Garden ground by the same together with
all my other land of which I am now the owner and possessor, (the above
mentioned one acre excepted) which said Acre to my son Hope, and the remainder
to my son Abel to be by them severally possess, and freely enjoyed to them and
their several heirs and Assigns forever, and the said Abel Washbond is to pay
& discharge funeral charges and all debts and just demands on my estate,
and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all and every other
former testaments, wills and legacies, bequests and Executors by me in any wise
before named willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other
to be my last will and testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and Seal this fifth day of August in the Year of our Lord One thousand
seven hundred and eighty nine —
his
Edward E Washbond (seal)
mark
Signd seald published, pronounced and
declared by the said Edward Washbond as his last will and Testament in the
presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other, have
hereunto subscribed our names – Jesse Pardee, John Pardee, Thomas Andrews
Presented for probate on 10 May 1791, and proved by Jsse
Parde of said
Letters of Administration were granted to Abel Washbond of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Edward
P. Washburn of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Know
all men by these presents that I Edward P. Washburn of Kingston County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Mariner, being of a sound and
disposing mind and memory, I dispose of all my Estate both Real and Personal,
in the following manner, viz.
1st. I give and bequeath to my brother Alexander H. Washburn, Ten
dollars
2nd I
give and bequeath to my Sister Martha Robbins Two Hundred dollars, and all my
wearing apparrel.
3d I give and bequeath to my Sister Rebbecca
L. Washburn, the residue of all my Estate both Real and Personal with this
reservation that if my mother Lucy Washburn should not have property of her own
for her support she is to have it from the residue bequeathed to my Sister
Rebecca L. Washburn
I appoint Philander Cobb sole
Executor to this my last Will and Testament.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us and the Testator at
Edward P. Washburn (seal)
Witnesses Melzar Whitten
Joshua Delano
Thomas Adams
Presented for probate on 4 December
1848, by Philander Cobb, the Executor, and proved by Melzar Whitten and Joshua
Delano, two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p.
526-527.
Will of Edward A. Washburn of New York City, New York (1881) *
I,
Edward A. Washburn of New York City now Rector of Calvery Church declare this
to be my last Will and testament, First, – I give devise and bequeath to my
wife Frances Hall Washburn and to my daughter Emeline Webster Washburn share
and share alike, or the survivor of them in case either of them should die
before me, all my property both real and personal and wherever situate – except
as hereinafter specifically given and bequeathed, Second. I give and bequeath
to my wife and daughter such books from my library as they may wish for their
own use or as a remembrance of me, and I desire that they shall select
therefrom freely. ~~ Third. To my old friends Rev. George Washburn of
Constantinople, Rev. D. R. Brower of Westerly Rhode Island, Rev. R. D.
Hitchcock of New York City,- Rev. D. W. Poor of Philadelphia, Rev. Rufus Ellis
of Boston, Rev. Edwin Harwood of New-Haven, Rev. E. A. Renouf of Drewsville New
Hampshire, Rev. R. S. Storrs of Brooklyn New York, Rev. Charles H. Hall of
Brooklyn New York, Rev. Bennett H. Nash of Boston, Rev. J. H. Riglance of New
York City – and Rev. W. D. Walker of New York City, and to my nephews Edward W.
Hopkins and Frank W. Hopkins I give and bequeath as a remembrance of me my work
of one or more volumes that they each for himself may select from my library –
Fourth – I give and bequeath the balance of my library to the Seabury Divinity
School at Faribault Minnesota as a token of my love for my old friend Bishop
Winple. Fifth – I appoint my wife Frances Hall Washburn the Executrix of this
my Will and in case my wife does not survive me then I appoint my daughter
Emelyn Webster Washburn the Executrix thereof, and I direct that neither of
them be required to give any bonds as such executrix. In Witness whereof I,
Edward A. Washburn have to this my last will and testament consisting of one
sheet of paper, subscribed my name and set my seal this fourteenth day of
January eighteen hundred and eighty one, at New York City.
Edwd A. Washburn (seal)
Subscribed by the testator in the presence of each of us and
at the same time declared by him to us to be his last will and testament and
thereupon we at the request of the testator and in his presence and in the
presence of each other sign our names hereto as witnesses this fourteenth day
of January eighteen hundred and eighty one at New York City.
John William Payne 68 Fifth Avenue, New York
Chas C. Beaman Jr. 27 East 21st
St New York City
Presented for probate on 8 Feb. 1881 by Frances Hall
Washburn, the Executrix, and proved by Charles C. Beaman Jr. of New York City,
one of the witnesses on 24 Feb. 1881. Letters Testamentary were granted on 25
Feb. 1881.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate Vol. 282, p. 298-303.
Will of Edward
Washburn of
I
Edward Washburn of the town of Mount Pleasant county of Westchester do make
publish and declare this my last Will and testament in manner and form
following
First I hereby direct my Executors hereinafter appointed to
pay all my just debts and funeral Expenses out of my estate real or personal as
soon as may be conveniently done And I hereby authorize and fully Empower my
said Executors to sell and dispose of all or any part of my real estate if it
shall be deemed necessary by them, in order to pay all my Just debts and
funeral Expenses, or the better settlement of my estate Which said sale may be
either public or private as may be deemed best by my executors or the survivors
of them and upon such sale or sales to make execute and deliver good and
sufficient deed or deeds of conveyance for the same
Second I give and bequeath to my wife Ann Eliza the use of
all the rest residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal of every
kind to her own use during her natural life to be accepted and received by her
in lieu of dower or right of dower, or other claims of and in my estate
Third I hereby authorize my executors, if the income of my
said estate is not sufficient for the maintenance and comfort of my said wife,
then to pay to her such sum as they shall deem necessary to make her
comfortable during her natural life
Fourth I hereby direct my executors at the death of my wife,
after paying her funeral expences and all just debts to divide what may be
remaining of my estate between my nephews and nieces and the nephews and nieces
of my wife share and share alike and
Lastly I hereby appoint my brother Joshua B. Washburn and his
son Franklin J. Washburn of
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 19th
day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty one
Edward Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the testator Edward
Washburn to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his
request in his presence have hereunto set our names as witnesses
Geo B. Washburn
Caroline Washburn
Chappaqua N.Y.
Joshua B. Washburn, an Executor named in the last Will and
Testament of Edward Washburn, late of the Town of Mount Pleasant, petitioned
for probate of the will on 3 July 1882, and he produced satisfactory evidence
on 31 July 1882 that the heirs had been notified, and W. M. Skinner Jr. was
appointed as Special Guardian for the minors, probate set for 1 Sept. 1882.
Proved by Caroline Washburn of the Town of
The Executors, Joshua B. Washburn and Franklin J. Washburn,
were granted administration of the estate of Edward Washburn, late of Mt.
Pleasant, on 1 Sept. 1882.
The final settlement approved on 12 July 1886 distributed the
estate among the several nephews and nieces of Edward Washburn and his wife Ann
Eliza Washburn, namely Franklin J. Washburn, Jane C. Washburn, Charles E.
Washburn, Howard R. Washburn, Anna Washburn, Franklin S. Washburn as
administrator for Alfred Washburn, deceased, Clara E. Washburn, Mary F.
Sterrett, George F. Washburn, Reuben F. Washburn, Jane Washburn, Daniel B.
Washburn, Mary Emma Cowenhoven, Lydia B. Washburn, Lemuel A. Washburn, Mary A.
Washburn, Jeremiah B. Lyon as administrator for Henrietta Lyon, deceased,
Edward O. Washburn, Isaiah M. Washburn, Rebecca Richards, Adelaide H. Washburn,
Smith R. Washburn, Henry E. Haight, William E. Haight, Phebe Odell, Mary F.
Hyatt, John E. Hyatt, Carrie Irene Pitman, Emma Louise Best, Edward Belknap,
Rachel Belknap, Phebe Belknap, Mary F. Belknap, Martha Ann Orr, Gertrude Weed,
Addie Waugh, Morgan Washburn, and Benjamin A. Washburn as administrator of
Eugene M. Washburn, deceased. Joshua B. Washburn was appointed General Guardian
of Charles E. Washburn and Howard R. Washburn, minors, Benjamin A. Washburn was
appointed General Guardian of Jane Washburn, minor, and Edward O. Washburn was
appointed General Guardian of Adelaide H. Washburn, Isaiah M. Washburn, and
Smith R. Washburn, minors.
Schedule F in the estate papers gives the list of heirs,
their residences, and relationships:
Franklin J. Washburn, Chappaqua, nephew
Jane C. Washburn, Chappaqua, niece
Charles E. Washburn, Chappaqua, nephew
Howard R. Washburn, Chappaqua, nephew
Anna Washburn and Franklin J. Washburn, as Administrators of
Alfred Washburn, deceased, Chappaqua, nephew
Clara E. Washburn, Whitson, niece
Mary F. Sterrett, Sing Sing, niece
George F. Washburn, Everett Hotel,
Reuben F. Washburn, Sing Sing, nephew
Jane Washburn, Sing Sing, niece
Daniel B. Washburn, Sing Sing, nephew
Mary Emma Cowenhoven, New Utrecht, L.I., niece
Lydia B. Washburn, Sing Sing, niece
Lemuel O. Washburn, Sing Sing, nephew
Mary A. Merritt,
Jeremiah B. Lyon as Administrator of Henrietta Lyon,
deceased,
Edward Washburn, Huntington, L.I., nephew
Isaiah Washburn,
Rebecca Richards,
Addie Washburn, Huntington, L.I., niece
Smith Washburn, Huntington, L.I., nephew
Henry C. Haight, Merritts Corners, nephew
William E. Haight,
Phebe Odell,
Mary F. Hyatt,
John E. Hyatt,
Carrie Irene Kenzey,
Emma Louise Best,
Edward Belknap,
Rachel Belknap,
Phebe Belknap,
Mary F. Belknap,
Martha Ann Orr,
Gertrude Weed,
Addie Waugh,
Margaret Washburn, Sing Sing, niece
Benjamin A. Washburn, as Administrator of Eugene Washburn,
deceased, Sing Sing, nephew
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Edward Washburn of Fort Edward, Washington County, New York (1886) *
I
Edward Washburn of Fort Edward Washington County N.Y., I do hereby make and
publish this my last Will and Testament.
First I give devise and bequeath unto my son
Edward Washburn Jr. all of my property both real and personal in fee absolutely
and forever.
Second I hereby nominate and appoint James A.
Cheesman of Fort Edward N.Y. as the sole executor of this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
I
direct and empower my executor above named to execute sufficient and proper
deeds of my real estate to convey the same to the said Edward Washburn Jr.
In witness whereof I hereto set my
hand and seal this seventh day of November A.D. 1886.
Witnesses Edward Washburn (seal)
Edgar Hall
Amelia E. Hall
Subscribed
by Edward Washburn the testator named in the foregoing will in our presence and
at the time of making such subscription declared by the testator to be his last
will and testament and each of us sign his name as a witness at the end of the
will at the request of the testator and in his presence, and in the presence of
each other.
Dated
November 7th 1886.
Edgar Hall, residing at Fort Edward
N.Y.
Amelia E. Hall, residing at Fort
Edward N.Y.
Proved by Edgar Hall and Amelia E.
Hall, of Fort Edward, on 11 Nov. 1889.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Washington County Probate Wills Vol.
V, p. 399-401, from FHL microfilm #0513874.
Will and Codicil of Elias H. Washburn of
I Elias H Washburn of the Village of Sing Sing County of
Westchester State of New York mindful of the uncertainties of human life do
make publish and declare this my last Will and testament in manner following
First I direct my executors hereinafter named to pay all my
just debts and funeral expenses
Second I direct my executors to place a tomb stone at the
grave of my daughter Emma similar to the one at her mothers grave and pay for
the same out of my personal estate
Third I give devise and bequeath to my wife Caroline Washburn
all my household furniture in the house now occupied by me in the
Fourth All the rest and residue of my personal estate of
every Kind and nature & whatsoever I give and devise to my Executors
hereinafter named in trust to Keep the same invested upon good security and
collect the interest thereon and after deducting the necessary expences of
investing the same to pay one third of the interest so received by them from my
personal estate to my wife Caroline Washburn as they shall receive the same for
& during the term of her natural life
Fifth I direct my executors to pay to Mrs Phebe Washburn
widow of my son William C Washburn two thirds of the interest received by them
from my personal estate to be applied by her to the support & education of
my grand children Adelia Washburn and Montrose Washburn children of my son
William C Washburn until they shall severally arrive at the age of twenty one
years One third belonging to each of said grand children And in case the sum so
paid or any sum or sums of money hereinafter directed to be paid to the said
Phebe Washburn for the education and support of my said grand children shall be
misapplied or in any way improperly applied by her in the judgment of my
executors then I direct my executors apply the same to the support &
education of my said grand children as in their judgment shall be most
beneficial to such children
Sixth After the death of my said wife the interest on the one
third of my personal estate which during her life time is payable to her shall
be paid to the said Phebe Washburn to be applied to the support and education
of my said grand children the same as the interest on the other two thirds of
my personal property provided my said grand children are not at the time twenty
one years of age
Seventh I give devise and bequeath to my said grandchildren
all my personal property provided they live to arrive at the age when the same
is directed to be paid to them viz One fourth to be paid to them severally as
they shall arrive at the age of twenty one years & one fourth when they
shall severally arrive at the age of twenty five years except that the one
third of my personal property shall be kept invested & the interest paid to
my wife during her natural life and and shall not be divided until after her
death and then between my grand children as aforesaid
Eighth If either of my said grand children should die before
they become twenty one years of age or before receiving the payments as herein
provided then such payments shall be made to the child or children of such
deceased grand child and in case such grand child die without child or children
my surviving grand child shall take all that the other would have been entitled
to receive if living and in case of the death of both of my said grand children
before they shall be entitled to receive the payments as herein provided
without child or children I give devise & bequeath all my personal property
to my brothers & their heirs forever.
Ninth I give devise & bequeath to my executors
hereinafter named all my real estate in trust to collect the rents and profits
thereof and after paying all taxes insurance and the necessary expenses of
Keeping the same in good repair to pay one third of such rents and profits to
my wife Caroline Washburn for and during the term of her natural life and the
other two thirds thereof to Phebe Washburn the widow of my son William C
Washburn to be applied by her to the support and education of my two grand
children until they shall severally become twenty one years of age
Tenth After my grand children severally become twenty one
years of age then I direct my executors to pay to each of such grand children
one third the rents & profits of my real estate until the death of my wife
and thereafter to pay to each of my said grand children one half the rents
& profits of my said real estate for and during the term of their natural
lives and in case of the death of either of my said grand children without
child or children then the survivor to take all the interest of the other as
herein provided
Eleventh If my wife should die before my said grand children
should each become twenty one years of age then the one third of the rents and
profits of my real estate that during her life was payable to my wife shall be
paid to Phebe Washburn or applied to the support of my said grand children
until they become twenty one years of age and then to be distributed as herein
provided
Twelfth After the death of my two said grand children then I
give & devise all my real estate to the child or children of my said grand
children and their heirs forever
Thirteenth In case of the death of my said grand children
without child or children then I give devise and bequeath all my real estate to
my brothers & their heirs forever subject however to the rights of my wife
as herein before provided to receive one thirds of the rents and profits of
such real estate during the term of her natural life
Fourteenth the provisions herein made for my wife are to be
in satisfaction her dower
Fifteenth If in the judgment of my executors it would be wise
& prudent to sell my house & lot situate on the north side of the Dock
Hill in the Village of Sing Sing then I hereby authorize & direct them to
sell and convey the same & invest the money derived therefrom the same to
be disposed of in other respects and to go as herein provided for my real
estate
Sixteenth I hereby nominate and appoint Leander Fisher my
brother Charles Washburn and William W Secor Executors of this my last Will and
testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
thirty first day of March 1877
Elias H Washburn (seal)
Signed published and declared by the said testator to be his
last Will and testament in presence of us who have signed our names at his
request as witnesses in his presence and in presence of each other
Noah T Barnes
Sing Sing N.Y.
Theodore Chadeayne “
“ “
I Elias H Washburn of the Village of Sing Sing County of
Westchester & State of New York do make this codicil to my last Will above
written and dated the thirty first day of March 1877
I give devise and bequeath to my wife Caroline Washburn
fourteen shares of Bank stock of the First National Bank of Sing Sing of one
hundred dollars each together with all dividends or premiums due or to become
due at the time of my death the same to be transfered & delivered to my
said wife by my executors as soon after my death as convenient and to belong to
her absolutely my will is all it’s other provisions as to my wife and in all
other respects to be unchanged by this codicil
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
thirtieth day of April 1877
Elias H Washburn (seal)
Published & declared by the said Elias H Washburn to be the
codicil to his last Will and testament in the presence of us who have signed
the same as witnesses in his presence at his request & in presence of each
other
Noah T Barnes Sing
Sing N.Y.
Theodore Chadeayne
Sing Sing N.Y.
Leander Fisher, one of the Executors, petitioned for probate
of the will on 30 June 1877, and Dwight S. Herrick was appointed as Special
Guardian for the minor heirs under 14 years of age.
The Will and the Codicil were both proved by Noah T Barnes
and Theodore Chadeayne of the Town of
Leander Fisher and William W Secor, the executors, were
granted administration of the estate of Elias H. Washburn, late of the Town of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elijah Washburn of Hancock, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (1833) *
In the name of God, Amen – I Elijah Washburn of Hancock in
the county of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life & being of sound mind & disposing
Memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make & publish this my last
Will & testament in manner & form following, that is to say –
First
I give & bequeath to my beloved Wife Elizabeth Washburn, four hundred
dollars together with all My household furniture which is to include my Clock
& all the provisions of every kind that I may possess at my decease, &
also my Chaise & harness – I also give & bequeath to my said Wife the
use & improvement of one half of my Pew in Hancock meeting house & the
use & improvement of one half of my horse shed standing near said house
during her natural life – I also give & bequeath to my sd Wife
Elizabeth the use & income of one third part of the Stock that I may
possess at my decease during her natural life by her paying the taxes assessed
on said Stock – I do also give & bequeath to my son John Washburn One
dollar – I do also give and bequeath to my son James Washburn one hundred
dollars, I do also give & bequeath to my son William Washburn One hundred
dollars – I do also give & bequeath to my son Samuel Washburn one dollar –
I also give & bequeath to my son Watson Washburn One hundred dollars – I
also give & bequeath to my daughter Betsey Barber one hundred dollars – I
also give & bequeath to my daughter Hannah Hills one hundred dollars – I
also give & bequeath to my daughter Lydia Barber one hundred dollars – I
also give & bequeath to my daughter Mary Hills one hundred dollars, I also
give & bequeath to my daughter Malinda Hayward one hundred dollars –
I also give & bequeath to my
grandson Phineas N. Washburn one dollar – I also give & bequeath to my
grand son William B. Washburn one dollar – I do also give & bequeath to my
son Elijah Washburn all my farming tools all my stock of cattle Horses &
sheep or of whatever it may consist & all the hay that I may own at the
time of my decease, the above bequestment is made to the said Elijah on the
express Condition that he the sd. Elijah return to my said wife
Elizabeth the income of one third part of my stock as mentioned in my
bequestment to her & that he furnish my said Wife with a sufficient
quantity of fire wood at the door prepared for the fire & carry the same
into the house when requested & after the decease of my said Wife I give
& bequeath to my said son Elijah all my right in the pew in the meeting
house & in the horse shed near said house – And it is my will & I order
that all residue of my estate wherever found & of whatever name or nature
after paying my just debts & legacies before made & a reasonable sum
for executing the instrument, shall be divided among my legal heirs in the same
manner that it would be divided had I have left it intestate – And lastly I do
hereby appoint my son Elijah Washburn & my son in law John Barber my sole
Executors of this my last Will & testament hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made – In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
seventh day of March AD. 1833.
Elijah Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed Published &
declared by the above named Elijah Washburn as & for his last Will &
testament in presence of us who at his request & in his presence & in
the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto –
Thacher Bradford Curtis Johnson Nathl Morrison
Presented for probate on 6 July
1836 by Elijah Washburn & John Barber, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Thacher Bradford, one of the witnesses.
Elijah Washburn of Hancock and John
Barber of Peterborough, yeomen, were granted administration with letters
testamentary on the estate of Elijah Washburn, late of Hancock, on 6 July 1836.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Elijah Washburn, late of Hancock, was appraised by Thatcher Bradford, Joel
Gates and James Davis and totaled $6993.48.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Hillsborough County Probate Vol. 41,
p. 356-358, from FHL microfilm #0016089, Vol. 37, p. 298, and Vol. 41, p.
405-407.
Will of Elijah
Washburn of
Be it
Remembered that I, Elijah Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant County of
Westchester and State of New York, being weak in body but of a sound disposing
mind and memory, Do make ordain and publish this my last Will and Testament in
manner and form as followeth, Viz:
I order
and direct my herein after named and appointed Executors to pay all my just
debts funeral expenses and the charges of establishing this my Will.
I then
give and bequeath to my wife Anne Washburn all my household Furniture beds and
bedding to do with and dispose off, as she may think best. Also five hundred
dollars to be hers at her disposal. And the interest of five hundred dollars
more so long as she lives or as she may think proper to receive it. And then
Two hundred and Fifty dollars of that sum to be paid to my son Elcana Washburn
and the other Two hundred and Fifty dollars to be equally divided amongst all
my Children.
And it
is hereby understood that my Wife so accepting the above Legacies, she is to
relinquish all her right of Dower to my said estate. I then order and direct my
Executors to sell and dispose of all my real and personal estate not before
disposed off– And make an equal dividend between my five Children, Viz: Eliza
Weeks, Tamer Hale, Abel Washburn, Thomas W. Washburn and Elcana Washburn.
And
lastly I authorize my executors to have the care and keeping of Tamer Hale’s
money, and to pay from time to time as they shall judge will be most to her
benefit and Comfort. And if any of her said share remains after her Death the
residue to be equally divided amongst all her Children.
I
nominate and appoint Joseph Pierce Elcana Washburn and Moses Pierce all of
In
Witness whereof, I subscribe my hand and seal this fourteenth day of Ninth
month Eighteen hundred and forty three.
And we being present have subscribed } Elijah Washburn (seal)
our names as Witnesses in the pres- }
ence of the Testator and in the pres- }
ence of each other
Elkanah Mead
Richard Whitson
Benjamin A. Washburn
Notice was given to Ann Washburn, widow of Elijah Washburn,
late of Mount Pleasant, deceased, George P. Weeks, and Eliza his wife, of Rye,
Abel Washburn, of North Castle, Elkanah Washburn, of Mount Pleasant, John C.
Hale, and Tamer his wife, of the City and County of New York, and Thomas W.
Washburn, of the City of New York, that the probate of the Will of Elijah
Washburn is to be held on 22 May 1848 in White Plains on 5 May 1848. Joseph
Pierce testified that he delivered the notice to Ann Washburn and Abel Washburn
on 12 May 1848, and to John C. Hale and his wife on 11 May 1848. Elkanah
Washburn testified that he delivered the notice to George P. Weeks and Eliza
Ann Weeks on 5 May 1848.
Proved by Elkanah Mead of Westchester Co., Richard Whitson of
Letters of Administration on the estate of Elijah Washburn
were granted to Joseph Peirce and Elkanah Washburn on 22 May 1848.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elisha
Washburn of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1830)
*
Whereas
I Elisha Washburn of Kingston in Plymouth County reminded by age that my
disolution may be near, yet possessed of sound mind, memory, and understanding,
and being desirous that my worldly affairs should be properly arranged &
settled before I am called from this world
I do hereby Express, make known and declare this my last Will and
Testament in manner following to wit. –
I
give and bequeath to my beloved wife Deborah the improvement of all my Real
Estate, and the use and Income of all my Personal property, so long and no
longer than she shall continue unmarried after my decease, she to pay all my
lawfull debts, and Funeral charges, and expences of Administration on my Estate
&c.
And in case she should be in want,
she shall have liberty to sell either Real or Personal property, for her
comfort and support. Also after her decease or second Marriage, whichsoever may
first happen, I give and bequeath to my children an equal division of both Real
and Personal property.
viz. To my Daughter Mary, the heirs
of my son Kimball, my son Job, my Daughter Lucy, my Daughter Sally, and my
Daughter Deborah, or in case of their decease, to their heirs and assigns
forever.
And I do hereby make and appoint my
wife Deborah aforesaid my Executrix to see and carry into effect this my last
Will and Testament, according to the discretion herein given. And after her
decease I hereby make and appoint Mr Seth Drew of Kingston aforesaid my
Executor to see and carry into effect an equal distribution of all remaining
property among my children as aforesaid, In witness whereof I the said Elisha
Washburn Testator, have this thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and thirty, have hereunto set my hand, name and seal.
Elisha Washburn (seal)
Signed, Sealed, published and
declared by the said Elisha Washburn
as his last Will and Testament in
the presence of us who at his request
and in his presence, have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses
Henry
Cobb
Hosea
Lucas
Bildad
Washburn
Sir
— on account of my advanced age and infirmities I hereby decline the trust and
responsibility of Executrix of my late husband’s Will and request that my son
in law Seth Drew may be appointed to that trust.
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of October 1839 by Seth Drew, the Executor, and proved by Henry Cobb
and Hosea Lucas, two of the witnesses, Bildad Washburn being now deceased,
Letters Testamentary given to Seth Drew, the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Elisha Washburn, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Eliza
H. Washburn of
Record of
Eliza H. Washburn’s Will
I Eliza H. Washburn of Naples in the County of Ontario and
State of New York being of the age of __ years and upwards and being of sound
mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament as
follows
First, I authorize empower and direct my Executors
hereinafter named to sell and convey all the real estate which I shall own at
my decease, and all lands and real estate which I now have in the whole or in
parcels at public or private sale, and on such terms of cash or credits or both
as they shall deem most beneficial to my estate. My said Executors shall hold
the avails thereof to be disposed of as directed in this my Will, and until the
same shall be sold and disposed of I authorize empower and direct them to lease
or let the same or shares, and to collect and receive the rents and profits
thereof, which are to be added to the avails of sales and disposed of as
hereinafter directed.
Second, I confirm the right and title of my daughter Annis E.
Jennings, wife of James Nelson Jennings to all articles of my personal property
which shall be in her possession at her dwelling house, and which at this time
of making this my Will are in the dwelling house of herself and husband at Penn
Yan, Yates County. All such articles of personal property I have given and
delivered to her. I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Annis all my
clothing.
Third, All other articles of my personal property which shall
be in my dwelling house at my decease <except money, accounts and securities
for the payment of money> including family pictures and photographs, I give
to be equally divided between my three children Annis E. Jennings, William S.
Washburn and Ira T. Washburn to whom I bequeath the same, but this bequest does
not include such of said articles as are hereinafter specifically otherwise
bequeathed. The said articles shall be allotted to and divided between my said
three children by my said daughter Annis.
Fourth, I give and bequeath my silver watch now carried by my
son William S. Washburn to him during his natural life, and on his decease to
my grandson William W. Washburn. I also give and bequeath to my said grand-son
William W. Washburn, one bed and bedding, to be selected and allotted to him by
my daughter Annie S. Jennings.
Fifth, My Executors shall sell and convert into money all the
residue of my personal estate, the avails of which, together with the avails of
my real estate, I dispose of as follows.
My said Executors shall in the first-place pay all my just
debts-funeral charges and expenses, and the lawful expenses of selling my
estate, and the nett balance remaining shall be disposed of as follows.
They shall pay to my daughter Annis E. Jennings the sum of
Two Hundred Dollars, and I give and bequeath the same to her. The balance
remaining shall be divided into four equal parts or shares.
I give and bequeath one of the said last named equal parts or
shares to my son Ira T. Washburn.
I give and bequeath one other of the said last named equal
parts or shares to my son-in-law James Nelson Jennings and my grandson William
W. Washburn to be equally divided between them.
One other of said shares I give to my daughter Annis E.
Jennings.
I give and bequeath the remaining share thereof to my son
William S. Washburn, but this bequest to my said son William S. is on the
express condition that he shall for himself, his heirs and assigns, release and
convey in writing under his hand and seal, to the purchaser or purchasers of my
real estate, who may purchase the same under the power of sale contained in the
first clause of this my Will, the right of way across the same which I conveyed
to him, in such good, lawful and iffectual manner, that such purchaser or
purchasers, and their heirs and assigns, shall hold the same entirely freed
from such right of way. If he shall decline or neglect to do so, the said share
shall belong to, and be equally divided between my daughter Annis E. Jennings,
and my son Ira T. Washburn.
Sixth, If my son Ira T. Washburn should die before my decease
the bequests in this my Will to him shall belong to and be equally divided
among such of his children as shall be living at the time of my decease and in
that division the child or children of any deceased child shall represent their
parent.
Seventh, In case my daughter Annis E. Jennings should die
before my decease, all legacies and bequests in this my Will to her, shall
belong to my son-in-law James Nelson Jennings to whom in that case I give and
bequeath the same.
Eighth, If any of my children shall bring any debt, claim or
charge against my estate for board or personal care of me, while residing with
them, <excepting in case of my sickness> such debt claim or charge shall
be deducted from and paid out of his or her legacy, anything herein before
contained to the contrary notwithstanding, such a claim ought not to be made,
and I trust will not be made, and if any of the legatees or beneficiaries of
this my Will shall make any trouble or expense, or litigation about the
settling of my estate <except the proper and necessary expenses of settling
the same without litigation> I order and direct that all such expenses shall
be paid out of the share of him or her who shall cause the same.
Lastly, I make, constitute and appoint my friend Seymour
Wheeler of Naples, Ontario County, and my son-in-law James Nelson Jennings to
be Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former
Wills by me made.
In Witness Whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal this Twentieth day of September, 1881.
Eliza H. Washburn (seal)
The above instrument was at the date thereof, signed, sealed,
published and declared by the said Eliza H. Washburn as and for her last Will
and Testament in presence of us, who at her request, and in her presence, and
in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
John
Hutches residing at Penn Yan, Yates Co. N.Y.
H.
Newell Smith residing at Penn Yan, Yates Co. N.Y.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the Will
of Eliza H. Washburn deceased proved before me, Recorded & compared this 30th
day of October 1882.
A.P. Babcock Surrogate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Elizabeth Washurn of Hancock, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (1839) *
In the name of God
Amen, I Elizabeth Washburn of Hancock in
the county of Hillsborough And State of Newhampshire, being weak in body, but
of Sound & perfect memory, Blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make
and publish this My last will & Testament in manner & form following;
that is to say
First, I
give & bequeath unto my daughters Betsey Barber, Hannah Hills, Lydia
Barber, Mary Hills and Malinda Hayward my wearing apparel & all my house
hold furniture of every description, which is to include my Clock to be equally
divided among them
I also give and
bequeath to my son John Washburn one Dollar.
I also give and
bequeath to my son William Washburn one Dollar –
I also give &
bequeath to my Son Samuel Washburn one Dollar –
I also give &
bequeath to my Son Elijah Washburn all the hay, that I may own at the time of
my decease.
I also give &
bequeath to my son Watson Washburn one Dollar.
I also give &
bequeath to my grand children, Betsey Washburn, James Washburn, Freeman
Washburn Fastina Washburn & Malinda Washburn, children of my son James
Washburn, deceased, one dollar each.
I also give &
bequeath to my Grandson Phinehas N Washburn one dollar.
I also give &
bequeath to my Grandson William B. Washburn one dollar
And it is my Will
& I order that all the residue of my estate, wherever found & of
whatever name or nature, after paying my just debts & legacies before made
And a reasonable sum for executing this instrument, Shall be divided among my
legal heirs, in the same manner, that it would have been divided, had I left
the same intestate
And lastly I do
hereby appoint my son Elijah Washburn My Sole Executor of this my last will
& Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
In
witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this eighteen day of
January AD 1839
her
Elizabeth X Washburn (seal)
mark
Signed Sealed, published & declared by the above named
Elsibeth Washburn, as & for her last will & testament in the presence
of us, who at her request & in her presence & in the presence of each
other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
Thacher Bradford, Asa Washburn Reed Washburn
Presented for probate on 4 June 1839 by Elijah Washburn, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Asa Washburn, one of the witnesses.
Elijah Washburn, of Hancock, was granted administration with
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Elizabeth Washburn, late of Hancock,
widow, on 4 June 1839.
The Inventory of the estate of Elizabeth Washburn, late of
Hancock, was appraised by Thatcher Bradford, Joel Gates, and James Davis, and
totaled $1457.37.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Hillsborough County Probate Vol. 43, p. 508-509, from FHL
microfilm #0016090, Vol. 44, p. 72, and Vol. 43, p. 576.
Will of Ephraim Washburn of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1867) *
Know all men by these presents, that I Ephraim Washburn of
Plymouth in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being in good
health and of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my
last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time
heretofore made.
First. I hereby constitute and appoint my wife Deborah
Washburn to be sole executrix of this my last will directing my said executrix
to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses, and the legacies hereinafter
given, out of my estate.
Second. I devise and bequeath to my said wife Deborah
Washburn, all the estate, real, personal, or mixed of which I shall die seized
and possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease, as
long as she may remain unmarried and my widow, with remainder thereof on her
decease or marriage to my children and their heirs as the same would have
descended had this will not been made.
In
testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare this
to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named below
this eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and sixty
seven.
Ephraim Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument was signed, sealed, published and
declared by the said Ephraim Washburn as and for his last will and testament in
the presence of us, who in his presence, and in the presence of each other, and
at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
George
Whiting
A.
Mason
D.
E. Damon
Presented for probate on 12 Jan. 1871 by Deborah Washburn of
Plymouth, the Executrix, with Ellis Whiting and Ezra Leach, both of Plymouth,
as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to Deborah Washburn, the
Executrix, on 12 Jan. 1871.
John Harlow of Plymouth petitioned for administration with
will annexed of the estate of Ephraim Washburn, late of Plymouth, on the second
Monday of Dec. 1871, Deborah Washburn, the executrix, having since deceased,
with D. K. Gilbert and Thomas Bearce, of Plymouth, as sureties. Letters of
Administration with Will annexed were granted to John Harlow on 11 Dec. 1871.
The final accounting of John Harlow, the Administrator, was
approved by Lucy A. Sherman, Mary Pierce, Seth Washburn, and Hannah Bearce on
the second Monday of Feb. 1874.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p. 135, from FHL microfilm
#0556648, Vol. 124, p. 264, Vol. 120, p. 401, and Vol. 130, p. 93.
Will of George
A. Washburn of Volney,
In
the name of God Amen.
I,
George A Washburn of the Town of Volney County of Oswego and State of NewYork,
being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this frail
and Transitory life do, therefore, make, ordain publish and declare this to be
my last Will and Testament. That is to say:
First
– – After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and bequeath unto
my beloved wife Antoinette E. Washburn all and singular the property of which I
may die possessed of whatsoever kind or nature, whether real personal or mixed
and wheresoever situate to have, hold, possess and enjoy the same for and
during the term of her natural life with the right to sell and dispose of the
same or any part thereof and to use the avails thereof as may be necessary for
her Support and maintenance =
Second,
I hereby order and direct that immediately upon the decease of my said wife all
my said Estate then remaining shall be divided Equally among my children their
descendants per Stirpes
Likewise,
I make Constitute and appoint my said wife Antoinette E. Washburn and my friend
Morgan Van Buren Esq. of Volney to be my Executrix and Executor of this my last
Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal, the
fifth day of April, in the Year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and
Eighty three
G A. Washburn (seal)
The above written instrument was
subscribed by the said George A. Washburn in our presence, and acknowledged by
him to each of us; and he at the same time declared the above instrument, so
subscribed, to be his last Will and Testament; and We, at his request, have
signed our names as witnesses hereto, in his presence and in the presence of
each other, and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
G.
W. Yates Fulton Oswego Co
N.Y.
Henry
C Hour Fulton Oswego Co
N.Y.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of George Washburn of
Philadelphia, Jefferson County, New York (1894) *
I, George Washburn, of the village of Philadelphia, Jefferson County,
New York, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of
life, do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and
Testament, that is to say:
First.– I direct my executors hereinafter named to pay and discharge in full all
my just debts and funeral expenses out of my personal estate other than the
dairy of cows on my farm hereinafter mentioned, and in inventorying my said
personal estate I direct them to include therein a policy of insurance on my
life for $2000 in the Knights Templars & Masonic Life Indemnity Company, of
Chicago, Ill., numbered 8459 and the moneys received on said policy I order and
direct shall be used for the purpose of paying off my indebtedness if necessary
and that it shall become and be a part of my personal estate, notwithstanding
my wife and children are named as beneficiaries in said policy, and I direct
the said Company to pay the said moneys to my executors as such, instead of to
the beneficiaries named in said policy.
Second.– I give, bequeath and devise to my beloved wife, Mary Jane Washburn, for
and during the term of her natural life only, my farm of about 242 acres in the
town of Antwerp, in said County, with the dairy of cows now thereon, and direct
her to lease or rent the same from year to year substantially as I have been
doing, keep up the dairy on and from said farm, keep the buildings thereon
insured, and the farm and buildings in good fair repair and condition, and the
rents, issues and profits she shall receive from said farm and property, after
keeping the same in repair as aforesaid,
I give and bequeath to her for her support and maintenance and the
support and maintenance of our infant children until they shall respectively
arrive at the age of twenty – one years or until our infant daughters shall
marry or they shall be able to support themselves by their own industry.
In case my said wife should die before our youngest child shall arrive
at the age of twenty – one years, then and until that time I direct that my
said farm and dairy shall continue to be leased and rented in the manner
aforesaid and that the rents and profits received from the same, after keeping
up said farm and the buildings thereon, shall be divided equally among my
children hereinafter named share and share alike, and on the death of my said
wife, if it occurs after our youngest child arrives at the age of twenty – one
years, or when our youngest child shall arrive at that age if my said wife
shall have sooner died, I give, bequeath and devise my said farm and the dairy
that may then be thereon to my beloved children, George Herbert Washburn,
Jennie M. Washburn, Luna H. Washburn, Pearl B. Washburn, Grover Washburn and
Frances Washburn, their heirs and assigns forever, to be equally divided among
them, share and share alike.
Third.– I also give and bequeath to my said wife my two shares of stock in the
Bank of Philadelphia, my horse, carriages, cutter, robes, blankets &c., and
also my Watch.
Fourth.– To my son, George Herbert Washburn, I give and bequeath my gold ring.
Fifth.– As soon as practicable after the payment of all my just debts and
funeral expenses, I direct my said executors to pay lay out and expend from my
personal estate, other then the dairy on my said farm, a sum not to exceed
Eighteen hundred dollars ($1800.00) in the purchase of a house and lot in the
village of Philadelphia or vicinity, taking the title thereto in their names as
such executors, and holding the same during the life of my said wife for a home
for herself and my infant children, and the house and lot so to be purchased I
give, bequeath and devise to my said wife for and during the term of her
natural life, for the purposes aforesaid, and from and after her death, I give,
bequeath and devise the same to my said children above named, their heirs and
assigns forever, to be equally divided among them share and share alike; and on
the death of my said wife, I authorize and empower her surviving executor (my
said son George Herbert) to sell and convey the said house and lot for its fair
market value, for the purpose of dividing the same among my said children as
above provided.
Sixth.– After the payment of my debts and the purchase of the house and lot
mentioned in item fifth hereof, I give, and bequeath from the remainder of my
personal estate, other than the dairy on my said farm, the sum of One thousand
dollars ($1000) to my said son George Herbert Washburn, and the sum of Five
hundred dollars ($500) to my daughter Jennie M. Wilson, if there be sufficient
thereof for that purpose; and if not sufficient, then said remainder of my
personal estate shall be divided between said George Herbert and said Jennie
M., in proportion to the above amounts, and if there should be more than
sufficient for that purpose, the surplus thereof I give and bequeath to my said
wife for the support of herself and our said infant children, and whatever
remains of said surplus on the death of my said wife, I give and bequeath to my
said children, to be divided among them share and share alike.
Seventh.– All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal, I
give, devise and bequeath to my said wife for and during the term of her
natural life, and on her death I give, devise and bequeath the same to my said
children, their heirs and assigns forever, to be equally divided among them
share and share alike.
Eighth.– To my said executors I give full power and authority to grant, bargain,
sell and convey all the real estate of which I shall die seized, except my said
farm which I have disposes of as hereinbefore provided.
Ninth.– I make, constitute and appoint my said wife, Mary Jane Washburn, and
my said son George Herbert Washburn, to be the executors of this my last Will
and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed by name and affixed my
seal this 5 th, day of October, 1894.
George Washburn (seal)
The above and foregoing written instrument was subscribed by the said
George Washburn in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us; and he
at the same time declared the said instrument, so subscribed by him, to be his
last Will and Testament, and we, at his request, have signed our names as
witnesses hereto, in his presence and in the presence of each other, and
written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
De Witt C. Rodenhurst, Philadelphia,
N.Y.
George W. Hoverman Philadelphia N Y
~ Codicil. ~
I, George Washburn, of the Village of
Philadelphia, Jefferson County, New York, do make this Codicil to my last will
and testament in words as follows:
Whereas, in and by my last will and testament, dated October 5 th, 1894,
I did, by the fifth item thereof, direct my executors named in said will to
expend the sum of Eighteen hundred dollars ($1800.00) from my personal estate,
in purchasing a house and lot in the said village, for the use of my wife and
children during the term of the natural life of my said wife, and directing the
disposition of said house or the proceeds to be derived therefrom after her
death, and I having since the making of said will purchased a house and lot for
the purposes aforesaid: Now I do hereby revoke all of the provisions contained
in the said fifth item of my said will, and in lieu and instead thereof I do
hereby give, devise and bequeath to my said wife, Mary Jane Washburn, the house
and lot on Pearl Street in said village, recently purchased by me of Zanac La
Fave, for and during the term of her natural life only, and upon her death, I
direct my remaining executor named in said will, to wit: my son, George Herbert
Washburn, to sell and convey the said house and lot for its fair market value,
and to pay over and divide the proceeds arising from said sale equally among my
children (inclusive of himself), named in said will, share and share alike, and
the said proceeds, so to be derived from the sale of my said house and lot, I
hereby give and bequeath to my said children to be divided equally among them
share and share alike.
In all other respects I hereby ratify and confirm my said will and
testament.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
seal this 10th, day of November, 1894.
George Washburn (seal)
The above and foregoing written instrument was subscribed by the said
George Washburn in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us; and he
at the same time declared the said instrument, so subscribed by him, to be the
Codicil to his last will and testament, and we, at his request, have signed our
names as witnesses hereto, in his presence and in the presence of each other,
and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
De Witt C. Rodenhurst, Philadelphia,
N.Y.
George W. Hoverman Philadelphia N Y
Presented for probate on 28 Nov. 1894
by Mary J. Washburn, of Philadelphia, Jefferson Co., NY, the widow and one of
the executors, listing his heirs as the petitioner, George H. Washburn, a son,
Luna H. Washburn, a daughter, Pearl B. Washburn, a son [sic], Grover Washburn,
a son, and Frances Washburn, a daughter, all residing in Philadelphia,
Jefferson Co., NY, and Jennie M. Wilson, a daughter, residing in Lowville,
Lewis Co., NY, all over 21 except Luna, Pearl B., Grover and Frances, who are
minors, and of whom Grover and Frances are under 14 years of age. Approved 10
Dec. 1894.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol. 33, p. 621-626, from
FHL microfilm #0892383.
Will of Gilbert Washburn of DePeyster, St.
Lawrence County, New York (1892) *
I,
Gilbert Washburn, of the town of DePeyster, in the County of St. Lawrence and
State of New York, of the age of fifty six years, and being of sound mind and
memory, do make, publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner
following, that is to say:–
First.
I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Mary, my personal estate consisting
of household furniture of every description, all live stock of every kind
whatsoever, all farm implements and dairy utensils – except the sum of Five
Hundred Dollars, which I give to my only son, Harlon G. Washburn.
Second.
I give and devise to my beloved wife Mary, all my real estate consisting of
about one hundred and eighty five acres of land more or less, situate on the
State Road in the town of DePeyster, County of St. Lawrence and State of New
York, between Heuvelton Vilage and DePeyster Vilage, comonly known as the
Washburn farm, together with all the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto
belonging or in any wise appertaining; to have and to hold the premises above
mentioned, to the said Mary Washburn, my wife, her heirs and assigns forever.
Third.
I give and devise all the rest, residue and remainder of my real estate of
every name and nature whatsoever, to my said wife Mary.
And
Lastly, I give and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my personal
estate, goods and chattels of what nature and kind soever, to my said wife,
Mary Washburn, and I hereby appoint the said Mary my wife, executrix, and my
only son Harlon G. Washburn, Executor of this my last Will and Testament:
hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this second day of July
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two.
Gilbert Washburn (seal)
The
above written instrument consisting of one sheet was subscribed by the said
Gilbert Washburn, in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us, and he
at the same time declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last
Will and Testament, and we, at his request have signed our names as witnesses
hereto, and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
William
J. Badger, residing at DePeyster in St. Lawrence County, N.Y.
Maggie
J. Badger, residing at DePeyster, in St. Lawrence County, N.Y.
Presented for probate on 14 Dec. 1912
by Harlon G. Washburn and Mary Washburn, the Executors, who listed his only
heirs as Harlon G. Washburn, son, and Mary Washburn, widow, of De Peyster, N.Y.
Harlon G. Washburn was granted
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Gilbert Washburn, late of DePeyster, on
14 Dec. 1912.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Wills Vol. 45, p. 509-510,
from FHL microfilm #1571564, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 18, p. 289.
Will of Hannah
Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1844) *
Be it rembered that I, Hannah Washburn of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, Widow, do on this fourth day of
October in the Year Eighteen hundred and Forty four, make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner following. VIZ, In the first place I give and
bequeath to Edwin and Asaph Thomson, the sons of Eliab Thomson Jr., late of
Halifax County aforesaid & in equal Shares So much as may remain due at my
decease on a Certain Note of hand which Bradford Harlow holds holds for me
against Jacob Soule of Sd Halifax to be paid to them by my executors
when they Shall become Twenty one years old.
And to
my Son Joseph his Heirs and Assigns I give all the residue and remainder of my
Estate both Real and Personal after my debts and expenses are paid. Lastly I
give nothing to my son Josiah nor to his Children. ~ I do hereby appoint Bradford Harlow Sole
Executor of this my last will and Testament.
Signed Sealed & published by the Said Hannah Washburn
declareing this to be her last Will and Testament in presence of us who at her
request were Called as Witnesses to the same and in her presence did hereunto
Subscribe our names.
Solomon Leonard Hannah Washburn (seal)
Huldah L. Washburn
Elizabeth B. Harlow
Jeremiah S. Washburn petitioned for probate of the will on 8
Mar. 1856, the Executor, Bradford Harlow, being deceased.
Presented for probate by Jeremiah S. Washburn, the Executor
therein named having deceased, on the first Tuesday of April, 1856, and proved
by Huldah L. Washburn, one of the witnesses. Letters of Administration with
Will annexed were granted to Jeremiah S. Washburn, of Troy, N.Y., on 1 Apr.
1856, nobody having appeared in court to object.
No inventory was recorded.
*Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 98, p. 132-134, and Probate Docket
#21980.
Will of Hannah B. Washburn of Ludlow, Windsor
County, Vermont (1866) *
I, Hannah B. Washburn, of Ludlow
in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, being sensible of the
uncertainty of life, and at the same time being in my own apprehension of sound
mind, do judge it best to make and accordingly do make this my last will and
testament.
It is my will that all my just
debts and the charges of my funeral be paid and discharged by my executors
hereinafter named and appointed, out of my estate, as soon as conveniently may
be after my death and I leave the charges of my funeral to the direction of my
said Executors,
1st It is my will that so soon as
conveniently may be, after my decease, the property which I leave shall be
converted into money.
2d That after the payment of the
$500.00, the sum now due to Hannah M. Washburn, my daughter, and secured, to
her, by mortgage I give and grant, unto my said daughter one half of what
remains of the property, of which I may die seized, which shall be safely
invested and secured to her forever.
3d That the remaining half shall be
safely invested, and secured, and the annual interest thereof, be paid towards
the support of my son Reuben H. Washburn as long as he shall live, and at the
death of my said son Reuben H. Washburn, it is my will that my said daughter
Hannah M. Washburn, if she survive him, should have & receive the principal
sum, the interest of which is thus secured to my son Reuben H. Washburn.
5th It is my will that my personal
property shall be left to the care and disposal of my said daughter, Hannah M.
Washburn, subject however to those reservations, of which, I shall leave a
memorandum with the will, at my decease.
6th I give my executors full authority in
the settlement of my estate to sell and dispose of any and all of my personal
property, and to convey by deed or otherwise my real estate in as full and
ample a manner as I could do if living –
7th I hereby nominate and appoint my son
Peter Thatcher Washburn & my son John S. Washburn to be executors, jointly
and severally, of this my last will and testament, and so as that in case of
the death of one of them, the survivor of them shall then be sole executor of
this my said will.
In testimony
whereof I hereto set my hand and seal, and publish and declare this to be my
last will and testament, this 18th day of June A.D. 1866.
Hannah B. Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed
and declared by the said Hannah B. Washburn as her last will and testament, in
the presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
thereof, at the request and in the presence of the said testator, and in the
presence of each other,
Fredk
C Robbins
Eliza
C Robbins
Lily
E A Robbins
John S. Washburn, of the City, County and State of New York,
was appointed as Executor of the last will and testament of Hannah B. Washburn,
late of Ludlow, Vermont, on 2 Oct. 1871, with Frederick C. Robbins, of Ludlow,
as surety.
Hannah M. Washburn, of Ludlow, was appointed as
administratrix de bonis non with the will of the deceased annexed of the Estate
of Hannah B. Washburn, late of Ludlow, on 24 Sept. 1884, with Daniel A. Heald
of Orange, NJ, as surety.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Windsor County,
Vermont, Windsor District Probate File “Washburn, Hannah B. – Weston, Reuben,”
from FHL microfilm #1183445, beginning at image 9, and Windsor District Probate
File “Ward, John D. – Washburn, George,” from FHL microfilm #1183359, image
1095, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will of Hattil
Washburn of
I Hattil
Washburn of Northampton, in the County of Hampshire, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make publish and
declare this my last will and testament in manner and form
First:
I direct
my Executor hereinafter named to pay all my just debts – funeral charges.
Second:
To my
wife Lydia A. Washburn, I give, devise and bequeath all of my estate, real,
personal or mixed of which I may be entitled at the time of my decease.
Third:
I
constitute and appoint my wife Lydia A. Washburn to be my executor of this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills heretofore executed.
It is
further my will that the Court of Probate require no bonds or sureties of my
said wife for the faithful performance of the trust by me committed to her by
this instrument.
In
testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below this the twenty fourth day of May in – year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and eighty-three.
Hattil Washburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Hattil Washburn as and for his last
will and testament in the presence of us who in presence of each other at his
request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto.
Clara
I. Piper
Abbie
A. Carrington
Carrie
M. Coffin
Presented for probate on 5 Jan. 1886 by Lydia A. Washburn, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Henry Washburn of Ellisburgh, Jefferson County, New York (1840) *
In the Name of God
Amen. I, Henry Washburn of Ellisburgh in the County of Jefferson and State of
New York farmer do make and declare this my last will and Testament in manner
and form following. First I resign my Soul into the hands of Almighty God
hopeing and believeing in a remission of my sins by the merits and mediation of
Jesus Christ and my body I commit to the earth to be buried at the discretion
of my wife and Children with as little pomp and parade as possible and my
worldly estate I give and devise as follows viz
Firstly I order and direct all my just debts funereral
Expences be first paid and I charge all my personal Estate with the payment of
the same
Secondly – I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife all the
household property which I may die seized & possessed as her property
absolute also one horse to be kept for her use during her natural life and also
I direct that my said wife Elizabeth be maintained out of the property which I
shall leave behind me after my decease and be provided with every thing
necessary for her comfort & Convenience in Sickness and in health either in
the house that I now reside in or such other place as she shall choose that She
may Spend the residue of her days in peace and quietness so long as she shall
live
Thirdly – I direct that my two daughters Eliza Morgina and
Mary Miranda have a home at the house that I now reside in and be Supported
when there in Sickness out of the property which I Shall leave behind so long
as the same shall remain Single and unmarried
Fourthly I give and
bequeath unto my three daughters Triphena Ellis wife of Esquire Ellis Eliza
Morgina and Mary Miranda the following viz. To Triphena Ellis the sum of Three
hundred dollars in three equal anual payments from the first day of June 1841
and the interest on the same from the day of my decease. To Eliza Morgina the
Sum of three hundred dollars in three equal anual payments from the first day
of June 1844 and the interest on the same from the day of My decease To Mary Miranda the sum of Three hundred
dollars in three equal annual payments from the first day of June 1847 and the
interest on the Same from the day of My decease and I hereby charge all my Real
and personal Estate with the payment of the aforesaid Legacies and Bequests and
my intention and directions above Specified and all the rest residue and
remainder of all my estate and effects real and personal whatsoever and
Wheresoever not herein before otherwise effectually disposed of after payment
of My debts Legacies and funeral expences and other charges & deductions as
aforesaid I do give devise and bequeath unto my Son Henry and to his heirs
forever.
And lastly I do hereby appoint my brother Joseph Washburn my
Son Henry Executors of this my last will & testament hereby revokeing all
former wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal the Twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred & forty
Henry Washburn (seal)
Signed Sealed published & declared by the above named
Henry Washburn to be his last will & testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto Subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Henry Stearns – Prosper S. Lyman Jeremiah Fields –
In the
matter of proving the Will of the Real and personal Estate of Henry Washburn
deceased
Be it remembered that on Eighteenth day of June one thousand
Eight hundred and forty one Henry Washborn of the town of Ellisburgh in the
County of Jefferson and State of New York came before the said Surrogate and
made and filed his petition on oath stating and thereby the said Surrogate was
satisfied that Henry Washburn late an inhabitant of the town of Ellisburgh
aforesaid and owning real and personal estate therein had lately died after
having made and published & left his last will and testament disposing of
said Estate and therein had appointed the said Henry Washborn and Joseph
Washburn of Ellisburgh aforesaid executors of said will That the said Henry
Washburn left the following named persons his heirs at law and next of kin
whose places of residence are hereafter mentioned that is to say Elizabeth
Washburn his widow & Henry Washburn and Joseph Washburn residing in
Ellisburgh in the County of Jefferson aforesaid Squire Ellis & Triphena
Ellis his wife residing in the town of Villenova in the County of Chataqua
& State of New York and Eliza Washborn and Mary Washburn residing in
Ellisburgh aforesaid Minors haveing no general guardian. The Said persons
constituting all the heirs at law and next of kin of the said Henry Washborn
deceased. And by said petition it was prayed that said will might be proved and
recorded as a will of Real and personal Estate and that Such proceedings might
be had for that purpose as were required by law and there upon the said
Surrogate being satisfied of the truth of the Matters stated in said petition
did on The Written Consent of George A. Gates of the town of Watertown County
of Jefferson aforesaid appoint him by his order Special guardian of the Minors
above named to take care of their interests in said premises and did on the day
and Year aforesaid issue a citation under his hand and official Seal bearing
date the day and year aforesaid directed to the Said persons respectively and
to the said George A Gates as Special guardian of the minors above named
stateing their said places of residence respectively that the said Henry
Washburn had applied to have the said will proved as a will of Real and
personal Estate and requiring them to appear before said Surrogate at his
office in the Village of Watertown aforesaid on the Second day of August one
thousand Eight hundred and forty one at one oClock in the afternoon to attend
the probate of said will and also a Subpoena for Henry Stearns, Prosper S.
Lyman and Jeremiah Feilds of the town of Ellisburgh aforesaid the Subscribing
witnesses to attend at the same time and place & testify as witnesses in
the premises and there upon the process thereof was continued unto the return
day of said Citation August Second one thousand eight hundred and forty one at
the place aforesaid at which last mentioned day and place before the said
Surrogate comes the said Henry Washburn and makes it appear by affidavit and
whereby the said Surrogate was satisfied that the said Citation had been duly
served on all the said parties (except the said Squire Ellis & Triphena
Ellis) according to law that is to say more than fifteen days before the said
return day thereof and that the aforesaid persons were all the heirs at law and
next of kin of the said Henry Washburn deceased they being all the persons who
might by law to be served with said Citation and that their places of residence
were as above stated. And thereupon the said Surrogate did adjourn the further
hearing untill the Thirteenth day of October one thousand Eight hundred and
forty one and did thereupon Issue a further citation under his hand &
official seal stating & setting forth as above mentioned directed to the
said Squire Ellis & Triphena Ellis requireing them to appear before said
Surrogate at his office in the Village of Watertown in said County on the
Thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred & forty one at one
oclock P.M. at which last mentioned day & place before the said Surrogate
comes the said Henry Washburn aforesaid and makes it appear by affidavit to the
satisfaction of said Surrogate that the said Citation had been duly served on
the said Squire Ellis & Triphena Ellis according to Law on the Tenth day of
September one thousand Eight hundred and forty one more than fifteen days
before the said return day –October 13~ 1841–at which day and at the
place aforesaid comes the said Henry Washburn and the hearing was thereupon
further adjourned to the 26 day of February one thousand eight hundred &
forty two at the place aforesaid said Henry Washborn & Joseph Washburn
there appearing said Surrogate did then and there proceed to hear the proofs
and allegations of the parties in the premises the said will is produced and
Henry Stearns Prosper S. Lyman and Jeremiah Feilds the Subscribing witnesses
were duly sworn and testified as such witnesses their testimony after being
reduced to writing was carefully read over to and Subscribed by them and the
same was recorded as follows hereafter Whereupon the said Surrogate being
satisfied by the said proofs that the said Henry Washburn deceased at the time
of making the said will was of sound and disposeing mind memory and
understanding of full age and not under any restraint and Competent to make a
will doth order adjudge and decree that the said will be and the same is hereby
proved approved established and Confirmed as a good and valid will of Real
& personal Estate and that the same be recorded as such and the same was
recorded on the day and year abovesaid in the book kept therefor by the said
Surrogate with the proofs thereof which record follows hereafter in this Book
And it is also ordered by said Surrogate that Letters Testamentary issue &
they are thereupon issued by said Surrogate to the said Henry Washburn and
Joseph Washburn as Executors of said Will they having first taken and Subscribed
the oath required by law for that purpose which is filed with said Surrogate.
The said Proofs and will follow hereafter in this record
Witness
John Clarke Surrogate this Twenty Sixth day of February one thousand Eight
hundred & forty two
Letters of Administration of the estate of Henry Washburn
late of said County were granted to Joseph Washburn and Henry Washburn, the
Executors, on 26 Feb. 1842.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol. B, p. 395-399, and Letters
of Administration Vol. A, p. 532.
Will of Ira Washburn of Gaines, Orleans County,
New York (1876) *
Will
of Ira Washburn.
I, Ira Washburn
farmer of the town of Gaines County of Orleans and State of New York hereby
make publish and declare my last Will and Testament in words following.
First– I
have heretofore given and advanced to my son Gilbert Washburn, at various
times, money and property equal in value to as much as I think is his just and
equitable portion of my estate, I therefore make no further provision for him
in this Will.
Second–
My present wife Malancy Washburn, posesses property in her own right to
considerable amount and does not need that I should make provision for her. I
therefore give and bequeath to her and to her heirs and assigns all my
household furniture, to be taken and received by her in lieu and in place of
all dower and thirds to which she might otherwise be entittled to receive out
of my property.
Third–
All the residue and remainder of my estate that may remain after paying my just
debts, funeral expenses and expenses of administration, I give devise and
bequeath to my five children named as follows and to their heirs and assigns
viz – To Ira C. Washburn, Calesta Ann Washburn, Ruby W. Thomas, Adelia Washburn
and Gates Washburn share and share alike to them and to their heirs and assigns
absolutely.
Fourth~
My desire and wish is that my five children above named who now reside with me
on my farm in Gaines should continue to reside and make their home together on
said farm as long as they Shall be content to do so; and that they work and
carry on said farm and pay all taxes and expenses jointly and share the net
proceeds income and profit, to arise from so working said farm among themselves
in proportion to what each shall have contributed to the expense of so working
the farm.
If my said five
children or their representatives should be unable to agree on a division of
the income and produce of said farm and real estate among themselves at any
time when such income is to be divided, then a majority in number of them may
select and appoint two arbitrators who will ascertain the facts and award such
division of the net avails of said net income and produce to the parties
entittled thereto as each shall in their judgement be entittled under this
will.
Fifth–
Whenever a majority in number of my children above named to whom I have given
said farm, shall think best to sell said farm and divided the proceeds
according to this will, then they may notify my Executors hereinafter
nominated, and said Executors may sell all or any of my real estate and divide
the avails of such sale, and pay to each of my said devisees his or her share
of the avails.
And on all such
sales my executors may make execute and deliver all proper deeds and
conveyances to convey a good and sufficient tittle to property so sold to a
purchaser or purchasers.
Sixth– My
son Ira C. Washburn and my daughter Calesta Ann Washburn are each in feeble
health and they may need the care and attentions of my other children Ruby,
Adelia and Gates. I desire and hope such care and attention will be so bestowed
as may be needed and as the only pecuniary compensation I can provide therefor,
I give and bequeath the property in this Will by me given to said Ira C. and
Calesta, which may be left by either of them undisposed of, when either of them
shall die, to said Ruby, Adelia and Gates or the survivors of them and their
heirs & assigns equally.
Seventh –
I revoke all wills by me heretofore made & and I nominate and appoint my
children viz – Ruby W. Thomas and Gates Washburn to be executors of this my
last will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th
day of August 1876.
Ira Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument
was on the day of the date thereof signed sealed published and declared by Ira
Washburn the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of
each of us, and we at his request, in his presence and in presence of each
other, subscribe our names hereto as witnesses.
John
H. Leonard, Albion, N.Y.
Jefferson
F. Leonard, Albion, N.Y.
Arad
Thomas, Albion, N.Y.
Presented for probate on 29 Aug. 1887 by Ruby W. Thomas.
Ruby W. Thomas and Gates Washburn were granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Ira Washburn on 19 Sept. 1887.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Orleans County
Probate Wills Vol. 20, p. 223-225, from FHL microfilm #0292763, and Letters
Testamentary Vol. 6, p. 66.
Will of Isaac
Washburn of Gorham, Ontario County, New York (1828) *
In The Name of God, Amen, I, Isaac Washburn of Gorham in the
county of Ontario having through the good providence of Almighty God, attained
to an advanced stage of life and admonished by the infirmities of age and ill
health that the day of my departure from all earthly existence is at hand, do
hereby for the settling and disposing of my worldly concerns, make, ordain and
publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say,
First I give, [torn] and bequeath to
my beloved wife Sarah, and to my beloved son John, all the real and personal
property of which I shall be possessed at the time of my decease, except as
herein after otherwise given or devised, to be by them jointly owned, occupied
and possessed for and during the term of their natural lives, or the natural
life of either of them.
Secondly, I give, devise and bequeath to my beloved daughter
Mary an equal share, right, and interest in all the produce, profit, use,
improvement and benefit derived or arising from the use and occupancy of the
real and personal property above given and divised with each an equal share and
proportion so long as they or either of them shall live, And the bequest above
made to my said beloved wife Sarah and son John is hereby declared to be
subject to the bequest herein made to my said beloved daughter Mary. I farther
give, devise and bequeath to my said beloved wife Sarah all the household
furniture of which I may be possessed at the time of my decease to be by her
disposed of in such manner as she may think proper and expedient. Lastly, I do
hereby give, devise and bequeath all the real and personal property of which I
shall be possessed at the time of my decease and which shall remain at the
decease of my said beloved wife Sarah and Son John after their decease and not
before equally to all my beloved children now living and to their heirs and
assigns forever. And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my beloved
sons Richard, Isaac, and Joshua executors of this my last will and testament.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal on the fifth
day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty
eight his
Signed, sealed, published and declared Isaac X Washburn (seal)
in the presence of us, as witnesses mark
Charles
Russell
Rodney
Russell
Proved on 14 Nov. 1829 by Charles Russell, Rodney Russell,
and
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby, from
Will of Isaac
Washburn of Canandaigua,
Record
of Isaac Washburn’s Will
Know all
men by these presents that I Isaac Washburn of the town of
First- I
Will and order that my Executors hereafter to be appointed shall pay all my
debts and liabilities and funeral expenses out of my personal property.
Second-
I do hereby give, devise and bequeath unto my wife Esther Washburn all my
property both Real and personal whatsoever or wheresoever the same may be for
and during the term of her natural life. And after the decease of my said wife
Esther I do hereby give devise and bequeath all of the aforesaid property to my
daughter Phidelia R. Washburn to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Lastly-
I do hereby appoint my said wife Esther Washburn and Henry C. Swift both of the
Given
under my hand and Seal this 20th day of August 1861
his
Isaac
Washburn Isaac x Washburn
mark
The
foregoing instrument on the day of the date hereof was subscribed by Isaac
Washburn the Testator therein named in the presence of of the undersigned The
said Isaac Washburn at the time he subscribed the said instrument declared the
same to be his last Will and Testament and requested us to sign our names as
attesting witnesses thereto
We
accordingly sign our names as such witnesses in his presence and in presence of
each other.
T.A.
Isaac M.
Tichenor residing at
Recorded
2 Jan. 1862
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Israel Washburn of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1862) *
Be
it remembered that I, Israel Washburn now residing in No. Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, do make & publish this my
last Will and Testament as follows.
I
am not wanting in affection for all my Children but as my daughter Lucy P.
Howland, and my son John H. Washburn are both in prosperous circumstances, and
also that my son Albert Gardner Washburn has already received more than I can
leave, or than I can do for my other children, I therefore give to my wife
Elizabeth Chipman Washburn (as long as she remains my widow) one half of all my
real & personal estate after paying all my just debts and expenses of
settling my estate.
After
which the other half shall be divided between William Henry Washburn and Israel
Dexter Washburn, one third to William H. and the other two thirds to Israel
Dexter.
And
at the death or marriage of my widow, (or if she shall not survive me) the
other or remaining half share be divided, one half to William & Israel
equally, & the other half equally between John, Lucy, Albert, and Ann Nason
(daughter to my first wife,) provided she shall be living at the death of my
widow, otherwise it shall be divided as before mentioned equally between John,
Lucy and Albert, to them & their heirs and assigns forever.
Further
I do appoint my said wife Elizabeth C. Washburn sole Executrix of this my last
Will and Testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal this eleventh day
of August one thousand eight hundred and Sixty two.
In presence of us who hereto
}
set our names as witnesses.
} Israel Washburn (seal)
Simeon
D. Carr
Luther
M. Morse
Edwin
F. Packard
Presented for probate on the fourth Monday of Nov. 1864 by Wm.
H. Washburn of Acushnet, County of Bristol, the Executor named having resigned,
with Elihu Pope and Jonathan Taber, both of Acushnet, as sureties. Letters
Testamentary granted to Wm. H. Washburn on 28 Nov. 1864.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 105, p. 112-113, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, and Vol. 114, p. 276 (272).
Will of Jacob
Washburn of
I, Jacob
Washburn of the town of La Grange in the County of Dutchess considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory do make and
publish this my last Will and testament in manner and form following first I
order and direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be first paid out of my
estate 2d. I give and bequeath to my Wife Ann, all the household
furniture beds and bedding which she brought to my house at or after our
marriage and being her own property at the time of such marriage. Also I give
and bequeath to my said Wife Ann the sum of Fifteen Hundred dollars which I
hereby declare is intended to be and is so given to her in full satisfaction
and lieu of her dower right and thirds which shall be to her her heirs and
assigns forever. 3rd All the rest residue and remainder of my
property both real and personal of every kind name and nature, I give and
bequeath to my three children Viz Morgan S. Washburn Darias Washburn and Mary
Ann Washburn to be divided equally between them. And I further order and direct
that my Executors hereinafter named shall have two years to dispose of my real
estate and at any time within said two Years my Executors shall have power to
sell and convey my real Estate either at public or private sale. And lastly I
hereby constitute and approve my friend George Potter son of Joseph Potter of
the town of La Grange, and my said son Morgan S. Washburn to be Executors to
this my last Will and testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of February
One thousand eight hundred and forty eight
Jacob Washburn (seal)
The above instrument of one sheet was now here subscribed by
Jacob Washburn the testator in the presence of each of, and was at the same
time declared by him to be his last Will and testament, and we at his request
sign our names hereto as attending witnesses Elias
T. Dorland Residing in
Dutchess Co Joseph C. Colwell
residing in La Grange Dutchess Co
Proved by Elias T. Dorland and Joseph C. Colwell, both of the
town of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob C. Washburn of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County, New York (1884) *
I
Jacob C. Washburn of the town of Mount Pleasant in the County of Westchester
and State of New York do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and
Testament — I order and direct my
Executors hereinafter named to sell and convey my real Estate wherever situated
at public or private Sale within eighteen months after my decease in such part
or parts as they my Executors may think best and the proceeds arising therefrom
together with my personal property I order and direct that my executors shall
divide as follows
I give and bequeath to the Wesleyan University of Middletown
Connecticut the sum of Two thousand dollars – I give and bequeath to the
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the State of New York
the sum of two thousand dollars – I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary
Washburn Six thousand dollars to be hers for her self her heirs and assigns
forever –
I give and bequeath to my four children Frances Washburn Martha Vaneveren Emily W. Baxter and Julia Mursick Four
thousand dollars Each to be theirs for them theirs heirs and assigns forever
I give and bequeath to my two sons Stephen Olin Washburn and
William W. Washburn One thousand dollars each to be theirs for them their heirs
and assigns for ever (as to the claim I
have upon the drug store of my sons Stephen Olin and William W. becomes null
and void at my decease and also with what money I have given them will make
them equal to my four Children mentioned above)
I order and direct that my executors divide between my children my
Library and my household furniture
All the rest remainder and residue of my Estate I order and
direct my executors to divide equally between all the grand children that I may
have at the time of my decease share and share alike to be theirs for them
their heirs and assigns for ever – I order and direct that my executors shall
serve without reserving any fees or commissions from my estate I make constitute and appoint Rev Gilbert S.
Gregory member of the New York Conferrence and my two sons Rev Francis Washburn
and William W. Washburn Executors of this my last will and testament hereby
revoking all former and other Wills by me made
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22d
day of July in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and Eighty four
Jacob C. Washburn (seal)
The above instrument Consisting of two sheets was at the date
thereof signed sealed published and declared by the said Jacob Washburn as and
for his last Will and Testament in presence of us who at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto
Israel A. Haight Chappaqua Westchester Co New York
Stephen R. Smith Chappaqua Westchester Co New York
The interlining of Rev Francis and the word other was done
before the execution of this instrument
Israel
A. Haight
Presented for probate on 17 Sept. 1884 by William W.
Washburn, one of the Executors, and proved by Stephen R. Smith, of the town of
New Castle, and Israel A. Haight of the town of New Castle, on 6 Oct. 1884,
none of the heirs being minors no special guardian was appointed.
Westchester County Letters Testamentary, Vol. O, p. 61:
Francis Washburn and William Washburn were granted Letters
Testamentary on the estate of Jacob C. Washburn, late of Mount Pleasant,
Westchester County, on 6 Oct. 1884.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate, Wills Vol. 99, p. 119-125, and
Letters Testamentary Vol. O, p. 61.
Will of James
Worshburn of Warwarsing,
In
the Name of God amen I James Worshburn of the Town of Warwarsink County of
Ulster and State of New York weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and
memory – Do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and
form-following (that is to say) I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Juda
Worshburn the use of my farm so long as she lives that is to say the younger
children such as are under age shall be brought upon the farm – I do also give
unto my oldest son Walter one third part of all my real estate after my wifes
decease – and one third part to my second son Joseph and one third part of my
said real Estate to my youngest son Robert – I also give and order my executors
to give my daughter Hannah so as to be equal with what my daughter Phebe has
had – and also my daughter Elizabeth to have as much as my said daughter Phebe
has had and lastly that Rosana & Sally anne to have and equal share with
the above named Girls – after they become of age to them the above named
children their heirs and assigns forever – And Lastly all the residue and
remainder of my personal Estate goods and chattles of what kind and nature
soever I give the same to my beloved wife Juda Worshburn so long as she lives
and after her decease to be equally divided among my named daughters – I do
hereby appoint my wife Juda my Executrix together with my sons Walter &
Joseph Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former
wills by me made In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day of July one thousand eight hundred
and twelve ~~
Signed Sealed published and
declared by } James Worshburn (seal)
the said named Joseph Worshburn to
be his }
Last Will and Testament in the
presents of us who have hereunto set our
names as Witnesses in the presents
of the Testator ~~
his
Frederck X Devoe
mark
Andw S. Lefever
Robert Carpenter
Presented for probate on 18 Nov.
1812, and proved by Andrew S. Lefever, one of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration on the
estate of James Worshburn were granted to Juda Worshburn, Executrix, and Walter
Worshburn & Joseph Worshburn, Executors, on 18 Nov. 1812.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jarvis
Washburn of
In
the Name of God, Amen!
I,
Jarvis Washburn late merchant of the village of Peekskill, County of
Westchester & state of New York, being of sound mind & memory and
considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore
make ordain publish and declare this to be my last Will & Testament:
That is
to say, First, after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and
bequeath, to my much respected daughter Marie G. Cairy the wife of Richard B.
Cairy the house and lands lying in the Village of Fishkill in the County of
Dutchess, N.Y. being all the real Estate I own in said Town & County on
condition that she assume & pay off a mortgage now resting on said
premises. Then after the remainder of my debts are paid and discharged I give
to my four daughters Emily H. Washburn to Eliza J. Cairy the wife of Isaac
Cairy to Caroline Webster the wife of John N. Webster & Naomi E. Washburn
each the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars, the residue and remainder
of my said Estate both real & personal I order divided equally between my
said five daughters to share & share alike as my greatly respected and
confidential companion deceased some years past therefore I have not the
satisfaction of providing for her – I do hereby give authority to my said
Executor hereafter named to sell & convey my real Estate in the village of
Peekskill when he may think it is for the best interest of my heirs.
Likewise
I make constitute and appoint my son in law Isaac Cairy of the town of
In
Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal the
thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight and sixty
nine.
Jarvis Washburn (seal)
The
above written Instrument was subscribed by the said Jarvis Washburn in our
presence & acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time
declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last Will and Testament,
and we at his request have signed our names as witnesses hereto and written
opposite our names our respective places of residence.
Thomas
A. Whitney
Silas
J. Owens same
place
Isaac Cary, Executor of the will of Jarvis Washburn, late of
the Town of Cortlandt, petitioned for probate of the estate on 11 Mar. 1870,
and he presented evidence that the heirs had been notified on 28 Mar. 1870,
none of the heirs being minors.
Proved by Thomas A. Whitney of the town of
Isaac Cary was granted administration of the estate of Jarvis
Washburn, late of the town of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Jesse
Washburn of
Be it
Remembered That I Jesse Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant County of
Westchester and State of New York, being in a weak state of health but of
perfect mind and memory thanks be given to him who alone is worthy to be
praised and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased god to
bless me with in this life I give bequeath devise and dispose of the same in
manner and form following.
Imprimis
I order and it is my Will that my Executors hereafter appointed first and
foremost to pay my funeral charges and all my just debts out of my Estate I give and bequeath to my wife Susannah
Washburn one horse which she shall chuse out of my horses and a saddle and
bridle and one Cow and one bed and bedstid one Clouse Cubord and table and a
Cubord dresser one pot and Cittles and a half dozen chairs and all the puter
ware belonging to the house and a looking glass and a Bible and one Cittee
wheel and grate wheal I give to hur and hur heirs and assigns forever.
And what
shall then be left of my Estate I order and it is my Will that it be kept for
the serport of my children until my youngest Child shall arive to the age of
fourteen years and then for the hole to be sold by my Executors both Real and
personal Estate and the moneys arising therefrom or thereby to be equally
devided between the hole of my heirs.
I give
and bequeath unto my Children their heirs and assigns forever.
I
constitute and appoint my loving wife Susannah Washburn Executor and my brother
John Washburn and Benjamin Kipp to be my Executors to this my last Will and
Testament, disallowing and disannulling all other Wills and Testaments,
Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament.
Sealed
with my Seal dated this second day of March in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and seven.
Signed,
Sealed published and declared to be my last Will and Testament in the presence
of
his
Jesse X Washburn (seal)
mark
Samuel Washburn, Abraham Tompkins, James Miller
Presented for probate on 12 Feb. 1810, and proved by Samuel
Washburn, of
Letters of Administration on the Will of Jesse Washburn,
deceased, were granted to John Washburn and Benjamin Kipp, the Executors, on 12
Feb. 1810.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate, Wills Vol. G, p. 217-219, which is a
typed transcription of the original recorded will, but the original was not
microfilmed, so I was not able to compare it with the original recorded copy.
Will of John
Worshburn of
Know all men by these Presents that I John Worshburn of the town
of New Castle in the County of Westchester and State of New York farmer
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and
memory, (blessed be Almighty God for the same) do make and publish this my last
will and testament in manner and form following, (that is to Say, first I will
that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and discharged by my
Executors hereinafter named I do
authorise and fully impower my Executors herein after named to sell at Public
or private Sale as they may think most proper or best one lot of my land called
the Saw mill lot and convey the same likewise I do authorise my Executors
herein after named to sell at Publick or private sale as they may think best.
all my personal or moveable estate of every description I do give bequeath and Devise unto my Son
Solomon Worshburn and to his heirs and assigns forever all the residue and
Remainder of all the rest of my Lands or real estate with all the Priviledges and
Appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining (on Condition
that the said Solomon Worshburn his Executors or Administrators do pay at the
end of seven Years from the date of these Presents or cause to be paid unto me
John Worshburn or one of my Executors hereinafter named the just and full Sum
of Two Thousand eight Hundred and Sixty one Dollars I do give and bequeath unto Margaret my well
beloved wife and at her disposal the one equal third part of all my sureties
& one equal third part of the monies arising from the sale of the lot of
land called the saw mill lot and one equal third part of the monies arising
from the sale of my personal or moveable estate, together with the one equal
third part of the above said two thousand eight Hundred and Sixty one Dollars
that my Son Solomon Worshburn is to pay back out of my Homestead farm this
Legacy that I do give and bequeathe unto my well beloved wife Margaret I do
give it unto her in Lieu of her dower right in my farm of land or real Estate
I do give and bequeathe all the residue and Remainder of all
the other two thirds of all the monies and monies arising from the Sale of the
lot of land called the saw mill lot and Personal or moveable estate and the
above said two Thousand eight Hundred and Sixty one Dollars to be equally
divided between my ten children or their heirs (Viz) Noah Worshburn Philena
Kerman Richard Worshburn William Worshburn, my Daughter Hellen and my Daughter
Susannah and my Daughter Sarah and my Son Solomon Worshburn and my Daughter
Deborah and my Daughter Mariann I will
if either of my above named ten children should decease before they should
receive their Legacy that the heirs of the deceased Legatee Should receive the
Portion of the deceased, equally divided between the children of the
deceased; I do hereby constitute and
appoint my trusty friends Viz) my Son Solomon Worshburn and my Son in Law
Andrew Reynolds Sole Executors of this my last will and Testament hereby
revoking all former wills and confirming this my last will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & Seal the twenty fourth Day of May in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight Hundred and twenty-nine —
Signed Sealed Published and declared }
by the Testator as and for his last will }
and Testament in the Presence of us } John Worshburn (seal)
who at his request in his Presence and }
in the Presence of each other have Sub- }
scribed our names as witnesses thereto- }
Benjamin
Kipp
James
S. Kipp
Thomas
Vail
Andrew Reynolds, Executor of the Will of John Worshburn, late
of
The will was probated on 16 Mar. 1835, and proved by Thomas
Vail, of
Letters of Administration were granted to Andrew Reynolds and
Solomon Worshburn, the Executors, on 16 Mar. 1835. The inventory of his estate
was filed on 4 May 1835, and totaled $3656.96.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John S. Washburn
of
Be it remembered that I John S. Washburn of New Bedford in the County of Bristol being weak in body but of sound mind and memory do on this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two make and publish this my last will & testament in manner and form following, that is to say
First, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Desire Washburn
the use and improvement of all my Estate both Real and Personal wherever the
same may be found after my Just debts shall be paid, and if through sickness or
infirmity my Widow shall be unable to support herself out of the improvement
aforesaid, Then my will is that she sell such portions of my personal or real
Estate as she may think proper in order to afford her a comfortable support,
and I hereby fully authorize and impower her so to do and if she shall sell
real Estate to make & execute good and sufficient Deeds therefor, And my
will further is that if my Widow should decease before my Son Stephen and
Daughter Nancy arrive to lawful age then that the said Stephen and Nancy should
have the same improvement herein given to my Widow (excepting however the right
to sell any portion of my Estate)
Secondly, My will is that at the decease of my Widow and
after my two Children Stephen & Nancy as aforesaid shall arrive to lawful
age that all my Estate both real and personal be equally divided among all my
Children as an absolute Estate to them their heirs and assigns forever.
Lastly, I do hereby appoint and Constitute Alfred Nye Sole
Executor of this my last will & testament. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year within written.
John
S. Washburn
Signed, sealed, pronounced
and declared as and for his
last will & testament in the
presence of us who at his
request and in his presence
and the presence of each other
have hereunto set our names
as witnesses to the same
Jonathan Danforth
William Spooner
Seth Howard Jr.
June
7, 1842, approved
The will was presented in court by Alfred Nye on 5 April
1842, and proved on 7 June 1842 by Jonathan Danforth, William Spooner and Seth
Howard Jr.
The bond of Alfred Nye, executor of the will of John S.
Washburn, was dated 7 June 1842, with Cyrus E. Clark and Hananaih C. Wing all
of Fairhaven as sureties.
William Spooner and William Hathaway of
The accounting of Alfred Nye, executor of the estate of John
S. Washburn, was dated 5 Feb. 1850, and the heirs at law of John S. Washburn
signed their agreement to the accounting:
William Washburn
James Washburn
Sarah Hathaway
Nancy Washburn
Betsey D. Fuller
Reuben Washburn
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from the Bristol County
Probate File “John S. Washburn,
Will of John
Washburn of
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
That I, John
Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant in the County of Westchester and State
of New York, being of sound mind and memory do make declare and publish this my
last Will & Testament, in manner as follows, viz:
First. I hereby order my Executors hereinafter named
to sell all my lands and tenements, stock & farming utensils and divide the
proceeds of such sales after paying the just claims against my Estate; between
my sons Benjamin Washburn Frederick Washburn, James E. Washburn, my daughters
Amy Jane Sniffen Caroline Kipp and my daughter in law Emma Washburn equally
share and share alike.
Second. I hereby request my Executors to divide all
my household furniture and wearing apparel between the above mentioned heirs
without sale so that each one shall have an equal share in value as near as
possible.
Third. If I should at the time of my decease be
possessed of money or other property not before mentioned it is my will that
all shall be divided equally between the above mentioned heirs.
And
Lastly. I hereby nominate and appoint my
sons Benjamin & Frederick Washburn to be the Executors of this my last Will
and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
IN
TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and decree this
to be my last Will and Testament in presence of the witnesses named below this
25th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty two
John Washburn (seal)
Signed
sealed declared and published by the said John Washburn as & for his last
Will & Testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence
& in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses
thereto.
John
H. Whitson
Richard
P. Whitson
Benjamin Washburn, of
We the undersigned the children and only next of kin and
heirs at law of John Washburn late of the Town of Mount Pleasant deceased do
hereby waive the assix and service upon us respectively of a citation to allow
before the Surrogate of the County of Westchester upon the probate of the last
will and testament of the said deceased bearing date the 26th day of
December 1862 and we do hereby consent that the Surrogate proceed to the
immediate examination of the witnesses to the said will and admit the said will
to probate without further notice to us.
Dated May 10th 1869
Benjamin Washburn
Frederick
Washburn
James
E. Washburn
John
C. Washburn
Emma
J. Sniffen
Caroline
Kipp
Proved on 16 June 1869 by Richard P. Whitson, of Ossining,
and John H. Whitson, of
Letters of Administration were granted to Benjamin Washburn,
the Executor, on 16 June 1869.
Letters of Administration on the estate of John Washburn,
late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of John Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1868) *
Know
all men by these Presents that I John Washburn of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound mind, and memory, do
hereby make, publish and declare, this as, and for, my last Will and Testament,
hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
First,
I give and bequeath unto my brother Nahum Washburn of Bridgewater and Marcia S.
Masters my Sister the wife of Alonzo Masters of Roxbury, to each the sum of
Five Hundred Dollars
Second,
I give and bequeath unto my friend John Lewis Washburn of Halifax the sum of
Five Hundred Dollars,
Third I give and bequeath unto my Brother Eli Washburn of
Bridgewater all the residue of my property and estate, of which I shall die
seized or possessed, after the payment of my just debts, and the aforesaid
legacies, from the property he the said Eli Washburn has received. I desire him
to pay to my Son John the sum of One dollar. –
I hereby constitute, and appoint, my Brother Eli Washburn my
executor, to this my last Will and Testament,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal,
this Eighteenth day, of July, One Thousand Eight hundred and Sixty-Eight.
John Washburn (seal)
Signed, Sealed published, and declared, by the said John
Washburn to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his
request & in his presence have hereto set our hands as witnesses.
Samuel
Alden
Stephen
Harlow
Nahum
W. Cushman
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Oct. 1868 by
Eli Washburn, of Bridgewater, the Executor, with John Lewis Washburn and Nahum
W. Cushman, both of Halifax, as sureties. Letters Testamentary granted to Eli
Washburn of Bridgewater on 12 Oct. 1868.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket #22021, recorded in Vol. 106, p.
218, from FHL microfilm #0555647, and Vol. 124, p. 317.
Will of John Washburn of Macomb, St. Lawrence
County, New York (1902) *
In the Name
of God, Amen:
I, John Washburn of the town of
Macomb, St. Lawrence County, N.Y., being of sound mind and memory, and
considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore
make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, that
is to say:
First. After all my lawful debts
are paid and discharges, I give and bequeath to my son Loren A. Washburn, all
my real and personal property of every name and nature whatsoever.
I have made a former Will in
which I gave, devised and bequeathed part of my estate to my daughter Emma, but
since the making of said will I have paid her what I consider should be her
share and it is my intention that she not take under this Will and Testament.
Likewise, I make, constitute and
appoint Loren A. Washburn to be the executor of this my last Will and
Testament: hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In Witness Whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand and subscribed my name and affixed my seal the 11th day of
November in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and two.
John Washburn (seal)
The above partly written and
printed instrument was subscribed by the said John Washburn in our presence and
acknowledged by him to each of us; and he at the same time declared the above
instrument so subscribed to be his last Will and Testament, and we at his
request have signed our names as witnesses hereto, in his presence and in the
presence of each other and written opposite our names our respective places of
residence.
Warren W. Harvey, Gouverneur,
N.Y.
Gilbert E. Hutton, Gouverneur,
N.Y.
Presented
for probate on 20 Nov. 1909 by Loren A. Washburn, the Executor, who listed his
only heirs as Loren A. Washburn and Emma Finley of Macomb, N.Y., and proved by
Warren W. Harvey and Gilbert E. Hutton, the witnesses.
Loren A.
Washburn was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of John Washburn, late
of Macomb, on 1 Jan. 1910.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Wills Vol. 42, pp. 301-302,
304, from FHL microfilm #1571188, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 17, p. 97.
Will of Joseph Washburn of Hancock, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (1839) *
In the name of God Amen, I Joseph Washburn of Hancock in the
County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire Yeoman
Considering the
uncertainty of life and being of sound senses Blessed be Almighty God for the
same, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form,
that is to say
First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Sarah Washburn the one third of income of the farm on which I now live
agreeable to a bond signed by Reed Washburn I do also give and bequeath the one
half of the Oxen two Cows one yearling heifer and six sheep being all my stock
and three Hundred dollars in money with all the household furniture.
All the Remainder of
my property is to be equally divided among the Children after paying my funeral
charges and Grave stones
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of May 1839
Signed sealed published and declared
by the above named Joseph Washburn Joseph Washburn (seal)
as and for his last will and testament
in the presants of us what his request
and in the presants of each other have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto
Moses
M. Lakin
Jacob
G. Lakin
David
Davie
Proved on 1 Nov. 1842, but since no Executor was named in the
will, and the widow of the testator declined administering upon the estate, Asa
Washburn of Hancock, yeoman, was granted administration with the will annexed
of the estate of Joseph Washburn, late of Hancock.
The Inventory of the Estate of Joseph Washburn, late of
Hancock, was appraised by Thacher Bradford, Andrew C. Cockran, and Moses M.
Lakin on 24 Nov. 1842, and totaled $73.69, plus a note for $90.00 dated 21 June
1841 by Asa Washburn, a note for $51.30 dated 21 June 1841 by Eli Washburn, and
a note for $346.95 dated 21 June 1841 by Reuben Washburn.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Hillsborough County Probate Vol. 48, p. 212, from FHL microfilm
#0016092, Vol. 44, p. 254, and Vol. 49, p. 252.
Will of Joseph Washburn of Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York (1847) *
The last will and testament of Joseph Washburn of the town of
Ellisburgh in the County of Jefferson and State of New York (Farmer) I Joseph Washburn considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life and being of sound mind and memory (blessed be almighty God
for the same) do make and publish this my last Will and testament in manner and
form following (viz) First I assign my soul into the hands of Almighty God,
hoping and believing in a remission of my sins through the merits and mediation
of Jesus Christ, and my body I commit to the Earth to be buried at the
discretion of my wife and children and with as little pomp and parade as
decency will permit and my worldly Estate I bequeath as follows
2d I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved
wife Tryphenia all the household furniture which I shall own at my decease to
be at her Entire control and disposal as she shall think proper –
3d I give, devise, and bequeath unto my said wife
so long as she shall remain my Widow the rent, and profit, of all those certain
pieces or parcels of land situate lying and being in the town of Ellisburgh in
the County of Jefferson and State of New York, being part of Lots Nos
76, 93 and No 20 in Boune and Eddy tract in said Town and all
described as follows (viz) The first piece being a part of said lot No
93 and Beginning at a Cedar Post in the fence at the South East corner of a
piece of Land on said Lot No 93 owned and occupied by Sanford B.
Holley, Then as southerly along the Post & board fence as now standing to
the centre of the road leading from Ellis Village to the landing (so called)
Thence south sixty six degrees forty five minutes west along the centre of said
road to the East line of Ezra Stearns land Then northerly and Easterly and
again northerly on the East line of said Stearn’s land to Land owned and
occupied by said Holley to a Post and Board fence Thence Easterly on said
Holleys line and on the line of said Post and Board fence to the place of
Beginning containing fourteen acres of Land be the same more or less. The
second piece being a part of said Lot No 76, and beginning in the
west line of said Lot No 76, and in the centre of the aforesaid road, Thence
north sixty six degrees forty five minutes East along the centre of said road
Eighty seven links to a Stake, Thence south twenty Eight degrees forty five
minutes East on the line of the Post and board fence separating the piece of
land formerly occupied by Dr. Alfred Ely from the residue of the
piece of land lying East of the Meeting House formerly belonging to the heirs
of Jonathan Russell deceased to the centre of the south Branch of Big Sandy
creek. Thence down the centre of said creek as it winds and turns to the west
line of said lot No. 76. Thence northerly on the west line of said
Lot No 76 to the place of Beginning containing six acres of land
being the same more or less. The third piece being part of said lot No
76 and 83 and is described as follows (Viz) Bounded on the East by the centre
of the road leading past the dwelling House of Andrew Scott in said Lot No
76, on the north by land owned by said Scott on the west by the centre of said
Creek and in the South by the north line of a piece of Land deeded Silas S. and
Joseph B. Washburn by deed bearing Even date herewith, containing thirteen
acres and thirty five hundredths of Land be the same more or less. The fourth
piece being a part of said lot No 20 in said Boune and Eddy Tract in said Town,
being twenty acres to be taken from the west side of a piece of Land which I
purchased of William Bell by deed bearing date the tenth of March 1838
reference being had to said deed for a discription thereof by a line running
parallel with the west line of said lot from the north to the south lines of
the same.
4th I give devise and bequeath unto my Daughter
Elizabeth Caroline all those two certain pieces or parcels of Land situate
lying and being in said Town of Ellisburgh and being parts of said Lot No
76 and No 20 in Boune and Eddy Tract, in said Town and are described
as follows (Viz) The first piece being a part of said Lot No 76, and
Beginning in the centre of the road leading from Ellis Village to the Landing
(so called) and at the corner of a piece of Land formerly occupied by said Ely
and thence north sixty six degrees forty five minutes East along the centre of
said road two chains and forty five links to a Stake, Thence south twenty Eight
degrees forty five minutes East fifty six links to the corner of the meeting
House Common Lot (so called). Thence north sixty three degrees thirty Minutes
East four chains and fifty one links to the corner of a piece of land on said
Lot No 76 owned by Henry S. Field. Thence south twenty Eight degrees
forty five minutes East on said Fields line fifteen chains seventy three links
to the centre of said creek. Thence down the centre of said creek as it winds
and turns to the corner of said piece formerly occupied by said Ely. Thence
north twenty Eight degrees forty five minutes west on the line of said piece
formerly occupied by said Ely & the place of Beginning containing ten acres
of Land Exclusive of Burying ground the same being Excepted. The second piece
being a part of said Lot No 20 in said Boune and Eddy Tract and
being the residue of said piece of Land which I purchased of said Bell after
deducting twenty acres on the East side of said piece deeded the said Silas S.
and Prosper B. Washburn and twenty acres on the west side of said piece given
to my said Wife during and so long as she shall continue my widow and containing
ten acres of land; To Have and to hold all and singular the above described two
pieces of Land unto the said Elizabeth Caroline her heirs Legal representatives
and assigns forever –
5th I give devise and bequeath unto my said
Daughter Elizabeth Caroline or to her legal representatives, the sum of one
hundred dollars within five years from my decease – The above two pieces of
land given to my said Daughter Elizabeth Caroline as aforesaid together with
the aforesaid sum of one hundred dollars is over and above all such sums of
money or personal property as I have given to my said Daughter previous to the
date hereof –
6th I give devise and bequeath unto my son
Silas S. or to his legal representatives the sum of five dollars within two
years from the day of my decease being over and above all such sum or sums of
money or personal or real Estate as I have given to my said son on or previous
to the date hereof –
7th I give devise and bequeath unto my
Daughter Hannah Orvilla or her legal representative the sum of six hundred
dollars as follows (Viz) one hundred dollars in two years, one hundred dollars
in three years, one hundred dollars in four years – one hundred dollars in six
years, one hundred dollars in seven years, and one hundred dollars in nine
years from the first day of April next, with the interest on the last payment
from the first day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty four and provided that I
should be living at the time specified for the first payment aforesaid then
said payments are postponed and payable as follows one hundred dollars in one
year; one hundred dollars in two years, one hundred dollars in three years, one
hundred dollars in four years, one hundred dollars in Six years, one hundred
dollars in Eight years from the day of my decease with the interest in last
payment for one year – The above sums given to my said Daughter last aforesaid,
being over and above all such sum or sums of money or personal property as I
have given to my said Daughter previous to the date hereof –
8th I give devise and bequeath unto my son
Prosper B. or his legal representatives, the sum of five dollars within two
years from the day of My decease – Being over and above all such sum or sums of
money or personal or real Estate as I have given to my said son on or previous
to the date hereof
9th I give devise and bequeath to my Daughter
Harriet Emily or her legal representatives the sum of six hundred dollars as
follows (viz) one hundred dollars in two years – one hundred dollars in three
years, one hundred dollars in five years, one hundred dollars in seven years,
one hundred dollars in Eight years, one hundred dollars in ten years, with the
interest on the two last payments one for one year and the other for three
years, And provided that I should be living at the time Specified for the first
payment aforesaid then the above payments are postponed and payable as
hereinafter mentioned (viz) one hundred dollars in one year, one hundred in two
years, one hundred dollars in four years, one hundred dollars in six years, one
hundred dollars in seven years, one hundred dollars in nine years and the
interest on the last payment for two years (the time when said pamants commence
is the day of my decease). The above sums given to My said daughter Harriet
Emily is over and above all such sum and sums of money or personal property as
I have given to my said Daughter Harriet Emily previous to the date hereof
10th I give devise and bequeath unto my
Daughter Melinda Ann or her legal representatives the sum of six hundred
dollars as follows (viz) one hundred dollars in two years, one hundred dollars
in four years, one hundred dollars in five years, one hundred dollars in seven
years, one hundred dollars in Eight years, one hundred dollars in Eleven years
from the first day of April next and the interest on the two last payments one
for one year and the other for four years, and provided that I shall be living
at the time Specified for the first payment aforesaid, then the above payments
are postponed and payable as hereinafter mentioned (viz) one hundred dollars in
one year, one hundred dollars in three years, one hundred dollars in four
years, one hundred dollars in six years, one hundred dollars in seven years,
one hundred dollars in ten years from the day of my decease, and the interest
on the last payment for the term of three years. The above sums of money given
to my said Daughter Melinda Ann are over and above all such sum or sums of
money or personal property as I have given to my said Daughter Melinda Ann
previous to the date hereof –
11th I give devise and bequeath unto my Daughter
Laura Cordelia or her legal representatives the sum of six hundred dollars as
follows (viz) one hundred dollars in three years, one hundred dollars in four
years, one hundred dollars in six years one hundred dollars in nine years, one
hundred dollars in ten years, one hundred dollars in Eleven years, from the
first day of April next and the interest, on the three last payments, one for
two years, one for three years, one for four years. And provided that I should
be living at the time Specified for the first payment aforesaid then the above
payments are postponed and payable as follows, one hundred dollars in two
years, one hundred dollars in four years, one hundred dollars in five years,
one hundred dollars in Eight years one hundred dollars in nine years, one
hundred dollars in ten years from the day of my decease, and the interest in
the three last payments one for one year, one for two years, and the other for
three years. The above sums of money given to my Daughter Laura Cordelia are
over and above all such sum and sums of money or personal property as I have
given to my said daughter previous to the date hereof –
12th I give devise and bequeath unto my Daughter
Julia Maria or her legal representative the sum of six hundred dollars as
follows, one hundred dollars in four years, one hundred dollars in six years,
one hundred dollars in Eight years, one hundred dollars in nine years, one
hundred dollars in ten years, one hundred dollars in Eleven years from the
first day of April next and the interest on the four last payments as follows,
one for one year one for two years, one for three years and one for four years
and Provided that I should be living at the time Specified for the first
payment aforesaid, then the above payments are postponed and payable as
follows, one hundred dollars in three years, one hundred dollars in five years,
one hundred dollars in seven years, one hundred dollars in Eight years, one
hundred dollars in nine years, one hundred dollars in ten years from the day of
My decease, and the interest on the three last payments one for one year one
for two years, and the other for three years. The above sums made payable to my
said five Daughters, Hannah Orvilla, Harriet Emily, Melinda Ann, Laura
Cordelia, and Julia Maria as aforesaid are the amount of three thousand dollars
secured in and by a certain Bond and mortgage, given by Silas S. and Prosper B.
Washburn to me and bearing Even date herewith and made payable in said Bond and
mortgage corresponding to the aforesaid Legacies to my said five daughters
aforesaid –
13th I give devise and bequeath unto my youngest
son Joseph S. (after my said Wife shall cease to be my widow) all those certain
pieces or parcels of land situate lying and being in the Town of Ellisburgh in
the County of Jefferson, and State of New York being part of Lots No
76, 93 (and No 20 in Boune and Eddy Tract) in said Town and are
described as follows (Viz) The first piece being in part of said Lot No 93 and
beginning at a Cedar Post in the fence at the South East corner of a piece of
Land in said Lot No 93 owned and occupied by Sanford B. Holley.
Thence Southerly along the Post and Board fence as now standing to the centre
of the road leading from Ellis village to the Landing (so called) Thence South
sixty six degrees forty five minutes west along the centre of said road to the
East line of Ezra Stearn’s land Thence northerly and Easterly and again
northerly on the East line of said Stearns land to land owned and occupied by
said Holley to a Post and Board fence thence Easterly on said Holleys line and
on the line of the said Post and Board fence to the place of Beginning
containing fourteen acres of land be the same more or less. The second piece
being a part of said Lot No 76 and beginning in the west line of said Lot No
76, and in the centre of the aforesaid road, Thence north sixty six degrees
forty five minutes East along the centre of said road Eighty seven links to a
stake. Thence south twenty Eight degrees forty five minutes East on the line of
the post and Board fence separating the piece of land formerly occupied by Dr.
Alfred Ely from the residue of the piece of land lying East of the Meeting
House formerly belonging to the heirs of Jonathan Russell deceased to the
centre of the south branch of Big Sandy creek – Thence down the centre of said
creek as it winds and turns to the west line of said lot No 76. Thence
northerly on the west line of said Lot No 76 to the place of Beginning
containing six acres of land being the same more or less. The Third piece being
parts of said Lots No 76 and 93 and is described as follows (viz)
Bounded on the East by the centre of the road leading past the Dwelling House
of Andrew Scott on said Lot No 76, in the north by Land owned by said Scott, on
the west by the centre of said creek and on the South by the north line of a
piece of land deeded Silas S. and Prosper B. Washburn by deed bearing date Even
herewith, Containing thirteen acres and thirty five hundredths of Land be the
same more or less – The fourth piece being a part of said Lot No 20 in the
Boune and Eddy Tract in said Town Being twenty acres to be take from the west
side of a piece of Land which I purchased of said Bell as aforesaid by a line
running parallel with the west line of said Lot from the north to the south
lines of the same. To have and to hold the above described four pieces of Land
(after my said wife shall cease to be my widow) unto my said Son Joseph S. his
heirs legal representatives and assigns forever.
14th All the rest residue and remainder of
all my Estate and Effects both real and personal, whatsoever and wheresoever
not herein before Effectually disposed of after payment of all my just debts
Legacies, Funeral Expences, costs, charges, and and Expences of settleing my
Estate, and in the management of the same I give unto my said wife, so long as
she shall remain my widow and after my said wife shall cease to be my widow I
give devise and bequeath the same to my said son Joseph S. To have and to hold
the same unto my said son Joseph S. as aforesaid his heirs, legal
representatives and assigns forever –
15th And I hereby declare and my intention is,
that the said Legacies given to my said wife in and by virtue of the 2nd
3d. and 14th articles in this my Will and testament is in
full satisfaction and recompence of and for her Dower and thirds which she may
or can in any wise claim or demand out of My Estate. And I hereby Order and
direct – that the said devise in the 3d Article of this Will be
considered a home for my said Children (so long as my said wife shall remain my
widow) and be Subject to her control, they being single and unmarried, and so
long as they will render the same services to and for my said wife as they have
heretofore done for me –
16th And I hereby commit the Guardianship
of my two daughters Laura Cordelia and Julia Maria and my son Joseph S. until
they shall respectively arrive at the age of twenty one years unto my said wife
during her life if she shall so long continue my widow, and from and and after
her decease or second Marriage unto my Trusty and much Esteemed Friend Jeremiah
Field of Ellisburgh aforesaid, one of my Executors herein after named. and I do
hereby declare that the Expences of the maintainance and Education of my said
children until they shall attain the age aforesaid, or until they are married
(provided that such Children shall be married before they arrive at the age
aforesaid, and shall become Entitled to the sum or sums of money hereby
provided for their benefit respectively) shall be paid and borne from and out
of the said property given as aforesaid to my said wife –
17th And also I do hereby authorize Empower
and direct my said Executor Jeremiah Field hereafter named from and after my
said wife shall cease to be my widow until the said Laura Cordelia, Julia
Maria, and Joseph S. shall attain the age of twenty one years to manage and
improve the Estate and fortune of them the said Laura Cordelia, Julia Maria,
and Joseph S. by me hereby given them for their use and benefit, and to lease
all or any part of his or their freehold or Lease hold Estate and to lend and
place out upon good and Substantial security or securities at interest or
otherwise improve the same according to his discretion, all or any part of the
monies belonging to or arising from the said Estate and fortunes of the said
Laura Cordelia Julia Maria, and Joseph S. and to pay unto and account with them
respectively for all such rents interest, produce, and improvements as shall
arrise from or be made of and produced by the Estates monies and fortune hereby
given them, when they shall Each attain the age of twenty one
18th And I will and direct that my Executors
hereafter named or the Sur4vivor of them in this my last Will and testament for
and towards the performance of this my said Will and testament shall convey and
assign the piece or parcel of Land Enclosed and now occupied by Abner Brooks in
said Lot No 76, to the said Brooks or his heirs forever in fee
simple by all and Every such lawful way and means in the law as to my said
Executors or the survivor of them shall seem fit or necessary upon the payment
of the sum of Money which I am borne to pay the heirs of Jonathan Russell
deceased at the time and times when the same shall become due and payable,
according to the Tenor and Effect of a certain Contract which I Executed to the
said heirs aforesaid for said piece of Land aforesaid and shall also pay all
such Expences for Conveying the same to me by the same heirs aforesaid and
shall also pay all such Expences of conveying the same by My said Executors or
the Survivor of them, promptly and without delay –
19 And I do hereby declare that in case I shall in my life
time advance and pay to any of my children Either sons or daughters any sum or
sums of money, for his, her or their benefit or advancement in the world, or
otherwise, and shall signify the same in writing under my hand then if any such
sum or sums shall be Equal to the share or shares of such child or children
respectively of and in and by virtue of the within will by me hereby devised or
bequeathed for their respective benefits, such sum or sums so paid or advanced,
shall in the case be accounted in full satisfaction of the share or shares of
such child or children respectively in the same Estate and premises. But if
such advanced sum or sums shall be less than the share or shares of such child
or children respectively of and in the within will, then such advanced sum or
sums shall be accounted as part only of the share or shares, of such child or
children therein – And in that case such child or children shall only receive
the ballance of his share after deducting the sum or sums advanced as aforesaid
at the times and times specified in the within will
20th And I hereby appoint my beloved wife
Tryphenia Executrix and my Friend Jeremiah Field of Ellisburgh aforesaid
Executor of this my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all former will by
me at any time made.
21st And lastly my Express will and meaning is and
I do hereby order and appoint that if any differences, dispute, question or
controversy, shall be made arrize or happen concerning any gift bequest matter
or thing in this my last Will and Testament given and bequeathed Expressed or
contained that then no Suit or Suits in Law or Equity or otherwise shall be
brought commenced or prosecuted for and Concerning the same but the same shall
be referred wholly to the accord order and determination of my Friends William
Wodell and Sanford B. Holley, both of said Ellisburgh aforesaid and what they
shall order direct or determine therein shall be binding and conclusive to all
and every person and persons therein concerned –
22nd And also it is my will and intention
and I hereby order and direct that the use of the first piece of Land described
in the 4th article in this my last Will and testament, given
to my daughter Elizabeth Caroline shall be paid to my said wife (in case of my
decease) until the first day of April Eighteen hundred and forty nine
Signed Sealed published and
declared by the said Testator as Joseph Washburn (seal)
and for his last Will and
testament in presence of us who
at his request, in his presence
and in the presence of Each
other have Subscribed our
names as witnesses thereunto
this thirtieth day of March in
the year of our Lord one thous-
sand Eight hundred and forty
seven –
Henry S. Field
Ellisburgh Jefferson Co. N.Y.
Charles H Seaman same
place aforesaid
Jeremiah Field same
place aforesaid
Presented for probate on 14 July 1847 by Jeremiah Field of
the town of Ellisburgh, the heirs being Tryphenia Washburn, Elizabeth Caroline
Wilder, Silas S. Washburn, Hannah Orvilla Washburn, Prosper B. Washburn,
Harriet Emily Washburn, Malinda Ann Washburn, and the following named minors
under the age of 21 years, Laura Cordelia Washburn, Julia Maria Washburn and
Joseph S. Washburn, all of the town of Ellisburgh, County of Jefferson and
State of New York. Jeremiah Field was appointed as Special Guardian of the
above named minors. Proved by the subscribing witnesses Jeremiah Field on 14
July 1847, Charles H. Seaman on 28 July 1847, and Henry S. Field on 2 Aug.
1847. The will was approved on 2 Aug. 1847, and Letters Testamentary were
granted to Jeremiah Field, the Executor, and Tryphenia Washburn, the Executrix.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol. D, p. 385-408, from FHL
microfilm #0895388.
Will and Codicil of Joshua Washburn of Gorham,
Record of
Joshua Washburn’s Will
and one
Codicil thereto
The Last Will and Testament of Joshua Washburn of the Town of
I, Joshua Washburn of the Town of Gorham aforesaid being of
sound mind and memory but aware of the uncertainty of life, for the purpose of
disposing of all my property after my decease do hereby make publish and
declare this my Last Will and Testament, in manner, as follows, that is to say,
First, I do hereby give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Phebe Washburn, all
the personal property, household furniture, and goods which shall be in my
house at the time of my decease, and the same to be disposed of by my said wife
as she may think best, but this not to include any promissory Notes Bonds
Mortgages, or property of that nature, which I may own. Second, I hereby give
bequeath and devise unto my said wife, and unto my son Edward Washburn my Home
Farm, and upon which I now reside and which is situate in the Town of Gorham
aforesaid, containing One Hundred and twenty two acres of Land for their use
and benefit, so long as my said wife, and my said son Edward or either of them
shall live, and my said Executors, hereinafter named shall see that, my said
Home Farm, during the lives, of my said wife, and my son, is properly managed
and worked so that they shall have and enjoy the crops and proceeds thereof,
for their support and maintenance. If possible, I desire that one of my sons
shall see to the proper management and care of my said farm. The foregoing
Legacy and bequest to my said wife, shall be accepted and received by her in
lieu and stead of any and all right of dower or thirds out of my Estate. I also
direct that the farm and buildings on said farm shall be kept in repaired from
and out of the proceeds of said farm. I also desire and Expect that my
daughters shall have a home, on my said Home Farm until said farm is sold. And,
immediately after the death of my said wife, and my said son, Edward, I direct
and require my Executors, hereinafter named to to sell my Home Farm, and the
proceeds thereof, to be divided, as hereinafter directed. Third, As soon after
my death as may be practicable and as soon as a good fair price can be obtained
therefore, I wish and direct that my Executors sell and dispose of any and all
the rest and remainder of my real estate, which I may own at the time of my
decease, and to also sell, dispose of, and convert into money, any and all
other personal property not herein before bequeathed to my wife is herein
before stated, in the first clause of this will and that, with the proceeds of
said real estate and said personal property, I will and direct that my said
executors erect, and build, a decent marble monument, for the use of the
family, and then, next; to pay, and discharge, all my just funeral charges and
Expenses, and pay in full any, and all legal debts, and liabilities, which I
may owe, at the time of my death, and with the remainder, of the said proceeds,
I direct that, my said Executors, divide the same, and pay same over, in Equal
shares, and portions, unto my children Mary E. Fisher, Sarah G. Washburn, Edwin
J. Washburn, Alida E. Washburn, Charles U. Washburn, Joshua K. Washburn, and
William C. Washburn, and to their heirs, and assigns, but, in case, Either of
my said children, shall die, having no child or children surviving them, then,
the remainder of said proceeds as herein before designated shall be divided in
Equal parts and shares, among, the survivors of my said seven (7) above named
children. After the death of my said wife, and of my said son, Edward, then, I
will and direct that the proceeds, of my said Home Farm, mentioned in the
second Clause of this Will, shall be given to, and divided between the same
persons, and in the same shares, and in the same manner, as proceeds, of the
rest of my property as in the third clause of this directed. Fourth, I desire,
by way of a Legacy, unto Philetus N. Porter, to forgive him, any, and all sums
and matters, which may be at my death, found charged to him on my books, and
request and direct that my said Executors shall give unto him a full receipt,
and acquittance of any and all claims, which I may have against said Porter, at
my decease. Fifth, I hereby nominate and appoint my wife, Phebe Washburn
Executrix, and my sons Edwin J. Washburn, and Joshua K. Washburn, Executors of
this my Last Will and Testament, giving and granting unto them full power and
authority to sell, dispose of, and give, deed or deeds of any & all my real
estate, at the time, and in the manner as is herein before specified. I hereby
revoke all former wills by me made. Sixth, I also desire to add as a clause to
the second clause of this will, that it is my desire and wish, that if during
the lives of my said Wife and my son Edward the income, and proceeds of, my
said Home Farm, shall be more than sufficient to furnish and give unto my said
wife, and my son Edward, a good, comfortable support and maintenance, and to
include clothes and to pay the annual taxes & insurance and to keep the
said farm & buildings in repair, then, I devise, that the surplus of, said
proceeds, (if any there shall be,) shall be divided annually between the same,
persons, and children, named in the third clause of this Will, in the same
shares and in the same portions, and my said Executors shall have the control
of the said proceeds for that purpose.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty third day of
January A.D. 1873.
Witnesses Joshua Washburn (seal)
J.
H. Metcalf
H.
M. Field
The
foregoing Instrument written on four pages and partly on a fifth, was at the
date thereof duly declared to us, by Joshua Washburn, the testator therein
named and mentioned to be his last Will and Testament, and he, at the same time
acknowledged to us, and to each of us, that he had signed, and sealed the same
and we, there upon at his request, and in his presence, and in the presence of
each of us, and of each other signed our names thereto as attesting witnesses.
H. M. Field of Canandaigua,
Whereas I, Joshua Washburn of Gorham Ontario County New York
have made my Last Will and Testament in writing, bearing date the 23d day of
January 1873, in and by which I have by the Fourth Clause in said Will given
and bequeathed to Philetus N. Porter a release of any and all sums and matters
which may be at my death found charged to him on my books and have requested
and directed that my Executors shall give unto him a full receipt and
acquittance of any and all claims which I may have against said Porter at my
decease, now therefore I do, by this my writing which I hereby declare, to be a
codicil to my said last Will and Testament and to be taken as a part thereof,
order and declare that my will is to withdraw the said Fourth Clause and to
revoke the said Legacy and bequest so given to the said Philatus N. Porter, and
to have the said Will read the same as if the said Fourth Clause had not been
inserted therein originally. And lastly, it is my desire that this Codicil be
annexed to and made a part of my said Last Will and Testament to all interests
and purposes. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
_____ day of _____ A.D. 1879.
The
words “to revoke” written in before signing
Witnesses Joshua Washburn (seal)
J. Henry Metcalf
H. M. Field
The
above instrument consisting of one sheet was, at the date thereof, declared to
us by Joshua Washburn, the testator therein mentioned to be a codicil to his
Last Will and Testament; and he at the same time acknowledged to us and each of
us that he had signed and sealed the same; and we, thereupon, at his request,
and in his presence, and in the presence of each other; signed our names
thereto as attesting witnesses.
J.
Henry Metcalf Canandaigua,
Henry
M. Field Canandaigua
I hereby verify the foregoing to be a true copy of the Will
and Codicil of Joshua Washburn, deceased proved before me, Recorded and
compared this 28th day of April A.D. 1880 A
P. Babcock
Surrogate
Proofs of Joshua Washburn’s Will, 28 April 1880
The Will and Codicil of Joshua Washburn of Gorham, deceased,
with citation issued 9 April 1880, upon the petition of Joshua K. Washburn
regarding the instrument bearing the date 23 Jan. 1873, who is named as one of
the executors,…
Jabez H. Metcalf of Canandaigua, Ontario County, and Henry M.
Field of Canandaigua, Ontario County, gave depositions that they were
acquainted with Joshua Washburn, late of Gorham, that the testator in the
presence of the deponents on 23 Jan. 1873, subscribed his name, and that they
also subscribed their names as witnesses, and that he was at the time competent
to the best of their observation….
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Judith
Washburn of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1861) *
Know all
men by these Presents, that I, Judith Washburn of North Bridgewater, County of
Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, Singlewoman, being of sound and disposing
mind and memory, do on this twentyninth day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty
one, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
I give
and bequeath to my Sister Julia Ann Clark of North Bridgewater all my real and
personal estate that I now have or may have at my decease.
And I do
nominate and appoint my sister Julia Ann Clark of North Bridgewater to be my
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I the said Judith Washburn, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, the day and year above written.
Judith Washburn (seal)
Signed
and sealed and declared by the said Judith Washburn to be her last Will and
Testament in presence of us, who at her request and in her presence, and in
presence of each other, subscribe our names as witnesses.—
James
Porter
Carrie
A. Porter
Alvan
Washburn
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of May 1862 by
Lyman Clark, with Daniel Crooker and Rufus C. Kimball, both of North
Bridgewater, as sureties, and petitioned for probate of the estate of Judith
Washburn, late of North Bridgewater, with will annexed. Letters Testamentary
granted to Lyman Clark of North Bridgewater on 6 May 1862.
Daniel Crocker, Rufus C. Kimball, and James Porter were
appointed to appraise the estate of Judith Washburn, late of North Bridgewater,
on 13 May 1862, her real estate valued at only $12.00, and her personal estate
valued at $19.00. Lyman Clark, the administrator of the estate, gave his oath
to the inventory on 2 June 1862.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 104, p. 100-101, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, Vol. 115, p. 83, and Vol. 108, p. 35.
Will of Julia
E. Washburn of
Know all men by these presents that I, Julia E. Washburn wife
of Hattil Washburn Jr. of Northampton in the County of Hampshire and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do
make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form
following, that is to say.
First I direct my Executor hereinafter named to pay all my
just debts and funeral charges.
Second To my husband Hattil Washburn Jr. I give devise and
bequeath all my estate real personal or mixed of which I may be seized or to
which I may be entitled at the time of my decease.
Third, I constitute and appoint my said husband Hattel
Washburn Jr. to be the Executor of this my last will and testament hereby
revoking and making void all former Wills by me heretofore executed.
It is further my will that the Court of Probate, or any Court
having jurisdiction of Wills &c. require no bond or sureties on any bond of
my said husband for the faithful performance of the trust by me committed to
him by this instrument.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal,
and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, in the presence
of the witnesses named below this twenty third day of February, in the year of
our Lord, one thousand Eight hundred and sixty
Julia E. Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Julia E.
Washburn, as and for her last Will and testament, in the presence of us, who in
her presence and in the presence of each other and at her request have
subscribed our names as witnesses hereto.
Harvey Kirkland
Sophia W. Griswold
Elizabeth K. Williams
Probated in Nov. 1877, but the letters of administration were
not recorded with the will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Justus C. Washburn of Harrietstown,
Franklin County, New York (1892) *
In the Name of God
Amen.
I, Justus C. Washburn of the town of Harrietstown, County of
Franklin and State of New York, do make, publish and declare this to be my last
will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First: I direct my
executor here after named to pay all my just debts and funeral expenses as soon
as convenient after my decease.
Second: I give
bequeath and devise all my property and estate both real and personal
whatsoever and wheresoever as well that which I now possess as that which I may
hereafter acquire and die seized or possessed of or entitled to, to my brother
in law William H. Thayer, of Wilmington, Essex County, New York, in trust
however for the uses and purposes following; to pay my just debts and funeral
expenses as above provided; to deposit in the Iron National Bank of Plattsburgh,
N.Y. the sum of four hundred dollars, and to pay the same over to my son Halsey
Thayer Washburn with accrued interest when he shall have attained the age of
twenty one years – the balance of said property to be used for the support,
maintenance and education of my said and only child Halsey Thayer Washburn
during his minority
Lastly: I do hereby nominate my said brother in law William
H. Thayer to be executor of this my last will and testament and also Guardian
of my minor child Halsey Thayer Washburn and I hereby request that my said
child be sent to school at least six months during each year of his minority
and that my watch and chain be given to my said son Halsey.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
eighteenth day of April 1892
J. C. Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed
published
and declared by the testator as and for his last will and
testament in the presence of the undersigned who at his request in his presence
and in the presence of Each other have hereunto subscribed their names as
witnesses
Oatman
A. Covell residing at Saranac Lake N.Y.
Frederick
A. Isham residing at Saranac Lake N.Y.
Presented for probate on 30 Dec. 1892 by William Thayer, the
Executor, who gave the legatees, devisees, heirs at law and next of kin of the
testator as William Thayer and Halsey Thayer Washburn, both residing at
Wilmington, N.Y; Edgar Washburn residing at Minneapolis, Minn; Mrs Delaney
Washburn Obrist residing at Jay, N.Y; Alfred Washburn residing at Providence,
R.I; Celesta Holmes residing at East Norton, Mass; and Melvina Downing residing
at Pendleton, Oregon, with Walter J. Mears, counselor at law appearing for the
infant Halsey Thayer Washburn as his special guardian. Proved by Oatman A.
Covill and Frederick A. Isham, the witnesses, and approved on 30 Dec. 1892.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Franklin County Will
Book 10, p. 374-376, from FHL microfilm #0864413.
Will of Lemuel B. Washburn of Reading, Windsor County, Vermont (1847) *
I Lemuel B.
Washburn, of Reading in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont being in a
very infirm state of health and sensible of my liableness to death, at the same
time being in my own apprehension, of sound mind do judge it best to make, and
according do hereby make this my last will and testament. It is my will that
all my just debts and the charges of my funeral be paid and discharged by my
executor hereafter named and appointed, out of my estate as soon as
conveniently may be after my decease, and I leave the charges of my funeral to
the direction of my said executor. I give and dispose of my estate real and
personal in the following manner. It is my will that my Executor shall be to
one half of the expence out of my estate, of buying a suitable portion of
burrying ground where my Wife and Father are now burried, and also to be at one
half of the expence of fencing the same, with good suitable materials of stone
and iron. I hereby give to my only son, Henry A. Washburn a certain promissory
Note of $700.00 secured by mortgage, dated at Reading Nov. 25.th
1843, and signed Flynn Pearson, for which he is to have principle and interest
from and after the 25th of Nov. 1846. Also, a certain seven year old brown mare
the only horse of which I am in possession, valued at $100. Now to conclude, I
herby further will that the remaind of my real and personal estate be equally
divided betwen my only son Henry A. Washburn and my only daughter Lucy M.
Stearns, there heirs and assigns. And I hereby nominate and appoint my son in
law Benjamin F Stearns to executed this my last will and testiment. In
testimony whereof I hereby set my hand and seal, and declare this my Last will
and testament this day of our Lord March 10. 1847
signe and
seald in present of Lemuel B. Washburn (seal)
Ammi Willard
Rufus
Washburn
Luran
Rodgers
Probated on
13 July 1847, Benjamin F. Stearns, of Reading, was appointed as Executor of the
last Will and Testament of Lemuel B. Washburn, late of Reading, with Charles
Washburn, Paul W. Stearns, and Honestey Stearns, of Reading, as sureties. Galo
B. Ralph was appointed as guardian of Henry A. Washburn, a minor son and heir
of Lemuel B. Washburn, on 26 Aug. 1847, the only other heir being Lucy Melvina
Stearns, the wife of Benjamin F. Stearns.
Calvin
Wardner and William Fitch, of Reading, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Lemuel B. Washburn, late of Reading, on 13 July 1847. The inventory, dated 16
Aug. 1847, totaled $6055.87, including his real estate valued at $3220.
Hiram
Goddard, Solomon Keyes and Rufus Forbush, of Reading, were appointed to divide
the real estate of Lemuel B. Washburn, late of Reading, between his devisees
Henry A. Washburn, represented by his guardian Galo B. Ralph, and Lucy Melvina
Stearns, wife of Benjamin F. Stearns, on 27 Aug. 1847.
Benjamin F.
Stearns petitioned for a license to sell part of the personal estate to pay its
debts on 22 Dec. 1847, which was granted on 4 Jan. 1848.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Windsor County, Vermont, Windsor District Probate File
“Washburn, Hannah B. – Weston, Reuben,” from FHL microfilm #1183445, beginning
at image 55, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will of Levi
Washburn of
In the name of God Amen: I Levi Washburn of The Town of
Hartford in the County of Washington and State of New York, being of sound and
disposing mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and
Testament in manner and form following that is to say
First. I give and bequeath to my wife Lydia M Washburn all
my house hold furniture, beds, bedding clothing and crockery, silver ware and
all other articles and utensils and personal property in the house used for
housekeeping, and I also give and bequeath to her one half of all my other
personal property. I also give, devise and bequeath to my said wife Lydia M
Washburn the sum of six thousand dollars and the use income and profits thereof
as long as she lives and the right to use such portions of the principal as she
sees fit for her comfort, support and maintenance during her natural life, and
all that portion of the Principal remaining at her decease not expended as
aforesaid I give devise and bequeath in equal shares share and share alike to
my four children William Henry Washburn, George Harvey Washburn, Mary Elizabeth
Washburn and Nettie Jane Washburn, and the said legacy of six thousand dollars
I expressly charge after all my real estate and upon the proceeds thereof when
sold as hereinafter provided and the said principal sum of six thousand dollars
is to be paid to my said wife out of the proceeds of the sale of my said real
estate when sold as hereinafter provided and the income thereof to commence at
the time of such sale and the provisions of this will in favor of my said wife
are to be accepted by her in lieu of dower in and to my real estate.
Second: I give and bequeath to my son George H. Washburn the
other half of my personal property being all the residue of my personal
property except what is given and bequeathed to my wife in the first clause of
this will.
Third All the rest
residue and remainder of all my property both real and personal I give devise
and bequeath in equal shares, share and share alike to my four children,
William H. Washburn, George H. Washburn, Mary E. Washburn, and Nettie J.
Washburn their Executors, administrators and assignees respectively.
Fourth I do hereby
authorize and empower my wife Lydia M Washburn as Executrix of this will or in
her individual capacity use and convey all my real estate in such manner and
upon such terms and at such time or times as she shall see fit and to execute
and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof good and sufficient
conveyance and to receive the proceeds of such sale, and she is to hold and
apply the same according to the provisions of this will for the benefit of all
the beneficiaries under this will or provided for in this will.
Fifth Until the sale of my real estate as provided in the 4th
clause of this will and for @ period not longer than the natural life of my
wife Lydia M Washburn I give devise and bequeath to my Executrix and Executor
hereinafter named, and to the survivors of them and to the person qualifying as
such the right and power to carry on and manage said real Estate and to receive
the rents upon and profits thereof and to apply the income thereof to the
support and maintenance of my said wife and my herein before specified four
children and to divide the net income thereof after paying the expenses of
carrying on and managing said real estate and supporting my said wife and said
children equally between my said wife and said four children share and share
alike.
Sixthly I do nominate
and appoint my said wife Lydia M Washburn Executrix and my friend and neighbor
David Hall Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
former wills by me made.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day
of April 1868.
Levi Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument written on three pages of this sheet
of paper was at the date thereof signed sealed, published and declared by the
said Levi Washburn as and for his last Will and testament in presence of us who
at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto and the words “to my said wife” in
the first clause and “she is” in the 4th clause interlined before
execution.
Warren
H. Brown
Alexander
Gourlay Hartford N.Y.
Proved by Warren H. Brown and Alexander Gourlay, both of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Levi
Washburn of
Know all men by these presents that I Levi Washburn of the
Town of Carmel County of Putnam and state of New York do make publish and
declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following. First. I
give devise and bequeath to my nephew Henry Nichols all and every of my estate
both real and personal of every Kind and nature whatever. Second. I hereby
nominate and appoint my said nephew Henry Nichols the sole executor of this my
last will and testament hereby revoking all portions of any former wills by me
made which may in any manner conflict with this instrument.
Witness my hand and seal this twenty-sixth day of May A.D.
1875
Levi Washburn
Witnesses Augt Hazen
Alsan B.
Crane
Signed sealed and declared by the said testator to be his
last will and testament in the presence of us who have signed our names at his
request as witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other
Augt
Hazen of
Alsan B.
Crane
Henry Nichols, the sole Executor, petitioned for probate of
the will of Levi Washburn, late of the Town of
At a Surrogates Court held in and for the County of Putnam at
the Surrogate Office in the village of Carmel in said County on the 11th
day of October in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty three, the
will was presented and arguments were presented by Henry Nichols, the Executor
named in the will, represented by Ambrose Ryder, his Attorney, in support of
the proof, and Elisha Gifford, Van Rensalin Gifford, Lodeska Gifford, Edmund
Robinson, and Syntha Glover, five of the next of kin, represented by John G.
Miller, their attorney, who filed an answer in opposition thereto, and Francis
Washburn, Louisa Washburn, and Darius Washburn, three of the next of kin,
represented by Frederick R. Barnum, their attorney, who filed an answer in
opposition thereto, and Louisa Barnett, Mary A. Lee, Phebe E. Stevens, Susan E.
Miller, Emma Lee, and George H. Tompkins, six of the next of kin, represented
by William R. Lee, their attorney, who filed an answer in opposition thereto,
and Daniel Washburn and William Washburn, two of the next of kin, represented
by William Downing, their attorney, who filed an answer in opposition thereto, and Samuel Washburn,
one of the next of kin, represented by Baker and Marchanson, his attorneys, who
filed an answer in opposition thereto. It was determined that the said Levi
Washburn at the time of the execution of the said instrument was in all
respects competent to execute the same, and was not under restraint or undue
influence, and the last will and testament of the said Levi Washburn was
declared properly executed and is genuine and valid, and the objections were
dismissed.
Henry Nichols, the Executor, was granted letters of
administration on 13 Nov. 1883.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Lewis Washburn of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
Know all
men by these Presents, that I, Lewis Washburn, of Middleborough, in the County
of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being in usual health
and of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last
Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time
heretofore made.
First, I
hereby constitute and appoint my Wife Eunice Washburn to be sole Executrix of
this my last Will, directing my said Executrix to pay all my just debts and
funeral expenses and the legacies hereinafter given out of my estate.
Second.
After the payment of my said debts and funeral expenses, I give to each of my
children Lewis Washburn Jr. and Charles L. Washburn the sum of five dollars to
be paid to each of them within one year after my decease.
Third. I
give, devise and bequeath to my Wife Eunice Washburn, all the rest and residue
of all the property, real, personal or mixed, of which I shall die seized or
possessed, or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my decease, to have
and to hold the same to her sole use forever.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal and published and
declared this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of the Witnesses
named below, this seventeenth day of August, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and fifty two.
Lewis Washburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Lewis Washburn, as and for his last
Will and Testament in presence of us, who in his presence, and in the presence
of each other, and at his request have subscribed our names as Witnesses
hereto.
Everett
Robinson
Sarah
T. Robinson
Sheba
Thomson
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of November 1860 by
Eunice Washburn, the Executrix, and proved by Everett Robinson, one of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p. 422-424, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Louisa Washburn of Barre, Orleans County, New York (1894) *
Last
Will and Testament.
I Louisa Washburn of the town of
Barre, County of Orleans and State of New York, do make, ordain, publish and
declare this to be my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following
that is to say:
First, I
direct the payment of my just debts, if any.
Second.– I
give, devise and bequeath to my two children Horace A. Washburn and Lorenda E.
Washburn all of my property, both real and personal, of Every kind or nature to
share and share alike and to be theirs forever, provided however that my said
daughter Lorenda E. Washburn shall be paid first the sum of one hundred
dollars, out of my personal property.
Likewise, I
make, Constitute and appoint Horace A. Washburn and Lorenda E. Washburn to be
my Executors of this, my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former
Wills by me made.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the 17th day of March
in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and ninety four.
Louisa Washburn (seal)
The above partly written and partly printed
instrument was subscribed by the said Louisa Washburn in our presence and
acknowledged by her to each of us; and she at the same time declared the above
instrument so subscribed by her to be her last Will and Testament; and we at
her request, sign out names as attesting witnesses hereto, in her presence, and
in the presence of each other, and write opposite our names our respective
places of residence.
Dean
F. Cuorie, residing at
Albion, Orleans, Co. N.Y.
Arthur
D. West, residing at
Albion, Orleans Co. N.Y.
Presented
for probate on 28 Nov. 1896 by Horace A. Washburn and Lorinda E. Washburn, the
Executors, and proved by Dean F. Cuorie and Arthur D. West.
Horace A.
Washburn and Lorenda E. Washburn were granted Letters Testamentary on the
estate of Louisa Washburn on 28 Nov. 1896.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Orleans County Probate Wills Vol. 27, pp. 361-362, 364,
from FHL microfilm #0592767, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 8, p. 150.
Will of Lucy
Washburn of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1846) *
Know
all men by these presents, that I Lucy Washburn of North Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts widow, do make and publish the
following as my last Will and Testament to wit, First I direct that my
Executors hereinafter named pay out of my Estate all my just debts, and funeral
charges. –
Second I give to my son Francis Washburn of
Third I give, devise and bequeath the rest and
residue of my estate real and personal, to my following named children and
their respective heirs to be equally divided among them viz:
Judith Washburn, Nancy Faunce,
Francis Washburn, Mary White, Jabez Washburn, Lucy K. Bryant, Alvan Washburn
and Julia Clark – and as it respects my grand children, the offsprings of my
sons Ira and Elias and the son of my daughter Sophia deceased, I have them in
affectionate remembrance but have not goods or estate to bestow upon them. –
Fourth I hereby nominate and appoint Francis
Washburn and Judith Washburn, above named Executors of this my last Will and
Testament. –
In
testimony whereof I the said Lucy Washburn have hereunto set my hand and seal,
and publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, in the presence
of the witnesses hereunto subscribed, this seventeenth day of January in the
year one thousand eight hundred and forty six
Lucy Washburn (seal)
The foregoing Instrument was signed
sealed published and delivered by the said Lucy Washburn as and for her last
will and testament, in presence of us, who in her presence, and in presence of
each other, and at her request, have subscribed our names as witnesses
thereunto
Benjm.
Kingman
David
F. Studley
Henry
L. Kingman
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of February, 1850, by Francis Washburn and Judith Washburn, the
Executors, and proved by Benjamin Kingman & Henry L. Kingman, two of the
witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of
In the Name of God Amen. I Lydia Washburn of Worthington in
the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Spinster, being
apprehensive of approaching desolution and of sound mind and memory, do make
and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows (viz)
First to Honored father Silas Washburn I give and bequeath
all the wearing apparel formerly belonging to my beloved Husband deceased and
also one Thersey[?] bed blanket, and one flannel sheet one Bible one Psalm Book
and also all my Notes and property of every kind of which I shall die seized
except what is hereafter will and bequeathed to others and paying my just debts
and expenses. Also to my brother Thomas Hall Jr. I give and bequeath
one Note of hand which I hold against him the said Thomas And also to my
brother Aaron Hall I give and bequeath my flannel Blanket and one Linen sheet
also three small Callico Shifts or Gowns Also to my brother Merrit Hall I give
and bequeath one Iron shu and tongs one pair of Iron Andersons one Kitchen
Table one tin Coffee Pot three small earthen plates also one Bedspread &
one linen sheet & three meal bags. Also to Betsey Hancock I give and
bequeath two womans flannel sheets 1 pr woolen stockings & one
woolen apron Also to my Sisters Mary Hale Nancy Day and the child of Hannah
Shoales deceased I give to the three sisters to be equally divided among them
or their heirs all my wearing apparel and also all my house hold furniture that
is not before in this Will willed & bequeathed to others — Lastly as to all
the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate Goods, Chattels of
whatever kind or nature soever — I give and bequeath the same to my three
Sisters or their heirs as abovesaid to be equally divided among the three
meaning that the heirs of my sister should have one third part of the above
bequeathed Articles and also I do hereby appoint Capt John Stone my
sole executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty third day of September one thousand
eight hundred and fourteen—
Signed Sealed Published & declared by the above named
Lydia Washburn to be her last Will and Testament in presence of us who have
hereunto set our Names as Witnesses in presence of the testator
Lydia Washburn (seal)
Dan Daniels
Nancy Stone
Nancy Stone 2d
Proved on 1 Nov. 1814, administration granted to John Stone,
the Executor.
The Inventory of the Estate of Lydia Washburn, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Lydia Washburn of East Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1852) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I, Lydia Washburn of East Bridgewater, in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow, considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory, do make and ordain
this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, viz:
I give
and bequeath unto my Son Selden and his heirs and assigns, all of my Real
Estate both land and buildings Also all of my household furniture, except one
feather bed.
I also
give and bequeath unto my three daughters, viz. Freelove, Sarah, and Angelina,
all of my wearing apparel, to be equally divided among them.
I also
give and bequeath unto my Son Lysander, one feather-bed.
I hereby
appoint my son Selden Executor of this my last Will and Testament, giving him
all the rest and residue that is not disposed of in this Will.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of
September, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Lydia Washburn, to be her last Will
and Testament, in our hearing, who at her request, have put our names hereto,
in her presence, and in the presence of each other as Witnesses.
Lydia Washburn (seal)
Azor Harris
Charles A. Latham
Timothy Mitchell
Presented for probate on the last Tuesday of July 1860 by
Selden Washburn, the Executor, and proved by Azor Harris and Timothy Mitchell,
two of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 102, p. 258-259, from FHL microfilm
#0555645.
Will of Lydia F. Washburn of Mount Pleasant and Ossining, Westchester County, New York (1878) *
I Lydia F Washburn of the town of Mount Pleasant County of
Westchester and State of New York Widow of the late Benjamine Washburn mindful
of the uncertainties of human life do make publish and declare this my last
will and testament in manner following
First I direct my Executor hereinafter named to pay all my
just debts and funeral expenses
Second I give devise and bequeath to my sister Adelia Vale
wife of Abraham Vale two hundred dollars and in Case of her death the same to
go to her children
Third I give devise and bequeath to my sister Deborah Wood
wife of John Wood one hundred and fifty dollars and in case of her death the
same to go to her children
Fourth All the rest and residue of my estate I direct to be
divided into nine equal parts One ninth thereof I give devise and bequeath to
Morgan Washburn One ninth to Benjamine S Washburn One Ninth to Oscar Washburn
One Ninth to Isaac T Washburn One Ninth to Ellen Clark Wife of Amos R Clark One
Ninth to Mary Emily Sarles wife of George W Sarles being the children of my
deceased husband Benjamine Washburn One Ninth to the children of Abby Jane
Washburn deceased daughter of my deceased husband, to be divided equally
between them or their heirs One ninth to the Child of Oliver J Washburn Son of
my deceased husband If she dies and leaves no child or children then her One
Ninth to be Equally divided between the remaining legatees that received the
residue of my Estate One Ninth to my Neice Helen Washburn or her heirs wife of
John Washburn
Fifth In case of the death of either of the above named
legatees between whom the residue of my estate is to be divided leaving any
child or children then the share of such deceased legatees is to go to his or
her child or children but should Either of the above legatees between whom the
residue of my estate is to be divided die without child or children then the
share of such deceased legatee is to go into the residue of my estate and to be
Equally divided between the remaining legatees above named to whom I have given
the residue of my estate
Sixth I hereby nominate and appoint Isaac T Washburn Executor
of this my last Will and testament hereby revoking all other wills by me made
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
27th day of November 1878
her
Lydia
X F Washburn (seal)
mark
Signed published and declared by the said testatrix to be her
last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have signed our names at her
request as witnesses in her presence and in presence of each other
Charles Jayne Town of
Ossining State of New York
Harry M Webster “ “ “ “
I Lydia F Washburn of the town of Ossining County of
Westchester and State of New York formerly of the town of Mount Pleasant in
said County do make this codicil to my last Will as follows
Whereas
in and by my last Will and Testament dated on or about the 27th day
of November 1878 I by the fourth item of my said Will give devise and bequeath
to Oscar Washburn one Ninth of the residue of my Estate now I hereby revoke
said bequest to Oscar Washburn and which is contained among other bequests in
the fourth item of my said Will and instead thereof I give devise &
bequeath One Ninth of the residue of my Estate to Mary C Washburn wife of Oscar
Washburn
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and Seal this first day of August 1882
her
Lydia
X F Washburn (seal)
mark
Published and declared by the said
Lydia F Washburn to be the codicil to her last Will and Testament in the
presence of us who have signed the same as Witnesses in her presence at her
request And in presence of each other
Charles Jayne Westchester Co State
of New York
Harry M Webster Westchester Co New
York
Presented for probate on 1 June
1887 by Isaac T Washburn, Executor, and proved by Charles Jayne of the town of
Ossining on 25 July 1887. Isaac T Washburn testified on 1 Aug. 1887 that the
whereabouts of Harry M Webster is no longer known, having left the county some
three years ago.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate Vol. 105,
p. 6-12.
Will of Malancy Washburn of Gaines,
Orleans County, New York (1876) *
Will
of Malancy Washburn.
I, Malancy
Washburn, wife of Ira Washburn, of the town of Gaines, County of Orleans, State
of New York, do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament as
follows
First. My
husband has sufficient property for all his wants so as not to need bequests to
him from me, and I trust, if for any cause he should come to want, his
children, from means I may give them or otherwise, will provide for him.
Second My
husband and myself have heretofore at different times given and advanced to my
son Gilbert Washburn in money & property an amount equal to the portion we
can give to our other children, so that I think he has received his full share
of my property already. I therefore make no gift to him in this will.
Fourth. All
the residue & remainder of my property and estate both real and personal,
of every description, I give, devise & bequeath to my children, viz: Ira C.
Washburn, Clarissa Washburn, Ruby W. Thomas, Adelia Washburn & Gates
Washburn, share and share alike, to them their heirs and assigns forever.
Except, if said Ira C. Washburn and Calista Ann Washburn, either or each of
them should die without leaving lineal descendants, their heirs at law of such
deceased, then I give all the share of my property hereby given to such deceased,
and all the increase, produce & income thereof then remaining undisposed of
by such deceased to said Ruby W., Adelia & Gates, and to their heirs and
assigns, share & share alike.
Fifth. I
hereby revoke all wills by me heretofore made, and I constitute & appoint
my children Ruby W. Thomas and Gates Washburn to be executors of this my last
will.
Gaines,
August 10, 1876. Malancy Washburn (seal)
The
foregoing instrument was on the day of the date thereof signed, sealed,
published & declared by Malancy Washburn, the Testatrix, as & for her
last will and testament, in presence of each of us, and we at her request, and
her presence & in presence of each other subscribe our names hereto as
witnesses.
John H.
Leonard, Albion, N.Y.
Jefferson F.
Leonard, Albion, N.Y.
Arad T.
Thomas, “ “
Presented
for probate on 1 Dec. 1890 by Ruby W. Thomas and Gates Washburn.
Orleans
County Probate Letters Testamentary Vol. 6, p. 268:
Ruby W.
Thomas and Gates Washburn were granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of
Malancy Washburn on 22 Dec. 1890.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Orleans County Probate Wills Vol. 23, p. 173-174, from
FHL microfilm #0592765, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 6, p. 268.
Will of Marcia
P. Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1851) *
Know all men by these presents that I Marcia P. Washburn of
Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, widow, being of sound mind and memory do
make publish and declare this my last will and testament as follows.
First, I
give and bequeath unto my daughter Marcia P. Washburn One feather bed &
bedstead and furniture for the same_ Parlor Carpet, Best Portable Sink and
furniture, Looking Glass in the bed room_ All my silver ware, excepting one
silver table spoon for each of her brothers_ six chairs in the sitting room, my
best bureau, box of Chess men, and one third of my linen and books not
otherwise disposed of,
Second, I
give and bequeath unto my son Thomas J. Washburn 1 Feather bed_bedstead and
furniture for the same_ 1 Carpet 1 Portable sink and furniture for the same_
the looking Glass in the front chamber_ Secretary & Book case_ the Chairs
and Table in the Parlor chamber, my large Bible_ 1 Silver table spoon_
Backgammon board and one third of my linen & Books not otherwise disposed
of.
Third I
give and bequeath unto my sons Jacob P. Washburn and Nathan Washburn one
feather bed and bedstead and furniture for the same, one Carpet, one Bureau,
one Silver table spoon each, and one third part of my linen & books not
otherwise disposed of. ~
Fourth I
give and bequeath unto Doct Samuel Alden of Bridgewater my Centre
Table.
Fifth All the residue and remainder of my estate
whether Real or Personal not herein disposed of after paying my just debts and
funeral charges, I give and bequeath unto my children above named, in equal
proportions – and to their heirs and assigns – Provided however and it is my
will and order that my homestead in Bridgewater should be disposed of as soon
as may be deemed proper & for the interest of my children after my decease
and the proceeds divided equally between them –
Sixth I
hereby appoint Philo Leach of Bridgewater, my Executor of this my last Will and
Testament, and I hereby authorize and impower him to sell my homestead at
public or private sale, as he shall deem most expedient and for the interest of
my children_ and to make execute and deliver good and sufficient deed or deeds,
conveying the same to the purchaser or purchasers thereof,
In testimony whereof I the said Marcia P. Washburn have
hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of May one thousand eight hundred
and fifty one. ~
Signed sealed published and declared Marcia P. Washburn (seal)
by the said Marcia Washburn to be her
last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have
subscribed the same at her request and in her presence
as witnesses. — Artemas
Hale
Nabby
Newhall
Eli
Washburn
Presented for Probate on the first Tuesday of July 1851 by
Philo Leach, the Executor, and proved by Artemas Hale and Eli Washburn, two of
the Witnesses.
An Inventory of the Estate of Marcia P. Washburn, late of
Bridgewater, appraised by Samuel F. Sanger, Melvin Swift, and Caleb Hobart, not
dated, her Real Estate valued at $2566.66, and her personal estate totaled
$336.73. Philo Leach, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on the first
Tuesday of July 1851.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 93, p. 305-308, from FHL microfilm
#0555641.
Will and Codicil of Margaret B. Washburne of Gorham, Ontario County, New York (1878) *
Record of
Margaret B. Washburne’s Will
In the name of God Amen. I Margaret B. Washburne of Gorham
Ont. Co. N.Y. being of sound mind and memory do make, ordain, publish and
declare this to be my last Will and Testament, that is to say: First After all
my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give, devise and bequeath to my
husband Ira G. Washburne the use of the interest I have in the farm on which we
now reside until my children arrive at the age of twenty one years, the amount
which I paid on the farm is Five Thousand Dollars. Second, When my son Myron G.
Washburne becomes twenty one years of age my Executor Ira G. Washburne shall
pay to the said son Myron G. Washburne the sum of two thousand five hundred
Dolls. Third, and the remaining two thousand five hundred Dolls. shall be paid
by my said Executor or his successor in office to my son Jamie F. Washburne
when he becomes twenty one years of age. Forth. Provided that if Either of my
children Myron G. or Jamie F. shall not live to the age of twenty one years the
Five thousand Dolls shall be paid to the Survivor when he shall become twenty
one years of age. Fifth. If my children Myron G. and Jamie F. should both die
before they arrive at the age of twenty one years my Executor or his successor
in office shall pay to my mother Mary Green one share I.E. Two thousand five
hundred Dolls. Sixth. If my son Myron G. and Jamie F. and my mother Mary Green
should all die before my children should become twenty one years of age the
Executor of his successor in office shall pay to my sister Sophia Williams wife
of Frank Williams the one share, Two thousand five hundred Dolls. or to her
heirs
Whereas,
I Margaret B. Washburne of Gorham, Ont. Co. N.Y. have made my last Will and
testament in writing bearing date the twelvth day of August 1878 in and by
which I have given and bequeathed to my son Myron G. and my son Jamie F.
Washburne two thousand five hundred Dolls each at the age of twenty one years,
now therefore I do by this my writing which I hereby declare to be a codicil to
my said last will and testament and to be taken as a part thereof order that my
husband Ira G. Washburne shall retain as legacy two thousand five hundred Dolls
If my sons Myron G and Jamie F. Washburne should die before they arrive to the
age of twenty one years and lastly it is my desire that this codicil be annexed
and made a part of my last Will and testament as aforesaid to all interests and
purposes. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
thirteenth day of August (1878) one thousand Eight hundred and seventy Eight.
Margaret B. Washburne (seal)
The above instrument is written on the same paper with the
Will continuing two sheets was at the date thereof signed sealed published and
declared by the said Margaret B. Washburne as and for a codicil to her last
Will and testament and she at the same time acknowledged to us and to Each of
us that she had signed and sealed the same and we thereupon at her request and
in her presence and in the presence of Each other signed our names thereto as
attesting witnesses.
William
Sheehan, Gorham, Ontario Co. N.Y.
Emmaline
A. Ketcham Gorham On. Co. N.Y.
[In the second section shall pay was inserted before the
Ensealing of this Instrument] Likewise I make constitute and appoint Ira G
Washburne my husband to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made. In witness whereof, I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed my seal the twelvth day of August in the year of
our Lord one thousan and Eight hundred and seventy Eight.
Margaret B. Washburne (seal)
The above instrument consisting of two sheet was at the date
thereof subscribed by Margaret B Washburne in the presence of us and each of us
she at the time of making such subscription acknowledged that she made the same
and declared the said instrument so subscribed by her to be her last Will and
Testament. Whereupon we then and there at her request and in her presence and
the presence of each other subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto.
George
T. Washburn residing at Gorham N.Y.
William
Sheehan residing at Gorham N.Y.
Proofs of
Margaret B. Washburns will, 8 May 1879
Regarding the Will of Margaret B. Washburn of Gorham,
deceased, with citation issued 24 Feb. 1879, and upon the petition of Ira G.
Washburn dated 18 Mar. 1879, the executor named in the will. Minors are Myron
G. Washburn and Jamie F. Washburn, who have no guardian, so C.B. Lapham Esq.
was appointed as special guardian.
George T. Washburn of Gorham, Ontario County, and William
Sheehan, of Potter, Yates County, gave their deposition that they knew the
testatrix, and witnessed her sign and seal the will on 12 Aug. 1878, and that
they also subscribed their names as witnesses at that time. William Ketchum
represented Margaret B. Washburn at the time of the signing of the will.
William Sheehan and Emmaline Ketchum witnessed the signing of the codicil on 13
Aug. 1878.
William Ketchum, Justice of the Peace, gave a deposition that
he wrote the will on 12 Aug. 1878, and the codicil on 13 Aug. 1878, at the
request of the testatrix, and did insert the codicil into the will using the
space at the bottom and continuing on the back side of the first page, at the
request of the testatrix, and also witnessed the signing and witnessing of both
the will and the codicil.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Ontario County Probate Wills Vol. 61, p. 71-73, and Wills Vol.
56, p. 565-566.
Will of Mary L. Washburn of Winfield, Herkimer County, New York (1877) *
I Mary L Washburn of Winfield Herkimer County and State of
New York and being of sound mind and memory Do make publish and declare this my
last will and Testament in manner following
First I give and
bequeath to my Husband George W Washburn, all my real and personal property of
every name and nature whom I hereby appoint sole Executor of this my last Will
and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Tenth day of December
one Thousand Eight hundred Seventy-seven
Mary L. Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of
one sheet was at the date thereof signed, sealed published and declared by the
said Mary L Washburn as and for her last Will and Testament in in presence of
us, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other
have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
Peter Haslehurst Winfield Herkimer
Co N.Y.
A. A. Moors Winfield Herkimer Co
N.Y.
Charles D Thomas Esq of the town of
Winfield, County of Herkimer, testified to the signature of Peter Haselhurst,
late of the town of Winfield, on 25 Feb. 1892. Alfred A Moors of Winfield,
County of Herkimer, testified on 25 Feb. 1892 that he witnessed the will of
Mary L Washburn late of the town of Southington, Conn., and that the other
witness, Peter W Haselhurst is dead. Martha J Woodart of the town of Winfield,
County of Herkimer, also testified that she was well acquainted with Mary L
Washburn late of Southington in the State of Connecticut, and verified her
handwriting and signature.
Letters Testamentary on the estate
of Mary L Washburn late of Southington, Conn., who died seized of Real Estate
situated in Herkimer County was granted to George W Washburn of Southington,
Conn, on 25 Feb. 1892.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Herkimer County Probate Wills Vol.
Z, p. 483-485, and Letters Testamentary Vol. K, p. 343.
Will of Mary R. Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1878) *
I Mary R. Washburn, wife of Nahum Washburn Jr. of Bridgewater
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, make, publish
& declare the following as my last will & testament.
1st. I give and bequeath one half of the
personal property of which I may die possessed or to which I may be legally
entitled, including therein all my jewelry, plate, gold watch and chain, and
articles of personal adornment, to my mother Mrs Sophia W. Reed to be kept by
her in trust until my daughter Sophia C. Washburn shall reach the age of twenty
one years, and then to pay over and deliver the same to her – and until my said
daughter shall have reached said age to pay over to her the income which may be
derived from any portion of said property.
Should my said daughter die under the age of twenty one years
leaving no children living at the time of her decease I direct my said trustee
to divide said property and effects in her hands equally among my brothers then
living and the children of any deceased brother, said children to take by right
of representation.
2. In case of the decease of my mother before my said
daughter shall have reached the age of twenty one years, I appoint the eldest
of my brothers then living who will accept the trust as her successor in said
trust, & I make the like appointment in case of any vacancy.
3. I appoint my said mother Sophia W. Reed Executrix of this
my will and request that neither she nor any of my brothers be required to
furnish securities on their official bonds either as executors or trustees.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this day of June A.D. 1878.
Martha Howard Mary R. Washburn (seal)
Mary E. Howard
Signed, sealed, published &
declared by the said Mary R. Washburn as & for her last will &
testament in the presence of us, who in her presence & in the presence of
each other have hereunto subscribed our names as attesting witnesses.
Mary
E. Howard
Martha
Howard
Nahum
Washburn Jr.
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Sept. 1878 by Sophia W. Reed, of West Bridgewater, without giving any
surety on her bond. Letters Testamentary were granted to Sophia W. Reed on 9
Sept. 1878.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 142, p.
553, from FHL microfilm #0556649, and Vol. 149, p. 2.
Will of Matilda Washburn of Jay, Essex County, New York (1883) *
I, Matilda Washburn of the town of Jay county of Essex State of New York being of sound mind and memory, do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, that is to say:
First, After all my lawful debts are paid and discharges, I give, devise and bequeath To Cassius Mussen all my personal and real estate
Likewise, I make, constitute and appoint Horace Sheldon of the town Jay Essex County New York, to be executor of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills be me made.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the 29th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
Mrs. Matilda Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of
one sheet, was at the date thereof subscribed by Matilda Washburn in the
presence of us and each of us: she at the time of making such subscription, acknowledged
that she made the same, and declared the said instrument so subscribed by her,
to be her last will and testament. Whereupon we then and there, at her request,
and in her presence and the presence of each other, subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto.
Pamelia
Storrs, residing at Jay, N.Y.
Ella
White, residing at Jay, N.Y.
Probated on 24 Nov. 1896, proved by
Ella Buck, residing in the town of North Elba in the County of Essex, who
signed as witness as Ella White but has since married, and Pamela Storrs the
other witness having died on or about the 5th day of February, 1891.
Matilda’s name given as Matilda Washbond in the proving of the will.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Essex County Probate, Wills Vol. M,
p. 133-135, from FHL microfilm #0866335.
Will of Miles Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1876) *
Know all Men by these Presents – that I Miles Washburn of
Lenox County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts being of sound mind
& memory blessed be God for the same do make publish & declare this my
last Will & Testament as follows viz 1st I direct that all my
just debts & funeral charges be paid by my executor.
2nd I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Emily
Washburn all my Personal Estate of whatsoever name or nature for & during
the term of her natural Life & at her decease I give & bequeath three
fourths of sd. personal estate to my son George T. Washburn to him
& his heirs forever. 3rd.
I give & bequeath the rest & residue of my property to my son Edwin M.
Washburn together with the remaining fourth part of personal property at my
wifes decease to him & his heirs forever
And I do hereby constitute & appoint my son Edwin M.
Washburn my sole executor of this my last Will & Testament – In Witness I
have hereunto set my hand & seal this 16th day of March 1876
Miles Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published & declared by the above named
Miles Washburn to be his last Will & Testament in our presence who in his
presence & at his request & in presence of each other have have
hereunto set our names as witnesses.
Thos
Sedgwick
Thos
A. Graham
Henry
Sedgwick
Presented for probate on 5 Sept.
1882 by Edwin M. Washburn of Lenox, with Frederic Washburn and Henry Sedgwick
of Lenox as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol.
121, p. 565-566, from FHL microfilm #1750454.
Will of Miles
Washburn of
State of
Otsego County Ss. Be it remembered that at a Surrogate Court
held at the Surrogates Office in the Village of Cooperstown in & for the
County of Otsego on the twenty ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred & thirtysix before George A. Starkweather Surrogate
of the said County the last will and Testament of Miles Washburn late of the
said County deceased a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed was duly admitted to
probate after a citation to the widow and next of kin to the said deceased,
deposed, served returned & filed according to law, where upon at the place
and on the day aforesaid the following witness makes after having been duly
sworn by the said Surrogate testifies as follows viz.
In the Matter of proving the last will and testament of Miles
Washburn deceased.
Otsego County Ss. Be it remembered that on this
twenty ninth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty
six before George A. Starkweather Surrogate of the County of Otsego personally
appeared William Park who before the said Surrogate duly sworn and examined
doth depose and say that this Deponent was well acquainted with Miles Washburn
that he was present as a witness & did see the said Miles Washburn deceased
subscribe at the end thereof the instrument so produced & shown to this
deponent purporting to be the last will & testament of the said Miles
Washburn deceased bearing date the first day of August in the year one thousand
eight hundred & thirty six, that such subscription was made by the said
Testator in the presence of this deponent, that the said Testator at the same
time declared the instrument so subscribed by him to be his last will &
testament—Whereupon this deponent signed his name to the end thereof at the
request of the said Testator, that the said Testator at the time of executing
& publishing the said last will & Testament was of full op. of sound
mind & memory not under any restraint—and this deponent saith that he drew
the last will & testament of the said Miles Washburn, that after the same
was executed by said Miles Washburn it was sealed up by this deponent and
handed back to said Miles Washburn now deceased and he said Miles passed the
same over to Timothy C. Taylor the Executor in said will named—
Sworn before me this William Park
29th day of October 1836
Geo. A. Starkweather, Surrogate
In the Matter of proving the last Will & testament of
Miles Washburn deceased}
Timothy
C. Taylor being sworn saith that the last will & testament of the said
Miles Washburn was handed over to this deponent on the day the same was
executed by the said Miles as he believes, sealed up and this deponent has had
the same in his possession untill he produced the same to the Surrogate for
probate & further saith not
Sworn before me this 29 Oct. Timothy C. Taylor
1836 Geo. A.
Starkweather Surrogate
Whereupon
I the Surrogate aforesaid upon the proof aforesaid being satisfied of the
______ and validity of the said Will do therefore order that the same be
admitted to probate and that letter testamentary thereof be granted to the
Executor in said will named after the expiration of thirty days from the time
of making this order and taking and subscribing the oath of office prescribed
by law—In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of office of our said
Surrogate to be hereunto affixed.
Witness
Geo. A. Starkweather Surrogate of the said
State of
In testimony whereof I have this first day of August in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty six at Exeter aforesaid and
in the presence of each of the attesting witnesses have hereunto subscribed my
name—and affixed my seal hereby declaring this instrument so subscribed to be
my last will & testament and requesting William Park of Burlington in the
County aforesaid and Nathan Brainard of Exeter aforesaid to sign their names
respectfully as witnesses at the end of this my said will.
Miles Washburn (seal)
Subscribed and sealed by the said Testator
at the end thereof in the presence of the undersigned
attesting Witnesses, the said testator at the time
of making the said subscription declaring the
above instrument so subscribed to be his last will
and testament, and each of the undersigned attesting
witnesses then & there signing his name at the end of
the said Will at the request of the said Testator in his
presence & in the presence of each other
William Park,
Nathan Brainard,
State of
Geo. A. Starkweather Surrogate
State of
I
certify the foregoing to be a true record of the proceedings had before me in
the matter of proving the last will and Testament of the personal estate of
Miles Washburn deceased
Geo. A. Starkweather Surrogate
Otsego County Ss. Be it remembered that at a
In the
Matter of proving the last will and Testament of Miles Washburn Deceased}
Comes
Timothy C. Taylor Executor named in the last will and testament of the said
Miles Washburn Deceased, and informs the said Court that notice has been given
pursuant to the Statuetes in such case made and provided of his intention of
proving the said last will and Testament of the said Deceased and the said
Timothy C. Taylor brings into Court a notice of his intention signed by him
said Timothy C. Taylor with the affidavits of the said Timothy C. Taylor and
Philo R. Cole proving our service of said notice on all the heirs at Law of the
said deceased which notice our affidavits are in records & figures
following to wit.
Surrogate Court.
In the Matter of proving the Will of the Real estate of Miles Washburn
Deceased} To the heirs at Law of the
said Miles Washburn Deceased, Please to take notice that I the undersigned
Executor of the last Will and Testament of the said Miles Washburn late of the
Town of Exeter in the County of Otsego Deceased bearing date the first day of
August in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty six intend to apply
to the Surrogate of the County of Otsego at the Surrogates office in the Village
of Cooperstown on the twenty ninth day of October next at ten O’clock in the
fore noon of that day to have the said Will & Testament of the said
Deceased proved before the said Court according to the Statute in such cases
made & provided dated 5th Sept. 1836— Timothy C. Taylor
Otsego County Ss. Timothy C. Taylor having sworn saith that
on the twelfth day of October 1836 he personally serviced a copy of the within
notice upon Miles Washburn, Isaac Washburn, Polly Ann Washburn, Elizabeth
Washburn, & Caleb Burlingham, the guardian for Jacob Permelia Cornelia,
Laura and Patience Washburn _____ sworn before me this 29th day of
October 1836. Geo. A. Starkweather
Timothy
C. Taylor
State of New York City & County of Albany, Philo R. Cole
of the City of Albany being duly sworn says that he is foreman in the office of
the Albany Argus and that the notice of which the annexed is a printed copy has
been regularly published in said Albany Argus once in each week for six weeks
successively commencing on the thirteenth day of September last past, sworn
before me the 25th day of October 1836 Philo R. Cole
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Morgan Washburn of Bedford, Westchester County, New York (1894) *
The last Will and Testament of Morgan Washburn of the Town of
Bedford (formerly of the Town of New Castle) Westchester County and State of
New York.
I
Morgan Washburn make this my last Will and Testament as follows:
First: I direct that my funeral charges the expense of
administering my Estate, and my debts be paid as soon as practicable after my
decease.
Second:– I give and bequeath unto George K. Carpenter of the
Town of New Castle Westchester County New York, son of Ezra Carpenter deceased
my house and lot situated near the Friends Meeting House in Chappaqua New York
with full power to sell and dispose of the same as he shall deem best.
Third:– I give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and
remainder of my estate both real and personal unto Sarah Knox of Bedford,
Westchester County, New York Widow of George H. Knox deceased.
Lastly:– I appoint Sarah Knox aforesaid and William Hallock
of the Town of New Castle Westchester County New York to be Executors of this
my last Will and Testament, giving and granting unto my said Executors power to
sell all my real Estate excepting that bequeathed unto George K. Carpenter
aforesaid and I hereby revoke all former Wills by me made
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this second day of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety four.
Witnesses Morgan Washburn (seal)
George H. Knapp
Alvaro J. Adams
subscribed by Morgan Washburn the Testator named in the
foregoing Will in the presence of each of us and at the time of making such
subscription the above instrument was declared by the said Testator to be his
last Will and Testament and each of us at the request of said Testator and in
his presence and in the presence of each other sign our names as Witnesses
thereto at the end of the Will.
George H. Knapp Mt Kisco New York
Alvaro J Adams Mt Kisco N.Y.
Presented for probate on 18 Mar. 1895 by Sarah Knox and
William Hallock, the Executors named in the last Will and Testament of Morgan
Washburn late of the Town of Bedford County of Westchester deceased, and proved
by Alvaro J Adams of the Town of New Castle, and George H. Knapp of the Town of
Bedford, on 6 May 1895. Approved on 6 May 1895.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate Wills Vol. 124, p. 92-97.
Will of Nahum Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1880) *
I Nahum Washburn of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth
being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and declare this my last
will and testament.
I give devise and bequeath all my estate real, personal and
mixed of every name, nature sort and description, wherever the same may be
found, situated or located, to my wife Christiana Washburn. To have and to hold
the same to her and her heirs and assigns forever.
I appoint my said
wife the said Christiana Washburn executrix of this my last will and testament,
and it is my will, request, desire and direction that no surety or sureties
shall be required of her on her official bond as such Executrix.
I give nothing to
either of my children intentionally having full confidence that my wife will do
what is right.
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of January in the year eighteen
hundred and eighty.
Signed, published acknowledged
and declared by the said Nahum Washburn as and for his last will and testament
in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereto set
our names as witnesses.
Nahum Washburn
Henry Harlow
Edward E. Hobart
Hosea Kingman
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Feb. 1884 by
Christiana Washburn, of Bridgewater. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Christiana Washburn, the executrix, on 11 Feb. 1884.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 164, p. 126-127, from FHL microfilm
#0556659, and Vol. 156, p. 110.
Will of Nancy P. Washburn of Minot, Androscoggin County, Maine (1876) *
Know All
Men By These Presents.
That I, Nancy P. Washburn of Minot in the County of
Androscoggin and state of Maine, widow, being of sound disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
1st. I give and bequeath to my son Samuel L.
Washburn five dollars
2d. I give and bequeath to my grandson Charles
Cyrus Washburn, son of Cyrus Washburn Jr. deceased, five dollars
3d.
I give and bequeath to my daughterinlaw
Elizabeth Ann Merrill wife of Moses C. Merrill three hundred dollars.
4th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Maria W.
Munroe, wife of Noble N. Munroe, four hundred dollars.
5th. I give, bequeath and devise to my daughter
Abby D. Holbrook, wife of Charles Holbrook all the rest and residue of my
estate, real and personal, after payment of my debts and legacies.
6th. I ordain and appoint my daughter Abby D.
Holbrook as executrix of this my last will and Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare
this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below this twenty fifth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred
and seventy-six
Nancy P. Washburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Nancy P. Washburn as and for her
last Will & Testament in presence of us who in her presence, have
subscribed out names as witnesses hereto –
Stillman
W. Shaw
John
M. Perry
Hattie
A. Perry
Presented for probate on the second
Tuesday of Dec. 1884 by Abby D. Holbrook of Auburn, the Executrix. Nancy P.
Washburn, of Minot, died on 27 Oct. 1884.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Androscoggin County Probate Records
Vol. 7, p. 6, from FHL microfilm #43391105, and Probate of Wills Vol. 2, p.
350.
Will of Nehemiah Washburn of Macomb, St.
Lawrence Co., New York (1880) *
In the name
of God Amen – I Nehemiah Washburn of the town of Macomb, in the County of St
Lawrence and State of New York of the age of Eighty five years and being of
sound mind & memory, do make, publish and declare this my last will and
testament in manner following that is to say –
First – I
give and bequeath to my daughter Minerva Stanton all my real and personal
estate of every name and nature, conditioned that said Minerva is not to sell
or dispose of any real estate, but to use and occupy the same during her life
time and at her death said real estate to belong to her heirs
Lastly I
hereby appoint David Day 2d Sole Executor of this my last
will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made –
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 20th day of July, one thousand eight hundred and
eighty, erasures made before signing
Nehemiah Washburn (seal)
The
foregoing instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof signed,
sealed, published and declared by the said Nehemiah Washburn as and for his
last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto.
Lucinda Day
– Residing at Macomb in St Lawrence County N.Y
Susanna
Raven Residency at Macomb in St Lawrence County N.Y.
Presented
for probate on 24 Nov. 1886 by David Day 2d, the Executor,
listing his heirs as Maryette Shippe of Spragueville N.Y., Alida Clute, Almira
Stanton, John Washburn and Alonzo Washburn, all of Macomb, N.Y.
David Day 2d
was granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Nehemiah Washburn on 10 Jan.
1887.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Wills Vol. 21, p. 531-532,
from FHL microfilm #0890027, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 8, p. 447.
Will of Oliver Washburn of
Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God amen. I Oliver Washburn of Bridgewater in the County of
Plymouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now of a disposing Mind &
Memory thanks be given to God, yet calling to Mind the mortality of my Body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do now make & ordain
this my last will & Testament ie. Principally & first of all I commend
my spirit into the hands of that God who gave it, & my Body to the dust, to
be buried, with Christian decent Burial at the discretion of my Executor
hereafter named, as to such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me in this life, I give demise & dispose of the same in the following
manner and form. Tis my will that all my debts & funeral Charges be well
& truly paid in convenient Time after my decease—
I
give and bequeath unto my well beloved Wife Mary and to her Children, all my
Estate both real and personal, excepting the Daughters who will share one half
as much as the Boys—
I
give & bequeath my children by my first wife, viz. Thomas, Ruel, Eliab,
Oliver & Chloe two Dollars each & no more—
I
constitute & appoint my Brother Sears Washburn, sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament, and order him to pay all my Debts, the several
Legacies specified and to fulfill this my last Will and Testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty third day of May
1818—
signed, sealed, published declared
&
pronounced in presence of us
Samuel Shaw Oliver
Washburn (seal)
Hannah W. Adams
Zebulun L Shaw
The will was proved on 17 Aug.
1818, and Sears Washburn, the executor, was appointed to administer upon the
estate. Mary Washburn, widow of Oliver Washburn, waived the provision made for
her in the will and claimed her dower of his estate on 15 Aug. 1818.
On 5 Oct. 1818 Benjamin Pope,
Joseph Hooper, and Silvanus Pratt, gentlemen all of Bridgewater, were appointed
as a committee to set off by metes & bounds one third part of all the real
estate of Oliver Washburn late of Bridgewater, yeoman, unto his widow Mary
Washburn as her Dower in said real estate.
On 18 Jan. 1819 Sears Washburn
declared he expected the estate of Oliver Washburn late of
Petition of Sears Washburn,
Executor of the last will & Testament of Oliver Washburn late of
Bridgewater, dated 1 Feb. 1819, that “the personal Estate of said deceased is
insufficient by the sum of $1600 to pay all the just Debts, which it will be necessary
to sell the whole real estate & a part cannot be sold without great injury
to the residence,” therefore asked the court for permission to sell the real
estate.
On 15 Feb. 1819 Sears Washburn was
granted license to sell the real estate of Oliver Washburn, late of
The list of claimants of the estate
of Oliver Washburn, recorded 20 Dec. 1819, included:
Chloe Washburn’s legacy on account
of her uncle Thomas Fobes of $118.77
Chloe Washburn’s legacy on account
of her grandmother Fobes of $15.55
Thomas Washburn’s legacy on account
of his uncle Thomas Fobes of $118.77
Thomas Washburn’s legacy on account
of his grandmother Fobes of $15.55
Reuel Washburn’s legacy on account
of his uncle [sic, grandmother?] Fobes of $15.55
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Oliver
Washburn of
In
the name of God Amen I Oliver Washburn
of the Village of Sing Sing County of Westchester and State of New York of the
age of seventy five years and being of sound mind and memory, do make publish
and declare this my last Will and testament in manner following that is to say.
First. I give and bequeath to my daughter Eliza
Washburn one Bureau one trunk one bedstead one bed and bedding for the same
sufficient for all seasons of the year and all of good quality.
Second. I give and devise to my wife Emeline Washburn
the remainder of my household furniture my clothes and all the moveables in the
garret cellar and barn.
Third. I hereby empower and request my executor to
sell all my real estate at public auction in or about ninety days after my
death and to invest all monies arising from such sale together with the
proceeds of all the residue and remainder of my personal estate of every name
and nature whatsoever on Bond and mortgage on unencumbered real estate and not
in excess of two thirds of the cash value of the property on which investment
is made.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my said wife Emeline
Washburn the interest of the monies arising from the sale of my real and
personal estate and I request my executor to pay the same to her annually
during her natural life.
Fifth. After the death of my said wife I give and
devise and devise to my daughter Phebe Washburn wife of William C. Washburn
Fifty dollars and to my grand daughter Clara Adelia Perry fifty dollars. The
balance of monies then remaining and I give and bequeath equally to my son
George Washburn my daughter Martha F. Montross wife of Charles Augustus
Montross my daughter Emeline Little wife of John Little and my daughter Eliza
Washburn share and share alike.
Sixth. I hereby request that if my executor in the
exercise of prudent discretion shall invest the proceeds of my estate or any
part thereof in Bond and Mortgage on village property on houses and lots that
in every such case he shall require that the mortgage contain the insurance
clause and the Policy of insurance be held by him as collateral security.
Seventh. I hereby request my Executor to deposit the
share of daughter Eliza Washburn in the Sing Sing Savings Bank in trust for her
and to pay her the interest thereof annually. And should any emergency occur to
render it necessary I hereby request my executor to pay her so much of the
principle as may be necessary to meet any and all such emergencies.
Eighth. I hereby appoint David Reed of Sing Sing
aforesaid the sole executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking
all former Wills by me made.
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of
February in the year of our — one thousand eight hundred and seventy two.
Oliver Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof signed sealed published and declared by the said Oliver Washburn as and
for his last Will and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto.
Stephen
Ayles residing in Mount Pleasant Westchester Co. N.Y.
B.G.
Sarles residing in Sing Sing Westchester County State of N.Y.
David Reed, the Executor, petitioned for probate of the will
of Oliver Washburn, late of
Proved on 22 May 1872 by Bartholomew G. Sarles of the town of
Letters of Administration were granted to David Reed,
Executor of the estate of Oliver Washburn, late of the town of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Oliver J. Washburn of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County, New York (1878) *
I
Oliver J Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant county of Westchester and State
of New York mindful of the uncertainties of human life do make publish and
declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following
First I direct my Executors and
Executrix hereinafter named to pay all my just debts and funeral expense
Second I give devise and bequeath
to my wife Emily T Washburn one half of all my estate both real and personal
Third I give devise and bequeath to
my Executors and executrix hereinafter named one half of all my estate both
real and personal in trust to receive the interest rents issues and profits
arising therefrom and apply the same to the support maintenance and education
of my daughter Olive J Washburn until she shall arive at the age of twenty one
years
Fourth when my said daughter shall
arive at the age of twenty one years I direct my executors and executrix
hereinafter named to pay over and convey to my said daughter the one half of my
estate let to them in trust for her
Fifth In case of the death of my
said daughter before she arives at the age of twenty one years and leaves no
heirs then I direct my executor and executrix to pay over to my brothers and
sisters, Morgan, Benjamin S Oscar and Isaac T. and Ellen and Mary Eurily? or
their heirs also the heirs of my sister Aby Jane (deceased) (they to have her
share) The one half of my estate let to them in trust for my daughter Olive J
Washburn for ever share & share alike and direct my executors to pay over
and convey the same to them
Sixth I hereby authorize and direct
my Executors and executrix hereinafter named to sell and dispose of my real
estate and stocks as soon after my death as they shall deem advisable and give
a good and sufficient deed or deeds of conveyance of the same and pay over to
my said wife one half the perceeds arrising from such sale and invest the other
one half for the purpose of the trust as herein before provided
Seventh I hereby nominate and
appoint my wife Emily T Washburn executrix and my brother Isaac T Washburn and
my brother in law Amos R Clark Executors of this my last Will and testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 16th day of September 1878
Oliver J Washburn (seal)
Signed published and declared by
the said testator to be his last Will & testament in the presence of us who
have signed our names at his request as witnesses in his presence and in
presence of each other
Morgan Washburn
Lemuel O Washburn
Presented for probate on 10 Oct. 1878 by Isaac T. Washburn,
one of the Executors, and proved by Lemuel O Washburn of the town of Mount
Pleasant and Morgan Washburn of the town of New Castle on 18 Oct. 1878. William
M. Skinner was appointed as special guardian for the minors of the deceased.
Letters of Testamentary on the estate of Oliver J Washburn,
late of Mt Pleasant, were granted to Emily T Washburn and Isaac T Washburn,
Executrix and Executor, on 18 Oct. 1878.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Weschester County Probate, Wills Vol. 86, p. 199-205, and
Letters Testamentary Vol. M, p. 141.
Will of Peter Washburn of
In the
name of God Amen this twentieth day of March 1806 I Peter Washburn of Dartmouth
in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman Being far
Advanced in years by Nature decaying But of a Sound Mine and Memory which I
thank God for, calling to Mind the Mortality of the Body, and knowing it is
appointed for man once to die Do Make and ordain this my Last Will and and
[sic] testament first and principally of all to commit my soul to God that gave
it and my Body to the dust to be Decently Buried by my Executor hereafter Named
by as touching such Worldly Estate as the lord hath been pleased to bless me
with I do dispose of in the following manner after my funeral charges &
just Debts is paid.
In
Primus I give & Bequeath to my Beloved son Ira Washburn the north part of
that farm North of the Road that leads from the Mills to the Meeting house that
he now Lives on with all the privaledges to the same belonging free and clear
to him his heirs & assigns forever, to his Disposal together with the
remainder of said farm and my homested farm stock and farming tools to come
into possession of immediately after my Decease, All except What I shall
reserve the Improvement of to my two daughters, viz—Deborah Washburn &
Margaret Washburn during their Natural Lives, together with the stock that I
shall give to them free and clear to their disposal, After them to him My
beloved son Ira Washburn free and clear to him his heirs and assigns forever.
Item I
Give and bequeath to the heirs of my Beloved daughter Anna Shearman Dec. Viz
Ebenezer Shearman, Ruben Shearman, and thurston Shearman, One dollar Each to be
paid in One year after my Decease by my Executor.
Item I
give and Bequeath to my Beloved daughter Deborah Washburn all my indoor
movables except what I Shall Hereafter reserve to my daughter Margaret
Washburn, together with my Looms and all the tackling to them belonging with
all my wearing apparel to her heirs and assigns forever.
Item I
give and bequeath to my Beloved daughter Margaret Washburn one feather bed and
furniture and a chest with a drans[?] free and clear forever with the use and
improvement of my household furniture during her Natural Live or What she needs
for her comfort.
Item I
Give and Bequeath to my two daughters Deborah & Margaret Equally between
them One Cow, five sheep, one Swine free and clear to their disposal together
with a privaledge to keep said stock on the homestead farm having an Equal
chance with the other stock that is kept on said farm and it is my Will that
there be no more stock but that the above mentioned will be kept Well yearly
together with the use and improvement of my dwelling house Barn and other out
houses and Orchard with the privaledge and improvement of the Square beginning
at the Northwest corner of the orchard Southwardly to the road and by and with
with [sic] the road till it Comes to the east End of the barn from thence to
the first mentioned corner to be as Wide on the road as from the North east
Corner of the barn to the north west Corner of the orchard to have the improve
of the above Square with all the privaledges to it belonging during their
Natural lives.
Item I
Give and Bequeath to the heirs of my Beloved Daughter Rhobe Chase viz. Amasa
Chase & Ichabod Chase, one dollar each and ten dollars to Abigail Chase
when each comes of age to receve said money by or from my Executor.
It is my
Will that my Executor hereafter named Shall furnish my two daughters Viz
Deborah Washburn and Margaret Washburn with the following Necssaries of live
Annually during their Natural Lives Unless one should Marry in that case one
half to cease fifteen bushels of good Grinding corn five Bushel of Rye four
Gallons of molasses twelve pounds of sugar two pounds of tea fire wood at the
door sufficient for one fire ten pounds of good Ham and to pay doctor Bills and
taxes and to keep their fences and buildings in good repair & provided my
Beloved son Ira whom I shall further mention should decese the improve of my
homested farm and that part south of the road where he now liveth will come
into possession of my two daughters.
I now
give to my Beloved son Ira Washburn the remainder and residue of all Estate
that I have not Mentioned if any there be to him his heirs and assigns forever
Whom I do therefore Constitute Ordain and appoint to be my Executor to this my
last Will and testament and Revoking all others, Declaring this to be my last
Will and testament.
In
Witness hereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal this twentieth day of
March one thousand eight hundred and six.
his
Peter
X Washburn
mark
Signed Sealed and Declared
to be my last will &
testament in Presence of
James Gifford
William Russell
Elizabeth Gifford
Octo
7, 1817, approved
Presented in court on 7 Oct. 1817 by Ira Washburn, executor,
and proved by James Gifford and Elisabeth Gifford. Holder Slocum Esq. &
James Gifford, yeoman, both of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from the Bristol County Probate File “Peter Washburn, Dartmouth, 1817,” from FHL microfilm #0577880, the will recorded in Bristol County Probate Vol. 54, p. 64.
Will of Phebe Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1862) *
Know all men that I Phoebe Washburn of Lenox County of
Berkshire & State of Massachusetts being of sound mind & memory do make
& publish this my Last Will & Testament to wit.
1st I give and bequeath to my son Samuel
Washburn the Sum of Twenty Dollars to him & his heirs
2d I give & bequeath to my daughter
Olive Sedgwick the Sum of twenty dollars
3d I give & bequeath to Olive Washburn Widow
of my son Ira the Sum of ten dollars, Also the sum of Forty Dollars to be
Equally divided between my Grand Children William, Henry, Roxana & Martha
& their heirs
4th I give & bequeath of my household
furniture as follows, to my Grand daughters Roxana & Martha Each one
Feather bed, one pair of sheets & one Kersey blanket, Two Pillow &
Cases. – I Give & bequeath to my daughter Laura one Beaureau. I give &
bequeath to my son Miles one Writing desk. the remainder of my Household
furniture & linen, I give and bequeath to Olive Sedgwick, Laura Blossom,
Emily Washburn wife of sd Miles to be Equally divided between them. The rest
& residue of my persanal Estate I give and bequeath to my son Miles
Washburn & my daughter Laura Blossom to be Equally divided between them to
reward them for their care and Expense for all my wants & to renumerate
Miles for the board of my daughter Laura while with me & to renumerate Laura
for her services and Kindness to me –
And I do hereby appoint my son Miles Washburn to be my Sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament.
In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & seal this 17th day of Febuary
1862.
Phebe Washburn (seal)
The foregoing instrument was subscribed by the said Phoebe
Washburn in our presence & acknoweledged by her to be her last will &
Testament, & we at her request & in her presence have signed our names
as witnesses hereto.
Thos
Sedgwiock
Henry
Sedgwick
Emily
Washburn
Presented for probate on 2 Apr. 1867 by Miles Washburn of
Lenox, and proved by Thos Sedgwick and Henry Sedgwick, of Lenox.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol. 12, p. 15-16, from FHL
microfilm #1750451.
Will of Philander Washburn of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1882) *
I Philander Washburn of Middleboro in the County of Plymouth
and State of Massachusetts make this my last will and testament hereby revoking
all former wills by me heretofore made.
I appoint my son
George Washburn to be the sole executor of and sole Trustee under this will,
and I will and direct that no sureties or surety shall be required of him upon
his official bond, either as such executor or trustee.
All property and
estate of every name and nature of which I shall die seized, possessed, or in
any way entitled to, I give devise and bequeath to my said son George Washburn,
In Trust, nevertheless, to have, hold and dispose of the same upon and
according to the following declared Trusts, and for no other purpose and in no
other way.
First. To pay all just claims against my estate.
Second. To furnish with a home and maintain and support in
the same manner and style as I have done and now do, my beloved wife Elizabeth
Homes Washburn, and my unmarried daughter Mary L. Washburn so long as my said
wife shall survive me; and upon the decease of each my said wife, and my said
daughter before her mother, to pay her funeral expenses and place a headstone
at her grave, all in a becoming and suitable manner.
Third. Upon the death of my said wife and upon my death, in
case my said wife shall not survive me, to retain one third of all my said
property which shall then remain to himself as and for his own property and
estate in fee simple forever; to pay and make over one third of my said
property which shall then remain to my said daughter Mary L. Washburn, if she
shall then be living; to hold the remaining one third of my said remaining
property as a trust fund, and invest and keep the same invested as a Trust Fund,
and collect the income and interest thereon and therefrom, and quarter yearly
so far as practicable pay the same to my daughter Elizabeth W. Brainard so long
as she live; and upon the decease of my said daughter Elizabeth W. leaving
issue her surviving under the age of twenty one years, to pay said income and
interest equally to and among such issue until the youngest of such issue shall
arrive at the age of twenty one years, at which time he shall pay and make over
said Trust Fund share and share alike to and among the issue of said Elizabeth
W. the issue of any deceased child of said Elizabeth W. in all cases to take
the parents share by right of representation; and upon the death of said
Elizabeth W. leaving no issue her surviving and in case of the death of said
Elizabeth W. and all issue of hers before the youngest of such issue of hers
arrives at the age of twenty one years, then to pay, make over, and distribute
said Trust Fund to and among my heirs at law in the same proportions as they
would take the same by descent from me dying intestate. And I direct said
Trustee that in case at any time the income of said Trust Fund shall seem to
him insufficient for the suitable support of my said daughter Elizabeth W. and
her issue, he may pay over to or expend for her or her issue such portion of
the principal of said Trust Fund as he shall from time to time deem expedient,
and this without accountability to any one. And I will and direct that in case
any share of my lapsed legacy hereunder should be coming to said Elizabeth W.
or her issue hereunder, that the same shall go to and be held in trust by my
said son George Washburn in every way the same as is above provided in respect
to the Trust Fund above given to him for the benefit of my said daughter Elizabeth
W. and her issue.
I give to my said son
George Washburn full power and authority alike as such executor and as such
trustee, at such price or price’s and at public or private sale all as he shall
deem expedient from time to time sell, and by proper and effectual instruments
in writing convey any and all property at any time constituting the estate left
and devised by me, or held by him as executor of or trustee under this will,
always seeking safe investments of so much of the proceeds of such sales, as he
shall not find it in his opinion necessary or expedient to use in payment of
debts or other proper expenditures hereunder, and I give to whoever may be
executor or trustee in place of my said son George Washburn, all, every and the
same rights, powers and authority and discretion, alike as executor and
trustee, as are herein and hereby given to my said son as executor and trustee.
In testimony whereof
I hereunto set my hand and seal and publish and declare this to be my last will
and testament in presence of the witnesses named below, this seventeenth day of
February in the year eighteen hundred and eighty two. 1882.
Philander Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named
Philander Washburn of Middleboro as and for his last will and testament, in
presence of us, who in his presence and in presence of each other and at his
request have hereunto set our names as witnesses hereof.
John
Shaw
Charles
W. Drake
Henry
D. Smith
Presented for probate on the second Monday of Jan. 1883 by
George Washburn, of Middleborough. Letters Testamentary were granted without
sureties to George Washburn on 8 Jan. 1883.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 153, p. 473-475, from FHL microfilm
#0556654, and Vol. 156, p. 46.
Will of Philip
Washburn of Kingston, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1853)
*
Be it
remembered, that I Philip Washburn of Kingston, of sound mind and memory, make
this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following ~ that is to say ~
To my son Thaddeus R.
Washburn I give the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, and my best Desk.
To my grand children,
Martha, wife of Horatio Bearce, and Jerome Washburn, children of my son Harvey
Washburn, deceased, I give the sum of Ten Dollars each.
To my daughter
Patience Sampson, wife of Constant Sampson Jun., I give the sum of Four Hundred
Dollars, being the amount of the note I hold against her husband.
To my grandchild,
William W. Symmes, son of my daughter Mary, deceased, I give the sum of Ten
Dollars.
I give and bequeath to
Joshua Delano of Kingston the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, in Trust nevertheless
for the use and benefit of my son Philip Washburn, and to be expended for the
use and benefit of my said son at the discretion of the Trustee.
I give, devise and
bequeath to said Joshua Delano my House and Lot in said Kingston, near Jones
River, which I purchased of Thomas P. Beal, in fee, in Trust nevertheless for
the use and benefit of my son Charles H. Washburn, during the life of my said
son ~ on his death the Trust estate shall cease, and the property, if any
remains, shall go to the heirs of said Charles.
I also give, devise
and bequeath in fee to said Joshua Delano my Homestead in Rocky Nook, so
called, in said Kingston, which I purchased of David Beal, in Trust,
nevertheless for the use and benefit of my son George L. Washburn ~ said Trust
to continue during the life of my said son, and on his death, if any remains,
to go to his heirs.
I give to my daughter
Martha Bradford, wife of John C. Bradford, the sum of One Hundred and Fifty
Dollars.
All the
rest and residue of my Estate, real and personal, I give, devise and bequeath
to said Joshua Delano, in fee, in Trust nevertheless, for the use and benefit
of my two sons, Philip and George in equal parts, and said Trust to be, and
continue, and to cease, as in case of the above specific Trusts.
I
nominate and appoint Joshua Delano to be Executor of this my last Will and
Testament.
In
testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and seal this eighth day of August, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
Philip Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by said Philip
Washburn as his last Will and Testament, in presence of us, who, in his
presence, and by his request set our names as Witnesses.
Wm
Thomas
Sarah
W. Thomas
Benja.
Delano
The last Will and Testament of Philip Washburn late of
Kingston in said County, Master Mariner deceased, was presented for probate by
Joshua Delano, the Executor, on the third Monday of May, 1854, and proved by
Benjamin Delano and William Thomas, two of the Witnesses.
The Inventory of the Estate of Philip Washburn late of
Kingston, Master Mariner, was appraised by John Gray, Edward Gray, and
Philander Cobb, on 20 May 1843, his real estate totaled $1659.00, including his
homestead house & improved land valued at $1167, and the house & land
occupied by Chas Washburn valued at $400, and his personal estate
totaled $1019.00, including the $400 note from Constant Sampson Jr., and
another $400 note from Benjamin Delano. Joshua Delano, the Executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 14 Aug. 1854.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 96, pp. 182-184, 321, from FHL
microfilm #0555642.
Will of Priscilla
D. Washburn of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1855) *
Be it
known that I Priscilla D. Washburn of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth,
Single-woman do hereby make, publish and declare this instrument to be my last
Will and Testament in manner following to wit:
I give,
devise & bequeath to my mother Priscilla W. Washburn all the estate both
real & personal of which I may die seized and possessed & in which I
may have any interest whatever to have and to hold the same to her & her
heirs & assigns forever.
I
appoint my mother Priscilla W. Washburn sole Executrix of this my last Will
& Testament.
I make
no bequest to my half sisters Margaret Brown and Lydia Ladd.
In
witness of all which I have hereto set my hand & seal this tenth day of
April in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Priscilla D. Washburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Priscilla D. Washburn as
& for her last Will & Testament in presence of us who at her request,
in her presence and in presence of each other have hereto subscribed our names
as witnesses.
William
T. Drew
Winslow
Drew
Thos.
Churchill
Presented for probate on the second Monday of February 1864
by Priscilla W. Washburn of Plymouth, with Winslow Drew and Wm. H.
Whitman, of Plymouth, as sureties. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Priscilla W. Washburn, of Plymouth, on 8 Feb. 1864.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 104, p. 488-489, from FHL microfilm
#0555646, and Vol. 114, p. 430 (458).
Will of Richard Washborn of New Castle, Westchester County, New York (1832)
*
Be it Remembered that I Richard Washborn of the town of New
Castle, County of Westchester, and State of New York, considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound and perfect mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form
follows, viz: I hereby appoint Moses Haight of New Castle and Joseph Pierce of
Mount Pleasant both in the County and State aforesaid my executors who are
authorised and empowered to sell my Farm lying and being in the town of New Castle,
County and State aforesaid, Bounded on the East by the road leading from
friends Meeting house to Timothy Conklin’s Mills on the south by lands of
Sutton Reynolds, southerly and westerly by the land of Benjamin Kipp Jr. West
and North by lands of Benjamin and Gilbert Kipp Northerly and Easterly by lands
of Thomas Doodge, Easterly by the burying ground and land of Samuel Allen) at
any time they shall think most proper before my Youngest child arrives of age,
and out of the monies arising from the sale, I give my wife One thousand
dollars to be at her disposal, and my son, Rhuben the sum of Sixty five
dollars, and the residue and remainder of my property to be equally divided
among my five children, share and share alike viz Caleb U. Washborn, Aaron Washborn,
Maria Washborn, Sarah Washborn and Rhuben Washborn, and further it is my will
that my wife and family remain on and have the use of my property real and
personal until my Executors above named shall think proper to sell the same.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
twenty sixth day of fifth month one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two.
Signed, sealed, published and delivered by the
Testator in presence of
Zephaniah Birdsall
Samuel Allen
Caleb U. Washborn, Aaron Washborn, Maria Washborn, and Sarah
Washborn, minors who reside in the town of New Castle, the children and only
next of kin and heirs at law of Richard Washborn, late of New Castle, deceased,
and Charles A. Purdy, of White Plains, special Guardian of said minors, were
given notice by Joseph Pierce, of Mount Pleasant, on 30 June 1841 that he will
apply for probate of the Will of Richard Washborn on 10 July 1841.
The Will was presented for probate on 23 July 1841, and
proved by Samuel Allen, and Mary Bailey, formerly
Administration of the Will of Richard Worshburn, late of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard Washburn of Herkimer, Herkimer County, New York (1872) *
I, Richard Washburn of the Town and County of Herkimer and
State of New York of the age of 83 years and being of sound mind and memory do
hereby make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament as follows
First, I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Hannah
Washburn the use and enjoyment of my house and lot now owned and occupied by me
and situated on the north side of Mary Street in the Village of Herkimer and
being about 54 feet front and rear and about 200 feet deep, for and during the
term of her natural life and no longer
Second, Subject to the life estate of my said wife in the
aforesaid house and lot, I give devise and bequeath the said house and lot
above described to my Son in law Lorenzo P. Wing absolutely and forever and in
the event that my wife should not survive me then this devise shall become
absolute at my death, And I hereby revoke all other or former Wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
16th day of September A.D. 1872
Richard Washburn (seal)
Subscribed by Richard Washburn the testator named in the
foregoing Will in our presence and at the time of making such subscription declared
by the testator to be his last Will and Testament and each of us sign our names
as witnesses to this Will at the request of the testator and in his presence
and in the presence of each other.
The last line but ones on the first page was interlined
before execution.
John W. Vrooman of Herkimer N.Y.
Bettie F. Vrooman of Herkimer N.Y.
Proved by John W. Vrooman and Bettie F. Vrooman of the town
of Herkimer on 16 Dec. 1873.
Hannah Washburn, widow of Richard Washburn, deceased, was
granted Letters of Administration on the estate of Richard Washburn on 16 Dec.
1873.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Herkimer County Probate, Wills Vol. Q, p. 181-182, and Letters
of Administration Vol. G, p. 413.
Will of Rufus Washburn of Ludlow, Windsor
County, Vermont (1882) *
I Rufus
Washburn of Ludlow in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont being of sound
mind and body and in my usual state of health do hereby make publish and
declare this my last will and testament
First It is my will that all my just debts and
the charges of my funeral be paid and discharged out of my Estate as soon as
may conveniently be done after my decease and I leave the direction of my
funeral to my Executor hereinafter named
2d I give devise and dispose of all my
Estate, real and personal (save what is required for payment of debts funeral
charges and Expenses of the Settlement of my Estate) in the following manner to
wit
3rd I give to my son in law Henry N.
Jenne one thousand dollars current money.
4th. All the remainder and residue of my
Estate real and personal, of whatever it may consist and wheresoever situated I
give devise and bequeath to my grand son, Henry Nathaniel Washburn Jenne.
I hereby
nominate and appoint my friend, Wm. H. Walker to be the Executor of this my
last will and testament.
In testimony
where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal and published and declared this
instrument to be my last will and testament this 21st day of October
A.D. 1882
Rufus Washburn (seal)
signed
sealed published and
declared by
the said Rufus
Washburn as
his last will
and
testament in the presence
of us who
have hereunto sub-
scribed our
names as Witnesses
thereof at
the request and in
the presence
of the said testator
and in the
presence of each
other Martin H. Goddard
Jefferson Baldwin
Frederick A. Fish
Probated on
3 Sept. 1883. William H. Walker, of Ludlow, was appointed as Executor of the
last will and testament of Rufus Washburn, late of Ludlow, on 3 Sept. 1883,
with Martin H. Goddard, of Ludlow, and G. L. Armington, W. D. Ball and J. A.
Dennett, of Ludlow, as sureties.
William D.
Ball and George L. Armington, of Ludlow, were appointed to examine the claims
against the estate of Rufus Washburn, late of Ludlow, on 3 Sept. 1883.
George L.
Armington and Frank A. Walker, both of Ludlow, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Rufus Washburn, late of Ludlow, on 12 Sept. 1883. His homestead place
in Ludlow Village was appraised at $2800, his dwelling house and lot in
Proctorsville was appraised at $1800, and his personal estate totaled
$13,823.50 on 1 Oct. 1883.
Henry N.
Jenne was appointed as guardian of Nathaniel H. W. Jenne, a minor heir of Rufus
Washburn, late of Ludlow.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Windsor County, Vermont, Windsor District File
“Washburn, Hannah B. – Weston, Reuben,” from FHL microfilm #1183445, beginning
at image 163, online at www.FamilySearch.org.
Will and Codicil of Samuel Washburn of
I,
Samuel Washburn, of the town of Mount Pleasant, in the County of Westchester,
considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and
memory – (blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my
last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say: —
First: —
I order and direct that my executors hereinafter appointed, pay all my just
debts and funeral charges.
Second:
— I give and bequeath unto my daughter – Lavinah Israel, the sum of four
hundred and eighty one dollars (which sum will make her equal to her brother
and three sisters, viz, Samuel Washburn Jr, Charlotte Fisher, Hannah Richards,
and Catharine Acker, that is, make her up equal to what I have already given to
them) and to her heirs –
Third: —
I give and bequeath to my five grand children viz – Mary Elisabeth Sarles,
Catherine Estelle Sarles, George Sarles, Willet Sarles, and Elisha B. Sarles,
sons and daughters of my daughter Jemima Sarles the sum of one hundred dollars
each, and in case of the death of any one or more of them before receiving his
or her legacy as afore said, such share or legacies of such so dying I give and
bequeath to his or her children share and share alike, and in case any one or
more of the said five grand children shall die leaving no child or children in
that case I give and bequeath the legacy or legacies of such so dying in equal
shares to the survivors of them.
Fourth:
— I give and bequeath all the residue and remainder of my personal property to
my five children, viz – Lavinah Israel, Hannah Richards, Charlotte Fisher,
Samuel Washburn Jr, and Catharine Acker, share and share alike, and to their
several and respective heirs —
Lastly:
— I nominate, constitute and appoint my son Samuel Washburn and my son in law,
Hiram Fisher, executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all
former Wills by me made.
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th
day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred fifty three –
his
Samuel X Washburn (seal)
mark
The
above and within instrument consisting of one sheet was now here subscribed by Samuel
Washburn, the testator, in the presence of each of us and was at the same time
declared by him to be his last Will and testament and we at his request sign
our names thereto attesting witnesses,
Abel Smith, Jr., town of
Nathaniel Hyatt, town of
Codicil
I,
Samuel Washburn, of the town of Mount Pleasant in the County of Westchester, do
hereby revoke and make void, all that Second Clause of my will hereunto
annexed, which clause gives and bequeaths to my daughter Lavinah Israel the sum
of four hundred and eighty one dollars to make her equal to the rest of my
children, as therein stated which revocation is for the following reasons,
viz—That on or about the middle of April last I paid as an advancement to the
said Lavinah my daughter as aforesaid, the said sum of four hundred and eighty
one dollars – which with what I already had given her made up her equal to the
other of my children as in the mid second clause is stated, leaving all the
residue of the said Will to remain in full force and virtue –
In
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th
day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
X
Samuel
Washburn (seal)
The
above instrument as Codicil to the annexed Will was now here subscribed by
Samuel Washburn, the testator in the presence of each of us and was at the same
time declared by him to be such instrument, and we at his request, signed our
names thereto as attesting witnesses
Nathaniel Hyatt, New Castle, W. Chester Co.
Charles Edgar Fisher, Mt Pleasant, “
“
Hiram Fisher applied for probate of the will on 21 Apr. 1855,
and a new citation was issued to give notice to Willet Washburn, George Sarles,
Willet Sarles, and John P. Jenkins, guardian ad litem of Elisha B. Sarles on 16
June 1855.
Proved on 26 June 1855 by Nathaniel Hyatt, of New Castle, one
of the witnesses to the will and codicil, by Abel Smith Jr., of Greenburgh,
formerly of New Castle, one of the witnesses to the will, and by Charles Edgar
Fisher, of Mount Pleasant, one of the witnesses to the codicil.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Samuel M. Washburn of
I Samuel
M Washburn of the city of
First I direct
that my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.
Second I give devise
and bequeath unto my beloved wife Esther Washburn all my property both real and
personal of every name and kind whatsoever and wheresoever situate.
Lastly I hereby
nominate and appoint my beloved wife Esther Washburn Executrix of this my last
will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twelfth day of June
AD 1873.
Samuel M. Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one half sheet was now
here subscribed by Samuel M Washburn the testator in the presence of each of
us, and was at the same time declared by him to be his last will and testament
and we at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other
sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses.
Robt N Palmer of
Sarah E Thorne of
Whereas,
I, Samuel M Washburn of the city of Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess and
State of New York have made my last will and testament bearing date the twelfth
day of June AD 1873 in and by which I have given, devised and bequeathed all my
property both real and personal to my beloved wife Esther Washburn, Now
therefore I do by this instrument which I hereby declare to be a Codicil to my
last will and testament and to be taken as a part thereof order and direct that
in case my said wife Esther Washburn shall die before me, then I give, devise
and bequeath all my property both real and personal of every name and kind
whatsoever and wheresoever situate to Hannah Ackerman of the City of
Poughkeepsie. And it is my desire that this Codicil be annexed to and be made a
part of my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of March
AD 1875. his
Samuel
M X Washburn (seal)
mark
The foregoing instrument was at the date thereof subscribed
by Samuel M Washburn in our presence and he at the same time declared said
instrument to be a Codicil to his last will and testament and requested us to
sign our names as witnesses which we do in his presence and in the presence of
each other The above was read over to Samuel M Washburn before signing.
Robt
N Palmer of Po’keepsie
Edwin
Morey of
The Will was proved by Sarah E. Walter, formerly Sarah E.
Thorne, and Robert N. Palmer, both of the City of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Washburn of Lenox, Berkshire County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1879) *
I Samuel Washburn of Lenox in the County of Berkshire and
state of Massachusetts, being in good health and of sound disposing mind and
memory do make publish and declare this instrument to be my last will and
testament hereby revoking and making and declaring null and void all former
wills by me made.
First I nominate my
two sons Franklin and Frederick Washburn and Thomas Post all of Lenox aforesaid
to be executors of this instrument and I direct them and the survivors or
survivor of them to act in that capacity and to pay out of my estate all my
just debts and funeral expenses and the expenses of settling my estate
Second To my grand
children the children of my deceased daughter Sophia Sabin late wife of George
Sabin of Newark New Jersey their names being Samuel Sabin, Elizabeth Sabin and
William Sabin I give them each nothing
Third After the
payment of my just debts funeral expenses and the expenses of settling my
estate I give devise and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of my
estate, real personal and mixed rights and credits of every name nature and
description and wheresoever situated, unto my two sons Franklin Washburn and
Frederic Washburn to have and to hold to them and their heirs and assigns
respectively forever share and share alike
Provided however and
the devise and bequest herein to my son Frederic is on this condition that he
make no claim against my estate of any kind whatever and if he does make any
claim for anything against my estate and if any of it is allowed the amount
allowed and all expenses incurred by my executors or my estate defending it or
concerning the same shall be deducted from his share which he is to have under
this will before any thing shall be paid to him or delivered to him out of my
estate.
In witness whereof
I hereunto set my hand and seal this Seventeenth day of December A.D. 1879 at
Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire
Samuel Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
Samuel Washburn the said testator, to be his last will and testament in our
presence who in his presence and at his request and in his presence hereto set
our names as witnesses to all the same
A.
J. Waterman
Geo.
H. Tucker
H.
McPitt
Presented for probate on 20 July 1880 by Frederick and
Franklin Washburn and Thomas Post, of Lenox, who declined to take the trust of
executors, and petitioned that administration with the will annexed be granted
to Henry W. Taft of Pittsfield. Henry W. Taft of Pittsfield was granted
administration of the estate of Samuel Washburn with the will annexed on 20
July 1880, with Frederick Washburn and Franklin Washburn as his sureties.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Berkshire County Probate Wills Vol. 121, p. 217-218, from FHL
microfilm #1750454.
Will of Sarah Elizabeth Washburn of Greenburgh, Westchester County, New York (1874) *
In
the name of God Amen
I Sarah Elizabeth Washburn of Irvington town of Greenburgh
county of Westchester State of New York being of sound mind and memory and
considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make
ordain publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament that is to say
First After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged I
give and bequeath to my children Abraham Eva and Arthur Gerard all my real and
personal property of any kind whatsoever to be at my death devided equally
between them upon the youngest attaining the age of twenty one years
Second In case any of my said children die before the
youngest attains the age of twenty one years then my estate of any kind
whatsoever to be divided equally between or to those that remain
Third If they all die without attaining the age of twenty one
years then my estate of any kind whatsoever to go to my husband Thomas B
Washburn or should he be dead then to the nearest of kin
Fourthly My Executor hereafter mentioned to pay out of my
estate all necessary funds for my proper burial and to make such disposition of
my property as will be most beneficial for the children Likewise I make
constitute and appoint Thomas B Washburn my husband the Executor of this my
last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal the twenty sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and seventy four
Sarah Elizabeth Washburn (seal)
The above written Instrument was subscribed by the said Sarah
Elizabeth Washburn in our presence and acknowledged by her to each of us and
she at the same time declared the above instrument so subscribed to be her last
Will and Testament and we at her request have signed our names as witnesses
hereto and written opposite our names our respective places of residence “The
letter B. between Thomas and Washburn was inserted before signing
Jacob Acker East
Irvington NY
Calvin Keyser
Irvington NY
Wm F. Moller
Irvington NY
Presented for probate on 10 Nov. 1874 by Thomas Washburn, the
Executor, and proved by William F. Moller of the town of Greenburgh and Jacob
Acker of the town of Greenburgh on 23 Nov 1874. A special guardian was
appointed for the minors of the deceased.
Letters Testamentary on the estate of Sarah Elizabeth
Washburn, late of the town of Greenburgh, were granted to Thomas Washburn, the
Executor, on 23 Nov. 1874.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Westchester County Probate, Wills Vol. 74, p. 42-47, and Letters
Testamantary Vol. L, p. 4.
Will of Sarah
Jane Washburn of
The
last Will & Testament of Sarah Jane Washburn now of the City of
First, I direct after the payment of all just demands against
me and of the expenses of suitable grave Stones to be erected at the graves of
my father and myself that the interest on all the monies remaining due (except
One hundred dollars hereinafter mentioned) be paid to my Mother Annually during
her life.
Secondly, I give & bequeath to St. Pauls Church in the
City of
Fourthly, I appoint my Uncle Isaac McConike of the City of
Sarah J. Washburn
The
above instrument Consisting of one Sheet was at the date thereof Signed Sealed
published & declared by the Said Sarah Jane Washburn as and for her last
Will & testament in the presence of us who at her request & in her
presence & in the presence of each other have Subscribed our names as
Witnesses thereto
Sara T. McConike residing in Troy
County of Rensselaer
Isaac M McConike do do
do do
Proved by Sara T. McConike on 5
July 1847.
Next of kin on 5 July 1847 of Sarah Jane Washburn, who died
on 14 Oct. 1846 in Madison County, leaving a will dated 28 July 1846 were
listed by her executor, Isaac M. McConike, as her mother Mary Ann Johnson of
Syracuse, Onondaga County, and her brothers David Washburn of Syracuse, Isaac
Washburn of Eaton, Madison County, Arthur Washburn whose place of residence us
unknown, and _____ Washburn, whose place of residence is unknown.
On 26 Jan. 1853 Mary Anne Johnson reported that her son Isaac
lives in Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wisconsin, her son Arthur lives in Iowa, her
son David is said to be living somewhere in Ohio, and son Samuel is dead,
having lived in Buffalo at the time of his decease.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Sarah
S. Washburn of
Know all
men by these presents, that I Sarah S. Washburn, of Northampton County of
Hampshire, state of
First
After
the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses, I give and bequeath unto my
neice Mary Susan Cushing and my nephew Arthur Miles Cushing all my real and
personal property, of whatever kind or wherever situated share and share alike,
to them their heirs and assigns forever
Second
I
nominate and appoint Arthur M Cushing to be the executor of this my last will
and testament.
In
witness whereof I, Sarah S. Washburn have hereunto set my hand — seal at
Sarah S. Washburn
Subscribed
by the said Sarah S. Washburn in the presence of each of us, as and for her
last will and testament, who at her request, in her presence and in the
presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Wm
H. Viney MD
E.
W. Sanderson
M.
R. Sanderson
Probated in 1882, according to the index, but the letters of
administration were not recorded with the will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Seth Washburn Esq. of
Leicester,
In
the name of God Amen — I Seth Washburn
of
Leicester in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr
being at this time in a low state of Health but through the goodness of God of
a sound disposing mind and memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to die do make and ordain this my last Will & Testament and first and
principally I give and bequeath my precious and immortal Soul into the hand of
God who gave it me (when ever it shall please him to call), And my Body to the
Earth from whence it was taken to be buried in a decent manner at the
discression of my Executor herein hereafter named nothing doubting but at the
general Ressurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of
God. And as touching the worldly goods & Estate wherewith it has pleased
God by his Blessing upon my Industry to endow me, I give bequeath & Devise
as follows
Imprimis. To Sarah my beloved Wife I give and bequeath all
the Household furniture which she had when we married and three cows, and a
Horse to ride, a pair of Oxen and the Cart and wheels and a hoe & Draft
chain, an Ox & plow—the tools and Creatures during her natural Life but at
her decease the said Creatures & tools or the value of them to revert to my
Heirs, and I give my said Wife the Indentures of John & Polly Terry, if my
Decease should happen, before they are out and the income of the place that was
hers During her life time agreeable to her first Husbands will reference
thereto being had— I give and devise to my Grandson Seth Washburn son of my
deceased son Seth Sixty Acres of Land in Callis in the State of Vermont to him
his Heirs and assigns forever which with what I gave to his deceased Father is
one full share of my Estate, provided nevertheless if that he should die
childless the said Land to revert back to my Surviving Heirs—
Item, I give my weareing apparel to my two sons—Joseph and
Asa—
Item, I give and bequeath to my unmarried Daughters the use
of the North Chamber in the in the House which I own in the North part of
Leicester together with a priviledge in the Kitchen, Cellar and Well and
Liberty to bake in the oven in the North room and to get Wood on the farm so
long as they shall remain Single—
Item—To my sons Joseph & Asa, I give bequeath and devise
to them their Heirs and assigns forever the whole of my lands in Callis not
above disposed of to be equally divided between them. Furthermore it is my will
that my Real Estate not disposed of should be sold & that my Just debts and
funeral charges be paid out of the proceeds thereof, or of my personal Estate
as shall be most convenient—And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son
Joseph Washburn Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby
authorizing him to sell and dispose of all my Real and personal Estate
excepting the indoor moveables which I give and bequeath to my Daughters to be
devided as will be hereafter mentioned—And the whole amount of my Interest
after my Just debts and funeral charges are paid to be Equally devided between
my Children, Viz., Joseph, Asa, Marah, Hannah, Sarah Amittai & Lucia with
this proviso that the two sons are to have no reference in this devission to
what they have recived of my Estate but those of the Daughters who have recived
no part of their portion are to be made Equal to those who have, before the
general devission takes place and as they are all of age, I see no need of an
appraisement—
Item. The Blacksmith Tools, and the farming tools not given
to my wife I give to my two sons any thing above written notwithstanding—And I
do hereby utterly disannul and revoke all former or other wills or Instruments
by me made and I do ratify and Confirm this to be my last Will and Testament—
In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my Seal the Ninth day of December in the
year of our Lord 1790—
Signed, Sealed, published & declared in
presence of us— Matthew
Jackson
Joseph
Wicker } Seth Washburn (seal)
Ebenr.
Washburn
We the subscribers hereby freely fully and absolutely
Relinquish that part of the Legacy and bequest made to us by our late Hond
Father deceased in the within written Instrument which relates to our using and
improving the dwelling House and firewood on the farm in the North part of the
Town of Leicester— In Testamony whereof we have hereunto set our hands this
fourth day of March A.D. 1794 Hannah
Washburn
Test Ebenr
Washburn Lucy
Washburn
Matthw
Washburn [sic—
Sendeth
Greeting
Know ye
that on the fourth day of March A.D. 1794. The Instrument hereunto annexed
purporting the last Will and Testament of Seth Washburn late of Leicester in
said
In
Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this day and year
abovesaid Jas Dorr J Prob
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silas
Worshburn of
In the
Name of God Amen the eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred & eighty five I Silas Worshburn of North Castel in
the County of Westchester and State of New York Gentleman being very week in
bodey but of parfect mind and memory thanks be given unto Good therefore
calling unto mind the mortality of my bodey and knowing that it is appinted for
all men men once to dye Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that
is to say principely and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the
hands of God that gave it and for my bodey I recommend it to the earth to be
bured in a Christain like and desent manner at the decrison of my Executors and
as touching such worley estate wharewith it thath pleased God to bless me in
this life I give and devise and despose of the same in the following mannar and
form.– Imprimis, Item First my Will is that all my just depts. and funarl
Charges be paid & satisfied.– Item my Will is that my Executors shall sell
so much land of the south eand of my farm as shall pay all my just depts.– Item
my Will is and I give and bequeath unto Mary my dearly beloved Wife one feather
bed and beding togather with one silvar Cup and six sillver tea spoons and olso
one side saddel and also my Iarn gray
mare – Item and my Will is that my dearly beloved Wife shall have the whole use
of all my farme togather with the whole use of all my houshold goods stock and
farmang utenchels to bring up my Children with that is to say until my youngest
son shall arive to the age of fourteen years.– Itam my Will is and I give and
bequeath unto my Well beloved Son Bethell the sum of teen pounds out of my
estate befor devison.– Item I give unto my dafter Daborah one feather bed and
beding befor devison.– Itam & my Will is that all my estate rail and
parsonal exept what I have before given given to my Wifee son and dafter shall
be sold at the discrison of my Executers and that the moneys that shall arise
tharfrom to be deviaded as followeth that is the one third part I give unto my
dearly beloved wife Mary the other two thirds to be eaquely devided betwean my
sons and dafters that is my son Bethuel and my son Caleb and my dafter Phebe
and my dafter Elezebeth and my son Silas and my son Derias and my dafter Mary
and my dafter Hanar and my son Robert and my daughter Freelove and my dafter
Daborah and my son Jacob and my Will is that my dearly beloved wife Mary and my
well belov’d son Bethuel shall be my Executers whome I likewise constute make
and ordain my onely and soley Executers of this my last Will and testament and
I do hearby utterly disalow revoak and and disanul all and every other former
tesaments, Wills, legaces and Executer by me in aney ways before this time
named willed and bequeathed rattifying and confirming this and no other to be
my last Will and testament–In Witness whereof I have hearunto set my hand and
seal this day and Year above Ritten.—
Silas Worshburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published, pronounsed and declared by the said Silas Worshburn as his
last Will and testament in the presents of us the Subscribers.—Joseph
Worshburn, John Green, Jacob Carpenter.—
Presented for Probate on 6 Sept. 1786, and proved by Jacob
Carpenter, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silas
Washburn of Freedom,
The last
will and Testament of Silas Washburn Farmer of the Town of Freedom County of
Dutchess & State of New York— — I Silas Washburn of the Town County &
State aforesaid considering the uncertainty of this Mortal life & being of
sound disposing mind and memory (for which I am thankful to Almighty God) do
make and publish this my Last will and Testament in manner & form as
follows that is to say – first, I will and direct that all my just debts and
funeral charges be paid and to that purpose I authorize and empower my
Executors hereinafter named to sell so much of my real & personal Estate
(and at such time or times as they in their discretion may think most advisable
and to the best interests of my property as will be sufficient – I will and
bequeath to my wife Martha Washburn the one third part of my real estate,
thereby confirming her right of dower and in addition thereto I give her two
cows two beds & bedding and two hogs all of which she may select from such
cows Beds & bedding & hogs as I may die possessed of –
I also give and bequeath to my Son Daniel Washburn the sum of
Six hundred Dollars over and above the sum of money which I do not recollect
that he paid towards my farm the past spring –
I also will and bequeath to my son Henry S. Washburn the sum
of two hundred & fifty dollars – I also will and bequeath to my daughter
Polly Morey the wife of Wm R B Morey the sum of twenty five dollars
in addition to whatever of my estate she may have heretofore received. I also
will and bequeath to my daughter Deborah Morey the wife of Joseph Morey the sum
of thirty seven and half dollars in addition to whatever of my estate she may
have heretofore received – I also will and bequeath to my five remaining daughters
to wit to my daughter Catharine, my daughter Jemima, my daughter Eliza, my
daughter Phebe and my daughter Martha All the rest and residue of my estate of
whatever description to be equally divided between them, provided such division
should not exceed the sum of two hundred & fifty dollars—if it should I
will and direct that my Executors should make my son Henry S Washburn equal to
my five last mentioned daughters –
I also
nominate and appoint my friends John Wilkinson & James Congdon Jur. &
my son Daniel Washburn Executors to this my last will & testament hereby
revoking all former wills by me heretofore made – In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of August in the year of
our Lord 1825
his
Signed sealed published Silas X Washburn (seal)
& declared as & for the last mark
will and Testament of Silas Washburn in our presence and
in the presence of the Testator –
John Billins, Darius Washburn, Egbert Cary
The words “Freedom & my” interlined before Execution.
Presented for probate on 10 Sept. 1825, and proved by John
Billins and Darius Washburn, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Daniel Washburn and
James Congdon Junior, two of the Executors, on 10 Sept. 1825.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Silas
Washburn of Davenport, Delaware County, New York (1855) *
In
the name of God Amen: I Silas Washburn of the town of Davenport in the County
of Delaware and State of New York of the age of Seventy eight years, and being
of sound mind and memory (Blessed be God for the same) do make publish &
declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say-
1st I have
provided for the support and maintenance of myself & my wife during our and
each of our natural lives by the Bond of James Evans, now in my possession and
I give and bequeath to my dear wife Polly the provisions for her support and
maintenance as contained in said Bond to be enjoined by her without Charge
against her for the same; and I further order & direct my executors to
place one thousand dollars at interest and to pay the interest accruing upon
the same to my wife annually for her own use and benefit and if in the
Providence of God the above provisions for my wife shall prove inadequate to
her support and maintenance and the expenses of her sickness and funeral
charges, then & in that case, any deficiency may be paid out of the principal
of the said one thousand dollars –
2d I give and
bequeath to Anna Mary Evans and Silas W Evans Children of James Evans all and
every part of the above mentioned One thousand Dollars which shall remain
unexpended at my wifes decease–and the same to be equally divided between the
said Anna Mary and Silas W Evans, share and share alike–.
3d I give and
bequeath to Joseph Barnum son of Ira Barnum five hundred dollars and one bed
and bedding –
4th I give and
bequeath to Sally Barnum Daughter of Ira Barnum five hundred dollars and one
bed & bedding
5th I give and
bequeath to Harriet Evans Daughter of James Evans one bed & bedding –
6th I give and
bequeath to Jane Evans daughter of James Evans one bed and bedding ~
7th I give devise
and bequeath to James Evans all the rest residue and remainder of my Real &
Personal Estate goods & chattels of what name or kind soever –
Lastly
– I do hereby nominate and appoint my friends James Evans of Davenport Delaware
County and Ira Barnum of Jefferson Schoharie County to be Executors of this my
last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of July in
the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty five –
Silas Washburn (seal)
The above Instrument consisting of
one half sheet was at the date thereof viz July 4th 1855
signed sealed published and declared by the said Silas Washburn as & for
his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who at his request and in his
presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
Witnesses
Robert
S. Gallt Harpersfield
Joseph
Gallt Harpersfield
Probated on 7 Dec. 1855, and proved
by Robert S. Gallt of the town of Delhi in the County of Delaware.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Delaware County Wills, Vol. E, p.
504-505, from FHL microfilm #832861.
Will of Simon Washburn of Macomb, St. Lawrence
County, New York (1884) *
In the Name
of God, Amen. I Simon Washburn of Macomb St. Lawrence, being of sound mind and
memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do
therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and
testament, that is to say,
First, After
all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and bequeath to my wife
Lucinda Washburn all my real and personal property lands and tenements and
stock and farming utensels all debts and demands choses in action which shall
be due me at the time of my death to her use and support as long as she the
said Lucinda Washburn shall live and said support shall be governed by her
station in life and her health while she shall live. After the death of the
said Lucinda my present wife the property remaining shall be equally devided
between my children of my last Marriage to wit. Herbert H. Washburn son,
William H. Washburn son, Winford S. Washburn son, Franklin Washburn, the
children of my first wife I consider I have already given an Equtable portion
of property aside of the property I now possess. The property at my decease
shall be left to the use occupation and control of my present wife Lucinda
Washburn as long as the said Lucinda Washburn shall be of sound mind and
capable of managing the estate & affairs incident thereto.
After the
decease of the said Lucinda what property shall remain beyond her support shall
be Equally and Equitabely devided as before stated between my four youngest
children being the children of my last wife the said Lucinda Washburn.
Likewise I
make, constitute and appoint my half brother Andrew J. Rounds and my wife
Lucinda Washburn to be Executers and administrators of this my last will and
testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness
whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the Eleventh day
of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Eighty four,
Simon Washburn (seal)
The above
written instrument was subscribed by the said Simon Washburn in our presence,
and acknowledged by him to each of us; and he at the same time declared the
above instrument, so subscribed, to be his last will and testament; and we at
his request, have signed our names as witnesses hereto, in his presence and in
the presence of each other, and written opposite our names our respective
places of residence,
Alexander B.
Lanney Heuvelton NY,
James
Bean Heuvelton
Erased Abel
Rounds and inserted Andrew J. Rounds as administrator in second line of
appointment of same
Presented
for probate on 9 Apr. 1885 by Andrew J. Rounds, the Executor, who listed his
heirs as his widow Lucinda Washburn, Herbert Washburn, William Washburn,
Winford Washburn and Franklin Washburn, all minors, of Macomb, NY, Rufus
Washburn and Killiner [sic] Washburn, both of DeKalb, NY, and Joseph Washburn,
of Gouverneur, NY. R. E. Waterman was appointed as Special Guardian of the
minors on 4 May 1885.
Andrew J.
Rounds and Lucinda Washburn was granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of
Simon Washburn on 4 May 1885.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Vol. 19, p. 617-619, from
FHL microfilm #0890025, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 8, p. 267.
Will of Solomon Washburn of
Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God, Amen. I Solomon Washburn of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cordwainer, being weak in body, and
considering the uncertainty of this mortal live, and being of sound mind and
memory (blessed be almighty God for the same) do make and publish this as my
last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)
First I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Anna Washburn,
the use and income of all my property, whether Real, Personal or mixed, to hold
to her during her natural life, she making no unnecessary waste or destruction
thereupon; and after her decease I give and bequeath to my youngest son Lewis
Washburn of Middleborough aforesaid the one half of all my real estate, farming
tools and neat stock, to hold to him and to his heirs and assigns forever. — —
Also, I give and bequeath to my two Grand-daughters Anne Hayward and Harriet
Hayward (children of my daughter Anne Hayward late of South Bridgewater
deceas’d) my smallest feather bed with the bedstead and one pair of sheets and
one coverlid. And because I have heretofore given something to my son Reuben
Washburn of Troy in the State of Vermont; and also assisted and help’d my son
Zenas Washburn (late of East Bridgewater deceas’d) to some property, in time
past; therefore I shall make no farther provision for them or their heirs in
this my last Will and Testament.
And
as to the other half of my real Estate, farming tools and neat stock; after my
Executor shall have paid my just debts and funeral charges out of the same;
then the remainder thereof (be it more or less) shall be equally divided
between my three following sons viz. my son Solomon Washburn of South
Bridgewater, my son Nahum Washburn of Halifax and my son Thomas Washburn of
Middleborough, all in the County of Plymouth aforesaid, to hold to them and to
their heirs and assigns forever. — Also, I give and bequeath all the remainder
of my household furniture and other property of every kind (not above disposed
of) to be equally divided between my four following sons, to them and their
heirs viz. Solomon Washburn, Nahum Washburn, Thomas Washburn and Lewis Washburn
above named.
And I do hereby appoint my son
Thomas Washburn aforesaid Sole executor of this my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of August in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and twenty five—
Solomon Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed and declared by the above
named Solomon Washburn to be his last
Will and Testament, in presence of us, who
have hereunto subscribed our names as Wit-
nesses in presence of the Testator -
Livy
Morton
Hazael
Tinkham Jr.
Hazael
Tinkham
Probated on 1 Nov. 1825, proved in court by Livy Morton and
Hazael Tinkham, two of the witnesses, and son Thomas Washburn confirmed as
executor.
Thos. Bennet, Esqr. & Hazael
Tinkham & Livy Morton, all of
* Transcribed by
John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Stephen Washburn of Ossining,
In the
Name of God Amen I Stephen Washburn of the town of
First I hereby authorize and empower my Executors
hereinafter named to sell and dispose of all the real Estate of which I may die
seized except the farm of land situate in the town of Ossining and Mount
Pleasant which I purchased of my Son Whitson Washburn including a small piece
of land adjoining the same which I purchased of Benjamin A. Washburn of about
one and a half acres which is to go with said farm and I authorize and empower
my said Executors to give good and sufficient deeds or deeds of conveyance of
the land so sold by them to the purchasers
Second I give devise and bequeath to my Son Stephen
Washburn all my said farm of land above mentioned situate in the town of
Ossining and Mount Pleasant which I purchased of Whitson Washburn including the
small piece of land I purchased of Benjamin A. Washburn adjoining the said farm
To have and to hold the same to him and to his heirs and assigns forever
Subject to a Mortgage thereof of Four hundred dollars now open and held by
Abraham Washburn The payment of which said Mortgage I hereby charge upon the said
premises
Third I order my Executors hereinafter named to
invest on Bond and Mortgage on unencumbered real Estate the sum of Four
thousand dollars of my Estate and to pay the interest and income therefrom to
my wife Phebe for and during the term of her natural life The same to be paid
in equal half yearly payments I also give and bequeath to my said Wife all my
household furniture of every description and I declare the provision herein
made for my said Wife to be in lieu of dower and thirds in my Estate
Fourth I give and bequeath to my grandson Nathaniel
Griffin Five hundred dollars when he arrives at the age of twenty one years and
if he should die before arriving at that age then I order the said sum to go
into the residue of my Estate
Fifth I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Ann
Augusta Wright the sum of Two hundred dollars
Sixth I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Eliza
out of the proceeds of my said real and my personal Estate the sum of Two
thousand one hundred & 28 dollars
Seventh I give and bequeath to my son Joseph out of
the proceeds of my said real and personal Estate the sum of Six hundred and
fifty dollars
Eighth I give and bequeath to my daughter Harriet
out of the proceeds of my said real and personal Estate the sum of One thousand
and four Hundred dollars
Ninth I give and bequeath to my daughter Ophelia
out of the proceeds of my said real and personal Estate the sum of One thousand
four hundred and fifty dollars
Tenth I give and bequeath to my son Richard out of
the proceeds of my said real and personal Estate the sum of One thousand four
hundred and fifty dollars
Eleventh I give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail
out of the proceeds of my said real and personal Estate the sum of One thousand
four hundred and fifty dollars
Twelfth I given and bequeath to my grand son William
Henry Washburn son of my son Whitson the sum of One thousand four hundred and
fifty dollars of the said proceeds of my said real and personal estate in Trust
nevertheless for my said grand son to invest the same on good security and to
pay to my said son Whitson Washburn the interest income and proceeds thereof
during the life time of my said son Whitson for his support and maintenance and
in the discretion of my said grand son William Henry Washburn to pay and apply
to the Surrogate and maintenance of my said Whitson Washburn such part or
portion of the said principal sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty
dollars he may deem necessary at any time hereafter for the comfortable support
of my said son and upon the death of my said son and upon the death of my said
son Whitson I give the said principal sum of One thousand four hundred and
fifty dollars or such part or portion thereof as shall remain unexpended for
the support of my said son Whitson to my grand daughter Lydia Ann Washburn and
my said grand son William Henry Washburn share and share alike
Thirteenth I order and direct my Executors hereinafter
named to invest on bond and Mortgage on unencumbered real estate the further
sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty dollars of the proceeds of my said
real and personal Estate and to collect the income and interest thereof yearly
and every year and pay the same to my daughter Caroline the Wife of John Jones
during the term of her natural life and on the death of my said daughter I give
and bequeath the said sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty dollars in
equal portions to the children of my said daughter Caroline then living and if
any child or children of said daughter shall then be dead leaving a child or
children then the child or children of the one so dying shall take the same
share which his or her parent would have taken if living
Fourteenth If my Estate should be insufficient to pay
and satisfy all the above legacies in full then I order and direct the
deficiency shall be deducted from the Eight legacies last above given and that
they shall be reduced rateably or in proportion to their several amounts
Fifteenth On the death of my said Wife I give and
bequeath the one seventh part of the said sum of Four thousand dollars ordered
to be invested for her benefit to each of my following named children that is
to say Richard, Caroline, Abigail, Harriet, Ophelia and Ann Eliza and as to the
other seventh part thereof I then give and bequeath the same to my grand son
William Henry Washburn in Trust for my said son Whitson to be added to the said
sum of One thousand four hundred and fifty dollars hereinbefore given to my
said grand son in trust as aforesaid and held by him upon the same trusts in
all respect as are hereinbefore declared as to the said sum of One thousand
four hundred and fifty dollars during the life time of my said son Whitson and
on the death of my said son I give and bequeath the same or such part thereof
as shall remain unexpended for the support of my said son to my grand daughter
Lydia Ann Washburn and my said grand son William Henry Washburn
Sixteenth I give devise and bequeath all the rest
residue and remainder of my property of every nature and description to my nine
children now living to be divided equally between them share and share alike
Seventeenth I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my
friend David Reed and my son in law Lewis Kniffin Executors of this my last
Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me at any time
heretofore made
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 24th day
of May 1859
Stephen Washburn (seal)
Signed
sealed published and declared by the said Testator Stephen Washburn to be his
last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his
presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses The words “two” on the
last line but one and the figures “28” on the last line of 2nd page
written on erasurer before execution
M. L. Cobb of
Henry C. Nelson of
I
Stephen Washburn of the town of
First I
hereby revoke the appointment of David Reed as one of the Executors of my said
Will and hereby appoint as Executors thereof my sons Stephen Washburn Junior
and Richard Washburn who with my son in law Lewis Kniffin named in said Will
are to be the only Executors of my said last Will and Testament
Dated June 16th 1860 Stephen Washburn (seal)
Signed
sealed published and declared by the said Stephen Washburn to be a Codicil to
his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his
presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses
Geo. W. Cartwright Ju’r
Sing Sing
Stephen Washburn Jr. applied for probate of the will of
Stephen Washburn, late of
Henry C. Nelson, of Ossining proved the Will on 5 Dec. 1860,
M. L. Cobb, of Ossining, proved the Will and the Codicil on 5 Dec. 1860, and
Geo. W. Cartwright, of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will
of Susan Washburn of
In
the name of God Amen. I Susan Washburn of the Town of Mount Pleasant in the
County of Westchester and the State of New York of the age of Eighty six years
and being of sound mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last
Will and Testament in manner following that is to say: I give and bequeath to my daughter Amy
Washburn the intruste on all money or notes that may be left after my death for
her use during her natural life, for her to have the use of the property left
by me, or the intrust of it during her life, and after her death to be equally
divided to my remaining children, and the heirs of those not living to receive
their parents share.
I
do hereby nominate and appoint my Son Abraham Washburn and Oliver J. Washburn
to be the Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all
former Wills by me made.
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twelfth day of
September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Susan Washburn
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Susan Washburn as
and for her last Will and Testament, in presence of us who at her request and
in her presence, and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto
Hiram
Fisher
Charles C. Kipp of
Bartholomew R. Washburn Mount Pleasant
Oliver J. Washburn, one of the executors of the last Will and
Testament of Susan Washburn, late of
Proved by Charles C. Kipp of the Town of
Letters of Administration granted to Oliver J. Washburn, one
of the Executors, on 14 Oct. 1861.
Oliver J. Washburn testified on 14 Oct. 1861 that he notified
Warren Sarles and Abraham Sarles on 14 Sept. 1861, Amy Washburn on 16 Sept.
1861, Noah Washburn and Abraham Washburn on 27 Sept. 1861, George Moseman and
Adelia Moseman on 28 Sept. 1861, Jane Whitson on 30 Sept. 1861, Archer Sarles
and Mary Sarles on 30 Sept. 1861, Joseph Sarles and Jesse Washburn on 3 Oct.
1861, Caleb U. Washburn on 4 Oct. 1861, of the probate of the will of Susan
Washburn on 14 Oct. 1861. The notice was addressed to Noah Washburn, Abraham
Washburn, and Caleb U. Washburn, of Mount Pleasant, Jesse Washburn, Amy
Washburn, Abraham Sarles, Joseph Sarles, and Warren Sarles, of New Castle, Jane
Whitson, of Ossining, Archer Sarles and Mary his wife of Cortlandt, George
Moseman and Adelia his wife, of the City and County of New York, Oliver H.
Washburn, of New London, Huron Co., Ohio, Wright Washburn, of Morris, Illinois,
Artemus Miller and Adelia his wife, of Kendall Co., Illinois, George Delazene
and Sarah his wife, of Detroit, Michigan, and Tamar Washburn, whose place of
residence is unknown and cannot be ascertained. Heirs listed by Oliver J.
Washburn on 14 Oct. 1861 were: Sarah E. Dale and Caleb N. Washburn of Lelands,
LaSalle Co., Joseph Whitson, of Freeland, DeKalb Co., Adilia Miller of
Sandwich, DeKalb Co., all in the State of Illinois, Sarah T. Hershel of Jersey
City, New Jersey, Phebe Jane Brundage
and Irene B. Williams of Cortlandt, Westchester Co., New York, Susan A.
Whitson, Almira Smith, Rebecca J. W. Whited, of Yonkers, New York, Warren
Sarles, Abram Sarles, and Jesse Washburn, of New Castle, Westchester Co., New
York, Noah Washburn of Mt. Pleasant, Westchester Co., New York, Flora Sarles,
Emma Sarles, and William Sarles, of Peekskill, Cortlandt, Westchester Co., New
York, Adelia Moseman of the City of Brooklyn, New York, Wright Washburn of
Constantia, Oswego Co., New York, Oliver Washburn, of New London, Ohio, Maria
Couch, Costilla Wenck and Janett Bowditch, of City of New York, Tamar Washburn,
of Utah Territory, the place unknown, the Children of Sarah Delizene, deceased,
supposed to be residing somewhere in the States of Illinois and Massachusetts,
all of full age except Emma Sarles, Flora Sarles, and William Sarles, who are
all minors under 14 years of age, and Aaron W. Delazine and Georgianna Delazine
and Jennie and Ida Houston, whose places of residence are unknown.
Solomon Washburn and Andrew Reynolds were appointed to
appraise the estate of Susan Washburn, late of
Heirs were listed before the 1876 final accounting as: sons
& daughters of the testatrix: Noah Washburn, one full share, Jessee
Washburn, one full share, and Tamar Washburn, one full share; children of Jane
Whitson, a deceased daughter of the testatrix: Sarah Dale, Joseph Whitson,
Susan Whitson, Almira Smith, and Rebeca W. Whited, each entitled to 1/5th of
one full share; children of Mary Sarles, a deceased daughter of the testatrix:
Phebe Jane Brundage, Irene Williams, and Sarah T. Hershel, each entitled to
1/5th of one full share; children of William Sarles, a deceased son of Mary
Sarles, a deceased daughter of the testatrix: Emma Sarles, Flora Sarles, and Wm
Sarles, each entitled to 1/3rd of 1/5th of one full share; son of Jesse K.
Sarles, a deceased son of Mary Sarles, a deceased daughter of the testatrix:
Charles Wesley Sarles, entitled to 1/5th of one full share; children of Isaac
Washburn, a deceased son of the testatrix: Oliver Washburn, Wright Washburn,
and Adelia Miller, each entitled to 1/3rd of one share; children of Sally
Sarles, a deceased daughter of the testatrix: Joseph Sarles, Abram Sarles,
Warren Sarles, and Adelia Moseman, each entitled to 1/4th of one full share;
son of Richard Washburn, a deceased son of the testatrix: Caleb U. Washburn,
entitled to 1/4th of one full share; children of Maria Webber, a deceased
daughter of Richard Washburn, a deceased son of the testatrix: Jennett
Bowditch, Maria Couch, and Castilla Weuck, each entitled to 1/3rd of 1/4th of a
full share; children of a deceased daughter of Aaron Washburn, who was a
deceased son of Richard Washburn, a deceased son of the testatrix: Jennie
Houston and Ida Houston, each entitled to 1/2 of 1/4th of a full share;
children of Sarah Delazine, a deceased daughter of Richard Washburn, a deceased
son of the testatrix: Aaron W. Delazine and Georgianna Delazine, each entitled
to 1/2 of 1/4th of a full share.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Sylvanus
Washburn of Milton, Chittenden County, Vermont (1867) *
I Sylvenus Washburn of Milton in the county of Chittendon
& state of Vermont, being in a very infirm state of health, and sensible
too of my liableness to sudden death, at the same time being in my own
apprehensives of sound mind, do judge it best to make, and accordingly do
hereby make, this my last will and testament.
It is my will that all my just
debts and the charges of my funeral be paid and discharged by my executor,
hereinafter named and appointed, out of my estate, and I leave the charge of my
funeral to the directions of my said executor.
I give, devise and dispose of my
estate, real and personal (save what shall be necessary for the payment of my
just debts and funeral charges) in the following manner.
I give to my beloved wife Salona
Washburn, during her life, all of my estate both real and personal.
I give to my sons and
daughters—Lois Watson, Norman Washburn, Caroline Washburn, Harmon Washburn,
Louisa Merrill and Evaline M. Bar, after the death of my said wife, all of my
said estate both real and personal, so by this will devised to her, save what shall
be used necessarily by her during her lifetime—said property to be equally
divided between my said sons and daughters.
And in the event that any one or
more of my said children should die befor my said wife Then his or her share to
go to his or her representatives in equal proportion.
And I hereby nominate, constitute,
and appoint William A. Thompson of said
In testimony whereof I hereunto set
my hand and seal, and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament
this 7th day of June AD 1867.
his
Sylvenus
X Washburn (Seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Sylvenus
Washburn as his last will and testament, in presence of us, who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto, at the request and in the presence
of the said testator and in the presence of each other.
L. J. Dixon
Richard Flinn
C.W. Witters
Presented for probate on 22 June 1867, and proved by C. W.
Witters on 13 July 1867.
[Note by Warren B. Wall, January, 2000: The date of the will,
June 7, 1867, verifies that the date on the death certificate of Jan. 17, 1867,
is in error, while the date on the headstone of June 17, 1867, is probably
correct.]
*
Transcribed by Warren B. Wall of
Will of Sylvester Washburn of Macomb, St.
Lawrence County, New York (1859) *
I Sylvester
Washburn of the town of Macomb in the County of St Lawrence & State of New
York of the age of thirty-three years and being of sound mind & memory do
make publish & declare this my last will & testament in manner
following that is to say-
First I give
& bequeath to my wife Jane Washburn after the payments of my Just and legal
debts all my property both real and personal I hereby empower Jane Washburn
& Alexander McCoy the Executrix & Executor of this my last will &
testament hereinafter nominated & appointed to sell all my real or personal
Estate at public or private sale at such time or times & upon such terms
& in such manner as to them shall seem meet.
Lastly I do
nominate & appoint my wife Jane Washburn Executrix & Alexander McCoy
Executor of this my last will & testament
In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal this 24th day of October in the year
of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & fifty=nine
Sylvester Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one sheet
was at the thereof signed sealed published & declared by the said Sylvester
Washburn as & for his last will & testament in presence of us who at
his request & in his presence & in presence of each other, have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
David Day 2d residing
at Macomb St Lawrence County
Martha S. Rounds residing at
Depeyster St Lawrence County
Presented
for probate on 24 Jan. 1860 by Alexander McCoy one of the Executors named,
naming his heirs as his widow Jane Washburn, and six children Aurilla Washburn,
Martha Washburn, Cynthia, Alvin Washburn, James Washburn and Sylvester
Washburn, all under 14, David Day 2d having been appointed Special
Guardian, all residing in Macomb, St. Lawrence County.
Jane
Washburn and Alexander McCoy were granted Letters Testamentary on the estate of
Sylvester Washburn on 26 Mar. 1860.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from St. Lawrence County Probate Wills Vol. 5, p. 427-428,
from FHL microfilm #0890013, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 3, p. 681.
Will of Sylvester Washburne of New York City, New York (1868) *
In the
Name of God, Amen:
I,
Sylvester Washburne of the City, County and State of New York, of the age of
(37) thirty seven years and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and
declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner following, that is to say:
First, I give and bequeath to my wife Amelia Washburne, the
undivided half interest of the business now being transacted at (708) Seven
hundred and eight Broadway in the City of New York under the firm name of
Washburne Brothers as manufacturers and dealers in the emblematic signs,
weather vanes, etc. together with each and every interest thereunto belonging
or in any wise appertaining.
Secondly: I also give and bequeath to my wife Amelia
Washburne all my personal estate, goods and chattels of what kind soever now
situated at (224) two hundred and twenty four east (46) forty sixth Street New
York City.
Lastly, I hereby appoint my wife Amelia Washburne sole
Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills
by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
(31) thirty first day of January in the year of our Lord (1868) one thousand
eight hundred and sixty eight.
Sylvester Washburne (seal)
The foregoing instrument consisting of one sheet was at the
date thereof signed sealed published and declared by the said Sylvester
Washburne as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who at his
request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed
our names as witnesses thereto.
Witnesses { David
Wright 210 East 46th
St. N.Y. (seal)
{ E.C. Townsend 224 East 46th St. N.Y. (seal)
Presented for probate on 16 Sept. 1873 by Amelia Washburne,
the Executrix, and proved by David Wright and Eli C. Townsend on 29 Sept. 1873.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Wills Vol. 220, p. 81-84, copied from
original Liber 220, p. 79-82.
Will of Thomas
Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the name of God Amen. I Thomas Washburn of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts considering the uncertainty of life and being
of sound and perfect mind and memory, Do make, ordain and publish this my last
will and testament as follows viz.
First I give and bequeath unto
Thomas Cushman of
Signed sealed, published, } Thomas Washburn (seal)
and declared by the above } _______________________
named Thomas Washburn, }
to be his last will and tes- } Daniel
Mitchell
tament, in presence of us, } Holmes
Sprague
who at his request, and in } Artemas
Hale
his presence, have hereunto }
subscribed our names, as }
witnesses to the same. }
Plymouth Ss. Court of Probate January 4–1825, Be
it known that the foregoing Instrument purporting to be the last will and
testament of Thomas Washburn late of Bridgewater in said County, yeoman
deceased, being presented to me for probate and having examined the subscribing
witnesses thereto and no objection being offered to the probate thereof, I
decree that the said Instrument be allowed as the last will and testament of
the said Thomas Washburn & the same is approved as such accordingly. Wilkes Wood J. Probate
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Washburn of Wareham, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1844) *
Be
it remembered that I Thomas Washburn of Wareham in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, being weak in body, but sound in mind
and memory through the goodness of a Kind and merciful Providence, for which I
desire to be truly grateful, do on this fifteenth day of January in the year
one thousand eight hundred and forty four, make and publish this my last Will
and Testament in manner following viz.
In the first place—I give and
bequeath to my son William Washburn two hundred dollars in cash to be paid him
by my Executor hereafter named within twelve months from the time of my
decease, and also my desk.
Secondly–I give and bequeath to my
son Thomas Washburn two hundred dollars in cash to be paid as above.—also my
watch, and also my wearing apparel.—
Thirdly—I give and bequeath to my
son Roland Washburn two hundred dollars in cash to be paid as above, and also
my dining table.—
Fourthly—I give and bequeath to my
daughter Sophia Barrows fifty dollars in cash.—also my bureau, and also my old
fashioned arm chair ~
Fifthly–I give and bequeath to my
daughter Ruth Jenny fifty dollars, also one feather bed, bolster and pillows,
together with one third part of all my bedding furniture and one bedstead.—
Sixthly—I give and bequeath to my
daughter Lydia Bates Swift fifty dollars, and six of my best chairs.—
Seventhly I give and bequeath to my
daughter Lucinda Vaughn fifty dollars, if she be living at the time of my
decease.—but if not—it is my will that the same be paid to her son Thomas
Vaughn.—
Eighthly—I give and bequeath to my
daughter Betsey Briggs White fifty dollars, also my largest looking glass, and
also my tin trunk.—
Ninthly—I give and bequeath to
Betsey Presho One feather bed, bolster, pillows, and bedstead, together with
one third part of all my bedding furniture in consideration of extra services
rendered, and kindness rendered and shown by her to me at all times and
particularly in case of sickness.—
Tenthly—I give and bequeath to
Peter Presho the one undivided half part of my riding carriage called a buggy
wagon, together with one undivided half part of the harness thereto belonging.—
Eleventhly—It is my will that all
the legacies aforesaid be paid to the named legatees as at first directed
within twelve months of the time of my decease—and that all my debts and
funeral charges be punctually paid, and all the rest and residue of my property
not disposed to be equally divided between my three sons herein named which I
hereby direct to be done.
Lastly—I do hereby appoint William
G. White of New Bedford my Executor of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first within written.—
Signed sealed and published
by the said Thomas Washburn
declaring this to be his last Will
and Thomas Washburn (seal)
testament in presence of us, who at
his request were called as
witnesses to
the same, and in his presence did
hereto subscribe our names.
Wm Bates
Andrew Gibbs
Henry Burgess
Thomas Washburn – Will
Wareham
Died
Dec 25 – 1866
74
years old
William
G. White
of
New Bedford
executor
deposited
by William Bates
of
Boston
Last
Will and Testament of
Thomas
Washburn of Wareham
(William
G. White of New Bedford named therein as Executor:
with a memoranda of notes and cash
deposited in
the Wareham Bank.
Deposited
in the Probate Office by
Wm Bates of Boston, to
be delivered as the law directs.
Wareham
August 18 1846
Deposited in the Wareham Bank this
day
for safe-keeping by Thomas Washburn
two
promissory notes of which the
following are
copies viz
Wareham
August 1 1845
For Value received We promise to
pay
Thomas Washburn or his order Nine
hundred dollars on demand with
interest
Signed Elijah W. Presho
Peter
Presho
Wareham
November 1 1845
For Value received I promise to pay
Thomas Washburn or his order forty
dollars
on demand and interest.
Signed Peter Presho
Also
deposited five dollars in cash.
The aforegoing I this day deposited
with
Thomas R. Miles Cashier of the
Wareham
Bank. Wm Bates
The aforegoing is a copy of an
original paper
in my hands. Wm Bates
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Docket
#22108A, from FHL microfilm #005377312, the will not recorded in the Plymouth
County Probate Books.
Will of Thomas Washburn of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1870) *
Know All Men by these Presents, That I, Thomas Washburn of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, Farmer,
being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will
and Testament.
First. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Charity
Washburn a right to use all my household furniture with a right to occupy all
or any part thereof of my homestead dwelling house, also an honorable and
sufficient support during her natural life.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son William M. Washburn one
fourth part of all my Real and Personal estate after deducting therefrom Five
hundred dollars (having previously given him that amount) with the interest
thereon until settled.
Third. I give and bequeath to my daughter Charity T. Atwood
one fourth part of all my Real and Personal Estate after deducing therefrom One
thousand dollars (having previously given her that amount) with the interest
thereon until settled.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my son Solomon L. Washburn one
fourth part of all my Real and Personal Estate.
Fifth. I give and bequeath to my son Jonathan S. Washburn one
fourth part of all my Real and Personal Estate.
Sixth. I ordain and appoint my sons Solomon L. Washburn and
Jonathan S. Washburn as Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
It is my wish and request that each of my children should
share equally in all my Real and Personal Estate after making the foregoing
deductions.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and
publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of
the witnesses named below, this twenty fourth day of March in the year of our
Lord, One thousand eight hundred and Seventy.
Thomas Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Thomas
Washburn as and for his last will and testament in presence of us, who in his
presence and in the presence of each other and at his request have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses.
In the first clause “a right to use was interlined before
Execution.
James
Cole, Jr.
Amos S.
Fuller, Eunice Washburn.
Presented for probate on the second Monday of May 1870 by
Solomon L. Washburn and Jonathan T. Washburn, the Executors, with Cornelius B.
Wood and Sidney Tucker, of Middleborough, as sureties. Letters Testamentary
granted to Solomon L. Washburn and Jonathan T. Washburn, of Middleborough, on 9
May 1870.
Sidney Tucker, Thomas Dwelley, and Joseph T. Wood, all of
Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Thomas Washburn, late
of Middleborough, on 9 May 1870. His real estate was valued at $6490, and his
personal estate was valued at $2923.08. Jonathan T. and Solomon L. Washburn
gave their oath to the inventory on 4 June 1870.
To the Honorable the Judge of the Probate Court in and for
the County of Plymouth:
Respectfully
represents Charity Washburn of Middleboro in said County that Thomas Washburn
late of Middleboro in Said County of Plymouth, deceased, testate, whose estate
is settled in this Court, died seized of certain lands in this Commonwealth;
that she is his widow and entitled to dower in said lands; that her right is
not disputed by the heirs; and that the names and residences of all parties now
interested therein are as follows:
Solomon L. Washburn of Middleboro
William M. Washburn
“ “
Jonathan T. Washburn
“ “
Charity T. Atwood all children of
deceased, that said deceased made certain provision for her in his last will
which will has been duly proved and allowed in this Court within six months
last passed and that she hereby waives the provision made for her by said will
and gives notice that she will claim her dower in the lands of said deceased
and her distributive share of his personal estate.
Dated
this twenty-second day of August A. D.
1870.
Charity Washburn
Filed
August 26th 1870.
Charity Washburn petitioned that a homestead out of the
estate of Thomas Washburn, late of Middleborough, may be set off and assigned
to her on the second Monday of June, 1871. Joseph T. Wood, Andrew C. Wood, and
Lewis Leonard, of Middleborough, were appointed to set off to her an estate
valued at $800 in land and buildings.
Charity Washburn petitioned for her dower from the estate of
Thomas Washburn, late of Middleborough, on the second Monday of June, 1871, and
Joseph T. Wood, Andrew C. Wood, and Lewis Leonard, all of Middleborough, were
appointed to set off her dower from the estate of her husband.
Charity T. Atwood, wife of Loranus Atwood, of Middleborough,
petitioned for a division of all the real estate of Thomas Washburn, late of
Middleborough, on the fourth Monday of May, 1873. Joseph T. Wood, Lewis
Leonard, and Sylvanus Mendell, all of Middleborough, were appointed to divide
the real estate of Thomas Washburn, late of Middleborough, into four equal
parts and set off one part each to Charity T. Atwood, wife of Loranus Atwood,
Solomon L. Washburn, and Jonathan T. Washburn, all of Middleborough, and
William M. Washburn, of North Bridgewater, on 26 May 1873.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 106, p. 538, from FHL microfilm
#0555647, Vol. 124, p. 596, Vol. 109, p. 366, Vol. 140, p. 47-48, Vol. 128, p.
32, Vol. 113, p. 59, and Vol. 113, p. 389.
Will of Thomas Washburn of Kennebunk, York County, Maine (1872) *
Be it remembered,
that I Thomas Washburn of Kennebunk in the County of York State of Maine, being
now of sound and disposing mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare
the following as and for my last will and testament – hereby revoking all other
wills by me at any time heretofore made –
First my will is, that all my just debts, funeral charges,
and Expenses of administration be paid by my Executrix herein after named –
Secondly – To my three children, Lilla O Washburn, Willie H
Washburn and Frank A Washburn, I give and bequeath the sum of twenty five
dollars each, to be paid them by my said Executrix –
Thirdly. All the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate,
real, personal and mixed, I give bequeath and devise to my beloved wife, Susan
A Washburn – To Have and to hold to her, her heirs and assigns forever in fee –
Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife,
Susan A Washburn, sole Executrix of this my last will and testament –
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this second day of May in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
seventy two
Thomas Washburn
Signed, sealed, published and
declared by the above named
Thomas Washburn, to be his last
Will and testament in the
presence of us, who at his
request in his presence and
in the Presence of each other
have hereunto subscribed our
names as witnesses hereto
W. A. McKey
Sarah Hazeltine
Ead E
Bourne Jr
Presented for probate on 4 May 1872 by Susan A Washburn of
Kennebunkport. Letters Testamentary were granted to Susan A. Washburn, of
Kennebunkport, on 2 July 1872, with Leander G. Smith and Thomas L. Gilpatrick,
both of Kennebunkport, as her sureties. George W. Wallingford, of Kennebunk,
and Elijah Buzzell and Samuel Gilpatrick, of Kennebunkport, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Thomas Washburn, late of Kennebunkport, on the first
Tuesday of July 1872. His real estate was valued at $475, his goods and
chattels at $767.50, and his rights and credits at $1200.00, and it was
presented by Susan A Washburn, the Executrix on 23 Aug. 1872.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from York County Probate File #19658, from FHL microfilm #7315239.
Will of Underhill
Washburn of
In the name of God, Amen. I Underhill Washburn of the City
County and State of New York being in good health of body, and of sound and
disposing mind and memory and being desirous to settle my worldly affairs
whilst I have strength and capacity do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any time
heretofore made. I give devise and bequeath all my Estate, Real and Personal of
what nature or kind the same may and wheresoever the same may be situated at
the time of my decease unto my well beloved Wife Sarah Ann Washburn her heirs,
Executors, administrators and assigns forever – And I nominate constitute and
appoint my said Wife Sarah Ann Washburn sole Executrix of this my last Will and
Testament. In Witness Whereof, I the said Testator Underhill Washburn have to
this my last Will and Testament hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty fifth
day of November One thousand eight hundred and fifty nine –
Underhill Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Underhill
Washburn as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at
his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses—
H. H. Kirkham Hoboken
N.J.
Jabez Broadmeadow .do.
On 1 Oct. 1866 the widow and next of kin of Underhill
Washburn, late of the
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Willard Washburn of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1864) *
Be it known that I Willard Washburn of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, being of sound disposing mind and
memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
First. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elvira
Washburn, after paying all my just debts, funeral expenses, and costs of
administration one third part, to each of my brothers Marshall Washburn and
John B. Washburn one sixth part, and to my brothers Benjamin Washburn and Azel
Washburn, and to my sister Harriet Keith wife of Hezekiah H. Keith each of them
one sixth part of all my estate both real and personal wherever the same may be
found.
Second. Believing that my brother Oliver Washburn of
Singsing, New York, and Chloe Washburn my sister, and wife of Isaac Washburn of
East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, are in very comfortable circumstances, I
therefore make them no bequests.
Third. I order and appoint Elbridge Keith as Executor of this
my last Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal,
and publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence
of the witnesses named below this seventeenth day June in the year eighteen
hundred and sixty four.
Willard Washburn (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Willard
Washburn as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us, who in his
presence, and in the presence of each other and at his request have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses.
Martin
D. Holmes
Hasadiah
H. Keith
Elbridge
Keith
Presented for probate on the second Monday of June 1873 by
Williams Latham, of Bridgewater, who petitioned for administration with will
annexed, with Charles A. Latham and Eliab Latham, of East Bridgewater, as
sureties. Letters of Administration with Will annexed were granted to Williams
Latham on 9 June 1873.
To the Honorable the Judge of Probate Court in and for the
County of Plymouth and to all whom it may concern.
Respectfully represents Elvira Washburn of Bridgewater in the
County of Plymouth that she is the widow of Willard Washburn late of said
Bridgewater deceased; that said Willard Washburn deceased made certain
provisions for her the said Elvira Washburn, in his last Will and testament
which said will has been duly proved and allowed in said Probate Court holden
in and for the County of Plymouth aforesaid within six months now last past to
wit, at Plymouth on the ninth day of June A.D. 1873, that she the said Elvira
Washburn hereby waives the provisions so made for her in and by said will, and
hereby gives notice that she will claim her estate in lieu of dower in the
lands of said deceased, and her distributive share of his the said Willard
Washburn’s personal estate;
In
witness whereof I the said Elvira Washburn have hereunto set my hand this
twenty eighth day of October A.D. 1873.
Signed in presence of, Elvira Washburn
Spencer Leonard
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 140, p.
582, from FHL microfilm #0556648, Vol. 120, p. 63, and Vol. 141, p. 60.
Will of William Washburn of Stafford, Tolland
County, Connecticut (1810) *
I
William Washburn of Stafford in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut
being advanced in years and calling to mind the mortality of my body, but of
sound and disposing mind and memory blessed be God therefor do make and ordain
this my last Will and testament. Firstly
and principally I assign my soul into the hands of the benificent author of my
being humbly hoping for a blessed immortality through the merits of a Saviour
and my body I resign to the dust to be decently buried; And my worldly estate I
dispose of as follows 1st I give and bequeath to my daughter Azubah
Dean wife of Silas Dean eleven dollars to be paid to her by my Executor herein
after named out of the avails of a note of hand of four hundred dollars signed
by Isaac Cummings late of said Stafford decd and made payable to my
heirs within one year after my decease and the decease of my wife Lydia in neat
stock or in money in such manner as I in my last will and testament shall
direct and dated the 28th day of June AD
1806. The money to be paid her as soon
as it can conveniently be collected after my decease.~ 2ly I give and bequeath to my
daughter Zilpha Adams wife of Solaman Adams Jun. one hundred dollars to be paid
her by my Executor out of said note as soon as the same may be collected.~ 3ly
I give & bequeath to my daughter Rebeckah Johnson wife of Nathaniel Johnson
Ninety two dollars to be paid to her by my Executor out of said notes as soon
as the same may be collected.~ 4ly
I give to my daughter Lois Cushman wife of John Cushman One hundred dollars to
be paid her by my Executor out of said notes as aforesaid. ~ 5ly I give to my daughter Sari
Frizzle wife of Samuel Frizzle ninety seven dollars to be paid her out of said
note as aforesaid.~ 6ly I give and bequeath to my son Solamon all
the wearing apparel and all the farming tools and all other tools of which I
shall die siezed and also one note against the said Isaac Cummings decd
for the sum of five dollars fifty eight cents & three mills made payable to
the Executor of my last Will and testament and dated Augt. 20 1808
all to be delivered him by my Executor within six months after my decease and
the decease of my wife ~ 7ly.
I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate consisting
principally of indoor moveables to my five daughters, viz, Azubah Zilpha
Rebekah Lois and Sarah to be equally divided between them after my decease and
the decease of my sd wife ~
And I do constitute and appoint my
worthy friend Eliab Alden Esqr. of said Stafford sole Executor of
this my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made
and declaring and confirming this and this only to be my last will and
testament. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of Augt. AD 1810
William Washburn (seal)
Signed
Sealed published and declared
by the
Testator as his last Will & testament & in presence of us
who in
his presence and at his request affixed our names as
witnesses
thereto ~
Rhodolphus
Ladd Attest
E. Stearns Clerk
Ralph R.
Phelps
Presented for probate on 8 Feb. 1814 by Eliab Alden Esquire,
the Executor therein named, who refused said trust, and Letter of
Administration with the Will annexed was granted to Calvin Edson Esqr.,
of Stafford, with Nathaniel Johnson, of Stafford, as his surety, on 1 Mar.
1814.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Town of Stafford
Register of Probate Records Vol. 8, p. 197-199, from FHL microfilm #0005745.
Will of William
C. Washburn of
I
William C Washburn of the Village of Sing Sing Westchester County and State of
New York mindful of the uncertainties of human life do make publish and declare
this my last Will and Testament in manner following
First After the payment of my just
debts and funeral expenses I give devise and bequeath to my wife Phebe Washburn
all my estate both Real personal or mixed of every Kind and nature whatever of
which I may die seized or possessed and all right title or interest I have or
am entitled to therein
Second I hereby nominate and
appoint my Father Elias H Washburn the Executor of this my last Will and
testament and hereby authorize and empower him the said Elias H Washburn to
compound compromise and settle any claim or demand which may be against or in
favor of my said estate
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal this 20th day of January 1876
William C Washburn (seal)
Signed published and declared by
the said testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who
have signed our names at his request as witnesses in his presence and in
presence of each other
James E Mead Sing Sing
N.Y.
H Allen Clark Sing Sing
N.Y.
Phebe Washburn, the legatee, petitioned for probate of the
will of William C. Washburn, late of the town of
Proved by the witnesses, H Allen Clark and James C Mead, of
the Town of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of William A. Washburn of Mannsville, Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York (1891) *
I, William A Washburn of Mannsville Jeff Co New York being of
sound mind and memory, do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last
Will and Testament, that is to say;
First
After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give,
devise and bequeath All of my property of whatsoever name, nature or
discription to be equally divided between my Wife Mary C Washburn, and my son
J. Carl Washburn
Likewise I make constitute and appoint Jas. M.
Thompson of Mannsville Jeff Co. N.Y. to be executor of this my last Will and
Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made,
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal the twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and Ninety one.
William A. Washburn (seal)
The above instrument consisting of 1 sheet was at the date
thereof subscribed by William A Washburn in the presence of us and each of us;
he at the time of making such subscription acknowledged that he made the same,
and declared the said instrument so subscribed by him to be his last Will and
Testament. Whereupon we then and there, at his request and in his presence and
the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
Jas. M. Thompson
residing at Mannsville N.Y.
G. A Huggins
residing at Mannsville N.Y.
Presented for probate on 30 Jan. 1892 by Mate B. Washburn of
the town of Ellisburgh Jefferson County, one of the legatees, said petitioner
being the widow of the testator, and John Carl Washburn only child of the
deceased, a minor under 14 years of age who resides with his mother, said
petitioner, and James M. Thompson of Ellisburgh, the sole Executor named in the
will. Proved on 10 Feb. 1892 by the witnesses.
George H. Walker Esq. was appointed as Special Guardian for the above named
minor.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Jefferson County Probate Wills Vol. 30, p. 193-195, from FHL
microfilm #0893384.
Will of William Henry Washburn of Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine (1895) *
I,
William Henry Washburn, of Auburn, in the county of Androscoggin and state of
Maine, being in my own apprehension of sound mind, do judge it best to make,
and accordingly do hereby make this my last will and testament.
I give
bequeath and devise to Rev. Henry Adams Neely, of Portland Maine, Bishop of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of American in the diocese of
Maine, and his successors in said office, a corporation sole, created by
chapter 584 of the private and special laws of Maine of the year 1893, approved
March 21, 1893, the certain lot of land, with the buildings thereon, situated
on the Easterly side of Pleasant street in Auburn aforesaid, and being the same
premises conveyed to me by Sumner Wood Jr. as will appear by his deed of
warranty to me dated October 20, A.D. 1890, and recorded in said Androscoggin
County Registry of Deeds, Book 138 Page 300, to which deed and the record
thereof reference may be had for a more particular description of said lot of
land, in trust for the following intents uses and purposes; that is to say, to
hold the same in trust forever for the use and benefit of the Protestant
Episcopal mission of the Church of the Heavenly Rest, located in said Auburn,
for a Parish Hall, or church, or both, for a place of religious worship
according to the laws, canons, rules, regulations and ritual of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and also for a rectory, if
said lot is suitable for said rectory in addition to said Parish Hall, or
church, or both, in the judgment of said Trustee. But in case a Protestant Episcopal Parish
shall at any time hereafter be organized in said Auburn in place of said
Mission, according to the laws, rules, regulations, discipline and canons of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of American, then and in
that case, said lot of land shall be held for the use and benefit of said
Parish for a Parish Hall or church, or both, to be used for religious worship
according to the laws, rules, regulations, canons and ritual of said Protestant
Episcopal Church, and also a rectory for use of the rector of said church, if
said lot is suitable for said rectory in addition to said Parish Hall, or
Church, or both, in the judgment of said Trustee, and if not suitable for all
of said buildings, then and in that case it shall be used for a Parish Hall, or
Church, or both, for a place of religious worship according to the laws, rules,
regulations, canons and ritual of said Protestant Episcopal Church, but for no
other purpose.
I give
bequeath and devise all the rest and residue of my estate, of which I may die
seized and possessed, real and personal, including all policies of insurance
upon my life, save what shall be necessary for the payment of my just debts,
funeral charges and the expenses of administering upon my estate pursuant to
this my will, to my beloved wife Sarah Josephine Washburn, her heirs and
assigns forever.
I hereby
nominate constitute and appoint said Sarah Josephine Washburn to be executrix
of this my said will, and I respectfully request the Judge of Probate before
whom this my last will and testament is proved, approved and allowed to issue
to her letters testamentary without requiring her to give a bond for the
faithful discharge of the trust thereby imposed upon her, hereby revoking all
former and other wills and testament by me at any time made, and I do declare
this to be my last will and testament.
In
witness whereof I have hereto put my hand and seal this fourth day of January
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety five
William Henry Washburn (seal)
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named William Henry Washburn as and
for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request and
in his presence, and in the presence of each other have hereto subscribed our
names as witnesses thereto.
E.
L. Jordan
Lizzie
E. Goss
J.
Frederick Norman M.D.
Proved on the second Tuesday of July 1895. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Sarah Josephine Washburn.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Androscoggin County Probate Records Vol. 9, p. 543-545, from FHL
microfilm #1854678, and Letters Testamentary Vol. 2, p. 281.
Will of Zebulon
Washburn of Kent, Putnam County, New York (1831) *
The last will and testament of Zebulon Washburn of the town
of Kent in the County of Putnam & State of New York considering the
uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound and memory blessed be God
for the same, I do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner
and form foling that is to say firstly I order that all my lawful depts be paid
and funeral expense be paid
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my youngest son Daniel
Washburn, to him and his heirs forever my dwelling house and lands a joining
the same Beginning at a stone wall on the west side of the road south of the
home and north of the orchard, then west with said wall till it comes to the
wall that runs north and south and west of said orchard, then south with said
wall till it comes to the same wall that runs east and west then west with said
wall till it comes to Edward Smiths land, then south or Southerly with Edward
Smiths land to the road, then northly along said road to the place of
beginning, this gave to Daniel Washburn and to his heirs for ever and the
residue of my estate I order to be sold by my executors both real &
personal and to be divided between my four children after my debts is paid as
falows namely Samuel Washburn Zebulon Washburn Anna Baker Phebe Jewell two sons
& two daughters. And I will and bequeath that my daughters have one half as
much as my sons which said legises or sums of money I will and order to be paid
to the respective legatees in one year after my decest and do hereby constitute
and apoint Daniel Washburn and Edward Smith executors to this my last will and
testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made in witness whareof I have
hereunto set my hand seal Eleventh day of April in the year one thousand eight
hundred and thirty one Zebulon Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named
Zebulon Washburn to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Hiram
Smith
Joseph
N. Smith
Clarissa
Smith
In addition to my former will I make the following alteration
to wit I give all my freehold and landed property to my son Daniel Washburn and
to include all my real and personal property by he paying to my son Samuel
Washburn one hundred dollars, and my son Zebulon Washburn twenty dollars, and
to my daughter Anna Baker the wife of Levi Baker seventy dollars, and to my
daughter Phebe Jewett the wife of Morris Jewet seventy dollars, the above
willed property real and personal to which I have here annexed to Daniel
Washburn and his heirs forever and the several dower rights which he is to pay
shall be paid in one year after my decease. Given under my hand and seal this
twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty three
Zebulon Washburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by the above named
Zebulon Washburn to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who
have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator
Alvin
Chase } of the town of
}
Hiram
Smith } Co of Putnam
On 3 Feb. 1834 Edward Smith and Daniel Washburn, Executors of
the last will & testament of Zebulon Washburn, late of Kent, deceased,
testified that all the heirs and legal representatives of the deceased except
Phebe Kelly, the wife of Charles Kelly, and Charles Washburn have been notified
according to law, and petitioned to have the taking of the proofs adjourned to
the 5th day of March next that they may be able to have Phebe Kelly and Charles
Washburn notified.
The will was probated on 5 Mar. 1834, and proved by Hiram
Smith, a witness to the will and to the codicil, Clarissa Smith, a witness to
the will, and Alvin Chase, a witness to the codicil, and Edward Smith testified
that he was also there and witnessed Hiram Smith, Joseph Smith, and Clarissa
Smith sign as witnesses to the will.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Zebulon
Washburn of Beekman,
I, Zebulon Washburn of the town of Beekman County of Dutchess
& State of New York, do hereby make publish and declare this to be my last
Will and Testament – First– I direct all my just debts & funeral expenses
to be paid by Executrix hereafter named Second I give and bequeath to my
daughter Susan L. Washburn One hundred dollars to her and her heirs forever
Third I give & bequeath to my son George H Washburn One hundred dollars to
him & his heirs forever Fourth I give & bequeath to my son Daniel
Washburn One hundred dollars to him & his heirs forever Fifth I give and bequeath
to my son William Washburn one hundred dollars to him & his heirs forever
Sixth I give and bequeath to my daughter Anne A Washburn one hundred dollars to
her and her heirs forever Seventh I give and bequeath to my son Samuel Washburn
one hundred dollars to him and his heirs forever and I further direct that my
executrix pay the above mentioned legacies to my daughter Susan and my son
George W each within one year from my decease and I further direct that the
above legacies to my son Samuel, David, William and my daughter Ann A now minor
children be each paid by my said executrix as they severally arrive at the age
of twenty one years I also give and bequeath the remainder and residue of all
my property both real and personal after paying the legacies in the order above
mentioned and made to my wife Syrena to her and her heirs forever and I hereby
make constitute and appoint my wife Syrena Washburn sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made In witness
whereof have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 13th day of December
in the A.D. 1862
his
Zebulon X Washburn
mark
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date
thereof Signed sealed published and declared by the said Zebulon Washburn as
and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us who at his request and in
his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as
witnesses thereto
James
C. Sweet
Benj.
H. Sisson
Proved by James C. Sweet and Benjamin H. Sisson of the town
of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Anthony Waterman of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In the Name of GOD,
Amen,
The twentyeighth day of October, anno Domini one thousand,
seven hundred and sixty nine. – I Anthony Waterman of Hallifax in the county of
Plymouth and province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New-England yeoman, being of
a perfect and disposing mind & memory, But calling to mind the mortality of
my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and
ordain this my Last will & testament, that is to say,
First of all, I give & recomend my soul into the hands of
GOD who gave it and my body I recomend to the earth to be buried in a decent,
christian burial at the discretion of my executor, nothing doubting but at the
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of GOD, – And
with respect to the worldly estate with which God has blessed me in this Life,
I give, demise, and dispose of the same in the following manner.—
Impr. I give and bequeath to my sons Anthony &
Elisha Waterman all my real estate excepting what I shall hereafter in this
will otherwise dispose off to be equally divided between them as to quantity
& quality, as also all my farming tools, wearing apparel & armour. —
Item, I give to my three daughters Joanna Sturtevant, Sarah
Washburn, & Phœbe Waterman a piece of meadow lying above the dam on the
north side of Monponset meadow-brook (so called) included within the fence as
it now stands viz, from the northeast corner of Capt. Josiah
Sturtevant’s meadow to Eleazer Waterman’s Land, all to the west of said fence
to be divided equally between them as to quantity & quality. Also I give to
my three daughters aforesaid the whole of my indoors movables which I have not
already or shall not hereafter in this will otherwise dispose off. —
Item. I give to my daughter Phœbe ten pounds, thirteen
shillings & four pence out of such of my indoors movables as I have not or
shall not hereafter otherwise dispose off. —
Item, I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife one third
part of my real estate to improve during her widowhood, also a part of my
dwelling house viz, my east front room & chamber over it, also a bedroom
& buttery adjoining, likewise one third part of my kitchen, cellar, barn
& corn house to use & improve during her widowhood. ~~ Item, I give to
wife all the wool, flax & yarn, now in the house. Item, I give to my wife
all my outdoors movables which I have already in this will disposed off. —
Item, My will is that my wife shall receive in and pay out all my just debts
after my decease. —
Item, That my two sons Anthony & Elisha shall equally
between them afford my hond. mother a decent & honorable
maintenance during her natural life. — also that they pay to my two
grandchildren Paul & Eliphalet Sturtevant, four pounds a piece at the age
of twenty one years if they shall arrive to it. Likewise that they provide my
welbeloved wife with fire-wood at the door during her widowhood.
Item, My will is that my three daughters Joanna, Sarah &
Phœbe do pay to my sons Anthony & Elisha one load of grass standing, out of
aforesaid meadow yearly during the natural life of my hond. mother
Lidia Waterman. ~~~
Likewise, I do hereby appoint my well beloved wife to be sole
executrix of this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby revoke &
disanul all and every other former wills, testaments, Legacies, or executors by
me any way before named, willed or bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this
& no other to be my Last will & testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal the day & year abovementioned. —
Signed, sealed & declared to be his Last will &
testamt.
by the sd. Anthony Waterman in the presence of us.
— Anthony Waterman (seal)
Ephraim Briggs
Saml. Palmer
Jesse Sturtevant
Presented for probate on 5 Mar. 1770 by ___ Waterman, the
Executrix, [her name not filled in], and proved by Samuel Palmer and
Jesse Sturtevant, two of the witnesses.
The Inventory of the estate of Anthony Waterman, late of
Hallifax, was appraised by Moses Inglee, Saml Palmer & Ignatius
Loring on 21 Mar. 1770, and totaled £388.14.6½. The executrix gave her oath to
the inventory on 17 May 1770.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Hannah
Waterman of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1782) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Hannah Waterman of
I
Give my body to the earth from whence it was taken in full assurance of its
resurrection from thence at the last day, as for my burial, I desire it may be
decent at the discretion of my dear friends who I doubt not will manage it,
with all requisite prudence, as to my worldly estate
I
Give unto my Son Elisha Waterman Twelve Shillings
I
Give to my two grand sons, James Waterman & Calvin Waterman, sons of my son
Anthony deceased six shillings a piece
I
Give to my two Grandsons, Paul & Eliphalet Sturtevant, sons to my daughter
Hannah Sturtevant deceased, six shillings a piece
I
Give all the rest of my Estate which is personal estate, to my three Daughters
Joanna Sturtevant, Sarah Washburn & Pheba Tomson, equal to be divided
between them; and furthermore, I do appoint William Sturtevant, my son in law,
to be Executor of this my last will & testament. In Witness hereof I do Set
my hand & Seal the twenty sixth day of September A D. 1782.
Witnesses Hannah Waterman (seal)
Saml
S. Sturtevant
Jesse
Sturtevant
Susanna
Sturtevant
Priscilla
Sturtevant
Presented for probate on 1 Oct.
1798 by Zebadiah Tomson of
Saml Staffd Sturtevant, Gentleman, Josiah Tomson
Esqr, & Adam Tomson, yeoman, all of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jabez Waterman of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
In
the name of God, Amen – I Jabez Waterman of Halifax in the County of Plymouth,
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being of sound and perfect mind and
memory, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life, and knowing it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and
Testament, that is to say, First of all I give and recommend my soul into the
hands of God who gave it – and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in
a decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting
but at the resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of
God. And with respect to my worldly
estate with which God has blessed me with in this life, I give, demise and
dispose of the same in the manner following, that is to say, I give and
bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah Waterman, of personal estate all my
household furniture, likewise my horse and chaise, also one hundred dollars in
cash – I give her the above named articles free and clear for her to dispose of
as she thinks best – Also my real estate and what remains of my personal estate
I give her the improvement during her natural life – if the improvement is not
sufficient for her support, to dispose of so much of my estate as shall be necessary
for that purpose – and after her decease what remains of my estate, I give and
bequeath it to Martin Waterman Holmes the son of Benjamin Holmes his heirs and
assigns forever: And I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Hannah Waterman and
Zadock Thomson to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and I do
hereby revoke all former wills by me made ~~
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twelfth day of August
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by the above named Jabez Waterman to be his last
Will and Testament in presence of us as witnesses in presence of the testator.
John
Sturtevant Jabez Waterman (seal)
Joseph
S. Waterman
George
Waterman
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Nov. 1836 by Hannah Waterman and Zadock Thomson, the Executors
therein named, and proved by John Sturtevant and George Waterman, two of the
subscribing witnesses. Letters Testamentary granted to Hannah Waterman and
Zadock Thomson, the Executors.
Hannah Waterman and Zadock Thomson,
of Halifax, were granted Administration with the Will annexed of the Estate of
Jabez Waterman, late of Halifax, on 1 Nov. 1836, with John Sturtevant, of
Halifax, and Samuel Thompson, of Middleborough, as sureties.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Jabez Waterman, late of Halifax, not dated, was appraised by Thomas Holmes,
Stafford Sturtevant, and William Sears, his real estate totaled $2902,
including his homestead farm and buildings valued at $2100, and his personal
estate valued at $673.90. Hannah Waterman and Zadock Thompson, the Executors,
gave their oath to the inventory on 1 Nov. 1836.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, pp.
449-451, 451-452, from FHL microfilm #0555264, and Vol. 1G, p. 15.
Will of Joanna
Waterman of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Be
it remembered that I Joanna Waterman of Halifax County of Plymouth State of
Massachusetts Widow, woman do on this twenty first day of July in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two make and publish this my
last Will and Testament in manner following viz:
In the first place I give and
bequeath to my daughter Rebecca the wife of Daniel Weston and to her heirs
after her, one fourth part of my Estate both real and personal, after my just
debts and expenses and what legacies I may hereafter make to Sally Shaw are
paid, – I also give and bequeath to Abigail, Eliza Ann, Juliet and Mercy
Freeman the daughters of my daughter Mercy, and to their heirs fifty dollars in
addition to one fourth part of all my Estate, both real and personal after my
debts Expenses and legacies are paid as above named, And to priscilla the wife
of Josiah Marshall and to her heirs I give one fourth part of all my Estate
after my debts, Expenses and legacies are paid as above named. – Likewise to
Joanna Thomson the wife of Benjamin W. Pratt, I give one fourth part of all my
Estate excepting fifty dollars which I have in the second Instance given to the
heirs of my daughter Mercy, after my debts, Expenses and legacies as above
named are paid, And lastly I give and bequeath to Sally Shaw for her faithful
services One hundred dollars, and so long as she remain unmarried the use of
the East front Chamber in the house I now live in, with what use she may want
to make of the cellar, oven, and well for her own convenience, and I do hereby
appoint Bradford Harlow the sole Executor of this my last will and Testament,
signed sealed and published by the said Joanna Waterman declaring this to be
her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at her request were
called as witnesses to the same and in her presence did hereunto subscribe our
names.
Bradford Harlow, Joanna Waterman (seal)
Robert Inglee,
Samuel S. Inglee,
Probated on 5 Jan. 1833, and proved
by Bradford Harlow and Robert Inglee, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Bradford Harlow of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John
Waterman of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1713) *
In The Name of God Amen. I John Waterman of The Town of
Plympton in the County of Plymouth in New England Yeoman being of a Sound &
disposing mind & memory & desireous to set my house in Order do make
& Ordain this my Last Will & Testament as followeth viz I bequeath my
Immortal Soul to God that Gave it and my body to the Earth to be decently
buried According to the discretion of my Executrix herein below named – hoping
for a Glorious Resurrection to Life again Thro Jesus Christ who is the
resurrection & the Life. And as to what Temporal Estate it hath pleased God
to bless me withall I dispose of the Same as followeth. Imprs. I
Give & Bequeath to my Son Samuel Waterman his heirs & Assignes forever
my half share of Upland In the Majors Purchase. Item I Give & Bequeath unto
my Son John Waterman his heirs & Assignes for ever all that my Land which
Lyeth between Monponsett meadows & the Road that Leadeth from Monponsett to
Winnatuxet. Item I Give & bequeath unto my Son Robert Waterman his heirs
& Assignes for ever all that Lot of Land whereon I now dwell which did
formerly belong unto Major William Bradford. Item I Give & Bequeath unto my
Two Sons—Robert & John Waterman their heirs & Assignes for ever all the
remainder or residue of my Lands in the Township of Plympton Aforesd.
both Upland meadows & Cedar swamps or Other Swamps to be Equally divided
between them, Together with all my right title & Interest in the Undivided
Lands in the Township of Plympton or Plymouth—
Item. I Give & bequeath Unto my three Sons Samuel Robert
& John all my wearing-Cloaths to be Equally divided among them. Item I Give
& bequeath to my well beloved & dear wife Anna Waterman the Use &
Improvement of my now dwelling house during her Widdowhood, And after her
marriage or decease the Said dwelling house shall belong to my Sd.
Son Robert Waterman. Item I Give & bequeath to my aforesd. wife
(funeral Charges being first paid) all my moveables not Above disposed of, even
my whole moveable Estate during her widdowhood; & if my sd. wife
Shall Se Cause to marry then my Sd. Moveable Estate to be divided in
the Manner following viz. Two Thirds of the Same to be Distributed to my
Children & Grandchildren below mentioned as followeth viz. One fourth part
of sd. Two thirds unto my daughter Anna Ransome, And One fourth part
thereof to my daughter Lydia Shaw, And One fourth part thereof to be equally
divided among the Children of my daughter Elisabeth Tilson decd.,
and the Other fourth part unto my Grand Daughter Mary Waterman the daughter of
my Son Samuel Waterman, & the Other Third part of Sd. Moveable
Estate I Give to my said wife during her natural Life, And at her decease what
is Left thereof Shall be divided among the Last mentioned Children & Grand
Children in the manner above expressed About the Other Two thirds but if She
marry not then at her decease the whole of my sd. Moveable Estate
Shall be divided in proportion as is before Expressed. And in Case my Sd.
Grandaughter Mary Waterman shall dye without Issue before the time of Sd.
division then her part of Sd. moveable estate shall belong unto my
Two Aforesd. daughters Anna & Lydia & the Children of my daughter
Elisabeth deceased in proportion as is before Expressed. Item my Will is that
my Son Robert Waterman Shall keep Two Cows for his mother both Winter &
Summer & Till or Improve Two Acres of Land for her Yearly by Planting or
Sowing as She Shall Se Cause & provide her necessary & Sutable fire
wood at her door & go to Mill for her as She Shall have Ocation & all
this during the time of her Widdowhood.—
Item I Give & bequeath to my Said Son Robert Waterman all
debts due to my Estate he paying all my Just debts to all persons Whatsoever—
Item. I do by these Presents Constitute ordain & Appoint
my True & well beloved wife Anna Waterman Sole Executrix of this my Last
Will & Testament to Administer upon My estate & to Se that my body be
decently buried, And Out of my Estate to defray the Charges of the Same. And do
desire request & Impower my kinsmen John Sturtevant & Ephraim Little of
Plymouth to Se the performance of this my Last Will & the Settlement of my
Estate and to be helpfull to my Sd. Wife & Children in all ye
aforesd. divisions – According to the true Intent & meaning of
this my Will. And I do by these Presents – revoak disanul & make Void all former Wills
& Testaments by me heretofore made ratifying Confirming & allowing this
& no Other as my Last Will & Testament, And –
In Witness hereof have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
Twenty fourth day of March Anno Dom One Thousd. Seven hundred &
Twelve. 1712/13.
John Waterman (seal)
Signed Sealed & declared to be his Last Will &
Testament. In prsence of us ~~
Charles Church, Samuel Harlow Ephraim Little Junr.
Probated on 19 Dec. 1718, and proved by Ephraim Little, Capt.
Charles Church, and Samuel Harlow, the witnesses.
Administration of his estate granted to Anna Waterman, his
relict Widdow Sole Executrix therein named.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Waterman of Halifax, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1748) *
In the Name of God Amen I John Waterman of Hallifax in the
County of Plymouth, in New England yeoman being of Perfect mind & Memory Do
make on ordain this to be my Last will & Testament.
First & Principally I Resign my Soul into the Mercifull
hands of almity God hoping through the merrets of Crist for a Blessed
Resurrection to Eternal Life My body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently
buried According to the Decresion of My Execrs – And as to my
worldly I dispose of the Same in the following Manner
Impremus I give & bequeth to my beloved Wife Lidia the
Improvement of the Easterly End of My Dwelling house and of half the orchard
and the use of two Acres of Land yearly and To Improve what She Shall have
occation for of the moveables During her natural Life and I hereby order my Son
Anthony To Improve & Manage the Two acres abovesaid for her as She Shall
think fit and also To Provide her with Suffician fier wood Ready Cutt at the
Door and To Keep a Cow for her and a Small bear if there be occation and to go
To mill for her and Carry her To meeting & Support her in in Sikness an
health
Item I Give all my wearing Apperal To be Equally divided
among my five Sons
Item I Give To my Son Joseph My Ceder Swamp that Lyes on the
north East Side of the heering River in the Majors Purchas To him his heirs or
assignes And also Sixty pounds old Tenour or Equivalent in the money that shall
be passing at my Deceas he having already Recd. in Part of his
Portion Twenty two pounds old Tenour –
Item I Give To my Son Perez Waterman Twenty shillings old
Tenour he having Already had from me Two hundred Pounds old Tenour and Also
half an acre of Land. –
Item I Give To My Son John all my Lands & medows below
Lemuel Sturtevants where he now Lives to him his heirs and Assigns and I hereby
order him To Pay the Sixty pound aforesaid To his Brother Joseph
Item I Give To my Son Anthony & Eleazer all my home Stead
Lands the Dividing Line between them is Run thus begining at a Stone Set in the
ground by Leml. Sturtevants Land from thence on the Range of sd.
Sturtevants Land North Twenty three Degres westerly fifty Six Pole to a Long
Stone Set in the ground in sd. Range from thence the Devideing Line
Runs East two Degrees and about minnetes[?] Southerly to a Stake Set in the
Range of the Land which was Lately Lieut. Cushings which Stake
Stands Twelve Pole north Sixty one Degrees west from the maple Tree that is the
Lower Corner of the Land Lately belonging to sd Cushing all that
Part of sd homestead which Lyeth on the northerly Side of Said
Deviding Line together with the buldings thereon to belong his heirs or Assigns
And
all that Part that Lyes on The Southerly Side of sd. Deviding Line
to belong To Eleazer his heir & Assigns Also give To my sd Sons
Anthony & Eleazer my Interst in Menponset Meddow and my Right on hemlok
Island Joyning to the herring River which Lies in Partnership with My brother
Robert, & my Lot of Ceder Swamp Lying in the Swamp Called the neck Swamp To
them their heirs and assigns and I also give give them my Team Tackling and I
order Anthony To Pay all my Just Debts & funeral Expences as also To Receve
what is Due to me and apply it to that use and Likewise To Pay his Sisters the
Legecies hereafter Mentioned if the Personal Estate be not Sufficient
Item I Give To my Two Daughter Sarah & Lidia All My
Movable Estate after My wifes Deceas Exepting what is before Disposed of and
whereas Each of my Daughters have Alreadey Recd from me Forty pounds
a Peice in Part of their Portion – if the Personal Effects after my wifes Death
Should not hold out so that Each of them Should have Seventy pounds old Tenour
including what they have Receved in my Life Time then my Son Anthony to make up
the Defecincy To them
Lastly I Constitute and appoint my wife Lydia & my Son
Antony Executors of this my Last will & Testament –
In witness where of I the Said John Waterman have hereunto
Set my hand and Seal this 21st. Day of March Anno Domini 1748
Signd Sealed & Declared to be his Last
will & Testament in Presenc of John Waterman (seal)
Jno Cotton
Moses Cushman
Ignatous Cushing Jur
Presented for probate on 3 Aug. 1761 by Lidia Waterman and
Anthony Waterman, the Executors therein named, and proved by John Cotton and
Moses Cushman, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to
Lidia Waterman and Anthony Waterman, the Executors, with Moses Cushman of
Hallifax and Abial Leach of Middleborough as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 16, p. 182-184, from FHL microfilm
#0551543.
Will of John Waterman of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1778) *
In the name of God Amen – The Sixth day of February Anno
Domini one thousand Seven hundred & Seventy Eight, I John Waterman of
Halifax in the County of Plymouth & State of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England, Gentleman, being of a perfect & disposing mind & memory, but
calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for
all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will & testament;
that is to say, first of all, I Give & recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the Earth, to be buried in a
decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but
at the Resurrection, I shall recieve the same again by the mighty power of God,
and with respect to the worldly Estate with which God has blessed me in this
Life, I Give, demise & dispose of the same in the following manner ~
Imprimis – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Sons John
Waterman & William Waterman, besides what I have already given by Deeds,
all that Lot of Swamp Land which I formerly had of Isaac King, adjoining to the
estate of Seth Bryant Late of Halifax deceased & Edward Sears, also
adjoining to the Land of Gideon Soule & William Perrey containing about
seventeen or Eighteen acres
Item – I Give & bequeath to my Son Isaac Waterman, all my
Homestead whereon I now Live, and meadow adjoining – as also all my moveables
Estate, after my just debts, funeral Charges & Legacies, which I shall
hereafter in this will order, are paid by my Executor
Item – I Give & bequeath to my two Daughters, Betty
Waterman & Fear Waterman also all the Land, meadow & Cedar Swamp that
came to me by their mother, as also, all my Indoor moveables except what I
shall hereafter dispose of in this will, and a privilege of Living in my House
as Long as they remain unmarried
Item – I Give to my three Sons aforesaid, all my wearing
apparell & Armour to be equally divided among them
Item – I Give to my Son Isaac, my Pew on the Lower floor in
the meeting house, excepting a privilege which I Give to my two Daughters of
sitting in it.~
Item – I Give to my two Sons John & William, all my Right
in a Pew in the meeting house Gallery – and I do order my Son Isaac Waterman to
provide Suitable Grave Stones for me & my wife, and I do reserve to my
beloved wife, one third part of the Improvement of my whole Estate during her
widowhood—Likewise, I do hereby appoint my Son Isaac Waterman to be Sole
Executor of this my Last will & testament, and I do hereby Revoke and
disanul all & every other former wills, testaments, Legacies or Executors,
by me any way before named, willed or bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming
this and no Other to be my Last will & testament — In witness whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & year above mentioned. ~
Signed, Sealed & declared, to be his Last
will & testament by the said John Water-
man, in presence of us ~ John Waterman (seal)
Ephraim
Briggs
Jesse
Sturtevant
Jabez
Waterman
Presented for probate on 6 April 1791 by Isaac Waterman, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Jabez Waterman, and on the seventh day of
February Last, by Ephraim Briggs, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed.
Letters of Administration were granted to Isaac Waterman, the before named
Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 346-348, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will and Codicil of Robert Waterman of
In the Name of God Amen I Robert Waterman of Hallifax in the
County of plimouth in New England yeoman being Weake of Body But of Sound &
Disposing mind & memory Do make & ordain this to be My Last Will &
Testament first & principly I resign my Soul into the marcyful hands of
almyty god Hoping thro the marits of Christ for a blessed Resurraction to
eternal Life my Body I Commit to the Earth to be Decently buryed according to
the Discretion of my Execrs hereafter named and as for the Worldly
goods Which I have a Right in & unto after My Just Debts & funeral
Expences are payed & Discharged I give & Bequeath the Same in the
following mannor & form —
Imprimas I give & Bequeath to my Beloved Wife abigaill
all The Household Stuff That She Brot With her and Eighty pounds old Tener out
of my Estate To be at her Dispose and, also the Improvement of the Whole of the
West End of My house and What She may Need further out of my Estate for her
Comfortable Subsistance & Support both in Sikness & in helth While She
Continues my Widow —
Item I give To My Son Isaac Twenty two pound pounds old Tener
out of My Estate Which Together With What I have here To fore given him in
Lands Monys &c is his full Share of My Estate
Item I give to my Daughters Rebakah & Mary fifty pounds
old Tener apice Ninety pounds of it to be paid by my Sons Robert & Samuel
& Ten pounds by my Son Josiah —
Item I give to my Son Thomas five Shillings old Tener and
hereby Confirm What I have Given him & his hairs by Deed — —
Item I give to my Son Josiah five Shillings old Tenor and
Confirm To him What I have given him by Deed and hereby order him to pay five
pounds old Tener apiece To Each of his Sisters — —
Item I give to my Son Robert a Case of Drawers on Round Table
and a framed Chast With Drawers — —
Item I give to my Son Robert & Samuel to them thair
heairs & assigns all my Meadow in Winnetuxet Meadow So Called in plimton
Which I Latly purchased of Josiah Tinkham & Jno Smith as appears
By their Deeds under their hands & Seals To be Equely Divided Between them
— —
Item I give to mary Ransom the Sume of Twenty pounds old
Tenor to be payd her By My Executrs ~~~
Item I give to my Sons Robert & Samuel all the Remainder
of my Estate both Real & personal that is not already Disposid of to be
Equally Divided Between them thay Taking Care of their Mother & making
Suitable provision for her & paying ye Lagacyes. Lastly I
nominate & appoint my Sons Robert & Samuel to be Execrs of
this my Last Will & Testament
Witness Whereof I ye Sd Robart Waterman
have hereunto Set My hand & Seal this first Day of February anno RRs
Georgi j 2di Decimo octavo Annog Domini one thousand Seven hundred
& fourty four — Signed Sealed & Declared
to be his Last Will & Testament
In presence of — N.B.
it is to be understood that tho my Wife is
Jno Cotton to
have the Improvement of the Whole West
Jona. Seares End
of my house if She has Pecasion for it yet
her I
Do not think it proper that She Should bring
Mary + Fuller junr another
Family into it — —
mark Robert Waterman (seal)
A Codicil
Know all Men by these presents that Whereas I Robert Waterman
of Hallifax aforesd have made & Declared my Last will &
Testement in Writing bearing Date Feby 1 + 1744 I the Sd Robert
Waterman do by these Codicil ratify & Confirm my Said Last Will &
Testament With these additions —
1 I
hereby order my Sons Robert & Samuel to pay the Legecy above Which was
assigned to my Son Josiah to pay & that he be Discharged from it — — —
2 I
having paid Since the Signing of ye above Will the Sums following
viz: twenty pounds old Tenor to mary Ransom (now Mary Barrows) twenty one
Pounds Old Tener To My Daughter Mary and forty five pounds old Tenor To My Son
Isaac as by their Receipts under thair hands With Design to Discharge the
abovesd Legacyes in My Life Time I here by order the Sd
Sum of 21 £ to be deducted out of my Daughter marys portion and that the other
Sums paid to mary Barrow & my Son Isaac Shall be in full Satisfaction of
What is given Them aforesd Save that I now give to my —
Son Isaac Twenty Shillings old
Tenor — — —
3 Whereas
my Wife abigail has bequeathed to her 80 £ old Tenor in my Will aforesd
These are to Signify that She has aLready received sd Sum in full of
Sd Legacy and also Some Silver Spoons & a Golden Nacklace Which
I hereby Confirm to hir also I give her all the yarn that is Now Spun in the
House and all the Cloth that is not made up Except So much as is Sufficiant for
a mans Coat and also Lawful Interest From the Time of our Marriage for What She
brot with her and also the use of ye Case of Drawers round Table
& Chest of Drawers before given to my Son Robert While She Continues my Widow
and my Will & Meaning is that this Codicil be adjudged to be part of my
Last Will and that the things therein mentioned be as fully & faithfully
performed in Every Respect as if the Same Were declared & Set down in my
Last Will as Witness my hand ye 12th of Janury
1749
Signed Sealed & Declared Robert Waterman (seal)
in ye presents of
Jno Cotton
Jno Watrman
her
mary + Fuller junr.
mark
The Will and Codicil presented for
probate by the executors on 14 Feb. 1749, the Will proved by Mr.
John Cotton Jona Sears & Mary Fuller Junr., and the
Codicil proved by the said Mr. Cotton, John Waterman, and the said
Mary Fuller.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Waterman of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1784) *
In the name of God Amen—I Thomas Waterman of Halifax in the
County of Plymouth, yeoman, being infirm in body, but of a sound &
disposing mind and memory, and being sensible of the uncertainty of my Life,
and desirous to set my house in order before I Go hence, do make and declare
this to be my Last will and testament, and First I Return my soul to God the
Gave it whenever he shall please to call for it, and my body I Recommend to the
Earth to be decently buried by the Executors hereafter mentioned, hoping for a
Glorious resurrection to Life eternal, through the merits of Christ my
Redeemer, and touching the temporal estate which God hath blessed me within
this Life, my just debts and funeral Charges being first paid by my Executors
hereafter named, I Give, Devise and dispose of in the following manner—viz~—
Imprimis—I Give bequeath unto my Son Thomas Waterman his
heirs & assigns, all the Real estate that I have Lying in Plymton in the
County aforesaid, also two acres of Cedar Swamp that I bought of Samuel
Waterman Lying in Middleborough
Item—I Give and bequeqth unto my son Freeman Waterman his
heirs and assigns, a note that the said Freeman Gve me Dated July.14.1784 the
sum of £219.6.8~~
Item—I Give and bequeath unto the Children of my Daughter
Rebecca Heferds deceased Thirty pounds to be equally divided between them and
to be paid to them as they come of age by my two sons Thomas and Freeman
equally betwixt them
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter mercy Jossling
Thirty pounds to be paid by my two Sons Thomas & Freeman equally betwixt
them—
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Grandson Robert Waterman Six
shillings to be paid him by my two sons Thomas & Freeman equally betwixt
them
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Thomas &
Freeman all my Personal Estate that I have not before disposed of to be equally
divided betwixt them—
Lastly—I do appoint my two sons Thomas Waterman & Freeman
Waterman to be my Sole Executors ofg this my Last will & testament—in
witness whereof I the said Thomas Waterman have hereunto set my hand and seal
this sixteenth day of July 1784~
Signed, Sealed and declared to be his Last
will & testament in presence of Thomas
Waterman (seal)
Ebenr.
Tomson
Ebenr.
Tomson 3d
Eunice
Tomson
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1789 by Thomas Waterman and
Freeman Waterman, the executors therein named, and proved by Ebenezer Tomson
esqr & Ebenezer Tomson ye 3d two of the
witnesses thereto subscribed.
The Bond of Thomas Waterman of Plymton, yeoman, and Freeman
Waterman of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Waterman of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1802) *
In the Name of God Amen. – I Thomas Waterman of Plymton in
the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak
in body but of perfect & disposing mind & memory, thanks be given to
God therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will &
testament & desire it may be recieved by all as such, that is to say,
principally & first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of
God who gave it, and my body, I recomend to the earth, to be buried in decent
Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor, hereafter named, nothing
doubting but at the general resurrection, I shall recieve the same again, by
the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this life, I give demise & dispose of the same
in the following manner & form –vizt –
Imprimis.– I Give & bequeath to my well beloved wife
Priscilla Waterman, the use & improvement of all my real estate during her
natural life; I also give to my wife Priscilla Waterman, and to her heirs &
assigns forever, a certain piece of cedar swamp, lying & being in the Town
of Middleborough in sd County of Plymouth containing about two
acres, be the same, more or less, together with all the rest & residue of
all my personal estate, after payment of all my just debts & funeral
charges
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my brother in law Thomas
Perkins of Halifax in ye. County of Plymouth, A certain piece of
fresh meadow lying in Plymton on the northerly side of Winnatuxet River, and is
that meadow which formerly belonged to the Revd. Ezra Sampson late
of Plymton, to have & to hold, to him the sd. Thomas Perkins,
& to his heirs & assigns forever.~
Item.– I Give & bequeath to my brother, Freeman Waterman
of Halifax & my kinsman Bethuel Barnes, son to Lemuel Barnes of Plymton,
& to their heirs & assigns forever, all the rest & residue of all
my real estate not before disposed of in this my last will & testament, to
be equally divided between them, after the decease of my wife.–
Lastly.– I do constitute, make & ordain my brother in law
Bennett Perkins, my sole Executor of this my last Will & testament, &
do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
will, testament, legacies, bequeaths & Executors by me in any way before
named, willed & bequeathed, Ratifying & confirming this, and no other,
to be my last Will & testament. – In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand & seal this twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord, one
thousand, eight hundred and two—1802 ~
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced & de-
clared by the said Thomas Water- Thomas Waterman (seal)
man, as his last Will & testament
in the presence us the subscribers. ~
Elijah
Bisbe junr
Beza
Bisbe
Fanny
Sampson
Presented for probate on 7 Feb. 1803 by Bennett Perkins, ye
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Bisbe junr. Esqr. and
Beza Bisbe, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Bennett Perkins, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 38, p. 249-250, from FHL microfilm
#0550720.
Will of Pelatiah West of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1732) *
Know all Men by these presents That I Paletiah West of
Duxborough in the County of Plimouth in the Province of the Massachussetts bay
in NewEngland Husbandman being undr. Some decay of body by Reason of
the near approch of old age: but of perfect mind & Memory thanks be Given
to almighty God, and by the frequent admonitions of my Frailty & mortality
by the Dissolution of many Others being put in mind that it is appointed for
all men Once to dye doe therefore upon deliberate & Serious Consideration
make and Ordain these presents to be My Last Will and Testament in manner &
form following to be & Remain firm & inviolable forever
Imprs. I Recommend my Soul into the Hands of
Almighty God the Father of Spiritts who Gave it and my Body I Recomend to the
Earth to be decently interred in Christain manner at the Discretion of my Execr.
and Execrx, hereafter named &in Hopes of abetter Resurrection
thro’ my Lord & Saviour who is the Resurrection and the Life, and that
thro’ the Merritts death & Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ I shall Obtain
Everlasting life, and as Touching all Such Worldly & Temporally Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this life I Give Demise &
Dispose thereof in the following manner & form
Viz First I Will That my Just Debts and Funerall charges be
paid and Discharged charged within convenient time after my decease –
Item, I give and Bequeath unto my Dear & Loving Wife
Elizabeth One third part of all my moveable Estate within doors, and the use
& Improvement of One half of my Dwelling House during the whole term of her
naturall life and the abovesd. third part of the abovesaid moveable
Estate to be her’s forever
Item, I Give to my above said wife Elizabeth One third part
of the use & Improvement of all my lands and Meadows during the whole time
of her Naturall life, and one third part of my Personall Estate to be her own
forever my Debts first being Paid—
Item I Give to my Brother Samuell West of Lebanon in the
County of Conneticutt all my wearing cloaths or apparrell if he shall be living
after my decease
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Kindsman Benjamin (Sometimes
called Benjamin Southworth Junr. of Duxborough) who is the son of My
sister Abigail Cole the wife of Nathaniel Cole of sd. Duxboro’, all
the Rest and Residue of my whole Estate both real and personall either in
Housing lands or any other Species Whatsoever it is or may be found togather
also with all that is abovesd in this My Will Given to my abovesaid
Wife Elizabeth to be hers during her life after her decease I Give it with all
the above mentd. residue of my whole Estate to my abovesd.
Kindsman Benjamin To Him His Heirs and assigns forever—
Finally I do by these presents Nominate Constitute &
appoint My Well Beloved wife Elizabeth and abovesd. Kindsman
Benjamin to be Execrx. & Execr. of this my last Will
& Testamt; and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke Disanull
& make Voide all & every other & former Wills & Testaments by
me heretofore made whether Verball or Written, Ratifying & Confirming this
& no other to be my last Will & Testamt. I Witness whereof I
have hereunto sett my hand & Seal the Thirty first day of January in the
year of our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred & thirty one or thirty two
Signed Sealed pronounced & Declared Pelatiah West (seal)
by the abovesd. Pelatiah West to be his
last Will and Testament In presence of
Phillip Delano
Joseph Weston
Ezra Arnold
Presented for probate on 2 May 1757 by the abovenamed
Benjamin Execr. for probate the Execrx. abovenamed being
dead, and proved by Joseph Weston and Ezra Arnold, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Benjamin Southworth Junr.
of Duxboro, as Sole Executor, on 2 May 1757.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Pallatiah West
late of Duxborough was appraised on 13 May 1759 by Briggs Alden, Nathl.
Simmons and Elnathan Weston, and totaled £266.18.2, including his homestead
farm valued at £200. Benja. Southworth, the Administrator on the
Estate, gave his oath to the inventory on 9 July 1759.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 14, p. 330-332, from FHL microfilm #0551542, and Vol. 15,
p. 254.
Will of Peter West of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1717) *
In The name of God Amen the Twenty fifth of July 1717. I
Peter West of Plympton being through the Goodness of God in Reasonable Health
of body and perfect in mind and memory & understanding yet Calling to mind
the Mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for all men Once to
dye do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. Principally and first
of all I give and Reccomend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my
body I Reccomend to the Earth to be buried in Decent Christian burial at the
discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I
shall Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God; and as Touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this life I give
and demise and dispose of the Same in manner and form following.
Imprimis. I give and bequeath to my true and well beloved
wife Patience all my moveable estate with all my Right & Interest in Cedar
Swamp wheresoever all during the time of life, and after my wifes decease my
estate to be disposed of as in the following manner.
Item. I give to my daughter Mary Thirty Shillings. Item. I
give to my daughter Margery Thirty Shillings. Item. I give to my daughter
Esther fourty Shillings. Item I give to my daughter Rebeckah fourty Shillings.
Item. I give to my daughter Ruth fourty Shillings & One bed. Item. I give
to my Grandaughter Amy Curtice fourty Shillings and the remainder of my estate
I give be it of what sort or Specie someever Equally to my two Sons Elisha
& Samuel West’s whome I Make and Ordain my Sole executors of this my last
Will & Testament.
And I do hereby Utterly disallow Revoak and disanull all
& every other former Wills Testaments by me any ways before named
Confirming this and no Other to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal the day and year abovewritten.
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and declared by the sd.
Peter West his Last Will & Testament in the pressence of us the
Subscribers The Twenty fifth of July
1717 ~
Samuel West. The mark of m Martha West The
mark ↓ of
The marke of x Thankfull
Dellano ~ Peter
West (seal)
Probated on 17 Mar. 1720/21, and proved by Samuel West,
Martha West and Thankfull Delleno, all of Duxborough. Letters of Administration
were granted to Elisha West and Samuel West, Sons of the sd deceased
and executors in the same will.
The Inventory of the Estate of Peter West, late of Plympton,
was appraised on 11 May 1721 by Isaac Cushman Junr., Saml.
Bryant, and Richard Everson, and totaled £97.13.6, with debts due from the
estate totaling £64.14.8. Elisha West and Samuel West, sons of Peter West, late
of Plympton, and Executors named in his Will, gave their oath to the inventory
on 13 May 1721.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 4, p. 278-280, from FHL microfilm
#0550510.
Will of Rev. Thomas West of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1788) *
In the Name of God Amen I Thos. West of Rochester
Clerk, being (thro’ the Goodness of God) of perfect mind & memory, and
calling to mind that it is appointed unto all men once to die do make and
ordain this my Last will & testament– vizt– In the first place I
Give & bequeath my Soul unto God who gave it, thro’ Jesus Christ my dear
redeemer, my body to the Ground to buried with decent Christian burial, and as
to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I Give, bequeath
& dispose of it in the following manner ~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my beloved Son Thomas all
my farm in Rochester on which we now Live, to him & his forever. ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Son Samuel, my
Concordance & Expositions, to him & his forever ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Son Benjamin all
my Greek & Latin books, to him & his forever ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Son Timothy all my
Stock & out-door moveables & also all my wearing Apparell to him &
his forever
Item – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Daughters Keturah,
Drusilla, & Sarah, all my Indoor moveables to equally divided among them to
them & theirs forever, except what belonged to my Son John & my two
Last wives ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to my beloved Daughter Sarah
Freeman, widow, in consideration of her poverty & widowhood, all the money
which I shall Leave, either in Specie or Securities over & above her
dividend aforesaid to her & hers forever, my debts & funeral Charges
being first paid out of it as aforesaid. ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to the Children of my beloved
Son John deceased all that shall be found that was their fathers, to be equally
divided among them ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to the Sons of my second wife
all that can be then found that was their mothers, to be equally divided
between them ~
Item – I Give & bequeath to the Children of my third
wife, all that can be then found that was their mothers, to be equally divided
among them
Item – my will is, that my books except those above mentioned
be equally divided among all my Children – and I do hereby constitute &
appoint my Son Thos. aforsd. & my son Enoch Hammond Esqr.
to be jointly my Executors of this my Last will & testament. In
Confirmation of all which I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed my Seal
this 9th day of December 1788 ~
Signed, sealed & declared by the sd. Thos.
West
to be his Last will & testament in presence of
Moses Hammond – Obed Barlow – Elihu Thos. West (seal)
Sherman – Noah Hammond – Benjamin
Hammond ye. 4th – Nathl.
Hammond junr.
Presented for probate on 5 Oct. 1790 by Thomas West and Enoch
Hammond Esqr, the Executors therein named, and proved by Elihu
Sherman and Noah Hammond, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Thomas West and Enoch Hammond Esquire, the
before named Executors.
John Bennet, yeoman, Abraham Holmes esqr. and John
Nye Gentm, all of Rochester, were appointed to appraise the estate
of Thomas West, late of Rochester, Clerk, on 5 Oct. 1790. The Inventory of the
Estate of the Late Revd. Thomas West of Rochester, dated 20 Aug.
1790, totaled £872.10.10, including his real estate, buildings and
appurtenances valued at £693. Abraham Holmes Esqr. gave his oath to
the inventory on 13 Sept. 1790, and Thos. West and Enoch Hammond esqr,
the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory on 5 Oct. 1790.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 31, p. 274-278, from FHL microfilm
#0550716.
Will of Benjamin Weston of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1858) *
In the
name of God, amen. I, Benjamin Weston, of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth,
being sick and weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind and memory, desire
to make disposition of my worldly estate both Real & Personal.
First, I
commit my body to the dust and my soul to God who gave it, believing on Christ
as a Divine Saviour, looking to him as the Author and finisher of my Faith, to
whom I look for salvation.
After
the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses, and the erection of a
suitable monument or monuments, to mark the resting-place of my mortal body,
and also that of my beloved wife, at her decease;—
1st I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Henry
Weston, his heirs & assigns forever all the right, title & interest
that I have in common with Sylvanus Harlow, in my shop at the waterside, with
all the tools, benches, chests and stock, that may be in said shop, of every
description belonging to me.
2nd I give devise and bequeath to my grand-son
Benjamin H. Weston, my watch, and one large silver-spoon, which belonged to my
Great, Great, Great Grandfather – Benjamin Weston.
3d I give devise and bequeath to my beloved
wife Joanna Weston, the improvement of all my Real and Personal Estate, during
her natural life.
4th After the decease of my beloved wife, I give
to my three unmarried daughters, viz:- Joanna, Mary & Bathsheba the
improvement of all my Real and Personal Estate to be held in common, and in
case of the death of either of the three, of the above named daughters, the
Survivors or survivor shall continue to have the improvement of said estate the
same as if all were living. And in case one or more of said daughters should be
married, her or their right to any part of the income or improvement of said
estate shall cease, & the whole as above provided, shall belong to the
unmarried one or more, as the case may be.
5th After the decease of my beloved wife if the
three above named daughters shall be married, my estate shall be equally
divided among my children, or their heirs, if they or any of them should not be
living.
6th If the above named daughters come into
possession of the improvement of my estate, or any one or more of them come
into the improvement of said estate, after the decease of my beloved wife, at
their decease or marriage, my estate shall be divided as expressed in Section 5th
7th In relation to my three other daughters, viz:
Jeanette, the wife of Warren S. Macomber, Elizabeth, the wife of Nathan P.
Lamson, and Catharine, the wife of Isaac K. Harlow, having done for them what I
could when they married, I make no other provision for them, except that made
at the final distribution of my Estate.
8th
I hereby appoint my son Henry Weston, and my son-in-law Nathan P. Lamson,
Executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In
witness whereof, I the said Benjamin Weston, have hereunto set my hand this
third day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
Benj. Weston.
Signed,
published & declared by the said Benjamin Weston, as and for his last Will
and Testament, in our presence, and in the presence of each other, and at his
request, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses, this third day of
July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
T.
Gordon
Will.
Weston
Albert
Barnes
Presented for probate on the first Monday of Dec. 1858, by
Henry Weston and Nathan P. Lamson, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Albert Barnes, one of the witnesses, the other two witnesses being Timothy
Gordon and William Weston.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 100, p. 486-488, from FHL microfilm #0555644.
Will of David Weston of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1835) *
In
the name of God, Amen. I, David Weston of Middleborough in the County of
Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life, and being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be
Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following, that is to say. ~
Firstly.
I give and bequeath unto my eldest daughter Susanna Lincoln, the sum of twenty
five dollars. –
I
give and bequeath unto my second daughter, Polly Weston, Single-woman, twenty
five dollars – Also in addition to the above, I give her the sum of one hundred
dollars, together with all my household furniture, which I shall leave
undisposed of, at my decease, as a compensation to her for her services in the
family.
I
give and bequeath to my youngest daughter Keziah Lincoln, Widow-woman, the sum
of thirty five dollars.
And
I give and bequeath unto my youngest son Enoch Weston the sum of three hundred
and fifty nine dollars, in addition to what I have heretofore given him.
Secondly.
And on conditions that the above named legatees shall and do remise, release
and forever quitclaim unto their eldest brother, my son Andrew Weston, his
heirs and assigns forever, their right and title to a certain lot and parcel of
land lying in Middleborough, and County as aforesaid, which land belonged to
their mother, Keziah Weston, deceased, and which was given her by her honored
father, Barnabas Eaton, deceased, then, on the above conditions, and
not-otherwise, I will and order that the sum of twenty five dollars be added to
each and every one of the above Legacies, and paid out of my estate — which
said several legacies, or sums of money, I will and order that they shall be
paid to the said respective legatees, within three months after my decease.
Third
and Lastly – As to all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, lands,
stock, goods and chattels of whatever name or nature, I give and bequeath the
same to my eldest son, Andrew Weston, his heirs and assigns forever – And I
hereby appoint him sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament – And I do
hereby revoke all former Wills by me made.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my
hand and seal this eighth day of April in the year of our Lord and Saviour one
thousand eight hundred & thirty five.
his
David + Weston (seal)
mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared,
by the within named David Weston, to be his last Will and Testament in the
presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the
presence of the testator.
David
Alden Jr
Silas
Hathaway
Cyrus
Washburn.
Presented for probate on 5 Apr.
1836, and proved by David Alden Jr and Cyrus Washburn, two of the subscribing
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Andrew Weston of
Middleborough, Yeoman, on 5 Apr. 1836.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p.
125-127, from FHL microfilm #0555264.
Will of Edmond Weston
of Duxbury, Plymouth Colony (1686) *
Duxborough. This Eighteenth Day of the 2d. M.
1686. The Last Will and Testament of Edmond Weston. In the Name of God So Let
it be I being Very aged & Sick & weak yet haveing My Right
understanding & Not Knowing The Day of My Death, That Others May be at
Peace when I am Dead I Do thus will that my Estate May be So Disposed of when I
am Dead –
First – I Do will & Bequeath My Body to the Earth for a
Season & that it be Decently Burried & Funeral Charges & My Debts
to be paid out of My Personall Estate Before any Legasies & My Soul to God
that Gave it me whom I Trust has Redemed it –
Secondly I Do will & Bequeath unto my Son Edmond all my
Lands lying on the North Side of Green, Harbour Brook –
3d. I do will & Bequeath Unto My Son John one
red Heifer Now with Calfe & one yearling Heifer & My old Mare –
4 I do will &
Bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Now the Wife of John Delano My Bigest Pot &
a Tract of Land where the sd Delanos house Doth Stand according to
the Bounds formerly agreed on & the Land that I had of him to Return to him
againe –
4 I Do will Constitute
Ordain & appointe My Son Elnathan to be Executor of this my Last will &
Testament –
5 I Do will &
Bequeath unto my Son Elnathan My house & all Lands lying In Duxborough and
all the Remaining Part of My Estate he paying Debts & Legaceys. Thus
Desiering to Waite Until My Change Shall be I Shall Subscribe to These Presence
the Day & year above Expressed. In the Presence of These Witnesses
Edward Southworth
Thomas Delano Edmond (seal) Weston
Probated on 3 June 1686, and proved by Edward Southworth and
Thomas Delano, the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 8, p. 17-18, from FHL microfilm
#0551531.
Will of Thomas Weston of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
In
the Name of God Amen ~
On the Twenty second day of Aprill in the year of our Lord
1776 I Thomas Weston of Duxborough in the County of Plymouth yeoman being of a
sound mind & memory thanks be Give to almighty God therefor, calling to
mind the mortallity of my body & knowing it is appointed for all men to
die, I do make & ordain this my Last will & Testament, that is to say
principally & first of all I Give & recommend my Soul into the hands of
God that Gave it, & my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a
decent & christian manner nothing doubting but at the General resurrection
I shall recieve the same again by the almighty power of God & as touching
such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this Life–I Give
& demise in the following manner & form
Imprimis — I Give & bequeath to my dear & Loving wife
Martha Weston the improvement of one half of my real Estate & one third of
my personal Estate & wood in the woods for a fire so Long as she shall
remain my Widow & all the things she brought to me with her for her own to
dispose of as she pleaseth ~
Item — I Give to my Two Sons & two daughters, which I had
by my First wife viz Joseph & Thomas & Mary & Jane all that piece
of woodland which was their mother’s my first wife Equall between them, all the
rest of my reall Estate I Give to my three Sons, Joseph Thomas & Peleg
Equal one half at my decease the other half at my wives decease, I also Give to
these my three Sons my four Guns & all my Shop Tools – I Give to my Son
Thomas my blue boat & black westcoat and a pair of patterns for black
breeches and a pair of black Stockings & my Silver Shoe buckles—I Give to
my Son Peleg my Silver knee buckles, my stone buttons ~ I Give to my three sons
above named all the rest of my personal Estate not yet mentioned Equally
between them, two thirds at my decease the other third at my wives decease.
& I do oblige my three Sons herein named to pay all my debts & funeral
Charges Equally between them—I Give to my four daughters vizt– Mary,
Jane, Mercy, & Rebecca Forty & Six pounds thirteen shillings & four
pence a piece each of them to be paid by my three Sons above named Equally.
& I do also Give to my four daughters above named a priviledge in my house
so Long as they Live unmarried – I do constitute & ordain my wife Martha
Weston & my son Joseph Weston to be my Sole Executors of this my Last Will
& Testament and I do hereby revoke & disannull every other former Will
& Testament Ratifying & confirming this to be my Last Will &
Testament, In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this day
& year above written
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared by the sd
Thomas Weston to be his Last Will & Testament Thomas Weston (seal)
in presence of us the Subscribers ~
William Simmons
Abel Chandler
Judah Delano
Presented for probate on 3 June 1776 by Martha Weston and
Joseph Weston, the Executors therein named, and proved by William Simmons and
Judah Delano, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Martha & Joseph, the before named Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Weston, late of Duxbury
yeoman, was appraised on 19 June 1776 by Judah Delano, Edward Winslow and
William Simmons, and totaled £1219.18.6, including his real estate valued at
£805.6.4. Martha Weston and Joseph Weston, the Executor and Executrix, gave
their oath to the inventory on 1 July 1776.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 25, p. 7-8, from FHL microfilm #0550713.
Will of Zachariah Weston of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of
the Massachusetts Bay (1763) *
In the Name of God Amen this 27th of September
A.D. 1763. I Zechariah Weston of Middleborough in the county of Plymo.
Yeoman being sick & under many Bodily Infirmities but of a perfect mind
& Memory thanks be given unto God therefor. Wherefore calling to mind the
mortality of my Body & knowing that it is appointed for all once to die do
make & ordain this to be my last will & Testament
Principally & first of all I give & recommend my Soul
into the hands of God that gave it & my Body to the Earth to be buried in
Christian Burial nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty power of God & as touching such
worldly Estate as it hath pleased to God to bless me with in this life, I give
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form.
Imps. I give & bequeath unto Mehitable Weston
my true & beloved wife And to her heirs forever my Cow & Swine with my
two feather Beds & Bedding as also my Chests, Tables, Chairs, pewter, &
Iron hollowware together together with all my moveable Effects both in doors
& out of Doors—
Furthermore I do hereby appoint Mehitable my aforesd.
wife to be the Sole Executrix of this my last will & Testament thus hoping
that this my last will & Testament will be kept according to the true
intent & meaning hereof. In witness whereof I the said Zechariah Weston
have hereunto sett my hand & seal the Day & Year above written. ~
Signed sealed published pronounced & declared by his
the sd. Zachariah Weston as his last will & Zachariah Z Weston (seal)
Testament in prescence of us the Subscribers. mark
Simeon Dogget. John
Cobb.
Joseph
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 24 Apr. 1764 by Mehitable Weston,
the Executrix therein named, and proved by Joseph Tinkham Esq. and Simeon
Dogget, two of the witnesses. Letter of Administration on the estate of
Zachariah Weston were granted to Mehitable Weston, the Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 19, p. 35-36, from FHL microfilm #0550711.
Will of Samuel
Whipple of
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Whipple of Cumberland in the
County of providence and State of Rhode Island and providence plantations
Yeoman being Weak in Body But of perfect Mind and Memory Thanks be given to God
therefor Do this Eighth Day of May and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven hundred and Seventy Nine Make and Publish this my Last Will and Testament
In manner and form Following that is to Say
Imprimis } I Commend my Soul into the hands of Allmighty God
That gave it to me and my Body to the Earth from whence it came. In hopes of a
Joyfull Resurrection Through the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ, And as for
the Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I
dispose thereof as Followeth . . .
. . .
. .
Item } I give to my Dearly Beloved Wife Elizabeth Whipple the
free use and Improvement of all my Real Estate during her Natural Life, I
likewise Give to my aforesaid Beloved Wife the free use and Improvement of all
my personal Estate After my Just Debts and Funeral Charges shall be paid and
Discharged out of my Out door Moveables which I hereby order and will Should be
done during her Natural Life . . .
. . .
. .
Item } I give to my Beloved Daughter Elizabeth Whipple The
smallest of my Dwelling Houses Together with One Acre of Land Begining On the
Road Northerly from said House and Runing Eight Rods East, from thence Twenty
Rods Southeasterly from thence Eight Rods Westerly to the high way from thence
Twenty Rods by said highway to the first Corner to be and Remain to her and to
her Heirs and Assigns as an Absolute Estate of Inheritance in fee simple
forever—
Item } I give to my Beloved Daughter Huldy Weatherhead Six
Acres of Meadow Land to be set of at the West End of a Lott of Land that Lyeth
Near Capt. Enoch Weatherheads Land and Northerly with Lands of Roger
Hill To be and Remain to her her Heirs and Assigns as an Absolute Estate of
Inheritance in fee Simple forever—
Item } I give to my Seven Daughters Namely Watestill Howard,
Hannah Wilkinson, Freelove Bowen, Elizabeth Whipple Mary Lovett Chloe Whipple,
and Huldah Weatherhead all my Lands and Buildings situate lying and being
within The Township of Cumberland Aforesaid and that are not here tofore given
away to be and Remain to them Their Heirs and Assigns as an Absolute Estate of
Inheritance In fee Simple forever to be Equally divided Betwixt them by
Quantity and Quality . . .
. . .
. .
Item } I give to my Two Daughters Elizabeth and Chloe One Cow
each and all my In door Moveables to be Equally divided betwixt them to them
their Heirs and Assigns . . .
. . .
. .
Item } I give to Simon Whipple Son of Hannah Wilkinson and
Abner Feild Son of Chloe Whipple all my Stock of Cattle and Out door Moveables
that shall Remain after my Just Debts and Funeral Charges and the Two afore
mentioned Cows are taken out of the Same To them their Heirs &c. .
. . .
. . .
And I make and ordain Simon Wilkinson of Cumberland In the
County of providence and State aforesaid Yeoman with my Wife Elizabeth Whipple
Joint Executors of this my Last Will and Testament and do hereby utterly Revoke
and disanul all and every other former Testament Wills Legacies and Bequeaths
and Executors by me in any wise made willed and Bequeathed Rattifieng and
Confirming this and no other To be my Last Will and Testament In Witness where
of I the said Samuel Whipple Do hereunto Set my Hand and Seal The day and Year
first afore Written . . .
. . .
. .
Signed Sealed Published pronounced and Declared By the said
Samuel Whipple as his Last Will and Testament In the presence of Us whose Name
are here under Written
who did Each of us Subscribe our
Names }
As Witnesses at his Request and in
his }
Presence in the Room where he then
was }
Roger Alexander Samuel Whipple (seal)
Nathaniel Shepardson
Proved by Roger Alexander,
Whereas Mr Samuel Whipple of Cumberland in the
County of Providence Yeoman who Departed this Life the Nineteenth Day of August
Annoque Domini 1780 Did as and by his Last Will and Testament Nominate Appoint
and Ordain his Wife Elizabeth Whipple and Simon Wilkinson of said Cumberland
Yeoman Joint Executors of his Said Last Will and Testament…
The inventory of Samuel Whipple of Cumberland, Deceased,
appraised by Enoch Weatherhead and Jonathan Mosher on the Seventh and Eighth
Days of September AD 1780, totaled £257.2, and was recorded on 9 Sept. 1780.
* Transcribed by
John A. Maltby from
Will of Charles White
of Junius,
In
the name of God Amen. I Charles White of the town of Junius in the County of
Seneca & State of New york, being weak in body but of sound & perfect
mind and memory blessed be Almighty God for the same, Do make and publish this
my last will & testament in manner & form following that is to say
First I give & bequeath unto my two youngest sons Ezra White & James
White my farm on which I now (live) reside, to be equally divided between them
on the express condition that they support my wife Sarah White during her life.
I do also give & bequeath to my four sons Thomas, John Ezra and James the
Saw mill which I now occupy to be equally divided between them, by each of them
paying their equal proportion of sum due towards the building & purchase of
said mill & I do also give & bequeath to my three daughters Phebe
Hayns Sweet & Anna Lay all
my personal property to be equally divided between them, after paying all my
Just debts & funeral expences: and lastly I do hereby appoint John White my
second son & Thomas C. Magee my sole executors of this my last will &
testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness I have
hereunto set my hand & seal the fifteenth day of January in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine (1829)
Signed sealed published &
declared by the above }
named Charles White to be his last
will & testament } Charles White (seal)
in the presence of us who have
hereunto subscribed }
our names as witnesses in the
presence of the testator }
Abraham Stocker
Robert L. Livingston
Simeon Seekell
Presented for probate on 6 Feb. 1829, and proved by Abraham
Stocker, Robert Livingston, and Simeon Seekell, the three witnesses.
Letters of Administration on the estate of Charles White were
granted to John White and Thomas C. Magee, the Executors, on 6 Feb. 1829.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Daniel White
of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1721) *
In ye. Name of God amen: I Daniel White of
Marshfield in ye. County of Plymouth in ye. Province of ye.
Massachusetts Bay In New:England yeoman ye. 25th. day of
May in ye. year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred & Twenty
one: Being aged & Infirm of Body but of Perfect Sound mind & memory
& Calling to mind ye. uncertainty of this Life & being
desirous to Settle Things in order do make & ordain this my last Will &
Testament in manner & Form following That is to Say first & Principally
I Comend my Soul to God my Creator & my Body to ye. Earth in
decent Buriall: In Such manner as to my Executor thereafter named Shall be
Thought most meet & Convenient & as to Such worldly goods & Estate
as ye. Lord In mercy hath given me; my mind & Will is that ye
same Shall be Imployed & disposed of according as in this my will is
Expressed: viz: I give & Bequeath to my Beloved wife Hannah White all ye.
use & Profitts of my whole Estate both Real & Personal during ye.
whole term of Her Natural Life & after Her decease my Will is That my Son
John White Shall Have five Shillings: & my Son Joseph White five Shillings
& my Son Eleazer White Shall have Three Pounds in money or moneys worth
Paid to them out of my Estate, by my Executor hereafter named & all ye.
Remainder of my Estate WheresoEver it is or may be found which I have not
formerly disposed of by deed or deeds Shall be Equally divided between my five
Youngest Sons. Namely Thomas White, Cornelius White, Benjamin White,
Eleazer White & Ebenezer White
Lastly I do hereby Constitute ordain & appoint my Son Cornelius
White Sole Executor to this my last Will & Testament.
Signed Sealed Published & declared His
By ye. sd. Daniel White ye.
Testator Daniel Z White (seal)
to be his last Will & Testament Marke
In ye. Presence of
Josiah Thomas
Ebenezer Howland
Arthur Howland Junr.
Probated on 28 May 1724, and proved by Josiah Thomas,
Ebenezer Howland and Arthur Howland Junr., the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Cornelius White, the Sole Executor, on 8 June
1724.
The Inventory of the estate of Mr. Daniel White, late of
Marshfield, was appraised by John Barker, Peleg Foord, and Arthur Howland Junr.
on 8 June 1724, but not totaled. Cornelius White, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 6 Aug. 1724.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 4, p. 447-449, from FHL microfilm
#0550510.
Will of Joel White of Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1821) *
In
the name of God Amen. I Joel White of Halifax in the County of Plymouth, in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman considering the uncertainty of this
mortal life & being of sound mind and memory, thanks be given to Almighty
God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner
and form following.
First. I give & bequeath unto my beloved wife Margaret White the sum
of sixty Dollars annually to be paid out of my Estate, also as much room in my
Dwelling house as is convenient for her use during her natural life, Also my
Executor is hereby directed to furnish my said wife with as much firewood,
delivered & cut up at the door annually as will be necessary for her use
out of my Estate. Also one Cow to be kept on my Estate for her use during her
natural life, also what household furniture she may think necessary for her own
use and to be at her own disposal.
I do also give and bequeath to my eldest son Bethuel White my sawmill
with all the apparatus thereunto belonging, and also all the flowing privileges
which I bought for the use of said saw mill & Also the sum of one hundred
& fifty Dollars to be paid in current money in one year from the decease of
my said wife.
I also give & bequeath to the children of my deceased Daughter
Betsey Rider as follows viz, to Nathaniel C Rider the sum of two hundred
Dollars to be paid by my Executor out of my Estate in current money when he
shall arrive at the age of twenty one years & in case of his decease before
that time said two hundred Dollars to be equally divided among my heirs, to my
Granddaughter Priscilla B Rider the sum of twenty five Dollars to be paid by my
Executor in current money on her arrival to the age of twenty one years &
in case she should not live to the age of twenty one years, said twenty five
Dollars to be equally divided among my heirs.
I also give and bequeath to my two Grandsons, Friend White and Hiram
White, sons of my deceased son Friend
White one hundred Dollars each to be paid to them on their becoming twenty one
years of age, to be paid by my Executor in current money out of my Estate, my
will is that if either of them should decease before they arrive at twenty one
years of age the survivor is to have two hundred Dollars to be paid as
aforesaid & in case neither of them arrive to the age of twenty one years,
the said two hundred Dollars is equally to be divided among my Heirs, said sums
of two hundred Dollars to bear Interest in one year from the decease of my said
wife in case our death happen before they the said Friend & Hiram arrive to
twenty one years of age.
And I do also give and bequeath to my sons Abiel White, Cyrus White
& Welcome White, to my Daughters Clarissa White, Fanny White and Peggy
White and the children of my deceased Daughter Nancy Rider, and the children of
my deceased Daughter Lucinda Howland the residue of my Estate to be divided
among them in the following manner viz, the said Abiel White, Cyrus White and
Welcome White, Clarissa White & Fanny White to have equal share and my
Daughter Peggy White to have one hundred and fifty Dollars less than my said
sons & unmarried Daughters, the children of my deceased Daughter Nancy
Rider to have two hundred Dollars less than my said sons and unmarried
Daughters, and the children of my deceased Daughter Lucinda Howland to have two
hundred Dollars less than my said sons & unmarried Daughters, my meaning
& intention is, the children of my deceased Daughter Nancy shall have one
share with the exception of two hundred Dollars, which sd several
legacies I will & order shall bear Interest from one year after the decease
of my said wife.
My will & intention is that if my son Cyrus White should not have
issue arrive at the age of twenty one years, the share herein bequeathed to him
is to revert back to my heirs after his decease & my will also is that if
my son Welcome shall not have issue arrive at twenty one years of age, the
share herein bequeathed to him shall at his decease revert to my heirs.
And I do hereby appoint Obadiah Lyon of Halifax in said County my sole
Executor of this my last will & Testament with full power (in case of his
Infirmity) to appoint a successor, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty
second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
twenty one.
The
words “with full power to appoint in case of his Infirmity to appoint
his successor” and the words “and fifty” were interlined before signing
Signed, Sealed, published & declared by the
above named Joel White to be his
last will
and Testament in presence of us who
at
his request and in his presence
have
hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses.
Seth
Allen Joel White (seal)
William
Allen
Joshua
Lyon
Presented for probate on 1 Oct.
1822 by Obadiah Lyon Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved
by Seth Allen and Joshua Lyon, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters
of Administration were granted to Obadiah Lyon, the before named Executor.
Plymouth
Ss Court of Probate October 1st
1822. To Obadiah Lyon Executor of the last will and Testament of Joel White
late of Halifax in sd county yeoman deceased – Greeting
You
are hereby directed to sell at public auction the whole personal Estate of said
deceased and account with me for the proceeds of the same.
Wilkes Wood J Prob
Reuben Sylvester, yeoman, Nathaniel
Holmes, yeoman, and Thomas Fuller, yeoman, all of Halifax, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Joel White, late of Halifax, on 18 Sept. 1822. The
Inventory of the Estate of Joel White, late of Halifax, was not dated or
totaled. His real estate was valued at $640.67, and he had several large notes
of hand due to the estate, including one from Willis Alger & Co. for $3300.
Obadiah Lyon, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 21 Oct. 1822.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 56, pp.
123-126, 198-201, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Abstract of the Will of Peregrine
White of
The Will of Peregrine White of Marshfield, dated 14 July
1704, “being aged & under many weaknesses of bodily infirmitite…”
To Sarah my welbeloved wife – all my goods & chattels
during her natural life.
Having already given by deed of 19 Aug. 1674 to my Eldest son
Daniel White my tenement or homestead with my other land & rights of land
in Marshfield, I further give him my great table & fourms, my joyn works
bedstead and cupboard, also one moiety or half my lands & right of land in
Middleborough, he to provide both summer and winter a cow for my wife. Daniel
also is obliged to pay, in the deed, unto my Daughters Sarah and Marey each 10
pounds each.
I give the other moiety or half my lands & right of land
in
Also I give to son Jonathan my Rapier and to his eldest son
my gun.
All my goods & chattels that remain at my wifes decease
are to be equally divided between my four children Jonathan, Peregrine, Sarah
and Marey.
Sarah my wife to live in the part of my dwelling house that I
now live in, plus I give her one third of the rents & profits of the land
for the term of her natural life.
I appoint my wife Sarah and eldest son Daniel to be Joynt
Executors, and I request my good friends & neighbors Samuel Sprague Senior
and John Dogett to be overseers.
Witnesses: t he mark P W
of Peregrine White
Samuel Sprague
Thomas Dogget
Mary M
Joyce
her marke
Probated on 14 Aug. 1704, and proved by Samuel Sprague,
Thomas Dogget, and Mary Joyce.
An Inventory of the Goods Chattels & Credits of Mr
Peregrine White late of Marshfield deceased Taken & Apprised the 3d
of August Anno Domini 1704 by John Dogget & Saml Sprague. [Not
totaled] Mrs Sarah White, Relict widdow of Capt: Peregrine White late deceased
& Daniel White his son gave their oath to the inventory on 14 Aug. 1704.
* Abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of Richard L. White of Colchester, Delaware County, New York (1856) *
The last
Will and Testament of Richard L. White of the town of Colchester in the County
of Delaware and State of New York – I Richard L. White considering the
uncertainty of this Mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory (blessed be
Almighty God for the same) do make and publish this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following that is to say ~ First I give and bequeath unto my
beloved wife Elizabeth V. White all that messuage or tenament Situated lying
and being in the said town of Coulchester in the County and State aforesaid
Being the South Easterly part of the farm on which I now reside comprehending
all the lands I now possess that lies south East of the brook that runs across
the public highway to the Delaware River and known and distinguished as the
Reynard brook to have and to hold the same so long as she after my death shall
remain unmarried, and if not married during her natural life with the
appurtenances thereunto belonging, Also all the Stock crops hay or grain
whatsoever and farming utensils that I am possessed of at my decease And also
all moneys or demands that I leave at my death, subject nevertheless to pay all
debts for which I am legally bound, and I also reserve from the above mentioned
stock one grey Coalt three years old past which I have given to my second son
Thomas E. White – Also three Cows and twenty sheep. And I also further Will and
bequeath to my beloved wife all my household furniture beds and bedding
excepting and reserving two beds and bedding for the same and two bedsteds for
my daughter Juniette A. White – Also a bed and bedding for for Each of my four
sons whenever they shall get married and need the same, to be such beds and
bedding as my wife shall see fit to set apart for them or apportion to each,
And I also reserve for my daughter Juniette A. a sufficient quantity of
household furniture to be of the value of One hundred and fifty Dollars
including the two Cows, five sheep and beds, two bedsteds and bedding for the
two beds to amount in all to the above sum of One hundred and fifty dollars, to
be given to her the said Juniette A. when married I also reserve for my oldest
daughter Mary M. One Cow and five sheep and sufficient household furniture to
be of the value of fifty Dollars to be give to the said Mary M. when married or
when she commences keeping house
I give and bequeath to my two oldest sons Perry L. S. White
and Thomas E. White the residue of my lands not bequeathed to my said wife be
the part of the farm on which I now reside that lies on the Northwesterly side
of the above mentioned brook Known as the Reynard brook and extending to the
lands formerly owned and occupied by Majah D. Lanfield
I further give and
bequeath to each of my children except Perry L. S. White one skip of bus each
and the residue to my said wife – I also give to my two youngest sons Amasa E.
and Ambrose E. White at the death or marriage of my said Wife all that part or
portion of my Real Estate, heretofore given to my said wife during her natural
life or state of celibacy Consisting of the South Easterly part of the farm on
which I now reside, being the part that lies on the South Easterly side of the
Reynard brook, to have and to hold the same unto them their heirs Executors and
Administrators or assigns forever
I further give and
bequeath to Amasa E. White and Ambrose E. White at the death of my said Wife,
ten sheep each if so many there be at that time, if not the value of ten sheep
to be paid out the personal property. I also give to Ambrose E. my Silver
Masonic Medal
I also give and
bequeath to my two oldest sons Perry L. S. White and Thomas E. White each
personal property of the value of fifty dollars, and to each of my daughters
Mary M. Lavina A. and Juniette A. One hundred and fifty dollars worth of
personal property if so much there be, and in case there be not personal
property at the decease of my said wife to pay the last mentioned sums,
amounting in all to five hundred and fifty dollars, then and in that case my
Will is that Amasa E. White and Ambrose E. White make up and pay the deficiency
out of the Messuage tenament or apportionment heretofore given and bequeathed
to them and I hereby charge and make chargable the same on the said Real Estate
given and bequeathed to the said Amasa E. White and Ambrose E. White, and in
case there be at the decease of my said wife personal property over and above
paying the said sums of five hundred and fifty dollars then the overpluss shall
be equally divided among my children share and share alike – And it is further
provided and my Will is that in case the dwelling house and furniture therein
should accidentally be destroyed by fire, that in consideration of the
foregoing bequests that Perry L. S. Thomas E. Mary M. Lavina A. and Juniette A.
White shall pay to Amasa E. and Ambrose E. White the sum of twenty five dollars
each and every of them that is to say in case the destruction should happen
before Ambrose E. and Amasa E. take possession of the aforesaid messuage or
tenament – And further also my true intent and meaning is that insted of Perry
L. S. Thos E. Mary M. Lovina A. and Junietta A White paying the
aforesaid twenty five dollars each to Amasa E. and Ambrose E. that their
portions or bequests shall be made each twenty five dollars less of the
personal property – And further after the death of my said Wife my Will is and
I so ordain That Mary M. take my bureau at the value of ten dollars and that
Junitte A. take my Desk and table belonging thereto at the value of eight
dollars, and Lavina A. take my larges brass Kettle and my Largest Cherry table
at the value of seven Dollars and each a bed and bedding not appraised by me
but to be appraised by some disinterested person or persons And the value
thereof and the Bureau Desk and table Largest brass Kettle and table to be included
in and make a part of each of their respective portions or bequests of One
hundred and fifty Dollars Each – And further my Will is and I so determine that
in case Meary M. should die previous to the death of my said wife then and in
that case her portion shall be made fifty dollars less And I further Will and
declare that the provisions and bequests made in this my last Will and
Testament to my beloved wife Elizabeth V. White is in lieu and full of her
dower and right of Dower –
And now
for the further satisfaction of my said children in this Will named and all
persons therein concerned I do herein State and declare that previous to the
making of this my last Will and Testament I have given to Perry L. S. One
hundred dollars to Thomas E. One hundred Dollars to Mary M. One hundred Dollars
of which I have received ten Dollars back in a cow and to Lavina A. ten Dollars
all of which I have given them in personal property at my own Estimate and I in
this my last Will have given to Juniette A. White fifty Dollars more than I
have given either of my other two daughters for the reason that she has been at
home with me more after she was twenty one years of age than the other two –
And Lastly my Express will and meaning is and I do hereby order and appoint
that if any difference, dispute qustion or controversy shall be moved arise or
happen concerning any gift bequest matter or thing in this my Will given &
bequeathed, Expressed or contained that then no suit or suits in law or equity
or otherwise, shall be brought commenced or prosecuted for or concerning the
same But the same shall be referred wholy to the award order and determination
of friends Nicholas Huntly of the town of Andes and James M. Buckley both of
the town of Colchester in the County of Delaware and Sate of New York and what
they shall order direct and determine therein shall be binding and conclusive
to all and every person or persons therein concerned In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the 15th day of February 1856. Richard L. White (seal)
The above instrument consisting of one and a half sheets was
now here subscribed by Richard L. White the testator in the presence of us and
was at the same time declared by him to be his last Will and Testament and we
at his request sign our names hereto as attesting witnesses
James
M. Bulkley Residing in Colchester
Delaware County and State of New York
Enos
S. More residing in Colchester Delaware
County and State of New York
Presented for probate on 3 Oct. 1863, and proved by James M.
Bulkley of the town of Colchester and Enos S. More of the town of Colchester.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Delaware County Probate Wills Vol. F, p. 574-578, from FHL
microfilm #0832862.
Will of Levi Whiting of Plymouth, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1819) *
I
Levi Whiting of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life and being of sound mind, do make and publish this my last
will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say
I
give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Deborah Whiting all my personal Estate,
goods, and chattels, of what kind and nature soever. I also give and devise to
her the said Deborah all my real Estate lying and being in said Plymouth and
all my other real Estate whatsoever, wheresoever the same may be, and I do
hereby appoint said Deborah Whiting sole Executrix of this my last will &
Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty first day of
June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
Signed, Sealed, published & declared
by the above named Levi Whiting to be his
last will & Testament in the presence of us who Levi Whiting (seal)
at his request & in his presence have hereunto
subscribed our names as Witnesses to the same
Freeman
Morton
Nathaniel
Bartlett
Jane
Burgess
Presented for probate on 18 June
1821 by Deborah Whiting, the Executrix therein named, and proved by Freeman
Morton and Jane Burgess, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Deborah Whiting, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 53, p.
449-450, from FHL microfilm #0550907.
Will of Nathan Whiting of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1823) *
I Nathan Whiting of Plymouth, in the County of Plymouth, in
feeble health and knowing that death, inevitable, is the lot of all men do thus
dispose of my estate~ In the first place after my just, debts shall be paid, I
give to my wife Betsey Whiting while she shall continue my widow the use and
improvement of one third part of all my estate, personal & real, intending
hereby, that the furniture, in the house shall be used by her and for the
family, till my youngest child, then living shall become of age: and then my
said widow, if then my widow, shall take what she brought with her, and the
rest shall be divided equally among my children or their representatives. It is
also my will that, in case said Betsey Whiting should marry before, said child
come of age, then the same distribution of my house hold goods, is to be made.
Also, it is my will, that my Real Estate be divided, into ten equal shares, two
of which shall belong to my daughter Louisa Whiting and one to each of my other
Children. I hereby constitute and appoint Nathan Whiting my son, Executor of
this Will: and that he take Mr. Thomas Russell as his Counsellor in
his said trust or administration~
In testimony of all which I hereto set my name and seal at
Plymouth this fourteenth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and twenty
three.
Signed, sealed & declared Nathan Whiting (seal)
to be his last will before
Z.
Bartlett
Henry
Swift
Polly
Howland
Plymouth October 14. 1823. I Betsey Whiting, in token that I
consent to the provisions of the within will of my husband Nathan Whiting and
will be content therewith, in case I survive him– do hereto set my name. Betsey Whiting
Z.
Bartlett
Presented for probate on 15 Dec. 1823 by Nathan Whiting, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Zacheus Bartlett, one of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Nathan Whiting,
the before named Executor.
Caleb Morton and Caleb Finney, yeoman, and Elkanah Finney,
Merchant, all of Plymouth, were appointed to appraise the estate of Nathan
Whiting, late of Plymouth, yeoman, on 15 Dec. 1823. The Inventory of the estate
of Nathan Whiting, dated 16 Jan. 1824, totaled $2897.00, including his
homestead house, barn and woodhouse valued at $2000. Nathan Whiting, the
Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 19 Jan. 1824.
Nathan Whiting, the Executor, notified the court that the
personal estate of the decease is insufficient by $500 to pay all his just
debts and incidental charges, and petitioned for a license to sell part of the
Real Estate of the deceased. License granted on 19 Jan. 1824.
Stephen Doten, Thomas Morton Jr., Yeomen, and Lemuel Leach,
Mariner, all of Plymouth, and all Freeholders, were appointed to set off one
third part of the real estate of Nathan Whiting, late of Plymo., to
his widow Betsey Whiting as her dower in the real estate for her use during her
natural life, and to divide the rest among his children Nathan, Adoniram, Levi,
Stephen, Hannah, Esther, Louise, Betsey, the wife of Seth Finney Jun., and
Rebecca Morton, the wife of Henry Morton, agreeably to the last will of the
said deceased, on 20 Feb. 1826. The division approved on 19 June 1826.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, pp. 475-477, 510-511, from FHL
microfilm #0550909, and Vol. 60, p. 453-457.
Will of Benjamin
Whitman of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the Name of God Amen.— I Benjamin Whitman of Bridgwater in
the County of Plymouth, Gentleman, being of weak body, but of sound &
perfect mind & memory, blessed be almighty God for the same, do make &
publish this my last will & testament in manner and form following.
First – I order and direct that my Executor herein after
named do sell & dispose of so much of my real estate as shall be sufficient
to discharge all just debts, demands, mortgages, judgments and Executions that
may be against me at the time of my decease, having regard in the sale, to the
situation and accommodation of such real estate, as shall remain –
Also – I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Mary, the use
and improvement of all my real estate, which shall remain after the payment of
my debts as above mentioned, for & during ye time she shall
remain my widow, and also the use & improvement of all my neat stock &
out door and indoor moveables, so long as she shall remain my widow –
Also – I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Olive Johnson
ten dollars, to be paid her in one year after my decease.–
Also – I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Molly Hatch,
ten dollars to be paid her in one year after my decease.–
Also – I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Priscilla and
my son Benjamin, all the remainder and residue of my estate, that shall remain,
after the use & improvement thereof by my wife as aforesaid shall cease,
either by her death or marriage as aforesaid, and after the payment of the
legacies herein given, to have & to hold to them, their heirs and assigns
forever
Also – I do hereby constitute and appoint Nahum Mitchell
Esquire to be Executor of this my last will & testament
In
Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty sixth day
of October in the year of our Lord – one thousand, eight hundred & two
Signed Sealed, Published & De- Benja. Whitman (seal)
clared by ye above named Benja-
min Whitman to be his last will
& testament in ye presence of us &
in ye presence of ye testator &
each
other subscribed by us as wit-
nesses – Levi
Washburn
Asa
Mitchell
Lucy
Orcutt
Presented for probate on 18 Nov. 1802 by Nahum Mitchell Esqr.,
the Executor therein named, and proved by Levi Washburn and Asa Mitchell, two
of the witnesses.
Ezra Kingman & Levi Washburn, Gentlemen, and Jos.
Whitman, yeoman, all of Bridgwater, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Benjamin Whitman, late of Bridgwater, Gent., on 7 Feb. 1803. The Inventory,
dated 30 Mar. 1803, totaled $1906.06, his real estate holdings totaled
$1802.90. Nahum Mitchell, Esqr., the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 16 Apr. 1803, and he notified the court that the estate was
insolvent on 15 Apr. 1803.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Content
Whitman of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the Name of God Amen. The Seventeenth day of February A.D. 1799. I Content
Whitman of Pembroke, in the county of Plymouth, Tailor, being of sound mind
& remembrance, do make & ordain this my last will & testament, in
manner & form following. Principally and first of all, I Give &
recommend my soul to God that gave it, my body to the earth to be buried in
decent & christian burial at the discretion of my Executors hereafter
named; and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to
bless me in this life, I do demise & dispose of in the following manner
& form..
Item.
I Give & bequeath unto my Son in law, Oakes Whitman, the one half of the
house where he now lives, and all that land which lies on the south side of the
high way estimated at thirty acres; and also, one half of the cedar swamp which
I now own; and one quarter of a Pew which I own in the meeting house; and also,
one maple Desk; and my will is, that my cousin Sarah Hanks, if she lives to be
old or sick, be provided for by said Oakes Whitman, one half of the time, so
long as she lives, and he to procure one pair of Grave Stones for his Father
William Whitman deceased.—
I Give & bequeath unto my
daughter in law Chloe Berce ye wife of Jacob Berce junr.
the house wherein I now live, together with all my other land not given to my
said son Oakes, & also, all the houshold furniture which may be left at the
time of my decease; and the one half of the aforesaid cedar swamp & quarter
of the Pew in the meeting house, she also to take care of said Sarah Hanks if
old or sick, one half of the time, so long as she lives and to procure one pair
of Grave Stones, to be set up at my Grave, after my decease, and
Lastly—I
do appoint my said son in law Oakes Whitman & Jacob Berce junr.
to be Executors of this my last will & testament, they paying all my just
debts & funeral charges; and this I do declare to be my last will, revoking
all others heretofore made or subscribed by me. In witness whereof, I do
hereunto set my hand & Seal the day and year first above written
Signed, Sealed, Pronounced, and her
declared by the said Content Whit- Content X Whitman (seal)
man, to be her last will &
testa- mark
ment, in presence of us –
John
Oldham
William
White
Benja.
Parris
Be
it known to all men, by these presents, that I Content Whitman, of Pembroke,
have made & declared my last will & testament in writing, bearing date
the seventeenth day of February A.D. 1799.
I the said Content Whitman by this
present Codicil, do ratify and confirm my said last will & testament,
excepting one feather Bed which feather bed was my mothers, which I give and
bequeath unto Elisabeth Hanks, widow of Joseph Hanks deceased, and my personal
estate not disposed of, to my daughter in law Chloe Berce, and as to the
several legacies given in my said will, be to them & their heirs &
assigns forever; and my will & meaning is, that this Codicil be adjudged
& considered to be part of my said last will and testament, and that all
things herein mentioned & contained be faithfully & truly performed, as
if the same were so declared and Set down in my sd last will &
testament. Witness my hand & seal this eighteenth day of February 1799 ~ her
Signed, Sealed & declared by
the said Content X Whitman (seal)
Content Whitman as her last will
& mark
testament, in presence of us –
John
Oldham
William
White
Benja.
Parris
The last will & testament of
Content Whitman of Pembroke, widow, was presented for probate on 3 June 1799 by
Oakes Whitman & Jacob Bearce junr., the Executors therein named,
and proved by John Oldham, William White, & Benja. Parris, all
the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Eleazer Whitman of East
Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1837) *
Know all men, that I Eleazer Whitman of East Bridgewater in
the County of Plymouth, being old and infirm and considering my great and last
change now near at hand, do make this my last Will and Testament of all the
Estate with which I have been entrusted, not before by me Conveyed by deed or
other wise, in manner and form as follows.
1st I Consign my Body to the dust to be decently intered
according to the direction of my Executor and Commend my spirit to him from
whom it proceeded hoping through the atonement of Our Lord and Savour Jesus
Christ for a glorious resurrection and a final reunion of Soul and Body.
2d.
For the purpose of extending the knowledge of the Gospel among the destitute in
this and foreign lands, – I give and bequeath unto the American Board of
Commissioners for foreign Missions the avails of a lot of land I purchased of
Isaac Whitman as will appear by his Deed to me under date of March 21, 1814,
under the following Conditions and restrictions, My Executor hereafter named in
his discretion, is directed to Convert the said lot into money by sale thereof
and may pass deeds Conveying the same, in which case the nett proceeds and by
him to be funded in some suitable stock and he to give the said Board authority
to draw therefrom the sum of forty Dollars per year untill the said fund shall
be exhausted, or he may raise the said sum of forty dollars per year from off
the said land, by taking off Timber and wood and pay the same annually into the
funds of said Board, in which case their receipt from year to year shall be his
discharge.
3d. All the rest and residue of my
Estate both Real and Personal, my Will is, shall be equally divided to and
among my Children or those who may at the time of my decease legally represent
them, Viz. My Daughter Mary Noyes shall be entitled to one share, or her
Children in case I should outlive her shall be entitled to the same share, My
daughter Hannah Noyes – one share, – The Children of my deceased Son Asa,– one
Share – My Son Daniel or his representation one Share, – my Son Eleazer – or
his representative one share – and my Daughter Abigail, one Share
4th.
And I hereby appoint my Nephew Jared Whitman to be the sole Executor of this my
last will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.
In
Witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twentieth day of
October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven.
Signed,
Sealed and declared Eleazer Whitman (seal)
by the said Eleazer Whitman to be
his last will and Testament in presence of us who at his request and presence
have hereunto set our names as Witnesses thereto.
Asaph
Whitmarsh
James
Brown
Rachel
Whitman
I Eleazer Whitman, do make and
publish this Codicil to my last Will and Testament as follows. In Consideration
that I have made other arrangements in furtherance of the Objects named in the
Second article of my Said Will, and have desposed of the land therein named I
do hereby revoke my Said Will, so far as respects the said second article and
no further.
In
Witness Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of
February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty two.
Elezer Whitman (seal)
Signed
Sealed, published and declared by the above named Eleazer Whitman as a Codicil
to be annexed to his said last Will, in presence of us who at his request and
in his presence have hereunto Set our hands as Witnesses.
Hugh
Orr.
David
Gurney
Henry
Gurney
Presented for probate on the first
Tuesday of Apr. 1847 by Jared Whitman, the Executor therein named, the Will
proved by Asaph Whitmarsh and James Brown, two of the witnesses, and the
Codicil proved by Hugh Orr and David Gurney, two of the witnesses. Letters
Testamentary were granted to Jared Whitman, the Executor therein named.
Jared Whitman, of Abington, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Eleazer Whitman, late
of Abington, Gentleman, on 6 Apr. 1847, with Nathaniel N. Dyer and Abraham
Holmes, both of Abington, as sureties.
Ebenezer Porter of Abington, and
David Brown and Asaph Whitmarsh, both of East Bridgewater, were appointed to
appraise the estate of Eleazer Whitman, late of East Bridgewater, on 7 Dec.
1846.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Eleazer Whitman, late of East Bridgewater, Gentleman, was appraised on 27 Apr.
1847, consisted of only a 25 acre lot of improved and wood land in East
Bridgewater valued at $1000. Jared Whitman, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 8 June 1847.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 89, pp. 113-116, 244, from FHL microfilm
#0555639, and Vol. 2H, p. 115.
Abstract of the Will of Ephraim
Whitman of Abington, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836)
*
The Will of Ephraim Whitman of Abington, yeoman, dated 12
July 1836, mentioned:
To daughter Olive Nash one undivided half part of my land and
buildings thereon standing and orchard, being part of the homestead I now
occupy.
To son Jared Whitman one undivided half of the orchard, the
remainder of certain lands, and $500 to be paid out of my real estate not
disposed of.
To daughter Clarissa Alden a lot of woodland.
To grandson Ephraim Whitman Gurney $500 when he reaches 21
years of age.
To granddaughter Hannah Nash $100.
To each of my other grandchildren not above named $25.
To such benevolent Society or Societies whose object is the
extension of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth, $500.
My library and household furniture to be equally divided
between daughters Olive Nash and Clarissa Alden. My desk, set of Scott’s Family
Bible, farming tools, and wearing apparel to son Jared Whitman.
The rest & residue of my Real & Personal Estate to be
sold by my Executor, and all my debts to be paid.
Son Jared Whitman to be the executor.
Witnesses: Ephraim Whitman (seal)
Jacob Fullarton
Daniel M. Fullerton
Jacob Fullerton
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of March 1839 by
Jared Whitman, the Executor, and proved by Daniel M. Fullerton and Jacob
Fullerton, two of the witnesses.
* Abstracted by John A. Maltby from
Will of Noah Whitman of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1821) *
Be
it remembered that I Noah Whitman, considering the uncertainty of this mortal
life, & being of sound & perfect mind & memory blessed be almighty
God for the same do make & publish this my last Will & Testament in
manner & form following—
First, I will that all my just
debts, & funeral charges, be paid & discharged by my Executor
hereinafter named—
2d I give & bequeath
to my beloved wife Zilpha, the use & Improvement during her natural life,
The following real Estate (viz) my part of the homestead with the building,
also one half of the meetings of the river lot so called, & one half the lot
formerly owned by John Mitchell lying on the South Brook, also one half of a
piece of land called the South brook pasture lying on the north side of
Sylvanus Pratts land, one third of a piece of land called the Potash lying
between Joseph Hoopers land & land owned by Oliver Washburn, also the whole
of a lot of Cedar Swamp lying in Hanson in the seventh great Lot that fell to
me by my Father that he bought of Jane Johnson with a right cut timber on the
same sufficient to repair her fences & buildings, also five acres of wood
land called the Robert Perkins lot on the south side of the road leading to
Cornelius Pratt’s to be sett off at the west-end of the lot. Also my half of
the live stock & farming utensils on my farm. Also the use of my horse
& chaise to ride, a seat in my pew No.12 in the meeting house, & my
Clock, my large Bible in three volumes & one third of all my other books.
Also one half the remainder of my in door moveables, to dispose of as she
pleases.
3d. I give to my son
Ebenezer Whitman one half of a twenty Acre lot of land adjoining Oliver Allens
land, & the whole of the lot adjoining on the North of the above twenty
acres, & between Benjamin Snells & Joseph Hoopers land, also one third
of a lot of land between Joseph Hoopers & land formerly owned by Oliver
Washburn also a piece of Meadow & Upland lying in the East Parish of
Bridgewater which I bought of Nathaniel Hayward, Elijah Hayward & Martin
Paris, also a lot of Cedar Swamp in Hanson in the sixth great lot, which I
bought of Deborah Randall & others, also one eighth part of a lot of land,
adjoining Jacob Leonard Benj Leonard, Eleazer Alden Cornelius Pratt & Abiel
Richmonds lands, & one half of my Pew in the meeting house No 12. 4th I give to my Son Noah Whitman a lot of Cedar
Swamp lying in the little cedar swamp, so called that Father bought of Ebenezer
Snow, adjoining Hezekiah Hayward & Joseph Bassetts swamp, also one other
piece lying in the same swamp and was formerly owned by Francis Perkins &
adjoined the said Joseph Bassetts swamp, also one half of a lot of Cedar Swamp
in Hanson in the sixth great lot which I bought of Samuel & Elijah Randall,
and one fourth part of a lot of land adjoining Jacob Leonard Benjamin Leonard
Eleazer Alden Cornelius Pratt & Abiel Richmonds lands.
5th. I give to my son
Daniel Whitman one half of a twenty acre lot of land adjoining Oliver Allens
Land, also a piece of meadow & wood land on the north east side of Satucket
river in the East Parish with a small piece joining it on the west side of the
river by the bridge, also one lot of cedar swamp in Hanson in the seventh great
lot that I bought of Jabez Newton lying on the Indian way also one half of a
lot of cedar swamp in Hanson in the Sixth great lot which I bought of Samuel
& Elijah Randall, also one half of a 20 acre lot called the south brook
pasture also one third part of a lot of land lying between Joseph Hoopers &
land formerly owned by Oliver Washburn also one eighth part of a lot of land
adjoining Jacob Leonard, Benjamin Leonard Eleazer Alden Cornelius Pratt &
Abiel Richmond – Also one half of my Pew No 12, in the meeting house – Also all
the real estate lands & buildings which I have given my wife to use &
improve, during her life, he to take possession after her decease (excepting
the five acre lot of wood which I bought of Robert Perkins) and also her half
of the live stock, farming utensils, the Clock and the large Bible in three
large volumes after her deceased – Also all my notes and Book accounts I give
to my son Daniel excepting such notes as I may leave against any of my children
which I hereby direct him to give up without being by them paid, provided that
they do not bring any account against my estate, I also direct him to pay all
my just debts & Funeral charges, from the estate which I have given to him,
and I do also constitute & appoint my son Daniel my sole Executor on this
my last will & testament.
6th I give to my four grandchildren Davis
Hayward, Lysander Hayward, Sophrona Hayward & Barzilla Hayward to be
equally divided between them a lot of wood land called the ten acre lot
adjoining land owned by Johnathan Leonard Heirs & the Besse Farm so called,
Also my Pew in the Gallery of the meeting house.
7th I give to my
Daughter Lydia Washburn my half of an undivided lot of land which I bought with
Robert Wade of Hezekiah Hayward lying at sandy Hill so called, also one lot of
Cedar Swamp in Hanson in the seventh great lot that I bought of Abigail
Standish, also one other lot of Cedar Swamp in the seventh great lot aforesaid
which my Father bought of Hannah Little & another small lot adjoining the
last lot which fell to my Father by heirship.
8th I give to my daughter Sarah Brown one quarter of a lot
adjoining Jacob Leonard & others as above named. 9th I give to my daughter Betsey Keith one
quarter of a lot of land adjoining Jacob Leonard & others as above. I hereby give one half of my in door
moveables not before disposed of to be equally divided between all my children.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal the fourteenth day of March One Thousand eight hundred
& twenty one. Signed, sealed &
declared to be his last will & testament in presence of us the subscribers. Noah Whitman (seal)
Daniel
Mitchel
Sylvanus
Pratt
Sears
Washburn
Plymouth Ss Court of Probate June 3d 1823. Be it known
that the foregoing Instrument purporting to be the last will & testament of
Noah Whitman late of Bridgewater in said County Gentleman deceased, being
presented to me for Probate and having examined two of subscribing wittnesses
thereto and no objection being offered to the Probate thereof I decree that
said Instrument be allowed as the last Will & Testament of the said Noah
Whitman and the same is approved as such accordingly.
Wilkes
Wood J. Probate
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 57, p.
121-124, from FHL microfilm #0550909.
Will of Peter Whitman
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In The Name of God Amen.—I Peter Whitman of Bridgwater in the
County of Plymouth & Comonwealth of
Imprimis.—I Give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Sarah
Whitman, the whole of my personal estate, after the payment of debts &
settlement of my estate; also my indented Servant Cesar Stevens, and also the
whole improvement of my real estate untill such time as my son Asa Whitman
shall, if he shall live, arrive to the age of twenty one years, and after that
period, the improvement of one third part of my said real estate.—The above
bequests are upon this condition, that my said wife shall remain my widow, and
shall out of said personal estate & improvement of my real estate, as above
specified, settle my estate, pay out the legacies hereafter specified, and
shall expend so much as may be necessary to bring up my children.
Item.—I Give and bequeath unto my son Asa Whitman, all my
real estate, to come into the possession & improvement of two thirds
thereof when he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and to come
into possession of the remaining third, whenever my said wife’s interest
therein shall become extinct, by death or marriage, provided either shall take
place, after he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, and if either
shall take place before he shall arrive to the age of twenty one years, then he
shall at said age of twenty one years, come into possession of my whole real
estate —
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Jemima Whitman, the
sum of Thirty Pounds, to be paid her within one year after my decease.
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Kingman wife
of Capt Ezra Kingman Twenty Shillings in addition to what she has already
received, to be paid her, within one year after my decease.—
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Dolly Whitman
Twenty Pounds, to be paid in money or houshold furniture, when she shall arrive
to the age of Eighteen years
Item.—I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Nancy Whitman
Twenty Pounds, to be paid in money or houshold furniture, when she shall arrive
to the age of Eighteen years.
Item—I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Sally Whitman
Twenty Pounds, to be paid in money or houshold furniture, when she shall arrive
to the age of Eighteen years.
Item—I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Christiana Whitman
Twenty Pounds, to be paid in money or houshold furniture, when she shall arrive
to the age of Eighteen years—
And, I do hereby constitute and appoint my beloved wife Sarah
Whitman, sole Executrix, to this my last will & testament—Ratifying &
confirming this to be my last will & testament.—In Testimony whereof I
hereunto set my hand and seal, the fourth day of April in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred & ninety four
NB—In the fifth line of the first bequest Asa Whitman
interlined.—
Signed, Sealed, Published & Declared
by ye sd Peter Whitman, to be his last Peter Whitman
(seal)
will & testament, in presence of us
John
Whitman
Seth A.
Whitman
Beza
Hayward
Presented for probate on 1 Feb. 1802 by Sarah Whitman, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by John Whitman & Seth A. Whitman, two
of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas Whitman of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay
(1785) *
1785 – In the Name of God Amen – The twenty ninth day of June
1785 I Thomas Whitman of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being advanced in years, and knowing it
is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will and
testament; that is to say, principally & first of all, I Give &
recommend my soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my body I recommend
to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my
executor, nothing doubting but at the General resurrection I shall recieve the
same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I Give demise and
dispose of the same in the following manner and form ~
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to Rebeccah my beloved wife
Twenty Shillings, relying and depending upon the fulfilment of the contract she
and I made before marriage
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Simeon Whitman one third
part of my Pew upon the floor in the meeting House in the east precinct in said
Bridgwater, and twelve pounds to be paid him four pounds by my Son Peter, four
pounds by my Grandson Seth Allen Whitman and four pounds by my Grandson Nathan
Whitman to be paid in twelve months after my decease, this Gift to my Son his
Heirs or assigns ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Peter Whitman one half
of my corn mill and Quarter part of my Saw mill, and one half of the
priviledges of the Corn mill, and one quarter part of the priviledges of the
Saw mill, which is three eighths of the Dam to maintain, and the use of three
eighths of the water, always allowing to the Corn mill the whole of the water
and command thereof when needed for that mill and a third part of my Pew in the
east meeting House, to him, his Heirs & assigns, he paying to my Son Simeon
four pounds in twelve months after my decease.~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin one quarter
part of my saw mill, and one quarter of the priviledges thereto belonging,
which is one eighth part of the dam to maintain & one eighth part of the
water to improve when there is a full supply of water for both mills, always
reserving the command of the water to the corn mill when there is not a supply
for both, to his Heirs and assigns
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Grand Children, the Children
of my Son Nathan Whitman as followeth– vizt– to Seth Allen Whitman
one quarter part of the saw mill and the priviledges thereto belonging, that is
one eight part of the dam to maintain, & one eighth part of the stream to
improve when there is a supply of water for both mills always reserving the
command to the corn mill when there is not, to him his Heirs and assigns, he
paying to my Son Simeon four pounds & to my beloved wife twenty shillings
at my decease or within twelve months, and to Nathan Whitman I Give the other
quarter of the saw mill & the priviledges thereto belonging, which is one
eighth part of the dam &c, one eighth part of the dam to maintain, and one
eighth part of the Stream to improve when there is a supply of water for both
mills, alway reserving the water for the corn mill when there is not, to him
his Heirs and assigns, he paying to Rebecca his Sister five shillings and to
Sela his Sister five shillings in twelve months after my decease; and I Give
Rebecca Whitman five shillings, and I Give Sela Whitman five shillings both of
them to be paid by their Brother in twelve months after my decease.~
Item – Give and bequeath to my Son Amos Whitman the one
quarter part of my corn mill and the priviledges as above described to his
Heirs and assigns
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Grand Children, the Children
of my Daughter Jemima Keith deceased as followeth vizt– to Levi five
shillings to Zenas five shillings and to Molly five shillings to be paid them
by my Executor hereafter named ~
Item – I Give and bequeath to my son William Whitman the one
quarter part of my Corn mill, and the priviledges thereto belonging in the same
manner as described to my Son Peter, and one third part of my Pew as described
to the Others, to him & his Heirs & assigns.~
And I do further
Give and bequeath to my five sons Simeon, Peter, Benjamin, Amos & William
all my Personal Estate to be equally divided between them after the abovesaid
Legacies not provided for & just debts & funeral charges are paid
&c – and Least that my Personal Estate at my decease should be insufficient
to pay the Legacies & just debts my will and pleasure is that my sons &
Grandsons shall pay the remainder of my debts in equal proportion to what they
own of said mills and I do hereby Constitute, appoint & ordain my Son
Benjamin Whitman above named to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will &
testament.~
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced and
delivered by the said Thomas Whitman as Thomas Whitman (said)
his Last will & testament in the presence of
us the Subscribers. ~
John
Whitman junr
Elisha
Mitchell
James
Whitman
Presented for probate on 2 Feb. 1789 by Benjamin Whitman, the
Executor therein named, and proved by John Whitman junr. and James
Whitman, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration
were granted to Benjamin Whitman, the before named Executor.
Benjamin Whitman, Executor of the Last will & testament
of Thomas Whitman Late of Bridgewater, Gentm, decêd, notified the
court that the estate was insolvent to pay all the debts on 4 May 1789.
The Inventory of the Estate of Deacon Thomas Whitman, late of
Bridgwater, was appraised on 2 Mar. 1789 by Elisha Mitchell, John Whitman junr
and Levi Washburn, and totaled £292.12.4, the corn mill valued at £150, and the
saw mill valued at £100. Benjamin Whitman, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 7 Dec. 1789. Elisha Mitchell esqr, and Robert Orr, esqr,
both of Bridgwater, were appointed to examine the claims of the creditors
against the estate, the one big claim being owed to William Whitman for
£375.16.3.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 30, p. 512-514, from FHL microfilm #0550716, and Vol. 31,
pp. 6, 91-93.
Will of John Whitton of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1757) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
The tenth day of June, in the year one thousand, seven
hundred and fiftyseven I John Whitton of Plimton in the county of Plimouth in
New England yeoman, labouring under infirmity of body, but of perfect mind and
memory thanks be to God therefor, & knowing that all men must die, do make
& ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say, principally,
first of all, I give & recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it
& my body to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the
discretion of my executor hereafter named. And as touching such worldly estate
wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life (after my just
debts are paid) I give & bequeath the same real & personal in
possession or reversion as followeth. ~
My will is that all my just debts be paid by my executor here
after named, as soon as may be. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Bethiah
Whitton the improvement of all my estate real & personal so long as she
remains my wido.
Item. At my wife,s decease I give & bequeath to my son
Azariah Whiton & to his heirs & assigns two acres of meadow which I
bought of John Sturtevant by deed bearing date the 15th. day of June
1737. Also the one half of my upland & swampy land containing about three
acres which I bought of Eleazer Rickard by deed bearing date the 13th.
day of July 1734. ~
Item. At my wife,s decease I give & bequeath to my son
Alpheus Whitton & to his heirs & assigns, one half of my upland &
swampy land, containg about three acres which I bought of Eleazer
Rickard by deed bearing date the 13th. day of July 1734. also the
one half of that part of the sheepfold or comon land so called which I have
within fence.~
Item. I give & bequeath to my two grandchildren Isaac
& Zacheus Whitton children of my son Zacheus Whitton decd,
thirty shillings each to be paid by my executor within two years after my
decease.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Alice Dotey wife
of Ellis Doten three pounds, to be paid by my executor within three years after
my decease.
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Jedidah Whitton
three pounds, to be paid by my execr. within two years after my
decease, also my will is that my son Azariah Whiten shall keep a cow for my sd.
daughter winter & summer, so long as she lives single. ~
Item. I give & bequeath to my daughter Bethiah Jackson
wife of Abraham Jackson three pounds, to be paid by my execr. within
two years after my decease.
Furthermore, I give & bequeath to my son Azariah Whitton
& to his heirs & assigns all my estate both real & personal in
possession or reversion which I have not disposed off in this present will. I
do likewise constitute make & ordain my son Azariah Whitton sole execr.
of this my last will And testament utterly disallow & disanul all &
every other & former testaments or wills by me made, ratyfying &
confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year abovementd.
Signed, sealed, pronounced & John Whiten (seal)
declared by the sd. John Whiten
as his last will & testament
in presence of. Edward
Stephens, Lemuel Harlow,
Rowland
Hammond.
Presented for probate on 23 May 1766 by Azariah Witon the
Executor therein named, and proved by Edward Stephens, one of the witnesses
thereto subscribed, who made oath that he saw the said testator sign, seal
& heard him declare the said instrument to be his last will & testament
& that he with Lemuel Harlow (since decd.) & Rowland Hammond
(now sick) subscribed their names as witnesses to the execution thereof in said
testator,s presence. Letters of Administration were granted to Azariah Witon,
the Executor, with Samuel Lucas and Cornelius Donham, both of Plimton, as
sureties.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 19, p. 367-369, from FHL microfilm #0550711.
Will of Oliver Willcox of Batavia, Genesee County,
New York (1831) *
The last
Will and Testament of Oliver Willcox, of Batavia in the County of Genesee, and
State of New York.
I,
Oliver Willcox, considering the uncertainty of mortal life, and being of sound
mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, in manner
and form following (that is to Say.)
First, I Will, and bequeath, and devise, all my Estate both real and
personal, (after paying my just Debts and funeral Expenses,) to my beloved
Children in Equal Shares & proportions as follows. First I will and
bequeath, and devise, one fourth part of all my real and personal estate, after
payment of debts and funeral expenses, as aforesaid to my beloved Daughter Jane
E. Tisdale. Second I will bequeath and devise one other fourth part of all my
real and personal estate (after paying my just debts and funeral Expenses as
aforesaid) to my beloved Son Lucian Willcox. Third, I will, and bequeath, and
devise, one other fourth part of all my real and personal Estate (after paying
my just debts and funeral expenses,) to my beloved Daughter Livinia Willcox.
Fourthly I will devise and bequeath, the remaining fourth part of all my real
and personal estate (after paying my debts and funeral Expenses as aforesaid)
to my beloved Daughter Mary Willcox. Lastly I hereby appoint, my Son in law
Henry Tisdale, and my Son Lucian Willcox Executors of this my last will and
testament and hereby authorize my said Executors, or either of them who shall
take upon himself the trust reposed in him to Sell my Estate both real and
personal and make divisions, and distributions according to this my last will
and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof I have
hereunto Set my hand and Seal the nineteenth day of September in the year of
our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty one.
Signed
Sealed published and declared by the }
above named
Oliver Willcox to be his } Oliver Willcox (seal)
last will
and testament in presence }
of us who
have hereunto Subscribed our }
names as
witnesses in the presence of }
the
testator.
Moses Taggard of Batavia in the
County of Genesee
Truman H. Woodruff of Batavia in
the County of Genesee
Walter Williams Batavia in the
County of Genesee
Presented
for probate on 14 Nov. 1831 before Ebenezer Mix Esquire Surrogate of our Said
County of Genesee, and proved by Moses Taggart, Walter Williams, and Truman H.
Woodruff on 14 Nov. 1831.
Letters
Testamentary on the last will and testament of Oliver Wilcox, late of Batavia,
were granted to Henry Tisdale, an executor named therein, Lucian Wilcox,
likewise named an executor, having renounced the execution thereof, on 26 Dec.
1831.
Richard
Fleming was appointed as guardian of Levinia Willcox, a minor child of Oliver
Willcox, deceased, on 28 Jan. 1832.
* Transcribed
by John A. Maltby from Genesee County Probate Wills Vol. 2, p. 193-197, from
FHL microfilm #0810480, Letters of Testamentary Administration Vol. 2, p.
251-253, from FHL microfilm #0811205, and Letters of Guardianship Vol. 2, p.
19, from FHL microfilm #0811155.
Will of William
Willet, of Westchester,
In the Name of God Amen the twentieth day of April in the
Sixth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the second Annoq Dom.
one thousand seven hundred & thirty three I William Willet of the Burrough
Town of Westchester in the County of Westchester and Province of New York Esqr.
being sick & weak in body but of sound & disposing mind & Memory Do
make this my Last Will and Testament in manner & form following that is to
say first & principally I commit my Soul to Almighty God my Creator and my
body to the Earth to be decently buried by my Executors, and being Sorry for my
Sins do hope to obtain a Joyfull Resurrection & Eternal Salvation through
the meritts & for the sake of my ever blessed Saviour and Redeemer Jesus
Christ, and touching such Worldly Estate as God in Mercy has bestowed upon me I
do hereby devise bequeath and dispose of the same in manner following First I
hereby Order my Executors to pay out of my Personal Estate All my Just Debts
& funeral charges, Also I hereby give and devise Equally between my Sons
William, Isaac, Thomas & Cornelius Willett their heirs & Assigns for
ever All my Lands & Meadows with their Appurtenances Situate & being on
Long Island in the Province of New York, Also I hereby give & devise Equally
between my two Sons Thomas & Cornelius Willett & their heirs &
Assigns for ever All my Lands Meadows & priviledges with their
Appertenances situate & being in Westchester abovesaid, Also I hereby give
& devise to my Son William Willett my riding Horse bridle & saddle, Also
I hereby give & devise to my Son Thomas Willett for the use of him his
heirs & assigns forever my Negro man called Tony And my Roan horse, Also I
hereby give & devise to my Son Cornelius Willett for the use of him his
heirs and assigns for ever my Young Negro man Called Ceaser, Also I hereby give
and Devise to my beloved Wife Mary in full of her Dower of in & to all or
any part of my personal Estate Goods and Chattels for so long time as she shall
Live & no Longer my two Negro Women Jenny and Hagar and my Negro Girl Lilly
and from and & after my Wifes Decease I give and devise my said Negro Women
Jenny & Hagar & Girl called Lilly or Such of said Negroes as shall then
be Living Equally between my two Daughters Mary Rodman & Anna Jones for the
use of them their heirs & assigns for ever, Also I give to my Daughter Anna
Jones my Silver Tankard, Also I give to my Daughter Mary Rodman Six Silver
Spoons & so much money as shall be equal to the value of my Silver Tankard
at eight Shillings an ounce, Also I hereby give to my Friend William Forster to
wear in memory of me my black Cloath Coat, Vest and Breeches black Stockings
& hatband which I bought for mourning for my Son Gilbert, Also I hereby
give & devise to my Son Isaac he paying to my Son Thomas five pounds &
to my Son Cornelius other five pounds my watch & chain, Also I hereby give
devise equally between my Sons Thomas and Cornelius Willett All my Meat Cattle
Sheep and Swine the remainder of my horses and Mares a bed & furniture the
remainder of my apparel both woollen & linen all my Grain upon the ground
& all my utensils of husbandry for the use of them their heirs &
assigns for Ever and also my Negro boy Lewey and the Wheat in Chamber &
Corn in the Cribb Except what the Family want, Also I hereby give & devise
all the remainder of my personal Estate to be divided equally between my
Daughters Mary Rodman & Anna Jones for the use of them their heirs &
assigns for ever, Lastly I do hereby nominate & appoint my Sons William Thomas
& Cornelius Willett, and William Forster abovesaid to be Executors of this
my Last Will & Testament provided that the major part of them that shall be
Living from time to time shall have full power to act & Execute my said
Will. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the day and
year first above written
William Willet (seal)
Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by the said
William Willett to be his Last Will and Testament in presence of
Tho. Standard
James Stevenson
Letters of Administration on the Estate of William Willett
were granted to Thomas Willett, Cornelius Willett, and William Forster, three
of the Executors, with power being reserved unto William Willett, the other
Executor, on 4 May 1733.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Thomas
Willett of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1722) *
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Willett of Flushing in
Queens County on the Island of Nassau Within the Colony of New York Gentleman
being Sick and Weak in Body but (Praised be God of sound and perfect mind and
Memory Well Knowing the Certainty of Death but uncertainty of the hour of it
Approach do make this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following
My Soul I Bequeath to God Who gave it My Body to the Earth from whence it came
(to be Christianly Interred at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter Named)
in sure hopes of a Reunion of My Soul and Body at the Last Day and of Eternall
life and Salvation through the Sole Merrits of my Blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ
And as for what Worldly Estate it hath pleased God to Bestow upon me I Give
Devise Bequeath and Dispose of the same in Manner following Item I hereby give
and Bequeath Expences and all other my Just Debts be by my Executors paid and
Satisfyed Item I hereby Give and Bequeath unto my Eldest son William Willett of
Westchester besides what I have Already given to him by Deed under my hand and
Seal which he shall hereby confirm unto him and his heirs and Assigns one of my
Slaves which he shall Make Choice of (Excepting My Negro Man Jack) my Seal Ring
my Rideing Horse Sadle and Furniture thereto belonging with my Sword and
pistolls Item I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my Second Son Thomas Willett of
Flushing Aforesaid and to his Heirs and Assigns all those Lands of what Nature
or kind soever in Flushing Aforesaid which I have given to him or which is
Mentioned to be given or Conveyed to him formerly by Deed under my hand and
Seal And Further I hereby give Devise and Bequeath unto my said Son Thomas and
his heirs one Certain Lott of Land Scituate near the Fresh Meadows and
Adjoyning to Jeremiah Ganong Containing about Five Acres being the same Land
which was Laid out to me with some other Land which was at the same time laid
out to Captain Thomas Hicks Deceased And also one peice of Boggy Meadow lying
on the Northeast side of a Creek near the House where my Son now lives To have
and To hold the same Lands and premisses with every their Appurtenances to him
my said Son Thomas Willett And his Heirs and Assigns forever Item I give Devise
and Bequeath unto my Son Abraham Willett and to his heirs and Assigns All those
Lands of what nature or kind soever in Flushing aforesaid or elsewhere which I
have given to him or which is Mentioned to be given or Conveyed to him formerly
by Deed unto my hand and Seal And Further I hereby Give Devise and Bequeath unto
my said Son Abraham Willett and his heirs one certain Ten Acre Lott of Land
Scituate in Flushing Aforesaid on the South side of the Hills near the Great
plains and also one patentee Right of Land Which belonged to the place where my
said Son Abraham now lives To have and To hold the same Lands and premisses
with every their Appurtenances unto him the said Abraham Willett and his heirs
and Assigns for ever Item I give Devise and Bequeath unto my Son John Willett
and to his heirs and Assigns all those Lands of what Nature or kind soever in
Flushing Aforesaid or elsewhere which I have given to him or which is Mentioned
to be given or Conveyed to him formerly by Deed under My hand and Seal To have
And To hold the same Lands and premisses with every their Appurtenances unto
him the said John Willett and his heirs and Assigns forever Item I Give Devise
and Bequeath unto My Three Sons last Mentioned to Witt Thomas Abraham and John
My Certain Swamp in Flushing called Doughtys Swamp and all my Lands and Salt
Meadows on Newtons Neck which Remains yet undisposed of by me Equally to be
Divided Amongst them Share and Share alike, in the Dividing Whereof my Will
Desire and order is that My Son John shall have for his Share those Two Fifty
Acre Lotts of Land known by the Numbers Fifty Nine and Sixty if his Share upon
the Devision shall amount to so many acres as the said Two Lotts shall be found
to Contain but if not then the overplus is to be Cutt off for my said Two other
Sons, and if my said Son Johns said Share shall happen to Amount to more Acres
than shall be found Contained in the said two Lotts then his full share shall
be made up to him out of the other Lands To have and To hold the same premisses
unto them my said three Sons as aforesaid and to their Respective heirs and
Assigns in Severalty forever Item I Give Devise and Bequeath unto my said Last
Mentioned three Sons Thomas Abraham and John my Two patent Rights of Meadow at
Fresh Meadow in Flushing aforesaid called Double patent Rights one of which
formerly belonged to my Father Bridges and the other to one Thomas Sauls and
also my Meadow Ground lying at Gravesend in Kings County and all other my Lands
Rights of Land Tenements and Hereditaments Whatsoever With their Appurtenances
and Wheresoever belonging to me at the time of my Decease Equally to be Divided
amongst them my said Three Sons Share and Share alike To have And To hold the
same Lands and Premisses unto them my said three Sons and to their Heirs and
Assigns forever Item I Give to my Son John Willett my Negro Man Slave called
Jack Item I give to my Sons Thomas and Abraham each of them one of my Slaves
such as they shall Chuse After my Eldest Son William hath as abovesaid made his
Choice Item besides a Certain sum of Money which I have Already Secured the
payment of to my Youngest Daughter Mary Willett I do hereby order my Executors
to pay unto her Twelve pounds New York Money Immediately after my Decease I
also hereby give to my said Daughter Mary so much out of my Moveable Estate as
Will purchase for her household Stuff to the Value of what my Daughter
Elizabeth Stevenson hath Already had of me for that End Item It is my Will and
I do hereby give all the Remaining part of My personal Estate of what Nature or
kind soever to my three Daughters Sarah Dekey Elizabeth Stevenson and Mary
Willett to be Equally Divided amongst them share and share alike and to their
Respective Executors and Assigns And I do order that the share of my Daughter
Sarah De Key shall be put into the hands of my Son William Willett in trust for
her use Lastly I do hereby Nominate and appoint my Four Sons William Willett
Thomas Willett Abraham Willett and John Willett or any three of them to be
Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revoking and makeing Void
all other Wills Testament and Codicils at any time heretofore by me made or
Executed In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament Written
on one Side of Two Sheets of paper put my hand and Seal at Flushing aforesaid
this Nineteenth Day of August in the Year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and
Twenty Two
Tho: Willett (seal)
Sealed and Delivered by the within named Thomas Willett and
also Signed by him and published to be his Last Will and Testament in presence
and Sight of us Chosen Witnesses
Isaac Hicks
Rich Power
S Clowes
Probated on 11 Oct. 1722, and Letters of Administration were
granted to William Willett, Thomas Willett, Abraham Willett, and John Willett,
the Executors.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 9, p. 398-401, copied from
original Liber 9, p. 336-338.
Will of Thomas
Willett of Flushing, Queens County, Province of New York (1782) *
In the Name of God, Amen, I Thomas Willett of Flushing in
Queens County and Province of New York Esquire, being sick, but of sound mind
and memory, do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following, First
I direct that all my just Debts and Funeral Charges be paid as soon as
conveniently can be, Secondly I give and devise all my Lands and Houses in
Flushing aforesaid and all my Real Estate wheresoever lying and being to my
three Sisters Ellenor Rodman, Susanna Cornell and Mary Willett their Heirs and
assigns for ever, to be equally divided between them share and share alike.
Thirdly I give all my Horses, Cows and Stock of every kind, all my Farming
Utensials and personal Estate of every kind whatsoever to my said three Sisters
Ellenor Susannna and Mary to each of them one equal third part thereof.
Fourthly It is my Will that my Brother Edward Willett shall live with his
Sisters and have his maintenance with them so long as he shall an Adequate care
of them, and of the Labour and management of the Farm, Lastly I constitute and
appoint my Sisters Ellenor Rodman and Susanna Cornell and Mary Willett,
Executrixes of this my last Will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, this
Seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
Eighty two
Thos. Willett (seal)
Signed Sealed published and pronounced by the Testator (the
words and Mary Willett, first wrote between the fourth and fifth Lines from the
Bottom) in the presence of us who at his request and in the presence of each
other subscribe our names as Witnesses
David Colden Thos. Willett Amos Fowler
Probated on 9 Oct. 1782, and proved by David Colden Esquire,
one of the witnesses.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 35, p. 487-488, copied from
original Liber 35, p. 286-287.
Will of George Williams of West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth
of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the
name of God, Amen. I George Williams of West-Bridgewater in the county of
Plymouth, state of Massachusetts, yeoman considering the uncertainty of life,
and being of sound & perfect mind and memory, do make & publish this my
last Will and Testament, as follows,
First, I give and devise to my grand-son Nahum Williams, his heirs and
assigns forever, my Tan yard, containing about one quarter of an acres of land,
with the bark house, tan-vats, pump, & so forth, thereto belonging; also
six and a half acres of land where the said Nahum’s dwelling-house now stands;
also a lot of land called the Packard farm containing about twenty two and a
quarter acres, lying to the southward of the said Nahum’s dwelling house.
Secondly, I give and
devise to my grand-son Calvin Williams, his heirs & assigns forever, my
homestead farm, excepting the tan yard aforesaid, containing about seventy-two
acres of land, lying together with the other lands herein before mentioned, in
said West-Bridgewater, on both sides of the road leading westwardly to the
dwelling house of Thomas Howard, with all the buildings, excepting as
aforesaid, thereon standing; reserving however, to my grand-daughters, Mary
Williams and Patty Williams, the right to live and make their home at my
dwelling house, so long as they shall remain unmarried. I give & devise also to my grand-son
Calvin Williams, his heirs & assigns forever, all my Meadow land lying in
West Meadow; also, eleven acres of wood-land lying in West Meadow woods; out of
which I hereby order the said Nahum and the said Calvin, in one year after my
decease, to pay in equal portions, that is the said Nahum one half, and the
said Calvin the other half, to my grand-daughters, the sum of Six hundred
dollars, as follows; to the said Patty Williams the sum of two hundred dollars
– to the said Mary Williams the sum of two hundred dollars – and to Mrs. Anna
Copeland the sum of two hundred dollars.
And of all the rest & residue of my estate, of whatsoever name or
nature, if any there shall be, after my decease, not disposed of, it is my Will
that all such be equally divided between my five grand-children above
mentioned, to wit, Nahum Williams, Calvin Williams, Anna Copeland, Mary
Williams, & Patty Williams. And I
hereby appoint the said Calvin Williams my sole Executor of this my last Will
and Testament. In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of April one
thousand eight hundred and twenty-six.
Signed, sealed, published
and declared by the above George Williams (seal)
named George Williams
to be his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us,
who, at his request and in his presence, have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses to the same.
Jonathan
Snell
Damon
Kingman
John
E. Howard
Presented for probate on 3 July 1827 by Calvin Williams, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Damon Kingman and John E. Howard, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Calvin Williams, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 64, p. 149-151, from FHL microfilm
#0555258.
Will of Josiah
Williams of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(1793) *
In
the Name of God Amen – on the nineteenth day of December in the year of our
Lord Seventeen hundred and ninety three. I, Josiah Williams of Bridgwater in
the county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in New England
Gentleman, being advanced in age, and under some infirmity of body, yet through
Divine goodness of sound & disposing mind and memory, and calling to mind
the frailty & mortality of my body as well as the souls immortality, and
the duty & expediency of setting my house in order before death, do now
proceed to make & ordain this my last will & testament. and first of
all I commend my immortal soul into the hands of that God who gave it, with a
humble hope & trust in the merits & intercession of Jesus Christ my
Saviour for pardon grace and glory, and my body I commit unto the dust, to be
decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing
doubting but that at the general resurrection of all the dead the same shall be
raised again, by the mighty power of almighty God, as I hope to a glorious
immortality, and with regard to my worldly Interest which I leave behind, I
dispose of it, in the following manner – vizt.
Imprimis
– I Give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Hannah, the use &
improvement of one third part of all my improved Lands and one half the
dwelling house wherein I now live, being the westerly part of sd
house, saving & excepting the privilege for my two Daughters Hannah &
Armelia to live & Cohabit in sd. westerly part of sd
house during the term that they may continue to live single. I also give to my
sd. wife all my houshold furniture & indoor moveables, saving
& excepting such particular articles as are herein after named &
otherways disposed of. I also give her two milks Cows & fire wood for one
fire to be delivered at the door of sd. dwelling house, and to be
cut off suitable for the fire annually during the term that she shall remain my
widow & the privilege of a horse to ride to public worship, and at other
times occasionally, to be found & provided by my Executor hereafter named.
I also give her the use of part of my Barn, being twenty foot in length and ten
foot in breadth & at the south east corner of said barn. Also one third
part of my Cellar under my dwelling house.
Item—I
Give and bequeath unto my Son George & to his heirs & assigns all my
homestead Lands and building saving such part of the improvement as is before
mentioned and disposed of, said homestead contains about ninety acres, and
lyeth in two pieces, the first is bounded on the easterly side by Land
belonging to Nathan Howard Esqr. on the on the southerly side by
James Howard junr his Land, and westerly and northerly by the road,
the other piece is bounded on the northerly side by Land belonging to widow
Silence Dole & on the easterly side by the high way & southerly by sd
high way ‘till it comes to David Harvey’s Land & then on the westerly side
partly by Harvey’s Land & partly by Lands of Josiah & Seth Lothrop. I
also give him & his heirs as aforesaid one other piece of Land containing
about Seven acres, which I bought of Samuel Packard lying in Bridgwater
aforesaid which is called the pond pasture, and is bounded on the northerly
side by Lands of Colo. Edward Howard, on the westerly side by Lands
of George Howard junr. & on the southerly & easterly sides
by the high way, together with a meadow Lot containing about four acres, lying
in west meadow, so called, which I bought of Jonathan Snell bounded northerly
by Benjamin Hayward’s meadow, easterly by the brook, southerly by my other Land
& westerly by the high-way. Also half a Lot of Cedar Swamp (quantity &
quality considered) lying in Easton which I bought of Nathan Kinsley. Also one
acre of meadow lying at the south end of my meadow Lot at a place called the
maple swamp, also two acres & one quarter more lying at the north end of
the same Lot aforesaid. Also the use & improvement of five acres of wood
Land being part of a Lot which I bought of Ephraim Fobes, bounded on the
northerly side by Lands of Nathan Snell & on the westerly side by Jonathan
Snell & to extend southerly & easterly so far as to include &
contain said five acres for the purpose & privilege of cutting fire wood
for the term of Fifteen years to be computed from the date of this instrument.
I also give him my clock & my old Desk so called, together with all my
Quick Stock, saving the two Cows which I have given to my wife, and I also give
to him the said George, all my farming tools & utensills, together with all
the residue of my Estate both real & personal, that is not herein named
& otherways disposed of
Item
– I Give and bequeath to my two Sons Perez & Calvin & their heirs &
assigns, a tract of Land containing about forty acres, which I bought of
Ephraim Fobes, lying in sd. Bridgwater at a place called west
meadow, to be equally divided betwixt them, quantity & quality considered,
saving & excepting the dwelling house & barn standing thereon, and also
the young orchard, which buildings & orchard aforesaid I hereby give wholly
to my said Son Perez. I also give to them the said Perez & Calvin &
their heirs & assigns, the one half part of a Lot of cedar swamp lying in
Easton which I bought of Nathan Kinsley, to be equally divided between them. also
three acres & one quarter of meadow lying at a place called the maple
swamp, bounded on the southerly side thereof by the acre of meadow which I gave
to my Son George, and to extend so far northerly the whole breadth of the Lot
as to include & contain the said three acres & one quarter, sd
meadow to be equally divided betwixt them. I also give to my said Son Perez the
privilege of having one Cow pastured by my Son George the three summer months
annually for the term of five years to be computed from the date hereof. I also
give him my new desk. I also give to my Son Calvin my best fire arm & sword
& cartridge box & bayonet
Item
– I Give and bequeath unto my two Daughters vizt Hannah &
Armelia, twenty four pounds value a piece, to be paid to each of them as
follows vizt-the Sum of forty Spanish milled Dollars, to be paid to
each of them within twelve months after my decease, and also the other sum of
forty Dollars a piece to each of them within two years after my decease, to be
paid by my Son George my Executor. I also give to the privilege to live and cohabit in that
part of my dwelling house which I have herein given to their mother with the
exclusive right for them to live with her during the whole term, that they
shall continue to live single. and my will is that my Son George shall provide
pasture & forage sufficient to keep them a milk Cow both summer &
winter, during the aforesaid term of their single capacity
Item–
I Give & bequeath to my three grand daughters vizt Orra &
Susanna & Anna the sum of twenty pounds a piece, to be paid to each of them
by my Executor at the several times that they shall each arrive to the age of
Eighteen years
Item–
I Give & bequeath to my two Daughters, Martha & Bathsheba the sum of
twelve shillings a piece, to be paid to each of them by my Executor, within
twelve months, after my decease, this with what, I have heretofore given to
them, is considered as there full share of my Estate
Item
– My will is, that my Son George shall have my best beaver hat & great
coat, and that all the remainder of my wearing apparell shall be equally
divided among my other three sons–viz. Perez, Macey & Calvin
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my Son Macey
(by reason of his non capacity) his whole support and maintenance out of my
estate, to be found & provided by my executor at the same dwelling house
wherein I now live during the whole term of the natural life of the said Macey.
and I hereby order my said Executor to find & provide suitable meat, drink,
washing & lodging & wearing apparell for the said Macey fitting for all
parts of his body, and all things necessary & convenient for him, both in
sickness & health, during the whole term of the natural life of him the
said Macey and at the same dwelling house wherein I now live, during said term,
as I have given him a large share of my estate for the purpose supporting said
Macey
Lastly
– I do hereby nominate & appoint my said Son George to be Sole Executor
upon this my last will & testament. and I hereby order and direct him to
pay all my just debts & charges & the legacies herein before mentioned,
according to the true intent & meaning of this my last will. And I hereby
disannul & make utterly void all other wills before made by me hereby
ratifying & confirming this to be my last will & testament. In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal, the day & year
aforesaid. ~
Signed, Sealed, published,
pronounced and Josiah Williams (seal)
declared by the said Josiah
Williams, to be
his Last will & testament in
presence of
Edward
Howard
David
Harvey
James
Leach
Presented for probate on 8 Apr.
1794 by George Williams, the Executor therein named, and proved by David Harvey
and James Leach, two of the witnesses, who were the sureties on the bond of
George Williams.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by
John A. Maltby from
Will of Perez Williams of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1819) *
In the Name of God
amen.– I Perez Williams of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth Yeoman do make
& declare this Instrument to be my last Will & Testament as follows.
Imprimis
I order my funeral Expences Debts & Legacies to be paid by my Executors
herein after named & in the Manner herein after directed. –
Item
I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Mary Williams to her use & disposal
forever all my household Furniture (except that part there of herein after
given to my Son Josiah) also three Cows of an Average Quality – also one half
(quality & number considered) of the Sheep, I now own, or may own at the
time of my decease – and the provisions on hand at my decease – said provisions
to be used for the support & Benefit of the Family – I also devise to her
the said Mary for & during the time of her natural Life, the use &
Improvement of one half of my Dwelling house, & of one half of my Garden,
with a sufficient privilege in the Barn & other outbuildings – I also
devise to her the said Mary for & during said Term, the use and Improvement
of one third part of all my other Lands or real Estate (excepting that part of
my Lands or Estate herein afterwards devised to my Son Josiah) What I have
given to my Wife as aforesaid is in full of her portion, & in full
Satisfaction of her Dower or thirds in my Estate. —
Item
I give and bequeath to my Son Josiah Williams to his use & disposal forever
two Beds and Bedquilt – one Case of Drawers – one brass Kettle – three Tables –
one Chest, Six Chairs – one dozen pewter plates & four pewter dishes –
which Articles were brought to me by his Mother (my first Wife) I also give
& release to him the said Josiah, all the Debts Which he owes me or may owe
me, at the time of my decease – and I hereby direct all the Notes &
Securities, that I may hold against him, to be given up to him by my Executors,
as well those made by him to my deceased Son Perez – as those made by him to
myself – I also give and devise to him the said Josiah, to him his Heirs and
assigns forever one half of my Pew in Doctor Reed’s Meeting house – all my right
Title & Interest in and to a certain Tract or parcel of Land, situate in
the west precinct of said Bridgwater, which was set off to Jonathan Fisk Esqr.
on Execution against Caleb Snell & conveyed by said Fisk to Gamaliel Howard
& myself, for a more particular description reference to be had to said
Fisk’s Deed – also one half of my right in the new Saw Mill, on West Meadow
Brook.— also all my right title and Interest in & to a certain Mortgage
& the Estates therein mentioned Situate in Vassalborough in the County of
Kennebec, which Mortgage was made by Thaddeus Snell to Caleb Snell & by
said Caleb assigned & conveyed to Gamaliel Howard & myself by Deed
dated the twenty fourth day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirteen – to him the said Josiah Williams his Heirs & assigns
forever —
Item
I give & bequeath to each of my four Daughters viz Huldah K Williams,
Lavina Williams, Hannah F. Williams & Mary L Williams, four hundred
Dollars, to be paid to them respectively at the Age of eighteen years by my
Executors, & if not then paid with Interest from & after that time –
each of my said Daughters to live with my Executors ‘till the Age of eighteen,
& to be suported by them – they my said Daughters however contributing
their Services thereto in the same manner they now do. —
Item
To enable my Executors to pay my funeral Expences, Debts & Legacies &
to execute my Will, I devise to them the following described Estate to be sold
by them for that purpose. viz. about forty five Acres & an half of Land
situate in said west precinct of Bridgwater – which was the Homestead farm of
David Lothrop deceased – Also about five Acres of Woodland lying at a place
called Bailey’s Hill – two pieces of Meadow Land at a place called Coaster
Kitchen containing about six acres & a quarter being all I own at that
place, the abovesaid Lands were with other Lands conveyed to me by David
Lothrop deceased by Deed Dated the thirty first day of March in the Year of our
Lord eighteen hundred & six, reference to which may be had for a more
particular Description – Also all my right, title & Interest in & to a
piece of Cedar Swamp in the Town of Easton formerly owned by my Father – And
all my right, Title & Interest in & to a Tract of Woodland in said
Easton devised to me by Calvin Williams deceased, the said two pieces of Land
being all I own in said Easton – excepting & reserving however the use
& improvement of one third part, herein before devised to my Wife – and if
to facilitate the sale of said Lands she should think proper to relinquish her
Interest therein, she shall have the right to claim & receive a just
equivalent out of the proceeds of the sale thereof – I further give to my
Executors for the purposes aforesaid, all the Debts due me at the time of my
decease (excepting the Debt due from sd. Josiah Williams, which I
have before directed to be relinquished & if the above Lands & Debts
should not be sufficient for the purposes aforesaid, then my live Stock
(excepting what is herein before otherwise disposed of) is to be sold by my
Executors & appropriated to sd. purposes, if any thing should
remain however of the property thus devised to my Executors or of the proceeds
thereof, after payment of funeral Expences, Debts, Legacies & charges of
settling my Estate my Will is that it go to the use & benefit of my Son
Samuel Peirce Williams.—
Item
I give and devise to my said Son Samuel Peirce Williams all the rest &
residue of my Estate, whether real, personal or mixed or wherever situated to
him his Heirs & Assigns forever —
Lastly
I constitute & appoint my said Wife Mary Williams & my said Son Samuel
Peirce Williams Executors of this my last Will & Testament, hereby revoking
all others – & if I should decease before my said Son, shall arrive to the
Age when he would be qualified by Law to act in said Capacity, in such case, my
will is, that my said Wife have the sole Execution of my sd. Will,
till he shall be qualified to join with her in said office ~
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this thirteenth day of
May in the Year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.—
Signed sealed published &
pronounced by sd. Perez
Williams as & for his last will
& Testament in pres-
ence of us who at his request &
in his presence & in
the presence of each other have
hereunto subscribed
our Names as Witnesses ~ Perez Williams (seal)
George
Williams
Thomas
Howard
Wm
Baylies
Presented for probate on 2 Nov.
1819 by Mary Williams, the Executrix therein named, and proved by George
Williams and Thomas Howard, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Mary Williams, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
Daniel Howard Esq. and Josiah
Williams, yeoman, of Bridgwater, were sureties on the bond of Samuel Peirce
Williams, yeoman, as executor of the estate of Perez Williams, late of
Bridgwater, yeoman, dated 5 Feb. 1821.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, p.
392-394, from FHL microfilm #0550906, and Probate Docket #23051.
Will of Benjamin
Willis of
Benjamin Willis of ye Town of Bridgwater in ye
County of Plimouth in New England Being Sick and weak but Retaining his perfect
Sences and Memory In February last past Desired that we whose names are here
under written would take notice that his will is as followeth.
I ye Said Benjamin Willis Do give and Bequeath
unto my dearly Beloved Wife All my Estate by her freely to be possessed and
Enjoyed to Sell or Improve towards the Bringing up of my Children And her own
Maintenance According to her best discretion.
And this above written Will was committed to writing on ye
fourteenth day of May 1696 beng ye second day
after ye Death of ye abovesd Benjamin Willis
by us
Comfort
Willis
his C
mark
John
Nathanael
Ames
Memorand~ Comfort Willis John Ames junr and
Nathanael Ames then have hereto Subscribed Testified upon oath in Plimouth ye
16th day of June 1696 Before William Bradford Esqr Judge
of probate That they were all of them present with Benjamin Willis above named
in ye time of his last Sickness and then heard him Verbally declare
what is above Written to be his last will. And that they were desired by him to
take notice there of & they Committed ye same to writing as
above said.
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
Susanna Willis, Relict and Widdow of Benjamin Willis, late of
The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Willis, late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Benjamin Willis Esq.,
of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In
the Name of God amen I Benjamin Willis of Bridgwater in the county of Plymouth
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esqr. being infirm in Body but
of sound & disposing Mind & Memory calling to Mind the Mortality of my
Body do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament in Manner &
form as followeth viz I give & recommend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty
God who gave it & my Body I recommend to the Earth, to be decently interred
at the discretion of my Executor herein after named & my Estate both real
& personal (after payment of my just debts & funeral Charges, I give
and bequeath in manner following viz.—
1 I
give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Willis & to his Heirs & assigns
forever all my Lands with the Buildings thereon & the privileges thereto
belonging, except my Lands lying in the Thousand Acres (so called) containing
about twelve acres be the same more or less.
2 I
give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah the Wife of Simeon Pratt of Bridgwater
aforesaid Gentleman to her & her Heirs & Assigns forever all my Land
lying in the Thousand Acres above mentioned and one quarter of the Household
Furniture that her Mother brought to me —
3 I
give and bequeath to Nathaniel Bradford of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth
aforesaid Cordwainer & to his Heirs & assigns the sum of five Pounds
Lawful Money and one quarter of the Household Furniture which his Mother
brought to me —
4. I
give and bequeath to Lemuel Bradford of Plymouth in the aforesaid County of
Plymouth Gentleman the Sum of five Pounds Lawful Money, and one quarter of the
Household Furniture which his Mother brought to me to him & to his Heirs
and assigns forever —
5 I
give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Willis before named & to his Heirs and
assigns forever all the remainder of my Estate whether Real or personal &
do hereby constitute & appoint him the said Benjamin sole Executor of this
my last will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& Seal this twenty fifty day of February ADom. one thousand seven hundred and ninety five –
Signed sealed published pronounced
and
declared by the said Benjamin
Willis as
his last Will and Testament in the
presence Benja. Willis (seal)
of us who in his presence & in
the presence
of each other subscribed as
Witnesses hereunto
Jonathan
Benson
Ebenezer
Benson
Oliver
Allen
Presented for probate on 3 Aug.
1807 by Benjamin Willis, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ebenezer
Benson and Oliver Allen, two of the witnesses, Jonathan Benson, the other
witness, being deceased.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Jacob Willis
of North Hempstead, Queens County, New York (1786) *
In
the Name of God Amen I Jacob Willis of North Hempstead in Queens County and
State of New York being weak and low but of sound and disposeing mind and
memory (blessed be God for the same) do this twenty ninth day of May in the
Year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and eighty six make and
publish this my last Will and testament in manner and form following (Viz)
First I order and direct my Executors hereafter named to pay and discharge all
my Just debts and funeral expences – Secondly I impower my Executors to sell my
real estate whenever they shall think it most adviseable and also my personal
estate – Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my loveing wife Elisabeth the use and
benefit of all my estate both real and personal excepting the leagacies
hereafter mentioned (that is to say I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary
Akens the sum of forty pounds in cash to be paid within a reasonable time after
my decease. And the sum of Forty shillings to my daughter Jane Vallentine or a
gold ring.– My Will and mind is that she my said wife shall have the use
thereof while or as long as she Continues my Widdow and if she should marry to
have the equal half of the same dureing her natural life and at her decease to
be equally divided amongst my four daughters namely Ame Hicks, Phebe Alley,
Mary Akens, and Abigail Thomas their heirs Executors or Administrators forever.
– Fourthly and Lastly I nominate Constitute and appoint my beloved Wife
Executrix my son in law Phillip Vallentine and my Trusty Nephew Richard Sprag
Executors of or to this my last Will and testament– In Witness hereof I the
said Jacob Willis have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal the day and year
above written–
Jacob Willis (seal)
Signed
sealed published and pronounced by the Testator as & for his last Will and
Testament in presence of us.
Richard Smith
Joseph Denton
James Cornell
Probated on 16 Aug. 1786, and
proved by James Cornell of North Hempstead, Farmer. Letters of Administration
granted to Elizabeth Willis and Richard Sprag, two of the Executors, on 17 Aug.
1786.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from New York County Probate, Vol. 39, p.
247-249, copied from original Liber 39, p. 209-210.
Will of John Willis
of
The
14th of ye 4th month june 1692
In the name of God Amen John Willis Senr of the
Town of Bridgwater in ye Colony of New Plimouth in New England Being
by ye good hand of God of Sound judgment and Memory Do ordaine and
make my last Will and Testament as followeth And first I doe ordaine and
Constitute my Son Nathanael Willis to be my true and lawfull Executor Secondly
my debts being paid and ye cost of my funerall discharged I Give
unto my Son John Willis the ten acres of Land his house stands on And my farme
of threescore acres of Land Lying below Titticut Together with ten acres of
Land Yet unlayd out All which I Give to him and his heirs for Ever. I further
Give unto my son Nathanael Willis my Dwelling house Orchard and Barne with the
whole twenty five acres of land adjoyning thereunto from ye River
unto ye poplar tree and pond that divides Between my sons Benjamins
Land and mine and as far as it Runs on ye East side of Benjamins
field beyond the Wolf tray Gutter Criely that yt is at this present
time within Benjamins farme to Remain Benjamins All my whole Homestead I Give
unto my son Nathanael him and his heirs for Ever Together with ten acres on the
other side of Nunketeast River Lying betwixt Will orcutt and Nathanael Hayward.
And threescore and ten acres of my far field as we Go to Taunton with Eleven
acres of Grassey Swamp And four Acres at mile Brooke Between John Ames and Saml
Edson together with half my Share of Sedar Swamp at Nunketeast pond And half a
share of Cedar Swamp I Bought of Nicholas Byram And my two lots of Meadow one
in Coasters Kitchen and the other in Cares Cove with all my undivided Land that
Belongs unto my purchase in ye Town With my plough and Cart and all
the Tacklin belonging thereunto onely Let it be Remembred that after his
Decease the Seventy Acres of the far field be Divided unto his three sons
Nathanael Jonathan and John. I Give unto Nathanael thirty Acres with two lots
that I Bought of his Father at Tetecutt And to his Son Jonathan twenty acres
and twenty unto his Son John All which I Give and Bequeath unto my Son
Nathanael and his Children to him and his and their heirs for Ever I Give unto my son Joseph Willis During his
Life fifteen acres at the far field that side next Taunton And five and twenty
acres of my Last fifty acres that is yet to be Layd out And after his decease
unto his Eldest Son Joseph to him his heirs and Assigns for Ever I Give unto my
Son Comfort my sixteene acres at the Indian field be it more or less And the
ten acres on ye other side yt River butting on his
Homestead And five acres joyning unto ye Southerly side of his
Homestead And a Lott of Meadow in the Great Meadow and half my share of Cedar
Swamp at ________ pond and half my undivided Land that Belongs unto my purchase
All which I Give unto him and his heirs for Ever. I Give unto my son Benjamin
my two Lotts at Tittecutt and the ten acres layd out to his Land in ye
woods to him his heirs for Ever I Give unto my Eldest Daughter Hannah Hayward
my Feather Bed I Lye on with ye Rugg belonging thereunto And my
lesser Bed unto my Daughter Elizabeth Harvey with the Coverlit and Blanket. I
Give unto my Grandchild Patience Augur one of my Cows And my Bible And all the
Rest of my Goods and Chattels to be Equally divided Betwixt my three Daughters
Hannah Hayward Sarah Ames And Elizabeth Harvey In Witness whereof I Set to my
hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of ye Sixth month August 1692.
Signed and Sealed in presence of— John Willis (seal)
Thomas Hayward :
my desire is that Mr Keith and
Elihue Brett Captain
Capt Thomas Hayward And Elihue Brett ye
witnesses here named appreared in Plimouth ye 20th day of
September 1693 And made oath that they were present and Saw & heard the
abovesaid John Willis Sign Seal and Declare the above written to be his last
Will and Testament And that in their judgment he was of disposing mind when he
so did
Before William Bradford Esqr Judge Attest Saml Sprague Registr
Nathanael Willis, the Executor, was granted administration of
the estate on 20 Sept. 1693.
An Inventory of ye estate of John Willis Senr
of Bridgwater who deceased the 27th of August in ye year
1693: [the inventory not totaled, but his Housing and Lands Improved &
Dormant valued at £200.]
This is a true inventory according to our Best understanding
taken by us whose names are under Written ye Last of August 1693
Thomas Hayward
John Ames Senr
Elihu Brett
Nathanael Willis Executor of ye last Will and
Testament of his Late Father John Willis Late of Bridgwater deceased made oth
in Plimouth September ye 20th 1693 Before William
Bradford Esqr judge of probate &c that ye above
Written is a true Inventory of the Estate of sd deceasd
so far as he knoweth & that if more shall come to his Knowledge he will
discovr ye same
Attest
Saml Sprague registr
* Transcribed with considerable difficulty by
John A. Maltby from
Will of John Willis
of
In The Name of God Amen. I John Willis Senr of the
Town of Bridgewater in The County of Plymouth in New England Husbandman Being
Sick & weak in Bodey but of perfect minde & memory praised be God
Therefore calling to mind my Mortality and knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to Die Do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament That is
to Say principally & first of all I do Recomend my Soul into the hands of
God that gave it and my body I recomend unto The Earth to be buried in Decent
Christian Burial at The discretion of my Executrs and as Touching
such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I
give demise & Dispose of The Same in manner and form following
Imprs I give and Bequeath unto Experiance my Dear
and welbeloved wife all my Estate Both Real and personal which I am at This
present time Seized of to make use of for her Comfort during her Widdowhood and
to Dispose of at her decease among my Childrean as she Shall Se Cause
Item I have already given to my Son John Willis Some Lands by
Deed which I do also hereby Confirm unto him and to his heirs for Ever, and my
Will is that he Therewithal Rest Contented. Item To my Son Samuel Willis I have
heretofore given my homestead with Some other Lands on the
Item To my Daughter Experiance Hudson I have Given by Deed a
parcel of Land on The Westerly Side of The Town River and I do hereby Confirm
the Same to her & her heirs for ever. Item to my Daughter Mary Randal I
have given Twenty acres of Lands in Taunton north Purchase which Lands I had of
Nathaniel Aymes The Sd Lands houseing ben given to her by Deed under
my hand and seal I do hereby Confirm the same to her and her heirs for Ever.
Finally I do nominate and Appoint Experiance my Dear and Loving wife Executrix
and my Son John Executors of This my Last Will and Testament utterly
Renounceing Revoking and Disallowing all other Wills—Testaments Leacys Bequests
or Executors by me heretofore made Devised or Named Ratifying and Confirming
this & no other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Wittness Whereof I
have hereunto Set my hand & Seal This Eight Day of May Anno Domini 1712.
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced The
mark y of
& Declared by ye Abovesd Jno
Willis as John
Willis (seal)
his Last Will and Testament
Nathll Brett
his
Comfort C
Willis
mark
Joshua Willis
Probated on 2 July 1712, and proved by Mr. Nathaniel Brett,
Comfort Willis, and Joshua Willis.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Willis Senr.,
late of Bridgwater, who deceased on May 14 Anno Domini 1712, was appraised by
Nicholas Byram, Comfort Willis, and Nathaniel Brett on 24 June 1712, but not
totaled. Experiance Willis, the relict widdow of John Willis, late of
Bridgwater, gave her oath to the inventory on 2 July 1712.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Willis
of
In the name of God Amen I John Willis of the City of
First
and principally I commend my soul to God who gave it & to Jesus who has
redeemed it and my body I resign to the earth to be decently buried under the
direction and at the discretion of my Executrix herein after to be named
Item
my Will and meaning is that all my just debts and funeral expences shall be
paid and discharged by my said Executrix as soon after my decease as may be
convenient for that purpose
Item
I give and bequeath to my son Caleb Willis of the Town of
Item
I give and bequeath unto my daughter Synthia Merrit the wife of Ebenezer Merrit
of the City of New York aforesaid the like sum of Ten dollars lawful money as
aforesaid with sentiments of regard similar to those I have the like bequested
to my son Caleb
Item
I give and bequeath unto my son William Willis of
Item
I give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my estate of
whatever nature or kind the same may be both real and personal which I now have
or hereafter may have or acquire unto my beloved wife Charlotte Willis to have
and to hold the same to and for her use benefit and behoof forever
Lastly
I do hereby nominate and appoint my said wife the sole and only executrix of
this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other and former Will and
Wills by me at any time made and declaring this and this only to be my last
Will and Testament
In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of March in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and six
John Willis (seal)
Signed and sealed and published by the said John Willis the
Testator above named as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of
us who have at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each
other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto the said first day of March one
thousand eight hundred and six
John Morris
Martha Youngs
John Stanford
Probated on 3 Jan. 1814, and proved by John Morris, Martha
Young and John Stanford, the witnesses, all of the City of
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Richard
Willis of Rombout,
Be
it Remembered that on this twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord
Christ one thousand seven hundred and eighty two I Richard Willis of Rumbouts
Precinct in the County of Dutchess and State of New York being weak in Body but
of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God and therefore calling to mind
the mortallity of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to
die do make this my last will and testament and first of all I bequeath my soul
into the hands of God that gave it me and as for my body I recomend it to the
earth to buried in a Christian like mannor at the descretion of my Executors
first I order my funeral charges and all my just and lawfull depts to be well
and truely paid. Secondly I give to my son James one hundred pounds in Gold or
silver or other money aquivelent thereto. Thirdly I give to my grandson Charles
Willis the colt that now sucks a black mair of mine. Fourthly I give to my
grand son Richard Willis Ten pounds in gold & silver. Fifthly I give to my
loving wife Elizabeth and that as long as she shall remain my wido all lands
and improvements of any kind or nature soever which I have lying and being in
the township of New Rochel in the County of Westchester and state of New York I
also give to my said wife all the remaining part of my personal estate
excepting one fether bed and sufitiant furniture for said Bed which said Bed
and furniture above excepted I give to my grand daughter Elizabeth Willis –
Lastly I nominate and apoint my son James Willis and my friend Benjamin Smith
the older of North Castle Executors of this my will in trust whome I do hereby
authorise impower and request to fulfil and satisfie every clause and artikel
above writen and I do utterly disannul and revoak and disannul all and every other
wills and testaments made by me before this date ratefying confirming and
alowing this and no other to be my last will and testament.
Signed, sealed published pronounced
and declared to be my last will and testement in the presents of the under
writen witnesses
Richard Willis (seal)
John Schut
James Schutt
Benjamin Smith
Probated on 20 Sept. 1784, and
proved by Benjamin Smith, of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Susannah Willis of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay
(1783) *
In the Name of God
Amen the twenty fourth day of March one thousand seven hundred and Eighty three
I Susannah Willis of Bridgwater in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts State in New England widow Relict to Saml Willis Late
of said Bridgwater deceased, being weak of body but of perfect mind &
memory thanks be Given to God, Calling to mind the mortality of my body and
knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my
Last will and testament, that is to say principally and first of all I Give and
Recommend my Soul into the hands of almighty God that Gave it, my Redeemer in
whom and by the merits of Jesus Christ I trust & believe assuredly to be
saved, and that my Soul with my body at the General day of the Resurrection
shall rise again with joy and through the merits of Christs death and passion
passes and Inherits the kingdom of heaven prepared for his Elect and Chosen,
and my body to be buried in such place as it shall please my Executor hereafter
named to appoint, and touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased
God to bless me with in this Life, I Give demise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form that is to say
First – I will that all those debts and dues as I owe in
Right of Conscience to any manner of person or persons whatsoever shall be well
and truly Contented and paid or ordained to be paid within Convenient time
after my decease by my Son Eliakim Willis whom I Likewise Constitute ordain and
appoint to be the Sole Executor of this my Last will and testament
Item – I Give to my Daughters Susanna Willis and Silence
Willis the one half of my dwelling house namely the west end of said house and
also half the Buttery & one third part of the Cellar under said house, to
be for their use as Long as they Remain in an unmarried state and no Longer;
also I Give to my daughter Susanna Willis the best Bed and furniture – and my
Looms & tackling, and my smallest Looking Glass & Round table and Low
Chest of Draws & Red Chest & my Riding hood
Item – I Give to my Daughter Silence Willis two Beds &
their furniture & my high Case of draws & my Largest Looking Glass
& all my wearing apparell Excepting what was aforementioned, and also I
Give all my Pewter to my three Daughters vizr– Susanna, Lydia &
Silence to be equally divided between them and the Remainder part of my Indoor
moveables I Give to my daughters Susanna & Silence to be equally divided
between them—and also I Give to my son Nathan Willis Six pounds Lawful silver
money which I order my Executor to pay him one year after my decease, also I
Give to my Daughter Susannah Willis, twelve pounds Lawful silver money which I
order my Executor to pay her one year after my decease
Item – I Give to my daughter Lydia Lathrop Ten pounds Lawful
silver money to be paid by my Executor one year after my decease, and also I
Give to my daughter Silence Willis Ten pounds Lawful silver money to be paid
one year after my decease by my executor, and what Remains which appears to be
my Estate after all my just debts are paid, and all the Legacies which I have
ordered my Executor to pay, are paid, I Give to my son Eliakim Willis and
Zebulon Willis all my Lands & buildings which are not heretofore disposed
of, to be equally divided between them, and I hereby utterly disallow Revoke
and disannul all & every other former testament wills Legacies, bequests
& Executors by me in any ways before named willed & bequeathed
Ratifying & Confirming this & no other to be my Last will &
testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal this
twenty fourth day of March & in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred & Eighty three
Signed, Sealed & published, pronounced and
Declared by the said Susannah Willis as her Last Susanna Willis (seal)
will & testament in the presence of us, who in her
presence & in the presence of each other have here-
unto subscribed our names –
Elijah Hayward – Luther Hayward – Elijah Snell
Presented for probate on 3 April 1784 by Eliakim Willis, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Elijah Hayward and Luther Hayward, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Elikaim Willis, the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 29, p. 128-130, from FHL microfilm #0550715.
Will of Edward Winslow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1758) *
In the Name of God Amen, The second day of October Anno
Domini One Thousand seven hundred & fifty Eight, I Edward Winslow of
Rochester in the County of Plimouth Esqr, being of a disposeing mind &
memory do make and Ordain this my last will & Testament, and first of all I
Give my soul to God that gave it & my body to the Earth to be buried in
decent burial at the discretion of my Executor herein named, and as touching
such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me I Give & dispose of
the same in the following manner & Form.
First – I give and Bequeath to Sarah my Dearly beloved wife
the use and Improvement of my now dwelling house and one half of my homestead
lying between the middle branch & westerly branch of Mattapoisett river
that is to say the one half of all the Lands and meadows that I there own which
lyeth westward & Southward of said branch, also the one half of the fresh
meadow I have lying on the East side Mattepoisett river from the most southerly
Spring Creek in the ninth Lot of Fresh meadow upstream Excepting two Acres at
the North End thereof. also my half of the Grist mill standing on the aforesaid
river, and also my two best working Cattle & two Cows and also my two best
beds & the furniture belonging to them, and also my Great Looking Glass
& silver Shoe buckles & Gold Shirt Sleeve buttens, and also the One
half all the other Household Goods within Doors Exclusive of the other beds
& beding also I give her the One half of the Out door Utensils for farming
and One half my swine and all my sheep, also I Give her my Large Brass Andirons
all which I give her dureing her being my widdow It being for her Comfort, and
I give her my Negro woman named Dinah so long as She Shall be my widdow, and in
Case She see cause to marry again I Give her the two beds and furniture
abovementioned and Thirteen pound, Six shillings & Eight pence worth of the
stock above given her to be at her disposal forever also I give her the use of
the Barn Standing On my homestead nearest my dwelling house and all the
provision & Corn in the stores to be at my widows dispose, The Barn only
dureing her widdowhood.
Item. I Give and bequeath To my son Edward Winslow and the
same to be to him and his heirs and assigns forever the Other half of my
homestead Lands and buildings upon the same and that both upland and meadow
being that half which my said son now Improves, Also I give him my Fresh meadow
that I have lying on the East side Mattapoisett River From the North End of the
Eighth lot of fresh meadow and so upstream Excepting the two Acres above
Expressed as Excepted up to the said two acres, also I Give him my said son the
stream and Dam where the Iron works stood, also the Land where the Cole house
stood, and all the land I have on the East side of the middle branch of said
River Adjoyning to said Iron works, also all my land lying between Capt
Noah Spragues land and the Land I bought of Peter Crapoo, & Thomas Tompson
in Sniptuet neck so called, also all my land of all sorts I own in Freetown and
Tivertown, also my will is that what Lands & Buildings that are upon the
same which I have in this will given to my wife dureing her being my widdow I
Give the same to my son Edward he not to interrupt her in her peaceible
possession and improvement of the same dureing her widdowhood, And I also give
my said son Edward the land & houseing Called the Great house and homstead
which was Samuel Princes Esqr, Reference being had to their Deeds for Contents
& bounds of the same, my will is that all the lands and real Estate which I
give to my said son Edward Shall be to him his heirs & assigns forever,
also my will is that my said son allow sufficient and handey fire wood of from
his Share of land to his mother as also fenceing stuffs for her Farm, also what
I bought of said Princes Farm at a Vendue which was Thomas Turners I give him.
Item My Will is that beside the land I have already given to
my son in Law Thomas Winslow and his wife Mehitable my Deed which I hereby
Confirm to them I also give them One fifth part of my Indoor household stuff
which I have not already given away in this my will.
Item, I give to my son in law James Whitcomb and Sarah his
wife and to their heirs and Assigns forever Three quarters of my Original lot
of Number sixty one that I have in Greenwich in the County of Hampshire And
also do Confirm to them what I have already Given them by Deed, also I give
them the one fifth part of that half of the Indoor moveables which I have not
given away that is to say of household Stuff~
Item I Give to my three Grand Children viz Seth Lincoln
Mehitable Russell and Rachel Phips in Equal partnership, One quarter of my lot
of land in Green wich aforesaid of number Sixty One together with the second
Division which the after Rights of said Quarter not Included in James &
Sarah Whitcombs Deeds and my will is that said James Whitcomb upon the account
of which I have given him and wife he discharge my Estate from all demands of
Cash or Charge on the account of what he has Expended On my lands in said Green
which & Elsewhere.
Item, I Give to my son in Law James Foster & Lydia his
wife One Bible of Octavo besides the One fifth part of that half of the Indoor
moveables which I have not Given away that is to say Household stuff to them
also.
Item. My Will is relateing to my son in Law Chillingsworth
Foster and the five Children he has by my daughter Mary that Considering I have
already put into his hands in full of their portion in the right of their
deceasd mother, I do now Give them to be Equally divided between them the One
fifth part of that half of the Indoor utensils to be Equally divided between
them not before given to their Grandmother as a surplusage in full.
Item, I Give to my Grandson Edward Winslow son of my daughter
Mehitable and to his heirs and assigns forever that parcell of land I have laid
out to me adjoyning to the land which Samuel Rider junr. bought of
Isaac Little Esqr which said land lyeth in Rochester aforesaid, and also I give
him as aforesaid so much more land out of some of my Grant not yet laid out in
said Rochester Proprietee as to make up that peice abovesaid Given him Thirty
Acres in the whole he to lay it out as the Grants will allow of and my Executor
to assign what grant & Share to be taken out of.
Item I Give to my Grandson Edward my son Edwards son &
the same to be to him his heirs & Assigns forever all my land that I have
lying by my Grist mill in said Rochester On the Northerly side of the old roade
Island path or Roade so Called and adjoyning thereunto which I bought of Keneln
Winslow of Harwich and also my Fresh meadow & swampy Ground Adjoyning to
said Land which was part of the Eight lot of fresh meadow.
Item. I Give to my Grandson Edward Whitcomb son of my
daughter Sarah Whitcomb four Spanish milld Dollars—
Also I Give to my Grandson Edward the son of my daughter
Lydia Foster four Spanish mill’d dollars.
Item I Give To my Grandson Edward Hamond son of my daughter
Thankfull deceased his heirs and assigns forever that peice of land I have in
Rochester aforesaid which lyeth by the Homestead which was the late William
Bassetts deceasd lying On the Southward of the Roade or Pathway.
Item. I Give to my four Grand Children the Children of my
daughter Thankfull deceased viz Edward Parnel Thankfull & Zerviah Hammond
and the same to be to them and their heirs and assigns forever that forty Acres
of land in Rochester aforesaid which I bought of my said son in Law Josephus
Hammond which was Once part of Job Lorings homestead and the same to be Equally
divided between imediately after their said Fathers death he to improve it his
life time, also I Give to my said four Grand Children of the said daughter
Thankfull One fifth part of that half of the Indoor Household Stuff to be
Equally divided between them said Edward Parnel Thankfull & Zerviah which
was not given to my wife.
Item To my son in Law Josephus Hammond I Give that two Acres
of Fresh meadow and meadowish Ground Reserved out of the parcell given to
improve to my wife at the North End thereof on the East side of said
Mattepoisett River to be bounded out by my Executor at said Hammonds cost
and I also Give to my son Edward Winslow and the same to be
to him his Heirs and assigns forever my three quarters of a Sawmill by Deacon
Elisha Fremans Homestead with the Land I own there and my right in the stream
and Damms, also I Give him my wearing Apparell my Cane my share in the Grist
mill on Mattepoiset river my silver Shoe buckles & Gold shirt Sleeve
buttons Given to my wife dureing her life, after her death Furthermore whatever
other Estate both Real or personal which I have or shall dye Owner of not
mentioned in this my will I Give the same to my said son Edward & to his
heirs and assigns forever whatsoever or wheresoever the same is or may be
found~ Finally I do hereby appoint
& Impower my said son Edward Winslow sole Executor of this my Last will and
Testament, and order him to pay all my Just Debts & all my Legacys in my
will Given and to Inable him thereunto I give him all my money, due or shall
here after become due to me any manner of ways whatsoever and I do also hereby
make void all and any former will or wills heretofore made by me and ratyfie
this & only this to be my last will and Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the
day and year first above written—
Signed sealed Published Pronounced
and Declared by the said Edward
Winslow as his Last will & Testament
In presence of Edward Winslow (seal)
Samuel Wing
Thomas Whitridg
Nathan Nye
Ezra Clark
William Sears
Timothy Ruggles
Presented for probate on 21 July 1760 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by Thomas Whitredge and Nathan Nye, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to Edward Winslow of Rochester,
Gentleman, the Executor, on 21 June [sic] 1760.
The Inventory of the Estate both Real and Personal of Edward
Winslow Esqr late of Rochester, was appraised on 15 July 1760 by Timothy
Ruggles, Nathaniel Ruggles and Thomas Whitredge, and totaled £1591.8.8,
including his homestead farm with the buildings valued at £1040, and several
other parcels of land. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on 16
July 1760, and Edward Winslow, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on
21 July 1760.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 15, p. 540-544, from FHL microfilm #0551543.
Will of Edward Winslow of Rochester, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay
(1779) *
In the name of God Amen–I Edward Winslow of Rochester in the
county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Bay, Gent; being arrived to
advanced age, yet through the Goodness of God of a disposing mind and memory do
ordain this my Last will and testament, and in the first place I comend my soul
to God who Gave it and my body to the dust to be buried at the discretion of my
Executor, and with Respect to the worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God
to bless me I dispose of in the maner following vizt
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my beloved wife Hannah such
a part of my Estate as she would have if I had died Intestate, also my best
Horse & Riding chair with the tackling, during her widowhood, but if my
wife marry again, it is my will, and I do recommend it to her to acquit all
Right to my Estate, provided my son Benjamin pay her thirteen pounds six
shillings & eight pence in money equal in value to what money was in the
year seventeen hundred and seventy five, which if my said wife is pleased to
accept of, I oblige my son Benjamin to pay her upon demand
Item—I bequeath to my son Isaac all the swamp which I now
own, which I hold by deed from my son Edward deceased, which he bought of John
Lewis which swamp Lieth on the east side of the main chief way which Leadeth
into the swamp, excepting one acre & an half joining on the north side of
Deacon Whitteridge’s Cedar swamp, beginning at the north west corner of said
Cedar swamp, thence running so far as that an East Line to the upland, and a
south Line by the upland, to said Whitteridges swamp will include an acre &
an half, this I Reserve to be a part of the portion of my son Benjamin—Likewise
I bequeath to my son Isaac all the Lands and appurtenances which I bought of
John Matthes, also I Give to my sd son Isaac Forty eight pounds
seventeen shillings, for which money I sold Land to Joseph Hamond which I
intended for my son Isaac, all which I Give to my said son under these
Restrictions, that none of the premises shall be sold unless consent be obtained
of my Executor under hand and seal, and the money for which the premises may be
sold in the manner above Specified shall be deposited in the hands of my
Executor to be dealt out as the necessities of my said son Isaac shall require,
and if my said son Isaac shall marry, then I order that the money which may
then be due to him shall be Laid out in such a manner as my Executor shall
think most for the advantage of my sd. son Isaac, Likewise I Give to
my son Isaac one Large Silver spoon & one third part of my wearing
apparell, and in case my son Isaac die without Issue all his Estate shall Go to
my son Benjamin, and if my sd son Isaac stand in need of support
over & above what I have Given him, I oblige my son Benjamin to afford it
to him, allowing him the priviledge of Living in my house and my son Benjamin
shall have the benefit of his Labour
Item—I bequeath to my dutiful son Tisdale one Dollar, which
with the Lands I have Given him by deed is his portion of my Estate
Item—It is allso my will that my son Benjamin, within a year
after my decease pay to Seth Pope my son in Law one English Guinea in Gold or
the value thereof in other money, also that one fifth part of two thirds of my
indoor moveables be sett off to said son in Law also one tenth part of my
wife’s thirds in the indoor moveables when she Leaves them all which I oblige
my son in Law to divide equally among the children of my daughter Sarah
deceased ~
N.B. the
Erasement above was made before the signing of this Instrument, and here Let it
be also noted that my Great Looking Glass, Great bible & provision are not
to be divided, but they shall be the property of my son Benjamin
Item—I bequeath to my dutiful daughter Hannah one Guinea in
Gold, or the value thereof in Other money, to be paid her by my Executor,
within a year after my decease also one fifth part of two thirds of the Indoor
moveables, also one tenth part of my wife’s thirds of the household stuff when
she Leaves it, these things with what I have heretofore Given her is her
portion of my Estate
Item—To my dutiful daughter Rachel, I bequeath one English
Guinea in Gold or the value thereof in Other money, to be paid her by my
Executor within a year after my decease, also one fifth part of two thirds of
my Indoor moveables, also one tenth of my wife’s thirds of the indoor moveables
when she Leaves them, all which together with what I have already Given her is
her portion of my Estate
Item—It is my will that my dutiful daughter Thankul have the
same articles for keeping house provided for her by my Executor which I have
heretofore Given to my Other married daughters; whatever articles therefore she
is deficient in, to make her equal to my Other married daughters, at my
decease, I oblige my Executor to provide for her, also I oblige my Executor to
pay my said daughter Thankul one English Guinea in Gold or the value thereof in
other money, within an year after my decease, also I Give to my sd
daughter Thankful one fifth part of two thirds of my Indoor moveables and one
tenth party of my wife’s thirds of the household stuff when she Leaves it –
Item—I oblige my son Benjamin to provide for my dutiful
daughter Mercy the same Articles of household furniture in kind which I have
Given to my married daughters, also I Give my sd. daughter one
English Guinea in Gold or to the value thereof in Other money within a year
after my decease to be paid to her by my son Benjamin, also one fifth part of
two thirds of my Indoor moveables, also one tenth part of my wife’s thirds in
the Indoor moveables when she Leaves them
Item—I bequeath to my Grandson David Winslow one spanish
milled Dollar, and to my Grandson Edward my Silver Shoe buckles, both of which
Grandsons are the children of my son Edward deceased ~
Item—I bequeath to my Grand-daughter Elenor one spanish
milled Dollar
Item—I bequeath to my Grandson Noah son to my son Enoch
deceased three Quarters of the Land I bought of my son Edward, excluding the
two Acres of which I have already Given him a deed being situated on the north
side of the path Leading from the widow Reed’s to the Grist mill, also three
Quarters of a Piece of fresh meadow on the east side of Mattapoisett River
being part of what I purchased of my son Edward, also three Quarters of a piece
of upland and fresh meadow Lying between the meadow and Land I have herein
Given him, and the meadow which I sold Seth Pope Lying on the East side of
Mattapoisett River, also one third of my Pew in the meeting house Gallery, also
a Large silver spoon, all which I Give to my said Grandson Noah his heirs and
assigns forever
Item—It is further my will to Give the Other Quarter of the
above mentioned Lands and meadows to be equally divided between my two Grand
daughters Sarah and Hannah, children of my son Enoch deceased, to be theirs
their heirs and assigns forever—Likewise I Give to each of my said
Grand-daughters a Right to sett in my Pew in the Gallery, while they continue
unmarried
Item—It is further my will that my daughter in Law Sarah have
the improvement of all the Lands & meadows which I have in this my Last
will and testament Given to her children in order to enable her to bring them
up, and upon the children’s being free, my said daughter in Law shall sett off
to each of them their Respective parts as prescribed in this Instrument, and if
either of the children of said son Enoch deceased shall stand in need of
further support I hereby impower my son Benjamin to afford it to them and take
his pay out of the portion of the child so helped
Item—I bequeath to my daughter Bethiah a comfortable support
in sickness and in health during her natural Life which support shall be
provided her by my son Benjamin, and if she pleases to Live in my house she
shall have a right so to do, but my son Benjamin shall have the benefit of her
Labour, and should she ever marry, my said son is under obligations to make
provision only for her person, and upon her decease without Issue my son
Benjamin shall have whatever Goods or Chattels she dies Seized of
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Grand daughter Hannah child of
my daughter Pope, my Side Saddle
Item—I Give and bequeath to my dutiful son Benjamin all the
Residue of my Estate of whatever nature and kind, & wherever found, which I
have not conveyed to any Other person by deed or by this my Last will &
testament, all which I bequeath to said Benjamin his heirs and assigns forever,
obliging him to pay all Legacies and to take upon him all Incumbrances
specified in this instrument, and to pay all my Just debts and funeral
charges—and finally I appoint and constitute my son Benjamin the sole Executor
of this my Last will and testament, revoking all wills which I have heretofore
made I constitute and Establish this and this alone to be my Last will &
testament–In Testimony of which I do hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty
ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred &
seventy nine
In
Presence of Edward Winslow (seal)
John
Rider
Abraham
Devel
John
Hammett
David
Edwards
Silas
Sears
Presented for probate on 5 June
1780 by Benjamin Winslow, the Executor therein named, and proved by John Rider and
John Hammett, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of
Administration were granted to Benjamin Winslow, the before named Executor,
with John Rider and John Hammett, all of Rochester, as sureties.
Thomas Whitteridge, Seth Dexter,
and John Hammett, all of Rochester, yeomen, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Edward Winslow, late of Rochester, on 5 June 1780. The Inventory of
the Estate of Edward Winslow, late of Rochester, Gent, dated 2 June 1780,
totaled £868.12.11, including his real estate, valued at £666.13.4. Benjamin
Winslow, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 5 June 1780.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 25, p. 518-524, from FHL microfilm #0550713.
Will of Gilbert
Winslow of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts
Bay (1731) *
In the Name of God Amen. I Gilbert Winslow of Marshfield in
the County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman being weak of body & sensible
of my approching Dissolution do Make & Ordain this my last Will &
Testament being through ye. Mercy of God of a sound & disposing
Mind & Memory: I Commit my Soul to God that gave it & my Body to a
decent Christian Burial at ye. Discretion of my Executr.
hereafter named –
Imprims. I Give to my loving Wife Mercy Winslow the Improvements or
Profits of all my Lands & Meadows in the Township of Marshfield of all
Sorts With one half of my Dwelling House viz: the best lower Room & Chamber
above it With half the Cellar Also the One half of ye Barn while she
shall remain my Widow. I also give my sd. Wife the One half of my
Moveable Estate within Doors & without Doors both quick Stock &
houshold Stuff during her Continuing my Widow as aforesd. but if She
shall see Cause to Alter her Condition by Marriage then to have twenty Pound
out of ye Moveable Estate as it shall be prised.
Itm. I Give to my Son Issachar Winslow about Sixteen Acres of
Land lying on ye. Westerly Side of the high way leading to Little Town
Brook bounded Southerly by Willm Stevens Land till it comes to the
high way & by ye sd Way till it turns more Easterly
near an Apple tree & then turning & running near North West as the
Fence stands down the Brook to a Stake & Stones by sd Brook
& running up sd. Brook to the first Mentioned Bounds With all
the Meadow known by the name of ye. Little Island Meadow Except two
Acres lying next to the Meadow of John Jones to him his Heirs & Assigns
forever –
Itm I Give to my Son Anthony Winslow my Land beginning
at the aforesd. Apple tree and running as the Fence now Stands to
Little Town Brook and up the sd. Brook to the Stones & Stake
aforementioned & then from thence to ye. sd. Apple
tree With all ye. Buildings by him Erected & Standing thereon
& also two Acres of Meadow known by ye Name of ye. Little Island
Meadow lying next & by ye. Side of ye Meadow of John Jones The aforesd.
Land & Meadow I Give to him the sd. Anthony Winslow his Heirs & Assigns
forever.
Itm I Give to my four Sons Barnabas Gilbert
Job & Benjamin all my Lands lying on the Easterly Side of the Road the
Leads down to Little town Brook With all ye. Buildings & Fences
standing & being thereon With all the Meadows lying Easterly on ye.
Meadow or Swamp land of Thomas & John Tilden Southerly by ye.
Swamp land of Jno. Little & Westerly by ye. Meadow of
John Little know by ye Name of ye. Pine tree Island
Meadow Also the 48 Lot in the first Division in the Commons of Marshfield being
18 Acres & by Me Purchased of Anthony Waterman deceasd And also 13 Acres
more wch. I Purchased of ye. sd. Anthony
Waterman & was by ye. sd. Waterman Purchased of
Daniel Thomas & John Rogers as by ye. Deed may appear to them
the sd. Barnabas Gilbert Job & Benjamin their Heirs &
Assigns forever ~
Itm I Give to my Son Issachar Winslow his
Heirs & Assigns forever the One half of that Lot of Land I bought of Isaac
Barker of Pembroke The Whole of ye. sd. Lot Containing 16 Acres being the 39
Lot in the first Division of Marshfield Commons The other half thereof I do
hereby Give to my two Youngest Sons Job & Benjamin to them their Heirs
& Assigns forever ~
Itm I Give to my two Daughters Mercy &
Rebecca One hundred & fifty Pound to Each of them to be paid out of my
Moveable Estate The One half thereof to be paid to them within One Year after
my Decease the Other Half within One Year after my Wife Decease or Marriage And
if it so happen that my Moveables be not sufficient to pay to sd.
Daughters as abovesd Viz: One hundred & fifty Pound Each
that then my sd Six Sons shall pay equally & in Proportion to my
two Daughters what shall be Wanting to Make up sd Sum—
Itm My Will is that whatsoever of my Moveable Estate
may be left after my said Daughters have recievd their Portions
shall be equally Divided amongst all my Sons – It is my Mind and to be
Understood that my sd. Sons are not to have the Use of any of my
Lands lying in the Town of Marshfield & by this my sd. Will
given to them till after ye. Decease or Marriage of my sd.
Wife: I do hereby appoint my two Eldest Sons Issachar Winslow & Barnabas
Winslow joint Executrs of this my last Will & Testament Dated
the twenty Sixth Day of May Anno Domini – 1731.
Gilbert Winslow (seal)
Signed Sealed Pronounced
& Declared by ye sd. Gilbert
Winslow to be his last
Will and Testament
In Presence of
John Jones
John White
John Jones junr.
Probated on 22 June 1731, and proved by John Jones, Jno.
White, and John Jones junr., the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Issachar Winslow and Barnabas Winslow, the two Eldest Sons of ye.
sd. Deceasd. and joint Executors, on 12 July 1731.
The Inventory of the Estate of Gilbert Winslow late of
Marshfield was appraised by John Jones, John White, and Thomas Macomber on 23
June 1731, and totaled £1994.16.9, including his real estate, both upland and
meadow, valued at £1560. Issachar Winslow, one of the Executors, gave his oath
to the inventory on 27 Sept. 1731.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 6, pp. 45-47, 84-85, from FHL
microfilm #0550512.
Will of Isaac Winslow
of
In The Name of God Amen. I Isaac Winslow of Marshfield In the
County of Plymouth within the Province of The Massachusetts Bay In New England
being of a sound Disposeing Minde & Memory Through the Mercy of God and
sensible of my Mortality Do make this my Last will & Testament Haveing
Committed my Soul to God and my Body to a Decent Christian Burial I Desire
& Direct that my outward Estate may be Settled & Disposed of in maner
Following: I Give to my son John Winslow my Seal Ring : I Give to my Son Edward
my other Rings & my Sword or Rapire; also I Give to my sd sons
all my armes & wareing apparrel to be Equally Divided Between them. I Give
my Books to be Equally Divided Between my Beloved wife Sarah Winslow & my sd
Sons John Winslow & Edward Winslow To Each a Third part. I Give to my sd
Wife the use & Improvement of all My Moveable Estate within Doors &
without Excepting my Quck Stock The one half of which I Desire may be sold
Towards the payment of Debts & Charges The other half I Give her the
Improvement of together with the Other Moveable Estate before Mentioned Dureing
her Natural Life with full Power to make Such Disposition Thereof to &
among her children as She may Se Cause I also Give to her my sd wife
The Improvement of one half of My Real Estate Except Such as I Shall Herein
Dispose of or may be Disposed of by My Executors Hereafter Named according to
this will Dureing her Life — I Give to my Daughter Penelope Warren wife to
Mr James Warren of Plymouth That Peice or Parcel of Salt Meadow
which he the sd James Warren has Improved for this Several years
being about Twenty Acres besides what She hath already had I Give to her, her
Heirs & assigns forever — I Give to my Daughter Elizabeth Marston The
wife of Mr Benjamin Marston of Salem besides what She Hath already
Recied. the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds to be paid her by my Sons John
Winslow & Edward Winslow In Equal Proportion In Some Convenient Time after
my Decease
I Do Hereby Give full Power to my Executors Hereafter named
to Sell & Dispose of so much of my Real Estate Either of the out Lands or
of the Homestead of The upland or meadow as they shall thinck Most Convenient
for the Payment of my Debts & for the Bring up my youngest Son Edward In
his Learning throh the Course of his Studey at the College til he
has Taken his Second Degree — I Give to my sons John Winslow & Edward
Winslow to them Their Heirs & assigns forever all my Houseing & Lands
not Herein Disposed of & what shall Not be Disposed of by my Executors
aforesd. the Improvement of The one half to their mother as afore
Excepted whether lying In Marshfield Pembrook Middleborough or Rutland or
wheresoever Else to be Equally Divided Between them the Land formerly Given to
my Son John Winslow by Deed of Gift to be accounted as Part of his Divition
& that my Son Edward to Have Proportionable to that & their to be
Equally Divided. In Consideration whereof I Hereby Direct my Sons John Winslow
& Edward Winslow to pay to their Sister Elizabeth Marston as abovesd
the sum of Two Hundred Pounds As aforedmentioned to be paid In
Silver Money Bills of this Province or Such Money as Shall be Passable in the
Government at the time:
I Do Hereby Appointe my aforesd wife Sarah Winslow
& my Sons John Winslow & Edward Winslow Joynt Executors of this my Last
will & Testament. In Witness whereof I have Hereunto Sett my hand &
Seal the Twenty fourth Day of May anno Domini one Thousand Seven Hundred &
Thirty Six 1736
Signed Seald & Declared by ye sd
Isaac Winslow
to be his Last will & Testament In Presence of
Joshua Soul
Palatiah West Isaac Winslow (seal)
Saml Wyton
Nathaniel Fish
Proved on 6 Apr. 1739 by Joshua Soul, Palatiah West, Saml
Wyton and Nathl. Fish, the witnesses. Administration of the estate
of the Hon. Isaac Winslow granted to Sarah Winslow, John Winslow, Esqr.,
& Edward Winslow, Gent., on 6 Apr. 1739.
The Inventory of the Real & Personal Estate of the Honble
Isaac Winslow Esqr., late of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will and Codicil of Dr. Isaac Winslow of Marshfield,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1815) *
In the Name of God amen I Isaac Winslow of Marsfield in the County of of
Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Physician on considering the Uncertainty of
human Life & the Expediency of making a Distribution of my property while I
am in the possession of my reason & understanding do make & ordain the
following to be my last will & Testament, that is to say~
First
I give to my beloved Wife Frances Winslow all the household Furniture that she
brought from Hingham since we were married, together with such a Cow as she
shall choose from among my Cows, after my decease, the above Furniture &
Cow to be delivered at Hingham by my Executor hereafter to be named if she
chooses to reside there & I also give to my said Wife three thousand
Dollars together with a Suit of Mourning Clothes, provided she relinquishes her
right of Dower in my Estate otherwise what the Law will give her —
Also
I give and bequeath to my Son John Winslow all the Family pictures, my Sword,
all my Library of Books & my Watch and wearing Apparel. ~
All
the rest of my Estate after the above Legacy to my Wife & my Debts &
funeral Charges are paid, it is my Will that it be equally divided between my
four Children viz Elizabeth Whitman, Ruth S Dingley, John Winslow & Sarah
Clapp – it is to be understood, that if one or more of my Children shall die
before my decease & have no Child, it is my Will that my Estate shall be
equally divided between those that do survive me or to the Heirs of those that
have Heirs of their Body – it is also my Will, that if Mercy Stockbridge shall
survive me that my Children shall equally contribute to her support, as I am
obliged to do by the Will of her Father Doctr Benjamin Stockbridge,
that is one half the time –
And
I do hereby constitute & appoint my said Son John Winslow Esqr
sole Executor to this my last Will & Testament – In Witness whereof & all
which I hereunto set my hand & Seal this twenty fifth day of August in the
year of our Lord eighteen hundred & fifteen 1815 –
Signed sealed & declared to be
his last Will
& Testament in presence of us
who in presence
of each other subscribe our Names
as Witnesses
Robert
Cushman Isaac Winslow (seal)
Joseph
P Cushman
Ruth
Cushman
In
the name of God amen I Isaac Winslow of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth
Physician still continueing in the possession of my reason & understanding
do make & ordain this Codicil or Addition to my last Will & Testament
by me executed on the Twenty fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifteen — Whereas by my said last will &
Testament I have given to my beloved Wife Frances Winslow, among other things
the Sum of three thousand Dollars, & considering the said Sum & other
provisions made for my said Wife in said Will to be insufficient – I do hereby
further give & bequeath to my said Wife the further Sum of one thousand
Dollars $1000,00 – provided she relinquishes her right of Dower in my Estate
otherwise what the Law will give her ~~
In witness whereof I the said Isaac
Winslow have hereunto set my hand & Seal this fourteenth day of September
in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen –
Signed sealed & declared by the
said Isaac
Winslow to be a Codicil to his last
Will and
Testament in presence of us the
Subscribers
who in his presence & in
presence of each
other subscribe our Names as
Witnesses – Isaac Winslow (seal)
Robert
Cushman
Joseph
P. Cushman
Ruth
Cushman
Presented for probate on 15 Nov.
1819 by John Winslow Esqr., the Executor therein named, and proved
by Robert Cushman and Joseph P Cushman, two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to John Winslow, the before
named Executor.
Robert Cushman, yeoman, John
Thomas, Gentleman, and Joseph P. Cushman, yeoman, all of Marshfield, were
appointed to appraise the Estate of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield,
Physician, on 15 Nov. 1819. The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac Winslow, late
of Marshfield, dated 1 Dec. 1819, totaled $26,131.74, including his real estate
which totaled $22,891, of which his homestead farm was valued at $20,000. John
Winslow Esqr., the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7
Dec. 1819.
John Winslow, Executor of the last
will & Testament of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield, Physician,
petitioned that the personal estate of the deceased is insufficient to pay all
his just debts, legacies and incidental charges by $6000, and asked for license
to sell part of the real estate, on 18 Feb. 1822, which was granted.
David Oldham Junr,
Robert Cushman and John Thomas, of Marshfield, were appointed to make a
division of the real estate of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield, Physician,
except such as may be sold to pay debts and legacies, among his four children
John Winslow, Elizabeth Whitman, wife of Kilborn Whitman, Ruth S Dingley, wife
of Thomas Dingley, and Sarah Clapp, wife of Ebenezer Clapp, on 5 Mar. 1822. The
division, dated 27 Mar. 1822, was approved on 3 Sept. 1822.
Kilborn Whitman, of Pembroke, Esquire,
was granted Administration de bonis non of the estate of Isaac Winslow, late of
Marshfield, Physician, on 21 Oct. 1822, who appointed his son John Winslow Esqr.
sole Executor of his Will, but he deceased before he had completed his
Executorship of the estate.
John Thomas, Gent, and Robert
Cushman, yeoman, both of Marshfield, and David Oldham Jr Gent., of Pembroke,
were appointed to appraise all the remaining Estate of Isaac Winslow, late of
Marshfield, Physician, on 21 Oct. 1822. The Inventory of the Estate of Isaac
Winslow, late of Marshfield, was valued at $4038.00. Kilborn Whitman, the
Administrator de bonis non on the Estate of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield,
Physician, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 Dec. 1822.
Kilborn Whitman, of Pembroke,
Esquire, Administrator de bonis non on the Estate of Isaac Winslow, late of
Marshfield, Physician, petitioned that the personal estate of the deceased
unadministered upon was insufficient to pay the just debts which he owed at the
time of his death by $1200, and asked for license to sell part of the remaining
real estate to satisfy the debts on 17 Feb. 1823, which was granted. Horatio
Cushing and Thomas Dingley, administrators on the Estate of John Winslow, gave
their approval on 20 Feb. 1823.
Kilborn Whitman, the Administrator
de bonis non on the estate of Doct. Isaac Winslow, late of
Marshfield, Physician, gave notice that the estate is insufficient to pay all
the just debts which he owed at the time of his decease on 30 Aug. 1823.
Robert Cushman, Yeoman, and John
Thomas, Gent., both of Marshfield, were appointed to receive and examine all
the claims of the several creditors against the estate of Isaac Winslow, late
of Marshfield, on 2 Sept. 1823. They applied for an extension of time on 1 Mar.
1825, and on 21 Oct. 1826 produced a list of claims against the estate totaling
$28,662.26.
Kilborn Whitman of Pembroke,
Counsellor at Law, Administrator de bonis non on the Estate of Doctor Isaac
Winslow late of Marshfield, Physician, petitioned that the personal Estate of
the deceased unadministered upon is not sufficient to pay the just debts which
he owed at the time of his decease and the legacies given in his Will by $3000,
and although license had been granted for the sale of Land in the County of
Kennebeck in the State of Maine from Ariel Mann Esqr. Judge of the
Probate of Wills for the County of Kennebeck in that county to the amount of
$3000, yet the sales have been unproductive, and no debts have been paid, so he
asked for license to sell other lands of the deceased, on 13 Nov. 1824. Thos.
Dingley, Ruth Dingley, and Horatio Cushing, Administrator on the estate of J.
Winslow, the Heirs at Law, gave their approval on 4 Dec. 1824, and Eben Clapp,
John Winslow and Elizabeth Winslow acknowledged on 29 Nov. 1824.
Petition by Thomas Hobart as agent
for several of the Creditors to the Estate of Dr. Isaac Winslow, late of
Marshfield, regarding the Administration of Kilborn Whitman Esqr.,
that the bondsmen of sd. Whitman on his administration bond to sd
Estate are wholly insufficient to cover the responsibility imposed on sd.
Administrator, and requested that the Administrator furnish other and
additional bondsmen in his capacity, or that he may be removed and some other
person appointed in his place. Kilborn Whitman was removed as Administrator de
bonis non on 14 Apr. 1827, and George P. Richardson of Duxbury was appointed to
that trust in his stead.
George P. Richardson of Duxbury,
Gentleman, was granted Administration de bonis non with the Will annexed on the
estate of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield, Physician, on 14 Apr. 1827.
Robert Cushman, John Thomas, and
Chandler Sampson were appointed to appraise all the Estate remaining of Dr.
Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield, on 16 Apr. 1827. The Estate was appraised at
$7309.75 on 15 May 1827. George P. Richard, the Administrator de bonis non with
the Will annexed, gave his oath to the inventory on 21 May 1827, and he
petitioned for a license to sell the real estate to pay the debts of the
estate.
Benjamin Whitman, Samuel K.
Williams, and Joseph Woodward, all of the City of Boston, were appointed to
appraise the Estate of Isaac Winslow, late of Marshfield, Physician, situated
in the County of Suffolk, on 11 June 1827. The Estate was valued at $1200 on 21
June 1827. George P. Richardson, the Administrator de bonis non on the Estate
of Isaac Winslow, gave his oath to the inventory on 13 Aug. 1827.
Final settlement was filed on 19
Jan. 1829.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 50, pp.
396-398 [Will and Codicil], 444-445 [Original Inventory]. from FHL microfilm
#0550906, Vol. 54, p. 311-312 [First Petition & License to Sell Real
Estate], Vol. 56, p. 73-80 [Division of Real Estate Among Heirs], Vol. 52, p.
453 [Administration de bonis non], Vol. 56, p. 308-309 [Inventory of Remaining
Estate], Vol. 56, p. 430-431 [Second Petition & License to Sell Real
Estate], Vol. 57, p. 287 [Declaration of Insolvency], Vol. 63, p. 164-166
[Commission on Insolvency and List of Claims], Vol. 58, p. 409-410 [Third
Petition & License to Sell Real Estate], Vol. 63, p. 514 [Petition and
Discharge of Administrator], Vol. 61, p. 461-462 [Administration de bonis non],
Vol. 64, p. 27-28 [Fourth Petition & License to Sell Real Estate], Vol. 64,
p. 188 [Inventory in Suffolk County].
Will of James Winslow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1732) *
In the name of God Amen. This Eleventh Day of February Anno
Domini One thousand Seven hundred & thirty one, two. I James Winslow of
Rochester in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England Yeoman, Do Make & Ordain this my last Will & Testament.
Imprims. I Give & Commit my Soul to God yt. gave it,
& my Body to the Ground to be buried after my Decease at the Discretion of
my Executor: And as touching such Worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to
Bless me with, I Give & Dispose of the Same in Manner following —First My
Will is that my Executor pay all my just Debts out of my Lands & I hereby
Give him full Power to Sell the Same or any Part thereof as he shall See Cause
to pay sd Debts withall as fully as I my self could now do, With the
Buildings upon ye Same if he see best, and also that he pay my
Funeral Charges & the Charges of Settling my Estate out of my sd
Lands – Item I Give to my dearly beloved Wife Elizabeth besides what She is
Endowed with by a Covenant before Marriage or by any Agreement made to any of
my Children since Marriage one Room in my Now Dwelling house for her to live in
during her being my Widow if She see cause to live in it, and inasmuch as She
may be at considerable Labour & Pains in tending Me in the time of my
present Sickness I Give my sd. Executor full Power to Set her off
such a Part of my moveable Estate as he shall see Cause & to make her Such
further Recompence as he may be sensible to be best all Cases with their
Circumstances considered. Item my Will is that all my Lands that shall be left
after my just Debts & Funeral Charges shall be paid shall be equally
Divided between my four Sons And it to be to them my sd. Sons Seth
James Job & Peter & to their Heirs forever They paying out to my two
Daughters Mary & Bathsheba as followeth, That is to Say It is determined by
me that my Son Seth hath already had Thirty Pounds worth of my Estate in Way of
Portions & my Daughter Mary fourty five Pounds worth & my Daughter
Bathsheba hath had but twenty five Pounds Now my Will is that Each of my
Children shall have an equal Portion of my Estate according to Law those
allowances being Reckoned to Each Child that hath had as abovesd as
Part & then if my Estate shall reach to make every Child equal to what the
highest hath had and any left for the Surplusage to be equally divided And the
Daughters to have their Shares in money if the Sons chuse to keep ye
Lands as abovesd. But if not then for my sd. Daughters to
have their equal Parts of ye. Land & it to be to them &
their Heirs forever
And I do hereby Nominate & Appoint my Son Seth sole
Executor of this my last Will & Testament And where I Say in this my Will
that my Estate should be divided according to Law I Mean & Intend Every
Child an equal Part & not for my Son Seth to have two Shares or a double
Portion But in Consideration of his being my Eldest Son I Give him if this my
Will be Approved of ye. Sum of ten Pounds worth of Lands more than
his Equal Share with the rest of my Children or in his Moveables at his
Election. Finally I do Ratify this & no other to be my last Will &
Testament. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day
& year first abovewritten—
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced & James Winslow (seal)
Declared by me the sd James Winslow
as my last Will & Testament —
In Presence of Thomas Turner
Mark Haskall Ephraim
Haskall
Timothy Ruggles
Proved on 20 Sept. 1733 by Timothy Ruggles, on 21 Sept. 1733
by Mr. Thomas Turner, and on 25 Sept. 1733 by Ephraim Haskall.
Letters of Administration were granted to Edward Winslow, of
Rochester, because Seth Winslow, the executor, refused and renounced the
executorship, on 7 Nov. 1733.
The Inventory of all the Goods & Estate of James Winslow,
late of Rochr., deceased, was appraised by Roger Haskall, John
Freeman, and Saml. Wing on 2 Mar. 1733/4, and totaled only £67.12.3.
Edward Winslow Esqr., administrator of the estate of James Winslow,
gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Mar. 1733/4.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 6, pp. 398-399, 446, from FHL
microfilm #0550512.
Will of John Winslow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1852) *
In the Name of God Amen I John Winslow of Rochester in the
County of Plimouth Yeoman, This eleventh Day of January A1752, being of perfect Mind & Memory thanks be Given to God
therefor calling to mind the mortality of my body, & Knowing it is
Appointed for all men Once to Dye, do make and Ordain this my last Will &
Testament. vizt. Principally and first of all I Give and recommend
My Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and My body I recommend to the
earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Execrs
Nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I shall Receive the same
again by the mighty power of God, and as Touching Such worldly Estate wherewith
it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the
same in the following Manner & Form
Imps. My
Will is That all my Just Debts & Funerall charges shall be first paid out
of my Personall Estate
Item My Will is That
my true and Loving wife Bethiah Winslow shall have the Improv of all my Real
Estate after my Decease till my fourth Son Lemuell Winslow is of lawfull age,
And after that to have the One half thereof, so long as She Remains my Widdow
and also My best bed & Furniture and also One third part of the Remaining
part of my Personall Estate
Item I Give to my
Eldest Son John Winslow One shilling to be paid him by my Execrs
after my Decease, having allready Given him his Portion in my Estate by deed –
Item I Give to my
Second Son Jedediah Winslow one shilling to be paid him by my Execr.
After my decease having already Given him his Portion in my Estate by Deed
Item I Give to my
Third Son Nathaniel Winslow my wareing apparell after my decease, having
allready Given him the Rest of his Portion in my Estate in a Blacksmith Trade
Item, I Give to my Fourth Son Lemuell Winslow the Improvment
of one half of my Real Estate After he comes to lawfull age, till his Youngest
Brother Prience Winslow comes to lawfull Age, and then sd. half part
to be & belong to them in Equall Partnership till the Improvments I have
herein Give to their Mother Ceases, and then to have the whole of my Real
Estate not before Disposed off in Equall Partnership and in case either or both
shall dye & leave no Issue, then their respective Rights in what I shall
give them in this My Will shall be Equally Divided between the Surviving
Brethern Exclusive of my Son John Winslow
Item, I Give to my two Youngest sons namly Lemuell Winslow
& Prience Winslow in Equall Partnership, the whole of my Real Estate not
before Disposed off Including what I have Given their Mother therein, in this
my Will, after her Right Ceases According to the Rule Given in the Parragraft
immediately preceeding this
Item I Give to my
Daughter Deborah Sherman Three pounds in lawfull Money or Aquivalent in My
Personall Estate at the election of my Execrs. She having Received
the Rest of her Portion at Marriage
Item, I Give to my Youngest Daughter Elizabeth Winslow the
Remaining part of my Personall Estate after her Mother’s Right is taken out
Finally I Constitute make and Ordain my Loving wife Bethiah
Winslow & My Son John Winslow my Execrs of this my last Will
& Testament & I do hereby Utterly Disallow Revoke & Disanull all
and every Other Former Testaments, Wills Legacies and Bequests, and Execrs
by me in any ways before named Willed & Bequeathed, ratifying &
Confirming this and no other to be my last Will & Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & Seal
the day & Year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published John Winslow (seal)
Pronounced & Declared by the
sd. John Winslow as his last
Will & Testament
In the presence of us Subscribers
Seth Blackwell
Noah Sprague Junr.
Noah Sprague
James Dexter Junr.
Presented for probate on 16 July 1755 by the Execrs
therein named, and proved by Seth Blackwell and Noah Sprague, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Bethiah Winslow Widdow,
and John Winslow, both of Rochester, the Executors, on 17 July 1755.
The Inventory of the Estate both reall & personall that
Deca. John Winslow Late of Rochester Deceased Dyed Seized off, was
appraised on 12 July 1755 by Noah Sprague, Edward Doty and Silas Briggs, and
totaled £277.3.3, including his real estate valued at £213. John Winslow, one
of the Executors, gave his oath to the inventory on 16 July 1755.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 13, pp. 511-513, 524-525, from FHL microfilm #0551540.
Will of John Winslow of
Wareham, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1755) *
In the Name of God Amen I John Winslow of Wareham, In the
County of Plimo., being of perfect mind & Memory Blessed be God
therefore calling to mind the Mortallity of my Body knowing it is appointed for
all Men once to die do make & ordain this my last will & Testamt.
that is to say Principally & first of all I give & recomend my soul
into the Hands of God who gave it me & my body to the earth to be burid in
a decent Christian Buriall at the Discretion of my Execr. hereafter
namd. & as to worldly Estate I do dispose of it in the following
manner viz.
Imps. I give to my beloved wife Mary as her Right
of Dower the whole use & improvemt. of all my real &
Personall Estate both both within Doors and without during her naturall Life.
Item I give unto son William Winslow his heirs & assigns
forever after My wifes decease all my Estate both real & Personall Housing
out Housing lands meadow &c lying & being in wareham aforesd.
or else where He paying my Just Debts funerall charges & Legacies,
hereafter mentioned
Item I give to my daughter Faith Randall Five shillings to be
pd. her one year after my decease. -- -- --
Item I give to my daughter Elener Besse Five shillings a year
after my decease. -- -- --
Item I give to my daughter Sarah Turner Five shillings a year
after my decease. -- -- --
Item I give to my daughter Mary Wood Five shillings a year
after my decease. -- -- --
Finally I do appoint & ordain my son William to be the
Sole Execr. of this my Last Will & Testamt. & do
hereby disanull & revoke all & every other Will & Testament made by
me & do ratify & Confirm this to be my last Will & Testament In
confirmation whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this 5th.
day of December 1755.
Signd. Seald published John Winslow (seal)
and declared by me
the sd. John Winslow
As My last
Will & Testa-
ment In ye.
presence
of these
Witnesses
viz
Thomas Whetten
Roland Thacher
Martha Thacher
Presented for probate on 3 Apr. 1758 by the Executor therein
named, and proved by mr. Rowland Thacher and Thomas Whetton, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to his son William
Winslow of Wareham, the Executor, on 3 Apr. 1758.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 15, p. 27-28, from FHL microfilm #0551543.
Will of John Winslow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1773) *
I John Winslow of Rochester in the County of Plimouth Gent.
being somthing advanced in years, but throug Gods Goodness of sound &
disposing mind & memory, and calling to mind the uncertainty of this life
do make & ordain this my last Will and testament, recomending my Soul to
the Merciful hands of God that gave it and my body to be buried in decent
Christian burial after my decease at the discretion of my Executors hereafter
named and as to such worldly estate wherwith it hath pleased God to bless me
with in this world I give and dispose of in manner & form following
Imprimis, It is my will and I do herby Constitute &
appoint my beloved wife Bethiah & my son Stephen Winslow Joint Executors to
this My last will & testament
Item, I Give to my said wife Bethiah the same to be to her
& her heirs & assigns forever my best bed & furniture to the same
belonging together with one third part of my estate real & personal that is
to say in the same way & manner as the law of this province provides for
the widdows of husbands that die Intestate.
Item, It is my will and I do herby Order my executors to pay
my Just debts and funeral Charges Out of my personal estate, first taking out
the Legacys herin given and if there shall not be personal Estate Sufficient to
pay my debts & charges as aforesaid then I hereby impower my said Executors
to sell lands enough with my personal estate Sufficient to pay my debts &
Charges aforesaid, and what lands shall be sold for the purposes aforesaid if
any be sold to pay debts & Charges to be were it shall be least prejudicial
to my heirs, and if there shall be Need of disposing of any land for the said
purposes I do here by impower said Executors to Give & Execute Good Deed or
Deeds of the same.
Item. I Give to my son Stephen Winslow One shilling to be
paid him by his mother in a year after my decease, that together with the lands
and other things I have already Given him to be his part of my Estate.
Item. I Give to my daughter Bethiah the wife of Increase
Clap, One Shilling to be paid by my Executors Out of my Estate in a year after
my decease that together with what I have already Given her to be her part of
my estate.
Item, I give to my daughter Keziah the wife of Elijah Dexter
One shilling to be paid by my Executor Out of my Estate in a year after my
decease that together with what I have already Given her to be her part of my
estate.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my three sons viz John Winslow
Lemuel Winslow & Micah Winslow & the same to be to them their heirs and
assigns forever the whole of my Estate both Real and be the same whatsoever or
whersoever the same is or may be found to be equaly divided between them after
the Debts legacys & Charges are paid.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my daughter Abigail Winslow
twenty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid in Support
& Maintenance by my Executors out of my Estate & if that be not
Sufficient to Support her til her death or Mariage then & in that case it
is my will and I hereby order my said three sons John Lemuel & Micah in
equal parts between them to support & mantain my said daughter Abigail
until her death or Mariage.
Item. I Give and bequeath unto my daughter Deborah Winslow
twenty Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid out of my
estate by my Executors in a Cow and houshold Goods at the day of her arrival at
eighteen years of age or day of her Mariage.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Winslow
twenty Six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid out of my
Estate by my Executors in a Cow & houshold Goods at the day of her arrival
at eighteen years of age, or the day of her Mariage.
Item. I Give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Winslow twenty
Six pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid out of my estate by
my Executors in a Cow & houshold Goods at the day of her arival at eighteen
years of age or the day of her mariage.
In Testimony of the above and the within written I the said
John Winslow have herunto set my hand & Seal the thirteenth day of January
A.D. 1773.
Signed Sealed published pronounced
and declared to be the last Will and
testament of me the said John
Winslow, in presence of us. John Winslow (seal)
Elnathan Haskell
Nicholas Crapo
Joshua Morse
Zadock Stertevant
Wm. Nye
Nathl Ruggles junr.
Nathl Ruggles
Presented for probate on 2 May 1774 by Bethiah Winslow widdow
and Stephen Winslow, the Executors therein named, and proved by Zadock
Stertevant and William Nye, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration Cum
testament annexo were granted to Seth Dexter of Rochester on 2 May 1774, the
before named Executors having renounced the Executorship.
The Inventory of the Estate of John Winslow Gent late of
Rochester was appraised on 28 Apr. 1774 by Thomas Whitredg, Melatiah White, and
David Wing, and totaled £567.4.0, plus an additional £16.10 in livestock,
including his real estate under Mortgage valued at £213.6.8, and his other real
estate valued at £276.13.4. The appraisers gave their oath to the inventory on
29 Apr. 1774, and Seth Dexter, Admr. cum testament annexo, gave his
oath to the inventory on 2 May 1774.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 458-561. Note: there is a
page numbering error in Vol. 21. Page 460 was followed by page 561.
Will of John Winslow of Rochester, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1776) *
in the Name of God amen this fourth day of July in the year
of our Lord Christ one thousand seven Hundred & Seventy Six I John Winslow
of Rochester in the County of Plymouth yeoman being of Sound Mind &
Disposing Memory Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die I Do make
this My Last Will and testament in maner & form as followeth first &
princably I Recommend my Soul to God that Gave it me & my body to the Earth
to be Decently buried at the Discration of my executrix here after named &
as touching Such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to Bles me with I Give
& bequeth in maner and form as followes
imprimis my Will is that all my Just Debts & funeral
Charges Should be paid by my executrix out of my Live Stock
item I Give & bequeth unto my Well beloved Wife Dorcas
Winslow one third of the Remainder of my moveable Estate & the improvement
of one third of my Real Estate During her natural Life. I Like Wise Give her my
best Horse Kine & one cow these things I Give Her in Lew of Her Right of
Dower & power of thirds
item I Give & bequeth unto my Five Sons (after the
Legaces here after Given to my two Daughters namely Mary Winslow & Dorces
Winslow are paid) all the Remainder of my Estate not yet Disposed of both Real
& personal to be Equily Divided between them namely to Nathan Winslow His
Heirs & assigns one Sixth part & to Kenelm Winslow His Heirs &
assigns one Sixeth part & to Ebenezer Winslow His Heirs & assigns one
Sixeth part & to Timothy Winslow His Heirs & assigns the one Sixth part
& to paul Winslow His Heirs & assigns the one Sixth part & to John
Winslow the other Sixth part but in Case Either of these my Said Sons be taken
away by Deth before my Departure or their ariving to the age of twenty one
years that then that Shear or Shears Shall be Equily Divid between the
Sirvirving Brethern & their Heirs Equilly
item. I Give & bequeth to my two Daughters namely Mary
Winslow & Dorcas Winslow the use & improvement of my new Building that
Joins to the Side of My Dwelling House for them to Dwell in that is to Say the
two upper Rooms there of & Liberty to wash in the Seller under Sd House
& to improve my Lettle Garden & have fire wood Standing to Keep a fire
all the above privileges & alow to Each of them So Long as they Remain
unmaried & I Like wise Give to Each of my Said Daughters twenty pound in
Bills of Credit Either Continetal or Provincial to be paid them by my Executrix
when they arive to the age of Eighteen years or time of marrig (my Will that
there Should be Land Sold by my Executrix for the payment of Said Legaces &
I Do impower her to Give Legall Conveyence of So much Lands as to pay them when
they become Due.) I Like wise Give unto my Said Daughters two thirds of my My
indoar move able Estate (Except my waring appariel) to be Equily Divided
between them. it is my Will that if Either Sd Mary or Dorcas be taken away by
Deth before they arive to the age of Eighten or marriage that Her part Should
be Equily Divided among My Surviveing Children.
Lastly I nominate & appoint My well beloved Wife Dorcas
Winslow Sole Executrix to this my Last will & Testement & I Do Sign
Seal pronounce & Declare this to be my Last Will & testament in
presence
[can’t read name] John Winslow (seal)
John Oliver
Job Chadwick
The personal estate of John Winslow, late of Rochester, was
appraised on 2 July 1777 by Samuel West, Seth Dexter, and David Wing, and
totaled £256.18.2. His real estate was appraised on 22 Sept. 1777 by Seth
Dexter, Samuel West, and William Shearman, and was valued at £1660. Seth Dexter
gave his oath to the personal inventory on 3 July 1777, and Dorcas Winslow, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory in Oct. 1777.
Enoch Hammond Esqr, Seth Dexter, and Phillip
Turner, yeomen, all of Rochester, were appointed to set off to Dorcas Winslow,
the widow of John Winslow, late of Rochester, yeoman, her Dower or thirds of
the Real Estate of John Winslow, and to divide the remainder into six equal
parts or shares, and assign one part each to Nathan Winslow, Kenelm, Ebenezer,
Timothy, Paul and John, the Sons of the deceased, on 2 Aug. 1779. The division
was dated 19 Aug. 1779, and approved on 8 Sept. 1784.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Docket #23196, the will not recorded in the Probate Books, and
Vol. 29, p. 197-201.
Will of Kenelm Winslow of Marshfield, County of
Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1749) *
In the
Name of God Amen. I Kenelm Winslow of of Marshfield in the County of Plimouth
within the province of the Massachusetts Bay in NewEngland Esqr.
being thro’ the Goodness of God of a Sound and Disposing mind & memory
Altho’ Sensible of my approaching end, and Knowing that it is appointed for all
men once to die, doe make this my Last Will and Testament in manner following~
Imprs. I Committ my Soul to God that Gave it, and
my body to a decent Christain Buriall at the Discretion of my Execrs.
hereafter named in Hopes of a Mersifull Resurrection to life Eternall and as to
the Estate God in his providence hath bestoed upon me my mind and Will is it
Shall be disposed of in the followg. Manner~
Item I give and
Bequeath unto my beloved wife Ann Winslow the use and Improvement of the best
Room in my now dwelling House also the use of Two of my Servents (which She
Shall choose) to attend & wate on her with the Improvement of My Riding
Chair and a Suteable Horse for the same, and also all such Articles &
things as may be Convenient & Comfortable for her Support and maintenance
during the time of her remaining my Widow to be Procured and Provided for her
by two Sons – Kenelm & Joseph Winslow equally, and it is to be in full of
her power of thirds and right of Dower in my sd. Estate
Item I Give and Divise unto my Two Sons Kenelm Winslow and
Joseph Winslow, and to them their Heirs & assigns forever All my Real
Estate both Housing and lands meadows & Cedar swamp Lying & being in
the Township of Marshfield or whereso ever else the same is or may be found to
be equally Divided between them, my son Kenelm to have his Choice in the
Division, I also Give to my two Sons Kenelm Kenelm & Joseph to be equally
Divided between them, Two Yoke of Oxen with all my Husbandry Tools and
utencils, and doe also order & Direct them the sd. Kenelm &
Joseph to Procure & provide for their Mother Ann Winslow all such articles
and things as may be Necessary & Convenient for her Support in Order to
render to render her life as hapy & Comfortable as it is capable of in her
Old age.
Item I give and Bequeath unto My Daughter Sarah Smith and to
my Granddaughter Mary Pain a Quarter or fourth part of all my personall estate
that remains undisposed off, to be Equally Divided between them, but in case my
sd. Grandaughter Should die before She arrives to the age of
Eighteen Years Unmarried then it is my mind & Will that her Mother Sarah
Smith Shall have and Injoye what I have in this my said Will Given her, Item I
Give and Bequeath to my Daughter Abigaill Lewis and Faith Taylor and to my Grandson
Nathaniel Winslow, the son of my son Nathaniel Winslow deced three Quarters or
all the remaining part of my Personal estate to be Equally Divided between them
the said Abigaill– Faith and Nathaniel, Lastly I doe hereby Constitute and
appoint my said Two Sons Kenelm & Joseph Winslow Joynt Execrs.
of this my Last Will and Testament, Revoking and Disanulling all former Wills
by me heretofore made, hereby ratifieing and Confirming This to be my Last Will
and Testament In Witness whereof I have
hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this fifth day of January AD1749,
Signed Sealed Published & Pronounced
& Declared, by the said Kenelm Winslow Kenelm Winslow (seal)
to be his last Will and Testament
In
Presence of
Samuell Hill
John Thomas
Thomas Waterman
Presented for probate on 19 July 1757 by the Executors
therein named, and proved by John Thomas and Thomas Waterman, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Kenelm Winslow of
Marshfield, Esqr. and Joseph Winslow of Boston, County of Suffolk,
Merchant, the Executors, to faithfully execute the said Will, on 19 July 1757.
To the Honble.
John Cushing Esqr. Judge of the Probate for the County of Plimouth
~ Humbly sheweth Ann Winslow wido.
of Kenelm Winslow late of Marshfield deced in the said County, that the said
deced’s last Will & Testament has been exhibited into the Probate office of
sd. County, by which that Provision which I apprehend Necessary for
me is not made, wherefore I do hereby refuse to except thereof, and Pray that I
may have my Dower in all the said deced’s real Estate assigned to me & Also
Necessary Utensills for House Keeping, Marshfield Aug 11th. 1757,
Anna Winslow
The Inventory of the estate of Kenelm Winslow late of
Marshfield, Esqr., was appraised by Jonathan Peterson, Thos.
Waterman, and Thomas Foord Junr, but not dated, totaled £3880.9.4½.
Kenelm Winslow and Joseph Winslow, the Executors, gave their oath to the
inventory on 11 Aug. 1757.
John James Junr. of Scituate, Benjamin Turner and
Israel Turner of Pembrooke, Nehemiah Thomas of Marshfield, and Ebenezer Fish of
Duxborough were appointed to set off to Mrs. Ann Winslow Widow &
relict of Kenelm Winslow, late of Marshfield, Esqr., her dower or
thirds in the deceased’s real estate, on 24 Mar. 1758. The division was
approved on 1 May 1758.
Know all Men by these Presents that I Jonathan Hillard do
hereby acknowledg that I have Receved of Kenelm Winslow & Joseph Winslow Exrs.
of the Testament of Kenellem Winslow Late of Marshfield in the County of
Plymouth Esqr. Deceased the full of the Legasies Give in Said will
to Mary Hillard granddaughter of Said Deceased and therefore I do hereby
discharge Said Executor from the Legasie aforesaid and all Demands Touching
& Concerning the Service witness my hand & Seal March 24th
1761
Signd Sealed & Deliverd
In Prence of Jonathan Hiller (seal)
Elizabeth Whitemore
Hannah Clap
Know All Men by these Presents that we Isaiah Lewis Saml.
Smith William Tailor & Nathl. Winslow Do hereby Acknowledge that
we have Recd. of Knellem Winslow and Joseph Winslow Exrs.
of the Testament of Knelem Winslow Late of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth
Esqr. Decd. The full of the Legasies given In Said Will
To Sarah Smith, Abigail Lewis & faith Tailor Daughter of Said Deceased and
Nathll. aforesaid Grandson of Said Deceased and therefore we Do
hereby Discarge sd. Executors from the Legasies aforesaid and all
Demands Touching & Concerning the Same Witness our hands and Seals Decr.
3d. 1760
Signd Sealed & Deliverd Isaiah Lewis (seal)
In Presence of Samll. Smith (seal)
Jno Cushing Wm. Tailor (seal)
John Turner Nathll. Winslow (seal)
Plymouth Sc Decr. 4th. 1760 the above
named Mr. Isaiah Lewis Saml. Smith Wm. Tailor
& Nathaniel Winslow Acknowledge the above Instrument to be their act (Deed
Before
me Jno Cushing Judge of Probt.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 14, pp. 293-295, 441-442, 516-518, from FHL microfilm #0551542, and Vol. 16, p. 170-171.
Will of Micah Winslow of Rochester, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1804) *
In the name of God
amen. I Micah Winslow of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Yeoman, knowing it
is appointed for all men once to die, & that it is my Duty to Set my House
in order for such a Change, & being now through the Goodness of God of a
sound & disposing Mind & Memory do constitute the following to be my
Will and Testament.—
Imprimis and in
the first place I recommend my Soul to God that gave it, & my Body to the
Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executrix
– And as touching the Estate wherewith God hath blessed me in this Life, I give
& bequeath to my faithful & dearly beloved Wife, Hannah, all my Estate
real & personal in Goods Chattels Rights & Credits, that I possess, or
may possess or that shall be mine at the time of my decease to be hers &
her Heirs & Assigns forever.—
And I do hereby
constitute & appoint her to be sole Executrix of this Will, revoking &
disannulling all others, I declare this, & this only to be my last Will
& Testament –
In Testimony
whereof, I hereunto set my hand & affix my Seal this thirtieth day of
November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & four. 1804
Signed sealed published and
pronounced in presence of us
Caleb
Mendal Micah Winslow. (seal)
Charles
J Holmes
Abrm
Holmes
Presented for probate on 20 May 1816 by Hannah Winslow, the
Executrix therein named, and proved by Caleb Mendal and Charles J. Holmes Esqrs.,
two of the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted
to Hannah Winslow, the before named Executrix.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 48, p. 61-62, from FHL microfilm
#0550905.
Will of Capt. Nathaniel Winslow of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province
of the Massachusetts Bay (1709) *
The Twentieth day of February Anno Domini One Thousand Seven
hundred and nine. I Nathaniel Winslow of Marshfield within the County of
Plymouth In New England being at present under some bodily weakness but of
Sound Mind and memory praised be God for the same, and Calling to mind the
uncertainty of this my life upon earth and being desireous to Settle things
before my death do therefore make and declare this my Last Will and Testament
in Manner and form following: Hereby Revoaking Nullifying and making void any
former Will or Wills by me heretofore made and declared either by word or
writing, and this Only to be Taken for my Last Will and Testament and no Other.
Imprimis. I Humbly Commit my spirit and eternal Concerns to
the mercy of God in Jesus Christ and my body to the earth whensoever it Shall
please God to take me hence And Touching my outward estate which God hath
blessed me with my Will and meaning is that the Same shall be Employed and
bestowed according as in and by this Will Shall be Expressed.
Item I give and bequeath to Faith Winslow my dear and well
beloved wife the Moiety ore one half of all my Housing and Lands in Marshfield
and the One half of all my goods and Chattells except such part of sd.
goods and Chattells as I Shall hereby Otherwise dispose of to hold the same to
her my sd. wife so long as She Shall Continue my widdow; The sd.
half of the goods and Chattells to be at her dispose but if She Shall Again
Marry then my mind is that She Only enjoy her dower in my sd.
Housing and Lands, and the One Third part of goods and Chattells that is to say
The Thirds of my sd. houses and Lands or the rents and profits of
them during the time of her natural Life, and the said Third part of goods and
Chattells at her Own dispose forever.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my eldest Son Nathaniel all that my Land
at Shewammet where he lives and is in the Improvement of that is to say the 12th.
and 13th. Lots lying upon Taunton River, and One Other Lot of Land
Lying On the Other side of the way against the Head of the Other Lotts before
named being of the Last division. Item I give and bequeath unto my son James
all that Land which I have given him a deed on.
Item. I give and bequeath Unto my son Gilbert all that Land
that I have given him a deed On. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Kenelm
after the decease of my wife the One half of my houses and Lands in Marshfield
Excepting my Right of Common. Item. I give and bequeath unto my son John all
that Land being & Lying in Little compton which I purchased of Samuel
Crandall and which he gave a deed of to my said son John. To hold the Same to
them and their heirs for ever.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Eleanor Jones the
Sum of Sixty pounds to be paid out of my goods and Chattells by my executors
that I shall hereafter name within a year after my decease at the farthest And
the Residue of my estate if any be in goods and Chattells to be divided among
all my sd. Children as followeth. To my eldest Son Nathaniel a
double Share thereof to be equally devided among the Other of my Sons and
daughter: Also my Will is that if my sd. wife Shall se Cause again
to Marry that then so much of my estate viz Goods and Chattells as She Shall
have recieved by Vertue of this my Will more than third part of the same that
She then deliver it up to my Said Children to be equally devided among
them. And Lastly I hereby Nominate &
appoint my well beloved wife above named and my said son Nathaniel to be the
Joynt Executors of this my last Will and Testament. In Testimony whereof I the
sd. Nathaniel Winslow have hereunto Set my hand Seal On the day and
year first Abovewritten
Signed Sealed & declared by the sd. Nathaniel Nathaniel Winslow (seal)
Winslow to be his last Will & Testament In prsence
of us
Isaac Winslow, Sarah
Winslow, Elisabeth Burton.
March the 7. 1719/20. Sarah Winslow and Elisabeth Burton made
Oath that they heard the above named Nathaniel Winslow direct his name to be
Set to the abovewritten Instrument; they saw him seal it and heard him declare
it to be his last Will and Testament, and that at the Same time he was
According to their best Observation of a Sound and disposing mind and
memory. Taken before me
Isaac
Winslow Judge of probates
The Will of Capt. Nathaniel Winslow late of
Marshfield was proved, approved and allowed for probate on 1 Aug. 1720, and
Letters of Administration were granted unto Faith Winslow relict widdow of the
sd. deceased and unto Nathaniel Winslow the eldest Son of the sd.
deceased and joynt Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Capt. Nathaniel
Winslow late of Marshfield, dated 1 Jan. 1719[/20], was appraised by John Kent
and Nathan Thomas, and totaled £282.6.~, with several other items added to the
inventory untotaled. Faith Winslow and Nathaniel Winslow, the Executors, gave
their oath to the inventory on 23 Jan. 1720.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 4, pp. 254-256, 277-278, from FHL microfilm #0550510.
Will of Nathaniel Winslow of Marshfield, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay
(1785) *
In the name of God Amen – On the twenty fourth day of
December Annoque Domini, one thousand, seven Hundred & eighty five, I
Nathaniel Winslow of Marshfield in the County of Plymouth in the State of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England, yeoman, upon Serious Consideration, and being
under some decays of nature, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be Given
unto God therefor, Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it
is appointed for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my Last will and
testament, that is to say, principally & first of all I Give &
Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it, and my body I Recommend
to the Earth, to be buried in a decent Christian manner at the discretion of my
Executor herein named, nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
Recieve the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly
Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I Give, bequeath
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form ~
Imprimis – my will is that all my just debts & funeral
Charges be paid out of my Estate ~
Item – I Give & bequeath unto my well beloved wife Lydia
the improvement of one third part of the whole of my Real Estate, during her
Life, and I Likewise Give her for her use & disposal, my Horse & Horse
tackling, together with one third of all my Personal Estate, Excepting my
wearing apparell and walking Cane
Item–I Give & bequeath unto my dutiful & only Child
Ruth Wadsworth the improvement of the Other two thirds of my Real Estate during
her Life and if she Survives her mother, I then Give her the improvement of the
other third part of my Real Estate also, during her Life, and I Likewise Give
her all my Personal Estate Except that which I have Given to my wife, my
wearing apparell & walking Cane & one Cow ~
Item– I Give & bequeath all my wearing apparell unto my
three Grand Children, Winslow–Ichabod & Nathaniel for their use as their
mother shall think proper ~
Item–I Give & bequeath a Cow, though not my best, unto my
Cousin Ruth Cushman ~
Item– I Give & bequeath at the time of my Daughters
decease, if my Daughter Survives my wife, the whole of my Real Estate unto my
Daughters Child or Children who Shall Survive their mother, to be equally
divided between them if there should be more than one, but if my wife Survives
my Daughter, then my will is that the Child or Children Last mentioned Should
have at their mothers decease only that part of my Real Estate of which I Gave
her the improvement, and so to have the other part of my Real Estate of which I
Gave my wife the improvement at their Grand mother’s decease ~
Item – if either of my Daughters Children, which She now has,
or may have hereafter Shall decease before their mother, and Shall Leave a
Child or Children then my will is that the Child or Children so Left should
have the Legacy which the parent would have had if Living, equally divided
between them if more than one
Item–I do hereby Constitute & appoint my trusty &
dutiful Son in Law Luke Wadsworth to be Sole Executor of this my Last will
& testament, and do hereby Revoke and utterly disallow & disannul all
& every other former testament, wills, Legacies, Bequests & Executors
by me in any ways before named willed & bequeathed, Ratifying &
Confirming this & no Other to be my Last will & testament–In witness
whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal the day & year above written
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronounced and de-
clared by the said Nathaniel Winslow to be his Nathaniel Winslow (seal)
Last will & testament in the presence of us the
Subscribers
Paul
Sampson
Luther
Thomas
John
Bourn junr
Presented for probate on
April 1786 by Luke Wadsworth, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Paul Sampson and Luther Thomas, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Luke Wadsworth, the before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 30, p. 65-67, from FHL microfilm #0550716.
Will of Sarah Winslow of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1753) *
In the Name of God Amen —
I Sarah Winslow of Marshfield in the County of Plimouth
Widdow being in Good helth and of Disposing Mind and memory do Make this my
last will and Testament in Manner following
First I Committ My Soul into the hands of God that Gave it
Trusting only in the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ for the pardeon of
all my Sins and for Salvation, and I Committ My Body to the Earth to be Buried
Decently at the Discretion of My Executor Hereafter named and the worldly
Estate yt. God hath Lent me I Give and Bequeath as followeth—
Imprimis. I will that all my Just Debts and Funeral charges
be paid by my Executor
Item, I Give and Bequeath to My son John Winslow the four
pictures, and my Great Black Walnut Table—
Item I Give and Bequeath to My son Edward Winslow my largest
Silver Salt Celler
Item, I Give and Bequeath to My Sister Hopestill Oliver the
Sum of Ten pounds Old Tenour as a Token of my love to her
Item My will is that my Wearing Apparell my Gold Chain rings
and Buttons be Equally Divided Into two parts and One Half thereof I Give and
Bequeath to My Daughter Elizabeth Marston, and in case She Die before me I Give
the Same to the Children she Shall Have at my Decease; and the other Half of My
said Apparell, Chain rings and Buttons, I Give to my Grand Children, Ann Warren
and Sarah Warren Daughters of Penelope Warren my Daughter Deceased and in case
either of them said Grand Daughters Shall die Before me I Give her share and
part to the Children She shall have Liveing at My Decease, and in Default of
such Children then I Give the whole to the Survivor of My said two Grand
daughters —
Item I Give and Bequeath to My Three Grand Children, Namely
James Warren Junr. Ann Warren, and Sarah Warren the Children of My
Daughter Penelope afore named the Sum of fifty pounds Old Tenour as an
Equivalent to Divers peices of Houshold Stuff that I have given to my Daughter
Elizabeth Marston Aforenamed Since my Husbands Decease, and in case any of my
three Grand Children last Named shall Die before me Then I Give his or her
share and porportion so Dying to his or her Children Liveing at My Decease and
for Default as Such Children then I Give the whole to the Survivor or Survivors
of the said James, Ann and Sarah—
Item, I Further Will that all My personall Estate Goods &
Chattles, not heren before Bequeathed and all Debts to me Due, Shall be Divided
Into two Equall parts & Shairs and One Half of My said Goods Chattles &
Debts I Give and Bequeath to My said Daughter Elizabeth Marston and in case she
Die Before Me I Give and Bequeath the Same to her Children that Shall be
Liveing at My Death and the Other Half of My said Goods Chattles and Debts I
Give to My said Three Grand Children, James Warren Junr. Ann Warren
and Sarah Warren, Equally to be Divided among them, and In case the said James,
ann or Sarah Die before me Then I Give his or her portion of said half of My
Goods Chattles and Debts aforesaid to the Children of him or her (so Dying)
that Shall be a live at my Death and in Default of Children of him or her so
Dying then I Give the whole to the Survivor, or Survivors —
Item I here by Make and appoint My said Grandson James Warren
Junr. My Soul Executor of this My last Will Testament and Do Hereby
revoke and Declare Void all former Wills by me Made and Declare this to be My
last Will and Testament. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto Set My Hand and Seal This fifth of September A. D. 1753
–
Signed Sealed, Published and Sarah Winslow (seal)
Declared by the Testator for her
her last will and Testament in
presents of us who Subscribd.
as Witnesses Thereto—
Ephraim
Cobb
Nathl.
Goodwin
James
Curtiss
Presented for probate on 4 Feb.
1754 by the Executor therein named, and proved by Ephraim Cobb and James
Curtiss, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to James
Warren Junr. of Plimouth, Marchant, the Executor, on 4 Feb. 1754.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 13, p. 201-203, from FHL microfilm #0551540.
Will of Snow Winslow of Marshfield, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1769) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
I Snow Winslow of
Marshfield in the county of Plymouth in New-England yeoman, being under
infirmities of body, but of sound mind and memory blessed be God for it, and
calling to mind my mortality do hereby make this my Last will and testament,
and first of all I recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my
body to the earth to be decently interred by my executor hereafter-named in
hopes of a resurrection to life eternal through the merits of Christ the
Great-Redeemer; and as to the worldly goods and estate with which it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life, I do hereby give and dispose of the same
in the manner & form following viz. ~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath to my son Snow Winslow all my
homestead-farm whereon I now dwell with all the buildings & fences
thereunto belonging, and all my Land and meadow Lying both in Marshfield and
Duxborough, with all the privileges & appurtenances thereunto belonging,
and one good feather bed & furniture, and all belonging to it, and also my
youngest yoke of oxen, and my iron tooth harrow, together with all my husbandry
tools, and my horse, & saddle, & bridle, and also all my swine, and all
my corn & grain; and I give it to him as his portion, and for his Labõr
done for me since he was for himself, and to oblige him to take care of and
provide for me the time I have to Live, and also to pay his grandmother Deborah
Winslow her dower which I am obliged to do during her natural life. ~
Item. I give to my son Josiah Winslow, all my wearing
apparel, and my gun & sword, with the sum of seven pounds, & twelve
shillings, Lmoney and one bed & furniture, and one yoke of oxen, which he
has already received, and I give it to him as his portion, and for his Labõr
done for me.
Item. I give to my daughter Lidia Winslow, one bed &
furniture, and one cow.
Item. I give to my two daughters viz Lidia Winslow &
Deborah Winslow, four beds & furniture and all my cattle & sheep, with
all my personal estate not before disposed of, to be equally divided between
them after my doctor,s funeral-charges, and all my just debts are paid out of
it. And I give it to them as their portion and for Labõr which they have done
or may do for me. and also I give them the privilege of Living in my house, in
the southeast room, and of setting their houshold goods in the southeast chamber,
and also the Liberty of the cellar, oven & well, during the term that they
shall live unmarried.
Item. I do constitute & appoint my son Snow Winslow to be
the sole executor to this my Last will & testament, and I hereby utterly
renounce & revoke all other & former wills, and hereby ratify &
confirm this & no other to be my Last will & testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this third day of November in the year of Our Lord one thousand,
seven hundred & sixty nine, 1769.~
Signed, sealed, & declared by the sd. Snow
Winslow
to be his last will & testament in presence of us. Snow Winslow (seal)
John Bourn
Thomas Dingley
Nehh. Thomas
Presented for probate on 5 Feb. 1770 by Snow Winslow, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Nehemiah Thomas and John Bourn, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Snow Winslow, the
Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of Snow Winslow, late of
Marshfield, was appraised on 12 Feb. 1770 by Thomas Waterman, Nathl.
Winslow, and Nehh. Thomas, and totaled £1043.19.4¾, including his
real estate valued at £740. Snow Winslow, the Executor, gave his oath to the
inventory on 8 Mar. 1770.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 20, pp. 323-324, 346, from FHL microfilm #0550711.
Will of Ichabod
Wiswall of Duxbury, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1700) *
I Ichabod Wiswall of Duxborough in ye County of
Plimouth being weak of Body but of Sound mind and memory praised be God for ye
Same Do make this my last Will & Testament in manner and forme following
that is to say First I Commit my Body to ye Earth to be Decently
Buryed when it shall pleas God to take me home And my Soul into ye
hands of God my Saviour in Sure & Certaine hopes of a joyfull Resurrection
and Reunion through the precious Merrits of Jesus Christ my Lord & onely
Redeemer. And for ye Disposall of my outward Estate which God hath
Graciously give me my mind and Will is the same Shall be Disposed as in this my
Will is Set down. First I have already Given to my Eldest daughter ye
Wife of ~ Elisha Wadsworth her portion of my Estate And is as much as I have to
Give to any other of my Daughters: Item I Give and Bequeath unto my Welbeloved
Wife Pricilla All my Housing and Lands Lying in ye Township of
Duxborough for & During the Time of her Naturall Life or otherwise so long
as She shall Continue my Widdow: Item I Give and Bequeath to my Son Peleg one
half of all my Lands & meadows both salt & Fresh meadows to him &
his heirs for Ever at Sippican.
Item I Give and Bequeath unto my four daughters Mercy Hannah
Pricilla & Deborah The other half of all my Lands meadows at Sippican alias
Item I Give and Bequeath to my said four daughters All my
lands at Sagadehock or Kenebeck in ye Eastern parts of this Countrey
being one hundred Acres be ye same more or less to them & their
Respective heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and Bequeath to my Son Peleg All my Houses &
Lands uplands & meadows lying in the Township of Duxborough to be possessed
and Enjoyed by him after ye Decease of his Mother or her Second
marriage to him & his heirs for Ever.
Item I Give and Bequeath to my son Peleg all my Books and
thirty pounds in money Towards his Education at ye College.
Item I Give and Bequeath All my other goods & chattels
& moneis to my Welbeloved Wife Pricilla for ye Bringing up of my
Children & her Support and Comfort during her life. & at her discretion
to bestow amongst my children
Item I Nominate and Appoint my welbeloved Wife Pricilla to be
Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament In Witness Whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal ye twentyfifth day of May 1700.
Ichabod Wiswall (seal)
Signed Sealed and Declared by ye above named
Mr Ichabod Wiswall to be his last will and
Testament In ye presence of us
Alexander Standish
John Sprague
Samuel Seabury
John Wadsworth
John Sprague Samuel Seabury and John Wadsworth three of ye
Witnesses here named Appeared before William Bradford Esqr Judge of
Probate on ye 19th day of August 1700 And made Oath that
they were present & Saw and heard Mr Ichabod Wiswall ye
Testator above named Sign Seal and Declare this Instrument to be his last Will
& Testament And that to ye best of their Judgment he was of
Sound Disposing mind & memory when he did ye same
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
Priscilla Wiswall, the wife of Mr Ichabod Wiswall,
late of Duxborough, deceased, was granted administration of his estate of 19
Aug. 1700.
An Inventory taken of ye Estate of ye Lately deceased Mr
Ichabod Wiswall this nineth day of August 1700 By us whose names are under
written.
[Total Sum £351.15.00]
The House and Lands not Apprised nor ye part of ye
saw mill at
Edward
Southworth Thomas
Mrs Priscilla Wiswall Executrix of the Last Will
of her Late Husband Mr Ichabod Wisewall Late of Duxboro^ Deceased
made oath in Plimouth August 19th 1700 That ye above
written is a true Inventory of ye Goods Chattels & Credits of ye
sd Deceased so far as she knows & that if more Shall Come to her
knowledge She will Cause it to be Added.
Before William Bradford Esqr
Attest
Saml Sprague Register
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Azariah Witon of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
Azariah Witon of the
town of Plimpton in the county of Plymouth in New England yeoman, Labouring
under many infirmities of body which are symptoms of aproaching mortality, but
of perfect & disposing memory thanks be given allmighty GOD for the same,
but calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is apointed
for all men once to dye, do make and ordain this my Last will & testament.
First, I will and bequeath my soul to GOD that gave it me, and my body to the
dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter-named,
nothing doubting but I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of GOD.
Item.
I will and bequeath unto my Loving wife Elizabeth Witon the one third part of
the improvement of all my estate both real & personal during her natural
life, my just debts and funeral charges being first paid out of said estate. I
also give unto my said wife the improvement of all my estate both real &
personal until my loving son John Witon shall arrive to the age of twenty one
years old, she paying all my just debts and funeral charges out of said estate.
–
Item,
I will and bequeath unto my Loving son Thomas Witon the one half of my estate
both real & personal that is left after my just debts & funeral charges
are all paid out of said estate, and my loving wife,s improvement of said
estate as aforesaid, he paying such legacies as I shall apoint him to pay in
this will. I do give all the abovesaid estate as above expressed, unto my said
son Thomas Witon, & unto his heirs & assigns forever.
Item.
I will and bequeath unto my Loving son John Witon the other half part of all my
estate both real & personal that is left after my just debts and funeral
charges are all paid out of said estate and my Loving wife’s improvement of
said estate as aforesaid, he paying such legacies as I shall appoint him to pay
in this will. I do give all the abovesaid estate as above expressed, unto my
said son John Witon, and unto his heirs & assigns forever.
Item.
I will and bequeath unto my loving daughter, Phœbe Bradford the wife of Simeon
Bradford the sum of three pounds beside what she hath allready had, to be paid
her by my Loving son Thomas Witon within two years after my loving son John
Witon shall arrive to the age of twenty one years old to be paid her in money
or movable estate to the value thereof. I do give the abovesd. three
pounds unto my said daughter Phœbe Bradford, & unto her heirs & assigns
forever.
Item
I will and bequeath unto my loving daughter Hannah Donham the wife of Israel
Donham the sum of three pounds, beside what she hath allready had, to be paid
her by my loving son John Witon within two years after he shall arrive to the
age of twenty one years old, to be paid in money or movable estate to the value
thereof: — I do give the abovesaid three pounds unto my said daughter Hannah
Donham, & unto her heirs & assigns forever.
Item.
I will and bequeath unto my loving daughter Priscilla Witon, the sum of four
pounds, to be paid her by my Loving son Thomas Witon within two years after my
son John Witon shall arrive unto the age of twenty one years old, to be paid in
money or movable estate to the value thereof. I do give the abovesaid four
pounds unto my said daughter Priscilla Witon, & unto her heirs and assigns
forever.
Item,
I will and bequeath unto my Loving daughter Patience Witon, the sum of four
pounds, to be paid her by my Loving son John Witon within two years after he
shall arrive to the age of twenty one years old, to be paid in money or movable
estate to the value thereof. I do give the abovesaid four pounds unto my said
daughter Patience Witon, and unto her heirs & assigns forever.
Item.
I will & bequeath unto my loving daughter Elizabeth Witon the sum of four
pounds in money or movable estate to the value thereof to be paid her within
two years after my loving son John Witon shall arrive unto the age of twenty
one years old, that is to say, two pounds thereof to be paid her by my loving
son Thomas Witon, & the other two pounds to be paid her by my loving son
John Witon I do give the abovesaid four pounds unto my Loving daughter
Elizabeth Witon and to her heirs and assigns forever.
Lastly
I do nominate & appoint My Loving wife Elizabeth Witon to the sole executor
of this my Last will & testament, hereby revoking all other & former
wills either written or verbal by me here tofore made, hereby ratifying &
confirming this my Last will to remain firm & inviolable. In testimony whereof I the aforesaid Azariah
Witon have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirtieth day of September, and in
the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred, seventy & two. 1772. —
Signed, sealed, & pronounced
& declared by the sd.
Azariah Witon to be his last will
& testament in pres- Azariah Witon (seal)
ence of us. Silvanus Donham, Simeon Donham, Thomas Doty.
Presented for probate on 4 May 1773
by Elizabeth Witon widow of the deced, the executrix therein-named, and proved
by Silvanus Donham and Simeon Donham, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration were granted to Elizabeth Witon, the before-named executrix.
The Inventory of the estate of
Azariah Witon, late of Plimpton, was appraised on 14 May 1773 by Samuel Lucas,
Silvanus Donham, and Eleazar Crocker, and totaled £205.10.1, including his
homestead & buildings, meadow & woodland adjoining to sd.
homestead, and cedar-swamp at Beaver dam swamp, valued at £143.8.8. Elizabeth
Witon, the Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 17 May 1773.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth
County Probate Vol. 21, p. 306-307, from FHL microfilm #0550712.
Will of Azel Wood of North Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1829) *
Be it remembered that I Azel Wood of North Bridgewater, in
the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts Cordwainer, do on this twenty
seventh day of March in the year of our Lord, One Thousand eight hundred &
twenty nine, make and publish this my last Will and Testament in the manner
following, to wit,
First I declare it to
be my desire that my beloved wife Eliza should have and retain all my Estate of
whatsoever kind – Real and Personal, And I do hereby give and bequeath the same
to her and her heirs —
I also
nominate and appoint Eliza Wood my said Wife Executor of this my last will and
Testament.
In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and year above
written.
Azel Wood (seal)
The above instrument
was signed sealed and published by the said Azel Wood, who declared the same to
be his last Will & Testament in presence of us who at his request
subscribed our names in his presence as witnesses thereto—
Benjamin
Kingman
John
W Kingman
Julia
Ann Washburn
Presented for probate on 2 June
1829, and proved by Benjamin Kingman and John W Kingman, two of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Eliza Wood of
North Bridgewater, Widow, the Executrix, on 2 June 1829.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 67, p.
73-75, from FHL microfilm #0555259.
Will of Benjamin Wood
alias Atwood of
These are to Inform all persons whome it may Concern that
whereas Benjamin Wood alias Atwood of the Town of Middlebury being prest upon
their Majst Service against Canada and as he was Going to Plimouth
on the nineteenth Day of july 1690-Did Desire us whose names are under written
to take knowledge that If it should So please God that he should not Return
again that he did First Give unto his Brother James Wood Alias Atwood all his
whole Estate. And the said James Wood alias Atwood to pay all his just debts
and to performe his Engagement toward the maintenance of his Mother.
as Witness our hands
John Tomson Senr
John Allin
Mr John Tomson Senr and John Allin The
witnesses here named appeared personally in Plimouth Before William Bradford
Esqr Deputy Governr and Mr Ephraim Morton
Associate and made oath that they were present with the above named Benjamin
Wood at the time above written and heard him Declare his mind and Will as
abovesaid
December ye 5th 1690 Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
Entered & recorded December ye
11th 1690. yt Saml Sprague,
Recorder
The Inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Wood, deceased, was
appraised on 2 Dec. 1690 by David Thomas and John Allin, not totaled, but
small, his house and lands valued at only £15.0.
James Wood Brother of Benjamin Wood Late of Middleborough
deceased made oath in Plimouth the 5th Day of December 1690 that
this above written is a true Inventory of the Estate of the said deceased so
far as he knows and that if more shall be Discovered to him he will make it
known: Before William Bradford Deputy Governr and Ephraim Morton
Associate, Who then Granted him Liberty to administer on said Estate according
to the Will of sd deceased.
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of David Wood
of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay
(1737/8) *
In the name of God Amen. David Wood of the Town of
Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman being very Sick
but of perfect & disposing Memory Thanks be given unto almighty God for ye.
Same but calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is
appointed for all men once to die do make & ordain this my last Will &
Testament –
Imprims. I Will & Bequeath my Soul to God that
gave it and my Body to the Dust to be decently buried at ye.
Discretion of my Executor hereafter named Hoping through the Merits of Christ
for ajoyfull Resurrection And as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this Life I Dispose of as followeth – Item I will
& bequeath unto my Wife Joanna Wood the Sole Improvemt. of my
whole Estate both real & personal so long as She shall remain my Widow, My
just Debts & Funeral Charges being first paid and if in Case She shall
marry again my Will is She shall have the Sum of fourty Pounds in Bills of
Credit or in Moveables to the value thereof out of my Estate to be her own
forever –
Itm My Will is that after my Wifes Decease or Marriage again
that then my loving Son Edmond Wood shall have two fifth Parts of my whole
Estate both real & personal after my just debts being paid out as abovesaid
–
Itm I Will & Bequeath unto my loving Son David
Wood one fifth Part of my whole Estate both real & personal personal (That
is to Say) after my Wifes Decease or Marriage agn. my just Debts
being first paid
Itm I Will & Bequeath unto my loving
Son Francis Wood one fifth Part of my Whole Estate both real & personal
after my Wifes Decease or Marriage again as abovesaid –
Itm I Will & Bequeath unto my loving Daughter the
remaining fifth Part of my Whole Estate both real & personal after my Wifes
Decease or Marriage as abovesaid –
Lastly I Nominate my loving Wife Joanna Wood to be the Sole
Executrix of this my last Will & Testament hereby Revoking all other &
former Wills Either written or verbal by me heretofore made or done hereby
ratifying & confirming this my last Will & Testament to remain firm
& inviolable In Testimony whereof I the aforesd David
Wood have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal this Eighth Day of February Annoq Domi.
Seventeen hundred & thirty Seven – 1737/8 –
David Wood (seal)
Signed Sealed Pronounced & Declared
by the sd David Wood to be his last
Will & Testament In Presence of
Peter Thacher
John Wood
Joseph Lucas
Probated on 27 Sept. 1738, and proved by Revd. Mr.
Peter Thacher, Mr. Joseph Lucas and Mr. John Wood, the
three witnesses.
*Transcribed by John A.
Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 7, p. 450-451, from FHL microfilm
#0550513.
Will and Codicil of Edmand Wood of Middleborough, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1791) *
Know all men that I Edmand Wood of the Town of Middleborough
in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman being weak
of Body yet of a sound memory & Understanding (blessed be God for the same)
yet considering the mortality of the Body & that it is appointed for all
men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will & Testament to be
firm & inviolable forever –
Imprimis
I give and bequeath to my Son Edmand Wood junr. one fourth part of
my real Estate of all kinds whatsoever to have & to hold to him his Heirs
& assigns forever. –
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Joshua Wood 2d. one fourth part of
my real Estate of all kinds whatsoever to have & to hold to him his Heirs
& assigns forever. –
Item
I give & bequeath to my son Francis Wood one fourth part of my real Estate
of all kinds whatsoever to have & to hold to him his Heirs & assigns
forever –
Item
I give & bequeath to my Son Peter Wood one fourth part of my Real Estate of
all kinds whatsoever to have & to hold to him his Heirs & assigns
forever. I also give and bequeath to my said Son Peter all my live Stock &
all my outdoor moveables of all kinds, together with all my dues & demands
on any person or persons whatsoever also my wearing Apparel, Arms & Warlike
Utensils & all other Estate of all kinds (excepting my indoor moveables and
household utensils,) he paying out of the above bequests, all my just debts
& funeral charges & Legacies which I hereafter in this Instrument give
to my Daughters as hereafter particularized. –
Item
I give to my Daughter Patience the wife of Lt. James Smith one half
of all my indoor moveables & household Utensils. Also the value of thirteen
Pounds six shillings & eight pence to be paid in some good merchantable
specifick Article at a price proportionable to Corn at three shilling a Bushel
to be paid & delivered to her or her Heirs in twelve months after my
decease by my said Son Peter out of what I have herein before given him.—
Item
I give & bequeath to my Daughter Priscilla the Wife of Perez Churchill
junior one half of all my indoor moveables & household Utensils. And also
the value of thirteen Pounds six shillings & eight pence to be paid in some
good merchantable specifick Article at a price proportionable to Corn at three
shillings a Bushel to be paid & delivered to her or her Heirs in twelve
months after my decease to be paid by my said Son Peter out of what I have
herein before given him.–
And
my will is & I hereby constitute & appoint my said Son Peter Wood sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament. thus hoping that this my last
will & Testament will be kept & performed according to the true Intent
and meaning thereof I commit my Soul to the Hands of God who gave it & my
Body to the Dust to a decent Burial in witness whereof I have hereto set my
hand & Seal this third day of June in the Year of our Lord one Thousand
Seven hundered ninety one –
signd. seald.
& declard. by the sd. Edmand to be
his last Will and Testament in
presence
of us — Edmand Wood (seal)
Lewis Cobb
Ancil Wood
Nehh. Bennet
Know all men by these presents that
this Codicil to the foregoing Will witnesseth that I Edmand Wood of
Middleborough who have signd. & seald. the foregoing
Will contained on this sheet of paper do at this time see cause to make the
following Alteration to the said Will, that is, that the said Legaises of
thirteen thirteen Pounds six shillings & eight pence, which I have given to
each of my two Daughters as therein mentiond. which I therein
directed to be paid in some good merchantable specifick Articles at a price
proportionable to Corn at three Shillings a Bushel, shall be paid in the same
kind of Articles at the Common going price at the time when they by my said
Will become due – In Witness whereof I the said Edmand Wood have hereto set my
hand & Seal this tenth day of April in the Year one Thousand eight hundred
–
signd. seald.
& declared by the sd. Edmand Wood to be
his present Will in alteration to
the foregoing Will.
Zacheus
Wood Edmand Wood (seal)
Elizabeth
Cushman
Nehh.
Bennet.
Presented for probate on 4 Feb.
1806 by Peter Wood, the Executor therein named, and proved by Ansell Wood,
Nehemiah Bennet Esqr. and Zacheus Wood, three of the witnesses
thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to Peter Wood, the
before named Executor.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p.
387-388, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Elnathan Wood of
In the Name of God (Amen this first day of April Annogrie
Domini One thousand seven Hundred & fifty two I Elnathan Wood of
Middleborough in the County of Plimouth Yeoman being Sick and weak of body but
of perfict and Disposing Mind & Memory thanks be to God Calling To Mind the
Mortality of My Body & Knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to die
I do Ordain this My Last Will and Testament Vizt.
Imprs
Principally and first of all I Give and Recommend my Soule into the
Hands of God that Gave it Hopeing for Etarnel Salvation Onely and Alone in and
throught the Merits of Jesus Christ. My dear Saveour and My body I Reccommend
to the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of My Executor Hereafter
named Hopeing for a Gloreous Resurrection through the Mity Power of God. and as
Touching that worldly Estate with which it Hath Pleased God to bless me in this
Life I Give and Bequeath the Same in Manner following, vizt,
Item I Give and
Bequeath unto My dear & well beloved wife Patience Wood Eight Pounds
Lawfull Money to be paid hir by my Executor the One Half one Year After My
Decease and the Other within two years after My Decease Together with hir Bed
She brought to me with all the Beding made as Good as they then ware. and all
the Other things She brought to Me, which are Now Lef togather with one Half of
My Part of the Last Years flax & Half of My Part of the wood this year and
also one Half My Part of the meat in the House & what Corne She Needeth for
this year
Item I Give &
Bequeath unto My Son Ephraim Wood his heirs & Assigns what I own of that
lot of Land I bout of Leuit Thomas Knoulton Excepting only when the weasterly
line comes to be Run which Begins at the Northerly corner being a bunch of
burches near the End of the Dich in the Meddow Said Line Shall run as formerly
untill it Comes unto astake and heap of Stones about fourteen Rod from the
Brook uppon the South Side of the Brook, from thence by astrate Line unto
aStake & Heap of Stones in the Line between My House & My sd.
Son Ephraim’ House, and from the Stake mentioned to Keep the Same Course thirty
pol & then to turn Squaire of to the Propper Line of said Lott
I Give Unto My said Son Ephraim all the above said Lot of
land Excepting the Several peices Taken out as abovesaid allways Reserveing
unto [blank] of My Heirs away where now it is Trod Topass & Repass
across said lot at all times forever. Hereafter I allso Give it My sd.
Son Ephraim Wood the Improvement of My Field lying on the sawmill Hill between
the Land of Samuel Bennet and the Land of Benja Hayford
untill my Grandson & His son Elnathan Wood arive to the age of twenty one
years & then unto sd. Elnathan his heirs & assigns forever
always Reserveing away for my heirs to pass & Repass through the same
forever.
Item I Give and
Bequeath unto My five Daughters Vizt.— Jemima Els Jeddida Eddy Marey
Conant Lydia Tomson and Juda Washburne all my Houseing and Lands that Have not
been Heretofore in this my last Will & Testamt. disposed of and
as to My Moveble Estate My will is that all My Six Children Shall have them
Equally Divided among them After My Just Debts and funaril Charges is Paid and
that my wairing Cloths and Gun Shall be in My Son Ephraim’ part of Said
Movebles and further My will is that My abovesaid wife shall have all the Yarn
I shall leave in the House and further My will is that Not withstanding my
Giving away my Houseing and Lands as abovesd. Yet My son Jonathan
Washburn Shall have the Emprovement of them During his lease and then to Cum
into the possession of the Persons to whom the are Given as abovesaid and that
My Just Debts and Funirail Charges Shall be paid out of my Moveble Estate before
Division is made And I do Hereby Ordain & appoint My Son inlaw John Tomson
to be Executor of this My Last Will & Testament. In Witness whereof I the sd
Elnathan Wood the Testator have hereunto put my Hand & Seal the Year &
day first above Written
Signed Sealed & Deliverd Published
Pronounced & Declared by she sd Elnathan
Wood (seal)
Elnathan Wood the Testator to be
his last will & Testament in Presents
of us the Subscribers
Benja. Hayford
hir
Jane + Washburne
mark
Ezra Clap
Probated on 15 May 1752, proved by Ezra Clap & Benja.
Hayford.
John Tomson of
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Deacon Ephraim Wood of Middleborough, County of Plymouth, Province
of the Massachusetts Bay (1738) *
In the Name of God amen the twentyeth day of May Anno Dom
1738. The last will & Testament of Deacon Ephraim Wood of Middleboro.
in the County of Plymouth in New England who is at present Sick & under
bodily infirmyties, But thro Gods Goodness of sound & Disposeing Mind &
Memory, Do hereby make this to be my last will and Testament, principally &
first of all I Commit my Soul to God that gave it in hopes of pardon &
forgiveness of my Sins in & through the Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour &
Redeemer of Mankind and my body I Committ to the Earth to be decently Buried at
the Discretion of my Executor In hopes of a Glorious Resurrection, and as to
the worldly Estate God has blessed me with I Give & dispose of as follows;
–
Imprimis It my will That all ye Debts &
funerall Charges be paid in Convenient time after my Decease –
2 I Give to my Beloved
wife Patience Wood One full Third part of my Personal Estate to be at her own
dispose & two third parts of the Income of my Real Estate till my son
Manassa Comes to twelve years of Age & then She to have her thirds in my
real Estate according to Law Dureing her life—
3 I Give all my
housing Lands meadows & Cedar Swamp & the whole of my real Estate to my
sons Josiah Wood Samuel Wood Ephraim Wood & Mannassa Wood their Heirs &
assigns forever, to be Equally divided between them Reserveing Two thirds of
the Income thereof to my wife till my son Manassa comes to be twelve years old
& her thirds afterwards Dureing life as aforesd. But if my son
Ephraim shall not Confirm so far as in him lyes the Sale I have made of the
Estate that was his Uncle Seth Howlands, Then he to have in the Division of sd.
Real Estate Sixty five pounds less then his proportion to an Equal Division
& his Brothers to have that Sixty five pounds and pay him so much if he
quits his Claim to his uncles Estate –
4 I Give to my
Daughter Rebecca Bartlett forty pounds Value in bills of the old tenour besides
what she has allready had provided she quits her Claim to her Uncle Seth
Howlands Estate which I have Sold, But if She refuses to do that then I Give
her but five Shillings –
5 I Give to my
Daughter Barsheba Wood the sum of forty pounds bills of Credit as they now pass
or the Value of them to be paid her at the age of Eighteen years or Day of
mariage and allso a handsom Wedding Suit & a Good Bed and Furniture, and I
order my Executor to pay the Legacys Given my Daughters –
Finally I Constitute my son Ephraim Wood to be Executor of
this my last will and Testament hereby Confirming this & no other to be my
will as Witness my hand & Seal the date aforesd.—
Signed Sealed Declared by
Deacon Ephraim Wood to be
his Last will & Testament Ephraim Wood (seal)
In Presence of us
Samuel Barrows
Samuel Wood
Elkanah Leonard
Presented for probate on 12 July 1744 by the Executor, and
proved by Samuel Barrows and Samuel Wood, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Ephraim Wood of Middleborough, the Executor, on 12
July 1744.
Deacon Samuel Barrow, Capt. Nathaniel Southworth,
and Mr. John Bennet, all of Middleboro., were appointed
to appraise the estate of Deacn. Ephraim Wood, late of Middleboro.,
on 12 July 1744. The Inventory was dated 31 July 1744, and totaled £999.13.0,
including his house and barn with one acre of land valued at £440, and 13 acres
of land adjoyning to Mr. Thatcher’s land valued at £150. Ephm
Wood, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 7 Aug. 1744.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 9, pp. 269-270, 349, from FHL
microfilm #0551533.
Will of
Ephraim Wood of Middleborough,
Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1783) *
In the name of God
Amen– I Ephraim Wood of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in body & very Sick but
of a Sound and disposing mind and memory, blessed be God for the same,
wherefore Calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is
appointed to all men once to die do make and ordain this to be my Last will and
testament to stand and Remain firm and Inviolable forever; principally and
first of all, I Give and Recommend my Soul unto that God that Gave it and my
body I Recommend unto the dust from whence it Came, to be buried in decent
Christian burial at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing
doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall Recieve the same again by the
mighty power of God and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath
pleased almighty God to bless me withal, I do dispose of the same in the
following manner and form vizt
Imprimis – I Give and bequeath to my true and well beloved
wife Sarah Wood, during her natural Life the use and improvement of one third
part of all my Estate both Real and personal for her Right of Dower and power
of thirds
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Eldest Son Elnathan Wood and
to his heirs and assigns forever (Excepting my wife’s Dower) the one half of
all my Lands & buildings Excepting my Right in a Saw mill, I also Give unto
him my Cart and wheels and Gun, and half of my wearing apparell, by his pay and
doing as I shall hereafter in this my Last will & testament order
Item – I Give and bequeath to my Son Reuben Wood and to his
heirs and assigns forever all of the Remaining part and Residue of my Real
Estate that I have not heretofore Given away including all my Right in a Saw
mill, and also the Other half of my wearing apparell, by his paying as I shall
hereafter in this my Last will and testament order –
Item – I Give and bequeath to my two daughters (vizt)
Jerusha Wood & Rebecca Wood and to their heirs and assigns forever three
pounds six shillings & Eight pence Each to be paid them by my Son Elnathan
Wood in one year next after my decease I also Give to each of my said two
daughters Ten pounds to be paid them in one year after my decease by my Son
Reuben Wood, I also Give to my said two daughters after my Just debts and
funeral Chares are first paid, two thirds of all the Residue of my personal
Estate together with two thirds of all the debts that are due to me to be be
equally divided between them, I also Give to my said two daughters (to be equally
divided between them two thirds of the Personal Estate that I have Given to my
said beloved wife after her decease, I also Give to my said two daughters
Liberty to Live in my dwelling house so Long as they shall Live unmarryed
Item– I Give and bequeath to my daughter Jedidah Billington
wife to Francis Billington and to her heirs and assigns forever thirteen pounds
six shillings & Eight pence to be paid to her or her heirs by my Son
Elnathan Wood or his heirs when & only when my said Son Elnathan shall
think best or order, and after that my Just debts and funeral Charges are first
paid, I Give my said daughter Jedidah the Remaining part of all the personal
Estate that I have not heretofore in this my Last will and testament Given away,
as also after my said Loving wife’s decease I Give to my said daughter Jedidah
One third part of the personal Estate that I have Given to my said beloved
wife, Each and every of the things that I have Given to my sd
daughter Jedidah I Give only with this Reserve that they shall be put and kept
on my sd Son Elnathan’s hands or Care and delivered to his said
Sister Jedidah Billington when and only when my said Son Elnathan shall think
proper for her benefit–Furthermore as I have made and ordained this and this
only to be my Last will & testament I do now forever disannul, Revoke and
disallow all former wills that that have been heretofore made by me
Lastly – my will is and I do hereby appoint my Eldest Son
Elnathan Wood to be Sole Executor to this my Last will and testament, thus
hoping that this my Last will and testament will be kept and performed
according to the true intent and meaning of it–In Testimony whereof I the afore
named Ephraim Wood have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this Sixth day of
November One thousand Seven hundred Eighty and three
Signed Sealed, published, pronounced & Ephraim Wood (seal)
declared by the afore named Ephraim Wood
to be his Last will & testament in the pre-
sence of us
Benjamin
Warren
Mary M
Lyon
Isaac
Tomson
Presented for probate on 1 Dec. 1783 by Elnathan Wood, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Warren and Isaac Tomson, two of
the witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Elnathan Wood, the
before named Executor.
Joshua White esqr., and Isaac Thompson yeoman,
both of Middlebo, and Daniel Fobes of Bridgwater, yeoman, were
appointed to appraise the estate of Ephraim Wood, late of Middlebo,
yeoman, on 1 Dec. 1783. The Inventory of the estate of Ephraim Wood, dated 20
Dec. 1783, totaled £422.12.1, including his real estate valued at £305.14.
Elnathan Wood, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 6 Oct. 1788.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 29, p. 68-70, from FHL microfilm #0550715, and Vol. 30, p. 455-456.
Will of
George W. Wood of Rockland, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1881) *
Be it remembered that I George W. Wood of Rockland in the County
of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of sound and disposing
mind and memory, but knowing the uncertainty of this life, do make this my last
will and testament.
After the payment of my just debts and funeral charges I
bequeath and devise as follows,
First. I bequeath and devise to my beloved wife Catherine R.
Wood, to hold during her life, all the real estate and personal property of
which I shall die seized or possessed, or to which I may be entitled.
Second. After the decease of my said wife I bequeath and
devise said estate, real and personal, and all incomes and profits thereof then
due, to my son George W. Wood, Junior.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and in the presence of three witnesses
declare this to be my last will this twenty sixth day of January A D. 1881.
George W. Wood (seal)
On this twenty sixth day of January A D. 1881, George W. Wood
of Rockland, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, signed the foregoing instrument in
our presence, declaring it to be his last will, and as witnesses thereof we
three do now at his request, in his presence and in the presence of each other,
hereto subscribe our names.
Leander
Curtis
Alfred
D. Payne
Geo.
W. Kelley
Presented for probate on the second Monday of April 1881 by
Catharine R. Wood, of Rockland, no executor being named in the will, and she
was granted administration of the estate of George W. Wood, late of Rockland,
on 11 Apr. 1881.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 143, p. 578-579, from FHL microfilm #0556649, and Vol. 151, p. 40.
Will of
Henry Wood of Middleborough, County
of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1751) *
In the Name of God Amen I Henry Wood of Middleborough, in the
County of Plimouth in New England, being weak of body & Decais of Nature
But of a Sound & disposing Memory and Understanding, Blessed be God for the
Same –
Wherefore Calling to Minde the Mortality of My Body &
knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to die do Make and Ordain this to
be My Last Will & Testament To Stand & Remain firme & Invoilable
for Ever, Principaly & First of all I Give & Recomend my Soule into the
Hands of God that gave it, & My Body I Recommend Unto the Dust to be Buried
in decent Christian Buriel at the Discretion of My Execrs Nothing
Doughting But at the Generail Resurrection I shall receive the Same Again &
as Touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith God Hath Blessed Me in this life I do
Dispose of the Same in the Following Manner & forme –
Imps. I give and Bequeath Unto my True & Well
Beloved Wife Mary Wood all My Moveble Estate both in dore and Out door to be
hir own & likewise the use & Improvement of the Square Room in My
dwelling House & the Chamber Over it with Bed Room & Seller Together
with the Improvement of one Half My farm Dureing hir Naturall Life
Item, I Give & Bequeath Unto My Son Henry Wood all my
homsteed as it May Appear By Deed to him & to his heirs and Assigns for
Ever & He Shall pay Unto My Son Moses Wood the Sum of fourteen pounds
Lawfull Money & Unto My Daughter Joanna Wood the Sum of foureteen Pounds
Lawfull Money & Unto My Daughter Susanah Wood the Sum of Fourteen Pounds
Lawfull Money and these Legaces to be paid By My Aforesd. Son Henry
the one ha. in one year after My Decd. and the Other half
in one year After My aforesd. Wifes Deceasd
Item I Give and Bequeath Unto My Son Moses & Unto My two
Daughters Joanna & Susannah fourteen Pounds lawfull Money to Each of them
to be paid to them as abovesd. and Further my Will is that My Two
Daughtors Joanna and Susannah Shall have liberty to live in My House as Long as
they live Unmaried, & further my Will is that my Beloved Wife Mary Wood be
the Exectrise & My Son Henry Wood be the Exector of this My last Will &
Testament thus Hopeing that this My last Will & Testament will Be Kept
& Preformed According to the True Intent and Meaning thereof & in
Testimony hereof I the sd. Henry Wood have hereunto Sett My Hand
& Seal this Tenth Day of May 1751 —
Signed Sealed Deliverd Pronounced }
& Decelared by the sd. Henry Wood } Henry Wood (seal)
to be his last Will & Testament in }
Presence of us
Ichabod Wood
Silas Wood
Joseph Tinkham
Probated on 4 May 1752, and proved by Ichabod Wood and Joseph
Tinkham, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to Mary Wood,
of Middleboro, Wido., and Henry Wood, of sd.
Middleborough, the Executors.
No inventory of his estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 13, p. 5-7, from FHL microfilm #0551540.
Will of Hervey Wood of Middleborough, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts (1825) *
Know all men by these presents that I Hervey Wood of
Firstly,
I give & bequeath to my sisters Susannah Wood of said
Secondly,
I give & bequeath to my two Sisters Susannah Wood and Priscilla Wood all my
household furniture to be equally divided.
Thirdly,
I give and bequeath to my sister Patience the wife of Abishai T. Clark money
enough to get six large Silver Spoons and geese.
Lastly,
I hereby constitute & appoint my brother in law Earl Clark to be sole
Executor to this my last Will & Testament.
In
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of December
Eighteen hundred and twenty five.
Hervey Wood (seal)
Signed sealed and declared by the
said Hervey Wood as
his last Will & Testament in
presence of us
William
T. Wood
Lucy
T. Wood
Citoyenne
Wood
Probated on 2 Nov. 1831, and proved
by William T. Wood and Lucy T. Wood, two of the witnesses. Letters of
Administration granted to Cyrus Earl Clark of
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of
Ichabod Wood of Middleborough,
Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay (1786) *
Know all men by these presents that I, Ichabod Wood of the
Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being weak of body yet of a Sound and disposing memory and
understanding, blessed be God for the same; yet knowing the mortality of my
body and that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this
my Last will & testament to be firm and inviolable forever. ~
Imprimis—I Give and bequeath to my well beloved wife
Priscilla twenty pounds to be paid her by my Executor hereafter named, and also
the use and improvement of one Room in my Dwelling House, which Room she shall
Chuse and also Liberty of the Kitchin, Buttery & Cellar as she shall need,
and Liberty of the well & Liberty to pass & Repass as she shall need,
and further I Give and bequeath to her my said wife, one Cow to be kept for her
Summer & winter & Liberty to keep one Swine, and nine bushells of Corn
& four bushells of Rye yearly and a Sufficiency of all Sorts of Sauce
Raised on my farm for her own use, and also five pounds of wool & ten
pounds of flax yearly, and fire wood Sufficient for one fire at the door Cut
fit for the fire, and one bushel of wheat yearly, and also I Give &
bequeath to her my said wife, one third part of all my Indoor moveables, my
Cash & Securities not included, and Liberty of a Horse to Ride to meeting
and Other places as she shall need – the above produce, keeping the Cow &
finding of fire wood to be performed by my three Sons Thomas, Andrew &
Daniel in equal partnership between them, and the Securities that She my said
wife hath in her own name are her own property and not to be Reckoned as any
part of my Estate – the above mentioned twenty pounds and the above mentioned
Cow and the above mentioned moveables to be her own property, the above
mentioned produce to be paid her yearly during her natural Life, and the above
mentioned House Room finding fire wood and use of a Horse to Continue so Long
as she shall Remain my widow and Dwell in my Dwelling House ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Israel Wood besides what I
have already Given him one half of my Right in the Saw mill on Nemasket River,
and also all the Debts due to me from him, and also my Sword and also a Looking
Glass that I bought of Oxenbridge Thacher, and also one Eleventh part of all my
wearing apparell and the Eleventh part of all the wearing apparell of my former
wife and Daughter both deceased. ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Grandson Samuel Wood Son of my
Son Samuel deĉed (besides what I heretofore Gave to his father) one
Eleventh part of all my wearing apparell and one Eleventh part of all the
wearing apparell of my former wife & Daughter both deĉed, and also one
Cow, if he Should Live to the age of twenty one years. ~
Item—I Give & bequeath to my Son Joshua Wood besides what
I have already Given him, one Eleventh part of all my wearing apparell and one
Eleventh part of all the wearing apparell of my former wife & Daughter both
deĉed, and also ten pounds to be paid him by my Executor hereafter named
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Ichabod Wood junr
one eleventh part of all my wearing apparell & one eleventh part of all the
wearing apparell of my former wife & Daughter both deĉed, and also my Right
in Double brook Cedar Swamp that I bought of Elijah Shaw, and the Other half of
my Right in said Saw mill, and also twelve pounds to be paid by my Executor
hereafter named, to him his Heirs & assigns forever. ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Jacob Wood one eleventh
part of all my wearing apparell, and one eleventh part of all the wearing
apparell of my former wife and Daughter both deĉed, and also a Lot of Land
that I bought of Capt. Gideon Southworth Lying by the mouth of
Namasket River, and also Sixty five pounds to be paid by my Executor hereafter
named, to him his Heirs & assigns forever. ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Sylvanus Wood, one
eleventh part of all my wearing apparell, and also one eleventh part of all the
wearing apparell of my former wife & Daughter, both deĉed, and one
Hundred pounds to be paid by my Executor hereafter named. ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Joseph Wood one eleventh
part of all my wearing apparell, and also one eleventh part of all the wearing
apparell of my former wife & Daughter both deĉed, and also Forty five
pounds to be paid by my Executor hereafter named. ~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin Wood one eleventh
part of all my wearing apparell, and also one eleventh part of all the wearing
apparell of my former wife & Daughter both deĉed, and also Fifty five
pounds to be paid by my Executor hereafter named.~
Item—I Give and bequeath to my two aforesaid Sons Joseph
& Benjamin in equal partnership between them, one yoke of Oxen and two
Cows. ~
Item—I Give & bequeath to my three other Sons, vizt.
Thomas Wood, Andrew Wood & Daniel Wood in equal partnership, between them
to them their Heirs & assigns forever all my Other Estate of all
Denominations, after the above & foregoing Legacies, and all my just debts
& funeral Charges are first paid, but in Case my said Son Daniel Should not
Live to the age of twenty one years, then my will is that his part shall be
equal divided between my other nine Sons
Item—my will is and I hereby Constitute and appoint my
aforesaid Son Israel Wood to be Executor to this my Last will and
testament—thus hoping that this my Last will and testament will be kept &
performed according to the true intent and meaning thereof, I Commit my Soul
into the hands of God who Gave it and my body to the dust to a decent burial–in
Witness whereof I the aforesaid Ichabod Wood have hereunto Sett my hand and
Seal this twenty Seventh day of July one thousand Seven hundred Eighty &
Six – And I Priscilla wife of said Ichabod Wood
hereby accept of what is above or before Given me as my full Right of
Dower in said Estate witness my hand & Seal the Day & year above. ~
Signed, Sealed, pronounced & declared by the said Ichabod Ichabod Wood (seal)
Wood as his Last will & testament in the presence of us her
Joshua Waterman – Susanna Smith – Jacob Bennet ~ Priscilla +
Wood (seal)
mark
Presented for probate on 3 Sept. 1787 by Israel Wood, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Joshua Waterman and Jacob Bennet, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Israel Wood, the before named Executor.
Jacob Bennet, Joshua Waterman, and John Tinkham junr.,
all of Middlebo., yeomen, were appointed to appraise the estate of
Ichabod Wood, late of Middlebo., Gentm., on 3 Sept. 1787.
The Inventory of the Estate of Ichabod Wood was dated 25 Sept. 1787, and
totaled £1286.19.4, including his lands and buildings valued at £971. Israel
Wood, the Executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 1 Oct. 1787.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 30, pp. 200-202, 229, from FHL
microfilm #0550716.
Will of
Jabez Wood of Middleborough, County
of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen.
The twenty fifth day of December 1760, I Jabez Wood of
Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in New-England husbandman, being in
health of body, and of perfect mind and memory, and capable of disposition,
thanks be given unto God, therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my body,
and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain
this my last will and testament, that is to say, –
Principally, and first of all I give and recomend my soul
into the hands of God that gave it, and my body I recomend to the earth to be
buried in christian burial, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as Touching such
worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give,
demise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. ~
Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Hannah Wood,
one feather-bed, with beding suitable for the same to be her own forever, with
that, one quarter part of all my movable estate, to be her own forever.
Item, My will is, and I do hereby ratify and confirm unto my
son Jabez Wood, and to my son Nathan Wood, and to my son Caleb Wood, and to
their heirs forever, all those lots of land, that I have heretofore given unto
my aforesaid three sons by deeds of gift. ~
Item, I give and bequeath unto my son Amos Wood and his heirs
forever, the whole of my homestead farm whereon I now dwell, together with all
the buildings and the fences on the same now standing. And also my will is that
my son Amos Wood do maintain Hannah my aforesaid wife, during the whole time
she shall remain my widow, both in sickness and in health. And also my will is
and I do hereby order my son Amos Wood to pay my just debts and funeral charges
out of the estate already bequeathed to him.
Item, I give and bequeath unto my four daughters namely
Thankful Churchill, Alice Thurber, Patience Freeman, & Dinah Raymond, and
their heirs, all my personal estate (except what I have given to my wife) to be
delivered to them by my executors hereafter-named. ~
Item, I give and bequeath unto my eight above-named children,
viz, Jabez, Nathan, Caleb, Amos, Thankful, Alice, Patience & Dinah, and to
their heirs, all my cedarswamp lying in the purchase called Henry Wood,s
purchase, to be equally divided between them. ~
Furthermore, my will is, and I do hereby apoint my beloved
wife – Hannah, executrix, and my son Amos Wood executor of this my last will
and testament, thus hoping that this my last will & testament, will be kept
according to the true intent & meaning thereof, ratifying & confirming
this and no other will to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above-written. ~
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, &
declared by the said Jabez Wood as his last Jabez Wood (seal)
will & testament, in the presence of us
the subscribers. Ephraim
Wood
Joseph
Tinkham
Shubael
Tinkham
Presented for probate on 2 Mar. 1772 by Amos Wood, one of the
Executors therein named, Hannah Wood, the Executrix being aged and unable to
attend, and proved by Ephraim Wood and Shubael Tinkham, two of the witnesses,
Joseph Tinkham esqr. being since deceased. Letters of Administration
were granted to Hannah Wood and Amos Wood, the Executors.
The Inventory of the estate of Jabez Wood, late of
Middleborough, was appraised on 22 Feb. 1772 by Ephraim Wood, Nathanael Wood,
and Jacob Bennett, and totaled £232.13.4, including his homestead land and
buildings valued at £125, and his cedarswamp valued at £80. Amos Wood, the only
acting executor, gave his oath to the inventory on 2 Mar. 1772.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 92-93, from FHL microfilm #0550712.
Will of Judah Wood of
Halifax, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1841) *
In the
name of God Amen, I Judah Wood of Halifax in the County of Plymouth, and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life
and being of sound and disposing mind and memory, blessed be God for the same,
Do
make ordain and publish this as my last will and testament in the manner and
form following, that is to say first of all I give my body to the dust to be
buried in a decent christian burial at the discrition of my Executors, and my
Spirit to God who gave it me, And as to the worldly estate with which God has
blessed me with I dispose of the same in the following manner, Viz
First. I give
and bequeath unto my son Judah Wood ten dollars to be paid out of my Real
Estate.
Second. I give
and bequeath unto my son John Wood ten Dollars to be paid out of my real
Estate.
Third. I give
and bequeath unto my son Cyrus Wood ten dollars to be paid out of my Real
Estate.
Fourth. I give
and bequeath unto my son Leavitt Wood ten dollars to be paid out of my Real
Estate
fifth I give and
bequeath unto my son Samuel Woods 2d all my Real Estate, including
my homestead farm and buildings standing on the same also a peice of Cedar
swamp lying in the town of Middleborough and lastly my will is, that all my
just Debts and funeral Charges be paid out of my Real Estate, and I do hereby
appoint Zadock Thompson Sole Executor of this my last will and testament hereby
revoking all former wills by me made, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and forty one, signed, sealed published and declared by
the above named Judah Wood to be his last Will and testament in the presence of
us as witnesses in the presence of the testator.
Witnesses,
Martin
Wood Judah Wood (seal)
Stephen
Drew
Zadock
Thompson
Presented for probate on the second
Monday of Aug. 1848 by Zadock Thompson, the Executor therein named, and proved
by Martin Wood, Stephen Drew and Zadock Thompson, the witnesses whose names are
subscribed thereto. Letters Testamentary were granted to Zadock Thompson, the
Executor therein named.
Zadock Thompson, of Halifax, was
appointed as Executor of the last Will and Testament of Judah Wood, late of
Halifax, on 7 Nov. 1848, with Chipman Porter, of Halifax, and Bradford Harlow,
of Middleborough, as sureties.
Bradford Harlow, of Middleborough,
and Chipman Porter and George Drew, of Halifax, were appointed to appraise the
estate of Judah Wood, late of Halifax, on 14 Aug. 1848.
The Inventory of the Estate of
Judah Wood, late of Halifax, was dated 31 Oct. 1848, his real estate valued at
$1500, and his personal estate totaled $135.61. Zadock Thompson, the Executor,
gave his oath to the inventory on the first Tuesday of Nov. 1848, and he
applied for a license to sell the personal estate of the deceased, which was
granted on 7 Nov. 1848.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, pp. 332-333, 413-414, from FHL microfilm
#0555639, and Vol. 2H, p. 173.
Will of
Sally Wood of Middleborough,
Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1811) *
In the Name of God amen – I Sally Wood of Middleborough in
the County of Plymouth, being of weak bodily Health, & yet of sound Mind,
Memory & understanding, Thanks be to that merciful Being through whose
Goodness my Life & Health have been preserved & supported – But
considering the Uncertainty of this transitory Life, I do make publish &
declare this my Last Will & Testament in manner & form following to wit
–
First of all I
recommend my Soul to the Mercy of that God who gave it, & my Body to the
Dust from whence it came in the humble hope & belief that it will be raised
incorruptible at the Last day—
With regard to my
worldly Interest I give & bequeath the same as follows, to wit,
Item. I give
and bequeath & confirm to my Son Wilkes Wood all my right & Interest in
& to that piece of Land called Howland Lot of which he is now in possession
in consequence of his buying & delivering, three large Silver Spoons, one
to my Son Gorham Wood, one other to my Son Horatio G Wood & one other to my
Daughter Theodata Wood —
Item – I give
& bequeath to my Son Gorham Wood a small strip of Land lying on Namasket
River, near the River Bridge – & also my Horse. —
Item. I give
& bequeath to my Daughter Theodata Wood all the new part of my
Dwelling-house, which I built adjoining my old Dwelling house, to her & her
Heirs & assigns forever–
Item. I give
& bequeath to my Son Horatio G. Wood my best Bed & Furniture compleat–
Item I give
& bequeath to my Daughter Sally Haskell one Cow—
Item I give
& bequeath to my Daughter Theodata Wood my black Taffety Gown, also my
black Satin Cloak – & my Gold Necklace, also one Feather Bed.–
Item. I give
& bequeath to my Son Horatio G. Wood my Daughter Sally Haskell and my
Daughter Theodata Wood, about one Acre of Land be the same More or less lying
near the River Bridge, which fell to me in the Division of my Mother’s thirds –
Item. I give
& bequeath to Hafrey Wood Son of my Son Gorham Wood one blue Broadcloth
Coat.–
Item. I give
& bequeath to my Grand daughter Sally Wood my Green Taffety Gown –
Item. I give
& bequeath to my Son Hartwell Bennet Haskell my large Silver Spoon —
Item. I give
& bequeath all the rest, residue of my Property Real & personal to my
Daughter Theodata Wood & my Son Horatio G. Wood to be equally divided
between them they paying all my legal debts, & funeral Charges – reserving
however one pair of Stone Sleeve Buttons, which I give & bequeath to my
Grandon Cornelius Bennet–
The residue of my wearing apparel to be equally divided
between my two Daughters
And I hereby
nominate & appoint, my Son Wilkes Wood Executor of this my last Will &
Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made –
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal at
Middleborough this ninth day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand
eight hundred & eleven —
Signed sealed published & declared by the above named
Sally Wood as & for her last will & Testament in the Sally Wood (seal)
presence of us, who have hereunto subscribed our
names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the sd
Testator
and in presence of each other –
Cyrus
Keith
Thomas
Pratt
Harvey
C. Thomas –
Presented for probate on 5 Nov. 1811 by Wilkes Wood Esqr.
the Executor therein named, and proved by Cyrus Keith and Thomas Pratt, two of
the witnesses thereto subscribed. Letters of Administration were granted to
Wilkes Wood Esqr. the before named Executor.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 44, p. 16-17, from FHL microfilm
#0550903
Will of
Samuel Wood of Middleborough, County
of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1750) *
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Wood of Middleborough in the
County of Plimouth in New England Being Sick and weak of body but of a Sound
and Disposing mind memory & understanding blessed be god there for Calling
to mind the mortality of my body & Knowing that it is appointed for all men
once to Dy Do make & ordain this to be my Last will & Testament to
Stand firm & Remain Inviolable for Ever prinsapely & first of all I
give & Recomend my Soul into the hands of god that gave it and my body I
recomend unto the Dust to be Buried in a Decent Christen Burial at the
Descrition of my Executrix Nothing doughting but at the general resurection I
Shall receive the same again and as Touching Such worldly Estate as
it hath plesed god to Bless me in this Life I Do Dispose of the Same in the
folowing maner and forme ~~
Iprimas I give & bequeath unto my True and well Beloved
wife Joanna Wood my best bed bedstead & furniture beloning to it and my
Chist of drawes & Looking glass her choice[?] of my three Cowes I Likewise
give her my three Biggest Swine to be [can’t read] the Next Fall for her own
use & my childrens.— & after my Just Debts & funaral Charges are
paid I give the remainder of all my personal Estate with the Debts Due to me
unto my wife Except what I Do in this my Last will particularly other wise
Despose of I Likewise give my Said wife the whole Improvement of all my Lands
& medows untill my youngest Child arives unto the age of Eleven years then
after that in Case She remains my widow I give her the use of one roome in My
Dwelling house with half the Roome in the Celler with one third of the profits
of all my Improved Lands & meadow with the priviledge of Cuting So much
fier wood on my Wood Lands as Shall be necesary for to maintine one Constant
fire for hir use So Long as Shee remains my widdow—
Item I Give & bequeath unto my Son Abner wood & his
hairs & asings for Ever all my Lands & medow in Case my Child yet
unborn Shall be a Daughter but in Case that Child Should be a Son my will and
meaning is my Lands and medow shall be Equely Divied Between them two Sons and
& Each of my two Sons Shall pay the Legeces that I in this my Last will
gives to my Daughters—
Iive and bequeath unto my Daughter Susanah Wood the Sum of
Six pounds and Thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid unto her by my
Son Abner Wood when he Shall arrive unto the age of Twenty four years in Case
my Child Not yet born Shall be a Daughter but in Case that Child Should be a
Son my Said Son Abner Shall pay unto her but one half of Said Sum & that
other Son Shall pay unto her the other half When he Shall arive unto the age of
Twenty four years—
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Azubah Wood the
Sum of Six pound Thirteen Shillings and four pence to be paid unto her by my
Son or Sons at the Same time & in Likemanor as I have ordered the payment
unto my Dayghter Susanah Wood aforesaid—
Item I give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Rebekah Wood the
Sum of Six pounds Thirteen Shillings & four pence to be paid unto her by my
aforesd. Son or sons in Like maner and at the Sametime that I have
ordered the payments unto my Daughters aforesaid &c~~
I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Bathsheba wood the Sum
of Six pounds thirteen Shillins & four pence to be paid unto her by my
aforesd Son of Sons at the Sametime and in the Sam manor that I have
ordered payment unto my aforesd Daughters and fourthermore my will
is that in Case my Child that is not yet born Should be a Daughter I give and
bequeat unto her the Sum of Six pounds Thirteen Shillings & four pence to
be paid unto her by my aforesd. Son Abner Wood when he Shall arive
at the age of twenty four years and fourthermore my will is that my apprentice
Elkanah Totman Shall remain & Live with my wife the Space of two months
after my Decease to Take Cair of and to harvest the hay and Corn that is a
growing on my farm and after that he Shall by & With the Consent of my wife
Chuse for him Self agood master that Shall fullfill unto him the Indentures
where by he is Bound unto me & my wife Shall assign over Said Indentures
unto Said master & my will is and I Do hereby give unto him the said Elkanah
Totman for his for his faithfull Sarves the Said Two months my Birch Stock
Jointer & my walnut Lock Jack plain & my Smoothing plain & my
biggest hand Saw & biggest fine or Back Saw & my hamer that is without
Cheeks—
and further my Will also is that my Well Beloved Wife abovesd.
be the Executrix of hoping this my Last will and testament will be Kept &
performed according to ye. True Intent and meaining thereof and in
Testimoney hereof I the aforesd. Samuel Wood have hereunto Sett my
hand and Seal this 9th Day of July one Thousand Seven hundered and
fifty—1750~~
Signed Sealed publeshed pronounced & Declared by
the Said Samull. Wood to be his Last Will &
Testament
in presents of us the Subscribers—
John Tomson Samuel Wood (seal)
Joseph Tinkham
Seth Tinkham
Presented for probate on 6 Aug. 1750 by the Executer therein
named, and proved by John Tomson and Seth Tinkham, two of the witnesses.
Letters of Administration were granted to the Widow Joanna Wood of
Middleborough, the Executrix, on 6 Aug. 1750.
Capt. Jabez Vaughn, Seth Tinkham and William
Cushman, all of Middleborough, were appointed to appraise the estate of Samuel
Wood, late of Middleborough, on 6 Aug. 1750. The inventory, dated 21 Aug. 1750,
totaled £176.7.6, including his real estate, valued at £113. Joanna Wood, the
Executrix, gave her oath to the inventory on 10 July 1751.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 12, pp. 93-95, 253, from FHL microfilm #0551539.
Will of
Samuel Wood of Brookfield, Worcester
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1826) *
In the
name of God amen ~~
I
Samuel Wood of Brookfield in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make this my last
will & Testament to settle and dispose of my Estate after my decease ~
Imprimis – To Theodosa Sanford the
wife of Josiah Sanford of Brookfield – to Samuel Wood & Darius Wood of the
State of Vermont – to Ruth Thompson the wife of David Thompson of Brookfield –
to Sukey Sanford the wife of Duty Sanford of the State of Vermont – John Wood
of Brookfield – and Mary Brown the wife of John Brown of the State of New
Hampshire – I hereby give nothing–as I have heretofore given My said daughters
Theodora Sanford – Ruth Thompson – Sukey Sanford & Mary Brown And my said
sons Samuel Wood, Darius Wood and John Wood as much of my property as is
consistent with a suitable and decent support for myself & wife.
Item – To Thomas Wood my son, who
has undertaken to support Myself & also my present wife Abigail Wood during
our Joint lives – and the life of the survivor in sickness & in health –
providing at all times such provisions, cloathing, nursing & medicine as
our situation may require ~~ I give to him the said Thomas Wood all my goods,
effects, credits & Estate of whatever name or nature – to him and to hold
to him & his heirs forever –
Lastly
– I hereby appoint my said Son Thomas Wood sole executor of this my last will
& Testament – Hereby ratifying this & no other as my last Will &
Testament—
Witness
my hand & seal this seventeenth day of January in the year of our LORD
Eighteen hundred and twenty six.
Signed,
Sealed, published, pro-
nounced & declared by the said Samuel Wood
Samuel Wood the testator to be his
last Will & Testament in
presence
of us who signed as Witnesses
hereto
in his presence & at his
request.
Elisha Hammond
Francis Stone
At Brookfield on the fourth Tuesday
of Oct. 1829, the will of Samuel Wood presented for probate not allowed the
same being not attested and subscribed by three or more credible witnesses
according to the Statute in such case provided. Thomas Wood was granted
administration of the estate of Samuel Wood, late of Brookfield, on 27 Oct.
1829, with John Wood and Jesse Bliss as sureties.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Worcester County Probate Case #66000.
Will of Adam Wright of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1723) *
Know all men by these Presents yt I Adam Wright of
Plympton in ye county of Plymth in new: England being
grown to old age althoh by ye Blessing of God I am in
perfect health & Sound mind & memory & being minded to Settle my
Estate do make & ordain this my last Will & Testament as followeth that
is to Say: Imprimis I give & Bequeath unto my Son John Wright (besides what
I gave Him in ye Land whereon He now dwelleth) ye Sum of
five Shillings money as also all my Rights of Land wherever they may be found
which are not other wise disposed of in this Will or other wise by Deeds.
Item: I have already given by deeds unto my two Sons Isaac
Wright & Samuell Wright ye Lands whereon they & I now dwell
which I Esteem to be their full Part & Portion of my Estate. Item: I have
already given unto my Son Moses Wright by deed all my Lands Lying in
Winnatixitt neck which I Esteem to be his full Part & Portion of my Estate.
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my two Grand: Children: viz: Joshua Pratt
& Sarah His Sister Children of my Daughter Esther Pratt decd ye
Sum of five Shillings a Peice money which with what I gave unto their Sd
mother in Her Lifetime I Esteem to be their full Part & Portion of my
Estate. Item, I have given by Deed bearing Date with these Presents unto my
Daughter Sarah Fuller ye Wife of Seth Fuller all my Lands lying upon
ye neck on ye northerly Side of Colchester Brook which
together with what moveable Estate She hath already Had I Esteem to be Her full
Part & Portion of my Estate.
Item. I give & bequeath unto my two Sons viz: James
Wright & Nathan Wright ye Sum of one Hundred Pounds in money a
Peice to be Paid unto them by my Executrix out of my Estate when they Shall
arrive to ye age of twenty one years old..
Item: I give & bequeath unto my daughter Mary Gifferd ye
Wife ye wife of Jeremiah Giffered ye Sum of twenty Pounds
to be Paid by my Executrix out of my moveable Estate at my decease.
Item: I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Rachel Barlow ye
wife of Ebenezer Barlow ye Sum of twenty Pounds to be Paid by my
Executrix out of my moveable Estate at my decease
Item: I give & Bequeath unto my True & Loving Wife
Mehitable Wright (whom I Likewise Constitute make & ordain to be Sole
Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament) all ye Remaining
Part of my Estate (my Just Debts & Funeral Charges being first Paid) to be
for Her Support & Comfort So long as She Remains my widdow & to be by
Her Disposed of to any of my Children which She Seeth Cause but If it Should So
Happen after my decease that She Shall marry then my Will is that She Shall
have ye Sum of Twenty Pounds out of my Estate & that She Dispose
of ye Rest to my Children as abovesd. In Witness whereof
I have hereunto Set my Hand & Seal this ninth day of aprill one thousand
Seven Hundred twenty three 1723
Signed Sealed & declared to be
His last Will & Testament Adam Wright (seal)
In Presence of us
His q mark
Joseph Thomas
Nathaniel Fuller
Isaac Cushman Junr.
Proved on 2 Nov. 1724 by Joseph Thomas, Nathaniel Fuller, and
Isaac Cushman Junr, and Mehitable Wright confirmed as executrix.
The Inventory of the Personal Estate of Adam Wright, late of
Plympton, was appraised by Isaac Cushman Junr., Joseph Thomas, and James Soul
on 10 Oct. 1724, not totaled, and no real estate listed, but his Books,
apparrell & Bonds were valued at £332.9.6. Mehitable Wright, the Executrix
to the estate of her husband Adam Wright, gave her oath to the inventory on 2
Nov. 1724.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of Barzillia E. Wright
of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1850) *
In the name of God Amen, I Barzillia E. Wright of Plympton in
the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman, altho being
blessed at the present time with a sound disposing mind and memory but sick and
feeble in body calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it
is appointed for men once to die do make and ordain this my last Will and
Testament and wish it may be received by all men as such, first of all I give
and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it – and as touching such
worldly estate whereof it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and
bequeath and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. –
Imprimis I order that my Executor to pay all my just debts
and legacies to be paid as hereafter expressed
Item I give and
bequeath to my beloved wife Priscilla Wright the use and improvement of all my
Real and Personal Estate, excepting what it takes to pay my just debts, and the
legacies hereafter named and my funeral expenses. –
Item I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Aliza Ann Chamberlain One hundred and fifty Dollars.
~
Item I give and
bequeath unto my daughter Sarah N Wright Three hundred Dollars at the time of
her marriage and if not married at the time of my wife decease to have the
three hundred Dollars and one hundred Dollars more making four hundred Dollars
Item I give and
bequeath unto my son Barzillia E Wright at the decease of my wife all my Real
and Personal Estate that remains after what is above expressed except my
household furniture which I give unto my wife for her own disposal as she sees
fit – and my son Barzillia and daughter Sarah N Wright to have a home with
their mother as long as they should wish, that as long as they remain single
Lastly I do constitute and appoint Richard Cooper my sole
executor of this my last Will and Testament and ratifying this and no other as
my last Will and Testament. –
In
witness whereof I have set my and seal
Item if my son Barzillia E Wright should die before my widow
Priscilla Wright the estate I will unto him I give unto my widow Priscilla
Wright and to her heirs and assigns forever. –
this
Tenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty
Signed sealed published and pronounced, declared
by the said Barzillia E Wright as his last Will
and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers
Jonathan
Parker
Harvey
Fuller Barzillia Wright (seal)
Lewis
Weston
To the Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth
Sir Having consented heretofore to officiate
as executor of the last will and testament of Barzillia E Wright of Plympton in
said County deceased, am under the necessity of declining to officiate on
account of ill health, and would thereby waive all right and recommend that
Zadock Thompson be appointed in my stead
Plympton August 10th.
1850 Richard
Cooper
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of Oct. 1850 by
Priscilla Wright herein named, and proved by Jonathan Parker and Lewis Weston,
two of the witnesses whose names are subscribed thereto.
Zadock Thompson, of Halifax, was granted administration with
the will annexed of the estate of Barzillai E. Wright, late of Plympton,
Richard Cooper who was named as Executor thereof having declined the trust, on
1 Oct. 1850, with Jabes P. Thompson, of Halifax, and Benjamin Ransom, of
Carver, as sureties.
Samuel Thompson, of Middleborough, Solomon Fuller and Ephraim
C. Ripley, both of Plympton, were appointed to appraise the estate of Barzillai
E. Wright, late of Plympton, on 1 Oct. 1850.
The Inventory of the Estate of Barzilla E Wright, late of
Plympton, was dated 2 Nov. 1850, his real estate valued at $2267, including his
homestead farm and buildings valued at $1600, and his personal estate totaled
$524.25. Zadock Thompson, the Administrator with the Will annexed on the Estate
of Barzillai E Wright, late of Plympton, gave his oath to the inventory on the
first Monday of Dec. 1850.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County
Probate Vol. 92, pp. 413-414, 487-488, and Vol. 1F, p. 12.
Will of
Billya Wright of Plympton, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1836) *
Be it
Known, that I Billya Wright of Plympton in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, being weak of body, but of perfect mind
and memory – thanks be given to God therefor – calling to mind the mortality of
my body – and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die, do make and
ordain this my Last Will and Testament, and desire it may be received by all
Men as such: And first of all I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of God
who gave it – and my body I recommend to the earth, to be buried in a decent
Christian burial, at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, nothing
doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the
mighty power of God. And as toutching such worldly estate wherewith it has
pleased God to bless me with, I give devise and dispose of the same in the
following manner and form.
Imprimis.
I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Patience Wright the use and
improvement of all my real and personal estate during her natural life.
Item - I
give and bequeath unto my son George E. Wright one undivided half of my real
estate, stock and farming tools, after the decease of my wife.
Item - I
give and bequeath unto my son Otis Wright on undivided half of my real estate,
stock and farming utensils, after the decease of my wife.
Item - I
give and bequeath unto my daughter Mira Sturtevant, all my household furniture,
after the decease of my wife.
Item - I
give and bequeath unto my son Zebedee Wright all my wearing apparel.
Item -
And my Will is, and do absolutely order my son George E. Wright to pay three
hundred and twenty five dollars of my just debts, and my funeral expenses.
Item -
And my Will is, and do absolutely order my son Otis Wright to pay all of my
just debts, excepting what I have ordered my son George E. Wright to pay. Lastly, I do constitute make and ordain my
sons George E. Wright and Otis Wright my sole Executors to this my last Will
and testament.
In
Witness Whereof, I, Billya Wright, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this
tenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty six.
Signed,
sealed pronounced and declared by the said Billya Wright to be his last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us the subscribers.
Jonathan
Parker Billya Wright (seal)
Oliver
Churchill
Oliver
Churchill Jr
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of November 1836
by George E. Wright and Otis Wright, the Executors therein named, and proved by
Jonathan Parker and Oliver Churchill, two of the witnesses. Letters
Testamentary were granted to George E. Wright and Otis Wright, the Executors.
The Inventory of the Estate of Bylla [sic] Wright, late of
Plympton, yeoman, was appraised on 14 Dec. 1836 by Jonathan Parker, Oliver
Churchill and Barzillai Wright, and totaled $2731.31, his real estate valued at
$2406, including his homestead farm and buildings valued at $1400. George E.
Wright and Otis Wright, the Executors, gave their oath to the inventory of
Billya Wright, late of Plympton, on 20 Feb. 1837.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 78, p. 448-450, from FHL microfilm #0555264, and Vol. 79, p. 37-38.
Will of Ebenezer Wright of
Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1847) *
Be
it remembered that I, Ebenezer Wright of Plympton in the County of Plymouth and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life,
and being of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the
same, do make and publish this my last will and Testament, in manner and form
following
(that is to say) I give and bequeath jointly unto my beloved
wife Sarah Wright, and to my nephew Rufus Wright of Plympton aforesaid, and to
their heirs and assigns forever, all my Real Estate of which I shall be
possessed at my decease, after my just debts and funeral charges are paid out
of it. Also I give and bequeath to my said wife and nephew jointly, and to
their heirs and assigns all my personal Estate of which I shall be possessed at
the time of my decease; but reserving to my said wife the personal Estate which
she brought to me at the time of her marriage with me
And I hereby appoint my said
nephew, Rufas Wright sole Executor of this my last Will and testament, hereby
revoking all former Wills by me made
In
testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of
February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Ebenezer Wright (seal)
signed, sealed published and declared by the above named Ebenezer Wright
to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses, in the presence of the testator.
Josiah
S. Hammond
William
Perkins Jr
Sarah
H. Wright
Presented for probate on the third
Monday of May 1848 by Rufas Wright, the Executor therein named, and proved by
Josiah S. Hammond and William Perkins Jun., two of the witnesses thereto
subscribed. Letters Testamentary were granted to Rufas Wright, the Executor.
Rufus Wright, of Plympton, was
granted Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Ebenezer Wright, late of
Plympton, Yeoman, on 15 May 1848, with Jonathan Parker and Zacheus Sherman,
both of Plympton, as sureties.
No inventory of his estate was
recorded.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 90, p. 215-216, from FHL microfilm #0555639,
and Vol. 2H, p. 158.
Will of
Isaac Wright of Plympton, County of
Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1760) *
In
the Name of God Amen.
The second day of July A.D. 1760. I Isaac Wright of Plimton
in the county of Plimouth in the province of the Massachusets Bay in
New-England Yeoman, being not in a good state of health but of perfect mind
& memory which I thank God for, Therefore calling to mind the mortality of
my body, & knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do make &
ordain this my last will & testament, that is to say: principally &
first of all I give & recomend my soul into the hands of God that gave it,
& my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial
at the discretion of my Executor, nothing doubting but at the general
resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. &
as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God, to bless me in
this life I give & demise & dispose of as followeth.
Imprs. I give & bequeath to my welbeloved son
Joseph Wright & to his heirs & assigns forever, the westerly end of the
dwelling house wherein he now liveth in consideration for his labour with me
after he was of age. Also the one half of all my other real estate (excepting
the easterly end of my dwelling house,) wherein I dwell.
Item. I give & bequeath to my welbeloved son Isaac Wright
& to his heirs & assigns forever the easterly end of my dwelling house
wherein I now dwell. Also the one half of all my other real estate to be
equally divided between my son Joseph & him. Excepting the westerly end of
my dwelling house which is above given to Joseph.
Item. I give to my welbeloved daughter Mary Thomson & her
heirs, the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence to be paid by
my Excr. out of my personal estate. — Besides what I have already
given her.
Item. I give to my welbelovd. daughter Rachel
Wright, & her heirs the sum of thirteen pounds six shillgs.
& eight pence to be pd. by my Exr. out of my moveable
Estate.
Item. Also my will is that if there should be any more of my
personal estate left, after my just debts, funeral charges & legacies are
paid, that it be equally divided amongst all my Children.
Lastly. I constitute, make & appoint my welbeloved son
Joseph Wright to be my sole Executor of this my last will & testament,
& I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disanul all former wills,
testaments, bequeaths & Excrs. by me before named, ratifying
& confirming this & no other to be my last will & testament. In
Witness, I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & Year above
written.
Signed, sealed, published, pronounced & declard. Isaac Wright (seal)
by the sd. Isaac Wright to be his last will &
testamt.
in Presence of us. Benja.
Weston
Hannah
Weston
Job
Weston
Presented for probate on 7 Apr. 1766 by Joseph Wright, the
executor therein named, and proved by Benjamin Weston and Job Weston, two of
the witnesses.
The Inventory of the estate of Isaac Wright, late of Plimton,
was appraised by Gideon Bradford, Benjamin Weston, and Jabez Newland on 4 Apr.
1766, and totaled £544.12.1, including his homestead farm with the buildings
& fence thereon valued at £480. Joseph Wright, the Executor, gave his oath
to the inventory on 7 Apr. 1766.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 19, p. 345-346, from FHL microfilm #0550711.
Will of Isaac Wright of Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of
In the name of God Amen – I Isaac Wright of Plymton in the
county of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, being weak in
body, but of perfect mind & memory, thanks be given to God therefor,
calling unto mind, the mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed
for all men once to die, do make & ordain this my last will &
testament, and desire it to be recieved by all as such, that is to say,
principally & first of all, I give & recommend my soul into the hands
of God that gave it, & my body, I recommend to the earth, to be buried in
decent christian burial, at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named,
nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall recieve the same again
by the mighty power of God, and touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath
pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise & dispose of the same,
in the following manner & form
Imprimis—I
Give & bequeath to Faith, my well beloved wife, the improvement of two
thirds of my dwelling house, at the southerly part of sd house
together with the improvement of one third part of all my real estate, so long
as she shall remain my widow. I also give to my beloved wife, one whole of my
houshold furniture & one Store Cow, my beef Cow, all my sheep, & all my
Swine, to be at her own use and disposal forever
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my Son Billey, a Piece of Spruce Swamp lying in Swan
hole Swamp, so called, in Carver, being all I own in said Swamp, to him, his
heirs & assigns forever
Item—I
Give & bequeath to my five sons vizt Isaac, Chandler, Nathaniel,
Caleb & Winslow, & to their heirs & assigns forever, all the rest
& residue of all my real estate, in equal division amongst them except my
Pine Lot which lies adjoining the Lot I sold Capt. Nathaniel Carver
of Plymouth, and I do positively order my five last named Sons to pay to my Son
Billa twenty Dollars at my decease, & also to pay to my Daughter Molley
Forty Dollars at my decease, & also that they pay my Daughter Hannah Fifteen
Dollars, whenever she shall please to call for the same, the above payments to
be made equally by my said five last named sons
Item—I
Give to my two Daughters –vizt Molley & Hannah, and to their
heirs & assigns forever, the above mentioned Pine Lot, in equal division
between them
Item—I
Give to my Son Winslow my best coat & one half of my two year old Colt,
& my desire is & I do solemnly charge my three Sons viz Billey, Isaac
& Chandler, to discharge & cancel all bonds notes & book accounts
wherein my estate is or may be holden as surety for any or either of them, and
also that they make no demands on my sd Estate for any service or
thing heretofore done & performed, by any or either of them, except a
reasonable allowance to be made to my Son Isaac for what he has done in
repairing or finishing my Dwelling House
Item—all
the Residue of my wearing apparell, not before disposed of I Give in equal
Division among all my Sons, and my will is and I hereby order, that all my just
debts & Funeral expences be paid out of my Stock & Farming tools &
utensills, not otherwise disposed of, in this my last will & testament,
returning the overplus, if any there be, to my five youngest Sons in equal
division, and in case of an insufficiency I do positively order my five
youngest sons to make up all such deficiencies, equally amongst them
Lastly—I
do constitute, make & ordain my two Sons vizt Billy Wright &
Isaac Wright my Sole Executors of this my last will & testament, & do
hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disannul all & every other former
will & testament, legacies, bequeaths & Executors by me in any way
before named, willed or bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this & no
other, to be my last will & testament – In Witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal, this twentieth day of September in the year of our
Lord, one thousand, seven hundred & ninety Six. 1796
Signed, Sealed, Published, Pronoun-
ced & Declared by the said
Isaac Wright Isaac Wright — seal
as his last will & testament,
in the pre-
sence of us the subscribers
Elijah
Bisbe junr
Asa
Sherman
Joseph
Cobb
Presented for probate on 12 Jan.
1797 by Billey Wright & Isaac Wright, the Executors therein named, and
proved by Elijah Bisbe junr Esqr. & Asa Sherman, two
of the witnesses.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby from
Will of John Wright of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the
Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In the Name of God Amen I John Wright of Plymton in the
County of Plymouth in New-England Yeoman being Weak in Body but of Perfect mind
& Memory thanks be Given unto God therefore calling unto Mind the Mortality
of my Body & knowing that it is Appointed for all Men Once to Die Do make
and Ordain this my Last Will & Testament that is to Say Principally &
first of all I Give & Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave it
& my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial
at the Discretion of My Executors hereafter named nothing Doubting but at the
General Resurrection I Shall Receive the same Again by the Mighty Power of God
and as Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath Pleased God to Bless me
in this Life I Give Demise & Dispose of the same In the following Manner
& Form
Imprimis my Will is that all My Just Debts & funeral
Charges be paid by My Executors herein hereafter named out of My Personal
Estate in Convenient Season After my Decease ~
Item – Haveing Already Given to my Beloved son John Wright
& to his Heirs & Assigns forever his Part & Portion of My Estate I
do hereby Give unto him my son John Wright and to his Heirs & Assigns
forever Additional thereto my Walking Cane & Remise to him all & Every
Sum & Sums in which He is Indebted to me by Bill Bond Note or Book ~
Item I hereby Give & Bequeath unto my Well beloved son
Adam Wright and to his Heirs & Assigns forever One Acre of Land of my
Homested where his Dwelling House now Stands as he shall see Cause to take it.
~
Item I hereby Give
& Bequeath unto my Two Beloved Daughters Repentance Wright & Sarah
Wright & to their Respective Heirs & Assigns forever In Equal Division
& Proportion my Dwelling House In which I now Dwell with Two Acres of Land
of My Homestead where my Dwelling House now Stands as they Shall Se cause to
take it Also I Give to my Two Daughters Repentance Wright & Sarah Wright
& to their Respective Heirs and Assigns forever in Equal Division &
Proportion One Third Part of My Cedar Swamp in South Meadow Cedar Swamp ~
Item I hereby Give
& Bequeath unto my Well Beloved son Benjamin Wright and to his Heirs &
Assigns forever One third Part of my Homested whereon I now Dwell with One
Third Part of My Lott of Land Lying to the Westward of Nathan Perkins between
the High Way that Leads into Donhams Neck & Colchester Brook ~
Item – The Rest & Residue of My Homested & my Lott of
Land Lying to the Westward of Nathan Perkins between the High Way &
Colchester Brook I hereby Give & Bequeath to my Two Daughters Repentance
Wright & Sarah Wright & to their Respective Heirs & Assigns
forever.
Item I hereby Give
& Bequeath to my Two Grandsons John Hunt & Judah Hunt the full Value of
Twenty Shillings Lawfull Money to be paid to them in Farm Stock in Twelve
Months Time after my Decease ~
Item I hereby Give
& Bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary Hunt the full Value of Eight Pounds
Lawfull Money to be paid by my Executors in Household Goods Particularly One
Good Feather Bed to be paid in Twelve Months Time After my Decease ~
Item The Right & Priviledges that I Bought with the Saw
Mill of Jacob Cook I hereby Give & Bequeath One Third Part thereof to my
Son Benjamin Wright And One Third Part thereof to my Son Adam Wright & One
third Part thereof to my Two Daughters Repentance Wright & Sarah Wright
& to their Respective Heirs & Assigns forever after my Just Debts &
funeral Charges & my Bequeath to my Three grand Children John Hunt Judah
Hunt & Mary Hunt are paid out of My Personal Estate the Rest & Residue
thereof I hereby Give & Bequeath to my Two Daughters Repentance Wright
& Sarah Wright & to my Grand Daughter Mary Hunt & to their
Respective Heirs & Assigns forever.
Item I Give &
Bequeath all the Outlands both Upland Swamps & Meadows Lying in Said
Plymton or any Where Else wheresoever that is not before Disposed of by me in
this My Last Will & Testament Except my Lot of Land Lying at Great South
Pond unto my Two Sons Benjamin Wright & Adam Wright in Equal Division &
Proportion & to their Heirs & Assigns forever further Ordering that my
son Benjamin Wright Shall pay to James Bishop the Remainder of a Note of Twenty
Odd Pounds as a Condition on which he shall hold and Have his Legacy herein
Given that is to Say a Note which I Passed to Said Bishop. And also if any of
my Children or Legatees Shall Try by any Means or Course of Law to Invalidate
or make Void any Part or all of this My Last Will & Testament Such Child or
Legatee Shall forfeit his or her Bequest herein made & be Secluded from any
Claim to or Benefit by this my Last Will & Testament & further that
none of My Children Shall on any Pretence bring in any Debt against my Estate
on forfeiture of their Interest in this my Last Will & Testament as
afores’d ~
Lastly I hereby Constitute make & Ordain my Esteemed
friends Mr. Benjamin Weston & Joseph Wright both of said Plymton
the Sole Executors of this my Last Will & Testament hereby Declaring &
Ratifying this & no Other to be my Last Will & Testament In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand & Seal this Sixth Day of August Anno Domini One Thousand Seven-hundred
& Seventy Two ~
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
and Declared by the said John
Wright to be his Last Will & Testament John Wright (seal)
In Presence of us the Subscribers—
Josiah
Chandler
Joseph
Bennett
Zebedee
Chandler
Plymouth
Ss June the 6th 1774.
I
Joseph Wright the Only Surviving Exr
In
the Within Will named Do hereby Renounce
The
Executorship Witness my hand
Joseph Wright
Know Ye that on the Sixth Day of
June 1774 the Last Will and Testament of John Wright Late of Plymton in said
County Yeoman Deceased was Presented for Probate by Joseph Wright the Only
Surviving Executor (who at the Same Time Renounced the Executorship) Therein
Named, and proved by Josiah Chandler and Zebedee Chandler, two of the
witnesses. Letters of Administration were granted to Adam Wright Administrator
Cum Testamento annexo to faithfully Execute the said Will and to Administer the
Estate.
The Inventory of the Estate of Mr.
John Wright late of Plymton, was appraised by Jabez Newland, Zebedee Chandler,
and Elijah Bisbee on 3 Sept. 1774, and totaled £412.7.2.1, including his
homestead and dwelling house valued at £276.13.4, and his Cedar Swamp, Woodland
and Meadow valued at £86.13.4. Adam Wright, the Administrator on the estate,
gave his oath to the inventory on 5 Sept. 1774.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate, Vol. 21, p.
617-620, from FHL microfilm #0550712.
Will of
Joseph Wright of Plymouth, Plymouth
County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1788) *
In the
Name of God amen I Joseph Wright of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth yeoman,
being sick and weak in body, but of sound Mind and Memory and understanding do
make and publish this my Last Will & Testament in manner & form
following to wit— First of all I give
and bequeath to my dear Wife Sarah Wright the one third part of all my personal
Estate to be at her own disposal and the Improvement of one third part of all
my Real Estate.—
Also I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Susanna Rickard the
Wife of Abner Rickard, Three Pounds to be paid out of my personal Estate; Also
I give & bequeath unto Mary Samson my Daughter, the Wife of Sylvanus Samson
three Pounds to be paid out of my personal Estate. Also I give and bequeath
unto my Son Joshua all my Estate both real & personal, (not otherwise
disposed of in this my Will) lying in Plymouth, Plimpton, Middleborough &
Duxborough provided my Son Joseph Wright shall never return, who I am apprehensive
is not living, if he is living and shall ever return home, the one half of my
real Estate that I have bequeathed to my Son Joshua, I bequeath to him my said
Son Joseph Wright, and I hereby nominate and appoint my Wife Sarah and my Son
Joshua Wright Executors of this my last Will & Testament
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this
Twenty seventh day of February in the year of our Lord, one Thousand seven
hundred & eighty eight –
signed sealed published and declared by the said
Testator Joseph Wright as and for his last Will Joseph Wright (seal)
and Testament in the presence of us who in
his presence & at his request have subscribed
our Names as witnesses thereto —
Josiah
Cotton
Joseph
Jennings
William
Pearson
Presented for probate on 4 Sept. 1804 by Joshua Wright, the
Executor therein named, and proved by Josiah Cotton Esqr. and Joseph
Jennings, Baker, two of the witnesses. Letters Testamentary were granted to
Joshua Wright.
* Transcribed by John A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 40, p. 94-95, from FHL microfilm #0550901.
Will of Richard Wright of
I Richard Wright of ye town of Plimouth in ye
County and Colony of New Plimouth in New England being at present of Sound and
Disposing mind and memory under bodily weakness not knowing when the hour of my
Death shall come Do make this my last Will and Testament in mañer and forme
following—hereby revoaking all former Wils First I Comit my soul to God that
made it Resting on ye onely merits of Christ my Redeemer for
Eternall Salvation and my body to ye Earth to be buried in a decent
mañer. My worldly Estate that God hath lent me I thus Dispose: My Will is that
all my Estate Real and personall House lands money or any moveables &
Chattels in what kind soever be Equally and faithfully Divided betwixt my three
Children Adam Esther and Mary Also my Will is that my Daughter Mary have her
living in my house During her Widowhoode. and in as much as my son Adam hath
heretofore had a full Double portion in lands my will & Desire is that my sd
Son Deal kindly in Carefull providing what in him Lyes for my daughter Mary price
Also I Make my son and two Daughters Executors of this my Last Will &
Testament Also I do hereby appoint & desire my Loving friends John Nelson
& Isaac Cushman to be Overseers of this my Will and I Intende their Care to
see it faithfully pformed in a just distribution of my Estate to my Children as
is above Expressed In Attestation yt this is my Last Will and
Testament I set to my hand & seal This Eigth Day of june 1691 I desire also
& Impower John Sturtevant to be on of ye overseers of this my
Will. The mark of
Signed Sealed & Declared by Richard
R Wright
Richard Wright to be his last (seal)
Will and Testament
In presence of {John
Cotton
{Nathll
Southworth
ye Mark M
of Martha Cobb.
june 24th, 1691 Mr John Cotton and Nathll
Southworth two of ye witnesses here named made oath in Plimouth
before ye Magistrates of ye county of Plimouth that they
were present and saw ye above named Richard Wright Sign & Seal
& heard him Declare this above written to be his last will & Testament
& yt to ye best of yr judgment he was of a
disposing mind & memory when he so did.
June ye 19th Day 1691 An Inventory of ye Estate of
Richard Wright late Deceased taken by us whose names are under written, [not
totaled.]
Isaac
Cushman
John
Sturtevant
June 24th 1691
Adam Wright made Oath in Plimouth before ye
Magistrates of ye County of Plimouth that the before written is a
true Inventory of ye Estate of his Father Richard Wright late of
Plimouth deceased So far as he knoweth & that if more shall come to his
knowledge he will discover it
Attest
Saml Sprague Clerk
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from
Will of Samuel Wright of Plympton, County of Plymouth, Province of the Massachusetts Bay (1772) *
In
the Name of GOD, Amen. ~
I Samuel Wright of Plimpton in the county of Plymouth in
New-England yeoman, being weak of body but of perfect mind & memory thanks
be given unto GOD therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of my body, and
knowing that it is apointed for all men once to dye, do make & ordain this
my last will and testament, that is to say, principally and first of all I give
and recomend my soul into the hands of GOD that gave it, and my body I recomend
to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the discretion of my
executor hereafter-named, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I
shall receive the same again by the mighty power of GOD, and as touching such
worldly estate wherewith it pleased GOD to bless me in this life, I give demise
& dispose of the same in the following manner & form. –
Imprimis,
I give and bequeath to Anna my welbeloved wife, and to her heirs and assigns
forever one half of my dwelling house wherein I now dwell that half of said
house that she shall chuse with one half of a piece of land lying round said
house, bounded as followeth, Begiñing at the southwest corner of the Land that
leads from the aforesaid dwelling-house to the highway, thence ranging north
seven degrees east six poles thence south sixtyfour degrees east seven poles
& an half, thence south nineteen degrees west four poles to the southerly
side of the way that leads from Joseph Wright’s, thence bounded westerly by
said way to the bound first-mentioned. Also I give to my wife free & clear
the one half of my indoors movable estate, excepting those things that I lent
to my daughter Sarah Hall when she removed to Kingston, and has since returned
them back. Also I give to my wife for term of life one third part of the
improvement of my homestead. ~
I
give to my son Samuel Wright in consideration of the Labor that he did for me
after he was twenty one years of age, the dwelling-house that he now dwells in.
Item I give to my son Samuel Wright and to his heirs & assigns forever part
of my homestead lying on the easterly side of the highway bounded as followeth.
Begiñing at the bridge at Esqr. Bradford,s line, thence bounded by
said Bradford,s line up stream till it comes to Joseph Wright’s line, thence by
the range of said land north seven degrees east to the northwest corner
thereof, and so on the same course till it comes to the land that was deacon
Ebenezer Soul,s thence bounded by said land westerly till it comes to the
highway, thence bounded southerly by the highway to the bridge first-mentioned,
excepting the house that I now dwell in & the piece of land lying about
said house, as is above set off & bounded, and a way as it now goes from
Joseph Wright’s land to the highway, and a way across the northerly end of said
land next to Soul’s line twenty feet in wedth thro’ gates & barrs. ~
Item,
I give to my son Jacob Wright, and to his heirs & assigns forever, part of
my homestead, bounded as followeth, Begiñing at the northwest corner of Joseph
Wright’s land, thence easterly by said Wright’s land Sixty three poles &
six feet to a maple tree marked in or near said range, thence north seven
degrees east till it comes to Soul’s line, thence bounded westerly by Soul’s
land till it comes to the land given to my son Samuel; allowing a way twenty
feet in wedth at the northerly end thereof thro’ gates or barrs. also I give to
my son Jacob Wright and to his heirs & assigns forever, one half of my
dwelling house wherein I now dwell with the one half of the piece of land lying
round said house, as before set off and bounded. ~
Item,
I give to my son Edmond’s children in equal division among them all all that
part of my homestead lying to the eastward of the land that I have given to my
son Jacob with the privilege of a way twenty feet in wedth thro’ gates or barrs
at the northerly end of the Land given to my two sons Samuel & Jacob, and
also I give to my son Edmond,s children my eastermost lot of swamp at
Swan-hole. ~
Item, I give to my daughter Sarah
Hall and to her heirs & assigns forever, part of my homestead lying on the
west side of the highway bounded as followeth, Begiñing at a forked apple-tree
standing on the west side of the highway opposite to the lane that leads from
my dwelling-house to the highway thence ranging south eighty eight degrees west
to a white oak tree standing in or near the range of Scott’s land, thence
bounded southerly by said Scott’s land till it comes to the forge-pond, thence
bounded by said pond up stream to the highway, thence northerly by the highway
to the bound first-mentioned. Also I give to my daughter Sarah Hall and to her
heirs & assigns forever my westermost lot of swamp at Swan-hole and six
acres of the Land that I had of Barnabas Raymond to be measurd. off
at the southerly end of said Lot.
Item,
I give to my grandson Nathan Wright all that part of my homestead lying on the
westerly side of the highway not heretofore given to my daughter Sarah.
I
give to my two sons Samuel & Jacob, and to their heirs and assigns forever,
my Lot of cedar-swamp at south-meadow-cedar-swamp, and the lot of cedar-swamp,
at Beaver-dam-cedar-swamp, and the Land that I had of Azariah Witon, and my Lot
of land that I had of Barnabas Raymond excepting the six acres heretofore give
to my daughter Sarah. ~
Item,
I give to my grandson Edmond Wright four pounds yearly and every year from the
time that he arrived to sixteen years of age till my decease to be paid out of
my personal estate by my executor in a reasonable time. ~
Item. I give to my grand-daughter Lydia Hall one feather bed &
furniture.
I give to my two sons Samuel & Jacob in equal division, all my
wearing aparel.
I give to my daughter Sarah Hall the houshold goods that I lent to her
when she removed to Kingston, and she has since returned them to me again. And
that part of my indoors movable estate not before disposed off in this my last
will & testament I give the one half thereof to my daughter Sarah Hall, and
the rest & residue thereof give to my son Edmond,s children. My will is and
I do positively order my two sons Samuel & Jacob to provide so much fire-wood
cut & brought to the door for my wife yearly & every year during her
natural life, or so long as she remains my widow as is needful for her
fire. I will and positively order my
just debts & funeral charges to be paid out of my outdoor movable estate,
and the rest & residue thereof I give to my two sons Samuel & Jacob,
and if I should have any real estate that is not disposed off in this my last
will & testament, I do give to my daughter Sarah Hall and to her heirs
& assigns forever.
Lastly
I do constitute make & ordain my trusty & well-beloved son Samuel
Wright my sole executor of this my last will & testament, and do hereby
utterly disallow, revoke & disanul all & every other former testaments,
wills, legacies & bequests & executors by me in any ways before-named
willed & bequeathed, ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my
last will & testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal this fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord 1772.
Signed, sealed, published,
pronounced & declard.
by the said Samuel Wright as his
Last will & testamt. Samuel Wright (seal)
in the presence of us the
subscribers. ~
Gideon Bradford, Levi Bradford,
Zebedee Chandler
Presented for probate on 1 Feb.
1773 by Samuel Wright, the Executor therein named, and proved by Gideon
Bradford and Levi Bradford, two of the witnesses. Letters of Administration
were granted to Samuel Wright, the Executor.
The Inventory of the estate of
Samuel Wright, late of Plimpton, was appraised on 18 Mar. 1773 by Gideon
Bradford, Zebedee Chandler, and Joseph Wright, and totaled £726.5.11, including
his homestead farm and buildings valued at £489.4.0, and his cedar swamp out
lands & iron-oar valued at £119.8.4. Samuel Wright, the executor, gave his
oath to the inventory on 5 Apr. 1773.
* Transcribed by John
A. Maltby from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 21, p. 308-310, from FHL microfilm
#0550712.
Will of Sarah Wright of
Plympton, Plymouth County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1848) *
Be it remembered,
that I Sarah Wright of Plympton in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Widow of Ebenezer Wright, late of Plympton, deceased, considering
the uncertainty of this mortal life, and being of sound mind and memory,
blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last Will and
Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) I give and bequeath
unto Rufus Wright of Plympton aforesaid, and to his heirs and assigns forever
all my right title and interest in the Real and Personal Estate willed and
bequeathed to me by my husband, the aforesaid Ebenezer Wright in his last Will
and Testament, bearing date the fourth day of February in the year of our Lord
one thousand Eight hundred and forty seven, of which I shall be possessed at
the time of my decease, after my Just debts and funeral charges are paid out of
it. –
And I
hereby appoint the aforesaid Rufus Wright sole Executor of this my last Will
and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Testaments by me made. –
In
witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the Second day of March in
the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty eight. ~
Signed,
sealed, published and declared by Sarah
Wright (seal)
the above named Sarah Wright to be her last Will
and Testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto
subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of
the Testator. – Lewis
Bradford
Alonzo
Wright
Sarah
H Wright
Presented for probate on the first Tuesday of July 1850 by
Rufus Wright, the Executor therein named, and proved by Lewis Bradford and
Sarah H. Wright, two of the witnesses whose names are subscribed therein.
Letters Testamentary were granted to Rufus Wright, the Executor.
Rufus Wright, of Plympton, was appointed as Executor of the
last Will and Testament of Sarah Wright, late of Plympton, widow, on 2 July
1850, with Jonathan Parketr and Zacheus Sherman, both of Plympton, as sureties.
No inventory of her estate was recorded.
*
Transcribed by John A. Maltby
from Plymouth County Probate Vol. 92, p. 275-276, from FHL microfilm #0555640,
and Vol. 2H, p. 237.
©
2004 John A. Maltby,